Chapter 199: The Beginning of Mercenary Work
“I apologize. I did submit that my attitude towards you was inappropriate. However, I was unable to persuade them within my authority.”
“I understand that you do not intend any harm. If this is merely a formality, then there is no issue.”
The chief diplomat, Tiarriada Eremes, sincerely apologized, and Alborea Heath nodded expressionlessly in response.
“Accompanied by guards is permitted. Therefore, we shall not fall behind.”
This meeting was with the Council of Elders, the highest authority of the Forest Country (Lebresta). According to Tiarriada, the venue prepared for this occasion was a grand hall known as the Round Table Room (Rundeltzima), designed to instill a sense of intimidation.
The twelve members of the Council of Elders looked down from the circumference of the enormous hall at the figure seated in the center.
In that central position stood Tiarriada Eremes, acting as the guide, alongside the representatives of Paraiso, Alborea Heath and Alistarta Heath.
The members of the Council of Elders had yet to reveal themselves.
Behind Alborea and Alistarta, three bipedal security machines known as Primates stood ready for protection. Their bodies were primarily white, adorned with flickering blue lines.
These Primates were equipped with multi-barrel coilguns and bludgeoning weapons (Maces), along with movable layered shields for defense.
The refined combination of straight lines and curves that made up the Primates exuded a mystical intimidation to those who beheld them.
After five minutes of waiting, the twelve doors set around the circular room slowly creaked open with a faint sound.
Twelve rulers emerged—the highest authorities of the Forest Country (Lebresta).
They advanced and took their seats.
“Welcome to the Forest Country (Lebresta), esteemed envoy.”
One of the men, looking down from directly across from Alborea and Alistarta, spoke up.
The diameter of the Round Table Room (Rundeltzima) was approximately 20 meters. The distance from the center to the chairs occupied by the elders was about 12 meters. Though there was a considerable gap, the voice of the man across resonated remarkably well.
“You must have had a long journey. Normally, we would allow you a few days to recuperate, but Tiarriada insisted on urgency, so here we are. I apologize for the immediate summons.”
“That is not a problem. No apology is necessary. I have rested sufficiently. We are also concerned about the issues your nation is facing. Rather, we are grateful for the promptness in arranging this meeting.”
Alborea Heath replied, her clear and delicate voice amplified by the Primates’ speaker function, echoing throughout the assembly.
“…I see. If that is the case, then our preparations have not been in vain.”
The speaker, the chairman of the council, was met with the unwavering gazes of Alborea and Alistarta. Their expressions held no fear, irritation, tension, or arrogance.
They simply stood as they were.
“If we are in a hurry, it would be rude to engage in meaningless exchanges. Tiarriada, shall we get to the main topic?”
Another elder, distinct from the chairman, spoke up. He was the head of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to which Tiarriada belonged.
“Understood. Then let us begin with a shared understanding—”
◇◇◇◇
“Shall we hear everyone’s opinions, just to be thorough?”
“Hmph. Do we even have a choice?”
“Surely, everyone understands the importance of dialogue. Although such opportunities have become quite rare in these peaceful times.”
“Isn’t this the situation we feared? The circumstances have stagnated. The era when we reigned as a strong nation is now a thing of the past.”
“Now, regarding that flying Golem from some time ago, is there a connection to it?”
“While it hasn’t been explicitly stated, Tiarriada’s reports indicate multiple testimonies of a massive ship flying at high altitudes. It is almost certainly true.”
“Hmm… So, what do we make of those girls’ intentions? That envoy seemed quite composed.”
“I was told by Tiarriada to discard any trivial pride, and I have voiced my complaints about it.”
“They are only seeing one side of the situation. They must be cautious not to expose any weaknesses to the domestic radicals.”
“The domestic factions are manageable. It is merely a matter of time. The Afrasia United Kingdom… no, the organization known as Paraiso. Our response to them is urgently required.”
“Has it really been less than a year since we first heard their name? It seems they have swallowed up the nomads.”
“At the very least, they must possess the power to eliminate that detestable pest in one blow, right? Is there anyone who doubts that?”
“I have no doubts. Did you see the Golem that girl brought with her? Can you imagine its strength?”
“I couldn’t see its magic power. However, that was…”
“It was a technology I have neither seen nor heard of before. I had heard it came from across the sea, and if that is true, it is nothing short of a threat. Our nations on this land would struggle to contend with it.”
“They hardly seem like a hegemonic nation. Their approach is rather lukewarm.”
“Impressions matter. Those girls seem rather indifferent to their own interests…”
“I would rather not think about it, but they may not even regard us as worthy of consideration.”
“That would indeed be the worst-case scenario. However, I share your opinion.”
“So, the proposal was to dispatch mercenaries?”
“We have no choice but to accept, do we?”
“It seems like more trouble is about to arise.”
“Isn’t it about time we dealt with this stagnation? We could simply throw the complaining fools into the front lines.”
“…That is an option. We should be at a point where we need to break this deadlock.”
“Oh? Indeed. I hear that new equipment can be obtained from those girls. We could dress them in shiny new gear, flatter them, and send them off.”
“Do you think they might climb the trees? If that happens, it would be quite troublesome.”
“Hmph. Do not speak of things you do not believe. Those without fingers cannot climb trees, no matter how they struggle.”
“…The policy has been decided. Then, it is settled. We have reached an agreement. Now we just need to proceed.”
◇◇◇◇
“In the end, what direction are we moving in?”
“It seems we are strengthening intelligence gathering regarding Paraiso, or rather, information collection. They appear to be aiming to increase our ears and eyes through revitalizing trade with the Kingdom of Repuitari and other nations. Additionally, they seem willing to accept most of our proposals. They will hold a practical meeting regarding trade goods. They also informed us that they will consider the compensation for the dispatch of mercenaries.”
“To say I’m taken aback would be an understatement.”
While analyzing the report from the local Tactical AI, Heath, Ringo shared the information with the Commander (Mam). The interactions with the Forest Country (Lebresta) were progressing much more smoothly than anticipated.
“I initially felt quite looked down upon.”
“According to our investigations, the citizens of Lebresta seem to have a long lifespan. A long lifespan means that individual experiences accumulate over time.”
“So they are a formidable opponent. It seems things are going smoothly, though.”
To eliminate the Big Moss, Paraiso proposed to dispatch an extermination team. The chief diplomat, Tiarriada, positively considered this proposal and presented it to the Council of Elders, the highest authority. Before long, the dispatch of mercenaries was approved, and the request was made.
The compensation, for the time being, would involve the provision of some magic tools. They would continue to observe economic activities and hold discussions to ensure healthy logistics between the two nations. For the mercenary work, the transportation of ammunition was necessary, but they agreed to run caravans regularly. By revitalizing logistics, they could increase exports and imports.
“I had expected the twelve who have reigned at the top for so long to be a corrupt and rigid organization, but they seem to possess a surprising flexibility that defies my assumptions.”
“If negotiations are progressing smoothly, that is welcome news. It appears to be a consensus-based system, but could it be surprisingly dictatorial?”
“That may be the case. It seems a structure has formed within the Council of Elders with little conflict of interest. The longevity of its members may be allowing for the best possible organizational management.”
If that is the case, then perhaps their haughty demeanor stemmed from genuinely viewing the Afrasia United Kingdom as inferior in terms of national power. In fact, it seemed that their attitude towards Paraiso was improving day by day.
“Those twelve cunning elders, equipped with both power and experience. If they were not dealing with Ringo, they might have been quite formidable opponents.”
“I am honored.”