Lauren Continental Calendar: July 5, 3901.
On this day, the three principalities at the western edge of the continent—Norha, Darato, and Mimaka—concluded a mutual non-aggression pact, securing provisional participation rights in the World Conference based in Avalon.
The term "provisional" was applied because they had yet to establish a track record among the Conference Countries.
Following a provisional term of three to at most ten years, their status was slated to become official based on their contributions.
For the time being, they were in a position of unilaterally receiving aid aside from provisions, so it could not be helped.
Now that the non-aggression pact had been forged among the three principalities, the most pressing matter remained the Jagus Principality.
"With that settled, I would like to proceed with our discussion regarding the Jagus Principality."
"No objections."
"Fundamentally, we would ask that the three principalities handle the Jagus Principality directly."
The chairman, Marquis Theobald Theoderic von Grain of the Shouro Empire, laid out the baseline expectations.
"Mm, that is only natural."
The Duke of Norha Principality, Keith Tennick de Norha, voiced his agreement.
He was acutely aware that relying entirely on outside nations would compromise his country's sovereignty.
"Naturally, the World Conference, the World Security Guard, and Avalon will provide support as well."
"We would be grateful."
Duke Gilberto de Darato of the Darato Principality offered a slight nod.
"Jin-dono, Maquina-dono, we may count on your cooperation as well, yes?"
"Of course."
"Yes, certainly."
"Thank you very much."
Duke Gaspar de Mimaka of the Mimaka Principality bowed his head as well.
"First, let us settle on a support framework," the chairman declared. No one raised an objection.
"From Avalon's side, we are considering dispatching magi-craft engineers and agricultural engineers."
As an aside, the term "Avalon" used here encompassed all organizations situated within Avalon, including the World Conference, the World Security Guard, and the Academy.
A round of applause broke out among the representatives of the principalities.
Next, the Magi Craft Meister, Jin, spoke up:
"For my part, I pledge to carry out engineering work to draw water from deep underground, as well as supply magi-devices to separate fresh water from seawater."
Impressed murmurs rippled through the gathering.
"I shall provide instruction in golem technology," Deus Ex Machina added succinctly.
Once again, murmurs of admiration rose from the assembly.
"Lastly, on behalf of the World Conference, we intend to follow up regarding food supplies."
Theobald Theoderic von Grain clarified that this was aid extended by the Conference Countries rather than Avalon itself.
"Oh, you have our deepest thanks."
"However, on my end... technically speaking, I cannot handle everything for all three principalities at once, so I plan to rotate my support on a biweekly basis."
When Deus Ex Machina explained this, the leaders of each nation agreed that it was entirely reasonable.
Before moving on to coordinate the schedule, it was time for lunch.
"These ingredients were harvested from the farms of Arcadia."
Rice, wheat, barley, buckwheat, round beans, topopo, itopo, korot, marunegi, daikon radishes, taro...
Familiar crops, crops they recognized, and crops they were seeing for the very first time...
All of them had been meticulously prepared and arrayed across the dining table.
This meal featured neither meat nor fish, designed purely for them to appreciate the flavors of the land's produce.
"Mmh, this rice is delightful!"
"The miso soup with daikon and taro is exquisite as well!"
"This simmered itopo is wonderfully sweet and delicious."
"This dish called morisoba is remarkably good."
"What marvelously fluffy bread this is..."
The delegates from the principalities marvelled at the unfamiliar flavors.
"Fundamentally, the quality of these ingredients is no different from what you have," Deus Ex Machina noted. "It simply comes down to a few culinary techniques and seasonings."
"I see...!"
"We would truly appreciate guidance in your culinary culture as well," said Duke Gaspar de Mimaka.
"Of course," Deus Ex Machina assured him. "Jin-dono and I have a great deal of know-how in that area."
"Oh, that is something to look forward to."
"...If that is the case, please be sure to visit our country as well."
"And ours, by all means."
"Gladly."
Amidst such a cordial atmosphere, the luncheon drew to an agreeable close.
The Aristotle cruised eastward at three hundred kilometers per hour.
The purpose of the journey was to spend the night in Mitsuho.
With so many officials in the principalities tracing their roots back to Mitsuho, the proposal had been met with immense enthusiasm.
Roughly 1,200 kilometers and sixty degrees of longitude separated Lake Kotsushi from Mitsuho.
Between the considerable distance and a four-hour time difference, the airship had been flying east ever since the conference opened at ten in the morning.
Though the flight itself took four hours to reach Mitsuho's royal capital of Miyako, the time difference meant local time was already six in the evening.
Such a journey was only feasible thanks to the extended daylight of summer.
The Aristotle touched down at the airfield on the northeastern edge of Miyako.
"We have arrived. This is Mitsuho."
"Oh, so this is it...!"
"Come, please watch your step as you disembark."
Tein Miyabe, himself of Mitsuho descent, guided the delegation outside.
Awaiting them at the airfield was Mitsuho's current Chief, Ataru Mutou, accompanied by his close aides.
"Welcome to Mitsuho, everyone!"
An orchestra stood by as well, performing a grand, solemn piece.
"Words fail to capture the feeling."
"Indeed, truly."
Chancellor Gix Yabo Miyata of Darato Principality, Foreign Minister Treyu Nau Yuuki and Magi-Ritter Corps Commander Daiki Yuuma Tatsuta of Mimaka Principality, and Foreign Minister Bolagia Read Mihara of Norha Principality—all hailing from Mitsuho bloodlines—wore expressions of profound, unmistakable emotion.