It was the third and final day of the World Conference.
The various heads of state could not afford to stay away from their home countries indefinitely.
"I would now like to begin the discussion regarding the World Security Guard," the Empress declared in her role as Chairman, and the session commenced.
"To start with, is it settled that Maquina-dono will guide the organization as its advisor?"
The fundamental premise was that they had to build the organization from the ground up.
"I can provide guidance, but I believe it would be best to prioritize the training of high-ranking officers first," Maquina replied. This was a decision reached after consultation with Laojun.
The strategy was to establish a solid leadership layer before expanding the ranks of those engaged in actual field operations.
"For the First Class, I would like to request two participants from each nation. These individuals will eventually serve as the high-ranking officers of the World Security Guard."
"I see..."
The international leaders seemed to find Maquina's proposal reasonable.
"In that case, these members of the First Class will be assigned to the World Security Guard semi-permanently, I assume?"
"That would be the expectation. At the very least, it would be an assignment lasting several years."
"There will likely be confidential matters involved, so we must establish clear confidentiality obligations."
"We have airships for travel between our nations, and once Warp Gates are put into practical use, the issue of returning home for visits will be resolved."
"So, the high-ranking officers of the World Security Guard will be career specialists groomed from within."
A multitude of opinions were voiced, but for the most part, they were constructive.
Ultimately, it was decided that each country would send two participants as Officer Candidates. Their training term would be for one year.
During that time, Deus Ex Machina would provide the instruction.
The draft for specific regulations and protocols would be compiled later and formalized over the course of the coming year. Since this was the world’s first such endeavor, it was impossible to establish granular regulations from the very beginning.
With that, the morning session of the third day of the World Conference concluded.
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"Oh, this is quite delicious."
"The act of slurping is rather difficult, though."
"I was told that making noise is perfectly acceptable, but without being used to it, I can't help but feel a lack of decorum..."
The lunch for the day consisted of noodles.
There was soba, udon, pasta, and ramen.
Thanks to the painstaking efforts of Perido and the others, ramen had finally been perfected.
For the soba and udon, both cold mori and hot kake styles were available, allowing the guests to choose according to their preferences. The dishes were served in half-portions so that everyone could sample and compare the different varieties.
"Mmm, the flavor of this soba is truly indescribable."
"Wasabi, was it? This spiciness that stings the nose... but the refreshing aftertaste that doesn't linger is excellent."
"The hot udon with tempura is also quite good."
"No, no, this 'ramen'—this is my first time eating it, but I feel I might become addicted."
"I’ve taken a particular liking to this 'chashu'!"
"Goodness, if one is stationed with the World Security Guard, will they be able to eat meals like this every day?"
The spread seemed to be a resounding success.
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"Everyone, only half a day remains for the World Conference. Let us use the time left to us meaningfully."
The afternoon session of the third day began with these words from Her Majesty the Empress.
"Regarding the agenda, I have a proposal."
The one speaking was Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom.
"I believe we should discuss what is to be done with the Former Leonard Kingdom going forward."
Many voices rose in agreement.
"I see... Indeed, it is currently in a state of total neglect."
"To leave a land with so many ruins and mines abandoned is a loss for the entire world."
"I have no objection to the discussion."
"Very well. Then let us discuss the future of the Former Leonard Kingdom."
"First, does the royal family or any of their bloodline still exist?"
"Actually, before that—does anyone know exactly why the nation perished?"
Maquina stepped forward to answer the second question.
"Yes. Since this is a fitting occasion, allow me to explain."
"Maquina-dono, please proceed."
"Thank you....Let's see, it was last year, I believe, when Fritz-dono and Gloria-dono explored the Former Leonard Kingdom?"
That had been in January 3458.
By disposing of a mysterious liquid found in a 'container' within the ruins, a powerful magical beast dubbed 'Copy' had been born. Maquina and Rei were the ones who had repelled it.
"Afterward, I conducted a bit of my own investigation. At that time, I discovered ruins in the former royal capital. According to the records found there, that nation perished roughly 230 years ago due to magical consumption fever."
In reality, the investigation had taken place nearly half a year before Fritz and Gloria’s visit.
"What! An infectious disease? And magical consumption fever at that..."
The King of the Kingdom of Franz, Rotaro de Lafayette, let out a heavy sigh.
"...Consequently, it is believed there are no survivors."
Milowina had clearly stated that she had no intention of restoring the nation. Even if there was a possibility that the residents of Kaina Village possessed the blood of the Former Leonard Kingdom, there was no concrete proof.
"While I was looking for the right opportunity to announce this, it became difficult to bring up. I apologize for the delay."
Maquina bowed his head, then added:
"As for the location of those ruins, I can share that information if requested."
The entity resting beneath those ruins was a mere Messenger. It was a magi-brain created solely to pass on the history of what had transpired to future generations; it possessed no technical knowledge.
"...Hmm, so that is the truth of the matter."
The attendees fell into a pensive silence.
"If that is the case, it is land that belongs to no one," King Alois III of the Klein Kingdom murmured.
"Yes. However, it is precisely that kind of land that is difficult to handle. We must be extremely cautious, as it could easily become a source of international conflict," said King Cesar of the Celuroa Kingdom.
"Indeed. Territorial issues are ever-present. The more one cares for their own nation, the more prominent these issues become," King Alois III agreed.
"If it is treated as open land, then the countries closest to it will naturally have the advantage."
This point was raised by Maayas Kurudam, the minister of general affairs of the Shouro Empire, which was the nation furthest from the Former Leonard Kingdom.
"Partitioned rule is a possibility, but again, distant nations would be at a disadvantage."
"Why not simply establish a new nation, distinct from the Leonard Kingdom...?"
"Even in that case, the question of who would govern it remains."
"Residents would likely be recruited from various countries, but if the numbers differ by nation, that would likely create its own set of problems."
The attendees all felt the immense difficulty of the issue.
Jin, who was mostly just listening, reaffirmed to himself that this was not a problem that could be settled in a single day.