Chapter 132: A Narrow Escape Followed by Immediate Departure
In other words, what this means is quite simple.
Baron Gachirado Grand has insulted a member of another nation’s royal family, specifically a woman who holds the official title of Duchess, by referring to her as a mere girl.
Since there was no formal diplomatic relationship established, there are no treaties or laws that could be invoked. However, it is clear that if another nation were to utter the same words towards the diplomatic delegation of the Kingdom of Repuitari, it would not merely be a diplomatic issue. The crime of disrespect could warrant immediate execution on the spot. While one could voice complaints, such actions would be interpreted as a declaration of war, leading to inevitable conflict.
Indeed, throughout the history of diplomacy, there have been numerous instances where such insults have served as grounds for war, a fact well-known to any high-ranking official of the Kingdom of Repuitari.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
“According to your laws, it is understood that on a ship carrying diplomats, as well as within military vessels, the laws of the nation to which the ship belongs apply, correct?”
“That is…!”
“Your understanding is correct, Sir Drei.”
Colonel Gachirado Grand of the Army was flustered, while Lieutenant Colonel Deck Estainka of the Navy wore a tense expression.
If the opposing nation were a minor power, they might have been able to obscure the issue by threatening diplomatic repercussions. However, such threats hold no weight against an adversary whose power dynamics are beyond their reach.
“As I mentioned earlier, this is an informal meeting, and we do not feel the need to escalate matters unnecessarily. If you can conduct yourselves appropriately in public, there should be no particular issues. However, according to your Navy’s regulations, the captain of a large vessel is typically of Colonel rank, while a fleet commander is at least a Major General. Since you are an Army Colonel, you may not be aware of this.”
This was a sharp jab. Implicitly, it suggested that even without titles, Drei held a higher status.
Of course, Colonel Gachirado Grand could not have been ignorant of this fact. He was a classic example of a small-minded individual who adjusted his demeanor based on the status of others. His animosity towards the Navy, inflated pride, and the youthful appearance of his opponent had distorted his perception.
Upon being pointed out, Colonel Gachirado Grand’s face flushed crimson, and he fell silent. Had he been able to apologize at that moment, the subsequent developments might have taken a different turn.
“Now then. I must apologize to the three of you from the Navy. In our country, flaunting one’s status is considered shameful. Therefore, I have only conveyed my position as part of the fleet. Thus, there is no need to change our attitude moving forward. Now, let us begin today’s discussions.”
With the person who had been insulted saying this, the representatives of the Kingdom of Repuitari had no choice but to nod in agreement. The highest-ranking individual present was Colonel Gachirado Grand. Since he would not apologize, neither could the Lieutenant Colonel or Major. When requested to commence the meeting, they had no option but to conclude the matter at hand.
“Now, the issue at hand is the tariffs. Have you reached a conclusion internally?”
“…For the time being, allow me to respond. Currently, discussions regarding the abolition of tariffs are at an impasse. We have communicated your other conditions, and while there is some acceptance regarding a reduction in tariffs, complete abolition faces significant resistance…”
“…W-wait, wait! Abolishing tariffs! What do you mean by that?!”
Just as the most significant topic of tariffs was being addressed, Colonel Gachirado Grand interrupted.
“Now, have you not been informed of the contents of our previous meetings? We have consistently requested that tariffs be deemed unacceptable in our trade with you.”
“Y-you’re saying that tariffs are unacceptable? Is that what you’re discussing? Lieutenant Colonel Estainka, this is treasonous behavior!”
“…Colonel, this matter has been noted in the report as the primary point of contention with the Paraiso side, and we need to seek a compromise.”
“I don’t know! I haven’t heard anything! Such discussions cannot possibly be accepted! D-Do you think, Drei, that such unreasonable demands could be entertained? Abolishing tariffs is a clear interference in our domestic affairs!”
That was indeed the case. In normal international trade, a zero tariff is unthinkable. Unless a nation is exceptionally confident in its domestic industries, it is common practice to impose tariffs to protect local industries.
However, they were fully aware of this. With violence as a backdrop, Paraiso was making such demands. Naturally, the Kingdom of Repuitari had imposed numerous unequal treaties on weaker nations.
“We are not requesting the unconditional abolition of tariffs. We are stating that we will impose limits on the annual trade volume to ensure minimal impact on you. Of course, the trade volume will be reviewed annually. From the perspective of industrial protection, there should be no significant issues.”
“Y-you’re saying industrial protection! Are you implying that our industries are inferior to yours?!”
Colonel Gachirado Grand stood up, knocking over his chair, and slammed his fist on the table as he shouted.
“D-don’t be ridiculous! Is that an insult to our nation? Do you think the Navy is seriously considering the childish nonsense of this girl?!”
Such a response was exceedingly rude. Perhaps if he had been a subordinate, he might have attempted to restrain his superior to quell the situation. However, Colonel Gachirado Grand was from the Army, while Lieutenant Colonel Deck Estainka belonged to the Navy.
The insults directed at the Royal Family, the disrespect towards a Duchess, and both aimed at a foreign diplomatic delegation were all unacceptable. This was a breach of domestic law, a diplomatic issue, and also a violation of the fabricated laws of Paraiso (devised by Ringo).
The three members of the Navy had already made up their minds. They intended to offer no protection for this Colonel, regardless of what happened to him.
Meanwhile, the Local Strategy AI, observing the situation, made a judgment.
“Do not underestimate the situation, Colonel Grand.”
Drei raised her right hand and snapped her fingers.
At that signal, the vertical elevator on the bow of the ship sprang up, revealing a Multi-legged Tank (MLT-E-04) within.
With an agility that belied its massive size, the Multi-legged Tank rushed toward the venue and seized Colonel Gachirado Grand with its manipulator.
“Ugh…!”
Before Colonel Gachirado Grand stood the barrel of the Multi-legged Tank’s turret, pointed directly at him. As it was a railgun, it was not a weapon he was accustomed to seeing.
Yet, it was still a fearsome weapon.
As an officer in the Army, he should have been acutely aware of the destructive power of artillery.
“……!”
The three members of the Navy tumbled from their chairs. While there was no physical shock, the sight of the massive machine charging toward them had taken their breath away.
In stark contrast, the girls from Paraiso remained completely still. Including the guard soldiers standing behind them, they showed no change in expression and did not move from their positions.
“It is regrettable, but we must demonstrate our strength.”
Drei declared.
“Our fleet possesses ground combat capabilities as well. If you desire, I would not hesitate to showcase this power.”
With a length of 6 meters, a maximum walking speed of 65 km/h, and a maximum wheeled speed of 110 km/h, the Multi-legged Tank was equipped with a rotating turret featuring one railgun, one coaxial gatling gun, and one grenade launcher. Additionally, it had a lower rotating turret with one gatling gun, two missile launchers, and one anti-air laser gun.
This Multi-legged Tank was a newly developed model designed for deployment on Hedgehog-class destroyers and Panas-class cruisers. It was engineered to be shorter and lighter, allowing for easy transport on ships. It also featured built-in floats, enhancing its performance on water, and could submerge through buoyancy adjustments, making it more adaptable underwater than previous models.
Its nickname was Hopper.
True to its name, it had exceptional jumping capabilities.
“We must ask Colonel Grand to take his leave. An insult to our Royal Family is equivalent to an insult to Paraiso. Regrettably, we must record today’s conversation. I allowed you one warning, but there will be no second chance. Remember this.”
“Ugh, ahhh! W-what are you doing?!”
The Multi-legged Tank (Hopper) held onto Colonel Grand and moved smoothly across the deck, approaching the ship’s side.
“N-no way, stop, stop it, noooooo!”
With that, it extended its manipulator and released Colonel Grand.
The Army Colonel fell, flailing his arms and legs, as gravity took hold and he plunged into the sea.
A scream. The sound of splashing water.
“Today, it seems we are not in a situation conducive to a meeting. Let us reconvene tomorrow as usual. While this unfortunate incident occurred, the individual has received an appropriate punishment. Today’s events will not affect future negotiations, but there will be no second chances.”
“Y-yes, that is… indeed so. I appreciate your magnanimous response…!”
“While it is fine to increase personnel, I hope you will be mindful of your selections.”
With that, the three Navy officers, disheartened by the outrageous events of the day, set off on their journey home.