第９７０堀：接触 (Part2)
The area was surrounded, ten layers deep, by armed soldiers of the Hein Empire.
However, seeing as their weapons remained sheathed, they appeared to be a well-disciplined unit.
Or rather, since there were no signs of conflict with Steve and the vanguard, I supposed I didn't need to worry about that.
As I thought this, I turned my gaze toward the middle-aged man in a splendid military uniform standing beside Steve, and Steve immediately...
"General. This is the commander of the Hein Empire's First Fleet, General Wave."
He was introduced as such. The gentleman, sporting a unique hairstyle and hat reminiscent of some Age of Discovery, along with a magnificent mustache, quickly placed a hand over his chest and wore a gentle expression.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Wave, commander of the Hein Empire's First Fleet, as introduced by Lord Steve."
The commander who called himself Wave bowed his head as he spoke.
"..."
My wives and Princess Parphil were frozen in shock at how incredibly normal he was.
Well, that other man was just too much of an exception.
If people like that were in the upper echelons of the country, it wouldn't last a year.
At this rate, every country would surely distance itself from the Hein Empire.
...Well, it was true that I had harbored a sliver of anxiety myself.
Regardless...
"Thank you for your polite greeting. I am Yuki, the Prince Consort of the Weed Kingdom."
"Ah, though this is hardly the place for it, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet with you."
It seemed we could actually have a conversation.
I had been worried it would be difficult if they were all idiots, but for now, it didn't look like we would be entering combat immediately.
"Now, since the introductions are over, I would like to get straight to our discussion. Is this location acceptable to you?"
"No, we have a conference room inside, so I would like to move the venue there. Would that be acceptable?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"Then, please, this way."
Following his lead, we stepped into the wooden ship.
As for the situation around us, whether it was for the sake of "escort" or because we were considered VIPs, I couldn't tell, but they had soldiers surrounding us properly.
Meanwhile, on the deck...
『This is Stealth 1. The soldiers on the deck have already dispersed and are at their respective stations. There are no signs of combat preparations, such as blocking the passageways.』
I see.
The fact that they weren't preparing for battle or guarding against our escape meant they didn't intend to do anything reckless, at least for now.
Oh, by the way, the call sign "Stealth" referred to a reconnaissance unit equipped with optical camouflage.
They had already boarded the Hein fleet and begun gathering intelligence.
That information was already being collected and analyzed at the aircraft carrier's CDC.
『Yuki. Progress report. The enemy fleet's primary armament is ballistae. All ships surrounding the carrier have their sights on us. But, it doesn't look like they’ve loaded them.』
"Understood. Continue the investigation."
『Roger that. Don't push yourself too hard, Yuki.』
The communication from Dressa cut off.
The surrounding ships weren't so carefree as to just surround us without a plan.
For now, they were prepared for combat.
That man Wave, walking ahead of us, must be cautious.
Thinking this, I walked through the ship and was shown into a room.
"This is the conference room. It is quite cramped compared to your ship, but I hope you will forgive us."
"Not at all. I am grateful that you responded to our sudden visit. Please, do not worry about it."
"Thank you. Then, please, have a seat."
Once everyone was seated, Wave offered another greeting.
"Now, once again. I am Wave, serving as the commander of the First Fleet for the Hein Empire. I am deeply grateful for this encounter with the Weed Kingdom, which has come from far beyond the Great Mountain Range, and for your swift permission for this meeting."
What a polite, nice middle-aged man.
Between General Lake and General Jorgin, why are these dandy old men so competent...?
Well, I hadn't confirmed his competence yet.
The discussion to judge that was about to begin.
"No, we also had our reasons for wanting to speak with those from Hein."
"Ho. I heard from Lord Steve here that you wished to speak with us, but were you already aware of our country? Please forgive the rudeness of this ignorant old man, but I know nothing of the Weed Kingdom."
"No. It is no wonder you do not know. We only learned of the Hein Empire after visiting Aurelia Port."
When I said that, Wave's eyes widened in shock...
"What! You mean to say you came here at the request of the Gusdo Kingdom! And is the Gusdo Kingdom safe!"
Ah, I see.
This fleet really didn't know that the Gusdo Kingdom had been destroyed.
...Now, how should I explain this?
Should I stick to the plan, or tell them something else?
The initial meeting was normal.
Well then, will the discussion proceed smoothly like this?