“With Lord Ouki accompanying us, we’ll be a hundred times stronger.”
“Stop that. Don’t call such a handsome man an old geezer.”
While exchanging such light banter, they were rocked by the ship.
Their destination was the usual pure white giant warship, anchored slightly offshore.
It was the fleet flagship, Panas, dispatched from ＜Paraiso＞.
“But, is it really okay for such a young’un to participate all of a sudden?”
“Hahaha. Rest assured, they won’t be underestimated based on appearance. After all, they look like young girls no matter how you look at them. Rather, Lord Amazio would make a good picture standing next to them.”
One was Alban Blayais, the top of the Repitari Kingdom Navy, Grand Admiral. And the other was Amazio Silverhead, Director-General of the Technical Bureau.
The two men standing at the pinnacle of the Repitari Kingdom continued their conversation while gazing at the approaching warship.
“I’ve read through the negotiation records so far, but frankly, I can’t read their intentions.”
“Yes, that’s right. We’re also honestly troubled because we can’t see where to find common ground. And yet, the detailed rules and such are decided smoothly. Common sense doesn’t apply at all.”
And then, there was the army colonel’s blunder the other day. The diplomatic corps was struggling with unprecedented responses.
“But, the army, once so brave and resolute, is a shadow of its former self.”
“It’s lamentable. Most of the personnel who participated at the time are no longer around, and the upper echelons have been completely replaced. It’s a sight to behold, in a bad way. Well, I intend to intervene, thinking of it as a good opportunity.”
“Is that so? Well, do it well. I have no intention of getting involved ever again.”
“I understand. However, I would like you to stick your nose into matters concerning ships.”
At the Grand Admiral’s words, the man shrugged.
He was fed up with political struggles, it seemed.
“Well, we’re approaching.”
“I observed a little from the port yesterday. I could understand what you guys were saying.”
A pure white fleet floating on the sea.
While gazing at it, the man muttered.
“Depending on the direction of development, there’s probably a technological gap of over 100 years between us. If we’re unlucky, it could be over 200 years. Naturally, it’s not something that can be closed in 10 or 20 years. And, if we progress, they will progress accordingly.”
“Even you think so? After all, it’s reckless to resist with force…”
The ship had a refined hull, no steam was observed during movement, and the engine noise was minimal.
If that ship was manufactured with scientific power, the power source would probably be electric. This was somewhat expected by the engineers. Electric power has infinite possibilities, or so Duke Silverhead said.
“However, I can’t tell whether it’s purely science or if they’re using magical technology in conjunction.”
“We are completely backward when it comes to magical technology. We can’t even extract information from the Forest Country (Lebresta) or those detestable priests.”
“If we could control the production of combustium, we could negotiate in various ways. Well, I’ve heard about that problem, but I won’t get involved that far.”
“I understand. It’s enough if you occasionally listen to my complaints.”
“No, I don’t want to do that either…”
While they were doing that, their ship was approaching the ＜Paraiso＞ fleet.
“…There are no seams in the hull, and I think it’s made of metal, but how did they make it…? There are no bumps or dents either…”
Looking up at the Hedgehog-class hull looming close, the man muttered.
That was to be expected.
Although it was a block construction method, the hull was manufactured by adjusting at the atomic level using a large general-purpose machine tool (printer).
In addition, the joining of members to each other was performed by interatomic forces through strictly controlled heating vibration and electromagnetic interference, without changing the composition.
The appearance and bonding strength were comparable to integral molding.
“Lord Amazio. I think you can see it, but that over there is the flagship Panas. It’s more than 1.5 times the size of our military’s latest battleship. That alone is a threat, but in live-fire exercises, we are lapped in terms of acceleration, top speed, grouping, loading speed, and shell power. In the first place, I don’t think they’re showing their full power.”
“Ah, I confirmed the report. Well, if the contents written are true, unless it’s a close-quarters brawl, we’ll probably be unilaterally shot down and finished. I’m glad we were able to make friendly contact.”
The man said so earnestly.
And then, as usual, a gangway was lowered to the side of the flagship Panas.
At the bottom of the gangway, unusually, was the figure of a humanoid machine (communicator).
“Welcome to Panas.”
Greeting them were Fia and three guards.
After quickly tying the mooring lines to the gangway, Alban Blayais and Amazio Silverhead jumped over first.
“…Thank you for coming to greet us, Lady Fia. Ah, this is one of our country’s four dukes, whom I told you about yesterday.”
“Pleased to meet you, Fia Ringo-dono. I am Amazio Silverhead, Perpetual Duke of the Repitari Kingdom. In the navy, I hold the position of Director-General of the Technical Bureau.”
Fia nodded lightly at the self-introduction and stared intently at Amazio’s face.
“…? Is something the matter?”
“…No. No problem. Well, before the meeting, let me give Lord Amazio a brief tour. Drei is also waiting above.”
With light clanging sounds, Fia and the guards went up the gangway.
Following them, Alban Blayais and Amazio Silverhead also stepped onto the stairs.
“…Ngh!?”
Amazio arched his back.
“Lord Amazio!”
Alban Blayais, who had gone ahead, hurriedly turned around. Naturally, he felt no discomfort himself. It was Amazio next to him who suddenly stepped back.
“No… could it, could it be…”
With a stunned expression, he looked up at Fia, who was going ahead.
Fia stopped and looked down at Amazio.
“Amazio Salmon-dono. The communication protocol is personal call. I will give you the public key in physical media later. Is exchange possible?”
“……. Ah. Possible. Due to various circumstances, direct calls are not possible. Is a general terminal (common device) ready?”
“No problem. I’ll hand it over together. …Sorry to keep you waiting, let’s go up for now. I’ll guide you.”
“……”
Alban Blayais stared blankly at the sudden exchange between the two.
“Lord Amazio…? Do you have some connection with ＜Paraiso＞…?”
“……. No. This is the first time I’ve met them, definitely.”
Amazio shook his head and stepped onto the stairs again. This time, he moved his feet without any problems.
“Alban, there’s no problem. It’s not directly related to today’s negotiations. I’ll tell you the details later. Today, we’re going to do today’s work.”
◇◇◇◇
“Ma’am. Regarding the Amazio Silverhead in question, remote scans have revealed that he is not flesh and blood.”
“……. Huh? Sorry, say that again?”
Commander (Eve) turned around with wide eyes at the report from ＜Ringo＞.
“It’s Amazio Silverhead. He is likely some kind of enhanced physical ability user. It is believed that he is improving his information processing ability, muscle strength, and robustness through scientific methods.”
“Eh… so, …a cyborg?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
In other words, there was a possibility that some kind of ultra-technology force other than ＜The Tree＞ existed in this world.
“I tried calling with several communication protocols, but he seems to have stopped the external communication function, and there was no response. However, I was able to establish communication with only a specific notification (knocker). The exchange of some personal data was successful.”
“Eh… so…? What does that mean…?”
“He shares the same foundation of technology with us, meaning he is a transferrer, or a person who has received the benefits of that technology. Whether the inside is the same human as Commander (Ma’am), or an intelligent body derived from a brain unit like us, cannot be determined at this time.”
For her, it was a bolt from the blue.
The possibility that a transferrer other than herself existed in this world.
And naturally, ＜Ringo＞ felt that threat even more than she did.
As a foreign object that threatened Commander (Ma’am)’s desire for a peaceful life.
“From the results of previous investigations, no forces using advanced technology have been confirmed. However, the possibility that it is concealed has increased. We are not hiding our activities, so it is highly possible that information has been leaked to the opposing force.”
“…Hmm, I wonder? Hey ＜Ringo＞, is this encounter intentional? Or is it accidental?”
“Based on the situation, the possibility of it being accidental is very high. There is no rational reason to attempt such contact.”
Commander (Eve) thought.
＜Ringo＞’s reaction to unknown events was very extreme.
That’s why she had to hold the reins. If left alone, she might just start world domination.
“In that case, they haven’t been able to maintain their power. Or, isn’t it more likely that they’ve already ceased operations? Even we can’t do anything if our resources run out. If this ＜The Tree＞ stops, I’ll have no choice but to live by my own means. And, if that’s the case for them…”
“Yes, Ma’am. Then, we will make contact peacefully.”
“Please do so.”