On June 7 at 9:00 AM, precisely as scheduled, the diplomat Pringles Kubo arrived at the Guest House to escort Gajue Tsuga's party.
"Thank you for waiting."
"We appreciate you coming to receive us."
After exchanging conventional pleasantries, they set off for the Royal Palace in the same golem carriage they had ridden the previous day.
"Were you able to rest well last night?"
"Yes, thanks to your hospitality."
"That is most gratifying."
"...By the way, Master Kubo, do you happen to hail from Mitsuho or Fusou Island?"
Bringing up this topic had previously earned them some warmth and goodwill, but...
"...No. I have heard that my family originally comes from a remote region called 'New El.'"
After offering that brief reply, Pringles Kubo lapsed into complete silence.
"..."
While Gajue Tsuga and his companions realized they had touched upon a sensitive subject, they also could not help feeling critical of a diplomat who would allow his personal emotions to overcome him and openly ignore distinguished guests.
Without exchanging another word, the golem carriage carrying the party arrived at the Royal Palace.
It came to a momentary halt at the gate, where the driver simply presented what looked like a permit to the guards, after which they proceeded virtually nonstop.
As expected, the grounds within the Royal Palace were paved with clean cobblestones.
"It is quite solidly built."
The Ducal Palace of the Jagus Principality was a stone fortress that radiated an aura of stark, practical fortitude.
Its architectural style felt like a hybrid of the Celuroa Kingdom and the Shouro Empire.
Overall, spires stood atop various corners of the blocky, angular edifice.
If Jin were to see it, he might have remarked, "It looks like they sprouted spires right out of a modern building."
The golem carriage rolled toward the plaza located at the front of the Ducal Palace.
Around two hundred soldiers were lined up in strict formation across the square.
Disembarking just short of the ranks, Gajue Tsuga's party proceeded down a yellow carpet pathway in a single file: chief envoy Gajue Tsuga, deputy envoy Fione Fias, and attendant Manon, in that order.
Leading the way was the diplomat Pringles Kubo.
Lined up to their left and right were one hundred soldiers each, holding their swords aloft in salute.
At the far end of the yellow carpet waited a single middle-aged man.
"Welcome, members of the goodwill mission. I am Bayax Gear, Chancellor of this nation."
Bayax Gear was a slender man with white hair and piercing blue eyes.
"I am Gajue Tsuga, chief envoy of the Avalon goodwill mission."
The Chancellor and Tsuga exchanged a firm handshake.
Afterward, Fione Fias and Manon introduced themselves as well.
"I am Fione Fias, deputy envoy."
"I am the attendant, Manon."
The Chancellor did not extend his hand to either of them.
"Now then, please follow me. His Majesty awaits."
With that brief statement, the Chancellor turned on his heel and led the way forward.
This time, they proceeded down a grand corridor lined with a red carpet.
Gajue Tsuga deduced they were heading toward an audience hall.
Just as he predicted, their destination proved to be the Great Hall.
Beyond the end of the red carpet, the floor was elevated by about ten steps, atop which sat a magnificent throne occupied by the Duke of the Jagus Principality, Niestol Kirilo Jagus.
To his right sat a woman who appeared to be the duchess consort.
(Whoa...)
Both the Duke and the duchess consort were on the heavy side... or rather, downright obese.
Compared to the previous three principalities where many people were excessively thin, Gajue Tsuga thought the royalty here clearly indulged in endless excess.
The party advanced to the edge of the red carpet, knelt on one knee, and bowed their heads.
Then, maintaining that respectful posture, they delivered their formal greetings.
"My name is Gajue Tsuga, chief envoy of the Avalon goodwill mission. It is the utmost honor to be granted an audience with Your Grace today."
Concealing his inner thoughts, Gajue Tsuga delivered his greeting according to plan.
"Umu, well come. I am Niestro Kirilo Jagus, Duke of the Jagus Principality....I grant you direct audience. Raise your heads."
"We are deeply honored."
Gajue Tsuga lifted his head.
For the first time, he saw the Duke up close.
His sandy hair and cold grey eyes gave off an air of ruthless detachment.
Even while seated, it was obvious he was exceptionally tall.
However, he was even wider, to the point that more than half his bulk would have spilled over the sides were it not for a specially built, oversized throne.
The same applied to the duchess consort. With her blonde hair and blue eyes, she clearly possessed fine features, but the sagging flesh of her jowls utterly ruined them.
Tsuga gave a wry smile internally, thinking that both of them had likely been quite handsome and beautiful in their youth.
"I shall grant direct audience to the deputy envoy and the attendant as well, as I find myself in high spirits today."
"We are deeply honored."
Fione Fias and Manon bowed their heads in deep deference.
"Now then, what is your purpose here? I have heard you are a goodwill mission, but let me hear it once more from your own mouths."
"Yes, allow me to explain."
Gajue Tsuga took the initiative to speak.
"'Avalon' refers to a sovereign location, while our overarching organization is known as the 'World Conference.' The various nations of the east send their representatives, and through mutual council, we pursue the shared prosperity and interests of all member states."
Gajue Tsuga paused, waiting for the Duke's reaction.
"Hmph, continue."
"Understood....The nations participating in the World Conference are referred to as 'Conference Countries,' and they actively engage in mutual exchanges of technology, personnel, and resources."
"Oho... Continue."
"Yes....The heart of this World Conference is Avalon, the body to which I belong. As I mentioned, while it is the name of a place, it may effectively be regarded as an entity akin to an independent state."
"I see....I should like to hear more details. However, this great hall is ill-suited for intimate discussions. We shall relocate....Chancellor, are the preparations complete?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The conference room is prepared."
"Very well."
And with that, Gajue Tsuga's party moved from the Great Hall to the conference room.
Those gathered in the conference room consisted of Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus, Chancellor Bayax Gear, one man who appeared to be a minister, and two men who seemed to be royal ritters. Joining them were Gajue Tsuga, Fione Fias, and Manon.
Everyone took their seats around a massive table fashioned from polished, lustrous black stone.
The seat of highest honor at the head was naturally occupied by Duke Niestro Kirilo Jagus, while the lowest seat was taken by Manon.
The two knights remained standing directly behind the Duke, one on his left and one on his right.
"Allow me to introduce him. This is the minister of foreign affairs..."
The Chancellor introduced the remaining gentleman.
"I am Ben Lutraga. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is entirely ours."
The two royal ritters were not introduced.
And thus, the formal conference was finally set to begin.