302 # 287 Negotiations with the Reich Empire.txt (1/2)

I finish my lunch and take a break before logging in.

I'm sent off by Ruin and the others and head to Fretia Castle where the messengers are. After being told to be careful by Princess Sara-sama and Henri-sama, I meet with a messenger from the Reich Empire.

''Are you the summoner of the Ex Machina?''

Yes. My name is Tact, the Summoner.

Hmm. Can we see the evidence?

All right. Come on!　Ix!

I will summon Ix. Now it will be wrong that I am Ix's summoner.

'It is indeed an exmachina. Then what can I do for you?

”I would like to speak directly with Your Majesty to discuss tonight's duel between me and the Dark Summoner in your land.

'Huh?　I don't see why I should be talking to the Emperor of our country about a duel.

Well, we'll cut the pillars, won't we?

'Well...then I have no choice. I'm resigned to it. Could you please give a message to your emperor?

Let's wait and see what he says.

I approach the messenger of the Reich Empire and speak.

'It is now confirmed that there is no future for you to see either the Ex Machina or its weapons.

Huh?

That's it. Thank you for your messages. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Oh, wait!　I'd like to hear the meaning of your earlier message!

You got a bite. Well, I guess you'll have to bite down.

Oh?　Didn't you know?　My exmachina is powered by my magic. If I lose to the dark summoner, my exmachina will go out of control and use up all of its energy. If that happens, the exmachina will never activate again. Naturally, it will be impossible for me to see the weapon.

In case you're wondering, this is a lie. According to Ix, even if the contract expires, Ix will be able to re-sign with the capsule and flow the magic power back to me.

''On the contrary, even if I beat the dark summoner, I no longer intend to negotiate with your country again. That's all there is to it.

”...Does that mean you're going to negotiate with my country over the Ex Machina?

Yes. Can you tell him for me?

I'll be with you in a minute.

The messenger has a conversation with someone. When the conversation is over, he comes over here.

”...His Majesty the Emperor is to see you, sir. I will escort you to him.

It's nice to meet you.

That's the first barrier to get through.

I'll be teleported to the Reich Empire by a messenger, and I'll enter the royal castle of the Reich Empire. Then I meet with the Emperor of the Reich Empire.

”You are the summoner of the Ex Machina?

'Yes, sir. My name is Tact, the summoner. Thank you for allowing me to meet with you. Your Majesty.

Because it's important to my country. You may state your business.

”Yes. I would like to negotiate with your country about the weapons used by your Ex Machina.

The Emperor narrows his eyes.

”Well. ”And what do you require of me?

'We want tonight's duel to hijack the rules that were in place last time and be fought by an impartial referee.

Then His Majesty the Emperor hits the railing, stands up, and shouts in anger.

'Do you claim that injustice will occur in our dueling arena!

''That is not what I am asking. I just want you to promise me a few rule changes and a fairer referee.

I'll give you all I can for that, but is that all you need?

'Yes, sir. All I want is a proper duel to settle the matter with the Dark Summoner.

His Majesty is going to take a long hard look at me.

And if I lose, what will you do?