“I am Acht-Ringo, affiliated with
Having confirmed that everyone was seated, Acht began to speak.
“As you have already heard, the West Gate City is completely occupied by us,
“…”
This was the reception hall annexed to the lord’s mansion in West Gate City, a conference room prepared there.
The lord, as well as the ambassadors and other key figures, including their families, were under some form of house arrest. Three days had passed since the successful blitzkrieg occupation of West Gate City.
The supply of
“I am aware that you have various questions. However, we will not answer them at this time. This is a place for us to convey our demands to you.”
The Strategic AI, dispatched after the occupation, began to speak while directly controlling the Doll Machine (Acht).
“First, I address Calibari Western Acuania, the lord of West Gate City. As of this moment, all your command authority in West Gate City is revoked, and all your rights are suspended.”
“…!”
Calibari Western Acuania—no, Calibari Acuania—slightly frowned at Acht’s words. However, he did not complain.
In the first place, although he had been summoned to this place and even allowed to sit in a chair, it was in the lowest seat. Acht, as the representative of
“As I’m sure you understand, this is a decision and you have no right to refuse. If you resist us, you will be dealt with as a rebel. Be aware of this.”
“…”
Calibari Acuania remained silent in response to the words of the supreme commander (Acht). Quite naturally, the Communicator Doll waiting behind him drew his ceremonial sword and thrust it out next to his face.
“Please be mindful of the time and place. I am not impressed with that attitude in a place like this. I will have to consider that you have changed your mind.”
“…Understood. I will comply with your demands.”
“Very well.”
The Communicator Doll retracted his ceremonial sword.
Yes. This place was a conference attended by the rulers and the ruled. The ruled, of course, had no right to speak. Because the Communicator Dolls looked so lovely, the tension was somewhat lacking.
“Let me say it again. We are invaders, and you are in a state of surrender to us. Be very careful with your words and actions.”
There were as many as 24 Communicator Dolls deployed in the venue as guards and escorts. This was more than the number of people gathered, and even if someone tried something, they would be subdued by two or more Communicator Dolls.
“Now then. There are also matters to be communicated to the representatives of each country. We,
Several ambassadors turned pale at Acht’s clear statement. In the first place, why would they bother to place ambassadors in West Gate City, even though there were no direct roads connecting to their countries?
It was to create a pretext for Burnstone mining. They placed embassies in West Gate City, and in reality, they had the pretense of having obtained permission for Burnstone mining.
Acht had deliberately mentioned that. No matter how you looked at it, it wouldn’t be a pleasant story.
“Therefore, we request each country to immediately withdraw all personnel who have entered the Afrasia United Kingdom. From now on, we,
At that declaration, the ambassadors looked at each other. They wanted to complain. But if they uttered that first word, they might be purged. Hence, it was a check on each other.
“…Is that all?”
Amid such probing, the first to raise his hand was the ambassador with the most influence among the participants. Namely, the great western power, Wheat Country (Weizenland).
“Permission to speak is granted.”
After confirming that Acht had nodded, the ambassador opened his mouth.
“First of all, my country formally protests against your country’s invasion. To resort to such an outrage without a declaration of war or notification to neighboring countries will inevitably invite accusations of barbarism. I have never heard of a nation called
Acht smiled slightly at that statement. It was proof that she was not at all shaken by the words of the great power, Wheat Country (Weizenland).
“Is that so? I will accept that protest.”
The ambassador seemed somewhat taken aback by her composed attitude, but continued his statement.
“The personnel you mentioned who have entered the country are undoubtedly the workers involved in Burnstone mining, correct?”
“That is correct.”
Acht nodded without hesitation.
“…Burnstone mining is a national project formally contracted between my country and the Afrasia United Kingdom. You are free to make your demands, but we cannot accept the absurd demand to withdraw unconditionally.”
“That’s right! To suddenly launch a surprise attack and then demand withdrawal is outrageous…!”
Following the ambassador of Wheat Country (Weizenland), the ambassadors of other countries raised their voices in protest.
At Acht’s signal, the Communicator Dolls moved immediately. They grabbed the man by the collar from behind, lifted the grown man with one hand, and pressed the ceremonial sword against his neck.
The air changed at this act, which the petite girl had performed so easily.
“Speaking without permission. Please be respectful.”
The Communicator Doll withdrew the sword and released him. The freed man slumped back into his chair with a thud.
“A civilized country, what a joke. To interrupt other people’s conversations and shout so loudly. Are we mixed with the boss of a monkey mountain or something?”
Giggles could be heard. The guards standing around Acht covered their mouths and laughed elegantly.
“Filzig. That’s unseemly.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. But, Onee-sama, you see. Everyone is so stupid. It’s making me crazy.”
That girl, who had been standing there as a guard. Apparently, she was related to Acht as sisters—or so the setting went.
“You guys really don’t understand, do you? Hey, aren’t you watching? Aren’t you listening? How did we get here? We even transferred the lord’s party from Great Horsetown here. Haven’t you heard the story from them?”
While looking around the conference room, Filzig spoke in a voice like ringing bells.
“If you make a mistake here, you might all be killed. We might invade your country. You really don’t understand, do you?”
There was no one in this place who was optimistic enough to say that such a thing could never happen.
“We are not that barbaric.”
Acht slapped Filzig with a backhand, and Filzig took a step back while apologizing lightly.
“But, as I said at the beginning, this place is where we convey our demands, not where we answer your questions. No matter what you think or what you say, this decision will not be overturned.”
Although it was a farce performed by two Communicator Dolls, everyone in this place understood. They were indeed prisoners, and their treatment could be anything depending on her words. And that the military force that had ravaged this city could be directed at their home countries.
“If necessary, we will allow messengers to be sent to your home countries. If you want to do something, please speak to our personnel who are guarding your residences. If the content is permissible, we will arrange it here.”
Well then, that’s all for today. With that conclusion, Acht stood up from her seat.
“Filzig. They are tired from unfamiliar things. Keep them company for a meal.”
“Yes, as you command, Onee-sama.”
And so, the highest authority in this place left the room.
“Now then, everyone. This is a meal that our ＜Paraiso＞ has prepared with all our heart and soul. Please, don’t hesitate, and don’t worry about poison. After all, we wouldn’t bother with something as troublesome as poisoning, would we? If we wanted to kill you, we could just cut you down right here and now.”
She smiled sweetly as she said that.
“Oh, and please be assured about the ingredients as well. They’re all sourced from within the Afrasia United Kingdom! The food itself is innocent, so please, enjoy it to your heart’s content.”
And so, everyone was intimidated by Filzig, who kept asking for their impressions and deliberately pouring water for them. Despite the food certainly being delicious, a luncheon where no one could taste the flavors began.