The Hungry Fortress Wants to Build a Battleship in Another World – World of Sandbox

“Then, to close, let us all take a commemorative photograph together.”

At the end of the Kingdom of Lepuitari–Paraiso friendship ceremony, the invited representatives Drei=Ringo and Vier=Ringo received the proposal and, without particular thought, nodded their assent.
Photography technology, as Ringo had researched, was in common use only in the Kingdom of Lepuitari among surrounding nations.
The man introduced as a photographer barked energetic orders to several assistants while setting up a large camera on a tripod.
“This here is our country’s latest-model camera. Surely it is the first time it is unveiled before foreigners. Even indoors, this hall is bright enough—the shot will be clear. We can also make reprints, and they will be delivered tomorrow!”

At the photographer’s spiel, some of the participants besides Drei and Vier expressed frank admiration, while others cast nervous glances, fearing whether Paraiso’s representatives might take offense.
Of course, compared to Paraiso’s own capabilities—projecting magnified views from mast-top cameras directly onto windows or tabletops at will—a mere photograph did not even come close. They hardly seemed likely to be surprised at a single picture or two.
Had no one informed this photographer of even the basics? The naval officers began to suspect and question one another, but the truth was that it was no one’s mistake.

The photographer had simply not believed the information given to him.
With his own pride in handling the newest marvel of technology, he dismissed what he had been told even when relayed directly by naval officers. Knowing the technical difficulty of photography, he could not credit that some obscure foreigners might hold techniques far beyond theirs. So he had brushed it aside as more empty words from the brass.
Still, Paraiso was not so small-minded as to harp on trivialities. They merely gave light nods like everyone else and, expressionless, took their assigned places.
“Now then, we shall take it. Please try not to blink, or your sleepy face will be preserved forever! All right, look this way, please.”

The photo session concluded without incident.
Drei, Vier, and their escort soldiers all cooperated smoothly, and so it was only natural.
At the ceremony, both sides had declared their stances, pledged to conclude a treaty after consultation, signed the declaration, exchanged documents, finished with a firm handshake, and at last gathered for the commemorative photograph—thus the ceremony closed.
“Now then, ladies and gentlemen of Paraiso, please rest for a while. Once the party hall is ready, you will be summoned.”
“Understood. We appreciate the courtesy.”

They were shown into a waiting room, attendants and maids dismissed in consideration of their fatigue. If summoned they would come, but for now there was no human presence around the chamber.

“No sign of eavesdropping.”
So concluded Ringo, who had been monitoring.
The navy had carefully swept the area; at this stage, the last thing they wanted was to be caught out and ruin impressions.

“The navy high command are, as expected, almost all realists. For us, they are an easy partner. Moreover, it is the navy that drives the Kingdom of Lepuitari. Unequal treaties forced on other countries, practical colonial rule, monopolization of markets through export of manufactured goods—the merchants execute it, but behind them, it is the navy that stands.”
“This country’s navy really is powerful, isn’t it. The problem is that they dominate foreign affairs, but don’t have their hands on domestic control.”
According to the analysis of the local Strategic AI, Lepuitari’s foreign currency earnings depended on the navy, and the wealth flowing in from overseas was managed by the navy and its affiliates. But domestic sales and logistics were outside the navy’s grasp, controlled instead by another body—the so-called Senate.

“In production as well the navy’s influence is strong; they are gradually breaking down the old fortress. However, the chokehold on logistics is a bottleneck. Rail transport is under navy leadership, so within a few years the situation may change.”
Further complicating matters was the army. While the navy had won brilliant results, the army had done little of note since the unification war.
Thus they were desperate to create achievements.

“They sometimes accompany naval landing operations, but since command passes to the navy, things do not go well. As a result, the navy has begun operating its own marines, and the rivalry deepens.”
If it were known that the navy had humbled itself before Paraiso, the army and the Senate would seize on it gleefully to trumpet scandal—that was the forecast.
It was tolerable if things took time; intolerable if the progress were overturned.

“Therefore the local Strategic AI is advancing policy with the navy as favored partner. As a gesture we may meet other factions, but essentially negotiation will be only with the navy.”
This commemorative ceremony and friendship party were part of that policy.
◇◇◇◇

Roughly an hour later, the escorts arrived.
Royal Navy Lieutenant Colonel Deck Estainka. Lieutenant Commander Revider Klinkika.
Accompanied by these two, Drei and Vier entered the party hall.
As to method of participation, it had been decided after debate that they would basically conform to the Kingdom of Lepuitari’s etiquette. This demonstrated respect from Paraiso to Lepuitari.

Most attendees were navy, but some from the army and from the Legendary Senate of Tradition were also present.

If their conduct were seen as improper, it could be seized as material to ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) attack the navy. Thus Paraiso had yielded on this point. It would be carefully noted as a credit, but ultimately was a small matter.
“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce. From a distant southern land, come the representatives of the Paraiso fleet.”
“I am Drei=Ringo, fleet leader of Paraiso. First, I thank you for preparing such a place today. There are many things yet to decide for the sound exchange between your country and ours, but we have crossed the first wall. Until now conversation has been somewhat troublesome, but here I wish to take it easily. I ask your favor.”

“I am Vier=Ringo, staff officer of Paraiso. To your country, which welcomed us kindly despite our sudden visit, I offer gratitude.”
Their ceremonial uniforms were white in base, with refined lines accented by gold trim and black ornament.
Most striking of all was their beauty: white hair flowing like silk, skin as pale as porcelain, clear golden eyes, lips pink as petals, and the pair of fox ears rising from their heads—all amplifying their delicacy.

Like living porcelain dolls, their appearance stole the breath from all.
“Also present today are three escort soldiers. They are armed, but only ceremonially, so please do not be concerned. Conversation with them should remain at greetings. As exchanges continue, opportunities for friendship may arise, but for today please refrain.”
At the introduction, the three Android Communicators standing behind gave slight bows.

“Now I declare open the Paraiso Welcome Party. Several events have been prepared for later. Everyone, please enjoy yourselves.”
◇◇◇◇
Through the eyes of the escort soldiers, Ringo observed the hall. Occasionally greetings and handshakes were sought, but the onboard Brain Units handled them appropriately.

“Commander Ma’am. That waiter boy—that is the problem individual. A man slipped in through the Senate’s maneuvering, with an untraceable background.”
“Hm. What’s the official pretext?”
“He claimed he would feel uneasy simply attending, so wished to help. The navy trusts him not at all, but since he proved competent they employ him under watch. He serves as a go-between in areas where the Senate is involved, such as party arrangements and supplies.”

From Ringo’s investigation, the man was fully marked.
Even if he attempted something suddenly, the escort soldiers could cover at once.
Therefore, when the waiter approached offering drinks to the escorts, outwardly there was no special alarm.
The navy’s own guards in the hall were watching as well; surely in such a situation he would not attempt anything overt—or so it was thought.
“Please, a drink.”

An Android Communicator turned her face toward the waiter to take a glass from the tray and offer thanks—
‘Attack detected. Red Alert. Freezing surface personality of supervisory AI Ringo. Secondary persona activated. Information intrusion detected. Condition One battle stations.’