Build Gundams Ch 26

The demonstration of the Martial Combat Armor's capabilities concluded, leaving King Thales visibly impressed. The agility, resilience, and stealth capabilities displayed by the Antares Mercenary Group operative had been nothing short of remarkable.

"President Severine," Thales began, his tone now carrying a clear note of business interest, "regarding this exceptional combat armor, what price point are you considering for each unit?"

Severine Laurent, ever composed, maintained a professional demeanor. "Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that we have no current plans to offer the Martial Combat Armor for sale. We are still in the process of rigorously validating its performance in real-world combat scenarios. It will be some time before it becomes commercially available, if ever."

Crown Prince Grady, who had been observing the interaction with growing impatience, interjected, his displeasure evident in his voice. "You won't sell this, you won't sell that. One might think you deliberately disdain doing business with the Kingdom of Iron Ridge."

King Thales immediately turned to his son, a sharp glare silencing the impulsive Crown Prince. "Grady, control yourself. Such rudeness is uncalled for." Turning back to Severine, Thales offered a diplomatic apology. "President Laurent, please excuse my son's impetuous nature. I trust you will not take offense."

Severine, unfazed by the exchange, responded with practiced grace. "Your Majesty, there is no need for apologies. His Royal Highness is merely expressing his thoughts directly, without pretense. I find such forthrightness rather refreshing, actually."

A hint of amusement flickered across Thales's face. "President Laurent, your understanding is most appreciated. Your words are comforting, and I thank you for your graciousness."

The tour continued, leading the royal delegation toward the massive Albion MS Carrier. The sheer scale of the warship drew an involuntary exclamation from Thales.

"What a magnificent warship!" Thales exclaimed, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

Kenji Takeshi, ever mindful of the need for humility, offered a modest assessment. "Your Majesty, your praise is most generous. While the Albion is operational and has seen combat, it is still a work in progress. We have identified numerous areas requiring further refinement and enhancement."

Thales chuckled, dismissing Kenji's reservations. "Commander-in-Chief Takeshi, do not be so modest. As the saying goes, 'Slow work yields fine products.' Exceptional achievements require time, patience, and relentless dedication to improvement." Thales paused, casting an appraising gaze upon the Albion. A faint hint of envy laced his words.

Princess Robina, captivated by the sight of the Albion, tugged gently at her father's sleeve, her eyes wide with fascination.

Thales, noticing his daughter's enthusiasm, affectionately stroked her hair. Turning to Kenji, he inquired, "Commander-in-Chief Takeshi, would it be possible for us to tour the Albion?"

"You are most welcome to do so, Your Majesty," Kenji replied, extending an invitation to explore the impressive warship.

As they toured the Albion, Thales took in every detail, from the advanced bridge systems to the sprawling mobile suit bays. He was particularly impressed by the massive Mega Particle Cannon Turret, the warship's primary armament.

Thales found himself deeply impressed by the Albion. He surmised that the visionary behind its design possessed an extraordinary talent, perhaps even a genius for military technology. He mused that the Albion's design might be twenty years ahead of prevailing global standards.

"Commander-in-Chief Takeshi, President Laurent," Thales said, turning to his hosts, "your chairman is truly remarkable. He has not only conceived and developed exceptional Mobile Suits, but also has pushed the boundaries of warship technology to such an impressive degree."

Severine responded, her voice imbued with conviction. "Your Majesty, your assessment is accurate. In the eyes of all our employees, our chairman is an exceptional individual. We hold him in the highest regard."

Thales nodded, absorbing Severine's words. "It is clear that both Commander-in-Chief Takeshi and President Laurent have played pivotal roles in the remarkable growth of the Antares Mercenary Group and Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company. Your achievements in such a short time are a testament to your talents. However, even with your considerable skills, it would be impossible to attract such dedicated and talented individuals were your chairman not an extraordinary individual."

"Your Majesty speaks the truth," Severine replied, her tone imbued with a sense of pride. "It is Ryuuichi's exceptional leadership that inspires such dedication among us."

As they exited the Albion, Princess Robina spotted a Mobile Suit launching in the distance. Her pace quickened, drawn by the spectacle of the powerful machine taking to the sky.

"Robina," Thales called out, his voice carrying a note of gentle warning.

Robina, recognizing her father's tone, turned to him, a playful expression on her face. She gestured toward the launching Mobile Suit.

"Gentlemen, please forgive my daughter's enthusiasm. She has a great fondness for military hardware, particularly Mobile Suits. They are her greatest passion. That Mobile Suit that just launched, is that one of your new Gundams?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Kenji replied. "It is the RX-78GP02A Physalis, one of our latest Gundam designs. We are currently conducting performance testing and validation."

Thales's eyes lit up with interest. "May we observe the Gundam's testing?"

"Certainly, Your Majesty," Kenji replied, gesturing toward the command center. "Please, follow me."

Inside the command center, Thales, his children, and their six Royal Guards took their places before a massive projection screen. The screen displayed live telemetry and video feeds from the Gundam GP02 Physalis's performance evaluation.

Robina watched the Gundam Physalis with rapt attention. She was mesmerized by its agility, responsiveness, and raw power. Her eyes sparkled with each daring maneuver and simulated attack.

Thales, too, was captivated by the Gundam's performance. He was a mixture of admiration, envy, and a growing sense of unease. The Physalis represented a level of military technology that the Kingdom of Iron Ridge could only dream of possessing. The thought crossed his mind that, had his military been capable of overcoming the Antares Mercenary Group, he would have seized their assets long ago.

Crown Prince Grady also followed the Gundam's performance with keen interest. The Physalis's capabilities far surpassed those of the GM Mobile Suits procured from Holy Cross Country.

Grady understood that if Holy Cross Country were to possess even a single Gundam, its military strength would be dramatically enhanced. Such a Mobile Suit would provide a decisive tactical advantage in any potential conflict.

As they watched, the Gundam Physalis executed a series of complex maneuvers, deftly avoiding simulated asteroid fields, dodging incoming fire, launching precision attacks, and executing rapid counterattacks. The test also included demonstrations of the Mobile Suit's high-powered beam cannon and its handheld six-barrel rocket launcher. The test engineers provided a running commentary, reporting on the various performance metrics.

The final test report indicated that the Gundam Physalis had exceeded baseline performance standards in numerous areas. However, the report also noted that some performance parameters fell short of expectations, indicating areas for further refinement.

With the performance evaluation complete, the Gundam Physalis returned to base, touching down smoothly on the designated landing platform.

King Thales and his entourage made their way to the platform where the Gundam Physalis stood.

Thales observed Reika Fujimoto, the Gundam's test pilot, debriefing Ryuuichi, surrounded by engineers. After a moment of observation, Thales approached the group, determined to meet the enigmatic chairman of Skywing Armaments.

Ryuuichi was listening intently as Reika reported on the Gundam Physalis's performance, discussing areas for improvement. An engineer stood nearby, holding a tablet displaying the detailed test report.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Chairman Ryuuichi," Thales announced, his voice carrying a note of regal authority.

Ryuuichi turned to face the king of Iron Ridge, his expression betraying a hint of surprise. He found Thales accompanied by his children and a contingent of Royal Guards, with Kenji Takeshi and Severine Laurent hovering nearby, looking slightly apprehensive.

"Your Majesty, I believe you have me mistaken," Ryuuichi replied, offering a carefully crafted denial. "I am merely a maintenance technician with the Antares Mercenary Group. My role is limited to repairing this Gundam."

Thales chuckled, dismissing Ryuuichi's attempt at deception. "Chairman Ryuuichi, let us be frank. The deference shown to you by the Gundam test pilot and the engineers is unmistakable. Combined with your aura of command, any observer would immediately recognize that you are the leader of this organization."

Ryuuichi, realizing that his denial was futile, relented. He removed his work gloves, extending a hand toward the king. "Ryuuichi Kaneshiro welcomes Your Majesty to our humble facility."

Thales clasped Ryuuichi's hand, a smile playing on his lips. "The pleasure is all mine, Chairman Ryuuichi."

Thales paused, his gaze sharpening slightly. "May I inquire, Chairman Ryuuichi, as to why you did not personally greet us upon our arrival?"

Ryuuichi offered a candid explanation. "Your Majesty, I have always been ill-suited to social niceties and formal entertainment. I prefer to delegate such matters to my more capable colleagues. I trust Your Majesty will not take offense."

"Not at all," Thales replied, his tone laced with a hint of amusement. "However, I must confess that I have a strong desire to discuss certain matters directly with you, Chairman Ryuuichi."

Ryuuichi's expression remained impassive. "Your Majesty, if your intention is to acquire one of our Gundams, I must reiterate that they are not for sale. As for other matters, I believe President Laurent has already made our position quite clear, has she not?"

One of Thales's chief guards, bristling at Ryuuichi's bluntness, took a step forward, preparing to issue a stern rebuke. Thales, however, raised a hand, halting the guard in his tracks. The guard retreated to his original position, his frustration barely concealed.

Crown Prince Grady, his brow furrowed in disapproval, stared at Ryuuichi, unaccustomed to such directness in addressing his father.

Thales, for his part, appeared unfazed by Ryuuichi's candor. He let out a dry chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Chairman Ryuuichi, I appreciate your straightforwardness. Indeed, President Laurent has clarified your company's position on certain matters. However, there remain other issues that I wish to explore with you, and there are also other possibilities I hope we can discuss."

Ryuuichi nodded, acknowledging the king's intentions. "Very well, Your Majesty. If you would be so kind as to follow me, we can find a more suitable venue for our discussion."