Chapter 116: The Squeeze Game
“Sister! Ah, Asahi is so happy to be surrounded by you all! Hooowaa~!”
“How did you end up like this, I wonder…”
Asahi, having acquired a humanoid android body, charged forward to snuggle up to her Commander (Sister). Though initially thwarted by Ringo, she refused to give up. After a series of events, the eight of them—Commander (Eve), Ringo, the Five Sisters, and Asahi—found themselves huddled together on the sofa in the recreation room, watching a meeting with the Kingdom of Repuitari.
By the way, Asahi had comfortably settled on the lap of her Commander (Sister).
“It’s almost time, Ma’am.”
“Mm.”
About fifteen minutes before the scheduled time, the steam-powered screw ship that had been waiting at the port began to move slowly. It was likely a state-of-the-art small power vessel. Perhaps they wanted to showcase some technological superiority…
“Sister! It’s amazing that a practical steam engine can be miniaturized to this extent!”
“Indeed. My impression of steam engines is still strongly tied to the locomotives I’ve seen in historical records.”
What she knew were the steam locomotives she had viewed as historical documents. The image of the massive vehicles racing along while spewing smoke created an indescribable sense of power, enhanced by the graininess of the recorded footage. Compared to that, this steam engine was indeed small.
“Since a combustion chamber is basically unnecessary, it seems possible to miniaturize and increase output. Given its characteristic of generating heat through pressure, it might even produce higher temperatures in a more confined space.”
“Ringo, you have the design documents for that, right!? I want to see them later! If possible, the actual thing too!”
“…Yes. We have a prototype at our base in Port Town of Terek, so I will arrange to have it brought here. If Asahi sees it, there’s a possibility of some kind of breakthrough…”
With a hint of hesitation, Ringo agreed. Seeing this, Commander (Eve) chuckled and affectionately patted Ringo’s head, who had also cleverly secured a spot to her right.
“Let’s hand over the magic-related matters to Asahi for now. She’s been absorbing information from the library, hasn’t she? She might come up with more flexible ideas than we do with our rigid knowledge.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Now, the footage being streamed was from a camera mounted atop the mast of the flagship Panas. The screw ship that had departed from the port was slowly approaching. Despite its small size, it was still a vessel equipped with a steam engine. Several crew members were busy adjusting the engine and managing various equipment. On the deck, there were several high-ranking officials who appeared to be the counterparts for the meeting—three officials and about eight guards.
“By the way, what will happen to that ship during the meeting?”
“Yes, Ma’am. According to the plan, it will remain alongside and wait. The bots have already infiltrated, so there shouldn’t be any issues. It seems they’re not reckless enough to attempt anything in this situation.”
Only seven individuals would be allowed aboard the Panas, as specified. Technically, they could send the ship back immediately, but the local strategic AI assessed that there was no need for such caution. The other party would likely feel uneasy if their ship was sent away, which was also taken into consideration.
The primary objective was trade, and to keep them in check. If they were too aggressive, it could harden their stance, so the plan was to attempt negotiations on equal footing.
“There haven’t been any ships approaching carelessly at night, so the security seems quite good. Since it’s the king’s territory, it must be strictly regulated.”
“Sister! It seems the warships from Braoritter and Weisritter ports have begun to set sail. They don’t seem to harbor hostile intentions, but there’s a possibility of the bay being blocked off.”
At that moment, Ichigo reported in.
“Oh? So they’re actually moving. That’s the main military port, right? Are they powered vessels?”
“Yes. They are the latest steam-powered battleships with screw propulsion. Due to metallurgical issues, the gun barrels are short, but they have rotating turrets powered by steam as their main guns, which gives them considerable striking power.”
For the Kingdom of Repuitari, these battleships were precious assets. They were still in the process of building more, so they weren’t yet the main force on the battlefield. However, within a year, they would likely have a decent number.
“The Paraiso will send Representative Drei and Chief of Staff Fia. One secretary will accompany them. Four guards will be assigned. They will be equipped with ceremonial cutlasses and revolver pistols. Additionally, about eight others will be on standby with environmental camouflage activated. They will use assault rifles.”
“Thank you, Akane. We can cover everything without issue. Well, I don’t think an assassination attempt is likely, but…”
“Yes, Ma’am. The strategic AI of the Panas has assessed it similarly. However, there’s always a chance of unexpected events, and we should remain vigilant regarding magic.”
Everything was in Ringo’s hands. However, magic was the one thing slipping through the cracks.
According to the information Ringo had gathered, the Kingdom of Repuitari was a backward nation in terms of magic. Within the kingdom, the most advanced magical technology was believed to be in the Forest Country (Lebresta). Next was the religious coalition to the west, followed by the Kingdom of Repuitari, the Country of Wheat (Weitzenland), and a cluster of smaller nations.
By the way, the Afrasia United Kingdom was perceived as an undeveloped land where nomads lived in tents, and unfortunately, that was accurate.
“It seems even ordinary citizens can use fire-starting magic! Oh, I want to try using magic too! How can I learn it?”
“At least, it seems impossible with that humanoid android body…? Was there any part of you that was organic aside from the Brain Unit?”
“Oh, that’s terrible, Sister! My skin and internal organs are all made of synthetic cells!”
Was there something necessary to use magic? That remained a mystery.
Although they had investigated several individuals from the Afrasia United Kingdom, no unique organs had been discovered. It was worth noting that the data was collected legally when severely ill or injured individuals were placed in medical pods.
“It has been confirmed that unless some form of practice is undertaken, it cannot be learned.”
“I want to practice too!!”
“Then, we’ll need to find a teacher first…”
As they continued this trivial exchange, the screw ship finally drew near the Paraiso fleet. Today, the Hedgehog-class ships were positioned closely together, leaving no gap for the vessel to pass through. Realizing this, the screw ship began to reduce its speed.
“The third and fourth Hedgehog-class ships have started to move.”
Naturally, immediate response was possible. The angle of the nozzles installed on the ship’s hull was adjusted, allowing it to move sideways. By utilizing multiple nozzles, it minimized the turbulence of the water flow. To an observer, it appeared as if the massive ship was suddenly sliding sideways.
The crew of the screw ship seemed taken aback. The intended display had effectively worked, and Ringo appeared somewhat pleased. Asahi, having not downloaded the planning data, was simply excited. Seeing her reaction, Commander (Eve) smiled warmly.
Eventually, almost on schedule, the screw ship carrying the emissaries of the Kingdom of Repuitari arrived in front of the flagship Panas.
“Who goes there!”
The waiting Communicator Android called out from the deck. In response, one person on the screw ship raised their hand.
“I am Major Rebidel Klinkika of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Kingdom of Repuitari Navy! I am here to honor the agreement for a meeting with the fleet commander, Dry Ringo!”
“Understood. You are right on time.”
It seemed that the naval major had taken the lead once again, just as the day before. The Panas immediately responded, lowering the gangway installed on the side. The gangway was operated not by wires but by steel supports and a gear mechanism for a more impressive appearance. The gangway descended smoothly and automatically extended to the level of the other ship’s railing.
The crew was evidently astonished by this performance. Typically, such mechanisms still relied heavily on manual labor, usually involving steam-powered winches for wire suspensions.
“The ship can be moored here. You may approach without issue.”
“…Understood! Hey, bring it alongside there!”