The morning session concluded with the participants' enthusiasm still running high.
"Let us take a break for lunch," Jin announced in his role as host.
"The food here is truly exceptional. I have been looking forward to this," one attendee remarked.
"Indeed, quite so," another added.
The delegates moved toward the grand dining hall, chatting animatedly amongst themselves.
"We have three varieties of lunch available today. Please let us know your preference," Loll, the general manager, announced. Once seated, the attendees perused the menus and gave their orders to the nearby maid golems.
"Yes, certainly," each maid golem replied before heading toward the rear of the hall. In reality, the orders had already been transmitted via their internal manacam.
By the time the golems reached the kitchen, the meals were already prepared and waiting, allowing them to return almost immediately.
"My, that was quick."
Jin reflected that he could have used the transporters to deliver the food directly onto the tables if he wished, but he exercised self-restraint to maintain a sense of normalcy.
"Mmm, this is delicious."
The reputation of the food was excellent, as it had been prepared using ingredients from each delegate's home country and cooked according to their native styles. Furthermore, some adventurous guests opted for foreign dishes.
"Ho ho, so this is 'rice'? This is a flavor we do not have back home," Chancellor Godfar of the Kingdom of Elias remarked.
"Yes, it has a lovely taste, doesn't it?" Marchioness Firenziano added as they savored the meal.
Overall, the reception was overwhelmingly positive. Jin breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
(I'm glad we didn't get that classic scene where someone stands up and yells, "How am I supposed to eat this garbage!" or anything like that.)
He had entertained the worry, but given that everyone was well aware of Jin's capabilities and that Maquina was present, it was unlikely anyone would dare behave so rudely.
The servants ate their own meals in a separate dining hall after their masters had finished.
"...This is wonderful, isn't it?"
"If I don't work even harder when we get back, I'm afraid the master will start finding fault with my cooking more often."
"...I wonder if they'll share their secrets if we ask."
Such was the conversation over their meal. After they finished, Perido Leader arrived to provide exactly the guidance they were hoping for.
"The secret to this menu lies in the water. Most of the water in your home countries is 'hard water,' which is ill-suited for these dishes. Therefore, you should isolate the mineral content using 'Separation' or 'Extraction.' For a simpler alternative, 'Cleanup' is also effective."
While 'Separation' and 'Extraction' require specific knowledge of the target substance to be effective, 'Cleanup' carries no such restriction.
"Applying 'Cleanup' for approximately two seconds for every ten portions will generally yield the desired effect."
"Th-thank you so much!"
Armed with these practical guidelines, the servants expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
At 1:30 PM, the participants reconvened in the grand conference room.
"The first World Conference will conclude today at 4:00 PM. I shall continue to moderate with diligence to ensure these final two and a half hours are meaningful," Deus Ex Machina announced, and the meeting resumed.
"Regarding the 'World Security Guard,' we are unlikely to reach a firm conclusion after only a day or two of discussion. I propose we make it the primary agenda item for our next meeting," suggested King Rotaro of the Kingdom of Franz, advising against a rushed decision.
"No objection."
"Agreed."
"I have no objections."
The others voiced their assent. It seemed everyone felt that because the issue was so vital, it could not be resolved overnight.
"However, perhaps we could begin international exchange in some other form in the meantime?" Prince Arthur suggested.
"That might be wise."
"Yes, I believe that sounds interesting."
This point also met with general agreement.
"Then, shall we set the afternoon agenda to 'International Exchange'?" Maquina asked the assembly. No one dissented. Every person present understood the benefits of this World Conference and could easily imagine that similar gatherings would prove equally fruitful.
"As a point of reference, about six months ago, our country, the Shouro Empire, and the Kingdom of Egerea jointly traversed a portion of the former Leonard Kingdom. I believe the personnel dispatched from each nation enjoyed a highly meaningful exchange at that time," offered Minister of Magic Kelichdore of the Kingdom of Egerea.
He recounted how, when unseasonable rains had caused mold to grow on harvested wheat—threatening a major famine—the Shouro Empire had dispatched ten tons of desiccant to the Klein Kingdom using five Golias units.
Lieutenant Colonel Fritz had led those Golias units, subsequently accompanying the Klein Kingdom's march and playing a vital role in transporting supplies and road construction.
During that period, an ancient relic discovered at the Botzfa Ruins—or more accurately, a sealed 'monster'—had been resurrected. In the ensuing chaos, Gloria had suffered severe injuries to her face and shoulder. Maquina had ultimately intervened to resolve the crisis.
When the subject of ruins was raised, King Cesar of the Celuroa Kingdom frowned slightly, recalling the disturbance at the Soldrake Ruins. He was well aware that the king at the time—his father, Richard—had acted with reckless arrogance. Although, in that instance, the damage sustained by the Celuroa Kingdom had been the more severe.
While Cesar was lost in thought, Prince Arthur offered a new suggestion.
"Following the example of this summit, how about gathering two representatives from each nation?"
This proposal met with mixed opinions.
"Hmm, as an initial trial, starting with that number seems appropriate."
"Personally, I think a few more might be better..."
"No, the more people there are, the more likely disagreements will arise, making it harder to maintain harmony. Wouldn't two be just right?"
"I agree. It also minimizes the burden on the host country."
"Hmm..."
After various opinions were exchanged, the assembly finally decided to attempt the next exchange with two representatives per country.
"Next, what shall be the theme of the exchange?"
"Let's see... It should probably be a cultural exchange, shouldn't it?"
"That is a peaceful pursuit; I believe it would be excellent."
Jin reflected that it was precisely because this group was composed of the leaders attending the World Conference that such constructive sentiments were being expressed. He welcomed this direction, as aggressive posturing would only lead to trouble.
"Though we say 'culture,' it encompasses many things, does it not?"
"Indeed. Clothing, daily life, architecture, and cuisine as well."
"There is more. Magic tools... and although I would rather not dwell on them, weaponry too."
"We must not forget means of transportation. There is the... 'monorail' that was announced today, along with new carriage designs, hot air balloons, and ships."
"Oh, certainly."
As the summit entered its final phase on the last day, the attendees had become more relaxed, and ideas began to flow back and forth with great energy.
"Since it is our first attempt, a short duration would be best."
"Agreed. Perhaps a week to ten days."
"We must also decide on a venue."
"Shall we settle that first?"
"Yes, that seems best."
As they reached a consensus, they moved on to determining the location. The World Conference was entering its final stage, and the excitement only continued to grow.