“Sister! Ah, Asahi is so happy to be surrounded by her sisters! Fwaah~!”
“I wonder how you ended up like this…”
Asahi, having obtained a Humanoid Machine (Android) body, immediately charged to fawn over Commander (Sister), only to be stopped by ＜Ringo＞. But she didn’t give up, and after some back and forth, Commander (Eve), ＜Ringo＞, the Five Sisters, and Asahi ended up crammed together on the sofa in the recreation room, watching the conference with the Repuytari Kingdom.
Incidentally, Asahi had cleverly secured a spot on Commander (Sister)’s lap.
“It’s almost time, Ma’am.”
“Mm.”
About fifteen minutes before the appointed time, the steam-powered screw ship, which had been waiting in the harbor fully prepared, slowly began to move. It was probably a state-of-the-art small power vessel. They probably wanted to show off some kind of technological advantage…
“Sister! It’s amazing that they can miniaturize a practical steam engine to this extent!”
“Indeed. I strongly associate steam engines with those railway trains.”
What she knew were steam locomotives she had seen in historical records. The sight of a massive vehicle spewing smoke as it sped along, combined with the graininess of the recorded footage, created an indescribable sense of power. Compared to that, this was certainly a small steam engine.
“Since a combustion chamber is basically unnecessary, it seems miniaturization and higher output are possible. Due to the characteristic of generating heat through pressure, it can be argued that a smaller space can produce even higher temperatures.”
“＜Ringo＞, you have the blueprints for that, right!? I want to see them later! And if possible, the real thing too!”
“…Yes. There’s a prototype being tested at the Telek Port City base, so let’s have it brought over. If Asahi sees it, there’s a possibility of some kind of breakthrough…”
＜Ringo＞ agreed, showing a slight hesitation. Commander (Eve) smiled wryly at this and stroked the head of ＜Ringo＞, who had cleverly secured the spot to her right.
“Let’s give anything magic-related to Asahi for now. She’s incorporating the library’s information, right? She might come up with more flexible ideas than us, who are stuck with our knowledge.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Now, the video being shown was from a camera installed at the top of the mast of the flagship Panas. The screw ship, having left the port, was slowly approaching. Although small, it was still a ship equipped with a steam engine. Several crew members were adjusting the engine and running around taking care of various equipment. On the deck were several high-ranking officials who appeared to be the counterparts for this conference: three people with official positions and about eight guards.
“By the way, what will happen to that ship during the conference?”
“Yes, Ma’am. According to the plan, it will be kept alongside. Bots have already infiltrated, so there are no particular problems. It seems they aren’t reckless enough to try anything in this situation.”
Only seven people, as specified, would be allowed to board the Panas. They could have sent the ship back as is, but the Local Strategic AI judged that there was no need to be that wary.
For the other side, sending the ship back would probably make them feel uneasy. Such considerations were also being taken into account.
For the time being, the main objectives were trade and a show of strength. If they came on too strong, the other side’s attitude might harden, so they planned to attempt a negotiation on equal terms.
“There haven’t been any ships approaching carelessly at night, so the security is quite good. Since it’s under the King’s direct control, it must be strictly regulated.”
“Commander (Sister). It appears that the warships at both Braolitter and Weissritter ports have begun to weigh anchor. They don’t seem to have hostile intentions, but there’s a possibility they might blockade the bay.”
Ichigo reported.
“Hoh. So they actually move properly. Those are the main naval ports, right? Are they powered vessels?”
“Yes. They are state-of-the-art steam-powered, screw-driven Battleships. Due to metallurgical technology issues, the cannons are short, but they use steam-powered rotating turrets as their main guns, so their striking power is high.”
For the Repuytari Kingdom, these were their prized Battleships. They were in the process of building more to increase their numbers, so they weren’t yet the main force on the battlefield. However, in another year or so, they would probably have a decent number of them.
“＜Paraiso＞ will send representative Drei and staff officer Vier. One scribe will be attached. Four guards will be equipped with ceremonial cutlasses and revolver pistols. In addition, about eight people will be waiting with environment-adaptive camouflage activated. They will be using Assault Rifles.”
“Thanks, Akane. We can cover it without any problems. Well, I don’t think there will be an assassination attempt right away…”
“Yes, Ma’am. The Panas Strategic AI has also determined that. However, there’s always a chance, and when it comes to magic, we can’t be too careful.”
Everything was in the palm of ＜Ringo＞’s hand. Only magic was slipping through the cracks.
According to the information ＜Ringo＞ had gathered, the Repuytari Kingdom was a backward country in terms of magic. Within the kingdom, the Forest Country (Lebresta) was considered to have the most advanced magic technology. Next was the religious nation alliance to the west. After that, the Repuytari Kingdom, the ＜Wheat Country (Weizenland)＞, and a group of small nations were on par.
Incidentally, the Afrasia United Kingdom was seen as an uncivilized land where nomads lived in tents. Unfortunately, that was correct.
“Even ordinary citizens seem to be able to use fire-starting magic! Ah, I want to use magic too! How can I learn it?”
“At least, it’s probably impossible with that Humanoid Machine (Android) body…? Do you have any organic parts besides the Brain Unit…?”
“Oh, that’s mean, Sister! The skin and internal organ functions are proper simulated cells, you know!”
What was needed to use magic was still unknown.
They had investigated several people from the Afrasia United Kingdom, but no unique organs were discovered. Incidentally, the data was taken when critically ill or injured people were put into medical pods, so it was legal.
“At least, it has been determined that it cannot be learned without some kind of practice.”
“I want to practice too!!”
“In that case, we need to find a teacher first…”
As they continued their harmless conversation, the screw ship finally approached the ＜Paraiso＞ fleet.
Today, the Hedgehog-class ships were keeping a narrow interval, leaving no gap for the ship to pass through.
Noticing this, the screw ship began to slow down.
“Hedgehog-class third and fourth ships have begun to move.”
Of course, an immediate response was possible.
By changing the angle of the injection nozzles installed on the bottom of the ship, they moved sideways. By using multiple injection ports, it was also difficult for large water currents to occur.
Therefore, from the outside, it would look like the huge hull suddenly started sliding sideways.
The crew of the screw ship seemed to be stunned. The intended effect was effectively demonstrated, and ＜Ringo＞ seemed a little proud. Asahi, who was watching without downloading the plan data, was honestly excited. Seeing that reaction, Commander (Eve) was also smiling.
Eventually, almost exactly on time, the screw ship carrying the Repuytari Kingdom’s envoy arrived in front of the ＜Paraiso＞ fleet flagship, Panas.
“Who goes there!”
A Doll Machine (Communicator) that had been waiting challenged them from the deck. In response, one of the people on the deck of the screw ship raised his hand.
“I am Major Revidel Klinkika, of the Repuytari Kingdom Royal Navy’s External Affairs Department! I am here for the promised meeting with Fleet Commander Drei Ringo of ＜Paraiso＞!”
“Acknowledged. You are on time.”
As yesterday, a Navy Major seemed to be in charge of the escort. The Panas reacted immediately, lowering a gangway installed on the side.
The gangway was operated by steel supports and a gear mechanism, rather than wires, to make it look impressive. The smoothly descending gangway automatically extended the entrance to the position of the other ship’s gunwale.
The crew seemed amazed by this performance as well. Normally, such mechanisms still relied on human power. At best, it would be a wire suspension using a steam-powered winch.
“Your ship can be moored here. You may come alongside without issue.”
“…Understood! Hey, bring her alongside there.”