“Now, let’s take a commemorative photo with everyone.”
At the end of the Repuytari Kingdom and ＜Paraiso＞ bi-national exchange ceremony, Drei=Ringo and Vier=Ringo, who had been invited, were given this suggestion. They nodded without much thought.
According to ＜Ringo＞’s research, the photography technology was only widespread in the Repuytari Kingdom among the surrounding nations.
The man introduced as the photographer was energetically giving instructions to several subordinates while setting up a large camera on a tripod.
“This is our country’s latest camera. This will probably be the first time it’s shown to foreigners. This venue is bright even indoors, so we should be able to take beautiful pictures. We can also make reprints, so we can deliver them to you tomorrow!”
Some of the participants other than Drei and Vier were genuinely impressed by the photographer’s spiel, while others cast anxious glances, wondering if the representatives of ＜Paraiso＞ would be offended.
Of course, cameras were nothing compared to what they had. They could project images from cameras installed at the top of masts onto windows or tables as they pleased.
It was hard to imagine that they would be surprised by a simple photograph at this point.
Or rather, hadn’t someone told this photographer such basic information? Who was in charge? The naval officers began to suspect each other, but unfortunately, it wasn’t anyone’s mistake.
The photographer simply didn’t believe the information he was given.
He probably had pride in the fact that he was handling the latest technology, the camera.
Even though he was told directly by an officer, he was quite familiar with the technology of photography and knew well its technical difficulties. Therefore, he simply couldn’t believe that some unknown foreigners had technology superior to theirs, and dismissed it as just the higher-ups saying something again.
However, ＜Paraiso＞ was not so petty as to nitpick over such minor details.
They simply nodded lightly like everyone else and took their positions as instructed with expressionless faces.
“Alright, we’re going to take the picture. Please try not to blink as much as possible. We don’t want your sleepy face to be immortalized in the picture! Now, please look this way.”
After that, the photo session was completed without incident.
Drei, Vier, and the guards were all cooperative, so it was a natural result.
At the commemorative ceremony, they declared their respective positions and promised to conclude a treaty after discussions.
They signed the declarations and exchanged them as representatives.
Finally, they shook hands firmly, took a group photo, and the ceremony ended.
“Now, the people of ＜Paraiso＞, please relax for a while. We will call you when the party venue is ready.”
“Understood. Thank you for your consideration.”
They were led to a waiting room, and the maids were dismissed out of consideration for their potential fatigue. They would probably come if called, but the presence of people disappeared from around the room.
“It seems there are no eavesdropping devices either.”
＜Ringo＞ concluded after monitoring.
The navy had thoroughly swept the area, wanting to avoid being discovered and damaging their image at this point.
“Most of the upper echelons of the navy are realists. They are a very easy organization for us to deal with. Also, they, the navy, are the driving force of the Repuytari Kingdom. Unequal treaties with other countries, de facto Colonization. Market monopolization through the export of technological products. The actual work is done by merchants, but the navy is basically behind them.”
“This country’s navy is really powerful, isn’t it? The problem is that they control diplomacy but can’t manage domestic control.”
According to the analysis of the Local Strategic AI, the Repuytari Kingdom’s acquisition of foreign currency depends on the navy, and the wealth flowing in from overseas is managed by the navy and its related organizations. However, the navy has not been able to grasp domestic sales and logistics, which seem to be controlled by another organization, the so-called Senate.
“The navy’s influence seems to be strong in production as well, and they seem to be gradually breaking down the stronghold. However, being held back by logistics is a bottleneck. Railway transportation is led by the navy, so the situation should change in a few years.”
And further complicating the problem is the existence of the army. While the navy has achieved remarkable results, the army has not had any notable achievements since the Unification War.
Therefore, they seem to be desperate to create achievements.
“They sometimes accompany the navy’s landing operations, but the command authority is basically handed over to the navy, so it doesn’t seem to be going well. Therefore, the navy has also begun to operate its own marine corps, and the conflict seems to be deepening further.”
If it became known that the navy was acting submissively towards ＜Paraiso＞, the army and the Senate would gleefully stir up the scandal, according to the predicted results.
It doesn’t matter if it takes time, but being overturned is quite troublesome.
“Therefore, the Local Strategic AI is proceeding with a policy of actively siding with the navy. We may hold meetings with other forces as a pose, but basically, the only negotiating partner will be the navy.”
And one part of that measure is the commemorative ceremony and exchange party.
About an hour later, an escort arrives.
Lieutenant Commander Deck Estainka of the Repuytari Kingdom Navy. Commander Revidel Klinkika.
Drei and Vier were escorted to the party venue by these two.
As a result of discussions, the method of participating in the party was basically to match the manners of the Repuytari Kingdom. This would be an appeal that the ＜Paraiso＞ side respects the Repuytari Kingdom.
Most of the party participants were navy personnel, but there were also participants from the army and the traditional (Legendary) Senate.
If they were considered unconventional by them, it could be used as a material for attacking the navy, so the ＜Paraiso＞ side yielded. This will also be recorded as a favor, but it’s a minor matter.
“Now, let me introduce you to everyone. They have come from a distant country far to the south. These are the representatives of the ＜Paraiso＞ fleet.”
“I am Drei=Ringo, the fleet commander of ＜Paraiso＞. First of all, I would like to thank you for preparing such a place today. There are many things that must be decided for the sound exchange between your country and ours, but we have been able to overcome the first hurdle. Until now, it has been nothing but troublesome conversations, but I would like to keep this place lighthearted. I look forward to working with you.”
“I am Vier=Ringo, the staff officer of the ＜Paraiso＞ fleet. Thank you to your country for warmly welcoming us who came suddenly.”
White-based, sophisticated ceremonial dress. The gold decorations and black ornaments placed at key points further emphasize the design.
Above all, what attracted attention was their beauty. Silky, smooth white hair and white skin like white porcelain. What adorns it are clear golden eyes and petal-like pink lips. And the pair of fox ears extending from the head emphasize its loveliness.
Everyone gasped at the sight of their appearance, which was like a living bisque doll.
“Thank you. Today, three guards will also be present. They are armed, but it is for ceremonial purposes, so please rest assured. We would appreciate it if you could limit your conversations to greetings. If the exchange continues in the future, there may be opportunities to become close, so please refrain from doing so today.”
At the introduction, the three Doll Machines (Communicators) behind them bow lightly.
“Now, I declare the start of the ＜Paraiso＞ welcome party. We have prepared several events after this. Everyone, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest.”
◇◇◇◇
＜Ringo＞ was observing the surroundings while borrowing the eyes of the guards. Occasionally, they were asked for greetings and handshakes, but the installed Brain Units were responding appropriately.
“Ma’am. That Boy (Waiter) is the person in question. He is a person with an unknown background who was forced in by the Senate.”
“Heeh. What’s the pretext?”
“He said he wanted to help because he would feel bad just being invited. No one on the navy side trusts him, but he was actually excellent, so they are using him with surveillance. He is a bridge between the party arrangements and material procurement, especially in areas involving the Senate.”
According to ＜Ringo＞’s investigation, the man was completely marked.
Even if he were to launch a surprise attack, the guards could immediately cover him.
Therefore, even when the Boy (Waiter) approached the guards to offer drinks, they did not show any particular caution on the surface. The guards prepared by the navy side stationed at the party venue were also paying attention, but they would not do anything obvious in that situation.
That’s what was thought.
“Would you like a drink?”
Taking the glass from the offered tray, the Communicator Doll turned to the Boy (Waiter) to offer its thanks.
“Attack detected (Red Alert). Freezing Overseer AI ＜Ringo＞’s surface personality. Activating secondary persona. Information intrusion detected. First-class combat deployment.”