If it's just a different Earth... I don't know. I think outer space has to be involved.

[He's not sure, so this question is a wash for the moment. To be followed up later, maybe, if he thinks of it.]

Nations are strange, aren't they? Each of the cities here, they're their own city-states. Different leaders... Different laws... It's hard to imagine, not having the same king - or empress - as everyone you know.

[Being caged in by a magic barrier isn't the same as being a walled island, but there's similarities.]