While Sutherland engages in heated exchanges regarding their negotiation strategy with Mynoghra...
Mynoghra, in turn, was advancing discussions to solidify their own basic policy for the talks with Sutherland.
"Right, let's get things moving quickly. The current situation where combat is almost guaranteed not to occur is, in a sense, a godsend for Mynoghra. Considering the future, I think it might be permissible to be a bit forceful."
"Regarding the Sutherland matter, then. Lord Takuto, you believe we need to secure their cooperation promptly, even under pressure?"
Atou interjected...
"Indeed. Under previous circumstances, we could have taken more time and proceeded with careful deliberation. But when considering a one-year period, we have no luxury to waste time being leisurely."
"And we have no room to stumble here either, correct!"
Vittorio supplemented.
The usual group was assembled in the palace conference room.
Even Atou and Vittorio, who should have been like cats and dogs, were attending the meeting quietly here.
Atou understood that causing a particular uproar and delaying the meeting in this setting would be fatal for Mynoghra, and therefore restrained himself.
Vittorio was convinced that more exquisite amusement awaited him in the future, compared to merely teasing Atou here.
Coincidentally, due to these calculations from both parties, a stress-free meeting progression for Takuto was currently underway.
Of course, regarding the content, it wasn't exactly a relaxed discussion, as they needed to press matters forward somewhat urgently...
"Incorporating Sutherland is, above all, the fundamental premise. Naturally, I have a plan in mind, but I'd like to see results achieved early."
Negotiations with Sutherland, the nation with the greatest national power on the Dark Continent, were an absolute necessity for Mynoghra.
It could be said that everything began here.
Given the one-year deadline for the Grand Ritual, any delay in securing Sutherland, the initial key point, would cause setbacks in all subsequent operations.
That, in turn, would mean defeat for Mynoghra. They could not stumble here; they absolutely had to succeed. And quickly.
Only a few days had passed since the collapse of the full-camp meeting. Considering a one-year period, it might seem like a trivial number of days, but conversely, it could be said that several days had already slipped away.
Although it is a famous maxim that war values hasty decisions, Mynoghra now required an even swifter response with that principle in mind.
"Then how shall we make them bow their heads? As long as the Grand Ritual forbids acts of war, we cannot take direct measures, but..."
"That's certainly true. But they don't know that. At least, I've warned Fonkavun not to speak carelessly, so our weakness shouldn't have reached their side."
"As you say, Takuto..."
Atou showed a hesitant response. In her view, negotiation meant clearly demonstrating the difference in power. Especially when pressed for time, a single heavy blow often proved more effective than exchanging words.
But when acts of war were impossible, wouldn't displaying military might be difficult?
Such doubts were arising.
Of course, Takuto had already considered those concerns. Exploiting loopholes in the system was familiar to him, and he had accumulated sufficient know-how in that area.
Vittorio, who had been listening, seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion as Takuto, nodding with interest.
"You mean to bluff them!... That's the idea!"
"The phrasing sounds a bit uncool, but yeah, that's the gist. Fortunately, Mynoghra's units look terrifying to people from other nations. We should be able to use that effectively. At worst, a mock exercise would suffice."
To show the difference in power, there was no need to engage in direct combat. Currently, Mynoghra possessed several units with overwhelming visual intimidation.
If we show them and break the opponent's will, the talks should progress quickly. After that, we just need to dangle friendly technology sharing, as we did with Fonkavun.
In other words, a carrot-and-stick operation.
"So, scare them first, then pamper them to get along? Hmm, like yakuza? But will that really work?"
"That's why I understand the Ira doctrine exists. Sutherland is a closed nation, but that doesn't mean there's no exchange at all. If so, there are plenty of gaps to drive a wedge into. And those arrangements are already in place."
Of course, the reason Takuto fully approved this seemingly reckless strategy wasn't just the existence of terrifying units.
As he said, the Ira doctrine was a major factor. The Ira doctrine—a gathering of eccentrics who worship Takuto Ira himself as a god.
That religion had already spread shallowly across the entire continent. Though still few, its tendrils had certainly reached Sutherland.
Believers defined by the system as such were powerful. If Takuto gave the word, they would gladly agree to his words regardless of the circumstances.
That is precisely why Takuto was pushing the annexation of Sutherland with semi-coercive force.
He had judged that he could make it happen.
"Truly commendable. Well, under the grand ritual, I must admit my own abilities are not at their peak. Though it requires some juggling of resources, the groundwork is sufficiently laid. That is the gist of it."
Vittorio, clapping his hands in good spirits, praises Takuto's decision.
Without responding to the praise, Takuto cast a brief glance toward Atou, confirming that she was watching the meeting's progress quietly, albeit with a somewhat sulky expression.
Next, he looked to the Dark Elves. Participating from the beginning, they too were now silently listening intently to Takuto's words.
Perhaps the strategy was to hear the policy first and then ask questions. Or maybe it was an attitude born from believing that in a crisis, it was best to leave all judgment to their king, Takuto.
In any case, the fact that they, who were usually so cooperative, were being quieter than ever was a relief for Takuto.
...He would proceed with the explanation.
"Via Fonkavun, we have a grasp of a portion of Sutherland's technology. Every last bit of it is tech that Mynoghra does not yet possess. It's tempting to be greedy and wonder if even more advanced, secret technologies exist, but even the current inventory is something we absolutely want to acquire."
He glanced toward where Mortar the elder bowed his head deeply.
This was information of priceless value, collected primarily under his leadership. It was a combination of data gathered when Sutherland's priority was lower and a frantic batch assembled in just the last few days, so the accuracy wasn't perfect.
Even so, it had become clear that Sutherland possessed multiple undiscovered technologies that Mynoghra lacked.
Currently, many of them were maritime in nature and seemed of limited immediate use. However, conversely, this much had surfaced from a relatively cursory investigation. It was highly probable they were hiding their trump cards.
"In any case, we need to arrange negotiations with Sutherland as soon as possible, Master Takuto. Within a few days, no less."
"Yeah. Once we take Sutherland, the remaining two city-states are honestly manageable however we see fit. In the worst case, we could even leave them be. The first step toward the Holy Continent Alliance is clear."
"Actually, regarding Sutherland, wasn't there already a negotiation request coming through Fonkavun originally? If they have any normal judgment, I think they'd accept our proposal immediately."
"One would hope, but we are of the evil alignment, you know... There's no telling where talks might break down."
"Ah, yes. The hardships of the evil alignment."
Differences in values stemming from disparities in attributes lead to conflicts that, while logical, are hardly welcome.
That said, it's equally wrong to think that oil and water mix easily. In any case, overturning logic requires time and effort.
"At that time, you could just lead the believers of the Ira faith to start a revolution, right? Then, hang the leader from a street corner as an example, and everything will be just fine!"
"I told you combat actions are impossible. Well, are espionage and sabotage against a neutral nation allowed? Before that, will the believers move just because I state my feelings, completely exploiting a loophole in the rules? I was considering them as a politically pro-Mynoghra faction... the believers of the Ira faith are really troublesome."
Takuto couldn't help but furrow his brow.
If Yonayona, the acting High Priest of the Ira faith, heard this, she'd probably faint and be bedridden for a while, but since she wasn't present here, he let it pass.
Caution was also necessary regarding them, who were even more uncontrollable than Vittorio. Left unchecked, they might act on their own and ruin everything.
(I'll have to find time later to go talk to Yonayona again. She really has a tough job.)
In truth, he had many other thoughts regarding the Ira faith. To that end, he would need to change his policy and proactively engage with them going forward.
In that sense, close interaction with Yonayona, in her position as acting High Priest, was essential.
While plotting plans that would make her faint again if she heard them, Takuto surveyed the meeting participants.
After that, several questions flew from the Dark Elves, but overall, understanding seemed to be achieved.
However, given the current situation, the only broad policy that could be established was to contact Sutherland first and try to bring them into the fold for the founding of the Dark Continent Military Alliance, so the discussion couldn't delve into finer details...
Confirming that everyone was satisfied, Takuto discreetly checked the wooden clock he had chosen to blend with the palace's design.
It was already deep into the night. Having completed a wide variety of tasks today—issuing instructions to various units, disseminating urban policies, and handling intelligence-related matters before the meeting—finishing at this hour could be considered quite good.
With this, he could get a light sleep and depart first thing the next morning.
"So, I will depart. Fortunately, the Grand Ceremony automatically prevents harm to us. I can move prioritizing speed."
The Dark Elf executive group was already aware of the contents of the Grand Ceremony.
There was some surprise, perhaps due to unfamiliarity, but after a short while, it subsided, and everyone wore expressions of agreement.
"Direct harm, of course. Assassination attempts are also prevented as acts of war, you see. At this juncture, I want to do everything possible!"
"The Grand Ritual is an absolute magic that cannot be overturned by any means. It is quite unlikely that it would be broken, after all. At the very least, there would be some sign. Of course, I will also be at Takuto's side as his escort at all times!"
In addition, the endorsements of the two heroes had worked effectively.
The Grand Ritual occupied a special position even within "Eternal Nations". As a magic activated for the nation-state, no exception handling applied to it, and within the game, it operated as something absolutely unbreakable.
Of course, its settings also matched that performance, considered to be born from a higher-order set of laws distinct from ordinary magic.
Considering these settings, one could safely conclude that the Grand Ritual itself would hardly be breached. At least, as Atou had said, when an anomaly occurred, there would surely be some sign.
That was precisely why now was the perfect opportunity for Takuto to lower his usual vigilance toward his surroundings and move freely.
That conviction and confidence naturally spread to the Dark Elves as well, which was why no objections were raised.
Having previously shown the disgrace of losing consciousness, Takuto was relieved, as he had feared it would be troublesome to persuade the Dark Elves if they became overprotective again.
Humans—well, Dark Elves in this case—had complex emotions. There were many things that, even if one understood rationally that it was so, one's feelings would not permit.
That was both the wonderful and the weak point of being human.
Takuto had come to understand this well since arriving in this world. His interactions with these people of intense joys and sorrows, rather than the sterile socializing in the hospital room, were indeed helping his heart grow.
(It went smoothly with the domestic persuasion. In the worst-case scenario, I could have stumbled right here.)
Vittorio had likely intervened intentionally to back him up, and Atou was probably just being herself. Regardless, he had been saved by the two heroes.
Takuto thanked these reliable companions in his heart, then met the gaze of everyone present and spoke with confidence.
"I hear Sutherland has many items originating from other continents. Given the situation, we shouldn't get too carried away, but it is a little exciting."
Everyone nodded.
The late hour added to the deep silence.
In the usual flow, this would be where Takuto would give the order to conclude the meeting.
Takuto stood up with that intention, preparing to give his closing remarks... but he seemed to think of something, uttering only a small "Ah..."
The gaze of everyone focused on the king.
"Two... ah, no, three perhaps. If we successfully establish cooperation with Sutherland and receive their technology transfer, that will be unlocked, won't it?"
Should they manage to secure Sutherland's cooperation and obtain the technology transfer, the total number of technologies possessed by Mynoghra would naturally increase.
This was an obvious outcome, requiring no explanation—water flowing downhill was the same principle.
Wherein lay the meaning of this? What exactly would be unlocked?
The gathered party was filled with questions, but only two reacted immediately.
Namely, Atou of the filth, and the blissful slip of the tongue, Vittorio.
"What could it... ah!"
"A new hero, indeed!"
The Dark Elves gasped.
Hero summoning was intrinsically tied to the technologies Mynoghra possessed.
There were several conditions—such as the discovery of specific technologies—but among them was the number of technologies one held.
The technology obtained during their previous infiltration of Quolia. And the technology Mynoghra would likely obtain next. If they combined the totals of these and things went well, a new hero could be summoned.
Mynoghra's hand would gain another card.
Joy appeared on the faces of the Dark Elves. But how to put it? Was it merely my imagination that some looked less than fully pleased?
Takuto continued the conversation, having already grasped both those expressions and their reasons.
It's fine. The next hero summoned will be... a slight improvement.
The painful part was that it wasn't an improvement at all. The quota of heroes with decent qualities Mynoghra could hold had ended with Isla...
"Mynoghra has two heroes remaining. Setting personality aside, both possess abilities that are guaranteed. The cost is heavy, but... with a year's time, we can comfortably perform the summons."
This was becoming interesting.
Which of the two heroes should he summon next? Strategies began forming in rapid succession within Takuto's mind.
The remaining two heroes both possessed exceptional abilities, and depending on their use, had the potential to significantly bolster Mynoghra's military strength.
Either would do. Takuto considered internally that changing his judgment based on the situation was also a valid approach.
"Now, I shall ask everyone."
Perhaps his excitement was showing, as Takuto whimsically addressed the assembled crowd.
Even while understanding that the Dark Elves would likely be unable to decide, and that setting aside the two heroes for now made sense...
He still couldn't contain the excitement he felt.
"Which hero would you like to meet?"
=Message===
The currently identified unknown technologies of Sutherland are as follows:
"Optics""Astronomy""Deep-Sea Navigation""Early Logistics""Cultural Appreciation"
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