Chapter 115: Eve Acquires the Appraisal Skill!
“Ma’am, the Cutter is approaching,” reported the AI Commander, Ringo.
“Oh! Finally making a move, are they?”
It had been approximately two hours since the fleet of the Paraiso docked at the harbor. A hand-rowed Cutter, likely carrying important officials, was spotted emerging from the port. The footage displayed by Ringo already included the crew’s profiles.
“…So this is the rumored cheat skill, Appraisal,” Eve mused.
“Yes, Ma’am. Conceptually, I believe it is the same,” Ringo confirmed.
As they exchanged light banter, Commander Eve and Ringo observed the scene unfolding before them.
The strategic AI of the flagship Panas executed the optimal response as the enemy’s reactions fell within predicted parameters. The route intentionally left open on the slightly left side of the Panas was now being approached cautiously by the rowers of the Cutter, who looked nervously up at the two Hedgehog-class destroyers flanking them. At the rear of the Cutter stood a naval major adorned with several medals, a figure deemed sufficiently authoritative for negotiations.
“Commence action with the Communicator Androids. Six are moving on deck while armed. I’ve designated Drei as the fleet commander. Given the accumulated experience points, it seems a reasonable role,” Ringo stated.
“Indeed. We’ve been moving various pieces since the beginning,” Eve replied.
The Communicator Androids, armed with assault rifles and clad in long coats to obscure their silhouettes, rushed to the ship’s edge in unison, swiftly taking up kneeling shooting stances. While they were not genuinely on alert, it was a performance intended to intimidate the approaching crew.
Unbeknownst to the Cutter’s occupants, the close-range defense guns mounted on the Hedgehog-class destroyers had already locked onto their targets. The moment any hostile action was taken, they would be reduced to mere minced meat.
“Stop!”
Drei, the Communicator Android, shouted fluently in Repuitari.
“Cease!”
The major aboard the Cutter shouted back, and the rowers simultaneously slammed their oars against the water, executing an abrupt stop. Such a sudden maneuver was rare, indicating they were well-trained. Once the Cutter had halted, the major began to speak while still standing.
“I am Major Rebidel Klinkika of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Kingdom of Repuitari! State your affiliation and name! What brings you to our port?”
His voice was clear and commanding. It was possible he was using some method to amplify his voice. Such intricate techniques were beyond current analysis, suggesting the use of unknown tools. However, since it was merely amplification, the strategic AI of the Panas remained unperturbed and directed Drei to respond.
“We are from the Paraiso. I am Drei, the fleet commander. Our purpose is to negotiate with your nation.”
Not trade, but negotiation. That was the demand from the Paraiso.
However, it seemed the other party had anticipated this. There were no cargo ships or merchant vessels present, only warships. It was evident they had no intention of conducting business.
“Understood! Our nation harbors no intention of causing harm to your fleet! I promise to arrange a venue for negotiations!”
Drei nodded at this response.
“Withdraw.”
With those words, the six Communicator Androids relaxed their stances and stepped back. The naval major, Rebidel Klinkika, let out a small sigh of relief. The use of firearms was standard in the Kingdom of Repuitari, and while personal carry was not yet widespread, the deployment of machine guns had begun. He understood the implications of the weapons directed at him.
They were far more sophisticated, high-performance, and capable of rapid fire than anything his nation possessed.
Moreover, they lacked the technology to develop such weapons, while the Paraiso was mass-producing them.
“First and foremost, I wish for us to establish a rapport. Please come to our flagship’s deck two hours after dawn tomorrow,” the major proposed.
“No problem! How many can board your vessel?”
Drei quickly scanned the surroundings and nodded.
“Seven, including escorts, will be the limit. We will also have seven present. Is that acceptable?”
“Thank you! Then we shall visit you two hours after sunrise! We can provide water and food; how does that sound?”
“That will not be necessary. Until we meet again tomorrow.”
Typically, sailors would be grateful for the offer of water and food, yet with a single phrase, Drei dismissed it and turned on her heel. Two of the Communicator Androids followed suit, while the remaining four stayed behind for vigilance.
“…”
The naval major stood momentarily speechless, but eventually sighed and issued the command to turn back.
Major Rebidel Klinkika of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Kingdom of Repuitari reflected on the foreign crew he had just spoken with. Standing at the bow of the massive warship, he had to look up at them considerably. The sun was already setting, and the visibility was not great. Still, he was struck by how small they appeared.
Hearing their voice only intensified his suspicions.
The words were clear, and the content was without issue. No, the problem lay in the fact that they had hardly negotiated at all; yet, there was nothing amiss in the conversation itself.
It was just the voice.
It was as if it belonged to a pre-adolescent boy or girl, crystal clear and ethereal.
Their demeanor was bold. They stood their ground against the great Kingdom of Repuitari without flinching. Their articulate speech and coherent demands were accompanied by a voice that seemed utterly mismatched to their appearance—beautiful and superior.
“Regardless of everything else,” he thought.
The arrangements for the meeting had been made. Whether he could participate would depend on higher-ups, but he could confidently say he had achieved a certain level of success. Despite the various behaviors that piqued his curiosity, assessing them was the responsibility of another department.
His job was to ensure he did not inadvertently give away any leverage while maintaining a degree of communication. While there had been no such incidents this time, it was crucial to remain calm and rational, capable of countering provocations and continuing the conversation logically.
(That said, both the ship and the crew were remarkable.)
That was the impression he formed as a soldier. Their movements rivaled the elite soldiers of the Kingdom of Repuitari. The speed at which they ran, their deployment to positions, and their stances with their weapons were all exemplary.
Given that they were likely the fleet commander’s escorts, it was natural that elite personnel would accompany them. Still, it was hard to believe that a crew specialized for combat would be assembled for a long-distance voyage.
And their audacity to refuse both food and water.
After months at sea, fresh water, vegetables, and meat would be incredibly appealing. Yet, they dismissed the offer without a moment’s hesitation or regret. Normally, upon reaching port, one would rush to procure such necessities, but they had outright refused.
(Perhaps they are wary of poison.)
If they recognized the other party as an enemy nation, it was certainly possible they would refuse.
(But with a fleet of nine ships, surely some crew members would feel dissatisfied…)
Even so, sea voyages were grueling. Many sailors would wish for fresh water. If they had managed to suppress that desire completely, the fleet commander’s skills were considerable.
It was hard to believe that the experienced upper echelons of the proud navy of Repuitari would make a misjudgment.
What he felt in their presence needed to be conveyed accurately. Small observations often held significant meaning.
Thus, Major Rebidel Klinkika reported everything that had transpired and all he had sensed. Based on that information, the Foreign Affairs Department would work through the night to compile the negotiation details.
However, at this point, there was far too little information.
Serious discussions would likely take place another day. The other party’s demands were entirely unpredictable. If it were military pressure, there would be more options available, and it was odd that they had not brought even a single merchant ship for trade.
In the end, it seemed they would have to respond as circumstances dictated.