Ultimately, it was decided that the cultural exchange would be hosted by each country on a rotating basis.
They would start with one meeting a year, with the possibility of increasing the frequency if the sessions proved meaningful.
The specifics were left open; the participants would simply spend five days together touring the host country and exchanging ideas.
That left the question of the first host location.
"How about we draw lots to determine the starting host?"
"That sounds like a fine idea."
As the participants all voiced their agreement, the moderator, Deus Ex Machina, turned to Jin.
"Well then, Jin-dono, we shall have you prepare the lots."
"Understood."
Jin gave a moment's thought to the method, deciding on something simple that would provide immediate, transparent results for everyone.
First, he prepared some wood-paper and cut it into pieces of uniform size.
There were six pieces in all. He wrote the name of a participating nation on each one and folded them into quarters.
He performed every step of this in full view of the assembly.
Then, he placed them in a box, closed the lid, and gave it a thorough shake.
"Now, I shall draw them myself. As a precaution, I’ll do so while blindfolded."
Jin had Maquina apply the blindfold.
"I will draw all six, one by one. The order in which they appear will be the order of the rotation."
"Mhm, that is acceptable."
"No objections."
"We're counting on you."
Having prepared the lots, Jin began the draw. Maquina read the results aloud.
"The first is the Klein Kingdom."
"Oh!"
"The second is... the Shouro Empire."
The lots continued to be drawn in succession.
The third was the Kingdom of Franz, the fourth was the Kingdom of Elias, and the fifth was the Kingdom of Egerea. The last was the Celuroa Kingdom.
"Then, respecting the results of the draw, the first Cultural Exchange Meeting shall be held in the Klein Kingdom."
"It is an honor to host the inaugural meeting. We shall do our utmost to make it a success," Second Prince Arthur offered a brief greeting as the representative of the Klein Kingdom. "We will contact everyone as soon as the dates and location are finalized."
Jin privately thought that for the current Klein Kingdom, a large-scale gathering might be a burden on their budget, so limiting it to two representatives per nation had likely been the right call.
"The time is just before 4:00 PM, so let us conclude the conference here. Everyone, thank you for your hard work."
"Indeed, well done."
"These have been two very productive days."
"The time certainly flew by."
Jin then raised his voice to address the room.
"Tomorrow at approximately 9:00 AM, we will return you to your respective countries by airship. Does that suit your schedules?"
"Yes, that is perfectly fine. We appreciate the arrangement," King Cesar of the Celuroa Kingdom was the first to reply.
"Yes, Lord of Kunlun. Please do," Marchioness Firenziano of the Elias Kingdom followed.
"Mhm, I ask it of you as well."
King Rotaro of the Kingdom of Franz and Chancellor Boyd Noyce Galueri of the Kingdom of Egerea gave their assent as well.
"And the representatives of the Shouro Empire and the Klein Kingdom? What are your plans?"
When Jin asked the delegates of the two nations who hadn't yet replied, they gave their answer.
"Since there is a spare day in the schedule, we would like to stay and relax here for a while if possible."
Upon hearing this, the representatives from the other nations suddenly spoke up as well.
"I—In that case, we would also like to take it easy for a bit."
It seemed everyone had taken a genuine liking to Kunlun Island.
"I understand. I shall ask you all for your final decisions tomorrow morning."
After Jin answered, Maquina made a final statement as the moderator.
"This session served more as a preliminary meeting to set the agenda for the future, but from the next time onward, I hope we can engage in deeper discussions. As such, would it be acceptable to hold the next full conference here on Kunlun Island once more? Perhaps in about one year's time?"
"Mhm. Eventually, it would be good to rotate the venue for these as well."
"I would like to meet more frequently, but we must not overreach from the start."
"Our country is in agreement with that schedule."
Assent came from all sides.
With the requirements met, Jin offered the closing remarks.
"I hereby declare the first World Conference concluded. Thank you all for your participation."
When he stood and bowed, the attendees gave him a warm round of applause.
"With that, we are adjourned. There is still some time before dinner, so please spend it as you wish."
As Jin finished speaking, the participants stood up, stretching their arms, rolling their shoulders, and loosening their necks.
Though they looked somewhat weary, their expressions were bright.
Guided by the Golem maids, they began to retire to their respective rooms.
"Jin!"
A voice called out to Jin as he stepped out of the conference room.
"I have been holding back until the meeting was finished!"
It was Princess Lieschen of the Klein Kingdom.
"Good job with the conference," added Prince Ernest of the Kingdom of Egerea.
It seemed both of them had been waiting patiently for the conclusion of the World Conference.
Jin had wondered why they hadn't come to visit the night before, but it appeared they had exercised restraint, viewing the duration of the conference as official business.
"It really has been a long time, hasn't it?"
Though they had seen each other yesterday, this was their first chance to speak leisurely in quite a while.
"Yes, I have been most eager for this."
The conversation flowed as they walked. Accompanying them as guards were Lyla Soluce for Ernest and Gloria Allstatt for Princess Lieschen.
"It's been a while for you too, Lyla. You look well."
"Yes, thanks to you, I have been promoted from the Royal Secret Maids to be Prince Ernest's personal guard and maid."
Lyla gave a bright, confident smile.
"Gloria-san, thank you for your hard work as well."
"Thank you."
Since they had spoken the previous night, it wasn't exactly a long time for her.
Jin and the others headed down to the first floor. Reiko followed silently at the very rear of the group.
"Jin, can you spare us a bit of your time?"
"Yes, of course."
Appreciating the consideration they had shown by waiting, Jin decided to keep the two company.
He handed the documents he was holding to a nearby Golem maid and instructed her to put them away.
Then, the group stepped outside the Jade Pavilion for a moment.
It was just past 4:00 PM, and the summer sun was still high in the sky.
"Well then, shall we head over to the Hall of Five Virtues?"
While he had introduced the Hall of Five Virtues to the heads of state, he hadn't shown it to all the guards and servants yet. Consequently, Prince Ernest and Princess Lieschen had not yet met Refa.
"Oh, I am looking forward to it!"
"Yeah, that sounds great."
Conversation remained lively as they moved along the path toward the second mansion.
"Jin, that manager named Loll... she is the same model as the Tia in my service, is she not?"
"You have a sharp eye."
"Mhm, leave it to me!" Princess Lieschen declared, puffing out her chest with pride.
"There is another automata named Refa at the Hall of Five Virtues."
"Oh, is that so! I wish to meet her at once!"
Lieschen’s walking pace quickened.
"Princess, you'll trip if you rush like that."
Gloria stepped forward quickly to keep pace with her.
"Mhm, I know, but still..."
However, the path soon opened up, and they arrived at the sprawling Garden of Five Virtues.
Jin pointed toward the entrance of the mansion.
"Look, we're already here. The one waiting to welcome us over there is Refa."