January 20, 3459.
This date became a momentous occasion for the nations of the Lauren Continent.
It marked the day the second World Conference was held—an event that served as its official inception.
The Klein Kingdom, the Kingdom of Franz, the Kingdom of Egerea, the Kingdom of Elias, the Celuroa Kingdom, and the Shouro Empire.
The participating nations decreed that this day would be passed down to posterity as Peace Memorial Day.
The conference took place on a massive artificial floating island situated in the sea south of the Kingdom of Egerea and west of the Kingdom of Elias.
This floating island, named Avalon, had been developed by Jin’s hand. On this day, it officially began its operation as the headquarters for the World Conference.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Everyone, thank you for gathering here today."
Speaking as the organizer, Deus Ex Machina offered a polite greeting. At his side stood his partner, Rei.
"Since the second World Conference is being held here at Avalon today, I shall serve as the temporary chairman."
Maquina would act as the interim chairman until a formal one was decided upon.
"As for the candidates for chairperson, I would like each nation's representative to select one individual."
Jin was attending the proceedings as a vice-advisor.
Watching the scene unfold, he was overcome with emotion, realizing they had finally reached this point.
(Now I can finally move forward with the Predecessor's dream of creating a sacred ground for magi-craft.)
"...Then, by unanimous vote, the inaugural chairperson shall be Her Majesty the Empress of the Shouro Empire, Gerhardt Hilde von Rubis Shouro."
A round of applause filled the room.
While Jin had been lost in his thoughts, the selection process had concluded.
The first chairperson was the Empress of the Shouro Empire.
"I shall now entrust the chair to Gerhardt-dono."
Maquina bowed, stood from his seat, and personally placed a desk placard labeled "Chairperson" in front of the Empress.
The seats were arranged in a perfect circle, ensuring there was no distinction between a head or foot of the table.
"I am Gerhardt Hilde von Rubis Shouro, nominated by your collective will. Though I am of humble ability, I shall serve to the best of my strength."
She bowed and continued her address.
"Next, I would like to move on to appointing the Vice-Chairman and the secretary."
Thus, the World Conference began by establishing its organizational roles.
The King of Klein, Alois III, was appointed Vice-Chairman. Maquina’s servant, Rei, was designated to serve as the secretary.
With that, the conference began in earnest.
"We shall now proceed to codify the principles of this World Conference."
This was the most urgent task: to clearly define the purpose and nature of the World Conference.
"I ask that everyone share their thoughts one by one, moving clockwise."
As a side note, "clockwise" on Ars is the same as on modern-day Earth. This convention stems from the direction a shadow moves on a sundial.
"The World Conference shall be conducted with the participation of all friendly nations."
"Its purpose shall be to maintain global peace and security."
"All member nations shall be equal."
"Each member nation shall elect and send at least one representative to participate."
"Each nation shall hold exactly one vote. No more, no less."
"Each nation shall pay a contribution fee to maintain the operations of the World Conference."
"Should conflicts arise within or between nations, the World Conference shall prioritize negotiation, investigation, mediation, and arbitration. The use of force shall be the absolute last resort."
"The World Security Guard shall be established as a subsidiary organ of the World Conference."
Various opinions such as these were brought forward.
Each was deliberated upon, refined, and formally drafted into articles. The first day concluded once the foundational articles were established.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Thank you for your hard work, Your Majesty."
Guards met the representatives as they exited the conference room, escorting them to their respective lodgings.
In the midst of the departure, Maquina and Rei were the last to leave the room.
The cleanup was handled by golem maids dedicated to the Avalon facility.
These golems were nearly identical in model to the Five-Colored Golem Maids, though their eye color was different—essentially a "sixth color."
Constructed of bronze, their physical strength and power were only moderate by Hourai standards, yet they still performed far above any global equivalent.
Their name was Safi, so called because of their deep blue, sapphire-colored eyes.
There were units numbered from Safi 1 to Safi 100, with Safi 1 serving as the leader. They were officially considered donations from Jin and Maquina.
Of course, they weren't the only ones contributing.
The Shouro Empire provided the conference tables and chairs, a ten-year supply of wood-paper for records, and various construction materials for the facility.
The Celuroa Kingdom donated twenty golems to serve as Avalon’s security detail.
The Kingdom of Egerea provided fifty sets of furniture and bedding for the lodging wing.
The Kingdom of Franz sent preserved food and drinking water sufficient to sustain a hundred people for a month.
The Kingdom of Elias provided wheat, seafood, and Devil Bulbs to serve as food for the duration of the current conference.
The Klein Kingdom contributed raw materials, including ore, magi-crystals, and magi-stones.
Each nation had donated items centered on their respective local specialties.
Furthermore, the staff who would work in the kitchens and other facilities were to be selected in due course. These donations—or rather, the distribution of the burden of supplies—would be formally settled in future meetings.
The World Conference was to be sustained by the collective goodwill of every nation.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Man, looking out like this, you can really tell we're in the middle of the ocean."
It was five o'clock in the afternoon. Although it was winter, the sun had not yet set on Avalon, as the island was located south of the Tropic of Cancer.
Leaning against a railing on the western edge of Avalon, Elsa’s older brother, Fritz, was watching the sunset.
"Oh, Fritz-dono."
"Hmm?"
Turning toward the voice, he saw light brown hair swaying in the sea breeze.
"Gloria-dono. It’s been a while. You look well."
"As do you, Fritz-dono."
Gloria walked over to stand beside Fritz and leaned against the railing.
"The sea is truly vast. My country has no coastline, so whenever I have a chance like this, I find myself coming out to look at it."
"Haha, I suppose that makes sense."
For a while, the two watched the sinking sun in silence.
"...Will you be joining the World Security Guard, Gloria-dono?" Fritz asked suddenly.
"Yes, that is my hope."
"I see. Me too."
"Hehe. I hope we get to serve together."
"Yeah."
The conversation trailed off, and the two remained there together until the stars began to sparkle in the sky.