Side: Elju Lau Roshure

Right now, I am in front of Yuki-san's room along with Rurua-sama.

The reason dates back to the discussion regarding Rurua-sama's treatment earlier this afternoon. In exchange for accepting us, Ratz-san made an absolutely outrageous demand.

* * *

"There's only one condition for us to shelter Rurua-sama. From now on, you will be responsible for Onii-san — Yuki-san's sexual needs. And while you're at it, please get pregnant."

"Wha—!?"

I was left speechless. To say such a thing to a woman who was once a saintess... how cruel.

"Oya? This is already quite a concession, you know? Honestly, I'd prefer having her mate with goblins right here, but if Rurua-sama breaks, we won't get any information. That wouldn't align with your idea of 'saving' her either, would it, Elju-sama?"

"Of course not!! But there's no way we can accept such a condition...!!"

"Elju-sama, please calm down." Rurua-sama interrupted. "They want to see my resolve. Just as you convinced them by betting my life, I must do something to show them that I am trustworthy, that I will not betray them."

"But Rurua-sama already said you would receive designated protection!! And that you would provide information!! Isn't that enough!? Isn't that enough!? Does that not earn trust!?"

"That only covers what happens once I am under protection. It doesn't prove my resolve. It only proves there is a benefit to harboring me. Designated Protection isn't a form of absolute compulsion like slavery. In other words, I could still provide false information. By paying the greatest price I can currently offer, they are choosing to believe in me."

It was true... I had chosen to say I would behead Rurua-sama as a means to save her and make them trust me. But that only made them believe in me, not in Rurua-sama herself.

"As expected of the woman called the Saint of Rithea. Well? Do you accept? We want to believe you, truly, but it would be a problem if you outmaneuvered us. Even if you offer your body, we can't say for sure you won't betray us, but this is the best condition we can offer to let you in."

Ratz-san looked to Rurua-sama for an answer. I couldn't bring myself to speak. I felt that saying anything more would only worsen Rurua-sama's position.

"I will gladly take over Yuki-sama's sexual needs. If I do not conceive within one month, you may behead me."

Rurua-sama responded without a moment's hesitation.

...Is this the world she didn't want me to see? A world where human dignity doesn't exist even in the slightest...

"...WAIT A MINUTE. I was just enjoying my tea and suddenly this conversation has turned into something insane!?"

Yuki-san finally joined the conversation actively.

For some reason, he seemed more panicked than I've ever seen him.

"No major issues here, Onii-san~ We've decided to shelter Rurua-sama."

"THERE IS a major issue! You just said something insane about using Rurua for that, right!?"

"It's not insane at all. From any angle, Rurua-sama has agreed to these perfectly fair and equal terms."

"From now on, I look forward to your guidance. It's my first time, so please be gentle."

"What if I don't touch her and just leave her alone for a month? Or she might just be unlucky and not conceive in a month!?"

Yuki-san ranted.

Conceive within a month... That would mean doing it every night, wouldn't it?

"Oh? So you're planning to avoid her to kill her? And you might 'miss' for a month? Hmm, that's a problem. Labyris-chan, what should we do?"

Ratz-san smirked and turned to the small girl beside her.

"...It's simple. We just have to watch. If he doesn't do it properly, we'll just have to help him. Maybe even demonstrate."

"Ooh, that's a great idea! Since we'll be watching, even if she doesn't get pregnant in a month, we can prove it wasn't Rurua-sama's fault."

"...Exactly. Maybe one of us will get pregnant instead, right, Yuki?"

"So that was your goal, Ratz!? Labyris, you put her up to this, didn't you!?"

"Ahahaha! We already said it's okay, so it's your fault for getting too distracted by Rurua-sama's breasts, Onii-san. Actually, what the hell?"

"...It's rude, Yuki. I have breasts here, too."

And so, their banter continued...

"Ah, Rurua-sama. Just so to be clear, it's a condition. Starting today, please take care of Onii-san's needs."

"Yes, I understand. I will serve with all my heart using this body."

"...Rurua-sama, you don't need to come. I've confirmed your resolve. Anything further is unnecessary." Labyris said.

"No, I will keep my promise. Starting today, I will share a bed with Yuki-sama and devote myself fully."

...Did I just see sparks fly for a second, or was it my imagination?

* * *

And now, we are in front of Yuki-san's bedroom...

"Now, now, Onii-san. If you make too much noise, you'll wake up Aslin-chan and Filia-chan, you know..."

"...Just give up already."

"No—way—!—Someone—help—g-gods—!"

The conversation was just loud enough for me to hear with strained ears.

...What was I witnessing? A man being stripped against his will?

"Excuse me. I've come as promised. It's Rurua. Shall I assist?"

"T-Thank goodness!! Rurua, save me! These two are crazy!!"

"Oya~? You really came."

"...What are you up to?"

"If I'm here, you'll have a proper justification to do it with Yuki-sama, right? So please allow me to help, Ratz, Labyris."

"Eh!? R-Rurua-sama?"

As I stood confused, Labyris-chan walked over and firmly shook Rurua-sama's hand.

"...I trust you. I'm sure we can be good comrades."

"Yes, I feel the same way."

"I don't get it at all!! What kind of deal just happened!?"

"Haha, Onii-san. It's the passionate friendship between women! I think I'll get along just fine with Rurua-sama, too."

The conversation was getting louder. At this rate, the adorable Aslin-chan and Filia-chan would wake up.

"U-Um... Aslin-chan and the others might wake up, so could you please keep it down a little..."

At my voice, everyone stopped moving.

"Alright. I've got something to say. Let's move to the hall."

"""Tch."""

Did I just hear everyone but me click their tongues in annoyance?

As we left the room, Oriel was waiting as usual.

"Oya? You're finished already... or perhaps not."

"Yes, apparently Yuki-san has something to say, so we're moving to the hall."

"...I see. He lack guts? Or perhaps... he doesn't have ball—"

"Hey! Stop saying things that give people the wrong idea!"

Yuki-san had lost most of the composure he'd had this afternoon.

We arrived at the banquet hall, had tea, and took a moment to breathe.

"Well then."

"We're doing it here? Where are the futons?"

"Enough with the jokes. Rurua, you have something to say, don't you?"

At Yuki-san's prompt, Rurua-sama took a breath and her expression became serious.

"I wasn't joking, though. I really will show you that I can get pregnant within a month. But let's set that aside. This is a continuation of this afternoon. The method you mentioned... Democracy, correct?"

"Heh, so you know the term, huh?"

Yuki-san's playful face disappeared, replaced by a serious one.

"Yes. In the records of the Holy Kingdom of Rithea, there is a mention of a Hero-sama who visited about 200 years ago. He defeated a Demon King, obtained territory, and tried to use that method to enrich the lives of the people."

"And the result?"

"It worked to some extent while the Hero-sama was still alive. However, shortly after he stepped down, a rebellion broke out, and it is said that the method was considered a failure."

"Hmm. And what's your point, Rurua?"

"...To be clear. If you adopt that system, Yuki-sama, your goal of building a village or town in this dungeon is impossible. Please reconsider."

I see... So Rurua-sama had a proper reason for speaking up so strongly against Yuki-san's idea earlier. She couldn't allow a plan she knew was destined for failure.

I also believe Rurua-sama's opinion is correct.

Sowing the seeds of unnecessary conflict among the people would be unforgivable.

"I figured as much. Normally, it would absolutely fail. That Hero was too much of a dreamer. And I understand what Rurua is saying."

"Then—"

"However, I'm still going forward with this plan."

"Why? Even though you know it will fail?"

"Hmm. Haven't you noticed that the premise is different? Think about it. The people coming here will be gathering because they dislike other places. I'm not suddenly changing the laws of a village or town where people were already living."

"Ah."

"The vast majority of people gathering here will be those who hated the old systems. The people who were marginalized by the policies you think are so good. Also, you've got it wrong—this isn't democracy. And of course, what that Hero did wasn't democracy either."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It only works because there's an absolute authority like me or the Hero. How is that democracy? It only becomes democracy once it can be maintained after I or the Hero are gone. If I had to name it, maybe... Enforced Democracy Under Absolute Rule? Too long."

I see... I understood Yuki-san's point.

Introducing a new system to an existing one causes friction, but he's declaring from the start that this place is different. If they don't like it, they can leave.

But I still wondered: why go out of the way to implement something with such a high risk of failure?

"Um, Yuki-san. As Rurua-sama said, do you really think democracy will be accepted?"

"Nah, it's probably got a 90% chance of failure. If the world is mostly monarchies, the foundation isn't even there. To be honest, building it the way you suggested would be the most stable."

"Eh? Then why take this path?"

"It's simple. That hero lacked preparation. Or rather, he faced unfavorable circumstances. However, within this dungeon, even if I have to call it 'forced' democracy, it will succeed. After all, I'm immortal. I won't be going out in public carelessly from now on. Plus, there's the Designated Protection skill. As you know, the use of force is neutralized. That means the only way to protest is through conversation. Everyone here who will be a representative is under Designated Protection. They'll be involved in this management until they reach the end of their natural lives."

Indeed... the failure came after the Hero-sama stepped down.

So if the immortal Yuki-san remains, the system could be maintained semi-permanently.

"Oh right, I didn't answer why I'm not choosing the safer option. If someone says something is impossible, do you just give up? It's about challenging things. Ratz and the others are trying something new. But everyone is, in some way. I'm handling security as best I can. If no one has ever succeeded before, people will call it reckless. But the founders of your nations also did unprecedented things. Isn't it disrespectful to them to say 'it's impossible'? If it works, imagine the possibilities."

Yuki-san was right.

The founders of my nation governed with the prosperity of the people in mind. It was wrong to close my eyes to that potential...

"Oh, and Elju—don't you dare try this in your own country, okay? This only works here because nothing has been established yet. Like I said, the Hero had bad circumstances. Try democracy in your countries and you'll get rebellion everywhere. People fear losing what they have. Your systems aren't wrong. But your opinions shouldn't have been forced on me. You can learn from this place and apply what works—but don't rush it."

Yuki-san was telling us to watch the results of their experiment. And that we should take only the good parts back to our own countries in the future.

"But wouldn't that be too unfair to you!? You're doing what we were afraid to do. If you fail, they'll laugh. If you succeed, they'll take the good parts... Why..."

"Alright, calm down. Elju, you said 'unfair', right?"

"Yes..."

"We—no, I don't think I'm being treated unfairly. Hey, Elju. Do you think you've been treated unfairly? That you're a pitiful existence?"

"No, my life was saved. Even our arguments were just differences in opinion. I consider myself fortunate."

"Exactly. But other people will throw all sorts of opinions at you. 'You're happy.' 'You're miserable.' What do you think of that?"

"...That's arrogance. They only see one side of me. I don't want to be treated unfairly, but I don't want to be thought of as 'pitiful' either."

"Yeah, same for me. Even if people say 'You're so lucky to have such great power' or 'You're like the protagonist of a story,' honestly, it pisses me off."

"Eh?"

"You know how I ended up here, right?"

"...Yes."

"My situation might seem fortunate. It might seem convenient. But I earned it by using every ounce of my power. However, the fact that I ended up here was NEVER FORTUNATE!!"

His voice was filled with sorrow.

Yuki-san shouted.

His voice was filled with sorrow.

That's right... We had mistaken him for some kind of transcendent being... and forced expectations onto him.

We threw our frustrations at him because he was the "Dungeon Master."... Because he wasn't acting like a "proper" Dungeon Master.

We criticized him for making escape routes. We criticized him for using strange, underhanded tactics.

...We assumed that since he was him, he could do anything.

But that's only natural. He is scared, too. Because he is just a person.

Rurua-sama looked shocked seeing Yuki-san shout his frustrations. Ratz-san and Labyris-chan also had very surprised looks on their faces.

"Anyway, sorry, sorry. Ratz, Labyris. It's not that I hate you two. Forgive me. Well, you know, even I sometimes want to shout like that."

"...Onii-san."

"...Yuki."

Both of them had unreadable expressions as Yuki-san gave a bitter smile and apologized.

"It's pathetic, but the truth is, I want to get closer to how things were in my homeland. Well, it's not wrong to say I thought it had benefits in many other senses, too. So, Labyris, Ratz—I'm a total coward, but please help me."

"...How pathetic. I guess we can't leave Onii-san on his own. I'm too worried about him."

"...As I vowed. I'll stay with Yuki until the end."

I glanced at Rurua-sama next to me.

"...I still have a long way to go, too. Elju-sama, I want to work hard alongside Yuki-sama from now on."

"Yes. I intend to keep up with him, too."

Having calmed down a bit, Yuki-san spoke to us again.

"Ah, sorry. I showed you something unsightly."

"Not at all."

"And I haven't said the most important thing yet. Rurua, Elju—why do you think I countered with all those arguments when you gave your opinions?"

"Eh? Wasn't it because we said things that were unreasonable or because we were forcing our views on you?" I answered reflexively. Yes, from pushing responsibility onto the Demon King, to intentionally hurting Rurua-sama, to her protests about Yuki-san's plans for the future.

"That's the content of the counterargument, not the reason."

"...Ah, how could I..."

Rurua-sama seemed to realize something and held her head in her hands.

"Eh? Rurua-sama, what was wrong?"

"Elju-sama, even now—and I at that time—our positions were wrong."

"Positions?"

"Elju-sama, would you ever go to the King of another country and directly petition him because you thought his governance was bad or unsatisfying?"

"I wouldn't dream of doing something so disrespectful... ah."

I finally understood what Rurua-sama meant. What we were doing was...

"Exactly... It was complete interference in internal affairs. And we didn't follow any procedures. It was like an ordinary person suddenly banging on the gates to petition the King... an act of barbarism."

How... how could we... in reality, we were the ones being the most disrespectful.

Ah... h-how embarrassing...

"Don't be so hard on yourselves. This is a downside of democracy, too. I don't need dignity, so I have to be tolerant of people throwing all sorts of opinions at me. Well, since you're from other countries, I could have just told you to keep your mouths shut, but it was a good opportunity, so I used you to get Ratz and the others motivated."

Ugh, he's so shrewd...

"Alright, now that we've wrapped up the punchline, let's disband for tonight and get some sleep. There's still a lot to do tomorrow~"

Yuki-san tried to stand up, but Ratz-san and Labyris-chan held him down.

"No, no, the punchline isn't over yet. It's time you steeled yourself. Now that we know how Onii-san feels, we're going to pamper you."

"...You can cry as much as you want in my chest."

"I can't do that! A man has his pride, you know. Also, in my home, I was aiming to become a 'Wizard'—"

"...Stop rambling. Rurua, lend a hand."

"Yes, leave it to me."

And just like that, Rurua-sama joined them happily.

How should I put it... it looks fun. Position, status, race—none of it matters.

Yuki-san and Rurua-sama call it an impossible pipe dream.

...Ah, so that's why they pursue it. Because it's a pipe dream, if such scenes could fill the world, it would be a wonderful thing.

It would be happiness...

Even knowing that this happiness isn't happiness for everyone... still...

If there is light to be seen there... then we should reach out for it.

"Perhaps... this is how our ancestors felt when they built Roschure..."

Even that thought is me arrogantly projecting onto my ancestors. It's just my own selfish feelings and imagination.

But still... I believe this moment is not wrong.

"I have to become strong, too... Oriel, I intend to walk the path I believe in. Will you follow me?"

"As you command. Even unto my last breath."