The Self-Defense Force’s welcome.
Such was the scene, with the port under strict guard.
Looking around, several vehicles bearing foreign flags could be seen.
The lead vehicle slowed to a crawl and passed through the port’s gate. A few dozen meters later, precisely after all our cars had entered and gained enough distance to be completely out of sight of the media cameras, we were stopped again. This time, it seemed they intended to inspect our vehicles, not just the lead one.
“Human King, should I step out as well?”
“No, Demon Lord-sama, please remain here.”
“Is that so? I can feel quite a few gazes directed our way, you know.”
Our President, watching the scene with amusement from the window, seemed to relish the attention. I could understand that feeling.
They, on the other side, had obtained information about us, even if indirectly. If the accuracy of the information was any indication, with the United States already involved, other countries were certain of our existence.
The question was, to what extent was our value recognized? It was a matter of balancing risk and reward.
Naturally, they would be interested in us, considering how much profit we might bring.
Many would be trying to gather information, perhaps hoping to catch a glimpse of the Demon Lord’s Army’s top brass through the Self-Defense Force’s inspection.
While they couldn’t fly drones, they must have hidden cameras somewhere.
Just as our President suggested revealing himself to those unseen gazes, I stopped him. And the fact that the Tree King’s gaze was favorable confirmed that this was the right course of action.
“Demon Lord-sama, please try not to trouble Human King too much. If anything were to happen to you, it would be more than a national crisis. Not only the future of our country but the future of the world rests on your shoulders.”
“I know, but please understand my curiosity as well.”
“I am well aware of that.”
A partition separated the driver’s seat from our seating area, with a small window allowing communication with the driver.
Currently, the bodyguard driving our vehicle was handling the inspection by the Self-Defense Force. It involved exchanging documents, checking passphrases, and authenticating with electronic passwords and voice recognition.
I monitored the quadruple authentication process through the earpiece I was wearing.
“It seems there are no issues, and we’ll be moving soon. Once we’re inside, we should be able to rendezvous with Kirie-san.”
“Hmm, everything is proceeding smoothly, is it?”
“Is there a problem?”
“No, it’s just that usually, in situations like this, some trouble or interference is par for the course. It’s a habit of mine to consider even unnecessary worries, Demon Lord. It happens all the time.”
“No, I believe that vigilance is the correct approach.”
Based on their conversational tone, vocal inflection, and aura, I sensed no issues, yet the President expressed surprise at how smoothly things were going. At first, I thought it was because he was measuring things by the standards of everyday life on the Continent, but then, as if a hunch whispered to him, I too became sensitive to any unusual presence. However, I sensed nothing out of the ordinary, and the car began to move.
Everything was proceeding normally, as expected.
Still, it was too early to use words like “anticlimactic” or “unnecessary worry.”
“You’re right. It’s best if we can return safely and laugh about our unfounded worries. That’s what’s ideal for us.”
“Yes.”
Those who let down their guard, thinking they had worried for nothing, and subsequently became careless, would be the first to die. That was the way of the Demon Lord’s Army.
A slight unease, a faint premonition.
Such small things could save a life. Even if things proceed smoothly now, the situation could deteriorate at any moment. The Tree King nodded at the President’s words, spoken with the wisdom gained from his experiences.
“Oh, it seems we’ll be proceeding on foot from here.”
“Yes, I and my subordinates will go first. Demon Lord-sama, please wait until your safety is secured.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Meanwhile, the car had arrived at its designated stopping point. Looking out, I could see not only Self-Defense Force ships but also foreign warships anchored offshore. Therefore, what was about to be revealed would undoubtedly attract significant attention.
“Keiri, Muil.”
“Yes!”
To facilitate this, I had our escorts deploy outside and secure the area. Once safety was confirmed, an escort opened the door briefly, allowing me, Keiri, and Muil-san to exit.
“What’s the situation?”
“Yes, no anomalies detected in the surroundings. Safety is secured. Furthermore, an envoy from the Japanese Government has arrived.”
“Is it someone from the Association?”
“No, it appears to be from the government.”
I scanned the surroundings. The port was heavily guarded by the Self-Defense Force. Were the government dignitaries on one of the docked ships, or had they not yet arrived? The reason for our prior arrival was to make our own preparations. I had expected Kirie-san and her group to be waiting for us, but that was not the case.
“Understood. We also need to deploy the item in question. I will handle the confirmation and the meeting.”
“Then, may we provide security?”
“It’s unnecessary. Even if something happens to me, as long as the Demon Lord-sama is safe, everything else can be managed. Prioritize that. Besides, they wouldn’t be foolish enough to try and eliminate me here.”
It seemed Japanese government personnel had business with us. With a slightly strained tone and unfamiliar demeanor, I asked the bodyguard where they were, and he began to lead the way.
“Are you the envoy from the Japanese Government?”
“Yes, I am Saruwatari from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you wouldn’t mind, may I ask your name?”
“I am Jin’ō, of the Demon Lord’s Army. Formerly Japanese, but I now prioritize my current position.”
“…Understood. I had heard about you, but to face you directly… it’s quite a complex feeling.”
Standing before me was a man in his fifties, with hair parted neatly to the side, wearing a well-fitted suit. The fact that he was accompanied by plainclothes security suggested he held a significant position. He offered his business card, and I reciprocated. Seeing a Japanese face and name, and the name and title on the card, I was momentarily taken aback, but my experience allowed me to hide my emotions.
“I am not in a position to say much from my end.”
“Indeed. To say too much here could escalate into a diplomatic incident. This is a ceremony intended for us to join hands. Let us refrain from probing each other unnecessarily.” He subtly drove home his point. He wasn’t asking me to remain silent about everything, but rather, if he didn’t criticize me, I shouldn’t criticize him either.
“Yes, that’s right. Unless there’s a very specific reason.”
“Indeed. Unless there’s a very specific reason.”
I mostly agreed with his statement, but I let him know that I too had my limits, and he acknowledged that.
“Now, Mr. Saruwatari, may I inquire about the purpose of your visit?”
“Yes, according to the prior contact, we understood that you would be arranging your own vessel. However, we received no contact from any port, nor was any such vessel sighted at sea. Therefore, we have come to inform you that we have prepared a ship for you.”
He immediately got to the point. It seemed the Japanese government, concerned that we lacked a ship for our onward journey, had kindly arranged one.
“I appreciate your consideration, but there is no problem. We have already prepared our own vessel, so please guide us to the quay we had requested.”
“…Understood. We will lead the way.”
Perhaps the reason for our mid-way stop was this notification. Although we had informed the government through Kirie-san about our intentions, judging by Mr. Saruwatari’s demeanor, he seemed to be more doubtful than convinced. His prediction was likely that our shipbuilding technology was at the level of wooden ships, or at best, steamships. That was why a ship had been prepared *in advance*. This was a ceremony involving government officials. It was impossible for them to quickly arrange a ship. They would have had no choice but to prepare a ship after hearing our schedule. Even if they had prepared one, having us use our own ship, which was superior in terms of safety, would make things more flexible. In essence, it would facilitate smooth relations. While it wouldn’t be bad to accept their offer, unfortunately, this was a battlefield for the Demon Lord’s Army. We couldn’t just let our President board a ship that lacked specialized equipment. Saruwatari had his subordinate arrange a car, and we re-boarded ours, heading towards the quay.
“This is what we have prepared…”
The quay they had prepared was for the Demon Lord’s Army’s ship. Or rather, it wasn’t exactly that, but it was a sufficiently spacious area to launch our vessel. Saruwatari hesitated, questioning if this was indeed where we intended to launch it. From inside the car, the President had instructed me to make it spectacular. In that case, rather than launching directly into the sea…
“Yes, we will be launching it shortly, so please step back a bit.”
Wouldn’t it be more eye-catching to launch it *here*? I raised my right hand towards the sky. Saruwatari and the surrounding guards all turned their gazes towards me, wondering what I was doing. The moment I confirmed their attention, I uttered, “Summon.” Drawing power from the magic stone embedded in my bracelet, I deployed a magic circle before me. However, the scale of this magic circle was extraordinary. The magic circle, which instantly expanded, was over three hundred meters in diameter. This meant I was about to summon something of that magnitude. “Magic Battleship Tufaris.” A colossal ship emerged from above the magic circle, appearing as if it had sprouted from it. It was the Magic Battleship Tufaris, a warship I received from Machine King, Amili-san. It was a vessel I owned and could utilize for this ceremony. The decision was made to use it, as it would likely be useful in this world too. Its black, rugged form, emphasizing practicality, materialized above the magic circle and continued to float in the air even after the magic circle vanished.
“…”
The sudden appearance of this object in the sky left the surrounding Self-Defense Force personnel, including Saruwatari, wide-eyed as they gazed upwards.
“What do you think of my army’s ship?”
The voice that spoke was not mine.
“Demon Lord-sama, you shouldn’t have come outside yet.”
“Don’t worry. I received permission from the Tree King as well. If the battleship is providing aerial surveillance, there should be no problem.”
Unbeknownst to me, our President had exited the vehicle, followed closely by the Tree King. A contingent of guards surrounded them.
“…My word, to think that at my age, I would experience such astonishment.”
Saruwatari snapped back to attention at the sight.
“Is that so? That’s good. Please convey that astonishment and your impressions to the Prime Minister.”
Although the appearance of such a formidable vessel might suggest an intention for war, we had notified them in advance about preparing a battleship and launching it at sea, gone through the paperwork, and obtained permission. Therefore, the ship itself wasn’t a surprise. However, the process of summoning it, combined with the fact that it was an airborne battleship, created the element of surprise.
“Ah, or perhaps it would be better to experience a ride on our ship first before conveying your impressions?”
As the Tufaris slowly descended and touched the sea’s surface, the President subtly invited Saruwatari aboard. However…
“I would very much like to, but there are reasons why I cannot. If possible, perhaps you could grant me some time after the ceremony?”
“Hmm, that wouldn’t be bad, but yes. I understand you have security arrangements to consider. I won’t force you. However, I would like to ask you to convey a message.”
“A message?”
He declined, stating it was not possible. It was only natural, of course. To be invited onto a ship he knew nothing about. While he might not suspect any harm; it was an offer that understandably raised concerns. Understanding this, the President decided to ask Saruwatari to convey a message in his stead. Both I and the Tree King had a vague idea of what the subsequent words would be. Muil-san probably did too. However, even if we anticipated it, we couldn’t stop it.
“Ah, if you are willing, how about joining us on our ship for the journey to the ceremony?”
Hearing those expected words, the Tree King and I likely sighed inwardly at the same time.
Today’s word:
I made a spectacular display, but I should consider the aftermath carefully.
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