109-109
Chapter3.01
Rumors swept through the streets of Akiba.
--It is said that an aristocrat is protecting Akiba's streets.
--It is said to be an incredibly high-ranking aristocrat.
--He has a seat at the "Round Table".
--It's said that Princess Reinesia's marriage is finalized.
--The new nobleman would receive the blessing of Princess Reinesia and rule the city of Akiva.
--The new nobleman will soon be blessed by Princess Reinesia and will receive her blessing to rule the city of Akiba.
The whispered voices soon took on a feverish tone, licking the corners of the city, the taverns, the shops, the inns, and the many housing complexes.
'This is a bit.... I didn't expect this.'
Shiroe's mouth is knotted in a hefty knot at the dining table on the terrace and she frowns.
Normally, he or she works in his or her own room, which is no longer called the "office," but since that is all he or she does, he or she sometimes thinks about things in these common spaces.
The more so since we have a lot of visitors today.
The members of the guild are centered around Shiroe, with Kahle from the Maritime Organization, Rezalik from the Black Sword Knights, Nazuna from the West Wind Brigade, Henrietta from the Crescent Moon Alliance, and other key players in practice. They were chosen because it would be too conspicuous if the guild masters visited the headquarters of other guilds, but since they all work under the direction of their respective guilds, it could be said that they were in effect a part of the Roundtable.
Akatsuki, sitting upright in a similar wooden chair beside Shiroe, is holding a teacup with an expression that says "I won't interfere". And unusually, there were two more participants in this occasion.
Rundelhaus and Isuzu.
Isuzu looked more nervous and uncomfortable than usual, but Rundelhaus, who participated in the meeting with a protective attitude towards her, continued to speak without hesitation, probably due to his original personality.
'And it doesn't seem to be a very good trend. 'Guildmaster,'
Rundell House sits on the left side of the dining table across the corner from Shiroe. This table is a rectangular one that seats fifteen people and is quite large.
'Yeah, go on,'
Shiroe urged on behalf of the other participants.
He was the one who had called Rundelhaus here in the first place. He did not explain in further detail the circumstances of Rundelhaus being a former 'Daichijin'. Maybe he knows, maybe he doesn't. But the fact that he is a young man of the Horizon of Records is immediately apparent. In order to make it easier for that Rundelhaus to talk, and to share as much information as possible with the deputies of the〈Roundtable〉, it would make sense for Shiroe to provide support here.
''........Many of the Daichijin living in Akiba are innocently happy. ........I certainly understand their feelings. There were no aristocrats in Akiba until now. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of it. Of course, I understand that this city is one of the free cities governed by the Roundtable. And while it's not part of the League of Free Cities Eastar, it's an alliance of equals in terms of contract. But most of the Earthlings don't have that kind of knowledge.
Henrietta and Nazna nodded widely.
The girls were probably now rubbing the impressions they had felt in the city with the new perspective brought by Rundell House. There was a hint of understanding in the eyes of every guild lieutenant.
'Somewhere in the back of their minds, they think they are exiles. I don't know how much Gilmouth knows, but the 'earthlings' that this Akiva reaches are more or less those who have been driven from their homes.
Exiles. Fleeing people. Refugees - those words are heavy.
Of course, there is no one here who doesn't know the meaning of these words, which we hear in the news and which are key words in the political tensions between the Middle East and Europe. But it's also true that they are not words we use frequently in our daily lives in Japan. Nor can Shiroe say that he realizes what they mean.
However, Rundelhaus must have understood that as well.
''Hmm. I wonder where I should start to explain it to him. Most of the 'earthlings' live in rural areas and cultivate fields, but fields and orchards don't grow very often. Even if we were to cultivate the land, we would have to cut through the forests and valleys where the threat of monsters was thicker. No village has a surplus of reserves. If the weather turns a little bad, they can starve. It's like there is a fixed number of people who can live in a village. So while the eldest son of the family is fine, the second and third sons have to help out at home to survive. ...Of course, their shoulders are too small and they can't get married. The same is true for women. It would be nice if they could marry off the eldest son who owned a farm, but only some of them could do it that way. If a woman has valuable skills, such as blacksmithing, crafting, or brewing, she can hope for a position in the village, but if not, there is no place for her. You have to wait and see what everyone else is doing and eat out of their pocket, or if you don't like it, you have to leave.
He was earnestly, but somewhat falteringly searching for words, trying to convey them in a not-so-short explanation. Behind him was Isuzu with a worried but stubborn expression on Rundell House's face, his mouth drawn into a tight line.
''Is that why you're an exile?''
I have read that this was the case in Japan in the early Showa period.
Oh. Oshin.
That was in the Meiji era.
Henrietta replied to Nazna, who let out a blunt impression. It was a playful conversation, but none of the participants' expressions were loose. They are not accepted with reality, but they are sympathetic minds that probably have a very tough time with it.
'I don't want you to be offended. This isn't just about Akiba. Even if this town didn't exist, there are plenty of such villages all over Yamato, and the number of people who don't have a place to live would never decrease. In fact, Akiba is a great place to live. The pay is good, and most importantly, you can learn. There are even a lot of sub-jobs that change once you reach this city. Even Miss Isuzu was surprised, but this is truly a miracle.
As Rundelhaus turned and looked at the Bard, the best singer in the Horizons of Record nodded broadly, "Yeah.
'Rudy's is special, but isn't it common for sub jobs to change with quests? Mr. Shiroe. That's why everyone works so hard. Even if it's just a part-time job selling bentos, everyone works as hard as anyone else. Because if you do that, your job might change.
I see. It's called a job transfer quest.
When Rezarik murmured thoughtfully, Rundelhaus nodded and affirmed, ''Yes,'' he said.
It's a miracle for the Earthmen. It's a miracle for the Earthmen that a former farmer is able to work as a salesman or an accountant. It's really a wonderful city. But I was worried. The exiles were exiles. --I was worried that if I had a home in this city, or even a family to call my own, I might not be recognized. They just stayed here on their own, so they might be kicked out one day.
That's not true!
Isuzu, who couldn't bear the indifferent explanation of Rundelhaus, returned it. It was probably, "We 〈Adventurers〉 don't do such inhuman things! The words would have been spoken in protest. The reason why none of the Shiroe and the others chided me is that they agreed with me.
'But you can't erase the anxiety. And the one thing that might relieve those fears is Duke Akiva's arrival.
Shiroe thought that Rundelhaus had gotten that across as well.
He threw a soft gaze at Isuzu and concluded his report calmly.
'Phew.'
A few sighs escaped.
They belonged to the Deputy Guildmasters who had refrained from speaking up until now in order to share their knowledge. Including Shiroe, the inner workings of the Daichijin are quite difficult for them, as they are 'adventurers'. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about them when you see them in your daily life, whether they are delicious, sleepy, helpful, rescued, happy, or sad, you could even call them your neighbors. It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with them.
I understand the situation, though. It's pretty much the same as what I heard from Sarah over here, Shiroe.
That's true, isn't it?
The report died down and Nazuna corroborated it.
'But isn't this a checkmate?
His words were light, but Kahle's expression was also stern.
I'm sure everyone here knows this, so I'm going to be frank with you," he said, "more than 80% of the materials supplied to the Organization of Oceanography come from the Daichijin. Whether it's wood or steel. It's very expensive, so we have them shipped by piston transport. We can't afford to have the Daichijin turn their backs on us, can we, the production guild over there? I think the Round Table is being held down by Ains-san," he said.
Kahle's words were bitter, even as she scratched the head of her nose.
I'm sure you're not the only one.
But you're doing those kinds of deals with the rural areas and mountain 'land people', right? Most of the Daichijin living in Akiba are housekeepers or shopkeepers or apprentice craftsmen like our Sara, but are they really that deadly?
'The Duke of Akiba is just a name. The scope of his power is not limited to Akiba alone. --This story is already going around to the surrounding villages as well. They bring iron ore from far away, but they are dependent on the suburbs for fresh food.
Ah.
'Yes,'
Rumors are moving fast.
And the people of the Earth are in a state of joy.
It would be no mean feat to break this trend.
Shiroe wanted to hold his head in his hands.
''The card that Ains-san got is pretty egregious and powerful. That's why we can hold our food self-sufficiency hostage.''
But. You won't know how far that card will actually work until you try it. I'm sure there are people willing to sell you food if you explain it properly.
Nazuna refuted Kahlu, but Kahlu would have the benefit of the doubt in this matter.
Ains-san doesn't have to threaten the producers of the Daichijin in any way," she said. The city of Akiba will continue to buy all kinds of materials as it always has. The city of Akiba will continue to buy all kinds of materials as it always has, but Honestis will be the point of contact for them, and that's all they need to know. From their point of view, that's all it takes to get the protection of the aristocracy.
''That's right. And all we have to do is resell it to the production guilds with a margin of twenty percent or so. That's enough to get a commission of several hundred thousand scale every month. And you can also keep the negotiation card that says, 'We won't distribute to you' in case of an emergency. It's out of control.'
Henrietta also has the wit to know exactly what's going on.
It would be difficult to buy on the basis of price competition.
If the Honesty is proposing a higher purchase price, then it is possible to turn the situation upside down by offering a higher price. However, the Honesty is not proposing a price, but the security of protection, and Siloe and his team do not have the ability to offer that alternative.
'Aha!'
It seems that understanding has finally arrived at the explanation from the same s*x, Nazuna raised her voice as if she had encountered a monster with an invalid physical attack in a large scale battle (raid).
''The situation is still shaky at the moment, but I suppose we'll have to think about the demands that Ains-sama makes at the next 'Roundtable'.
Our manager (Mr. Michitaka) agrees. He was mumbling about how he'd been doused.
Shiroe slowly shook her head at the sorrowful faces.
'I'm sorry for that,'
What?
Shiroe looked at Rezalic, the second in command of the Black Sword Knights, who had been consulted beforehand. The stoic, hard-working man with an impression of stoicism responded to Shiroe's gaze and began to talk about more problems.
The Black Sword Knights are currently on a teaching mission in Maihama, but the nobles east of Maihama are as wary as hedgehogs about this matter. Didn't Akiva, which was allied with the Alliance of Free Cities Eastal, come under the umbrella of the Holy Empire of Westland? And...
It's..........
Someone's voice rose, but it was cut off there.
It would be. It can't be helped if you say so.
In the first place, even though the members of the Round Table have disappeared, they have refused to receive the title of nobility from the Council of Lords at the Ancient Court of Eternal Ice. Although it is not an official refusal, since he apologized at the stage of laying the groundwork, so to speak, before the actual conferring of the title, there is no official refusal, but even so, the lords of the Alliance of Free Cities Eastar know that such exchanges took place.
When one receives a dukedom from the 〈Holy Empire Westland〉, it would be difficult to make excuses even if they were considered to be flattered.
Even if Shiroe was a nobleman of Ystal, I doubt it there.
A heavy sigh spilled out.
'From a nobleman's point of view, that concern is inevitable - I think. It may be hard for the adventurers to understand, but the rank of nobility is given by the higher nobles--many of them by the Imperial King--so it's the same as a declaration that you've come under his rule...
There was no one to respond to Rundelhaus' words either.
What is shared is the premonition of tremendous trouble to come.
Shiroe and the rest of the Roundtable have no intention of fighting each other. And fortunately, the Roundtable has a much larger force than the Free City Alliance Eastal. That's why it seemed unlikely that the edge of the war would open up unless there was some sort of accident.
But at the same time, it also showed the possibility of all kinds of conflicts and nuisances other than direct armed conflict.
Our general (Isaac) said he's going to explain to Lord Sergiad, so I don't think it's going to be a problem right now, though. But there seems to be a lot of emotional tension between them. I don't think this is going to be a good way to go.
Rezaric's muffled expression was in a way a mirror of Shiroe and the participants' inner feelings.
''Hey, this. It's stuck, isn't it?''
There were probably people who wanted to agree with Nazuna's words as she mumbled.
However, the members here are in no position to give up.
◆ Chapter3.02
''Ahhhh!''
f*ck.
Isaac kicked Karashin in the shins as he suddenly let out a strange cry and pouted.
It's a good thing that you're always a cheerful and sometimes annoying person, but today you're always annoying. The two men, dressed in the same round table uniforms they've been wearing in recent years, were sipping their first few beers at Maihama's bar, run by the Eighth Shopping District.
I'm sure you've heard a dull sound, but Karashin didn't take it up with a depressed expression on his face. The adventurer, who has reached the 90th level, is not hurt by a light kick.
"What a hippy look on your face!
That's what he looks like.
Leaving Karasin with a sluggish look on his face, Isaac chews on his fry with a big mouth. It seems to be a white fish today. The thin batter goes well with the low-sticky Worcestershire sauce. He tossed a couple of potatoes as a garnish into his mouth and then poured it all down with beer. The fact that it was so cold was irresistible. I couldn't get enough of this at the Daichijins' restaurant.
'You've been laughing at me for more pointless booming looks.
We've sold out of social interaction.
Unusual.
Isaac asked this without any intention to pay attention to it.
The young man in front of you, Karashin, is the leader of the guild called the Eighth Shopping Street, in other words, he is of the same rank as you. It's not a family member or subordinate, so there's no need to play down or be nice to him.
To begin with, Isaac understands these days that Kalashin is a hard-hitting, much tougher man than he looks. He may have a dented look on his face, but it's a mimicry anyway, and he may be up to something. Isaac didn't feel the need to be pushed around by it at all.
'Well, sometimes I do feel self-hating. Even though it's a selling point, this is the way it's going to go after I got in a fight with Ains-san.''
Ah.
Isaac munched on more fries and shrugged his shoulders in remembrance.
'That would be Ains' fault. That's an outrageous statement.
'Yes, but...' But..... Ah. Why does he start to say such troublesome things? You know how much trouble you can get into with the duke and all that. No, you know that, don't you? You do realize that, don't you?
I don't know.
The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it's a good idea to have a good time. I've been living with the Knights of Maihama for a while now, and I speak to people from the Knights of Maihama as well as noblemen from other lands. The Holy Empire of Westarande is a complete virtual enemy of the Alliance of Free Cities Eastal.
It was from the Holy Empire Westarande that Ains received his dukedom, so in that sense, the nobles and knights of the Eastal Alliance, including Maiama, are greatly irritated and suspicious of the Roundtable.
(Well, I suppose so. Our comings and goings are suddenly doing business with our business enemies. It's a betrayal, you ask. Aristocrats are just like builders, they seem to put their lives on the line. (I wonder why that teacher can't make a single move to lay the groundwork.
Isaac chews the fried whitefish with his strong teeth and takes a sip of his beer before continuing in a nonchalant manner.
"Hey, Karashin. The Black Sword Knights are on their way to Maiama. That's what I reported to old man Sergiad on Wednesday.
'Huh! Why are you getting so ahead of yourself?
Kalashin, who was floating on his haunches, shouted, dexterously looking up to the heavens with both hands at the same time, startled and gasping at the same time.
'You're an idiot. 'Sincerity, you need speed to show it,' he says. You can't talk about it after you've overheard it from somewhere else and your feelings have become complicated. Ains is now in the Holy Empire of Westland. The same goes for the Round Table. I don't think there's much we can talk about after something like that. I don't want to wait for the others to settle down and just say, 'I'll join you, I don't care about the others. I'll join you, no matter what else is going on.
Isaac warns Karasin, who leans back against his back and cracks his mouth open. Seeing his dismay at this kind of thing, it seems that Karashin is not a fan of muscle or humanity, even though he has recently reviewed it. For a small rural construction company like the one Isaac worked for, this is sometimes more important than the ability to build.
But that doesn't mean they can't do it.
I'm going to have to do something about it. You say it's a problem for Icells.
Oh, for God's sake. Erica. I need a beer.
Letting out a sigh that was close to a swear word, Karashin waved a large hand at the waitress, but still seemed to have changed his mood somewhat from earlier.
'Besides, even you were up to something, weren't you? Didn't you expect Ains to say something like that?
'No way! There's no way I could have predicted that. That thing wasn't even Ains-san's idea in the first place. It had to have been blown in, of course.
Kalashin sat back in his chair and said with an oddly teasing smile, "Oh, I'm getting sick of this. I think I'll have a drink today. I think I'll order the expensive menu," he mumbles, and Isaac scratches his head as he announces, "It's your restaurant, do what you want.
"You've been sneaking around for a while now. Come on, spit it out.
I hate it. You can't throw up while eating.
Come on, man, spit it out. I mean, what's the matter with those blue-blooded bastards you sent over here?
To be honest, Isaac doesn't understand the detailed and troublesome details.
I'm sure you'll be able to see that the reason why Ains was complaining is because he was saying, "Take care of the people who are not earning enough money. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make a lot of sense out of this, but I'm not sure I'll be able to do it. I think it's much easier to understand this time that the story is called
And if that's what you want to talk about, I'll talk about Yserus," Isaac could answer immediately.
But at the same time, you can see that there are people who are patient in thinking about such trivial matters, and that those people - that is to say, Karashin and the dark-eyed glasses - have other agendas in mind. And that agenda is not a bad one. Isaac is proud that he has the wherewithal to understand that this is probably to avoid future accidents, of which Isaac is still unaware.
'Yeah. The aid that was mixed in with the knight's training?
That's right. They're the ones who were forced to come over to the Eighth Shopping Street to trade with the local community, saying they wanted to give them a little combat training. How many of them are there in total? Too many shifty people, sending us little pieces to share.
Ninety-four people. Not so much, right? Everyone was fine when they came back.
I've been trying to cheer you up.
Isaac rumbled and stared into Kalashin's eyes.
It was the kind of gaze that would not be fooled by any of the mimicry of exaggerated lamentations and cries of desperation. Isaac believes that this frivolous man who seems to drift and fluff in the wind and be blown everywhere is not the balls that he appears to be.
'Huh.... I'm grateful, though.
No, I don't mean that. Just tell me what the hell you're up to. You knew Ains was suspicious, didn't you?
The expression on Karashin's face, which seemed to change color as he spun around, suggested that he had no plan or intention. That's why Isaac questioned further.
I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about the source of these amateurish people from the 8th shopping district and the conspiracy that Karashin has been working so hard to build over the past few months.
"--It's too sudden. Mr. Ains. I thought that even if this were to happen, we would still be able to reconcile or break down, and we would take at least another year to come to a conclusion as we worked out all the details. And then the other side's Nuremberg (Nishi no Gilmouth) suddenly said they would cooperate with us and got into a dispute, so even Mr. Ains was pushed out of the way by the ball-busting accident, and now we are in this situation.
Isaac kicked Karasin's shins under the table as he mumbled in a whisper. This time, he cut his hand in half. Karasin rambled with an exaggerated "Aww," and finally seemed ready to explain.
He props his elbows on the table and begins to speak with his cheekbones.
"- Volunteers from the Black Sword Knights' knight training, but those guys are former Honestis, right?
What?
Isaac, unsure of the story, because of the jump in conversation, scrutinized his eyes and urged him to continue. The look on his face was powerful, and if you're a feeble-minded woman, "I've been blackmailed! He was about to spill tears, but Karasin didn't seem to mind.
'No, so. He's from Ains-san's place. I've been dispatching pistons to Mr. Isaac's place, pulling out all the people who seemed to want to leave.
Why would you do that?
(Hey, hey, hey.) What is it, then? So it was Karashin (he's the one who fought you first?
There were some awful people who looked like they wouldn't kill a bug.
No, I don't. No, I mean, do you get that look? Wouldn't it be a little awkward if I told you I used to work for Honesty? That's why I asked him to join the Eighth Shopping District, but the members of the Eighth Shopping District wouldn't just go out and do business with a stranger like that, you know. I asked them to join the Black Sword Knights (that one) using the Daihachi Shotengai's signboard. You're laundering my career, aren't you? Ah. Don't worry. We won't force people who don't want to leave Honesty to leave.
"Huh.... What's that. What does it mean?
Growing confused, Isaac asked for an explanation.
He might not understand if it was explained to him, but he didn't feel comfortable.
'It's there. It makes sense and works. If you come back after helping with the training there, you'll return to the Black Sword Order, right? That's all the credit you need. If the problem is that you don't have any trust right now, the only way to get it is by doing some meaningful work, whether it's volunteering or not. As a matter of fact, if you tell them that you helped train with the Black Sword Knights, you'll be able to get a job guarding the merchants of the Earthmen.
Yeah.
Okay.
I can see that, then.
Whether it's unpaid or barging into the master's office, there's something to be said for doing something to get started. One of the unemployed urban bondmen who had come in for Fukushima reconstruction had also joined Isaac's construction company. Isaac had invited him to join the firm.
He had been working day in and day out cleaning up the rubble without getting paid, so Isaac had recruited him for his guts. It's not that you can't get results if you act blindly, but if you don't act, you won't get results.
And you told me you were feeling better. The former Honesti may be a bit of a crappy job, but you're still an adventurer. If you look at the training of the knights of the Earthmen, you'll see that they have the advantage of being better off. And if you're willing to help, whether you're a town girl or a kid, you'll be able to say, "Wow! And 'Cool!' You might be able to tell me that.
What that boneless unemployed man dug out of the pile of shitty rubble were aching muscles, a tiny bit of pride that maybe he could make it in the world, and an acquaintance named Isaac.
It must be something similar to what the ex-Honesty guys found in the Knight's Training Course in Maihama. If you ask me, such a thing is certainly possible. So the Black Sword Knights were duped, however, Isaac was strangely not inclined to yell at them.
'That's the kind of thing that matters. For someone who's in a daze and has given up on everything that's going on. A place where they can say, 'You tried a little bit, and if you did your best, you did your best.'
You.......... It's kind of like Gilmouth.
'You wouldn't want a gorilla to tell you that, would you!
I tried to praise him, but Kalashin is blushing and angry.
Well, that's what happens.
In other words, this man was, in essence, taking care of them.
He is a man who likes to be taken care of. When you think about it, Isaac has some things that come to mind. That's because the president who picked Isaac up was the type of man who would take care of him. It's obvious that he's ten times bigger than Karashin in terms of caliber, though.
I'm having a hard time with this. With the Princess's case, you know.
Hmm?
Karasin, who was more of a small thing than the president, was apparently obsessed with another concussive thought, as befits it.
'No, it's nothing. Aaaaah, why do I have to come at this time? I was going to spit on you first, but you haven't even convinced me yet, it's too late for that, isn't it?
'Well, what. I'll admit that you're having a hard time. You can have a drink.
This is our company-owned store, though. I'll drink even if you don't tell me. Yes, they really tore the place apart with their tricks and preparations. As it is, they didn't--
Are you still in trouble?
It's a good idea to make sure that you have the right tools and equipment for the job. It's a good thing that you're able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has been trying to do something, because that's the only thing you can do. Even this frivolous man has a certain amount of pride in himself.
''-- That's right. That's right, Shiroe-dono and I did half of the preparations and somehow managed to avoid the worst. That was the plan, but we ended up with a big hole in the middle. At least if Krusty-san was there,
There's no such thing as a lost cause.
I understand what you're saying, but it's something that isn't there. We don't know what Karasin is thinking or planning. We don't even know what Shiroe was preparing for. But, however, Isaac thought, if there was a hole, it would have to be plugged, or, to put it another way, it would just be a matter of plugging it.
Either way, things would just have to be the way they were meant to be.
'Right...'
Isaac took another bite of the whitefish, leaving Karashin prostrate as if he had given up.
Chapter3.03
The day's roundtable discussion began in a tense atmosphere right from the start.
There were ten people present in the hall overlooking the six stone statues and their assistants.
Shiroe from the Horizon of Records.
Isaac, commander of the Black Sword Knights.
Soujiro, the guild master of the West Wind Brigade.
Michitaka, the general manager of the Organization of Oceanography.
Roderick, the head of the Roderick Trading Company.
Karashin, the leader of the Eighth Shopping District.
Marielle of the Crescent Moon Alliance.
Woodstock of the Grandeur Alliance.
Akaneya of the RADIO Market.
And Ains, the guild master of the Honesti, with a deep crease between his eyebrows.
There are two vacancies.
The first is the seat that was scheduled for the Silver Sword, which is the source of the Round Table and the name of the Round Declination, which has never been filled since its formation. The other seat was to be occupied by Krusty the Mad Titan, who had been lost in the mountains of Owusu. Behind them, the two women, Takayama Sansa and Liese, practically sub-guild masters of the D.D.D., stand with the expression of guardians guarding their homes.
Behind Shiroe are not the usual Akatsuki and Nyanta, but Rundelhaus and Isuzu, followed by Rundelhaus and Isuzu. This was the first time, but it was in the form of a visit at Rundelhaus' request. In some guilds, assistants may assist the delegates in speaking and providing materials, but fortunately this is not the case at the Horizon of Records (Shiroe's guild). There is a relatively high degree of freedom for members to participate.
The meetings may be tense, but the monthly reports themselves go smoothly.
All operations related to the Return of the Goblin King had been completed, and all of Akiva's "adventurers" had reached level 50. The MMORPG Elder Tail has long since been released, and to keep players entertained, many expansion packs have added various dungeons, quests, and raised the maximum level that can be grown. Eventually the maximum level was 90, but in the very first base package, the maximum level was 50.
The maximum level of 50 in the Elder Tail base package was, in that sense, the first goal, and also proof that he had become a hero in the world of Cerdesia. To an Elder Tail player, fifty levels is mid-level, but to an adventurer, a fifty-level adventurer and a ninety-level adventurer are equally superhuman. Their significance is no small matter.
In addition, there were reports on the training of the Black Sword Order's Glass Grieves, and the establishment of a technical research center in the magical city of Tsukuba by the RADIO Market.
All of these are important matters, but since they are already in the middle of projects, they proceeded without any particular discussion. There were reports, some questions and additional comments, and that's about it.
All the scheduled agenda items were digested.
Normally, at this point in the meeting, the atmosphere would relax and chatter would begin to spill over, but today, the participants were looking at each other and waiting for each other to speak, with stern expressions on their faces. No one expects it to end like this.
It was Soujiro who spoke up amidst the checks and balances of gazes.
''Mr. Ains-san, have you become a duke? Do I get paid well?
The guildmaster of the West Wind Brigade asked innocently, letting the almost murderous, even attentions of the crowd. The sound of a man in metal armor cowering behind Ains was quite loud. The noblewoman, who made a gesture to stop him, is made to step back with a lightly raised hand, and Ains spins out a few words.
'You all seem to already know this, don't you?
No one interrupts Ains' words as he looks around the conference hall.
I have been conferred with a dignity by the Saigu family, the highest of the Yamato Lords, and it is my duty to guard the city of Akiba and the surrounding ten miles of the Lords. It is my duty to protect and govern the Earthmen of the city of Akiba and the surrounding ten li.
--I knew it.
--What do you think you're doing?
--What are you thinking?
''You know we have a history of rejecting proposals for the rank of nobleman from the former Council of Lords of Eastar, right? How did you get your knighthood? Don't tell me you don't know what it is you're doing, Honesty.
Michitaka, the guildmaster of the Oceanic Organization, raised his voice over the background noise of the conference hall.
The intention of calling out the guild's name (Honesty) is a check on the public responsibility that the decision implies. You can't get away from the fact that you're not going to be able to get away with it. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.
The situation is always changing," he said. It was right after the disaster, and we needed to be careful not to be taken in by the existing powers. But it's been over a year now. But it's been more than a year now, and we've come to understand the situation in the world and in the neighborhood.
However, Ains didn't take a step back.
The nervous fine face and somewhat haggard appearance remain the same, but the understanding that this is a battlefield makes it so, or maybe it's the understanding that this is a battlefield that makes it so, or maybe it's Mititaka's words and challenges the tongue battle.
You will be able to see that it is still the same. Where is the need to be taken in by the existing forces now?
I'll take that back. What's the state of our consumption in this city right now?
Ains released a cutting reply.
Without missing an opening in Michitaka's momentary flinch at the word "consumption status", he piled on more sharp words.
It's impossible not to be aware of it. We are dependent on the Daichijin for most of our resource production, especially food. That's especially true of food. We are dependent on imports from the surrounding villages for almost all of our consumption. --And if you don't call this dependence, what do you call it? The Organization of Oceanography, the Eighth Shopping District. I'm sure you, the guild, are well aware of this situation. The question of whether or not we will be captured by the existing forces is simply misguided. We have already been captured by the forces of the earthlings in terms of production and consumption. All I've done is to recognize that situation and at least take the initiative. Needless to say, when you're a duke, you have the right to rule over the
Michitaka and Kalashin stared at his words with a bitter expression.
But there were no words in return.
Ains had cut his first card here. His argument was the very concern that had come up when Shiroe and the deputies of the various guilds had discussed it. And Ains had shown that concern to be well rolled out.
Regardless of whether he became a duke or not, Akiva had already been taken in by the surrounding Daichijin society in terms of food self-sufficiency. I was simply defending myself by increasing the adventurer's voice in that relationship. --That's the logic.
On the other hand, the adventurer was capable of threatening food self-sufficiency if he felt like it. The members of the Roundtable were more than aware, though of course not in an overt way, that this ability had now been transferred to them from the surrounding Daichijin.
Michitaka and Karashin, the two people most knowledgeable about Akiba's production and logistics, were unable to say anything because they had received the message so sensitively.
The atmosphere of the meeting became even more grim.
The air in the meeting grew more grim. Ainsu. I know that becoming a duke means something to you, for example, when it comes to buying food. I thought that Ains could have a positive effect, so we think that's true. But, I mean..... You got the title of Duke from the Holy Empire Westland, right?
The timid voice belonged to Marielle.
It must have been interrupted by the harsh atmosphere of the participants who were staring at each other, unable to bear it. But even if that was the case, she didn't seem to have any intention of choosing silence despite the trembling.
Shiroe felt a little warm in her heart at Marielle's sense of responsibility.
''The Alliance of Free Cities Eastal doesn't get along with the Holy Imperial Westlands. It's not that we don't want to be friends with the Holy Empire West Runde, you know. But the League of Free Cities Eastern is right next door. I can't stop thinking about it. I mean...
That is to say, they will be drawn into the conflict between the East and the West. In other words, we will be caught in the crossfire between East and West. There are advantages, but what do you think the disadvantages of this are? Ains.
Marielle's question was another point of concern for the participants.
No matter how much the duke's title was worth, if the cost could not be paid, it would be a burden. Akaneya of the
Ains seemed to hold still with his hands crossed on the huge conference table until the murmur of his lieutenants, who seemed to agree with his question, died down.
'I understand your concern. I'm not approving of the conflict either. Rather, quite the contrary. It's a dukedom that keeps me from doing that.'
What?
Eventually, Ains' words were gentle and rather surprising to the participants.
''First of all, there is no need to worry about the rebellion of the Free City Alliance Eastal. As I'm sure you've all heard, the Saigu Family, the pinnacle of the Holy Imperial Westland, and its head, Tohri Saigu, and Princess Reinesia are ready for their engagement. As modern humans, we can't help but feel a little hesitant about this, but this marriage is the impetus for a dialogue, and the talks are settled in the form of the Westlande's recognition of the Eastrundae's permanent independent administration over the participating lords of Ystrand. The internal intentions of Lord Maihama have already approved it. I am already in possession of that information.
It's...
'I did hear that you were engaged to be the princess.
No? That's right! In that case...!
Ains affirmed emphatically. The statement echoed through the chamber with the biggest surprise of the meeting today.
'Well, it ain't exactly a lie. Sure, there's that story,''
Isaac's assurances added to the furor, so much so that the discussion had to be suspended.
Of course, Siloe had the information about the engagement, and he couldn't naively assume that the two events happened separately at this time. It was obvious that they would be related sooner or later.
However, Ains' appointment as duke and Princess Reinesia's marriage were more closely related than he had thought, and above all, reality was progressing at a pace far beyond Shiroe's expectations. Siloe, and Karashin, who had been secretly discussing with Siloe and working to prevent the conflict between Ystal and Westlande, were struggling to keep up with the developments.
If Ains' words were true, then there was already unity of opinion between the Alliance of Free Cities of Eastar and the huge political organization of the Holy Empire of Westlande. If that was the case, they would have no room for their own intervention, as they were merely an autonomous organization of amateurs.
In fact, for the sake of all the lords participating in the Free Cities Alliance Eastar, I think it would be a good move for all of you to have Akiba's independence as a buffer zone, and for you to be posted there as well. You will be able to have peace without any effort, right? Do you understand now? The advantages and disadvantages of receiving a duke. --and then I have something to say to you all.
Perhaps sensing the mood of the place, Ains' tone changed from his earlier disconnected tone to one of persuasion, and he began to speak with a hint of persuasion.
I have the utmost respect for the fact that the Roundtable was instrumental in saving this city from the panic of the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe. But it was not enough. The Roundtable is a self-governing organization, which is why it is so fragile and limited. It can meet and discuss and reach a consensus, but it has no power to make decisions because there is no enforcement there. Because of its status as a free-will participant and bona fide administrator, all decisions can be rejected just because one guild disagrees with them. This makes it impossible to make any moves in an ever-changing situation.
It's...
Indeed, this was true.
The Roundtable hides behind the name's accomplishments, but in reality it is a volunteer organization. It is a non-profit organization that is run by the hospitality of its participants - and it is also an organization that takes in a significant amount of money. Therefore, the participating guilds are allowed the right of veto or discretion at will. Even though it is a self-governing organization, it is a 'weak' organization in a sense, with neither the right to command nor the right to make decisions.
Of course, that doesn't mean it's bad. In order to build a strong organization with strong rules and enforceability, you need to have a thorough groundwork and regulations in place. In the aftermath of the catastrophe, Shiroe and his colleagues didn't have that kind of thing in place. They needed something tangible to lean on, even if it was just a crutch.
But even Shiroe could not say for certain that the decisions made in the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe have not had a negative impact on the current trend.
'I propose. No, not a suggestion, but an action. Because as I said earlier, 'proposal' in this meeting means nothing in the end. I have been able to look back on my past and realize, belatedly, that I didn't gain your confidence because I didn't act on my own, not on the content of my proposals. That is why I want to take positive action this time around. Honesty is leaving the Roundtable.
The conference hall was dominated by a breathless silence.
The guildmasters and their advisors were baffled and baffled, their eyes wide open as if struck by lightning. Everyone realized, without being told by anyone else, that this was a critical moment in determining Akiva's future.
In the silence, Ains, as if in fear of his own words, fixed his pale face and continued to speak slowly, "And then a completely new governing body.
In addition, I call for the establishment of an entirely new governing body, the Akiva Ruling Office (,,,,,,,,,,). I have no intention of becoming a dictator, even though I have been given the title of duke. I would rather have the cooperation of all of you. But this autonomous organization without the power of coercion has its limits. --I want to wait for your participation in the Akiba Governing Body and make a new start as the political body of the city of Akiba.
Thus, the curtain was lifted on a new stage.
It was the beginning of a whole new chapter that none of Akiba's residents had ever seen before.