Volume 8 - CH 29

The first place we headed to was the royal capital of the Dark Elves of the Black Forest.

“I understand the circumstances.”

An old dark elf from the Black Forest, sitting around a long table, said.

The royal palace at the base of a huge sacred tree.

A council was being held in one of the rooms.

The agenda, of course, was about this incident… and about the contribution of personnel necessary for the evacuation of residents.

“Umu, I don’t think it’s a situation where we should dispatch our soldiers. The scope of damage will probably be limited. To help our brethren, we only need to do the bare minimum.”

Another forest dark elf in military uniform said.

I explained everything.

Everything from the background of the incident to the need for the cooperation of the entire demon tribe.

I didn’t want to be optimistic about it, so I hid the possibility of stopping the eruption.

“If General Garasera made the same decision, then there is no doubt. Wasn’t it a matter of having the Demon King or the king of another race attend?”

Another black forest dark elf said.

As expected, there was no atmosphere in which cooperation could be obtained here either.

I and the other kings were present at the assembly under the pretext of explanation, but they didn’t seem to respect our intentions.

“However… as expected, the eruption of a large volcano at the end of the world would not be a trivial matter, right? As His Majesty said, food production may also be affected. Here, it is better to keep pace with other races… …”

“Then, all the more, we have to keep our expenses down. You may be ignorant of that area, but it’s not free to move your troops. If food prices are going to rise, you have to save money for that.”

Looking at the members of the council, I noticed that there seemed to be many military factions.

The number of people in military uniforms is limited, but there are many others who have signs of warriors in their physiques and demeanor. Probably someone who became a member of parliament after retiring from the military.

Such people occupy the majority of the seats. Perhaps because of this, the literary legislator’s position seemed to be weak.

“…”

King Sigil, who reached the deepest part of the table, remained silent the entire time.

After explaining the situation at the beginning, he remains silent.

But he… suddenly stood up and said,

“Sorry, can I have a minute?”

Everyone in the room looks at King Sigil.

“This parliament was not opened to decide whether or not to respond. As I explained earlier, cooperation with other races is essential. Right now, that’s the situation.”

“…”

“I want you to think of a concrete plan for this policy that I, the Demon King and the King of the Dark Elves of the Black Forest, have decided. That’s why I’ve gathered everyone today.”

A roar of laughter rose from the assembly hall.

“However, Your Majesty. To do that, we must first question the pros and cons of that policy. Parliament is such a place.”

“That’s why we’re here. Or does your majesty want to reign as a tyrant?”

“This is too much to say. His Majesty is still young, so he is unfamiliar with his political affairs. We should support him and help him learn from now on.”

King Sigil’s eyes squinted at the lawmakers who had no island to hold onto.

“Even if I say this far… are you still not willing to listen?”

No word came back from anywhere in the long table.

“Is that so… then that’s enough.”

King Sigil sharpens his eyes as he speaks in a slightly theatrical tone.

“I’m tired of you guys. I’m leaving here.”

The members of the council laughed louder than before.

“Oops, are you planning to run away from home again?”

“I hope you won’t, indeed. …… you can’t imagine how confused we were when we saw you.”

“Then, who are you going to next?”

The lawmakers laughed as if they were somewhat frightened.

However, King Sigil’s next words froze their expressions.

“It’s an independent territory of forest elves and dwarves.”

“……what?”

“What is that… what do you mean?”

“It’s nothing, it’s just what it means. I’m leaving this royal palace, and I’m going to settle in an independent territory from now on. The forest elves will surely welcome their former compatriots. Anyone who wants to go with me, follow me.”

The assembly hall erupts.

Meanwhile, an old Dark Elf   asks King Sigil.

“What do you mean, Your Majesty? What do you intend to do, Your Majesty? If you are going to give up the throne of …… and go back to the streets?”

“No. I will not give up the throne.”

King Sigil said in a strong tone.

“That’s why the place where I am is the royal palace, and the city where I live is the royal capital. From now on, the royal capital of the Black Forest Dark Elves will move to an independent territory of the forest elves and the dwarves. This city will be reduced to just a single settlement.”

“No…!”

“That’s why I told you. If you want to go with me, follow me.”

The lawmakers raised their voices in unison.

“A royal capital in an independent territory!?”

“Then… isn’t it like a government in exile! Your Majesty intends to abandon us and the Divine Tree!”

“It’s not such an exaggeration. It’s just a relocation of the capital. What is there to make such a fuss about?”

King Sigil raises the corner of his mouth and says.

“You must be satisfied. Now the forest elves and the black forest dark elves can be together again.”

The lawmakers were at a loss for words.

There’s no way they’d be satisfied.

The Dark Elves of the Black Forest originally parted ways with the Elves of the Forest due to differences in interaction with humans. Those who followed it were therefore trying to restore the former relationship by annexing the independent territories by force during the war.

In other words,……, there was no intention to compromise with the forest elves.

On the contrary, King Sigil said that the Dark Elves of the Black Forest will approach the Elves of the Forest. That’s what it means to build a royal capital in an independent territory.

There will be people who agree with the king’s idea and want to go with him. However, there must be some people who will never give up.

So if things go wrong… this time the race of Dark Elves could split in two.

King Sigil was tantamount to saying that he would cause such a situation.

I was surprised too.

The boy king, who had the atmosphere of a hard-working person and was still thinking about many people, would never have thought of saying such a thing.

“Your Majesty … do you understand what you are saying?”

The old dark elf of the Black Forest says with a stiff expression on his face.

“Such a thing … if we admit it?”

“What will you do if you don’t admit it? Will you put me under house arrest again?”

King Sigil said while staring back at it.

“However, if you don’t care about the fact that, other people won’t shut up. You’ll be overdoing it…”

The legislators of the military faction remained silent with bitter expressions.

“Of course.”

There are people from factions other than the military. If the military’s tyranny is unsightly, it is certain that there will be a backlash. There’s no way you can do whatever you want and maintain the current order.

“Also, how old are you guys now? 200? 300?”

King Sigil continued to speak to the legislators who were just being told.

“I’m only fifteen. You laugh that i’m immature, but I have a good thing going. I’m going to live a lot longer than you.”

“…”

“How long can you keep me under house arrest? Two hundred years? Three hundred years? We will build a royal capital, and at best you will be hated by your descendants. Even your stupid ancestors who postponed the problem and brought confusion to themselves!”

The assembly hall was completely silent.

Meanwhile, King Sigil quietly took his seat.

“Send out your soldiers.”

“…”

“You don’t have to worry about money. I’m sure everyone will do something about supplies and food.”

“…”

“Let’s brag about our soldiers. Not when we kill humans, but when we can help someone.”

The silence continues.

However, the tide was definitely changing.

At that time, King Sigil let out a small sigh.

“If you cooperate, I can walk up to the army a little.”

Several lawmakers raised their heads.

King Sigil continues.

“I know you guys have been sulking because I’ve been taking care of the literati. So I’m willing to listen to some of what you have to say. I’m going to put you through the ringer this time.”

“…Is that true? Your Majesty.”

The old Dark Elf said while fixing his old eyepatch.

King Sigil replied with a slight smile.

“Oh. I keep my promises.”

“… You don’t look like His Majesty the previous king. If it was him, he wouldn’t have used such a hand.”

“I am who I am, so I will do as I please.”

“… that’s fine. If that’s the case――――――――”

********************************

“Well, I’m glad I managed somehow. Haha.”

A few minutes later.

We were on top of the dragon again.

After that, everything went smoothly, and it was decided to dispatch the  Dark Elf Army to set up an evacuation site.

There are also engineers in the army. I’m sure it will help you a lot.

“I didn’t think I’d really achieve it. I was thinking about that, but my heart was pounding while I was saying it. I couldn’t use my hands.”

“Oh, that’s right…… sorry about that. I’m sorry for making you use such a valuable tool to influence Congress.”

When I said that, King Sigil replied with a laugh.

“What are you talking about? I’ve been thinking about it for a moment like this. I had it in mind for just such an occasion. I’m rather relieved to have done my part.”

“I see… But are you sure?”

I ask hesitantly.

“You made a promise to the military’s convenience… I thought you were against the military’s policy…”

“Ah, well, it’s okay.”

King Sigil answers while scratching his head.

“Those guys are also my important vassals. Since the army is indispensable, I can’t treat it too badly. Especially this time, I have to show a little good eye for their hard work.”

“Really……”

“And… well, it’s just a verbal promise.”

King Sigil said so and laughed mischievously.

“Well, I’m going to do well from now on. I’m trying to balance it. What is it, ‘I wonder if it’s the virtue of moderation?’”

“……Oh”

I give a small laugh.

Moderate harmony without extremes is the most desirable form.

As Confucius said, he will get along well.

“So, next is Plushe…is everything okay with you?”

“Don’t underestimate me.”

King Plushe replied to King Sigil.

“I can do better than you.”