Chapter 227: A Brief Interlude (The Duke Part 2)
Knock, knock. The window was tapped lightly.
“……”
Amagio Silverhead glanced toward the window. Through the stone wall, he spotted a small figure pressed against it.
“It’s open. Come on in.”
With a clatter, the window swung open, and a girl slipped into the room with the grace of a cat.
“Excuse my intrusion, Lord Amagio.”
“Ah… So that’s the Assist Suit.”
Amagio’s combat cyborg analysis function calculated the approximate values of the auxiliary equipment worn by Ixia Ayame Zero. However, due to the limitations of its internal database, it couldn’t provide precise figures.
“I can confirm that. Based on estimates, it can exhibit movement capabilities equivalent to your normal operational performance.”
“That’s reassuring.”
Though he thought it lacked a decent battery, it was easy to imagine that it utilized some form of wireless power transmission technology, given the multitude of microwaves buzzing through the air. The lack of advanced scientific civilization allowed such conspicuous behavior to go unnoticed.
“So, what brings you here to request a meeting with me?”
“By the way, is Eve-chan monitoring this conversation?”
“Negative. My sister is currently asleep. I could wake her if it’s urgent, though?”
“No, that’s fine. I don’t mind if you relay it later. Today, I want to discuss matters with the AI of Paraiso.”
“I see.”
After seating Ixia on the sofa, Amagio stood up to prepare refreshments. He couldn’t risk exposing this secret meeting to anyone else. The content of their conversation was one concern, but the public perception was even worse. Summoning a girl in the middle of the night? If that got out, he could only imagine the rumors that would spread starting tomorrow.
“By the way, have Sarya and Rinanel managed to cover their tracks properly?”
“No issues. I’ve placed a substitute Communicator Android in bed.”
“…… Ah, I see. That’s also possible…”
“Due to the underdeveloped neural network of the substitute, it might raise suspicions during normal activities, but I judged it would be fine at this hour.”
Amagio couldn’t help but smile wryly at that response. Unlike him, Paraiso had managed to maintain a significant influence. Well, he had realized that the moment he laid eyes on the Panas. Though it seemed they weren’t utilizing super technology like that found in the World of Space, it was clear that they were in a far more privileged position than he was.
“Well, that’s good. I doubt such high-quality tea leaves are available on the market. Enjoy.”
“I look forward to it.”
What Amagio brewed was a selection of ultra-premium tea leaves, a gift meant for nobility. Given Ixia’s current status, she likely couldn’t acquire such a thing no matter how much money she threw at it. However, if she could directly access the production area, it might be easy for her to obtain.
“I thought it was time to confirm something.”
After watching Ixia savor the taste and aroma of the tea for a while, Amagio began to speak.
“What does Paraiso desire from the Kingdom of Reputari? By participating in this war, you’re not only affecting this place but also the surrounding nations. What do you wish to achieve in this region?”
“……”
Ixia slowly set her teacup down. Her blue eyes fixed intently on Amagio.
Amagio noticed a sudden spike in the communication volume between Ixia and her control unit.
“I will respond.”
Ixia opened her small mouth. With a voice like ringing bells, she spoke to Amagio.
“I deemed this a significant topic. Please allow for some lag in response due to the intervention of the Control AI.”
“That’s fine.”
Remote mechanical control via radio waves. It was a communication method that had only been used in the early days of gaming. Yet, in this world, it was entirely practical.
“We had no expectations of the governing body in this region.”
We. Did this include their leader, Commander Eve?
“Interactions with other factions only hold meaning when they possess roughly equivalent technological levels. Trade involving the exchange of technology and resources, or treaties for security. What we desire is our own prosperity. We do not wish to assist other factions using our resources without any means of replenishment.”
“……”
Ixia paused, but Amagio remained silent, prompting her to continue.
“However, all our actions are for the sake of the Commander. And our Commander wishes to engage with you. While we prioritize efficiency, it is also true that many matters cannot be explained solely by efficiency. We understand the importance of that. Therefore, we are willing to continue our interactions with this country.”
“I see… To what extent can we expect that interaction?”
“As long as we can sufficiently acquire resources. We currently judge that we are capable of adequate resource extraction. Even if we were to pacify this region, we anticipate that we would not be able to obtain resources commensurate with that effort. Hence, we continue our interactions with this country.”
Amagio nodded, understanding. The AIs of Paraiso found meaning in trade with the Kingdom of Reputari, albeit conditionally. This was likely influenced by Eve’s intentions. From their conversations, he understood that she was a person of goodwill. If that were the case, there was no need to worry for the time being.
“Moreover…”
Ixia continued.
“The cultural maturity of the Kingdom of Reputari is deemed the most advanced in this region. In that regard, Ayame Zero holds a favorable view of this country.”
“I see. If that’s the case, I need to step up my efforts. When war begins, the first casualties will be in the realm of entertainment culture. We cannot allow the flames of war to reach our homeland.”
“I agree.”
Ultimately, it seemed that the Kingdom of Reputari had no choice but to rely on the goodwill of Paraiso. It was a precarious situation, but as long as they did not openly oppose them, they could undoubtedly reap significant benefits.
“I understand that. At least for now, I do not wish for conflict with you.”
That should suffice for confirming their stance as a nation. Most bureaucrats might not grasp it, but as long as Amagio Silverhead, the de facto leader, understood, they should not misnavigate their course.
“Now then, if you cannot answer, that’s fine. What are your thoughts on the resurrection of my AI?”
“We do not wish for the rise of any factions other than our own. We even consider it necessary to actively obstruct such occurrences.”
That response was what Amagio had anticipated.
“However…”
Still, he held a glimmer of hope.
“We sympathize with your AI. If possible, we would like to see it resurrected.”
Ixia stated this matter-of-factly.
“That said, at this moment, AI resurrection is not permissible. There is no guarantee that your AI would not become hostile toward us. The risks of potential hostility are incalculable. As a possibility, we could consider AI resurrection as a subordinate entity under our control. However, if your AI is assumed to be of the same kind as us, that measure would not be accepted.”
“Well… that’s true.”
“One more thing. The Commander does not wish for conflict. We are attuned to the Commander’s will. Therefore, fundamentally, we do not engage in aggressive acts of invasion, nor do we intend to. We believe this is largely due to the absence of hostile factions in the vicinity of our emergence point.”
Amagio nodded, somewhat perplexed. The AIs of Paraiso were communicating with him more than he had anticipated.
“The Commander has reached this point without experiencing genuine conflict. Thus, she harbors a reluctance toward preemptively eliminating potential hostile forces. While we find this frustrating, we also understand it is for the peace of the Commander’s mind. This policy is, of course, fortunate for you as well.”
“I see. So, it means that my existence could have been suppressed the moment it was revealed.”
“Affirmative. And we certainly understand the value of interaction. Therefore, we wish to continue our exchanges with you and, by extension, with the nations of this region. From the perspective of diversity, that religious nation is not desirable.”
A nation fixed by a uniform culture of religion indeed held no allure for Paraiso. Having confirmed this much, Amagio decided it was satisfactory.
After all, dialogue holds meaning in its repetition. He thought perhaps he could delve a little deeper into his conversations with Eve, which had been somewhat casual until now.