Chief Mlungisi welcomes Kaiser Waldreich to IbuthoFebruary 3601Ibutho dancers welcome the Kaiser upon his arrival in IsizindaKaiser Waldreich of Aloria arrived in Ibutho today to what may be the warmest reception any monarch has received upon visiting a foreign country. Ibutho from all ranks of the social strata opened their hearts to the Kaiser and his accompanying entourage, falling over each other in their competition to offer him the finest hospitality. Excitement has been building up for weeks about the visit, but was heightened when the Kaiser spectacularly landed down in the capital in his aeroplane - a vehicle most Ibutho have never witnessed before.
Excited Ibutho react to the sight of the Kaiser's aeroplane landing down just outside IsizindaThe Kaiser was taken to Chief Mlungisi's palace, where he and his party were treated to an afternoon of traditional Ibutho entertainments, washed down with generous helpings of
Umqombothi, a popular Ibutho beer made with sorgham and maize.
UmqombothiAccording to observers, the Kaiser was not keen on trying the drink when he first saw it, but after being persuaded to take a sip, he found it tolerable, and after consuming several more bowls, had become a devoted enthusiast for the beverage.
A queue of prospective Ibutho brides for the KaiserAfter the Kaiser was showing signs of being made merry by the
Umqomboth, Chief Mlungisi escorted him to his palace garden, where 40 well-bred Ibutho ladies were waiting, desperate to meet the Kaiser and win his hand in marriage. At this point, the Kaiser's advisers had to intervene, and inform Chief Mlungisi that the Kaiser is already married and that, in accordance with Alorian custom, he is not allowed any more wives. Chief Mlungisi was visibly disappointed by this, and for a few minutes diplomats on both sides wondered whether the visit was about to become a failure, but fortunately the Chief quickly brightened up and poured the Kaiser some more
Umqombothi.
Chief Mlungisi's new swordLater in the day, the Kaiser presented the Chief with a sword, which the Chief did not conceal his delight for. The Chief then gave the Kaiser one of his own swords and - to the consternation of the Alorian party - appeared to challenge the Kaiser to a sword fight. Thankfully, he relented in this demand after being told "this is not the custom for Alorians". Before leaving, the Chief presented the Kaiser with a large supply of
Umqombothi to take back with him to Aloria.
Chief Mlungisi's 4 wives presenting Kaiser Waldreich with pots of Umqombothi