It's another conference. Not on the grandiose scale of last year's, when almost every nation participated as the topic is the Awakening of the Devil King. No, this is just the conference between the nations involved in connecting Amleth to the Elven Kingdom. It's an international project, the first of its kind after the successful pilot project between Amleth and Emas.
There are currently nine countries, each with two guild masters, one adventure guild and one merchant guild. The nine countries are Amleth, Emas represented by Princess Siti, Holy Kingdom represented by Saintess Rumia, Elven Kingdom represented by Sister Farhana and other countries from Philip, Indo, Kor Vijaya and Butan.
Security is tight. Of course, Aeron Squad will be mainly in charge, but the Special Knight of Amleth is also responsible for the security, mainly the security at the venue. They are all important people and one wrong move can turn a peaceful conference into a catastrophic one.
As for me, I accompany Kara and Mara, together with Marianne. Kara and Mara have been proposed to by a prince from Kor. It's not a strange thing, since they wanted to establish a stronger connection with us, but since they don't feel comfortable with it, it makes me angry, and just the fact that we are with them makes them feel better. I'm sure they wouldn't bother the two is I am here. I can just give them a strong look that I learn from all my older brothers and sisters and most of them will be scared.
"Wait? For me... Rejected" [Diana].
"You're not even going to entertain me?"
"Not really. If you wish to continue, please speak to my two brothers. I'm sure you know of the two heroes of Amleth" [Diana].
"I know, but your invention of Genesis Magic is also an important milestone in the world of magic, probably one of the most important in this millennium itself, so I am interested in developing it further with you."
"Too bad we don't share the same feelings. Well, the conference is about to start, how about we go and take our seat " [Diana]
And that's just one. There are others we feel like approaching us with similar intentions. Well, we have Kara and Mara, princesses of Amleth, and Marianne, young lady of the Duchal family, and then there's me, the hero's little sister. I feel like we should really drag Adnan so that the number of others trying to approach us will decrease, but, Kara, Mara and Marianne think it will only have a negative effect.
The researchers set up the magic motion orb so that the citizens can see the conference as well. While there are some who don't want the discussion to be shown to the public, Aunt Amleth argues that the citizens have every right to be informed, since their tax money is being used. It doesn't escalate into a full blown argument, but I'm sure some of them are still unhappy.
As we take our seats, others try to approach us, but I'm glad they knew how to read the room. Good. Good. At least I won't have to embarrass them, which will inevitably lead to me being scolded. Such unfairness
As the conference began, Duchess Eisheth and Akela led the way by showing the statistics and paperwork that they and the others had meticulously compiled over the past month. Data from within Amleth itself, data between the Amleth and Emas connection, and from Emas side, data presented by Princess Siti herself.
While the cost is something that makes everyone shudder, the effect is still positive. Better communication between the two countries leading to better security, that's the most important thing. Faster research development, as the two sides can seamlessly share their information in real time. The data between market, especially important transactions that takes months can be done in a week or so. The three of them, after countless hours, proudly present this to all of us. It makes me proud too, because I am part of it, and also one who has contributed to their presentation, however small it may be.
"If I may ask, how many attempts have been made to steal the orb?"
"There are actually quite a few, since it's a valuable thing. At its core, we have a quintuple spell that prevents any attempt to steal it, and that's not to mention the various anti-theft measures ranging from electrocution to asphyxiation. Anyone without the authority will take at least two hours to dispel, by which time our guards will definitely have responded" [Akela].
"And how will you respond if the Empire or Xianxia forces try to take it? I don't want my money wasted on something without proper insurance!"
"True enough! If those imperial forces get it, they will only get stronger! Therefore, we are indirectly providing them with wealth!"
"How shameless!" [Merlin]
"Pardon!?"
"If you're such a weak country, just admit it" [Merlin]
"Who are you trying to call weak?"
"You are, or has sitting on a throne for so long made you deaf?" [Merlin]
"I apologize on behalf of my master, but that's your country's responsibility. If you're trying to force either us or Emas to protect it for you, you might as well be part of our province" [Amleth].
A statement that made the other stunt. Master Merlin and Aunt Amleth don't hold back, do they? To get things back on track, Duchess Eisheth quickly take back the stage and brief the others on how their security work, as well as the deployment of soldier and troop through the use of magic motion orb. The deployment time is significantly reduced compared to traditional methods.
"This works well because of the relationship between Amleth and Emas. I hope the surrounding countries will take note and try to achieve the same relationship" [Saintess Rumia].
There are still some who feel that this is a waste of time, money and manpower. And this representative just now, he's clearly trying to provoke others not to give the green light to this project. I'm concerned, but more than that, I'm excited to see what happens next. Not because of their disapproval, but because of Master Merlin's smirk.
(Just what are you planning Master Merlin...) [Diana]
(To think we might have to resort to this...) [Amleth]