The absurdly tyrannical declaration made by the hero Vittorio.
Even though his words could be taken as a declaration of war against the current regime, Takuto responded with perfect composure.
"A truly reassuring statement. The only problem is that you haven't obtained any of my permission whatsoever."
"Permission! Approval! Sanction! Procedures infinitely complicate themselves, and the time required swells for eternity! However, sirrah~! At times, the judgment of the one on the ground must take precedence! Especially! If it! Concerns the life of my lord and the future of the nation!"
Vittorio was a meritocrat and a pragmatist.
He believed that any behavior was permissible so long as the objective was achieved, and that any number of problems encountered along the way were less than pebbles on the road, provided the final result was secured.
It was precisely this belief that led him to advocate for the expulsion of the Dark Elves, whom he held responsible for failing to protect the one he worshipped as a god, Takuto Ira. Those who do not fulfill their duties have no value.
...Though, of course, until now, he had never seen value in anyone other than Takuto.
"Pragmatism, is it? Indeed, your skill in gathering faith is commendable. Thanks to that, I was able to revive quickly. With my extended absence potentially fatal while so many matters remained unsettled, your swift, independent action was the most correct course one could argue."
Initially, Takuto's loss of consciousness had been expected to be long-term.
This was evident from how Atou and the Dark Elves, despite their best efforts, had been completely unable to diagnose or treat it, only wasting precious time.
This critical situation had been resolved shortly after Vittorio's summoning.
As Vittorio said, Takuto understood well that this achievement was unparalleled.
"Then there should be no problem whatsoever, yes? I have always delivered results, sirrah! I am contributing properly! Between one who produces results and one who does not, which deserves trust is clear, isn't it?"
His manner of speaking was almost teasing, but this time, the Dark Elves did not react.
Only Yonayona, offended by his rude attitude toward Takuto, twitched slightly and glared fiercely at Vittorio, hoping others wouldn't notice.
They all understood. That attitude and those manners might be the lowest, but his achievements were truly befitting of a hero.
"Oh, by the way... that fool—ahem, rather, that Atou lad not being present here, is that perhaps intentional?"
Abruptly, the conversation veered sharply off course.
The declaration from Vittorio, which could be interpreted as a kind of challenge, had already concluded.
Perhaps he found satisfaction in freely expressing whatever he wished to share? Or was it mere curiosity, or perhaps caution?
It was Vittorio himself who deliberately raised the topic of the absent confidante, the young woman not present here.
"You ask why Atou isn't here? That's an odd question, Vittorio. Wouldn't your life be easier if Atou were present?"
Vittorio and Atou were bitter enemies.
As the Hero of Tongues, he didn't particularly harbor special feelings about her, but regarding the Hero of the Mire, his loathing was beyond the simple word "dislike."
Therefore, Takuto must have chosen not to summon Atou here.
If she were called, the two would certainly quarrel, and even if Takuto intervened, their conversation would be repeatedly disrupted...
Everyone present, including Vittorio, understood that Takuto had made this judgment.
Vittorio, to everyone's surprise, broke into a broad smile at this considerate arrangement.
"Oh yes, yes indeed! I am exceedingly! Satisfied with your kind consideration! After all, that lady and I have extremely! Poor compatibility! In truth, one never knows what might happen!"
"I see. Then there's no problem."
The conversation between the Hero of Tongues and the King of Ruin often devolved into disjointed rambling, with topics shifting haphazardly.
It was like two deeply inebriated philosophers hurling their research findings at each other...
Suggestive and ambiguous. It gave their subordinates the strange sense that there was meaning, yet none.
But no one entertained the foolish notion that these verbal exchanges held no significance.
It was simply that, existing on a far higher plane, both failed to recognize the true battle of words occurring between them.
"O great god! With this, I am certain! No matter what thoughts or stratagems you devise, this game of ours is one step ahead!"
"I see. So you believe I'm already in your hands? Perhaps I've read even that move, and have already prepared a counter?"
"Hmm. However, this strategy was crafted with my body and soul—the ultimate, supreme creation. It is already complete; all that remains is to await its finish. At this point, not even Takuto Ira himself can overturn it. That is simply the reality."
From their previous exchange, how had they reached such conclusions?
Did Atou’s absence from this place carry such profound significance?
Or was something else hidden within that fact...?
While his subordinates grew restless, Takuto’s expression remained unchanged, his true intentions unreadable.
“Nevertheless, rest assured, O Great One! My dream holds no inconvenience for you! This is a perfect, complete gift I offer to my God, Takuto Ira!”
“I see. Thinking everything will go your way is just like you... For your own sake, I think it’s time I taught you a lesson.”
“Do as you please. However—allow me to declare here and now that your view will eventually change.”
A charged silence fell over the room.
The air grew taut to its breaking point, and if things escalated, Gia and Mortar would be the first to draw their blades against Vittorio.
The earlier words clearly contained an intent of treason.
To defy the king’s wishes and impose one’s own desires—everyone in Mynoghra knew what that meant.
Especially for a hero. No one would understand the weight of those words better than he.
Now, here, the punishment would come directly from Takuto.
The ultimate disgrace of being granted death.
But then—
“Wahahahahah! Hehehe!”
“Fufu, ahaha!”
What erupted between them was an innocent, childlike laugh—the kind a child might give when a prank succeeds.
The Dark Elves, and Yonayona—the acting pontiff of the Ira religion—exhaled in relief as the taut atmosphere dissipated.
Both parties, especially the king, were thoroughly enjoying this exchange.
Just knowing this fact made it feel as though their lives had been spared, and they realized this agonizing meeting, at least from the outside, was proceeding within acceptable bounds.
"Well, the resolution will come eventually. I'll deal out your punishment then. Timing is key for matters like this."
"By that time, it shall become an eternal, memorable day for our nation—indeed, for all of Mynoghra! I look forward to it already! A day of festival! I shall present to you a grand celebration!"
"Hmm, indeed. I'm looking forward to it."
The amicable atmosphere felt utterly casual, bearing no trace of the previous tension.
There were still many unknowns regarding the Hero.
It could be said that the subordinates knew almost nothing about the relationship between the King and the Hero.
Between this master and servant existed a relationship they did not know, a trust they had not yet witnessed.
This exchange left one convinced of that truth.
"In any case, whatever your methods, I understand clearly that you considered my interests first. Let's end this topic here. Ah, that was a pleasant conversation after a long while. These kinds of dialogues that use the mind feel rather fresh. It makes one feel like a king."
"Ha ha ha! What are you saying? That demeanor, that majesty—you are truly a Demon Lord! An incarnation of ruin that will annihilate everything in this world! Let us commit even greater acts of evil from now on! I shall gladly assist you in that endeavor!"
"Yes, that's reassuring. Truly reassuring."
The Demon Lord of Ruin and the Hero of Blunders.
The conclusion to this bizarre and unfathomable confrontation between master and servant was, for now, postponed.
The clash of intellects existing on a far higher plane had not yet shown even a glimpse of what kind of ending it might bring.
But in either case... it was unlikely to result in any disadvantage for the nation of Mynoghra, or for the player Takuto Ira.
The majesty of the Demon Lord of Ruin was unfathomable. This war of words had made that thoroughly clear.
And now, only one task remained.
Something that had been decided without a shadow of doubt for them. That is to say...
"Alright then, let's begin our turn towards world conquest immediately. What do you want, Vittorio? I shall procure everything you desire."
It was a move to subdue all the countless hostile forces dwelling in this world.
Takuto spread his arms wide as he declared his intention to prepare everything.
This meant that the world-ranked player of Eternal Nations and the worst hero in the game’s history would be acting in concert.
The King of Ruin and the Hero of Slip-ups were about to wield the full extent of their power without restraint.
"Well then, if you insist... I shall graciously accept your kind offer."
Vittorio’s lips curled upward at the words, which could also be taken as absolute trust from his lord.
The Dark Elf subordinates, and acting priestess Yonayona as well, involuntarily held their breath as they considered the impact this lord and retinue would have on the world when united in a single purpose.
What would be their next move? From the depths of darkness, malice lifted its sickle-like head, seeking its prey.
And then...
"I’ll be borrowing those two little girls—the Elful sisters!"
The move struck in an utterly unexpected direction.
"Gah?!"
Two voices, uncharacteristically coarse for girls of their age, leaked from the corner of the audience chamber.
They were the synchronized cries of astonishment from the sisters, who, having learned that no punishment would befall Vittorio, had lost interest and were now slumped against the wall like stains, blankly watching how things unfolded.
A slight thought of "Why us?" crossed their minds, piled high with clear disgust at the notion of having to move alongside this most despicable of figures.
Even Takuto, who had predicted Vittorio’s suggestion and this general flow to some extent, couldn’t help but smile wryly at their openly displeased expressions and attitudes that screamed "I’m not satisfied with this."
"Ah, just as I thought. You intend to make a move on the Southern States?"
"It’s the hottest region right now, after all. Besides, the situation surrounding my beloved Mynoghra is condensed contrary to the flow of history. Expanding our influence is urgent! Was the God not also completing preparations with that same schedule in mind?"
Takuto couldn’t help but mutter "As expected" at the way Vittorio saw through his strategy so precisely, as if it were the most natural thing.
But that sharpness was reassuring now. "In sync" felt a bit too strong a term for it, but a relationship where explanations were unnecessary and every word landed was preferable.
In any case, the details needed to be ironed out. Even if it meant doing so while the sisters, struck by this sudden misfortune, were sending their moods into a freefall.
"As for the Elful sisters, I'll permit them to accompany you. By the way, we've received intelligence that there is currently one Holy Maiden in the Southern Provinces. Can you handle that?"
"Naturally, my lord! A Holy Maiden, how delightful! A beacon of hope for the devout. A soul brimming with benevolence! I am utterly enamored with such glittering beings! Should our paths cross, I am certain we shall become fast friends, holding hands in harmony! I am! A lover of dreams, love, hope! That is what I adore!"
"...Ah, understood, understood. Well, it seems you haven't forgotten the true purpose, so that's fine. Do as you please, but ensure not a single scratch touches them."
He casts a quick glance toward the Elful sisters.
Both pout their cheeks in protest, forming crosses with their arms in a clear gesture of staunch refusal.
Unfortunately, they are the very crux of the next operation. Their crossed arms could not be accepted.
Furthermore, to his discomfort... even within that operation, he would have to burden them greatly.
How to persuade them? His head already ached at the thought.
The fervor from his intellectual sparring with Vittorio just moments ago chilled instantly.
Angry girls are terrifying...
The King of Ruin fell into a somber mood.
"Oh my! The God-gaze upon the little ones is so tender! Mmm! You are one of my favorites. I am jealous! Ah, by the way, what of my safety?"
"You could die for all I care."
"Mmmnnn!! Splendid! Oh, delighted!"
Meanwhile, his handling of Vittorio was harsh in contrast to his concern for the twin girls.
Though, even those words were now merely a fine spice to further delight the man.
Takuto, while still glancing sideways at the rigidly frozen Yonayona, reiterated several points he already knew, partly for Vittorio's understanding.
"You will have authority over the selection of personnel for the strategy. If necessary, take whomever you need, even those outside the Ira religion. —By the way, the movements of the faction controlling the El-Na Spirit Contract Union remain opaque. I trust you understand, but other powers can sometimes wield abilities far beyond our expectations. Do not neglect vigilance. Our dreams... have many enemies."
"In the name of the Hero of the Tongue's Sin—"
With a deep bow and a rare, serious demeanor, Vittorio accepted the order.
Eventually sensing the atmosphere of an imminent conclusion to the meeting, each person straightened in their seat, waiting for Takuto's declaration. Takuto, equally, was about to begin his persuasion of the Elful sisters when, as if struck by a sudden thought, he addressed Vittorio.
"Ah, yes. Then, just one final question before we end."
The lowered head rose, and Vittorio's gaze fixed upon Takuto. Meeting those eyes directed straight at him, Takuto placed a hand over his own chest and inquired.
"Tell me, do you truly trust this me, and pledge your loyalty?"
Vittorio's brow twitched. It was a doubt born of the question itself: would the Takuto Ira he idealized ask such a weak-minded question? The words held a meaning beyond their surface. No, there was certainly something more. But to deny it here was impossible. To deflect would be unacceptable. Even if it were some sort of trap, to evade a question of loyalty to one's lord with mere wordplay would be the height of insolence, and above all, Vittorio himself could not endure having his own feelings of reverence questioned. Therefore, his answer could only be one.
"Of course! My devotion is solely for the one standing before me! This Vittorio, that much can never change! As long as you remain my ideal, I shall willingly become nothing more than your ideal hound!"
And so, Vittorio declared, laying bare his true feelings without concealment. Even if his heart harbored a great deal of foul intentions, his loyalty held no falsehood.
"Ha ha ha, that's a tough one. But I'm glad. I'm truly happy to hear you say that."
Takuto broke into a radiant smile, beaming with apparent delight. That smile was so brilliant that Vittorio felt, somewhere deep within, a fissure of doubt forming against the absolute certainty of his own wicked intellect. Their exchange had held a meaning of some kind—one that could prove fatal to Vittorio.
Yet contrary to his inarticulable sense of crisis, Takuto, presumably in high spirits, continued speaking.
"Don't worry about the Elful sisters. I'll make sure to properly convey the importance of the operation to them myself."
Takuto turned his gaze toward the Elful sisters, who were standing near the wall.
They were clearly displeased, and Takuto was already dreading the effort it would take to persuade them. But strategically, there was no choice other than to go along with this.
He felt a twinge of resentment toward Vittorio's brilliance—the man possessed intellect rivaling his own and kept presenting undeniable optimal solutions.
"That covers it... I suppose. Regardless, I'm glad I get to spend time with you again, Vittorio."
"As am I, to be sure! Once more, I find myself in the company of a magnificent figure—truly overwhelming! This is nothing short of a miracle! This is happiness itself! Mmm! I shall give it my all!"
"That said, don't overdo it. I'm counting on you—Yonayona too, of course. He was the only one today, but once things settle down, I'll make sure to set aside some time to speak with you as well."
"Ha ha ha! Young Yonayona has been so overcome with joy that he's fainted while still on his feet! Well then, I have quite a lot of work ahead of me, so I shall take my leave here!"
Once again he performed an exaggerated bow, and the tongue-slip hero turned on his heel.
After a few paces, he noticed Yonayona—eyes rolled back, having collapsed from sheer emotion—and casually tucked him under one arm like a bundle of luggage before exiting.
A voice called after his retreating figure.
"I hope it works out, Vittorio."
It was a voice brimming with genuine warmth, one that sounded as though the speaker truly meant every word of encouragement.
What feelings stirred within Vittorio upon hearing those words, no one could say.
Only, in a rare display for him, the usual flippancy was absent from his expression.
"Ah, well... that's to say, I need you to accompany Vittorio and carry out the operation to conquer the southern provinces... This is an extremely important operation, and I'd like to explain to the two of you just how critical it is—will you listen?"
"NOOOOOO!"
The Elful sisters' screams erupted from behind Vittorio.
The more one turned it over in their mind, the more it felt like even this was yet another stratagem born from the profound wisdom of Takuto Ira.
Takuto Ira was the only player in Eternal Nations capable of controlling the Blissful Tongue-Slip Vittorio.
What he had forgotten was never truly lost, but his understanding of the matter had been perilously naive. For the sake of the dream he now pursued, he needed to tighten his focus once more. The hero whose tongue had earned him no small trouble thus reflected, his face settled into a mask-like expression.