"Permission time begins at 11:06:32 shipboard time for 38 seconds."
"Understood. Navigator (Rilbiga), determine a good course." Lafiel ordered.
"Course calculation. ......complete." Ekuryua said.
The Barke Sord (Sord Barkal) has been surrounded by a myriad of drifting space-time bubble (Flasath).
Of course, there are many space-time bubbles coming from the capital (Arosh), and going away.
"The countdown will start 30 seconds before."
Eventually the countdown started. "...... Four, three, two, one, passing through the 'Gate' (Sord).
In other words, the bridge personnel were not required.
"Attention, this is the Captain (Salerl)" Lafiel broadcasted inside the warship. "All general mobilization activities are suspended. Except being on duty, you are permitted to rest."
The ships from the 1st Devastation Squadron (Sov Direr Kasna) were approaching the capital (Arosh) in column formation.
As if hearing the noise of a (racoon dog) rising, Lafiel (moved an) eyebrow. "That is exciting thou?"
"Well, I am certainly, but just a little bit ......" Jinto saw Ekuryua's meaningful face who was still in her seat.
"Is there something?" Lafiel looked at Ekuryua's face.
"Interesting." Ekuryua answered absentminded.
"What is?" Lafiel didn't understand yet.
"'Saguri Bari'"[1]
"Just before, Commander Atosuryua, no matter what, seemed to have had official sponsorship of the (first) meeting of the 1st Devastation Squadron (Sov Direr Kasna) for the new members.
Lafiel knew, it had a reputation for good food.
It is also good that there is the Baron Febdash Mansion in the Imperial Capital (Garish Arok Lyum Febdak).
"In any case, I am not looking forward to it as much as you do."
"Well, for someone who grew up in the Imperial palace (Ruebei), that may be so, huh?" With a convinced look Jinto continued, "Because banquets aren't at all rare."
"That's not how it is." Lafiel said. "Well, there are frequently banquets, but I can't relax at all because the Imperial family (Fasanzoerl) is the side that does the inviting."
"I don't really know. Is it so much pleasing?"
"There is no pleasure." Lafiel answered. "It is natural for us to fly a ship."
"It makes me happy." Ekuryua said. "I don't know if it's natural."
"Is it like you would feel sick if you don't take a bath?" Jinto asked.
"It's completely different. Generally, it's like when we are about to enter the bath."(Lafiel?)
"I know what you mean ......"
"Isn't it because it's natural to take a bath?" Because you bath in order to stay being clean." (Lafiel?)
"Even so." Jinto ponders. "Isn't it rather momentary?
Even when clean I would feel sick enough unless I take a bath once a day. At this point in time, I wonder if I can ever become an Abh."
"What is the problem?" Lafiel looked puzzled.
Therefore, I went unwillingly to the school for imperial citizen.
"You are a superior officer." Ekuyrua pointed out.
"Excuse me, you are a Deca-Commander (Lowas)." Jinto became levitated.
Indeed, people's thoughts are different. Of course, Lafiel also enjoyed bathing, but feeling good and relaxed is a secondary matter (for her).
Bathing was necessary to maintain cleanliness, but it was also a time to take pleasure. For the Abh it was more than just a time of pleasure, it was a ceremony that serves to affirm themselves.
"Either way, it has nothing to do with me. I'm just looking forward to the banquet." Jinto said.
"Oh, you can be relieved because I won't permit any singing.
"Vice Hecto-Commander (Roibomowas) Abriel." Atosuryua added. "I don't know why but
Though, it is not an order, but keep it in mind."
Lafiel looked at Ekuryua's face. She was expressionless. But it also felt like she was angry at some story.
"I understand." Lafiel replied.
This time Atosuryua returned the salute and disappeared.
"This assignment will fall to the messenger (Kleria)" Lafiel told Ekuryua. "Gnombosh.
Perhaps it would have been better to entrust someone else.
It is even possible for a child to fly a Kalique.
And she added unintentionally. "(May you) have the Fortunes of War."
Going to the Imperial palace (Ruebei) was not so bad.
when the Imperial Palace Control (Blyse Ruebeil) finally guided (the boat) into the pier/dock (Beth).
"Thank you, Line Wing Officer (Fektodai)" Jinto thanked him when he got off the Kalique.
The pier/dock's door opened, and a reception/waiting mobile platform (Yazuria) entered.
An unexpected person was riding in it.
"It's Samson!" Jinto called out his name in disbelieve. "Why are you here?"
Samson was supposed to be in Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar).
Oh, it didn't need to be me, but with some effort I intended to have a look at the face of our lord.
Already, a person from a terrestrial planet was visibly a bureaucrat.
"It is our first meeting, Your Honor the Count Hyde (Dreu Haidar)" the terrestrial person greeted politely.
"Normally, your Excellency His Highness the Count (Lonyu Dreur) must be asked for instructions concerning the matter of receiving and reading the document. Regretfully, dispatches take such a long time it seems we are not allowed handling affairs at all. Furthermore, your Excellency is compelled to exchange documents directly with the retainer. For all this I beg your forgiveness.
"Everything (about it), including itself, is strictly confidential material. I was kept waiting for a long time.
However, he had no interest in his country/nation being the Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar), too.
He didn't mind to be called or greeted personally without regard to permission, he muttered in his mind.
Yes, I will try to bring Samson to the banquet. That person was an old friend of his, so surely Atosuryua will forgo being stingy and won't complain over having one more.
"But, for whom must it be disclosed?" Jinto decided to forget about the party for the moment.
"It is for ambassador Tin from the 'Hania Federation'." Baroth answered.
"The Federation ambassador?" he increasingly did not understand.
It couldn't be that he would tell the Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar) to cede. Count Hyde's nation was too far from the Federation.
"Actually, the agreement is a plan for absorbing the 'Hania Federation'. No, this has already started." Baroth said. "Well, it is difficult say, but ......"
"In other words, the Federation star systems chose the same path that the Hyde system did." Samson explained briefly.
"Wait a minute, please. What's going on......?" Jinto was surprised.
"The Star Force (Laburéc) has moved to disarm (the Federation), and has already began to occupy Federation territory." Baroth said casually.
"It is still the preparation/preliminary stage. Before starting full-size (operation) it is preferred to refer to the various historic statistics of Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar)."
"Using Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar) as a reference......?
Count Hyde's nation (Dreuhynu Haidar) is the most recent case."
"I see." he replied slightly confused.
But, it certainly is about several people being born on the land world (Nahen) becoming landed nobility (Voda) but without being an imperial citizen (Rue Lef) before.
He had to give permission for the information to be disclosed.
And, Jinto had nothing to hide.
"In some cases, it may be necessary to go to the 'Hania Federation'." Samson said.
"To the Federation?" Jinto was upset. "No, please, wait a minute."
"Do not worry. I won't allow my Lord to face such dangerous situations. When the time comes I will tag along." Samson said hitting his chest.
"No, I'm not allowed to leave." Jinto said hastily. He still wanted to stay aboard the 〈Flicaubh〉. To be more precise, he wanted to be by Lafiel's side.
Eventually, the mobile platform (Yazuria) entered into an area with a different atmosphere.
This was the space provided for the 'Hania Federation' diplomatic corps(/division).
But, the flow of information was intercepted. It was not possible for the wrist computer (Kryuno) to be connected to the computer network (Eifu) from here.
Hidden, far back in the foreign country in the Imperial palace (Ruebei), was the office of ambassador Tin which lies on the other side of a bronze door.
Jinto sat down on the seat recommended by the ambassador. While listening to Samson explaining various things/issues on the side, he thought about if he shouldn't go back home again.
At first glance it seemed as if the ambassador was listening very enthusiastically, but that was an outward impression which Jinto received.
"Well, they will serve very well as reference." Samson finished the explanation, for which ambassador Tin showed exaggerated appreciation.
"Which star system will Your Excellency the ambassador, receive/posses?" Jinto asked.
"Me?" Tin showed an odd(/mystifying/hard to catch) smile. "I don't have the intention to become landed nobility (Voda).
I don't think by any......No, excuse my impoliteness. In any case, I hope to have a house somewhere warm with a nice view, where I can paint pictures and spend the rest of my life."
"Is that so? I certainly ......"
"Did you think I wished to be called Marquis (Loebe) or Count (Dreu)?"
"Yes." Jinto admitted.
"For people who crave the status of landed nobility (Voda) this was the key point of the policy, and in order to persuade them it was necessary they receive this promise from the Empire (Frybar)." said the ambassador.
I had you visiting in this way at the last moment, because an unhappy/unfortunate situation might happen for the Empire if changes happened earlier.
"I see."
Tin asserted that it was other people's affairs for him, and let one know about his attitude.
"Now, this is not possibly enough as appreciation for your kindness, I have prepared a small meal as a token of acquaintanceship" the ambassador said.
"If I may, I arranged the best food from my home country before it becomes part of the Empire. I hope you appreciate it as a court rank (Sune)."
Jinto quickly sneaked a look at the time indicator on his wrist computer (Kryuno).
His heart was moved by the Hania food which was highly praised by many, but it did not compare to the charm of the banquet hosted by the distinguished Baron Febdash (Lyuf Febdak).
"Well, I'm very obliged for your concern, Your Excelleny, the ambassador. (But,) I have to attend to my military duties now." Jinto informed.
"Yes." Tin showed regret on the surface. You are probably very busy. By all means, before you leave the capital (Arosh), I would like to invite you to come."
"Thank you very much for your kindness."
Samson, who didn't know about the banquet, looked dissatisfied. However, he did not intend to challenge/object his lord in front of others.
When Baroth and the ambassador finally exchanged their greetings, an alarm went off.
"Is there something?" Jinto asked the ambassador.
"I don't know." the ambassador looked puzzled and looked at Baroth.
"I also don't know." Baroth also seemed perplexed.
It was a 'Hania Federation' soldier on guard with a menacing look.
It was a ceremonial unit. They are essential for high profile ceremonies, and at the same time, are the elite bodyguards who protect the Emperor (Spunej).
"Excuse me, Your Excellency the ambassador." said the commander politely. "Your Excellency's diplomatic privileges have been suspended.
"The Fleet is on the way to the capital (Arosh)."
Translators Note Jump up↑ 〈探り針〉=>〈Saguri Bari〉"probe needle"; strange name for a restaurant