Chapter 45: Diplomatic Endeavors

In the King's office, the King gazed out at the bustling scenery of the royal capital from the balcony. The city was abuzz with excitement as people from far and wide flocked to Aurestear Kingdom. Heroic tale of Narumi, the magic engineer hailed as the Goddess Apostle, had spread like wildfire, attracting both those with genuine admiration and those seeking personal gain.

The streets were teeming with believers of the Goddess Ira, drawn to Narumi and his awe-inspiring giant mech. To accommodate the overwhelming number of devotees, a same size statue of Narumi's giant mech stood proudly in the city center square. Its presence had transformed the once ordinary square into a vibrant tourist hub, adorned with food stalls and souvenir shops. Laughter filled the air as children playfully reenacted battles between their imaginary giant mechs, inspired by Narumi's legendary exploits.

Amidst the fervor, a different contingent arrived in the royal capital. Nobles and merchants, driven by ambition and the desire to forge connection, saw Narumi as an opportunity for business ventures and political leverage. They aimed to capitalize on his presence, hoping to secure benefits for their own countries and territories.

The King, his satisfaction evident in his voice, exchanged a word with his advisor as they stood by his side. "Truly, I never once thought that our kingdom would become the center of the world like this." His words were filled with a mixture of pride and astonishment.

The advisor, sharing in the King's sentiments, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Majesty, Lord Narumi's contributions have been immeasurable. Not only has he saved our kingdom from the brink of collapse, but he has also spearheaded numerous developments that have elevated our standing. With his innovations and initiatives, our annual taxation is bound to increase several-fold."

The King's gaze lingered on the city, his heart filled with gratitude for the magic engineer who had brought about such transformative changes. Narumi's achievement, a remarkable skills and unwavering dedication had revitalized the kingdom, drawing attention from far and wide. The resulting influx of people and resources had breathed new life into Aurestear Kingdom, turning it into a beacon of prosperity and opportunity.

"We owe a great debt to Narumi," the King mused, his voice tinged with admiration. "His presence has not only shaped the destiny of our kingdom but also touched the lives of countless individuals who have found hope and inspiration in his remarkable abilities."

The advisor, sharing in the King's sentiments, once again nodded. "That's right, Your Majesty, especially the Floating High-Speed Bus and the Power Armor. They are truly remarkable inventions."

The Floating High-Speed Bus, an upgraded version of the Floating High-Speed Bike, now possesses enhanced carrying capacity. It serves not only as a messenger for delivering messages swiftly but also as a means of transporting goods and people, facilitating easier connections between distant cities. This advancement has opened up new opportunities for trade, communication, and economic growth across the kingdom.

As for the Power Armor, it is a modified version of the Celestial Armor. While its defensive capabilities have been reduced, the focus has shifted towards enhancing the human workforce. With its ability to amplify human strength up to 100 times, the Power Armor has revolutionized heavy industries and mining operations. It has made arduous tasks much more manageable, increasing efficiency and reducing the burden on workers.

The King's smile turned thoughtful as he contemplated the global impact of Narumi's inventions. "Indeed, Narumi's creations are truly remarkable, but they also have the potential to create a profound impact beyond our kingdom's borders. We must be cautious and vigilant to prevent these advancements from falling into the wrong hands. Our responsibility extends not only to our own people but also to the greater good of all nations."

The advisor nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of responsible dissemination. "You're right, Your Majesty. We should establish protocols and regulations to ensure that these technologies are used for the betterment of society. Collaboration with the envoys from other countries is crucial in fostering an environment of trust and shared responsibility."

The King's mind envisioning a world where nations could work together to harness the benefits of Narumi's inventions. "Let us use Narumi's birthday celebration next month to invite representatives from each country, and we will seize that opportunity to discuss the responsible utilization of these advancements. By sharing knowledge and collectively establishing guidelines, we can prevent misuse and promote harmony in the global community."

The advisor nodded once more, acknowledging the King's wise decision. "A diplomatic gathering will provide an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. We can develop frameworks to safeguard the technology and foster cooperation among nations. Together, we can ensure that these advancements are used for the collective betterment of mankind."

The King shifted his gaze towards the western horizon, where the Cloudwhale Kingdom resided. His brows furrowed with concern as he inquired, "What about the Cloudwhale Kingdom? Have we received any updates regarding an official envoy to express their gratitude to Narumi?"

The advisor let out a sigh of disappointment and shook his head. "I regret to inform you, Your Majesty, that we have yet to receive any indication of an official envoy. It appears that the Cloudwhale Kingdom insists that Lord Narumi and Princess Valentia have taken the matters on their own without permission."

A mix of disappointment and frustration crossed the King's face. "Are they truly so shameless? It is disheartening that they refuse to acknowledge the importance of expressing gratitude to the one who selflessly aided their kingdom with such noble intentions."

The advisor nodded, understanding the complex dynamics at play. "Your Majesty, the nobles of the Cloudwhale Kingdom hold their pride in high regard. It may prove challenging to request an official display of gratitude. However, I believe that the King of the Cloudwhale Kingdom himself will send Princess Valentia with a valuable treasure as a gesture of appreciation, albeit in secret."

The King sighed, his concerns shifting towards the greater diplomatic implications. "We must tread carefully in this delicate situation. Let us continue fostering good relations with the Cloudwhale Kingdom, even if their gratitude remains unspoken. Our focus should be on promoting unity and collaboration among nations, rather than dwelling on individual acts of recognition."

The advisor bowed respectfully. "I concur, Your Majesty. I shall ensure that our lines of communication with the Cloudwhale Kingdom remain open and cordial."

With a determined nod, the King turned his attention back to the affairs of the kingdom, his mind filled with thoughts of diplomacy and the broader aspirations for harmony among nations. Deep down, he hoped that one day the Cloudwhale Kingdom would overcome their pride and find a way to express their gratitude to Narumi.