Edo, Japan
Late October 1836
The Rivoli did not remain in Edo Bay.
Guizot had expected that much.
From the moment the letter had been delivered, it was clear that understanding would not come quickly. The language barrier alone was enough to delay any response, and the reaction on the shore had already shown that the Japanese were not prepared to answer immediately.
So they did not wait.
The fleet withdrew in the same controlled manner it had arrived. No sudden movement, no sign of retreat, only a steady turn away from the bay. The Japanese ships that had gathered at a distance watched them go, uncertain whether they had just been spared or merely postponed.
Guizot stood at the deck as the coastline slowly faded.
"They'll need time," his aide said.
"Yes," Guizot replied. "And we'll give it to them."
"Two months?"
"That should be enough."
The Rivoli turned south.
Back toward Manila.
Back toward waiting.
Time passed differently in Edo.
