They wished to offer tribute. The proposal came from Sutherland, the maritime nation, at a time when the alliance of the Dark Continent's side was taking shape and each member was pushing forward at full capacity in their respective fields.
Mynoghra—that is to say, Takuto—held the position of supreme leader of the Dark Continent's forces in the great war that was to come. It could be said to fall within the range of expectations that Sutherland, eager to improve its standing within this hastily assembled alliance, would show deference and carefully gauge the mood.
(They want me to personally come and receive it... hmm.)
However, if Takuto were to go in person, a few problems would arise.
Namely, the matter of status between the two nations, and the matter of Takuto's authority.
Though Sutherland possessed a reasonable degree of national power, it was ultimately just one country among many in the alliance. For it to summon the head of state of Mynoghra—the alliance's superior leader—would be a tall order.
Regardless of the form it took, that was how the outside world would perceive it.
The other side seemed well aware of this impropriety, as their letter was written in deeply apologetic tones, yet...
(Must be worth a great deal, then. Hmm, I am personally curious about this...)
Regarding the gift, Sutherland appeared to radiate considerable confidence.
Though the letter was suffused with evident humility, on the matter of the tribute alone, confidence and pride overflowed freely. The elaborately worded self-praise penned in that tortuously formal style would not emerge unless the gift were something truly extraordinary.
And they would present it to... Mynoghra.
(Very well, I'll send a body double. I can worry about everyone's reactions afterward, and there should be enough time just to hear what they have to say. Besides, I want to see it for myself.)
Though personal motives lay at the heart of it, Takuto made the decision to accept the proposal.
He would need to persuade Elder Mortar and the other Dark Elves, and Atou certainly would not be pleased.
Perhaps it might even expose an unnecessary opening in the TRPG faction, who were being buried under mountains of documents and meetings back in Dragontan.
But even so...
Takuto had the distinct feeling that something fate-like lingered within this proposal.
◇ ◇ ◇
"Welcome, welcome! The great Takuto Ira, King and Supreme Leader of our glorious alliance! Please, we have prepared a seat for you—a premium seat in our land-based reception hall overlooking the open sea!"
"Hmm. The rooftop, you say? An open line of sight isn't ideal from a security standpoint, though..."
Accompanied by a pointed remark from Tonukapoli, the Grand Fleet Captain Doban twisted his rugged, rock-like features. While the Fonkavun faction itself wasn't directly involved in this particular matter, the exchange of gifts significant enough to sway a leader within the United Dark Continent nations warranted investigation. In the event relations between the two countries soured, Fonkavun would also serve as a necessary buffer. From this perspective, the staff-bearing Tonukapoli was present as an observer.
She cast a fleeting glance toward Takuto. *Well?* it was a signal.
Even with the grand ceremony, the possibility of an attack couldn't be entirely dismissed, and the presence of spies was a primary concern. Her earlier remark had been intended to gauge his judgment on these points.
However, Takuto decided to fully play along with Sutherland's line of thinking for now.
"Come now, don't be like that. We have no objections..." he said.
"If the Overlord himself says so, then we have no complaints. My apologies, Grand Fleet Captain."
"Hmph! Fine by me!"
The conversation proceeded without friction. Presumably, everyone present understood that getting offended over such minor points would stall all progress. They were not merchant guild masters playing at being executives; all were seasoned veterans when it came to negotiations.
Of course, neither Sutherland nor Fonkavun knew that the Takuto present here was a double being remotely operated from within the Great Cursed Realm. Even considering this a temporary alliance, Takuto hadn't allowed himself the complacency of neglecting safety measures.
*(Frankly, I'm so busy I couldn't do this without using a double anyway...)*
Currently, the Dark Continent had cleared the first phase of uniting all nations under the banner of Mynoghra. In parallel, the second phase—establishing provisional command structures between the respective nations—and the third phase—ramping up military strength and drafting strategies for a decisive battle—were underway. Everyone was stretched to their limit. On top of this came negotiations to build relationships with TRPG factions, verifying the abilities of returning RPG factions; they were now at the point of wishing they could borrow even a cat's paw for help.
Takuto, who had never anticipated how crucial preliminary groundwork and face-to-face meetings were in social situations, was busy fielding greetings from an avalanche of involved parties, all while keenly visualizing the socially anxious Takuto within his mind weeping bitterly.
"Now then, we are deeply grateful to King Takuto Ira for his multifaceted support since the alliance was formed. Particularly regarding agricultural reform and timber exports, these are matters that touch upon the very life of our people. No other nation on this continent could provide support of this magnitude!"
To build friendship… and to seize them by the throat, Takuto had Sutherland receive as much support as possible within his means.
First was agricultural reform. The land improvement effects using Earth Mana from Dragontan's Dragon Vein holes had already been proven in Fonkavun.
It was just when the fertilization of that country was settling down, and the magic units he had dispatched, the "Heralds of Ruin," were growing idle.
Sending them straight to support Sutherland was highly cost-effective.
Sutherland was a maritime nation, of course, but they also practiced agriculture. The staple bread and ale were made using wheat, so an increase in harvest yield would undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms.
In that regard, timber exports were no less a godsend for them.
Their ships required mountains of timber. Obtaining such from the harsh lands of the Dark Continent was difficult, but in the Great Cursed Realm, it was no problem. Trees grew in abundance, and they also possessed the "Afforestation" skill to accelerate tree growth at high speed.
It was only natural that the dwarves of Sutherland, who had initially formed the alliance more out of fear and survival instinct, should now reverse their attitude and praise Mynoghra. It could be seen as an inevitable conclusion that Doban even made a point of calling them the "Great Sovereign" and Takuto.
Takuto nodded magnanimously.
In most cases, this settled the matter. There was no particular need for Takuto to say anything extra, and the other party likely didn't expect it.
He only needed to adopt the posture of listening to the other's words.
Thus began the second meeting between Mynoghra and Sutherland, an early occasion.
On Mynoghra's side: Shadow Warrior Takuto and the Elder Mortar, who had forced himself to make time.
On Sutherland's side: Grand Fleet Commander Doban and several other Fleet Commanders.
And as an observer, Tonukapoli.
This negotiation was strictly unofficial and secretive, so the overall impression was intimate, but the reality was slightly different. Simply put, everyone was busy.
Therefore, Mynoghra's side intended to fly back immediately after concluding this meeting. Although Sutherland had extended invitations to a soirée, there were circumstances where they had politely declined.
"Now then, I apologize for the discourtesy, but we are both busy people. With your understanding, might we proceed as swiftly as possible?"
Mortar cut in, somewhat rudely.
Normally, this would merit a reprimand, but Mynoghra held the superior position, and furthermore, both sides were genuinely busy. There was a strong, mutual desire to finish quickly, devoid of spite or posturing.
"Oh, of course it is! Yes, that is precisely right..."
Upon hearing those words, Mortar the Elder and the others from Mynoghra were puzzled.
What was there to hesitate over? Both sides wanted to move the conversation along and finish as quickly as possible, didn't they? There was no reason to be coy.
The possibility that the other side was laying some kind of trap was low, and this was not a situation where negotiations were being initiated based on gifts either.
Even Mortar the Elder, who was experienced and shrewd in matters of negotiation, found Chief Fleet Admiral Doban's reaction unexpected and unpredictable.
"Is something wrong? You seem to be troubled by some thought..."
He offered a lifeline.
Or rather, it would be more accurate to say he urged him forward because leaving it alone would stall the conversation.
But even with Mortar's words, Doban only continued to wear a pained expression. One could say he was enduring something.
"I shall guess for you! He is holding in a poop!"
All eyes turned to Vittorio.
Why is this guy here? The Mynoghra contingent—indeed, everyone, including Takuto—were united in that thought.
On the dwarf side, the sentiment was similar, namely, "Who the hell is this?"
In either case, his being there was unanimously agreed to be out of place.
"You have something on your mind... or rather, you are thinking of something, Doban. Tell us. In any case, it won't begin otherwise."
Therefore, no one found it strange when Tonukapoli began speaking as if Vittorio's presence were nonexistent.
The Mynoghra side knew this was the most correct response, while the Sutherland side, seeing that Mynoghra was ignoring it, simply decided to go along with it as a convenient approach...
"I was thinking about the sea. The sea we once raced across together..."
Doban murmured, almost under his breath.
From there, it came quickly. As if the turmoil from moments before had vanished, the Sea's Wild Man became garrulous, speaking as though even he could not stop himself.
"I showed you a shameful sight last time. I took pride in the fact that Sutherland existed on the Dark Continent, but look at how things turned out. We couldn't hope to match Mynoghra, sure, but I thought we could at least show a bit more backbone than that..."
Dwarves are a noble race.
It would be more accurate to call them stubborn rather than prideful, but... they do have a strong tendency to place great importance on face and dignity.
The dragon they had deployed as their all-or-nothing trump card surrendered like a whimpering puppy. The shock of that was devastating, and even for the dwarves themselves, they felt so humiliated that they could hardly bear to walk in public ever again.
And the one who felt this most keenly was none other than the Grand Fleet Commander, Doban. He was the de facto captain of all Sutherland. The responsibility fell entirely on his shoulders.
"But Grand Fleet Commander, your nation's dragons are truly remarkable. If breeding succeeds, they should prove useful in many ways going forward. Of course, we have never taken your nation's sincerity lightly—this includes the forbidden texts and technologies you graciously permitted. It simply came down to a pure difference in capability. That is all there is to it..."
"Oh, pouring salt on the wound."
Vittorio chimed in at Mortar's words, and the dwarves gritted their teeth in frustration.
As the jester said with a hearty laugh, it probably wasn't taken well. For Mortar, it had been the most comforting and respectful thing he could say given their position, but there was no denying it came across as somewhat condescending.
Doban's expression twisted further.
It was anger—anger born from having his dignity as a dwarf wounded.
But its target was not Mynoghra.
It was directed at his own inadequate self. That was precisely why Doban wore such a face brimming with anguish, and why he intended to use this tribute to reclaim his pride.
"We didn't have enough resolve. The resolve to board this ship. The resolve to share the fate of our liege. No—maybe we were even looking for a bargain. Keh, I might be unqualified as a captain for misjudging the situation this badly. But we can still reclaim it..."
At those words, the fleet captains of the dwarves—who until moments ago had been watching the unfolding situation with anxious and somewhat solemn expressions—finally interjected for the first time.
"Are you sure about this, Grand Fleet Commander?"
"I understand how you feel, but..."
"Doban, this is the treasure of your fleet—no, of your entire nation."
It seemed to be some kind of special artifact... No matter how valuable it might be to them, there was no guarantee Mynoghra would see it the same way.
Yet not a single one of them showed any doubt about the treasure's worth. Even knowing the overwhelming gap between Mynoghra and Sutherland—a gap so vast that even their dragon could not bridge it—they harbored no misgivings.
That attitude sparked Takuto's interest as well.
When he briefly glanced toward Elder Mortar, the old sage caught the cue and posed the question.
"Forgive me, but what exactly might that be? The king seems interested as well."
"Ah, Lord Alliance Leader. Our most dependable Lord Alliance Leader. Behold, and behold well—the pride of our Sutherland!"
And with that, it was revealed.
The treasure that would prove Sutherland's worth to Mynoghra, to this alliance.
"Lower the sails of the Melulian!"
The Grand Fleet Admiral strode to the rooftop railing and bellowed the command.
"——!!"
In an instant, a sight that no one in Mynoghra could have predicted appeared before them.
It materialized upon the vast ocean visible from the rooftop—a single ship.
But it was clearly of a different caliber from any other vessel.
A magnificent, colossal ship of such beauty floated there, as though it had been crafted by another nation… or perhaps by an entirely different species from humanity.
Takuto understood immediately.
How the dwarves had managed to acquire the ability to cross oceans to another continent on a landmass where their maritime navigation was still rudimentary.
How they had maintained such formidable national power even after losing their lands and mines.
And above all…
How much resolve the dwarves had needed to deploy this ship.
"Camouflage… no, it's cloaking, isn't it. And that—could it be?"
Vittorio spoke on behalf of the stunned Mynoghra contingent, his voice tinged with disbelief.
A tracking-type "Inferior" accompanied him here. Its "Insight" skill could pierce through abilities like "Disguise" and respond immediately to any crisis facing its master.
Even if it couldn't take conspicuous action in a diplomatic setting, it should have at least been able to send Takuto a warning of some kind.
However... that Inferior did not react.
Meaning a "Disguise" that its Insight could not see through. It had to be a disguise powered by a higher-order ability.
(Regalia... is it?)
A colossal galleon ship, gleaming white.
That was none other than Sutherland's supreme flagship—the treasure ship Merullian.
(But to appear now, as if it had been prepared all along...)
It was no wonder Vittorio was exasperated. Even for Takuto, this sight was far beyond anything he had anticipated.
He always harbored vigilance against enemies surpassing them in strength, and he hadn't shown any openings or neglected his caution.
But he had never expected such a shock to come from Sutherland—a nation he had viewed only as a preparatory measure against the Orthodox Continental Alliance.
Silence fell upon the scene.
Everyone—even the dwarves who should have known of this treasure—stared quietly at the white leviathan standing upon the sea.
Fleet Commander Doban spoke slowly, as if savoring each and every word.
"That ship is our soul. Countless men shed their sweat and blood for it. Of course, some of them died. And plenty more were crippled and could never set foot on a vessel again. Every last one of them gazed upon that ship and used it to build something grand... It's a fine ship. For me—for us—it's more than we deserve. The finest ship there is."
"Yes, I understand completely. A magnificent ship. There is no other like it in the world. It is something worthy of your pride."
For the first time, Takuto spoke.
Until now, the man known as Takuto Ira had only nodded or signaled his subordinates with glances. But now he opened his mouth and offered genuine praise—affirming that the ship was worth it, that it was truly something on that level.
His words were more eloquent than any speech, and because of them, everyone understood that the dwarves' pride and resolve had truly returned.
"Alliance Leader—leave the ship to us."
Doban uttered only a single word.
The other dwarves remained silent. They understood the gravity of those words.
They fully grasped the sentiment with which the Admiral had offered the ships.
As things stood, the future for dwarves was bleak, no matter how the fate of the world turned.
Even if the alliance formed by Mynoghra emerged victorious, it was clear that Sutherland's status would be infinitely low.
To erase that foolish line of history—where dwarves boldly deployed dragons to no avail—and to fulfill their responsibility as proud men of the sea.
The inevitable great war was not Mynoghra's battle alone. It was his, and their battle. They could not afford to show weakness.
They would not run away a second time.
This was the unanimous will of the Sutherland fleet captains, and of the Admiral himself—the resolution of the descendants of dwarves who, in an older age, abandoned their lands and fled to the ends of the dark continent.
That resolve resonated with Takuto.
It was enough to overturn the assessment he had made of Sutherland—that they would be manageable if treated thusly...
(To think they had prepared something like this... honestly, it blew my mind. I might need to revise my future approach...)
Regalia were gathering rapidly.
As if orchestrated.
The Regalia of a ship, given as a gift in good faith—here, he could not let it go. This included the continued obligation to look after Sutherland, but that was a path already traversed in Fonkavun. That part should be manageable.
The issue was how to handle their fate when ultimately achieving Dimension Ascension Victory, but even there, Takuto had several solutions.
They had proven their usefulness up to this point. To discard them as soon as they were no longer needed would be a stain on Takuto's pride.
"That is Regalia. An important item for my nation as well. I won't give it back? Absolutely."
Takuto sought confirmation. It was both a final ultimatum and a binding contract.
"Dwarves don't go back on their word! I'll grumble over drinks, sure enough!" Doban shouted, shaking off his lingering sentiment with a joke. Such levity felt out of place here, yet no one missed the faint gleam in his eyes. And so, no one blamed him, nor felt any desire to do so. They understood all too well what it meant for a man of such stature to shed tears.
Takuto absorbed the words, then nodded firmly and clearly for the other to see. "Very well. I humbly accept the soul of your nation. And I swear this: I will return something worthy of the souls you have entrusted. In the name of the Demon Lord of Ruin, Takuto Ira, I give my oath!"
"Aye, rely on us, my Lord Alliance Leader! Our steadfast Demon Lord of Ruin!"
=Message===
The following unit has been transferred to Mynoghra:
"Treasure Ship Merurian"
―――
………
……
…
From that point on, it was a lost cause.
The Grand Fleet Admiral was bawling without shame, and the other captains, moved by his example, began to weep as well.
Seemingly from nowhere, someone produced alcohol, and a farewell feast erupted. Now, they were all sharing memories of the Merurian.
The silver lining was that the Mynoghra contingent was outside this circle. It was a mercy for Takuto; being caught up in that mood and forcibly dragged into the drinking party would have been a hassle. After all, he was finally in the position of a king, answerable to no one, and being abruptly conscripted into a drinking session was far too much.
He gazed at the sea from the rooftop railing, his eyes drifting to the Merurian floating gracefully in the distance, and confirmed its status.
The cargo capacity is considerable, and as a Regalia vessel, we can expect impressive speed as well. The appearance of this unexpected unit type now makes various previously impossible operations a concrete possibility.
"Still... ships. Hmm, this is a dilemma."
"Oh, did my God perhaps have the same thought? My, my! We are of one mind!"
Vittorio, who had somehow appeared beside him, interjected with a grin. It was clear they were thinking the same thing. Otherwise, he wouldn't be this excited at the mention of a Regalia ship.
But whether others could make the same snap judgment as these two was another matter entirely. The answer was likely no.
"Hmm? Whatever do you mean? Yes, it is a prodigious ship. It would be beneficial for both my kingdom and the alliance. However, as you yourself say, the next war will be a land battle. Surely there's no role for it...?"
The elderly Mortar quietly joined the conversation, having listened in. This relaxed atmosphere was one of Mynoghra's strengths. It might be too informal in other nations, but Takuto felt more at ease without excessive deference. However, this wasn't the best place for an explanation.
Takuto subtly glanced toward the dwarves who were getting rowdy with drink, then shifted his gaze to the jester straddling the railing beside him.
"Vittorio. Do you think we can pull it off? I think it might just barely be possible."
"Ah, I think that's rather tight. It's less about whether events will unfold as God envisions and more a matter of production conditions. Even if the technology is cleared, the cost is terribly heavy."
"Indeed. Even if everything goes perfectly, it would be a close call whether we make it in time for the war's opening, wouldn't it?"
"Mmm, a predicament!"
Even old Mortar could infer from Takuto's gaze that this was a matter not to be discussed openly. Yet he felt a twinge of frustration—more like a biting confusion and distress at his own inadequacy—at seeing Takuto and Vittorio so animated without him. Asking him to have deduced this much was, however, no unreasonable expectation.
To soothe his conflicted subordinate, Takuto revealed just a fragment of the strategy forming within him.
"I'm sorry for using a new Hero without proper consultation... but consider this."
Old Mortar's eyes widened in shock.
Words that would hardly ever emerge in this place.
Words for which, no matter how one considered it, no connection could be found.
Yet Takuto began to hum cheerfully, as if struck by some wicked notion.
"The hero I look forward to seeing shine each and every time!"
Vittorio added.
Suddenly, the sound of alarm began to ring within Old Mortar's heart.
But judging from Takuto's demeanor and expression, even that judgment felt questionable.
Just—
He understood only that yet another tremendous surge was about to occur.
=Message===
New hero production is possible
"Rainbow-Colored Cosmic Mushroom"
―――