The establishment of the nation had concluded without incident, and Takuto and Atou had begun their first steps into their new world. Having left the settlement where their Dark Elf—their new citizens—lived, the pair had returned to the stone pedestal they had grown familiar with. Yet their expressions now were darker and more somber than ever seen before.
"Well, we're screwed."
"Yes, we are quite screwed."
Seated on the stone pedestal, Takuto muttered these words. Standing beside him, Atou offered the same, quiet reply. A sigh escaped them both simultaneously. Somewhat nearby, the squishing sounds of long-legged insects echoed.
"Atou, it was fun spending time with you."
"Yes, I was also very happy to be with you, Lord Takuto."
Their gazes met. Takuto, his smile tinged with exhaustion, spoke his parting words. Atou, already wearing an expression of acceptance, gently took his hand and returned a fragile smile.
"..."
A moment of silence followed, then an indescribable expression crossed their faces. Overwhelmed, they both threw themselves onto the grassy ground without a care for soiling their clothes.
"Why are this continent's two great nations stuck with a purely good alignment?!"
"And it's a human nation that worships a benevolent god, alongside an elven nation that venerates nature! This is the perfect pattern where they kill us the instant we're discovered! 'Hello, goodbye, die!' That's what this is!"
This was the issue that rapidly cooled their enthusiasm. After the nation's founding, they had learned from old Mortar about the surrounding nations' status, and it was disastrous for Mynoghra. Humans and elves—two races with extremely poor impressions of evil existence—both possessed good-aligned nations. Furthermore, they were hegemonic powers with advanced civilizations and vast territories.
To add to this, the names of nations and continents they had never heard of. Unknown lands in an unknown world, and unknown hypothetical enemies.
The situation had grown so dire that labeling it by difficulty level felt almost foolish.
"This map is unbearable! The location is absolutely terrible!"
"Let us reset, my King! Let us reset! I cannot bear this either! Resources are pitiful and morale is plummeting! Besides, this forest has zero production value for food, minerals, or mana!"
On top of being bordered by two hostile nations at maximum enmity, the Great Cursed Realm they now inhabited produced virtually no resources.
Normally, even undeveloped land would yield a certain amount of food and minerals.
In-game, this was displayed as resource icons, allowing players to gather natural materials and sustenance. Typically, one would use that as a foothold to advance development.
Normally, that was how it worked. Normally. ...But this land offered no such resources to be found.
It was, after all, called the Great Cursed Realm for a reason.
It was only natural for Dark Elves to face starvation, and for Takuto and Atou to wail and thrash upon the ground.
"Ahh, I want to die already. But we have to press on regardless, right? The Dark Elves have gone to the trouble of becoming our citizens. Starting with a different race from the get-go is, in a way, a huge bonus..."
"Indeed. And we still have much to ask them... Oh? It appears they have arrived."
The actions of their new citizens were being monitored closely by Takuto and the others.
They had ordered all such information to be provided, and over the past few days had been receiving various reports, including those about neighboring states.
This time, Elder Mortar had likely come to continue that conversation.
It was also some time after sunrise. The two of them, lying sprawled on the ground basking in the sun's rays, exchanged a look as they mentally registered Elder Mortar's approaching figure.
"Shall we get up?"
"Yes, please remain as you are, my King. Allow me to brush the dirt from your garments."
While having the familiar soil stains brushed from his sickly clothes with brisk pats, Takuto felt the mountain of tasks still ahead, including securing proper attire.
◇ ◇ ◇
"My, His Majesty is in fine spirits today! And Lord Atou as well! I have hurried here to explain what I could not last time—about the nature of this world!"
Arriving before the provisional throne with a robust greeting was the aged Mortar, his face having regained some of its color. Whether his worries had lifted or the food situation had improved, his twig-like frame remained the same, yet the deathly pallor previously seen on his face had vanished entirely.
"Your Majesty! I too am present! This time, I have also brought my subordinate Emuru along!"
Accompanying him were the war chief Gear and his adjutant Emuru. Even with improved food supplies, Emuru retained a slender build, distinguished by his spectacles. Having served in intelligence, he was well-versed in foreign information and lore. He was arguably the perfect figure for the moment, as what Takuto and Atou sought was a torrent of information.
Atou nodded with satisfaction at the two offering the formal bow of loyal subjects. As if her earlier, discourteous manner had never existed, she took on an aura of reverent awe, standing in for the king who was poor at communication.
"Yes. The king is very pleased with your dedication. He has high expectations for today as well. Oh, and there is no need to be so formal. The king dislikes stiffness and has no interest in ceremonial exchanges. Besides, you are already citizens of our nation."
Their loyalty was high, beyond question. Yet the rigid formality born from that very loyalty was somewhat uncomfortable for Takuto. Fundamentally, he was just an ordinary person. Though his family had some standing, he was a commoner at heart, and the attitude of the elder Mortar and the others made him uneasy.
"But if we do that, how can we demonstrate our loyalty..."
He had intended to ask Atou to convey his wish for them to adjust their demeanor, but to them, this was a startling proposal, a shock that shattered their common sense.
"Loyalty resides not in demeanor, but in the heart. The king can see at a glance how deeply you believe in him. Therefore, there is no problem."
"Mm-hmm. I know that."
"Oh, the great Lady Ira! What merciful words! Then if the king himself says so, I shall refrain from ceremonial language!"
The elder Mortar had been pondering what to do, but he accepted it, thinking that if the king said so, then it must be so. For them, the king was always right. If Takuto said so, then it was their own previously held common sense that was mistaken. Moreover, as Atou said, no matter how their speech changed, their unwavering loyalty remained. In fact, the king's thoughtfulness brought them boundless joy. Surely this discussion would prove even more fruitful than the last.
The elder Mortars were indeed convinced of this, but as they pondered where to begin speaking, a voice addressed them.
"Ah, before that, I'd like to explain some of our future policies for today. It's convenient that both Elder Mortar and War Chief Gear are here."
They nodded, wondering what this was about, and simultaneously felt completely convinced. Although only the village and throne currently existed, Mynoghra was a nation. It was no mere gathering of refugees. If, under a powerful leader, they were to go forth and proclaim their hegemony to the world, it was only natural to establish national policies.
Both Elder Mortar and Gear were figures within the leadership of the Dark Elves. Naturally, they would have many duties to fulfill. Resolving anew to dedicate all of their strength, they straightened their posture to receive the king's command.
"You will both serve as key officials in Mynoghra's state administration. This is the king's decision and cannot be overturned."
"Elder Mortar, your focus will primarily be on state administration. Since you can use magic as well, I have high expectations."
"Gear, continue leading the Mynoghra warrior corps as War Chief. Personnel matters are entrusted to you; if there are no particular issues, you may continue using your own subordinates."
They nodded deeply. The communicated content largely matched their expectations. Of course, that didn't mean they took it lightly. They would repay even a fraction of the great grace they had received.
With resolve burning in his eyes, War Chief Gear thumped his chest heavily.
"By your command! For the sake of the king, I will immediately issue the call to our warriors, and should there be enemies, I will gladly slaughter them—even if they are but infants!"
Gear's declaration echoed through the forest, its fervor reaching far beyond. In his mind's eye, he pictured the king nodding in deep satisfaction and Atou offering words of encouragement. He was convinced that this was where it all began. He had dreamed of proving his martial prowess on the battlefield, acting as the king's vanguard and slaying countless foes. But then—
"What the hell, that's terrifying."
"Eh!"
Upon hearing those enthusiastic words, the king expressed the exact opposite opinion.
Gear froze, eyes wide. Having his thoughts completely countered caused his mind to go blank for a moment.
Could it be that he had said something rude?
He reviewed his own words and attitude but found nothing suspicious.
"War is barbaric."
"The king favors peace."
That made sense. They were fundamentally different.
It was only natural that Takuto, who openly voiced his excessively soft stance, would say such things, and that Atou would echo him.
For a split second, Gear wondered, "Why is the Demon Lord a pacifist!?" but he convinced himself that the king possessed unfathomable depths of thought beyond his own understanding. Hesitantly, he voiced his lingering question.
"Ah, um... perhaps it's an indirect plan to bring ruin to the world, rather than a direct one?"
"No."
"The king favors domestic policy. Remember that."
"Y-yes. I understand..."
But once again, his question fell flat. The king delivered a full denial.
This only deepened Gear's confusion.
Glancing to the side, he saw the elder Mortar happily stroking his white beard.
The sight of him giving Gear a condescending wink made the normally cool-headed Gear feel a flash of irritation. However, since they were before the king, he held his tongue without raising his voice.
In the end, if the king said so, that must be the truth.
Though his initiative had been deflected, even if Gear's nature had turned evil, he didn't particularly hold a strong desire to slaughter all living things.
For long they had been forced into a harsh existence. If the king desired peace above all, then that was surely best. All would proceed according to his will. Gear arrived at this conviction through his own reasoning.
"For the immediate term, we should first ensure ample rest to restore your emaciated bodies to a more presentable state. After that... well, proper housing construction, I suppose."
Even as Gear worked through his own powerful doubts and arrived at a personal acceptance, instructions from Atou were conveyed. The proposal to let their bodies rest for the time being was a blessing. Mortar was old, and the others were severely exhausted. They secretly vowed to dedicate even greater loyalty, as it was only natural that time for healing was afforded to them.
"Ha-ha! Your mercy, seemingly infinite, is most appreciated! However, unlike the others, I believe I am quite capable of action! Unlike Gear, whose only boast is his strength, I can be of service in various ways!"
With a sly grin, old Mortar smiled provocatively, visible only to Gear.
"Damn you, old man! As soon as your belly's full, you start showing off!" Gear unleashed every curse in his heart, but felt at a disadvantage in this situation and vowed inwardly to clear his name someday.
"I think you can also rest easy, but... Takuto, they seem to be workaholics. Should I have them gather materials or choose a construction site?"
It was an unexpected offer. Atou looked somewhat troubled yet pleased as she turned to her lord for his decision.
Takuto, seeing their motivated attitude, didn't want to push them too hard, but also felt it would be wrong to dismiss their initiative. He considered assigning them tasks within their capabilities, turning his thoughts to the inherent abilities of the Dark Elf race.
Racial traits varied greatly. Operating facilities or assigning roles suited to those traits was a key point for advancing the game advantageously.
As he assembled various elements in his mind while recalling these points, a sudden inspiration descended upon him.
"Ah!"
Takuto's voice made Atou react instantly. She tilted her head slightly, fixing her eyes on him and quietly awaited his words, as if asking, "What is it?"
"Land improvement that doesn't destroy the forest?"
At the king's words, Atou clapped her hands together. She understood ten from one being explained. A capable subordinate indeed.
"Ah! That's right, they are Dark Elves. Mortar, I wish to confirm—is it possible for you to procure timber and construct various facilities without completely clear-cutting the forest?"
When one thought of elves, one thought of forests, and forests were synonymous with elves.
This is a well-known law not only in Eternal Nations but in fantasy worlds in general.
And within the game, the elf race possessed a trait that allowed them to construct various buildings without logging the forest.
Forests produce many things. Normally, to build structures, one must clear the forest to secure land. Of course, once logged, all the bonuses the forest provides vanish.
Within this context, the elves' ability to build while preserving the forest made them one of the most popular races in the game.
It was a question based on the expectation of that trait, and it seemed Takuto and the others' guess was correct.
"Not to the extent of the light-kin elves, but we too are a race that calls the forest our homeland. Aerial structures utilizing giant trees are, rather than flat ground, the environment we prefer."
"Oh!"
"The king favors improvements that do not destroy the environment. This is quite fortunate."
A look of delight surfaced on Takuto's face.
The bonuses from forests are that significant. Especially the effect of improving sanitary conditions will greatly contribute to future population growth and maintenance.
It's understandable that his mouth would loosen in contemplation of the benefits to be gained.
"I am proud that our race's abilities have pleased the king."
"Hmph..."
Gia, who had been thinking that as a king of ruin, Takuto would just destroy forests first, couldn't help but grunt in frustration.
But after a while of looking troubled, he once again convinced himself that his common sense was wrong and lent an ear to the words of the king that Atou was conveying.
Still young, perhaps, Gia was somewhat weak to the extraordinary events he himself had helped create.
"Then, please collect timber and other materials to the extent that you don't completely destroy the forest. Of course, only within a range that doesn't strain your people."
"The forest will become incredible under the influence of 'Permeation Orientation,' so I'm looking forward to it."
"Yes, indeed, my king."
The king's words ended.
During their conversation with Atou, a curious phrase emerged, but since it wasn't directed at them, the elder Mortars held their questions. They hadn't forgotten their place, of course. From now on, they would revive their tribes under the king's rule. There were still kinsmen scattered in distant lands, having fled elsewhere. To ensure those people could later be welcomed into the king's nation, they must first demonstrate how useful they themselves could be. The elder Mortars intended to dedicate everything to the king, and to that end, they would spare no effort.
"Do your best. Don't forget the 'afforestation,' either."
Finally, the king offered words of encouragement to them. Those chillingly cold words alone made their spirits soar as if ascending to heaven. Seizing the gap where the king had spoken directly to him, Gia immediately posed a question.
"Oh! Great King! There is one thing I wish to inquire about!"
"What is it?"
Atou quickly interjected. Gia wished he could have heard more from the king, but it was certain the king was now listening to him, so he accepted that. More important was the point he needed to raise—exposing one's own ignorance was shameful, but pretending to understand without confessing that ignorance was a sin beyond shame. Therefore, he timidly broached the unfamiliar term.
"Um, what exactly does 'afforestation' mean?"
A look of "Huh?" surfaced on Atou's face. Now it was Gia's turn, the warrior chief, to have his heart freeze in that uncomfortable silence.