Chapter 144: The Ambassadors
“I am Achat Ringo, the commander of the Afrasia United Kingdom’s forces affiliated with the Paraiso.”
Once everyone had taken their seats, Achat opened his mouth to speak.
“You may have already heard, but West Gate City is completely under our control. I have summoned you here today to convey an important announcement.”
“…”
This was the reception hall attached to the lord’s mansion in West Gate City, where a conference room had been prepared.
The lord and key figures, including the ambassadors, were effectively under house arrest, along with their families. It had been three days since the lightning-fast occupation of West Gate City.
The supply lines for the stationed forces of Paraiso had been completed, reconnaissance devices had been installed, and all preparations were in place. Thus, the summons for the lord and ambassadors from various nations was made with great anticipation.
“I understand that you have many questions. However, at this moment, we will not be providing any answers. This is a venue for us to convey our demands to you.”
The strategic AI dispatched after the occupation began to speak while directly controlling the Communicator Android, Achat.
“First, I must inform the lord of West Gate City, Kalibari Western Aquania. As of now, all command authority you hold over West Gate City is hereby revoked, and all your rights are suspended.”
“…!”
Kalibari Western Aquania—no, Kalibari Aquania—slightly furrowed his brow at Achat’s words. However, he did not voice any complaints.
After all, despite being summoned to this meeting and seated, he was placed in the lowest position. The seat he once occupied at the head of the table was now occupied by Achat, the representative of Paraiso. It was entirely predictable.
“I trust you understand that this is a decision that cannot be contested. Should you resist us, you will be treated as a traitor. Keep that in mind.”
“…”
In response to the words of the highest authority, Achat, Kalibari Aquania remained silent. Naturally, the Communicator Android waiting behind him drew its ceremonial sword and held it menacingly beside his face.
“Please be mindful of the occasion. Such an attitude in this setting is unacceptable. We may have to consider it a sign of intent to resist.”
“…Understood. I will comply with your demands.”
“Very well.”
The Communicator Android sheathed the ceremonial sword.
Indeed, this was a meeting between the rulers and the ruled. The ruled had no right to speak. Although the appearance of the Communicator Androids was somewhat charming, it did lack a sense of tension.
“I will reiterate. We are the invaders, and you are in a state of surrender to us. Please be very careful with your words and actions.”
The conference room was filled with twenty-four Guard Soldiers, all Communicator Androids. Even if someone attempted to act out, they would be subdued by two or more of the Communicator Androids.
“Now then, I have announcements for the representatives of each nation. We, Paraiso, are conducting an invasion of the Afrasia United Kingdom. Ultimately, we will take control of the Afrasia United Kingdom.”
With Achat’s clear declaration, several ambassadors turned pale. After all, why had they placed ambassadors in West Gate City when there were no direct roads connecting their nations?
It was a pretext for mining Redstone. By establishing an embassy in West Gate City, they could claim that they had permission to mine Redstone, regardless of the reality.
Achat had deliberately brought this up. It was clear that this would not lead to a pleasant discussion.
“Therefore, we request that each nation immediately withdraw any personnel currently infiltrating the Afrasia United Kingdom. From now on, we, Paraiso, will manage the borders. Should you continue mining without our permission, we will treat you as intruders.”
At this declaration, the ambassadors exchanged glances. They wanted to voice their objections. However, uttering that first word could lead to their purging. Thus, they were all on edge.
“…Is that understood?”
Amidst the tension, the first to raise a hand was the most influential ambassador present, representing the great nation of Weitzenland.
“I will allow you to speak.”
Confirming that Achat had nodded, the ambassador began.
“First, we formally protest your nation’s acts of invasion. To launch such a brazen assault without a declaration of war or notification to neighboring nations is nothing short of barbaric. While I may not be familiar with the nation of Paraiso, Weitzenland does not condone your military aggression.”
At those words, Achat smiled slightly. It was a sign that he was not the least bit shaken by the words of the great nation of Weitzenland.
“I see. I will acknowledge your protest.”
The ambassador seemed somewhat taken aback by Achat’s nonchalant demeanor but continued to speak.
“Regarding the personnel you mentioned earlier, you are referring to the workers involved in Redstone mining, correct?”
“That is correct.”
Achat nodded without hesitation.
“…The mining of Redstone is a formally contracted intergovernmental project between my nation and the Afrasia United Kingdom. While you may demand whatever you wish, we cannot accept such absurdity as a blanket withdrawal.”
“Indeed! To suddenly launch a surprise attack and demand we retreat is outrageous…!?”
Following the ambassador of Weitzenland, other ambassadors raised their voices in protest.
At a glance from Achat, the Communicator Androids sprang into action. One grabbed the collar of a protesting adult, lifting him effortlessly, while another pressed the ceremonial sword against his neck.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically as a petite girl executed this act with ease.
“You have not been granted permission to speak. I would advise you to refrain.”
The Communicator Android released the sword and let go of the man. He fell back into his chair with a thud.
“It is astonishing to hear such behavior from a civilized nation. Interrupting others’ conversations and shouting loudly—are there monkeys among you?”
A soft giggle echoed through the room. The Guard Soldiers surrounding Achat covered their mouths, stifling their laughter.
“Filzich, that is unbecoming.”
“Oh, my apologies. But, dear sister, you see, everyone here seems so utterly foolish. It’s quite amusing.”
The girl, who had been posing as a Guard Soldier, appeared to be in a sisterly relationship with Achat—at least, that was the pretense.
“You all truly do not understand, do you? Are you not watching? Are you not listening? Do you not see how we arrived here? The lord and his entourage from Great Horse Town were brought here with great effort. Have you not heard anything from them?”
Filzich’s voice rang out like a bell as she surveyed the conference room.
“If you mismanage this situation, you might all be slaughtered. We might invade your nations. You truly do not grasp the gravity of this.”
Such a thing could never happen. No one in this room could confidently assert that.
“We are not that barbaric.”
With a swift flick, Achat lightly struck Filzich, who took a step back, apologizing.
“However, as I mentioned earlier, this is a venue for us to convey our demands, not to answer your questions. No matter how you think or what you say, this decision will not be overturned.”
Though it was a farce staged by the two Communicator Androids, everyone in the room understood. They were indeed captives, and their treatment could change with a single word from her. Furthermore, the possibility loomed that the forces that had ravaged this city could be directed toward their homelands.
“If necessary, I will permit a messenger to your home countries. If you wish to do something, please speak to our personnel stationed to guard your premises. If it is within the realm of what we can permit, we will make arrangements.”
With that, the meeting was concluded. Achat stood up to leave.
“Filzich, they are tired from this unfamiliar situation. Accompany them for a meal.”
“Yes, as you wish, sister.”
Thus, the supreme authority of this gathering exited the room.
“Now then, everyone. Please enjoy the dishes we, Paraiso, have prepared with great care. Do not hesitate; there’s no need to worry about poison. After all, it would be far too troublesome to go through the effort of poisoning you. If we wanted you dead, we could simply slay you here and now.”
With a bright smile, she continued, “Oh, and rest assured about the ingredients. Everything is sourced from the Afrasia United Kingdom! The food bears no guilt, so please, enjoy it to your heart’s content.”
As Filzich continued to inquire about their opinions and poured water for them, the ambassadors trembled, realizing that despite the food being undoubtedly delicious, they were unable to appreciate the flavors during this tense luncheon.