The day of the Dragontan transfer ceremony.
The sky was clear and bright, and the vibrant energy and excitement had transformed the city into a new shape.
The people's expressions were uniformly cheerful, and as they praised and thanked their king one after another, it was almost easy to forget that this was a city belonging to an evil nation.
And in the midst of it all, the Ruin King himself and his retainer were…
"T-Takuto… A-aren't you a bit t-too nervous?"
"F-fufu. I-I'm not nervous at all. W-what about you, Atou? Are you nervous?"
—Dead stiff with nerves.
The place they currently occupied was a room in the city hall that had been renovated into a private waiting room for the king.
What could the great leader who had reached the pinnacle of the "Eternal Nations" through keen insight and judgment, and the hero who had cut down countless enemies and always charged to the front in battle, possibly fear in a place like this?
"I-it's my first time giving a speech, so I'm wondering if it'll go okay…"
"It'll be fine, my king. Y-you have this Atou by your side."
Yes, the two transcendent beings whom people revered and feared were wrapped in an unprecedented level of anxiety over whether they could handle the ceremony proceedings smoothly.
Takuto because of his social anxiety, and Atou because outside of combat she was completely hopeless without Takuto.
In a sense, this master and servant who were two of a kind were brimming with anxiety inside and wanted nothing more than to flee.
"Please rest easy, great King Ira=Takuto. All preparations are in order, and there aren't many points during the ceremony that will trouble the king. Please take your time and enjoy this auspicious day."
Anterize, who had changed into formal attire for the occasion, called out to the two as she entered the room.
She was someone who, given her position, would naturally appear composed in a situation like this—but she was one of the key attendees herself, so the practical work had likely been delegated elsewhere.
When Atou asked about the details of the preparations, sure enough, Anterize had delegated the arrangements to her subordinates and built in ample time before the ceremony.
Atou and Takuto were satisfied with this capable elf's skills and smiled at having acquired such a valuable asset.
With her and Emuru in charge, the detailed arrangements would surely be handled without issue.
Atou had been slightly worried that Takuto might make a mistake during the ceremony and cause a huge embarrassment, so she let out a sigh of relief and relaxed her expression, praising Anterize.
"That's a relief! If anything had gone wrong, it would have fallen on you as the city mayor. I wouldn't want to lose someone as capable as you in a place like this."
"Eh!? W-wait!!"
If there was one problem, it was that Anterize took Atou's words a bit too seriously—more than a joke.
If anything, the blame lay more on Atou's side for making such an unfunny joke.
The composed, capable woman Anterize had been just moments ago turned pale in the face and started muttering under her breath in a panic.
"—Excuse me. Your Majesty, and everyone. The ceremony preparations are complete, so please…"
There was a knock at the door, and Emuru entered the room.
"What's wrong?"
She was greeted by a strange sight upon entering.
Atou was beaming with a cheerful smile, Takuto was inexplicably stiff with nerves, and Anterize was muttering "It's fine, it's fine" like a mantra while sweating profusely.
What on earth had happened? Emuru wondered, but given the time constraints, she relayed the schedule with a puzzled expression.
◇ ◇ ◇
The ceremony was held at a special venue constructed in Dragontan's central plaza.
The setup featured a wooden podium that was accessed by climbing a set of stairs, with a simple canopy stretched overhead.
Something similar would be a school gymnasium podium, or perhaps an outdoor concert stage.
Rather than hold it at city hall, the venue had been deliberately set up in this location so that the people of Dragontan could be widely informed of this glorious event.
Thanks to that, the podium was visible to a great number of people, and they were able to witness this splendid scene.
—This ceremony was attended by many important personnel and carried several political meanings.
The king of Mynoghra and other dignitaries were of course present, and to demonstrate the friendship with Fonkavun, they too had been invited as participants.
The ones who arrived were, as usual, Pepe and Tonukapoli—but they were important guests whose presence signaled to both domestic and international audiences that the transfer was being conducted under friendly and cooperative relations.
Yes, to both domestic and international audiences.
This ceremony also carried the meaning of a grand declaration of Mynoghra's existence to other nations.
Though through Dragontan's traveling merchants and information brokers, the existence of the nation of Mynoghra had likely already been revealed, that was a separate matter from this.
Declaring "we are here" was important from the standpoint of national dignity, and was essential to ensure that other nations would not look down on them in future negotiations.
Of course, since no guests from nations other than Fonkavun had been invited, other countries had no way of hearing this declaration directly—but what mattered right now was the fact of the declaration itself, so there was no issue.
If anything, handling it quietly among themselves was the real priority, so as not to invite unnecessary trouble.
A ceremony carrying such significant meaning, when all was said and done, concluded surprisingly smoothly.
"It's safely over, hasn't it…"
In the waiting tent adjoining the ceremony venue, Atou took a light sip of her drink and spoke to Takuto.
That said, the outcome was only natural. Mynoghra had used every capability at its disposal to plan this ceremony.
Armed guards equipped with firearms patrolled throughout the city, and around the ceremony venue, countless snipers perched on building rooftops kept vigilant watch, ready to neutralize any intruders in an instant.
Furthermore, Mynoghra's unique units—including Brain Eaters and others with abilities that enhanced security—checked every visitor entering the city.
With such an advanced security posture that would be impossible under normal circumstances, it would be harder for a problem to arise than not.
Small issues like pickpocketing and lost children did occur, but the ceremony itself ended very uneventfully.
The terms of agreement had already been sealed beforehand. In fact, Atou thought privately that there might not have been even been a need to be so on edge.
"You're right. But I had no idea speaking in front of so many people would be this nerve-wracking. I thought my heart was going to stop."
"Your speech was truly magnificent, Takuto. Our people must have been completely awed by the king's great presence and words. I thoroughly confirmed that their eyes were shining with hope for the future!"
Atou beamed as she praised her lord with sparkling admiration.
Old Mortar, Gear, and Anterize, who had been present as well, nodded in agreement.
For the record, Takuto hadn't said a single word during the speech.
He had simply signed the transfer mediation document with stiff nerves, held it up for the people to see with stiff nerves, and shaken hands with Pepe, Fonkavun's representative, with stiff nerves.
He had completely forgotten that he'd given a speech, having believed he did the whole thing.
Most of the citizens couldn't even look directly at him because of the overwhelming dark aura he radiated, so his embarrassing display had not been exposed in broad daylight—but…
In any case, if everyone believed he had been splendid, then perhaps the actual facts didn't matter all that much.
Having shown quite the pathetic display, Takuto turned to Anterize with a look of "being king is no cakewalk," wearing the air of someone who had finished a job.
"So, what's the rest of the schedule?"
Having finally been freed from the public's gaze and completely relaxed, Takuto confirmed the upcoming plans.
Anterize recited the schedule as if she'd been waiting for this question.
"There is some time before the next event, so King Ira=Takuto, please rest and relax at your leisure. Later this evening, there is a dinner planned that includes a social gathering with the folks from Fonkavun. We were able to hire an excellent chef, so please look forward to it. Additionally, the fireworks granted by the king are set to be launched."
"Oh, I'm excited. But that sounds really king-like."
"I'm looking forward to the fireworks! Takuto!!"
"Actually, I'm super excited too. I'm glad I used my magic to urgently produce them specifically for this."
From here on, it was essentially just play. The representatives from Fonkavun were familiar faces, so there was no need to be especially nervous or tense.
Takuto finally felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
Everything should go smoothly if he left things to his subordinates—there was nothing he particularly needed to do himself.
Thinking that, the tension that had been stiffening every part of him gradually loosened, and he began to notice his surroundings.
"Come to think of it, where are Celia and Mearia?"
He looked around and asked without directing the question at anyone in particular.
They had definitely been there during the ceremony. Their role on the Mynoghra side had been simple—just sitting in chairs toward the back—but they had certainly been there.
The sense of liberation from having gotten through the climax had made him completely forget, but when he checked, there was no trace of them.
It was old Mortar who answered that question.
"Those two are probably out visiting the stalls and having fun right now. They took off with oversized gold coin purses, so they won't be back for a while. I told them to at least come greet the king first, but…"
"That part's fine, but street stalls and food vendors, huh…! I wanted to go too!!"
Takuto held back tears at old Mortar's words.
This ceremony was half-festival. In fact, Dragontan was going to designate this day as a holiday going forward.
That was precisely why a variety of merchants had gathered to celebrate the occasion, with stalls set up by sturdy folk from Fonkavun, Quolia, and even other neutral nations.
Stalls had been set up, that was true—but there was one problem.
"If… if the king were to move about, the, um, effect on those around him would be too overwhelming…"
I know. Takuto shed silent tears internally.
That Ira=Takuto as the Ruin King instilled fear in people was something he had vaguely understood through his life up to now.
He had figured it was because he had become Mynoghra's leader, but regardless, there was the practical problem of him being unable to move around freely.
Until just recently, he'd thought casually that "I'm basically a shut-in anyway, and a little kingly dignity isn't a bad thing, so it doesn't bother me"—but that changed once reality set in.
One of his many dreams, "enjoying a festival," had now been confirmed as impossible.
"You poor thing, Takuto…"
Atou sympathized with his grief, slumping dejectedly beside him.
Normally, she had planned to go to the festival together with him.
(Ah, my very first festival in this life… I wanted to explore it with Atou…)
(Ah… I wanted to go around the stalls with Takuto too. But yes, looking at the situation Takuto was in previously, going outside would have been difficult…)
(In my previous life, I could only watch festivals on TV… Oh, but even if I'd been healthy, I wouldn't have have had anyone to go with, so it amounts to the same thing. Hahaha…)
(You poor thing, Takuto-samaaaaa!!)
Communicating through their system-link—their telepathic bond that only the two of them could perceive—they simultaneously wept for reasons that only the two of them could understand.
In the previous life: unhealthy plus loner. In this life: too evil an aura and too high a station.
The world and fate, it seemed, were determined not to let Takuto enjoy a festival no matter what.
Understanding this reality, the two of them sniffled and wiped their tears.
Takuto facing a dream that would never be reached. Atou facing the reality that her dream of a festival date with Takuto had vanished.
Their grief knew no bounds. The fact that they didn't display any of it externally spoke to the artistry of their telepathic conversation technique—but considering it was honed through exactly this kind of griping and idle chat, it was hard to call it truly admirable.
To onlookers, they probably appeared to be showing interest in the festival but stoically holding back due to their station.
Old Mortar, standing nearby, wore an indescribable wry smile as he made a suggestion.
"Shall we send someone out in your stead? I can't guarantee it will satisfy you, Your Majesty, but if it at least lets you get a sense of the atmosphere…"
"Thank you, Mortar."
Takuto's spirits lifted slightly at those words.
When you thought of festivals, you thought of stalls—and stalls meant food you could only eat there.
Unlike restaurants and taverns, the cooking equipment was inadequate, so the taste was probably questionable—but the supreme seasoning known as "atmosphere" made everything taste many times more delicious than what he normally ate.
Moreover, they had made arrangements to stock various ingredients for this occasion. Japanese festival food, local traditional cuisine.
They had even urgently produced recipe books specifically for this.
He had every right to at least enjoy this much.
After consulting with Atou, he checked the festival's status and other details with Anterize.
According to her explanation, crafts and rare antiques would also be available, so he had her pick out several items of interest and arranged to have them purchased and brought back.
Of course, the money came from Takuto's personal allowance.
Having virtually no need to spend money, it had piled up considerably, and he had been at a loss for how to use it.
They weren't the Elful sisters, but if not now, when would he ever splurge?
His mood recovered somewhat.
Catching a glimpse of Atou from the corner of his eye, he saw her eyes were also sparkling with excitement, so he was relieved that things had turned out well in the end.
"Then I shall go! Gear will go in your place!"
Now, when it came to deciding who to send as their emissary, Gear—who had been standing idle with nothing to do—cheerfully raised his hand.
All eyes turned to him, and simultaneously, old Mortar let out a heavy sigh.
This man had completely forgotten that his role was to protect Ira=Takuto's safety.
"You fool! How can the head of security leave the king's side!?"
"Guh!!"
"Exactly—hmph, fine. Someone, is there no one available!"
He was confident in the safety of the situation, but having the security chief abandon his post would look bad no matter how you sliced it.
A degree of flexibility was necessary, but this wasn't a game.
He should look for someone more suitable.
With that intention, old Mortar called for people.
The Dark Elf and beastmen guards who had been watching over the tent looked around, but no fitting candidate presented themselves.
Old Mortar stroked his beard in thought. Having just scolded Gear, it felt wrong to pull a guard from the security detail and create a gap.
Emuru had gone to coordinate with the Fonkavun side, and Atou, who had been shooting him sparkling, expectant glances since a while ago saying "leave it to me"—well, she was intimidating enough, but he had a strong feeling she'd end up getting lost anyway.
He was considering, with some reluctance, to call someone through Anterize as city mayor, when…
"Over heeere~ I'm right here♪"
Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice reached their ears.
Oh? Old Mortar looked toward the source. There stood three Dark Elf women dressed as waitresses.
"Oh… Waitresses, how fortunate timing. But hmm?"
Had he stationed such people here? The wise sage wondered, but they were right in front of him, so the facts didn't change.
For a moment, he considered they might be imposters. But there was no such aura about them, and they were unquestionably kin.
If that was the case, there was no need to view them as threats. Dark Elves simply weren't numerous enough to suspect that enemy factions would have planted assassins among them.
With a "well then," old Mortar nodded.
It was a fortunate coincidence, but people had appeared at just the right moment.
He was unguarded to a degree that surprised even himself, but he decided to relay the shopping list and reached into his coat for a memo pad when…
"Hmm…? Who are you?"
Ira=Takuto voiced his question.
In that instant, tension rippled through every subordinate present.
Atou stepped forward one pace to shield Takuto, extending tentacles from her back.
"Who are you under? State your affiliation—"
Perhaps they had been caught off guard.
Several unfortunate circumstances had aligned.
First, Mynoghra's security had been so flawless that their sense of vigilance had thinned.
Second, no reason for a hypothetical enemy nation to act at this stage had been identified.
Third, the Dark Elves' disguise had been rendered so perfect that no one could detect it.
Fourth, Erakino's operation was guaranteed success.
"Hissss. Just that easy, huh♪ Here you go—"Slurp"."
=GM: Message===
Exercising Game Master authority.
Forgoing dice roll. Declaring automatic success.
Result: Critical
———
"Ah—"
All strength drained from Atou's body, and Takuto rose from his seat in shock.
"''Enemy attack!!''"
The shouts from his subordinates were swift.
Old Mortar, Gear, and Anterize each seized their weapons.
Guards leveled their rifles, and snipers stationed throughout the area narrowed their scopes.
Mynoghra's unique monsters rushed to protect Takuto at terrifying speed.
But—
"Kill Erakino's enemies—muddy Atou♪"
With those words, every effort was reduced to ashes.
"—Gah! Ghaaah!!"
…Takuto, at first, didn't understand what had happened.
"''Your Majesty!!''"
The anguished cries of his subordinates reached his ears.
His core grew hot, and for some reason his limbs went numb and cold.
An alarm rang in his mind, and the scenery around him seemed to flow in slow motion, as if time had stalled.
Takuto was still caught in confusion.
Everything had happened in such an instant that he couldn't register the attack.
No—even if he had been able to perceive it, Ira=Takuto would have been unable to stop it.
Because Erakino's victory had been determined by the system.
Takuto tried to identify the source of the sudden impact, turning his face downward in agonizingly slow motion.
What he saw was the sight of Atou's tentacles piercing deeply into his own chest and heart.
"At…ou…"
There was no answer to the call that escaped his lips in a rasp.
The hero he had loved most simply stood there with hollow eyes, staring into nothing.