“Well, well. To think you would come to such a remote place in person.”
“Teariada-sama, it has been a while. I never expected you to be stationed here.”
This is the Forest Country (Lebresta) Embassy prepared in the East Gate city.
The one holding the meeting is the head of the delegation, Agritend Ruvannia.
Opposite him is the chief ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta).
“Hmm. I was transferred a few years ago. I’ve become quite out of touch with Telek Port City. I was worried it might have fallen.”
“You jest… but perhaps not. I apologize for the worry. We’ve had our share of troubles, but we’re managing somehow.”
While continuing such harmless exchanges, the representative of Telek Port City and the ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta) are probing each other’s situations.
However, they are not meeting to discuss any particular conditions. It is a diplomatic exchange between countries, a kind of greeting.
“By the way… is there a reason you came all the way to our country for a courtesy visit?”
After continuing with small talk for a while, the ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta) brought up the main topic.
This much was within the expected flow. It had been confirmed with Agritend beforehand that ceremonial exchanges were essential when dealing with the people of the Forest Country (Lebresta).
It’s tedious, but there’s no need to needlessly offend the other party, so they are going along with it.
“Yes, that’s right. Actually, there is someone I would very much like to introduce to you, and that’s why I came here.”
“…Oh? All the way here from Telek Port City?”
“Yes. May I call them in?”
The Forest Country (Lebresta) is a powerful nation.
The ambassador dispatched from that country holds a corresponding position and possesses the education befitting that position.
They can not only speak the language of the other country, but also fully understand the subtle nuances.
Therefore, even if the Afrasian spoken by a council member from Telek Port City has a southern accent, they can correctly understand its meaning.
“…If you say so. Would you introduce them?”
The chief ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta) seemed to raise their level of caution at the fact that the person to be introduced was someone whom he, Ruvannia, the chairman of the Telek Port City Standing Committee, respected.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Dreißig=Ringo, representative of ＜Paraiso＞. Thank you for taking the time today.”
Having been granted permission to enter, Dreißig=Ringo entered the reception room.
The chief ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta) slightly widened their eyes upon seeing her. Then, they immediately stood up from their chair and walked to the front of Dreißig.
This was a good reaction, within the flow that had been anticipated in advance.
At worst, there was a possibility that they would remain seated.
“This is… this is. I am Teariada Elemes, chief ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta). From Telek Port City… all the way here?”
When Dreißig nodded, they let out a sigh of admiration.
“I see. You’ve come a long way indeed. To think I would meet someone like you, today is truly a lucky day.”
Saying so, Chief Ambassador Teariada extended a hand. A handshake is a sign of friendship in almost every country, at least on this continent.
Dreißig firmly shook it in return.
“I look forward to working with you, Chief Teariada. Basically, all negotiations with the Forest Country (Lebresta) will be conducted with you, is that correct?”
“…Hmm. Yes, no problem. As far as dealing with the Afrasia United Kingdom is concerned, I have been granted full authority.”
Teariada answered while escorting Dreißig to a seat on the sofa.
“So, what about you? Is Paraiso a country name? I’ve never heard of it before.”
“I will explain. Whether ＜Paraiso＞ is a country or not depends on the definition, so I cannot say for sure. If it means being independent from other forces and maintaining its power on its own, then ＜Paraiso＞ is a country.
Also, if it means being recognized by other countries, then no. Currently, the only country we are actively contacting is the Afrasia United Kingdom, and contact with your country would be the second.”
This was something that had been decided in advance with Kullavia Telek. To negotiate with a country, it is necessary to show strength.
However, that is not the same as flaunting military power. That ＜Paraiso＞ is an independent force. That it possesses sufficient military power for self-defense.
And above all, that it can provide goods that can be traded. To back up these claims, they would use the reputation of Telek Port City.
“So, Paraiso wants to negotiate with my homeland as a country, is that what you’re saying?”
“I affirm that. However, we are not familiar with the customs here. We don’t mind taking our time, so we would like to align our understanding. I have been granted full authority in the negotiations between ＜Paraiso＞ and your country.”
“Oh. That is quite… bold.”
With a slight smile on their face, Teariada said so. Whether the emotion contained therein was admiration or contempt.
There were not enough facial expression samples to infer, so it could not be analyzed.
“Well, such negotiations are the job of us diplomats. We have no particular objections. Even if a serious question arises, you will decide?”
“Basically. However, I have a means of contacting our base. I don’t usually use it, but I can contact them at any time if necessary.”
“Oh. I see. Well, I understand. Then… since we have time, let’s take some time to get to know each other first. Serious negotiations can wait until tomorrow or later.”
“I agree. We also don’t know much about your country or you.”
By the way, the one using the Communicator Doll to respond is the Strategic AI installed in the Multi-legged Ground Carrier (GMS-E-01), which is waiting in a location away from the town.
The machines under the control of ＜The Tree＞ forces accompanying this delegation were basically controlled by this Strategic AI. During conversations that require careful consideration, ＜Ringo＞ may directly control them, but otherwise, the Strategic AI makes the decisions.
During combat, each installed AI makes individual decisions, the Strategic AI provides overarching control, and ＜Ringo＞ gives overall instructions.
“Well, that’s true. Since we’re here, let’s have some refreshments prepared on the terrace. Dreißig-dono, Agritend-dono as well. If you have any companions, feel free to bring them along. I can’t offer you any alcohol, though.”
It’s an invitation to a tea party. This is also a declaration of their intention to welcome them.
In particular, inviting the accompanying secretary and the ＜Paraiso＞ attendants as well shows a considerable degree of welcome.
“I would be delighted to join you.”
“Thank you for your consideration. I would be happy to join you.”
Teariada instructed the maid who was waiting in the corner of the room to prepare, and in the meantime, the other companions were called in.
“Chief Teariada, I have prepared some trade samples (gifts) as a token of friendship to your country. May I present the inventory list?”
“Oh… that would be wonderful. May I have it?”
“Excuse me.”
After confirming Teariada’s permission, Dreißig took out the inventory list from her chest. It also has a ceremonial meaning, so it is in the form of a scroll.
It is made of synthetic paper made from cellulose, with a composition that is resistant to water. It has a good texture and works well with oil-based inks. Water-based inks repel it due to their properties, but since water-based inks do not seem to be very common within the Afrasia United Kingdom, there is no particular problem.
“This is…”
While looking at the inventory list that was handed to them, Teariada groaned. Was it in response to the contents written in the inventory list, or were they surprised by the inventory list itself? In any case, it must have been a sufficient shock (impact) to impress ＜Paraiso＞.
“The actual items are loaded on the carriages waiting. I would like to hand them over later.”
“Hmm. Understood. I will guide you there later. Do you need any laborers?”
“If it’s just a matter of unloading them at the designated location, our personnel can handle it. If you want to move them to another location after that, it would be better to have someone who can do heavy lifting.”
“Is that so? …I understand, I’ll show you the way before we go to the terrace. You can go directly to the workshop in the back.”
Just as they had finished talking, the secretary who had been called in and Zwanzig, the attendant of ＜Paraiso＞, seemed to have arrived at the reception room.