Chapter 82: The Mystic Eyes of the Elves (Estimated)
This world is vast beyond measure.
According to the data gathered by Ringo using the Solar-powered Scout Aircraft (SWIFT), this planet is significantly larger compared to Earth. The recent launch of a reconnaissance rocket has greatly improved the accuracy of this information.
The diameter of this planet is approximately 20,000 kilometers. While precise measurements would require satellites, calculations from the ground estimate it to be between 21,000 and 22,000 kilometers. Assuming it to be 21,500 kilometers, the equatorial circumference would be 67,500 kilometers, and the surface area would be 1.45 billion square kilometers. In comparison, Earth’s circumference is about 40,000 kilometers, and its surface area is 500 million square kilometers, making this planet 1.7 times larger in circumference and 2.9 times larger in surface area. Exploring a planet three times the size of Earth without operational satellites is an exceedingly difficult task.
As a result, exploration of the Northern Continent has been progressing at a snail’s pace. In particular, the Forest Country (Lebresta) remains completely untouched. Due to the need to avoid airspace violations, there is almost no information available. The priority has been given to surveying the territories of the Afrasia United Kingdom. Additionally, there are very few high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft available. The SWIFT has primarily been used as a communication relay platform, leaving little for reconnaissance purposes. The high-altitude drones that have since been increased in number are fundamentally designed for microwave relay functions, making them unsuitable for reconnaissance as well.
“That said, resource production has been increasing, so we should focus on gathering information,” Commander Eve remarked.
“Yes, Ma’am. Regarding that, we have a timeline for the completion of the 4,000-meter runway at the Second Fortress, which will allow for the takeoff and landing of ground vehicles.”
“Ground vehicles, huh? I really want to investigate the Forest Country (Lebresta)…”
As soon as they entered the airspace above the Forest Country (Lebresta) from the Afrasia United Kingdom side, a warning arrow was shot at them. It is likely that they had already been detected before the violation occurred. While it is possible to repeatedly attempt to breach their airspace without giving up, the risk of being shot down and losing the aircraft has led to a policy of avoidance. However, they managed to successfully establish contact with the ambassador from the Forest Country (Lebresta). From here, they aimed to extract as much information as possible.
“There is room for consideration regarding how much information we disclose to the ambassador from the Forest Country (Lebresta).”
“Indeed. We need to think carefully about how much of our technological capabilities we should reveal. It might be better to first find out what they can offer as trade goods.”
Currently, discussions with the Forest Country (Lebresta) are being finalized, including the officials from the East Gate city. They are deliberating on customs duties, renting warehouses for trade goods, staffing, rental fees, currency exchange rates, the presence of promissory notes, payment methods, delivery deadlines, and duration of provision. Furthermore, Ringo has insisted on formalizing all agreements, which has prolonged the negotiations. The representatives from the Forest Country (Lebresta) seem to have high expectations for this trade.
“But that ambassador seems rather condescending, or perhaps arrogant,” Eve noted.
“Yes, Ma’am. I agree. It appears they believe everyone around them is beneath them. However, at least when it comes to their attitude towards the Afrasia United Kingdom, it is somewhat understandable.”
In any case, the ambassador’s manner of speaking often felt belittling. Observing the stark difference in development between the Forest Country (Lebresta) and the Afrasia United Kingdom, it was clear that they were treating them as a backward nation. Although the materials they handle differ, the disparity in manufacturing precision and craftsmanship suggested a gap akin to decades in Earth’s history.
“It seems they maintain the same stance towards us as well… They don’t seem unintelligent, so perhaps it’s just their national character,” Eve mused.
“Yes, Ma’am. That may be the case. At least they don’t appear to be the type to take offense easily or become enraged, which is a relief. Otherwise, negotiations might not have even been possible.”
Despite the ambassador’s poor attitude, negotiations were still progressing. Ringo and the local strategic AI were not so fragile as to lose control over their actions simply because they were looked down upon. In the eyes of the AI at The Tree, everyone except Commander Eve was considered inferior. They were not being directly insulted, nor were they being treated as enemies, so there was no reason to be concerned about the opinions of those beneath them.
“For now, it seems we have requested samples of trade goods from our homeland, so more will be added in the future. We should prepare something in response to that,” Eve said.
“Indeed. We should base our offerings on their value. By the way, there was a specific metal that piqued their interest, wasn’t there?”
The ambassador from the Forest Country (Lebresta) had shown considerable interest in certain metal crafts that were initially provided as samples. Ringo had identified the source by cross-referencing the concealment serial numbers of the items.
“Yes, Ma’am. The items in question were made from the stockpiled resources of The Tree. It appears they did not react much to the metals obtained through trade from Terek Port Town. It seems they did not respond to the alloy of stockpiled resources and traded metals either. Therefore, we can conclude that the items of interest are pure stockpiled resources from The Tree.”
“I see…”
The distinction between stockpiled resources and other resources is clear.
In other words, it could either be something that existed in this world or something that was transferred along with The Tree.
The stockpiled resources that appeared as an adjunct to The Tree must be valuable enough to elicit some form of reaction from the ambassador of the Forest Country (Lebresta).
“Then we should refrain from releasing them as much as possible. We can’t tell the difference ourselves, after all…”
“Scientific analysis has not revealed any differing characteristics. It is presumed that only the people of the Forest Country (Lebresta) can distinguish them through some innate sensitivity. At least, it seems that personnel from the Afrasia United Kingdom cannot discern the differences.”
The resources from The Tree have characteristics that can be easily identified by those who know what to look for.
“…Hmm. If that’s the case, there’s a chance they might uncover the origins of the Solar-powered Scout Aircraft (SWIFT)…?”
“Yes, Ma’am. That is a possibility. If there are personnel on their side capable of identifying the materials of an object flying at an altitude of 20 kilometers, they may point out similarities with the trade sample we provided.”
“Hmm… I don’t know. What should we do?”
Commander Eve felt a pang of anxiety, realizing they might have inadvertently revealed an important card to the other side. This could put them at a disadvantage in the negotiations due to the airspace violations.
“Ma’am, there are no countermeasures we can take regarding this matter. It might be best not to dwell on it too much.”
Ringo had also recognized this issue and had been running various simulations. The conclusion reached was that there were no feasible countermeasures. The SWIFT had already been seen by the other party, and the samples had been handed over without awareness of this problem at either point. Therefore, it was impossible to take countermeasures at that time. If that were the case, they would have to wait for the other party’s next move.
“Right… There’s nothing we can do about it. We can just play dumb. After all, the envoy did travel overland, and we haven’t disclosed anything about the SWIFT to Terek Port Town. They have no way of knowing whether it’s directly related to us.”
“Yes, Ma’am. That premise seems sound.”
This world is filled with uncertainties, and there are limits to the preemptive measures that can be taken. Regarding the airspace violations, they would simply deny any wrongdoing. As for the materials, the sample items were iron and its alloys, which were not used in the SWIFT. The SWIFT primarily utilized resin and duralumin, containing very little iron. They could easily find a way to evade responsibility.
“…But what kind of ability allows them to identify something just by looking at it? Mystic Eyes?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I cannot even begin to imagine.”