Chapter 3 - NEET, Warmly Welcomed
Tiflaycia and co landed in an area on the northern part of the Zestis Continent.
It was a place with pure white beach spread out across the clear ocean, called the Arielle Coast.
The bright sunlight from the vast blue sky was reflected by the fine sand at their feet, as well as the ocean spread before their eyes ── the Serelantif Sea, made it a truly dazzling scene.
Tifalycia did not expect that she would visit an unexplored land such as this that she had only ever seen in maps so far.
Because this place was──
“Umm, this is......in the territory of 「Beastia」, right?”
I see, she had proven it in person that it would certainly not be counted as an invasion if she entered another race's territory without any malicious intent, but──
The Country of 「Sirena」, Republic of the Water Palace, should be located at the Zeganda Sea, Northwest of the Titalia Continent which was Southwest of Zestis Continent, or to be more precise, at the Heiji Archipelago and the water surrounding it.
The Serelantif and the Zeganda Sea were divided by the Teru Strait and the Fraig Continent on the west and the east boundaries respectively, and was quite far from where they were at.
“Nihii, that’s what you think?”
Taigoubou raised her index finger and answered Tifalycia’s question with a giggle.
“Now, here comes the surprise. Actually, every place within the ocean is connected♪”
Saying so, she swung the fishing rod she held in her right hand.
As the hook entered the ocean, it stretched and glowed, forming a magic formation.
Soon, the faintly glowing magic formation started glowing brighter ──and a door big enough for a single person to pass through at a time materialized.
Tifalycia swallowed her breath at that clearly abnormal phenomenon.
“I-Is this the Realtà of the Hero of 「Sirena」......?”
“Ah, no no, what I did is called Senjutsu♪”
“Sen...jutsu?”
“Yes. Well, what I used depends on that child and this thing, so I can’t really do anything on a much grander scale.”
Seeing Taigoubou swinging her fishing rod around, Reiji spoke as if it was nothing.
“That fishing rod is 『Treasure・Deity-bane Whip』 after all huh.”
“Oh, as expected of Reiji-chi! Bingo♪”
“............Senjutsu and Realtà are two separate things. That’s also another very troublesome matter.”
“What do you......? ──Uh why are you going back to sleep!?”
“You......didn’t I already say that I am sleepy? I will have you give me a piggyback ride if you disturb me again.”
“What’s with that temper?”
“Alright alright, let’s go now♪”
Leaving behind Tifalycia and co who were bickering around, Taigoubou passed through the door with light steps.
Republic of the Water Palace was most likely beyond there.
However, even though she understood that fact, it was not easy to take a step forward──
In front of Tifalycia who had stopped her feet and gulped while thinking about such things...
“Fuwa......so sleepy.”
Reiji entered the light without hesitation.
“Eh.”
“......As expected of Master.”
Leu entered right after.
“Eh......eh......Ehhhh!?”
Won’t you normally...be more c-cautious or nervous about these type of things......!?
This was making Tifalycia who was the only one hesitating look like an idiot──
“Hurry up my scaredy-cat master.”
Reiji’s grinning face showed up from the other side, causing Tifalycia to turn red in embarrassment.
“I’m not s──scaredy-cat!”
She forcefully took large strides and walked through the door of light in one breath.
She closed her eyes at the moment she crossed the door, then opened them again.
After doing so, what spread out before Tifalycia’s eyes were──
“──Heh?”
An enormous work of art between water and light.
That was what Tifalycia felt.
Looking up, the ocean had replaced the sky, and the various big and small fishes that swam around replaced the birds and the dragons.
Returning her gaze to the front, a huge arch-shaped gate made of translucent blue using unknown principles and a number of elegantly crafted pillars were placed geometrically, then...
『Welcome!! To the Underwater City Watatsumi Palace!!』
The synchronized welcoming came from a neat line of beautiful girls wearing revealing ── swimsuit-like outfits at the front.
The line was split into two, and from the center a gorgeous woman appeared.
Naturally, the girls greeted the woman in the center, Taigoubou lightly hopped towards her and stood next to her.
“──Welcome~ Guests from 「Liberator」.”
The woman wearing a unique outfit different from the girls around her lowered her head politely, and gracefully smiled.
“I am the Ruler of 「Sirena」, Seire Euphonia~ Pleased to meet you.”
◇◆◇◆◇
Passing through the huge arc that made one wonder about its construction method, what appeared before them was an even more impactful scenery than the entrance.
The blue lighting shone onto a space that could be considered wide even in the ocean.
The large lake at the center was surrounded by neat pavements, with boats occasionally passing by.
Neat rows of pillars stood along the path, fountains were set in fixed distances, monuments that would create currents when the magical devices fixed in them were activated decorated the place.
Gondola-like boats passed through the canals that were flowing through the center of the streets, a pair of 「Sirena」 couple ── or perhaps sisters, were chatting happily.
Houses made of stone were built in a uniform theme, completely matching the scenery, clearly giving the visitors a pleasant view.
Looking closer at the pedestrians, there were fin-like attachments on the area where ears were supposed to be, indicating that they were 「Sirena」 ── more importantly...
“Wh............th-this is......”
Reiji knew a place that looked just like this.
“Disney S○a!?[1]”
“......Dizu......? Ha............?”
Tifalycia eyes became dots when even Idea Language could not translate that term, while Reiji held her shoulders while ignoring the surrounding gazes.
“Don’t you feel anything strange about this {Built with a certain Venice as an image. Welcoming couples who cannot afford the real thing here for dates♡} advocating area!?”
“Da......E-Ehem. Not really, is there anything strange about this? Tourist attractions......like this...are not just limited to the country of 「Sirena」, or so I heard.”
“Seriously......Other places also have such amusement park like areas like this? Riajuus are the strongest even in Another World huh?”
“Ah, no. Something like this entire city having a single style is......”
Taking a glance at Leu, she also nodded.
“I have also never seen something like this before.”
Seeing Reiji convincing himself with some mysterious logic and feeling relieved on his own, the Ruler of 「Sirena」 walking next to him ── Seire Euphonia smiled in a refined manner.
“This is a good place~ Watatsumi Palace. There is no need for air if it was only for 「Sirena (us)」 to live, but when we were making it this way in consideration for the other races, it became fun. Afterwards, just as you can see for yourself, it became a district built with entertainment as its priority~”
“Well, simply put, it gives an ‘Everyone is Welcome♪’ feeling♪”
Seire smiled elegantly and Taigoubou laughed heartily.
Seeing the two of them who bore no resemblance laughing in completely different ways, Tifalycia spoke with a fuzzy feeling.
“......Umm, everyone seems to be strolling in bliss.”
“Right, right!?”
Taigoubou got in with the topic.
She swung her fishing rod and spoke without hiding her excitement.
“We are actually very blissful♪ It doesn't matter even though we lost to 「Beastia」 just recently you know? Isn’t that incredible?”
Tifalycia could only think of that as incredible.
The fact that 「Sirena」 constantly lost in Heroic Wars was known by all, as long as there were actually people fighting, there would probably not be any citizens who did not know that.
However, as far as Tifalycia could see, she did not think that anyone was feeling insecure about the future of the race, or unsatisfied towards the Ruler and the Hero.
When they saw Seire or Taigoubou, they would wave their hands with smiling faces and request to shake hands after they got closer, not a single one showed any grudging glare or spat out profanities.
“It sounds like self-praise, but ── I believe that this is quite an eden.”
Tifalycia was almost going to agree with that.
Certainly, the scene before her eyes was wonderful.
Tifalycia peeked at Reiji on reflex, and was surprised to see that the Hero had a cold expression along with a mocking smile.
“Un un, it’s certainly incredible, but ── what about taking a closer look at the surrounding?”
He nonchalantly whispered such words.
Tifalycia inspected the surrounding once again.
And noticed a certain fact.
“There are......a lot of women.”
When she looked at Reiji again, the NEET was already dozing off while walking.
“Hey, please don’t fall asleep!”
“Seriously, what do you want? I told you I’m sleepy.”
“Didn’t Reiji tell me!? To look at the surrounding!”
“Kuh──”
“Aye~ Allow me.”
The person who cut into their conversation politely was Seire who was walking at a distance, not too close yet not too far.
“Just as you may have observed, we are hermaphrodites ── meaning we possess the functionality of a male~ So the male does not exist in our race.”
“Male......does not exist?”
“To be precise, while we can turn into male when it’s necessary, we are fundamentally girls during normal times. You see, boys are hot-headed, so even though we can use 『Resonance』 to relay our intentions easier than other races, there would still be unnecessary conflicts, right?”
Taigoubou casually provided an explanation, and Seire sent a meaningful gaze at them.
“Of course, when servicing a girl, we will switch to the other half~ so feel free to ask.”
“Eh......ah, yes......”
Tifalycia tilted her head as she did not understand Seire's intentions who raised her eyebrow, while Reiji endured his yawn and spoke as if he could not bear with this anymore.
“Don’t just nod when you don’t even understand it.”
“I u-understood that.”
“Heh? She just said 『We will change into boys when providing erotic service for girls so feel free to ask♡』 though?”
“──Eh...please save the trouble!”
As Tifalycia took back her words in a panic, Seire covered her mouth with the sleeve of her kimono-like attire and giggled.
“Oh what a cute child~ Leave it to me, I will make you feel good~”
As the Ruler got even closer and blew at her ear, Tifalycia took a step back on reflex.
“──You can accept the service. You closet pervert.”
Leu suddenly spoke.
“Who’s a c...clo──”
“Ahha, TifaTifa is the closet type huh? 「Liberator」 doesn’t need to worry about an heir then♪”
“N-No.”
As Tifalycia and others continued such nonsensical chattering, Reiji sighed.
“──Isn’t it impressive~? My country.”
Unknowingly, Seire got closer to Reiji instead of Tifalycia and spoke with a brilliant smile.
“We are different from others, we have no problem regarding shortage of resources and food~ While on the other hand, our territory is small so we seek happiness amidst the living~ That’s the country I have made~”
“It’s not such a complex story though.”
Taigoubou got around to the other side of Reiji and continued.
“What is considered governing a country, or what kind of country is wonderful? ──The answer is simple. You just have to think of it as one is all, all is one.”
“──『Six Secret Teachings』......Civil Strategy huh.”
“OOOOOOH♪ I’m so happy that you can tell immediately♪”
As one of the Seven Military Classics, 『Six Secret Teachings』 was a super famous military manual that future generations who were related to military tactics field, all read.
Everything in it was written through Taigoubou’s guidance.
“I have been researching those the moment I knew that the Hero of 「Sirena」 was you.”
“Aww ehhe...I’m embarrassed.”
“......By the way, do you know the sayings ‘self-praise’ and ‘acting on one’s own interest’?”
“They are good sayings.”
Taigoubou laughed without a shame, and Seire continued.
“Seriously~ it’s a simple matter. The other races just can’t comprehend~”
Towards the Ruler of 「Sirena」 who let out a charming sigh...
“Hmm, not a trace of credibility.”
The Hero of 「Liberator」 spoke with a carefree tone.
“Especially the point of having no problem with food and resources. Isn’t that really pushing it a bit too far?”
“Hmm, it isn’t, you know?”
Taigoubou answered immediately.
“Since this entire ocean is the property of 「Sirena」♪”
Seeing the Hero of 「Sirena」 spreading her arms to indicate the vastness, Reiji replied monotonously.
“Ah-I see-The ocean is really big and wide huh. Incredible huh.”
As he continued to praise without a shred of sincerity, Taigoubou puffed up her cheeks cutely.
“Muu......Reiji-chi totally didn’t believe me right? Even though it’s the truth.”
“That’s because your resource issue is also very important to us, you know? Even if you say that this entire ocean is yours, I can’t just say ‘Oh I see’ and believe it.”
Reiji smirked and expressed with his eyes.
To show them proof of it if she wanted them to believe her.
The proof that the entire ocean belonged to 「Sirena」──
Such an unreasonable demand.
“──At Arielle Coast.”
The Ruler of 「Sirena」 turned to the Ruler of 「Liberator」 and spoke.
“Lucky for you that he did not make you piggyback him~”
“......Eh?”
Ignoring Tifalycia who was confused about the words suddenly spoken to her for a moment, Seire looked at Reiji.
“Ryo-chan’s Senjutsu is quite misleading~ I also thought that the Deity-bane Whip is her Realtà when I first saw it~”
Arielle Coast. Senjutsu. Deity-bane Whip. ──Piggyback.
Those phrases were...
“──Ah, d-don’t tell me you overheard the conversation back then......!?”
Seire gracefully smiled at Tifalycia’s deduction.
“No matter how far, 「Sirena (We)」 can tell it as if it’s happening right before our eyes as long as it’s in the ocean~ After all ── the entire ocean is ours~”
Because the entire ocean belonged to 「Sirena」, even the place that were connected to the ocean ── despite being the territory of 「Beastia」, they could find out about everything that was happening there──
“Of course, me finding out about those things is only for the security of 「Sirena」~ I won’t make a move~ What we seek is peace only.”
Seeing Seire calmly concluding so, Taigoubou spoke while giggling.
“Well, 「Sirena」 became like this only after I arrived though.”
“That’s right~ I’m really grateful to Ryo-chan~”
“Hehe, I am top notch when it comes to governing a country despite how I look, ehem.”
Taigoubou put her hands on her waist and puffed out her chest on purpose, Tifalycia spoke with her head lowered.
“......I believe that...it is definitely...wonderful. Seeing it with my own eyes, I have ascertained that. You ── the 「Sirena」 are all truly blissful. And if that happiness can be obtained without fighting against other races, or even building a friendly relationship──”
I wish we can form an alliance by all means.
As Tifalycia was about to continue with that...
“──Hah, you don’t get it. You totally don’t understand it at all.”
Reiji...
Shrugging his shoulder, he spread out his arms...
Along with a big gesture, he spoke.
“Blissful? Wonderful? Did you think that we should form an alliance by all means if that is the case──? How so?”
Such provocative words, laughter filled with mockery as if looking at idiots, were immediately turned towards the Ruler and Hero of 「Sirena」.
“If you think that you can deceive me with just this much, it would be a rather big joke.”
Seeing the sarcasm in his words that seemed to be rubbing the other party in the wrong way...
Seire Euphonia closed her eyes, and calmly spoke.
“......If you have spoken that much, please tell me the reason you think that~”
Seeing that calm atmosphere to the point that it was creepy, Tifalycia who should have been on his side was confused.
“Re......Reiji?”
Was it really alright to be so aggressive?
As a matter of fact, the citizens of 「Sirena」 seemed to be happy despite losing the Heroic Wars, the country was prosperous and also beautiful.
Did he jump to some conclusion or something──
As if completely seeing through how she thought...
The Hero of 「Liberator」 laughed.
“Ah, everyone definitely looked happy. In fact, doing a national survey will yield a shockingly positive response ── from the 「Sirena」 that is.”
The person who was enlightened by Reiji’s word seemed to be only Leu whose 『Adjacent Darkness』 fluttered.
“What are you saying──”
“So, I haven’t seen any 「Infirma」 around since the start, where are they?”
“──!”
The instant Reiji said so, Tifalycia painfully felt her shortcoming.
At the same time, she understood why Reiji told her to look around.
Ever since the liberation declaration in [Authority], every 「Infirma」 were half enforced to be freed.
Even so, the country of 「Liberator」 that could be said to be built specifically for 「Infirma」 had only a few 「Infirma」 immigrants.
In other words, majority of the 「Infirma」 were in the countries of other races outside 「Liberator」.
Even 「Sirena」 should not be an exception to that.
The movements of the races that Leu had reported about were mostly on the treatment of the 「Infirma」there.
What Reiji urged Tifalycia to realize was also that exact fact.
Feeling that Reiji’s point caused the harmonious atmosphere to freeze up, Tifalycia tensed her body.
Then, as if expecting it, Taigoubou giggled and spoke.
“Hmm, if you want to see, I can bring you there.”
There wasn’t really anything to hide.
Seeing Taigoubou purposely taking on a calm attitude, Tifalycia could not relax her tensed up expression.
Separating from Seire, they followed Taigoubou towards a flight of stairs leading underground.
After continuing down for a while through the narrow passage with exposed rock surfaces, what was ahead of them was a dim and large underground cave that made the prosperous area on the surface seem like a lie.
The light from the surface would not reach this place, but the surface of the rocks itself seemed to be glowing, making the entire place glow pale white.
Reiji and co watched down from the high platform, and saw 「Infirma」many times ── many tens of times that of 「Sirena」 moving about under the dim light.
They used the underground flowing stream to wash and cook, tools to carve out the fine details on pillar-like things, and transported the completed ones using carts.
“............Terrible.”
“Hmm, please don’t misunderstand.”
As if understanding why Tifalycia said so...
Taigoubou quickly interrupted.
“Those people are doing this out of their own will, got it? If you are thinking that we are forcing them using contract or something along those lines, then I’m a little heartbroken.”
“There’s no way──”
Taigoubou’s out of place bright tone caused Tifalycia to refute loudly on reflex.
“I know that already.”
“Reiji......!?”
Reiji coldly continued while watching the scenery laid out before him.
“Since the liberation declaration during [Authority], the servitude contract between 「Infirma」 and other races has been nullified. In regards to re-establishing contract, the other races absolutely cannot force the 「Infirma」 one-sidedly. Because that declaration is for that specific purpose.”
──Each race, each Hero would live and fight with their own judgement and power.
The contract that Reiji had established was probably working even right now.
Therefore, the contract between the other races and 「Infirma」 ── one that inhibited freedom would be impossible.
However ── it would be another story if the 「Infirma」 themselves wanted the contract with the other races.
“Those 「Infirma」 have most likely decided on their own will to form the original servitude contract with the 「Sirena」.”
Like how Leu formed a servitude contract with Reiji, if they wished to form a servitude contract themselves, then they could do anything they liked.
Because that was out of their own free will.
“Why......such......even though they finally obtained freedom.”
“Un, TifaTifa would actually say such things huh.”
In replacement of Taigoubou who showed a troubled face, Leu quietly spoke.
“That’s because...even if they obtained freedom...they cannot live on their own.”
Cannot live on their own.
Those words weighed heavily on Tifalycia’s shoulders.
They could just come to the country of 「Liberator」 after they were free ── she could not continue with those words that were stuck at her throat.
What if...
They all actually moved over to Tistel ── the country of 「Liberator」 would collapse.
“Actually, after Reiji-chi’s liberation declaration, me ── Seire as well, told all those people directly. {We will provide some assistance, so do you want to go to the country of 「Liberator」?}. However──”
“{We won’t ask for such a thing. All we want is to live here stably.} ──Is probably something they answered with, right?”
Taigoubou opened her eyes wide in surprise, while Reiji lightly shrugged his shoulders and carried on.
“The psychology of those who have undergone long periods of obedience to authority is so easy to comprehend that there’s no need to even bring up the Milgram Experiment case study.”
“That being said, I think that Reiji-chi actually peeped at this place, right?”
“Rather than doing that kind of pointless thing, securing sleep is better.”
“Uwa, you actually said that it’s pointless♪”
Seeing Taigoubou giggling, Tifalycia enquired without changing her expression.
“Is that...true?”
“Hmm?”
“What Reiji said just now ── Did they really say that?”
“Hmm, if I have to supplement it...{The liberation declaration is troubling} something like that. No really, if you lose it (dignity) once, you can’t get it back. Feels like they live up to their name as the 「Infirma」.”
“────”
Those words were enough to rob away Tifalycia’s thoughts, causing her to stand rooted to the ground.
Tifalycia staggered a few steps, and knelt down ── before that.
“Haa, seriously.”
As Reiji sneered...
He secretly supported Tifalycia’s shoulder.
“Rather, well, I have no intention of liberating the 「Infirma」 using that declaration in the first place.”
As if there was no problem at all, he immediately said so.
“....................................Ha?”
Seeing as Tifalycia blankly staring at him with her mouth still wide open with questions on reflex, Reiji ── the Hero of 「Liberator」 returned the stare with a rather surprised expression.
“Ah? What? Don’t tell me you actually thought that just that was enough to liberate the 「Infirma」 and build the country of 「Liberator」?”
Seeing Reiji looking at her as if saying ‘how could that be’, Tifalycia was more relieved than angry.
That was because she understood that Reiji was reassuring her with a 『This path is not mistaken』 in that implication.
However, as she did not want him to know that ── she spoke with a trembling voice.
“I──I really thought so!! I admit, I did think like that!! What about it!?”
“Uwa, don’t throw a tantrum......You seem like you are about to cry.”
Hearing that, Tifalycia noticed that tears had gathered in her eyes, and wiped them away hurriedly, then realized that it was pointless to do that by then, so she swung down her hand with force.
“Geez...Geez...Geez!! What’s with you...What’s wrong with you!? Do you find it fun to play around with me like that!?”
“Eh...un. That’s obviously super fun.”
“Please deny it!!”
She was already desperate.
Even though she understood that the more she shouted the worse it would become, but as she could not stop her tear glands otherwise, her words came out before her thoughts.
“Then what is that declaration during the [Authority], that is also pointless huh!!”
“I never said that it was pointless. Of course that has meaning. Rather, the result of liberating the 「Infirma」 is unrelated, the important thing is the procedure itself.”
“......Procedure?”
“Is the liberation of the 「Infirma」 the only thing that changed after [Authority]?”
“Ah......”
Needless to be said, what changed after the [Authority] was not just 「Infirma」.
All the other races had to make a move.
Reiji included all those into the process he spoke of──?
“──That talk, I am also interested in it. Please tell me in details~”
A voice suddenly called out from his back.
Reiji could tell that it was from Seire without turning around, a scheming evil smile flashed on his face as he turned to speak to her.
“Now then? Is there any merit in me having the obligation of telling you? Even though you aren’t our allies.”
Hearing Reiji emphasizing those last few words, Seire narrowed her eyes while maintaining her smile.
“......Such a mean person~”
“──Fu...Kyahha...as expected, Reiji-chi is interesting♪”
Seeing the two meeting eye-to-eye, Taigoubou laughed from the bottom of her heart.
“Isn’t that right? I’m often being told that.”
Reiji laughed a bit to go along with Taigoubou, then continued as if nothing happened.
“So, you two who think that I’m interesting, what’s your objective?”
His smile remained the same.
While his cold gaze pierced the two.
“Don’t tell me you think that you can muddle through with just {We became your fan after that [Authority]!} nonsense?”
The Hero of 「Liberator」 ── The Good Neighbour (Social Hacker) who was a professional at playing with others’ psychology in the palm of his hand began his verbal attack.
──When people are met with an unknown situation, their judgement and thinking ability will become dull.
That would often result in a blank state of emotion, and it would be easy to predict their actions afterwards ── or so was supposed to be the case.
“What are you talking about~?”
Making an alluring gesture of tilting her head, the Ruler of 「Sirena」 gracefully smiled.
“We are sincerely grateful to 「Liberator」 ── to the Hero of 「Liberator」 and the Ruler~ We thought of expressing our gratitude even if by a little, hence we invited you here~”
“That’s right, I believe that Reiji-chi should understand, we have really tried to convince the 「Infirma」, you know?”
Taigoubou also followed up cheerfully...
“Let’s just treat it as such.”
Reiji did not pursue it any further and closed his eyes.
“But it’s not just that alone, right?”
Opening his eyes again, he folded his arms and calmly continued.
“Let’s take a hundred steps back and assume that you have become our fan after we, 「Liberator」, made our move. Let’s also assume that you really intend to form an alliance with 「Liberator」 that is close to your ideals. I see, what a wonderful story. So, the wonderful lot of you ── when a choice arises, which side will you support, 「Sirena」 or 「Liberator」?”
“......? That kind of thing, after the alliance──”
“I should have said support earlier. Don’t worry, this question is just to confirm the predetermined answer. By the way, if asked the same question, we will not hesitate to answer with 「Liberator」. We are looking for an alliance for that sake in the first place. Isn’t that obvious?”
“──Then we will choose the same answer~”
So what about it? Seeing Seire was about to continue with that, Reiji smiled frivolously as if the answer was very simple and spoke.
“I know right. In that case, have you noticed that this will cause a contradiction? You said that you will choose the benefit of 「Sirena」 between 「Liberator」 and 「Sirena」. Then we shouldn’t form an alliance, should we? Because forming an equivalent alliance with 「Liberator」 will only incur a loss for 「Sirena」.”
“......Eh?”
Tifalycia could not follow Reiji’s train of thought for an instant and blinked her eyes.
Hence she thought things through again, and the conclusion she arrived at was...
“Please wait a moment, that means──”
“「Liberator」 and 「Sirena」 do not have equivalent standing, leaving aside the difference in races, even a child can understand that.”
Leu quietly spoke.
“Ignoring the difference in standing, if we formed an equivalent alliance, the higher standing race ── 「Sirena」, will incur a loss.”
“By the way, I won’t let you muddle through with an excuse like {I didn’t realize that}, alright? Even if say I allowed you, the moment I pointed out this matter, you will have known this fact. Since you know already, you cannot muddle through this.”
Making a hypothesis.
In the case that two inequivalent races formed an alliance, the superior 「Sirena」 might insist that they did not notice that they were taking a loss, but it would be impossible to use that excuse in the current situation.
Because Reiji had already pointed out that escape route, hence collapsing the path.
And then.
“Well, you girls probably won’t even use the {We never noticed that} escape route. Bringing us here itself is one of your objectives, afterall.”
“Bringing us here is one of their objectives......?”
“Oi oi, you have to know that immediately. Why have we come all the way here in the first place?”
“That’s......for the sake of forming an alliance ── Ah.”
As she spoke, she realized at that moment.
Going to the country of 「Sirena」 for the sake of forming an alliance, there was no logic behind such an action.
That was only an excuse for Reiji and co to receive their hospitality as gratitude.
“Sight, voice, words, expressions, stride length, gesture......creating a friendly atmosphere on the surface using all that, trying to mislead us away from the core issue. Unfortunately, that’s my area of expertise.”
Reiji showed a ferocious smile, and pointed with his finger.
“Not for 「Liberator」, rather you are forming an alliance for 「Sirena」, right? And then allying with 「Liberator」 does not have a single benefit for you all. Despite that, why have you called us to your turf to form an alliance? What are your true objectives?”
Lethal questions flew out like bullets.
The bullet that peeled away the virtuous mask of the 「Sirena」, they robbed the Ruler and the Hero completely of their expressions.
All of a sudden, emotion seeped in as if a taut string snapped.
“Reiji-chi thinks that ── this is enough to corner us?”
Showing a troubled smile, Taigoubou shrugged her shoulders.
“There are benefits for 「Sirena」 to ally with 「Liberator」. Of course, we understand the matter about inequivalent standing, we also know that forming an equivalent alliance will incur loss on our side. By the way, we intended to discuss the details of that matter after we have formed the alliance, you know?”
“──That’s right~ The Hero of 「Liberator」 is just reading too much into it~ Us calling 「Liberator」 here is really to express our gratitude and welcome you~”
Seire looked troubled, and then depressedly lowered her eyebrows, Taigoubou then said “Well, it can’t be helped regarding the lack of trust” as if to follow up for Reiji.
The atmosphere changed to as if Reiji had jumped to conclusions and misunderstood something──
“......Not gonna work. Totally not gonna work.”
As if to destroy that facade from the root, the NEET laughed, and laughed harder.
“Did you think that those petty tricks of yours will work?{There are benefits for an alliance} {Understand the matter about inequivalent standing} {Know that forming an equivalent alliance will incur loss on 「Sirena」} {Intend to discuss the details of that matter after we have formed the alliance} ── Those clauses just now, do you see any intention of forming an equivalent alliance with 「Liberator」 there which is at an inequivalent standing?”
“────Eh?”
Tifalycia went through those again with Reiji’s pointer.
{There are benefits for both sides by forming an alliance}
──However, the detailed contents were not touched on.
{Understand the inequivalent standing of the two}
──It was only comprehension.
{Know that forming an equivalent alliance will incur loss on 「Sirena」}
──It was only stating the fact, but it was never mentioned about them wanting to form an equivalent alliance.
{Intend to discuss the details of that matter after we have formed the alliance}
──It’s only after forming the alliance, and the actual contents were concealed.
“────Never...mentioned.”
Taigoubou only mentioned things that sounded good to the listener, leading the other party to think 『Since you have said so, you probably want to form an equivalent alliance』, but did not speak any concrete words to confirm about forming an equivalent alliance.
She only said things that she could get away with.
“Muu, you are nitpicking, or rather twisting the meaning. I didn’t say that with such inten──”
“Then can you make a vow?”
As if knowing that she would say that, Reiji cut her off and continued.
“Let’s see......for example, the 「El Blanche」 suddenly demanded a single-sided annexation.”
“............Ha?”
“......「El Blanche」?”
At the sudden appearance of the name of a third race, not only Taigoubou and Seire, even Tifalycia and Leu blinked their eyes blankly.
“There’s no deep meaning in it. Doesn’t matter if it’s 「Beastia」, or 「Elf」, or 「Dragonne」. Well, if the self-proclaimed 『World Administrator』, 「El Blanche」, saying something like {Noblesse Oblige is saving the weak}, would probably want to save the 「Sirena」 that is considered as the weak one in the current situation, right? Of course, suitable sacrifices have to be paid.”
Once annexed under the absolute power known as the 「El Blanche」, 「Sirena」 would lose their authority.
Forming an alliance between unbalanced power was originally like that.
And needless to say, that structure would also apply to 「Liberator」 and 「Sirena」.
“With that kind of a situation, do you think that 「El Blanche」 will form an equivalent alliance with 「Sirena」? If you think they would, then pledge right here right now. With 「「Sirena」 will form an equivalent alliance with 「Liberator」 with the comprehension on the loss 「Sirena」 will incur」 here ── Make a contract (Pledge) under the Great Contract Magic.”
And the one who replied Reiji who had stepped into their limits was not the Hero.
“──Ryo-chan cannot do that~”
Remaining graceful, the Ruler spoke.
“The one who can decide that, is only me as the Ruler~”
An appropriate follow-up.
Reiji’s anticipation of unreasonably establishing a beneficial contract in the momentum was crushed there.
How would Reiji react to that ── Tifalycia timidly observed, only to notice that his scheming smile did not change.
In other words......was that also according to his expectations?
Tifalycia’s suspicion did not clear up, while Taigoubou giggled.
“Kyahha, that’s true. I almost made one accidentally♪ Rather, in the first place, the welcome party and conference is a story after tomorrow♪”
“Oh dear, Ryo-chan is really slow on such things. ──Aah, everyone from 「Liberator」, please do not misunderstand, we really are welcoming you all~ Please at least believe in this~”
“──Well, that’s probably a fact.”
Seeing Reiji immediately back off, Tifalycia muttered on reflex.
“E......Even though you suspected them so much before?”
“Suspected? Oi oi, I was just confirming things. ──Right?”
Hearing Reiji’s question, Seire meaningfully smiled and replied...
“......About the alliance, since there is still time~ you may slowly think it over~ For now, please just ── accept our welcome~”
With an elegant bow...
1 DisneyS○a - An attraction in Tokyo, Japan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_DisneySea ↩
2 Huis ○en Bosch - An attraction in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huis_Ten_Bosch_(theme_park) ↩
3 ○SJ - An attraction in Osaka, Japan. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Studios_Japan ↩
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