122. Hainzworth Kingdom Proposal

"I heard about it from Sophia. A dream come true."

King Felix of Hainzworth fixed his gaze on Shiro and nodded firmly.

"Hainzworth Kingdom, the Holy State, and the Arcane Academy Kingdom have long maintained good relations. An alliance was discussed in the past, but since things were going smoothly without one, the talks stalled and nothing came of it. In recent years, we've explored strengthening ties with neighboring nations, and the Federation idea has been discussed several times. But there was never a decisive motivation to actually act. So, Shiro's proposal is a perfect opportunity."

"Is that so? It came at just the right time, then. So, shall we form a delegation and tour the nations by arcane vessel?"

"Indeed. We’ll be relying on you directly. From Hainzworth’s side, Miradia will have full authority," said Felix.

"Understood. Then I’ll leave the political negotiations to you, King Felix, Sophia, Emilia, and Miradia. You’re in charge. As for me, I’ll handle the explanation and report on the Stampede and Virus situation, request acceptance of Federation arcana routes, propose the network of communication devices, and investigate and request information on the White Dragon sightings, correct?"

"Perfect," said Felix.

"Got it," said Sophia.

Emilia and Miradia looked delighted.

"By the way, Shiro," Felix said the moment the conversation ended, "I’d like to see your arcane vessel too."

"Yeah, sure. Let’s do a test flight! How about we take turns with volunteers and get them up in the air a few times?" Shiro suggested, and the impromptu test flight was immediately set in motion.

◇

"Departure," Shiro called out, and the vessel pulled away from the shore. This time, it rose into the air without delay.

"Whoa! This is incredible!" Felix was ecstatic. The queen, first prince Robert, chancellor Patrick, Guildmaster Lewis of the Adventurer Guild, and Guildmaster Jeffrey of the Magus Guild were all on board. Everyone was buzzing with excitement at their first experience with a flying vessel.

"Amazing. There’s absolutely no shake at all? And how smoothly it moves—how fast!" Lewis said.

"Being able to build something like this, no wonder he’s an A-ranked alchemist. Hell, maybe we should elevate him to S-rank?" Jeffrey mused.

After several test flights, the people of the capital grew accustomed to the sight of the magi-ship rising from the lake. Soon, word of it spread beyond the borders.

◇

Following preliminary correspondence and coordination, responses from all nations came through agreeing to negotiations. The decision was made to send envoys for direct talks.

To mark the beginning of the project, a conference was held in Farail, the holy capital of the Filumian Sacred Kingdom.

After the meeting, a joint declaration by the Hainzworth Kingdom, the Sacred Kingdom, and the Mage Academy Kingdom was issued—the announcement of the "Sentria Federation Proposal."

Incidentally, the trip to Farail for the king and the academy’s headmaster was significantly shortened, as Shiro had personally flown them there in the Silphid I.

At the time, the Pope himself took a ride, and his faith deepened further upon witnessing Shiro’s mastery of magic. The academy headmaster, meanwhile, was astonished by the comfort and speed of the magi-ship, certain that this technology would transform the world.

The announcement stated that envoys would travel to nations across the Federation, and that Shiro—the Apostle—would be among the delegation. Nations eagerly awaited their audience with the Apostle and the chance to see the magi-ship in person.

◇

“Why not just go together, then?” Shiro suggested.

After discussion, the envoy members were set as follows:

— Envoy Leader: Sophia

— Escort & Negotiation: Sherina, Altia, Yuiina

— Apostles: Shiro, Mitoka, Shestia, Aria, Albert

— Heroes: Kotone, Mizuki, Makoto, Masaki, Ida

— Kingdom: Miradia, Alexei, Alan, Nadia

— Holy Nation: Emilia, Anna, Barthrand

— Guard: Steven and ten knights (five from the Kingdom, five from the Holy Nation)

— Dragon: Adra

Total: thirty-one individuals plus one dragon.

“Shiro, the Silphid I is too small,” Shestia said.

“True. With this many people, it’s impossible. There’ll be private cabins, a dining hall, and plenty of luggage—maybe we should build a larger one…” Shiro mused.

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