Episode 118: Eating Cookies
“For you, we are an unknown force. First, allow me to briefly introduce ourselves.”
“…Ah, I appreciate that.”
It was Drei, the 3rd, who took the initiative. Well, in this situation, it would be quite a hurdle for the other party to start the conversation. It was only natural.
“We recognize ourselves as ＜Paraiso＞. Our base is located far to the south of here, is all I will say.”
At those words, the expressions of the three diplomats stiffened slightly.
Panas’ strategic AI analyzed this as a misunderstanding, attributing it to the recently reported Southern Continent.
“Please be assured.”
Therefore, he pressed on.
“It is not the Southern Continent that you are concerned with. It is another place entirely.”
Breathing, pulse, slight muscle movements. The strategic AI, grasping everything, accurately estimated their emotions.
“…I don’t know what you mean, but…”
However, naturally, the Repuytari Kingdom had no intention of easily giving away this top-secret information. They would not give a reply that implied affirmation.
“Understood. So, your country is located to the south of this continent?”
“Affirmative. This fleet has been dispatched directly from our base. I apologize for the sudden port call, but we have no means of communication. Please forgive us.”
Drei said this with a straight face. After suddenly invading the capital’s port, what nerve! If they simply wanted to interact, there were many ports facing the open sea. Ignoring them, they deliberately broke into the capital port in the inner sea. There could be no other purpose than a show of force.
“…Is that so? …Well, we don’t intend to press the matter. Since you have provided us with this meeting, we have judged that you have no intention of hostility.”
“Of course, we have no intention of being hostile. Peace is the best. Even if we fight, it is sufficient to do so at the table. There is no need to shed blood.”
In some ways, it was a statement that could be taken as a declaration of war.
However, the Repuytari Kingdom seemed to be aware of the difference in military strength between them to some extent. Their expressions twitched slightly, but they did not commit the folly of mentioning it.
＜Ringo＞ would have said this:
The more rational a person is, the easier it is to predict their words and actions.
“Now then. It would be boring if I were the only one talking. If you have any questions, I will answer them as much as possible. What do you think?”
At Drei’s words, Lieutenant Colonel Deck Estainka nodded.
“First, I would like to confirm once again. What is the reason for your visit to Moor?”
“Hmm.”
The 3rd (Drei) glanced at the 4th (Vier). Vier nodded and opened her mouth.
“I, Vier, will be mainly responsible for practical matters. And our ultimate goal is to conclude a trade agreement with your country, the Repuytari Kingdom. To achieve that, we need to decide on various things.”
“I see. We also welcome the addition of a new trading partner. We would like to consider it positively.”
With this exchange, the Repuytari Kingdom seemed to relax somewhat.
With overwhelming military force, a fleet appeared before the royal palace. It was expected that they would use that power to make unilateral declarations in an overbearing manner. This was because the Repuytari Kingdom had done so to other countries in the past.
However, ＜Paraiso＞, at least on the surface, behaved calmly and rationally, and declared that they were prepared to negotiate. This was a considerable relief.
“Anything else? I can’t answer anything that touches on military secrets, but if it’s a common fact among us, I might answer it easily?”
Drei prompted with a slightly playful gesture, and Lieutenant Colonel Deck Estainka gave a wry smile.
“Then, if you’ll excuse me… We’ve only heard it as a rumor, but is it true that you are a race called Beastkin? I’m very sorry, but we have never seen a race with your appearance within our sphere of influence.”
“Indeed. I will answer that we are one of the races called Beastkin in your language. We ourselves do not know our origins, but everyone in our country has this appearance. However, until recently, we were not even aware that there were races with different appearances from us.”
“I see. And, I’ve been wondering all along. You seem to be women, but are there any men on board this fleet? No, if it’s an impolite question, you don’t have to answer…”
“Ah. No problem. All the crew members belonging to our fleet are women. It is not good for men and women to be on board together. Also, although it touches on military secrets to some extent, I will only answer that gender differences are not a particular problem for us.”
Due to ＜Ringo＞’s information strategy, the strategic AI was leaking information that would be a source of confusion for the Repuytari Kingdom. Ultimately, it didn’t matter whether they were men or women, but by leaking information that left questions, they confused the other party. In addition, they were simply taking advantage of the male chauvinistic tendencies within the Repuytari Kingdom to unconsciously make them despise ＜Paraiso＞.
“That is… a very unusual organization…”
He must have been at a loss for words. Lieutenant Colonel Deck Estainka returned with a bewildered expression.
“Also, the Ringo clan basically holds the positions. Even in this fleet, all the captains have the surname Ringo. I’ll tell you in advance, as you’ll be introduced to them eventually.”
“Understood. So, the reason you two look so similar is…”
“We are from the same clan. The others are the same.”
This information was disclosed early on because it was troublesome to be surprised every time. It had been said countless times in various cities.
After this, they were complimented on their appearance, asked why the guards were wearing goggles and masks (answered only as tools with special functions), asked about various things about the ship, and subtly probed about the location of their home country, but the strategic AI skillfully dodged these questions and continued the conversation.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve stocked up on trade goods, but…”
While having Drei say that, what they brought out was tea and baked goods obtained from the Forest Country (Lebresta). ＜Ringo＞ had been trying to recreate the baked goods, but it seemed that some kind of raw material unique to Lebresta was used, and it wasn’t working out. Therefore, this time, they were serving the imported goods as they were.
“This is…”
“I don’t know if you know it, but it’s a product brought from Lebresta. Apparently, it can only be produced in that country. This is the only amount that can be served here, so please enjoy it.”
The tea was semi-fermented, a so-called oolong tea. And, a cookie-like confectionery to match it. Perhaps some kind of nut was kneaded into it, giving it a unique flavor. This was the part that could not be reproduced well, and the Commander (Eve) had been made to eat several prototypes.
The Commander (Eve) had apparently told her to taste it herself before feeding it to others.
Well, that’s beside the point, but the diplomats’ reactions were bitter. It was only for a moment, so it probably wouldn’t be noticeable under normal circumstances.
Probably, the fact that they were already trading with Lebresta was not good.
After all, the Afrasia United Kingdom and Telek Port City exist between Lebresta and the Repuytari Kingdom.
“…Indeed, it’s from Lebresta. Even we rarely see such a thing.”
“We thank you for your kindness.”
“Drei-dono, have you been to Lebresta?”
“No. I am not in charge. I heard that another merchant is stocking up on them. This was brought from our home country.”
“Hoh… I was wondering, but the preservation technology of this fleet seems to be very excellent.”
“I affirm that. This is information that will also affect future trade, so I will disclose it. Our merchant ships have large refrigerators. They can be used for various purposes.”
“Refrigerators…? What is that…?”
“I’ll show you in person if there’s another opportunity. Well, it’s a facility that can preserve foods like this for a long time.”
The strategic AI continued the meeting while releasing information little by little.