On June 28 at 9:00 AM, the Principality's representatives and the goodwill mission met once again.
The venue was a conference room in the Royal Palace.
Their first order of business was to organize the day's schedule.
"Well then, let us list what we need to accomplish and what everyone wishes to do today," Illumina Ratkin, the deputy envoy, said as she facilitated the meeting.
"We would like to hear an interim report on the results of the land analysis," said Kaimu Law Hasta, the minister of general affairs.
"We would appreciate guidance on a variety of matters concerning golem technology," added Jarbee Keef, the minister of technology.
"If possible, we would like to witness the true extent of Jin-sama's golems' capabilities..." requested Zonata Nictes Vecchio, the minister of military affairs.
"I would love to hear about daily life in the Conference Countries," said Her Highness the Queen.
"And I would like to learn about the various magi-devices used throughout the Conference Countries..." asked Miko Bee Saffron, the Ministry of Magic.
With such a wide array of requests brought forward, they decided to prioritize the topics and address them in turn.
The highest priority was given to "food."
Accordingly, they began with the "Interim Report on the Soil Survey Results."
Illumina Ratkin took the floor to deliver the presentation.
"We have been analyzing the soil samples that Gajue Tsuga and his team brought back from our previous visit."
She had prepared twenty copies of the interim report, which was just enough to go around to all the attendees.
This was because, in addition to the cabinet ministers, a significant number of officials involved in agricultural administration were also present.
"To begin with, soil is inherently a mixture. Its components can be broadly categorized into inorganic and organic matter."
She started with the fundamentals.
"Regarding the organic matter, we observed no significant differences, particularly when comparing it against samples from other regions."
Therefore, she explained, they believed the key to solving the mystery lay within the inorganic material.
"Inorganic matter—that is to say, minerals. Finer particles become clay, while coarser ones form sand."
Up to this point, everyone in the room followed along without issue.
"Now, crop growth depends not only on the chemical makeup of the soil, but also on its physical structure."
At this point, those who had never engaged in hands-on farming looked somewhat bewildered. However, that reaction had been anticipated.
"This is because soil serves vital purposes beyond merely supplying nutrients. First and foremost, it physically supports the plant."
Understanding this immediately, everyone nodded in silent agreement.
"Next, it stores water... moisture."
They seemed readily convinced by this as well.
"And finally, it supplies air... oxygen. Plant roots breathe as well, after all."
That explanation clearly resonated with the entire room.
"This is referred to as an aggregate structure. In soil that has compacted tightly without any gaps, crops grow poorly; what is desirable is soil where coarse particles are intermingled, leaving moderate pockets of space. This is precisely why fields must be tilled."
Because she laid out the explanation clearly and methodically, the attendees had no trouble grasping the concept.
"This region's soil naturally tends to form such an aggregate structure. It is easy to deduce that its excellent moisture retention and aeration exert a positive influence on crop development."
Furthermore, Illumina Ratkin explained that it appeared to contain properties that deterred pests and diseases.
"Being resistant to pests and diseases ensures that crops develop healthily, which in turn guarantees a reliable harvest."
At this point, Illumina Ratkin offered her tentative conclusion.
"Our investigation has confirmed these beneficial properties. This is something entirely absent from samples taken in other regions."
However...
"For the time being, that is the extent of what is clearly understood. We have yet to determine which specific components produce these effects. That will depend on further analysis."
With that, Illumina Ratkin concluded her presentation.
"Thank you very much."
The attendees from the Norha Principality broke into spontaneous applause.
(Yeah, that's a solid analysis,) Jin thought, genuinely impressed. It aligned almost perfectly with the findings Hanna, Saki, and the others had reached on Hourai Island.
The only difference was that Avalon had not yet identified the "component" as microscopic particles of magi-stone.
(If they keep digging into the analysis like this, they'll probably figure it out before long.)
Jin silently hoped that would be the case.
Next came "housing"—specifically, an informational session on "Life in the Conference Countries."
This was the topic Her Highness the Queen had strongly requested.
Most of the agricultural bureaucrats excused themselves from this part of the meeting.
In their stead, staff members responsible for domestic affairs within the Royal Palace, such as the Head Butler and the Chief Maid, joined the audience.
Manon took over as the speaker.
"If I may, my name is Manon, and I will be explaining life in the Conference Countries. I am an automata created by the Magi Craft Meister, Jin-sama."
A low murmur rippled through the listeners who had not realized Manon was an automata.
"To begin with..."
Describing daily life was inherently tricky because the subject was so broad and abstract.
Manon decided to use daily life in Avalon as a concrete example.
From there, she illustrated their way of living by walking them through the routine of a typical day.
"Upon waking in the morning, one washes up—rinsing their mouth and washing their face at a dedicated washbasin installed in their residence. Next comes breakfast..."
She explained how some citizens purchased their morning meals with food vouchers, while others cooked for themselves in their personal kitchens.
The audience listened with rapt attention.
"Once breakfast is finished, students head off to educational institutions such as schools, while workers depart for their jobs or retire to their home workshops..."
At that point, someone spoke up with a question.
"Pardon me, but what sort of social status does a 'student' hold?"
"A student is simply a general term for anyone pursuing an education. Regardless of background or social standing, anyone with the desire to learn may become a student."
"Even commoners?"
"Yes. Every person possesses talents that have nothing to do with birth or lineage. The purpose is to foster those abilities so they may benefit not only the individuals themselves, but society as a whole."
"...I see... That makes sense. Thank you."
"I shall continue, then....Lunch is taken at cafeterias, prepared at home, and so on..."
Through Manon's explanations, the audience gradually came to grasp just how prosperous, comfortable, and well-provided-for the people living in the Conference Countries truly were.
"Thank you very much. I feel as though I have caught a glimpse of what life is like in the outside world," the Queen said, expressing her gratitude on behalf of everyone present.
At that moment, Chief Envoy Marquis Theobald Theoderic von Grain spoke up:
"Following these discussions, it would also be entirely possible to invite interested parties to visit Avalon."
"Though, of course, we would need to coordinate the schedule at a later date," he added.
Hearing this, Duke Keith Tennick de Norha of the Norha Principality showed immense enthusiasm.
"We would be most grateful for such an opportunity. I would dearly love for my son Zifola and the minister of general affairs to see the outside world with their own eyes."
"Most likely, that will take place after the three Principalities have formally signed the treaty, and there will likely be interested visitors from the other Principalities as well."
"Hearing that makes me want to sign the official treaty without a moment's delay," Duke Keith Tennick de Norha replied with a hearty laugh.