The surroundings fell completely silent, and no one could quite grasp the meaning of the words the King had just uttered.
The young King himself never imagined that his vaguely spoken words would draw such intense attention and was now thoroughly consumed by remorse.
There’s a saying that socially awkward people often ruminate over conversations after meeting others, feeling depressed. Takuto was dramatically regretting his own statement.
"H-Huh? Um, Lord Takuto?"
Takuto said nothing.
Actually, as he was now, he would have preferred to be left alone, but that wasn’t possible for Atou.
She had to confirm the true intent of his words and also verify the direction for subsequent negotiations.
Faced with words that diverged greatly from her expectations, even Atou showed a rare, girlish expression before hurriedly issuing instructions to old Mortar and the others.
"P-Pardon! I am relaying the King’s intention. You are to wait over there. Under no circumstances are you to make unnecessary assumptions."
Watching Atou approach with a flustered expression, Takuto already felt like he wanted to restart this game. He’d stumbled right from the start, so a reset. That was a method he’d repeated many times before, but unfortunately, this world was slightly different from a game.
As expected, an interrogation-like questioning from Atou began.
(Wh-What on earth does that mean!?)
(N-No, well, I was thinking we could make them citizens. Um, please don’t be too shocked, it hurts when people are. Sorry, I’m socially awkward.)
(N-No, that is fine. …However, they have a Neutral alignment, don’t they?)
Hmm, Takuto put his hand to his chin.
He had thought he was just causing trouble earlier, but seeing Atou’s surprised expression strangely struck him as comical, and surprisingly, it calmed his own agitated heart.
And then, what do you know? Theories assembled at high speed within him, and a confidence emerged that his words were unfolding upon a perfectly sound rationale.
Meeting the gaze of Atou’s eyes, which were voicing her anxious doubts, Takuto began to explain as if gently persuading a child.
(I was thinking of taking them in as refugees. The system allows for it, right?)
(Yes. But in that case, I believe a problem would arise regarding how to handle the main species of Mynoghra, the Pseudo-Humans.)
Normally, civilizations in "Eternal Nations" are assigned various races: humans, elves, dwarves, demons, and so on.
These distinctive races possess unique inclinations and natures, adding color and vitality to the game—including elements like immigrants and refugees. It is this very complexity that makes the game appealing.
Therefore, Mynoghra naturally also had a primary race.
The [Pseudo-Human] was that somewhat peculiar race, but it possessed traits more striking than its name suggested.
(Think carefully, Atou. Really try to recall the Pseudo-Human.)
Guided gently by Takuto, a faint, groundless sense of reassurance arose within Atou, who had been somewhat confused.
Regaining her composure thanks to her trusted lord's words, she did as he suggested, retrieving information about the Pseudo-Human from the shelves of her mind—and her face paled.
=Eterpedia===
[Pseudo-Human] Race
"Racial Modifier"
Population Growth Bonus +20%
Mana Production Bonus -20%
Resource Production Bonus +20%
Food Production Bonus +20%
Research Bonus -20%
―――
(Since they have no souls. Their high fertility grants bonuses to resource and food production, but conversely, their production of mana and technological development is low. Given the current situation where we can't expand aggressively, the demerit is significant.)
Atou was well familiar with Takuto's explanation.
This distinctive race had extremely peaky nature, but could be powerfully effective if one constructed strategy skillfully.
That said, they had played in all sorts of situations. Even if they were now to produce them using mana, incorporating them into this world's strategy and operating them wouldn't be particularly difficult.
However, there was another problem.
(Or rather, recall it, Atou. The graphics of Pseudo-Humans were—like that.)
Takuto casually pointed ahead. While it seemed directed at the Dark Elves, what was actually there, lurking behind them in a state of alertness, was a long-legged insect. Its bulging eyes fixed on the two of them. Atou remembered the initial species of Mynoghra, just like those scouts: the bulging eyes, the distorted human physique, and the peculiarly trembling form.
(Ugh, uu. Yes, Pseudo-Humans were set as flawed imitations of humans, attempting to mimic them. If they existed in reality, they would likely be extremely unsettling…)
In this world, the game-like expressions were depicted with stark realism.
That was only natural for a reality, but just what kind of effect this would have on their psyche was difficult to gauge.
At the very least, Atou dreaded that ruling a nation where such bulging-eyed citizens teemed would be somewhat detrimental to one's mental health while working with Takuto.
(Besides, there are merits to welcoming the Dark Elves as citizens. The inefficiency of our intellectual production facilities has been a constant headache every time. With them, the research speed issue would be resolved.)
One of Mynoghra's characteristics as a nation was its explosive expansion and aggressive production using Pseudo-Humans—ignoring pollution and possessing limited happiness and sanitation penalties.
Conversely, it suffered from a high negative modifier to research power, a significant demerit that caused it to fall far behind other countries in developing new technologies.
However, if they could bring these pitiable Dark Elves into the nation, things would change. It would eliminate the penalties regarding research.
Of course, with sufficient mana, Takuto could use his power to create more Pseudo-Humans. They could secure the production power generated by their explosive breeding and their semblance of will.
If one considered the concept of the right person for the right job, inviting them in would be an exceptionally good decision.
Normally, in a standard game, Mynoghra's evil alignment would make immigration and acceptance of other species extremely difficult. But if viewed as an event, this would fall into the fortunate category.
(Well, there are merits for nation-building, but more than that… right?)
(A species capable of civilized conversation seems essential for the citizens of the great Mynoghra. In truth, I don't think I could hold onto my sanity…)
(What a coincidence, I was thinking the exact same thing.)
What had initially seemed like a completely outlandish proposal from Takuto, upon joint deliberation with Atou, turned out to be precisely as described.
There was no error in Takuto's strategy from the beginning; it had simply been received with surprise due to his somewhat clumsy communication.
That said, once we actually open the lid, what happens is still an unknown quantity.
(But will they serve properly as citizens?)
(I won't know until I try, but there might be some game-like constraints involved. At least as long as a certain level of happiness is maintained, troublesome incidents shouldn't occur... I think.)
(Is this world a game? It feels a bit different from that impression, though...)
Atou held absolute confidence in the words of her master, Takuto.
If her king declared it so, then it must be true.
But this world was still largely unknown to her. The full scale remained unclear, and she worried whether the differences it held might cause some major problem.
(Well, maybe that's something for later? We'll end up hearing all sorts of things from them anyway. Let's focus on the problem at hand. Do you agree, Atou?)
(There are many uncertainties... but ugh, I cannot make this decision myself. I am truly sorry.)
Takuto briefly thought her attitude was "game-like."
She understood his intentions perfectly and acted accordingly, but became extremely hesitant when it came to making a decision.
She likely had no such intention herself, but Takuto sensed a fundamental manipulation at work in her lack of decisiveness, to the point where he felt a strange discomfort.
However, he would not let on that he had realized this. In the first place, it was not much of a problem to him.
He was satisfied to have Atou by his side, and to add further, Atou was content as long as Takuto was there.
(It's fine, you don't need to apologize. I am the king, and you are my subordinate. I will make the decision. Let us welcome them as citizens.)
(If you say so, then my worries are eased. I will convey your command to them—um, may I be the one to do so?)
Her hesitant manner was an expression born from shame over her own inadequacy.
Takuto, who did not wish to see her take such an attitude, felt the frustration of being unable to articulate himself properly but still gave his best smile.
It was an expression of affection meant only for her.
(Of course. Who else could do it? I'm counting on you.)
(Leave it to me, my King.)
Eventually, their private discussion came to an end, and Atou turned back toward the dark elves.
Unable to guess what kind of conversation had taken place, all they could do was wait with anxious expressions for an explanation of the King's intentions, which Atou would now undoubtedly convey.
"The King's words were everything that was said just now."
"A-Atou, sir. We are ignorant, but we would be grateful if you could explain the King's thoughts regarding his words."
"The King intends to found a nation from this point forward. Should you become its people, he declares that he will protect you under his mercy and magnificence."
Hearing Atou's words, Mortar and the elder dark elves were stunned by the sudden proposal.
They had considered every possibility and simulated responses and countermeasures in preparation for negotiations with the King of Ruin, but the King's words went far beyond any of that.
"The King's eyes see everything. He saw your plight and showed you mercy. That is all, and nothing more."
Atou stated this sharply.
Her attitude was as if declaring there was no further meaning to be found; in reality, it was a thinly veiled warning not to pry further.
But Mortar and the elder dark elves were too busy desperately racking their brains for how to respond to the King's sudden words to worry about that.
"The infinite mercy of the great King makes our very hearts tremble with gratitude. ...If we may presume to ask, what would happen to us if we became the King's people?"
"I would like to say eternal happiness is promised... but that's not what you want to know, is it? --Well, to put it bluntly, you would become evil beings."
Their jaws hung open.
It was too blunt, and said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
They understood the meaning perfectly. They knew exactly what he meant.
But the content was too outrageous, and at the same time, far too significant.
"Mmm-hmm."
Mortar couldn't help but look toward the King, and the King, as if it were only natural, was even nodding his head vigorously, looking deeply convinced.
Even for an old sage who had lived two hundred years, being told he would become an evil existence was not something he could readily accept with an "ah, I see."
"I should perhaps explain in more detail, but I owe you no such explanation in your current state."
Atou deliberately kept her explanation minimal. They were not yet her subjects, and there was still a possibility they might refuse.
In truth, as far as she was concerned, the moment they refused the king's mercy, she had already resolved to silence them all to prevent any leaks. But sowing unnecessary seeds of anxiety with idle words was an equally pointless folly.
After all, it was Takuto, their king, who had invited them into the nation. The proper response was to tremble with gratitude and agree immediately; any further explanation was unnecessary, that was her thinking.
"The decision is yours. I have nothing more to say. Whatever you choose, that will be your fate."
The Dark Elves seemed not to notice the weight in the word "fate," but it carried the implication that their very survival hinged on their answer this time.
Furthermore, even if their response caused problems for the state, her absolute trust in Takuto meant that if he was there, no real problem would arise.
That said, the king's interest in them was of great importance to Atou.
If things went in a good direction, that would be ideal.
Therefore, she put a light finger to her lips, said "Hmm," and gazed off into the distance as if pondering, before adding with a smile of strange gentleness:
"If I may add a personal opinion—from this side, it is surprisingly enjoyable as well."