The meeting room prepared in the city hall was surprisingly modest for a gathering of leaders from two nations.
On top of being a frontier city that wasn't even the capital, the current situation meant they were short-staffed.
There was no leeway anywhere in Fonkavun for such ostentatious facilities that served the dual purpose of commemoration and job creation, as per the customs of other nations. On Mynoghra's side as well, there was the reality that they would rather get things over with quickly than waste time on such grand hospitality.
Hence, this venue.
This was a summit where everything was unprecedented.
That wasn't limited to the fact that national heavyweights were gathered in this shabby, old, cramped meeting room.
"It's been a while, Takuto! I'm giving you Dragontan, so give me something in return!"
The opening words made that abundantly clear.
Without so much as a proper greeting, Pepe, the leader of Fonkavun, blurted out the transfer of Dragontan.
While disregarding convention was Takuto's norm, having such an absurd opening thrown at him did make even him nearly blurt out a retort.
Of course, his rampage was likely far from the original plan.
Glancing over, Tonukapoli was holding his head in his hands, while Anterize had her mouth agape, blinking in confusion.
On their side—old Mortar was stroking his beard with cold sweat on his brow, and Emuru even dropped the pen she was holding.
Even Takuto was left somewhat exasperated by this preemptive strike before they could even confirm the attendance of all present.
"It's been a while, Pepe. Hmm, when you say give, it's not clear what you mean to give."
Be that as it may, the meeting had already begun.
Now then, he needed to buy a little time.
Takuto thought this and adopted a slightly deliberate attitude.
While he appreciated Pepe's innocent and unconventional nature, allowing the opponent to seize the initiative in this situation was somewhat disadvantageous.
Even if the broad strokes were set in stone, this was a negotiation venue between nations.
Unlike the previous meeting that occurred by chance, this one is official. To clarify the power balance between our nations going forward, we must avoid any disgraceful outcome. While adopting a thoughtful gesture, I subtly scan my surroundings. The main attendees from Fonkavun are the staff-bearer Pepe, also with a staff, Tonukapoli, and the City Lord, Anterize. The rest include several guards and a handful of civil officials handling documents and arrangements. Takuto tries his best to keep his gaze from drifting toward Anterize's chest, directing his attention instead to the members he has prepared. First, for a supporting role in the meeting, the elder Mortar, and Emuru as the recorder. Atou and Gia are also present, but they are rather here as guards. In the adjacent room, the witch sisters of Elful are also waiting, along with Dark Elf soldiers and the Brain Eater, a unit unique to Mynoghra. This is a formation with virtually no room for failure, perhaps even excessive military power for an allied nation with whom relations are good. (Well, it's inevitable it becomes excessive since I brought most of our forces anyway.) The risks to guard against are the dispersal of forces and being picked off one by one. Hence, everything was brought. Because Mynoghra's city and Dragontan are relatively close, it was decided that even if hostile forces invaded again, we could make a quick return—a somewhat forceful measure made possible by that fact. In any case, this is the entire meeting delegation. The number actually participating is terribly small. However, the decision-making authority held is paramount, and since all of Takuto's key personnel are assembled, the content of the discussions is certain to delve much deeper. Takuto, who doesn't want to neglect his domestic affairs, also intends to settle everything this time. Now, what should be our move... "Ho ho. Indeed, it is a dilemma, Your Majesty. My nation is still very much in its growth stage. It is a truly pitiful result of our Dark Elves' inadequacy, and we are ashamed to face you, Your Majesty, but the reality is that what we can offer is quite limited." In the ten-odd seconds Takuto gained, Elder Mortar joined the fray. He wasn't called an old sage for nothing. He immediately sensed the atmosphere shifting toward Fonkavun taking control of the meeting and began to deftly stir up the situation.
The transfer of Dragontan had already been established as a stipulated matter.
What is currently being discussed concerns what Mynoghra can offer—or intends to offer—in return for this.
Fonkavun intends to extract maximum concessions, while Mynoghra is determined to keep its purse strings tight; beneath the surface of their words, a shrewd if roundabout probing is underway.
Naturally, most people cannot keep up with the pace of this exchange.
Under normal circumstances, this would be the point to confirm the other party's will or intentions. It would even be a moment to slowly warm the atmosphere with topics like the recent war.
Why did they have to make such a tedious affair necessary?
Coincidentally, the representatives of both nations shared exactly the same thought on this matter.
"Once again! Takuto, who provided that amazing food, must have many other fine things you haven't shown us yet, right? And you brought along a large cart, didn't you? I'd love to see what's inside!"
"It's nothing that impressive, Pepe. Just things that might become necessary, that's all."
"It's sure to be something wonderful. I'm excited!"
He is perceptive. Extremely perceptive.
It was true that they had drawn attention, but having it pointed out at this timing made it difficult to respond. Of course, they had no intention of accepting it at face value.
"Ho ho ho. If it pleases you, Pepe... Speaking of which, Lord Tonukapoli. We have heard that your nation has other staff-wielders besides yourselves. What did they all have to say regarding this proposal?"
"Hmm? Well... they said various things, but they were persuaded in the end. Though this idiot brought it up, to show proper magnanimity as thanks for our future relations with your nation and for the last war, we must demonstrate at least this much. Still, they absolutely would not agree to the dragon vein cave."
"Indeed, as we have previously discussed, joint management of the dragon vein cave would be best for our side as well. The King also has that intention. However, handing over the town itself seems rather... rash, don't you think? I was quite surprised when I first heard the proposal."
"...Well, it was the conclusion of careful consideration. I would be grateful if you understood how much Mynoghra values us."
"Still, Lord Tonukapoli, even if we were to receive this town, the actual benefit to our nation is not so clear..."
"Hey, Mortar. You shouldn't say that. Dragontan is a wonderful town."
"Oh! My King! That was rude of me. In my concern for Mynoghra's—and by extension, your profit, I spoke most impolitely. Everyone from Fonkavun, please laugh off this old man's rambling and forgive him."
The topic was deftly painted over, shifting toward the value of Dragontan.
While some of it had been rather heavy-handed, it was foolish to expect too much propriety from a conference in the first place.
What mattered was reaching a beneficial agreement, and the greater that benefit to Mynoghra, the better. Any means necessary were justified for that end.
"I'm sorry about that, Pepe."
"Not at all, don't worry about it, Takuto! Dragontan really is a town with nothing in it! Bwahaha!"
"Heh... honestly, that girl. She just keeps talking without thinking, as always... Now then, esteemed members of Mynoghra, and His Majesty Takuto Ira. As we conveyed in the letter sent days prior, and as has been discussed here today, our nation of Fonkavun is considering the transfer of the town of Dragontan to your nation of Mynoghra. In exchange, we are requesting military strength, or equivalent war doctrines and weapons technology. That is our proposal."
"What are the advantages of obtaining Dragontan?"
"Tch!"
Negotiations between nations were wars without bloodshed.
There was no room for leniency whatsoever, and the law of the jungle prevailed.
On that front, Takuto showed his counterpart no mercy. He bluntly thrust forward the very words he had just used to caution old Mortar himself, without a shred of remorse.
Even between allies, squeezing every last drop of advantage was his creed. In this case, the fault lay not with him but with the other side's inability to hold their ground.
That said, as allies, he intended to gauge the line carefully so as not to leave lasting resentment.
"..."
Tonukapoli fell silent.
Fonkavun was in a weak position.
Setting aside the dragon vein cave, Dragontan's value as a town was exceedingly low. The urban infrastructure was half-collapsed, meaning substantial investment would be required for reconstruction.
Furthermore, the opposing side—that is, Mynoghra's cards—had yet to be revealed.
With no knowledge of the opponent's hand while their own card's value was being driven down unilaterally, within another few minutes they would have no choice but to accept certain defeat.
But this nation had him.
A boy who would pull off the unexpected and the outrageous, yet who could never be underestimated.
Pepe, who until moments ago had been staring out the window with obvious boredom, suddenly joined the conversation as if remembering something.
"There is a merit! Dragontan has many wonderful people! Yes, there are so many people!"
A sharp observation. Internally, Takuto let an expression of admiration cross his face.
He was certain Pepe must understand the internal situation of Mynoghra thoroughly.
What Mynoghra overwhelmingly lacked was people. Urban facilities could be created with mana alone. The gold coins currently obtained from the monsters of Brave Questus could be converted back into mana, allowing for endless emergency production.
The same applied to restoring collapsed urban systems and public order; they even possessed a unit, Brain Eater, capable of improving a city's security.
But population was different.
In that regard, no method could prepare them easily, and their increase required vast amounts of time.
Even if the Pseudo-Human, a species unique to Mynoghra, was said to be highly fertile, there were limits.
At minimum, over a decade was needed to produce the next generation, and considering the current predicament Mynoghra was in, that span was an eternity.
Mynoghra had no time.
As long as a clear threat existed in this world, strengthening national power was urgent, and this was perhaps the sole weakness where Mynoghra found itself completely cornered.
What Mynoghra had originally sought from that country was people.
"People, huh... Hmm, I wonder."
"They are all wonderful people! I'm sure everyone in Mynoghra will like them! Besides, you prefer a lively atmosphere, don't you, Takuto?"
Was this natural behavior or genuine feeling?
Either way, what reflected in Takuto's eyes was the realization that this friend of his, Pepe, was a negotiator who could not be underestimated in the slightest.
Finally, as if beginning the main negotiation, Takuto subtly leaned forward.
In response to that attitude, Pepe's eyes sparkled and his smile deepened.
"Our nation lacks strength. Takuto's nation lacks people. So let's exchange what we both lack! That way, we can definitely build an even more wonderful country together."
This was the truth.
An undeniable truth.
For Takuto as well, an increase in population was extremely attractive.
Furthermore, if the Mana from the Dragon Vein Caves in Dragontan could be converted into Earth-attribute Mana, a variety of tactical spells for enriching the land could be utilized.
In this barren land, it was an extremely effective method, and the speed of urban development would likely accelerate dramatically.
To unlock the various technologies ahead and refine military power, even more research would be necessary.
No matter how devoted the Dark Elves were in their pursuit, they could not overcome sheer numbers.
The number of citizens was directly linked to national power.
Conversely, it would also confer a great benefit upon Fonkavun.
The bottleneck of the nation of Fonkavun was concentrated in its military strength.
On this Southern Continent—commonly called the Great Cursed Realm—teeming with barbarians, they lacked decisive power, which prevented them from securing safety, and thus they could not expand adequately.
As a result, land reclamation lagged, and coupled with the nature of this land, crop yields were poor.
Food shortages forced reliance on imports from elsewhere, draining finances and exhausting the state.
Investigations had revealed the current reality: the entire nation was mired in chronic poverty.
That situation would be overturned in an instant if they borrowed Mynoghra's power.
How much they were counting on this was unclear, but with the weapons Takuto's side had prepared, that expectation would certainly be fulfilled.
Using their updated, overwhelming military force, they would pacify the surrounding regions and conduct land reclamation in a secure environment.
Furthermore, if they utilized the Earth Mana jointly managed with Mynoghra, their potential would be stretched to the maximum.
While not as prolific as Pseudo-Humans, it was said that beastmen were also highly fertile and possessed strong reproductive capacity.
In the long term, there was no reason the kingdom wouldn't prosper. It was an agreement whose merits were too high for both parties once ratified. Though he felt as though he was running along tracks the other had laid out, Takuto still posed several more probing questions.
"What about the dragon vein cave?"
"The details of management? We can decide that later, under our friendship, with good terms!"
"Pepe. The people have pride and will that should be respected. Won't they all flee?"
"Pride and will exist because they're alive. Besides, not everyone has the strength and courage of a soldier."
"If my people become your subjects, they become 'evil.' That decision itself—I imagine—requires a great deal of strength and courage."
"Huh, really? Mynoghra is a wonderful country! The food is delicious, there are many amazing things. Besides—all the Dark Elves seem so happy! Right, Mortar?"
At the sudden question, Elder Mortar's eyes widened in a startled expression. When he realized all eyes were on him, he spoke with a bitter look.
"Nu... Of course. We Dark Elves all feel true happiness at having become citizens under our King."
"..."
"O-Our King..."
"Thank you, Elder Mortar. I'm happy too."
"Hah-ha!"
Takuto understood perfectly why Elder Mortar adopted that bitter demeanor, but he deemed the lapse acceptable. No, calling it a lapse might be harsh. Given his position, there was no other choice but to affirm it in that moment.
"I believe that if our people become citizens of Mynoghra, both our nations will grow even closer! Dragontan will be that bridge!"
That was a clever move—perhaps several clever moves.
Takuto internally cried out in surprise.
The citizens who become Mynoghra's people are granted nearly absolute freedom of will, save for their loyalty to the state and to Takuto Ira.
That fact had been seen through in their earlier exchange.
It was likely he had already sensed it through their prior interactions—that even if the souls of Mynoghra's people became evil, their own wills and pride would not be rewritten, they would not become different people entirely.
If that was the case, it could be proven that persuading the citizens themselves would be easy, and consequently, that emigrating them to Mynoghra would be simple.
In other words, that would increase Dragontan's value and allow them to conduct the negotiation from a position of advantage.
His words to Old Mortar were merely for confirmation.
In essence, Fonkavun was saying this: You want people, don't you? Both sides are sufficiently prepared for that.
For Mynoghra, which wanted to win favor by showing reluctance toward the emigration, this was not a statement they could agree to straightforwardly.
Yet, if they did not agree here, the talks would fundamentally fall apart.
If they didn't find a compromise, the only thing born from this summit would be loss.
"Yes, the friendship between our two nations is very important."
Takuto's mind spun rapidly, simulating the flow of the conversation to come, meticulously examining each side's merits and demerits.
Accepting the former residents of Fonkavun. Even if they became naturalized citizens of Mynoghra, neither group could ever fully forget their homeland.
Of course, due to the constraints of the system, their loyalty would be dedicated to Mynoghra, but their memories and recollections would certainly remain.
This was certain, as evidenced by how the Dark Elves, having become Mynoghra's citizens, still held onto their grudge against the elves and their pride as Dark Elves.
If, by some chance, relations between Mynoghra and Fonkavun soured, this fact would remain like a festering wound, an uncertain element.
Ultimately, the new citizens would choose Mynoghra. But pushing through forcibly at the cost of the citizens' happiness was not the goal.
Because—the happiness of the citizens was directly linked to the production of mana.
The system limitations of the Eternal Nations had become a major shackle at this juncture.
In other words, as long as Mynoghra accepted the people of Fonkavun, the alliance with Fonkavun inevitably became crucial. And currently, strengthening the alliance offered merits while presenting almost no drawbacks.
This act, which could be described as a form of cultural penetration, was undoubtedly an offensive strategy.
Though Takuto wasn't sure how much of this was the individual's own thinking, it could be called an incalculable sense nonetheless.
"A bridge between the two nations... Hmm, yes, I think it's a good proposal."
So this was the point of compromise.
Takuto decided it was acceptable to recognize the price they offered as something of value.
This meant his side would have to contribute more, but even factoring that in, there was sufficient reason to reach an agreement.
Of course, there were also merits for Mynoghra.
As Pepe said, this strategy would not only work in Fonkavun's favor but also in Mynoghra's.
Because Fonkavun, like Mynoghra, could not so easily dissolve the alliance.
The human heart is not simple. If their own people chose to emigrate to another country, and moreover, if relations with that state turned hostile, the resulting domestic turmoil would be incalculable.
A peaceful transfer and naturalization process would suddenly be seen as betrayal and abandonment, leading to distrust in their leadership and, in the worst case, civil war.
In other words, the shackle was equally placed on Fonkavun.
No matter how things turned, they couldn't betray each other. That was the result this agreement would achieve.
"Oh, right! It seems there were Dark Elf people in the mother country too... Maybe you could ask them if they'd like to become citizens of Mynoghra as well! Or better yet, let's invite the people back home too!"
And so continued the solo performance of Pepe—foolish and thoughtless on the surface, yet with a glimmer of deep knowledge shining through underneath.
Upon hearing this, the Dark Elves stirred with sudden interest.
This was something Takuto's side should have proposed, yet they were once again preempted.
Indeed, he was adept at seizing personnel. Takuto felt a brief pang of sadness, wondering if his own life might have been a little more enjoyable if he possessed even half of Pepe's communicative ability.
"Heeey, wait a minute, Pepe! That was your own decision! It hasn't been decided yet!"
"Hmm? You can figure that out, old lady. Convince them smoothly like last time."
"You little... imbecile!"
"Besides, is there even enough food to feed all the current citizens?"
"Tch! Whose side are you really on?!"
I found the exchange somewhat amusing. And indeed, I could sense the skill in her maneuvering.
Well, those particular decisions didn't need to be made immediately. Using the mana Mynoghra currently possessed, food support was at least partially feasible.
It would be pitiful for Tonukapoli's stomach to get another hole in it, so perhaps it wouldn't hurt to throw them a lifeline right about now.
As I was thinking this, Pepe suddenly turned to Takuto, her gaze sharp and earnest.
"Takuto, I think I did you a disservice. In the last battle, we couldn't do anything. The blood that was spilled... that was something we should have shouldered."
Takuto showed a brief moment of consideration at her words, then spoke his true thoughts.
"That entity wished for the world's ruin and conquest. Either way, it was hostile to Mynoghra as well. It wasn't Fonkavun's fault."
"Then the bad ones are those bastards who picked a fight with us!"
"And we, who failed to prepare adequately."
Yes, it was all due to insufficient preparation. No—it was a tragedy brought about by a lack of understanding.
This wasn't true just for Fonkavun; it applied equally to Mynoghra and to me.
"So, next time, let's prepare so thoroughly that we're ready, Takuto. So we can defeat anyone, no matter what their intentions are. With overwhelming force."
Her words drew everyone in.
So this is what it means to have charismatic words. I felt admiration, and yet also a deep resonance with that sentiment.
Preparation is important. Overwhelming preparation. Overwhelming national strength. And overwhelming power.
Above all else, that was what was needed.
"What we're putting on the table is people. What are you offering?"
Takuto laughed to himself.
What a genuinely interesting opponent.
Power was not something limited to mere brute force.
Things were complex, and a multitude of factors shaped people and the world.
Power was, at its core, a measure of how much influence one could exert beyond oneself.
On that front, Pepe's extraordinary insight and his innocent yet eccentric drive for action could certainly be called power.
And Takuto was precisely the sort of person who found such rivals deeply appealing.
"Mortar."
"Yes, sir! Our preparations are in order, but... is this truly acceptable?"
"It means Pepe was the better negotiator. Well, this is a deal that benefits us both."
Here, Takuto altered his original plan.
He had intended to limit the compensation offered to a reasonable degree, but now decided to release everything he had.
Resolve deserved to be met with equal resolve.
If Pepe and the rest of Fonkavun were truly this serious about Mynoghra, then Takuto could not afford to hold back.
Even if, someday, he would need to settle his relationship with them in order to fulfill his ambitions, for now there was still a genuine camaraderie between allies.
"Pepe—would you like some power?"
Takuto spoke those words quietly, with a touch of deliberate weight.
It was a phrase he had often heard in his former world—one he had always wanted to use someday.
"You wanted this, didn't you?"
"Well then, next time it's our turn to surprise you."
That's right, next time it was their turn to turn the tables.
They would offer power worth many times over the price they imagined.
So that no one would ever again think to oppose both nations.
"Then, as you wish, I'll show you what real 'violence' looks like."
"I can't wait!"
Contrasting with Pepe's innocent smile, the Fonkavun attendees, led by Tonukapoli, all wore expressions of uniform pallor.