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

“My, my. To think you’d come all the way out to such a remote place.”
“It’s been a while, Lady Tiariada. I didn’t expect to find you stationed here.”
The setting was the Levresta Embassy within East Gate City.

The meeting was between Agritend Levania, the delegation’s representative, and the chief ambassador of the Forest Kingdom of Levresta.
“Hmm. I was reassigned a few years ago. I’d grown quite distant from Telek Port City. I even worried it might have fallen.”
“I’m afraid that’s... not entirely a joke. We’ve had our struggles, but we’re managing somehow.”

With such harmless pleasantries, the representative of Telek Port City and the ambassador of Levresta began probing each other’s positions.
However, this wasn’t a negotiation—just a formal diplomatic greeting between nations.
“By the way... is there a particular reason for your visit to our nation?”

After some idle chatter, the Levresta ambassador finally shifted the discussion to business.
This flow had been anticipated. Agritend had already briefed the group about the need for formalities when dealing with Levrestans—a people who valued ceremony.
Though tedious, there was no reason to offend their hosts unnecessarily.

“Yes, precisely. In fact, I wanted to introduce someone of great importance to you, which is why we came in person.”
“...Oh? From Telek Port City?”
“That’s correct. May I invite them in?”

The Forest Kingdom of Levresta was a powerful nation, and its ambassadors held ranks befitting their influence.
They were not only fluent in other languages but also adept at grasping subtle nuances.
Thus, even though Agritend spoke with the southern accent of the Afflasia language, the ambassador understood him perfectly.

“...If you vouch for this person, then by all means, introduce them.”
Realizing that the guest was someone Agritend, a permanent council member of Telek Port City, treated with respect, the Levresta ambassador subtly raised his guard.
“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Dreissig Ringo, representing Paraiso. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.”
Having been granted permission, Dreissig Ringo entered the reception room.

The Levresta ambassador widened his eyes slightly upon seeing her before quickly rising from his seat and walking over to greet her.
This reaction was better than expected.
There had been concerns that the ambassador might remain seated, signaling a dismissive attitude.

“Well... well. I am Tiariada Elemes, chief ambassador of the Forest Kingdom of Levresta. From Telek Port City, all the way here?”
When Dreissig nodded, the ambassador let out a soft sigh of admiration.
“I see. To think someone like you would come all this way... I’d say today is a very fortunate day.”

Extending his hand, Tiariada offered a handshake, a universal symbol of friendship on this continent.
Dreissig grasped his hand firmly.
“I look forward to working with you, Chief Tiariada. Should we assume that future negotiations with Levresta will be conducted through you?”

“Hmm... Yes, that would be fine. As long as it involves the Afflasia United Kingdom, I have full delegated authority.”
Answering confidently, Tiariada guided Dreissig to a sofa and invited her to sit.
“Now then, about you. Is Paraiso the name of your nation? I haven’t heard of it before.”

**“I’ll explain. Whether Paraiso qualifies as a nation depends on the definition.
If we define a nation as being independent and self-sustaining, then Paraiso qualifies.
However, if the definition requires diplomatic recognition from other countries, then no—we are not recognized.

Currently, the Afflasia United Kingdom is the only country we’re actively engaging with, and your kingdom is the second.”
The conversation thus far had followed the script meticulously prepared in advance with Kuuravia Telek.
When negotiating with a nation, demonstrating strength was crucial.

However, this did not mean flaunting military power. Instead, it was about establishing that Paraiso was an independent force with sufficient defensive capabilities—and, most importantly, the ability to trade valuable goods.
By leveraging the reputation of Telek Port City, Paraiso aimed to reinforce its credibility.
“So, does this mean Paraiso wishes to open negotiations with my homeland as a sovereign entity?”

“Affirmative. However, we lack familiarity with your customs. We are willing to take our time and carefully align expectations. I’ve been fully entrusted with the authority to represent Paraiso in these negotiations.”
“Oh? That’s... quite bold.”
Tiariada allowed a faint smile to cross his lips.

Whether his reaction reflected admiration or contempt remained unclear—the available facial data wasn’t enough for an accurate analysis.
“Well, negotiations are what we diplomats are trained for. I have no objections. But should any serious issues arise, will you make the final decision?”
“For the most part, yes. However, I do have communication channels with headquarters. While I don’t use them under normal circumstances, they’re available if needed.”

“I see. That’s reassuring. Well, since we have time, let’s start by getting to know each other. We can save the formal negotiations for tomorrow.”
“Agreed. We also have much to learn about your country—and you.”
Currently, Dreissig Ringo was speaking through a humanoid mechanical communicator operated by the strategic AI embedded in the GMS-E-01 multi-legged ground command unit, stationed outside the city.

The machines accompanying the delegation from The Tree were primarily controlled by this strategic AI.
For situations requiring extended deliberation, Ringo would take direct control.
During combat, however, local AI units made individual decisions, while the strategic AI handled overarching coordination, leaving Ringo in charge of issuing global commands.

“Since we have the opportunity, why not have some refreshments on the terrace? Miss Dreissig, Mister Agritend, and your companions are welcome to join us. I’m afraid I cannot offer alcohol, though.”
This was clearly an invitation to a tea party, a gesture indicating hospitality.
The fact that Tiariada included the Paraiso attendants showed an even greater level of welcome.

“We would be honored to join you.”
“Thank you for your hospitality. We gladly accept.”
Tiariada gestured to a maid stationed at the corner of the room to prepare the refreshments. Meanwhile, Dreissig called for the rest of the delegation.

“Chief Tiariada, as a token of friendship, we’ve prepared a selection of trade samples for your country. May I present the catalogue?”
“Oh? Well, well. I’d be delighted to see it.”
Receiving permission, Dreissig retrieved a scroll from her chest pocket.

Its formal design was deliberate—a symbolic gesture.
Made from cellulose-based synthetic paper, it was water-resistant with a smooth texture and highly compatible with oil-based inks.
While water-based inks weren’t suitable, such inks were rarely used in the Afflasia United Kingdom, making this irrelevant.

“This is...”
As he examined the scroll, Tiariada let out a low murmur.
Whether it was due to the contents or the scroll itself, the impact seemed sufficient to make an impression.

“The actual items are loaded onto the carriages waiting outside. We can deliver them at your convenience.”
“I see. Understood. I’ll arrange for you to bring them in shortly. Will you require porters?”
“Our personnel can handle unloading, as long as it’s just delivering them to a designated location. If relocation is required afterward, additional laborers might be helpful.”

“Fair enough. Before heading to the terrace, I’ll have you escorted directly to the workyard out back.”
At this point, Dreissig and Agritend’s scribe and escort, 20 Twanzig, arrived in the reception room.
Their entrance subtly shifted the atmosphere—the mechanical precision of the escort combined with the formality of the scribe underscored the competence of Paraiso’s delegation.

While the preparations continued, Tiariada gestured toward the catalogue again, visibly intrigued by its craftsmanship and content.
This first meeting had already laid a solid foundation for future talks.