Side: Elju
I am currently participating in the meeting.
Of course, I am in disguise.
I've heard Crack-san's story.
Ultimately, the root of this conflict was a desire to save someone. People who believed that this would lead to a better future tried to change the present.
As I watch Crack-san and Dest-san listen intently to the proceedings, I feel a powerful will coming from them.
The old me, who just went with the flow, wouldn't have known what to do. I have many things I want to say to them. Many lives were lost.
Still, what must be done now is not to burn with a desire for revenge.
It is to save the lives that can be saved.
"Man, I figured Onii-san had a goal when he headed out personally, but I see. You intended to gather people legally."
"It's not really about being 'legal' or whatever. Any country—or rather, any city—has tens of thousands of people with nowhere to live. I don't want thugs, but there are always plenty of people who want to work but can't. I'm just recruiting them. Well, since the screening process is a pain, I went myself. It just so happened there was someone there who looked like they'd support us, so I asked."
"Asked? Heh..."
Ratz-san doesn't believe him for a second.
Well, I don't believe Yuki-san's claim that he simply "asked" either...
After all, the person who came back with him is the current Saintess of Rithea, Arshtelle-sama.
What kind of "request" brings the head of a nation all the way here to sit in a meeting?
"Well, Ratz, let's put that aside for now. The issue is that we're expecting ten thousand immigrants this time."
"Exactly. We were running around like headless chickens just handling 355 people. Ten thousand? We'll die."
She's right.
Even I, now that I can disguise myself, helped with issuing ID cards and managing the family registers for the immigrants from Roushul, and it was unbelievably busy.
And now it's ten thousand people.
There's no way we can handle that volume by ourselves.
"I understand that... Therefore, we would like to accept them gradually over the next two to three months. During that time, Arshtelle-sama will be taking measures for the refugees. The foolish ones who cannot feed their own citizens are pushing them onto others. They should be able to last two or three months."
Crack-san understands our situation and says that by splitting the migration with Arshtelle-sama's support, we can make it a success.
I see. We don't have to accept ten thousand people all at once.
We can have them come gradually, and the ones who arrive first can help guide the next groups, reducing our burden.
But... isn't his tone toward Arshtelle-sama a bit harsh? I can understand how he feels, though...
"...Regarding the aid from Crack. You saved Rurua-sama, and I have seen the evidence with my own eyes that you can help our citizens as well. I will not withhold support. Please, take those who are falling through our fingers."
Arshtelle-sama bows deeply.
As Rurua-sama said, she is a very straightforward person.
"We appreciate the promise of aid from Arshtelle-sama, but how do you plan to explain this to the top brass? Are you going to tell them you're moving refugees to a dungeon city? Rithea would split in two from civil war. People would say the Saint has lost her mind. Well, showing them this place is an option, but it's not a great move. We don't want them looking for leverage to intervene. For now, we are essentially snatching Rithea's citizens from under them. Even if they can't feed them, countries have their pride. They won't just say, 'We can't feed them, so we're handing them over to someone else.'"
Ratz-san is right. There will surely be people who try to use an "alliance" as an excuse to meddle in the dungeon's affairs.
"That said, Arshtelle-sama and Crack-san can't just do this on their own. I mean, they're using the national treasury for refugee aid and dungeon support; they can't just act without permission."
"Ratz-san, if I may?"
"Oh, Rurua-sama, do you have a plan?"
"Yes. I have discussed this with Yuki-san. Under the pretext of repaying the debt of my life being saved—or more accurately, to show that I have no intention of becoming Arshtelle-sama's political rival—I will be stationed here in the dungeon."
"Ho. That's a good plan. Setting the truth aside, Rurua-sama currently holds the rights to negotiate with the Fairies. It wouldn't be wrong to say you hold a significant position in Rithea right now, correct?"
"Yes. I had intended to have Rurua-sama take the position of Prime Minister once the aftermath was settled. But if that is her wish... then let us appoint her as the Rithea representative to the dungeon for aid and support. That should keep the opposition from complaining. Besides, the Fairies seem to be living here anyway."
I see. With Rurua-sama as the representative, nothing foolish is likely to happen.
"Does this mean we will be making the existence of this dungeon public?"
Eris-san asks for clarification.
"Yes. For Rithea, it would be impossible to keep the identity of the party receiving aid and support a mystery. While the public announcement to the citizens will be much later, it will be disclosed to the upper management immediately."
"Arshtelle. I don't mind you going public. But this is my territory. And its autonomy has been recognized. If some idiot noble causes a scene in this dungeon, I'll take their head immediately. I won't listen to complaints. In fact, give the nobles a strict direct order."
"Y-Yes ma'am!"
Arshtelle-sama's voice cracks as she replies.
Chii-anesama is glaring at her with total seriousness.
"You saw it too. I am not the one ruling this place. Everyone who lives here is a representative and the will of this place. We stand at the front as representatives, but we do not look down on them. Remember this: if the residents here are harmed by your nobles, I will kill them."
"Well, even with that, trouble is bound to happen eventually," Yuki-san adds lazily.
"T-That won't happen!" Arshtelle-sama protests.
"No, I agree with Yuki-dono. If someone sees this place and has a bit of power, there will be plenty of idiot nobles who use that as an excuse to meddle."
Crack-san speaks as if conflict is a given.
"So, I have a solution. Want to hear it?"
Yuki-san says with an amused look.
I just know he's thinking of something bad...
"You have one!? Please, tell us! If this keeps up, Seraria-sama will just keep slashing people until the alliance..."
"Ara? If a country can't even keep its subordinates on a leash, perhaps an alliance with them is a waste of time?"
Chii-anesama is being far too blunt...
"Seraria-sama, please calm down! This alliance is stronger than before, and we cannot afford to lose it!"
"...What exactly are you saying?"
"This alliance is to avenge the death of Seraria-sama's sister, Elju-sama! We must not—"
As Arshtelle-sama tried to continue—
"SAY ONE MORE WORD, AND I WILL KILL YOU!"
Chii-anesama exploded.
She drew her sword and pointed it straight at Arshtelle-sama.
"D-Did I... say something wrong...?"
"Be silent! I thought you were talking about the original alliance, but you dare bring up this new alliance that was made for the subjugation of the Demon King...!"
Chii-anesama is genuinely furious.
"Arshtelle. There is only one action you may take toward me. Kneel and beg for forgiveness. If not, I will take your head right here. You are even more repulsive than Crack."
"I don't understand what you—"
—Without hesitation, Chii-anesama swung her sword.
"Now, now, calm down, Seraria. That matter is exactly the solution I was talking about."
The sword that should have taken Arshtelle-sama's head was stopped by Yuki-san.
I have no idea what he actually did.
"...Haa! I see. But I'm definitely making Yuki pay for this later."
"Go easy on me... Now, Arshtelle. Why did you of all people believe Elju was killed by the Demon King? You know the truth, don’t you?"
"!?"
"Well, you see, that was just a convenient story we prepared. We couldn't afford to lower our national power by starting a war every time something happened."
"Could it be... Seraria-sama knows...?"
"I know. I know Rithea assassinated Elju."
"......"
"You understand why Seraria is angry now, don't you?"
"...Seraria-sama. I am truly, deeply sorry for this."
Arshtelle-sama bows her head low on the spot.
Ah, since I'm actually alive, it doesn't quite click for me, but from Chii-anesama's perspective, seeing Arshtelle-sama lie so casually must have been unforgivable.
"...Arshtelle. Tell your superiors this. We know everything regarding Elju. If any nobles come here, I might just accidentally cut their heads off. After all, my sister was dragged into that mess over there."
"...Yes. I will tell them. But if that's the case, Rurua-sama..."
"Yes, I am also taking on the role of a hostage. And the aid and support are also a form of reparations."
"If this were made public, Rithea would be surrounded by enemies in an instant. In that case, Roshure would be the first to attack. And that is the plan Yuki mentioned to shut the upper management up. If they know we know about Elju, they won't want to come here, not knowing when their lives might end."
Saying this, Chii-anesama strokes her drawn sword.
"Well, the general policy is set. Let's take a break and then resume."
Chii-anesama sheathes her sword and moves to leave the meeting room.
"Seraria-sama. I would like to ask one thing."
Crack-san calls out to her.
"What is it?"
"I can understand your earlier fury. But why do you not point that sword at me? It is no exaggeration to say that I was the one who took your sister's life. You heard it from Yuki-dono, didn't you?"
"...Crack. I am a knight, too."
"Hah. I am aware. The Battle Goddess who holds the title of Valkyrie."
"That's right... I believe that by creating a future for those I have cut down with my own sword, I can prove that their deaths were not in vain."
"I feel the same. I have cut down many, hoping at least for a better future."
"That's why. You didn't try to run from that sin. You are here to give meaning to the deaths of so many—to Elju's death—and to grasp the future. Am I wrong?"
"No."
"Then there's no meaning in cutting you down. We didn't come here to fight. If you came here for the sake of the lives lost, then show me. Show me that the future you desired and Elju's death lead to this."
With those words, Chii-anesama walks away.
Crack-san gave a perfect, Rithean-style salute of the highest respect.
"...Um, I'm actually alive, you know..."
"Well, just give it up. If you say that now, you'll ruin the whole moment."
Ratz-san pats me on the shoulder.
...Sob.
