Just as the debate grew heated, Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman spoke up.
"I would like to place the question of how to handle the Four Principalities on the agenda for the next World Conference. Therefore, we don't necessarily have to reach a final conclusion here today. However, I do want to establish our basic policy."
Following this statement, the focus of the discussion shifted to methods of gathering intelligence.
After all, nothing could begin without the foundational information necessary to make sound judgments.
"The next World Conference is in mid-June, correct? I believe I will be able to provide slightly more detailed information by then," Elena said.
"That would be appreciated....Yes, as for the World Security Guard, we intend to examine whether we might pay a friendly visit to the Jagus Principality," Illumina Ratkin said.
"We have made small-scale visits to the other principalities several times before, after all," she explained, noting that those had mostly been to offer technical assistance.
"I believe that approach would work for the Mimaka Principality and the Darato Principality, but it might prove impossible for the Jagus Principality and the Norha Principality."
She explained that those two nations were quite stubborn, and recently they had only been visited for trade negotiations.
"Nominally, it would be to purchase wheat."
The Four Principalities, starting with the Jagus Principality, were major wheat-producing regions, and the established norm was to buy wheat from them in exchange for selling them magi-devices.
"Come June, it will be harvest season for winter wheat."
Because the Four Principalities were situated near the Equator, a large amount of winter wheat was cultivated there, and the quality was respectable.
They imported magi-devices from the Conference Countries—the nations participating in the World Conference—and wheat and barley served as their payment.
"Indeed, one could say that would be our chance," Tomax Bartman said.
"At that time, I would like our people to investigate technical intelligence and domestic conditions as thoroughly as possible."
At this point, Deus Ex Machina raised a hand.
"Um, do you think it might be possible for me to try visiting this Jagus Principality?"
"What did you say?!"
A stir ran through the conference room.
"It is true that Maquina-dono does not represent any particular nation, but still..."
Tomax Bartman's brow furrowed.
"Indeed, heading directly into the Jagus Principality out of the blue would carry great risks. I think it would be better for you to first visit the Mimaka Principality, which is the most amicable toward us."
"However... um, Rekode was it, where the garrison is stationed? From there, the Jagus Principality is simply too far away, and I do not believe we could obtain sufficient intelligence," Maquina countered.
"Even so, going directly to the Jagus Principality is quite dangerous."
Tomax Bartman showed clear reluctance.
Elena chimed in with a warning as well.
"That is true, Lord Maquina. According to the intelligence we obtained, a merchant from the Celuroa Kingdom was arrested on suspicion of espionage. No word has arrived indicating they were ever released afterward."
"Hmm, that is indeed perilous."
Tomax Bartman's expression remained grim.
"Then what about visiting the Norha Principality?"
This time, Jin spoke up.
"The Norha Principality is hostile toward the Jagus Principality, right? As the saying goes, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' In this case, if you offer a bit of technical assistance, wouldn't they treat you reasonably well?"
"Hmm, what Jin-dono says does have some merit..."
"Indeed, the Norha Principality may well be suitable for gathering intelligence."
Due to its hostile relations with the Jagus Principality, the Norha Principality was bound to be gathering intelligence as well; discovering what they knew would be a considerable advantage.
"Even so, it won't be without risk."
Tomax Bartman still wore a conflicted frown.
"I am well aware of that."
However, Maquina refused to back down.
"To begin with, ordinary means would never be enough to restrain me."
"That is certainly true."
"Even so, what pretext do you plan to use to enter the Norha Principality, Lord Maquina?" Elena asked, clearly still worried.
"For example, how about offering to sell them golems?"
They were bound to desperately want combat golems, Maquina reasoned.
"That may be so, but do you truly intend to sell such weaponry to the Norha Principality?"
Elena was concerned that doing so might disrupt the balance of power.
"That's the crux of the problem, isn't it?" Maquina admitted thoughtfully. "I did consider designing them so that we could seize control in an emergency, though."
Maquina added that there was hesitation about that approach, as it would amount to outright fraud.
"Hmm, the Norha Principality feels like a military regime as well, you know," Jin muttered, having once fled the region alongside Lordtoss.
Overhearing this, Non asked, "Does Jin-dono know something about them as well?"
"A little. A while back, when I went to the Great Flot Plain on a brief investigation with Lordtoss-dono of the Puppets, I caught sight of their soldiers."
In truth, they had attacked in an attempt to prevent Jin and Lordtoss from escaping, but Jin refrained from mentioning that detail.
"I see..."
"I hear they frequently engage in small skirmishes on the Great Flot Plain, after all."
He simply reported having seen them leading combat golems.
"Is that how it is? As expected, it carries aspects of a proxy war waged with golems."
Because their population was naturally small, they avoided human-on-human combat as much as possible, Non explained.
"If that is the nature of their nation, they will likely resort to any means necessary to win. Marching in directly is far too dangerous."
Non also appeared to oppose the idea of Maquina visiting.
"In this situation, I believe it would be best to visit as an official delegation after all," Fione Fias spoke up.
"A visit where we prominently emphasize that we have the World Conference backing us. That way, if anything happens to the envoys, we can exercise force."
"Indeed, Fione's proposal might be the safer course," Tomax Bartman acknowledged.
"...In that case, shall we make this one of the agenda items for the next World Conference and proceed with considering the dispatch of a delegation?"
Tomax Bartman moved to bring the discussion to a close.
"No objections."
"No objections."
With unanimous agreement, the matter was settled, and the day's meeting came to an end.
"Tomax-san, thank you for your hard work."
After the meeting adjourned, Jin privately offered his appreciation to Tomax Bartman.
Incidentally, it was Tomax Bartman who had approached Jin first.
"Not at all, this is merely my duty," Tomax replied, to which Jin gently cautioned him:
"Please don't overwork yourself, though."
"Yes, having Manon around has been a great help. On the Pandor Continent, Simone is serving as the acting bailiff as well, so my burden has been considerably lightened."
"Well, if that's the case, then that's good..."
"Ah, that's right. The 'three-dimensional magic circle' and 'magic circle projection technology'—you truly never cease to amaze, Jin-dono. I will issue the authorization tomorrow, so I look forward to your guidance."
"Understood."
And so, at 9:00 PM, Tomax Bartman's day finally drew to a close.