Naturally, I had my reasons. I was about to explain when Myourmiles, ever composed yet radiating cunning, interjected first, his voice smooth and deliberate.
"Fufufu, it's quite simple, everyone. Just as Emperor Atem intended, we were delivering an eye for an eye."
"What does that mean exactly, Myourmiles?" Benimaru asked, brow furrowed.
"An eye for an eye?" Rigurd chimed in, still confused.
"I… still don't understand," Geld added, equally perplexed.
Diablo, as usual, seemed to grasp it, though he remained quietly tending the tea, still shaken from his earlier defeat. Even a demon of his caliber could appear subdued at times.
Myourmiles continued, voice calm but layered with authority. "Your Majesty commanded that I manage the aftermath of the merchant ordeal. In other words, I was to intervene for those merchants who had nowhere left to go, and bring them under our influence instead."
I could only admire his insight. Myourmiles understood precisely what I intended—far clearer than I had expected. Confirmation with him would be unnecessary.
—To gain compliance, favors outweigh threats. Carrots, not sticks, often achieve more than intimidation ever could. —Elmesia's advice, implemented flawlessly.
"I see. As expected of Your Majesty, Atem."
Benimaru nodded approvingly.
"So that's how it was. You have my full approval." Rigurd's voice echoed agreement.
"So, Myourmiles, were we able to sway the merchants successfully?" I inquired.
"Fufufu, failure was never an option. I personally intervened on their behalf, and given Your Majesty's prior warning, the rest was surprisingly simple!" Myourmiles said, a sly, merchant-like grin spreading across his face.
Success was ours, yet the situation painted me as the imposing figure, a shadow of authority perhaps misunderstood as villainous. A trivial grievance, but I accepted it.
With that settled, we moved to the main point of the day.
"As I stated, Myourmiles will handle the merchant situation entirely. Now, I wish to hear everyone's reflections on the Founding Festival. Speak freely. Hold back nothing."
Gazel coughed lightly, then leaned forward, voice measured but firm. "Your Majesty Atem, as the sovereign of your nation, I must ask: what were your thoughts behind the decisive actions you took yesterday?"
"Eh… what do you mean exactly?" I asked, though I could sense the scrutiny in his gaze. Mistakes or miscalculations could have grave consequences.
"You truly maintain complete awareness, don't you? That's why vigilance is required at all times," he continued, gaze fixed. "Vesta, wasn't it you and Gabil who developed the projector device? The one advanced enough to replay images in real time?"
Vesta froze, panic evident across his face. He had clearly failed to report fully. Kaijin muttered under his breath, "Still as careless as ever," a statement I silently agreed with.
"King Gazel," Gabil interjected bluntly, "we did develop the base device. However, the combination with the recording magic was His Majesty Atem's idea."
Vesta's embarrassment was evident, while I allowed a moment of silence, eyes sharp, measuring the reactions in the room.
"Next time," Gazel said, voice firm yet weary, "inform me beforehand. This technology carries implications beyond mere entertainment. Its military and strategic potential is vast."
I inclined my head, acknowledging his point. To us, the device was a simple enhancement for viewing martial tournaments and labyrinth explorations. To the nobles and officials of the Western Nations, its revolutionary potential was undeniable.
"This device could alter the very concept of warfare," Vaughn commented, solemn, with Dolph nodding in agreement. "Commanders could oversee battlefields safely, receive intelligence instantly, and coordinate units with unprecedented precision."
I had not intended such ramifications. My goal had been simple utility, yet the result was extraordinary—a technological marvel that could redefine strategic operations.
"Understand this," I said, voice firm, addressing the room, "our intentions were never to destabilize. But power, once manifested, carries consequences that even the user may not anticipate."
"B-but the device requires a high mana level for effective operation. Distance and information capacity are limited by skill," I added cautiously. Improvements for stored magic were already in place, but the nuances would require private discussion with Gazel.
"Regardless," Gazel warned, "do not release something with military application casually. Entertainment alone is insufficient justification."
Before I could respond, Elmesia spoke, voice firm yet energetic. "I am willing to purchase rights to this invention. Patents exist, correct? I want official access first."
"Then, El-chan," Elen chimed in eagerly, "we should also acquire our nation's bathing tech while we're at it!"
"I got it, Elen," Elmesia replied cheerfully, negotiating her enthusiasm with a touch of discipline. The two were inseparable, united by camaraderie and mutual respect, despite their differences in rank. Their casual demeanor—high-fives and laughter—made the room tremble with disbelief among attending nobles.
Elalude's face turned pale, fatherly concern etched across it. "Elen! Even if she is your mother, do not spoil her! And Elen, you cannot address the Emperor so casually!"
"Elalude, why so verbose?" Elen shot back, nonchalant.
I observed quietly, noting the chemistry between them. Genuine connections, unfiltered by protocol, could be more effective than strict hierarchy in fostering cooperation. Even the Imperial Knights behind Elmesia appeared startled by the scene unfolding.
"Members of the Magus! What you witness here is effectively a state secret. Do not leak it," Elalude admonished, though effectiveness was uncertain.
Elmesia paid no mind. Her focus was on progress. "I request that your researchers be sent to our kingdom. Compensation will be provided accordingly for their expertise and instruction."
"So, you will manage the labor as well?" Gazel inquired.
"Partially. If secrecy is a concern, we can export the required components instead," Elmesia replied.
The components, such as dwarven plumbing and machinery contributed by Kaijin and others, required careful handling. Replicating them would be time-consuming. Exporting them directly would be far more efficient.
"Since parts will be transported, the train will be essential. I will provide the funding—can development be accelerated?" Elmesia asked, perceptively reading the room.
Gazel's skill of perception may have helped, but it seemed Elmesia, too, had an uncanny insight.
Care was necessary, yet the proposal remained worthwhile.
"We are yet to complete the train itself. Any assistance from scientists or magicians from your nation would expedite the process," I acknowledged.
"Understood, Elalude?" Elmesia's voice commanded immediate compliance.
"Yes, ma'am! I will attend to it immediately," Elalude replied, steadfast in loyalty. He moved with the efficiency of a servant yet carried the poise of a disciplined retainer. Gazel's sympathetic gaze recognized the parallel, having experienced the same dynamic.
Thus, Emperor Elmesia of Sorcerer's Dynasty Sarion committed herself to assist Eterna personally.
Soon, a formal research agreement would be signed, uniting Sarion's magical science with Dwargon's spirit engineering. The long-sought dream of integrating the lands was drawing closer to reality.
As for the "Surmounters" sent by Luminas, I considered whether they should be included in the project, though we would need to first observe their abilities and approaches. Sometimes, unexpected minds bring the most ingenious ideas.
"That's reassuring, Elmesia-san," I said firmly, voice carrying the weight of command. "With our research program now approved, the magitrain of Eterna will soon be in motion."
"Ho? You call it a 'magitrain'?" Elmesia's tone was light, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Yes. Powered by the Spirit Magic Core, guided by spells applied through magic science. A perfect fusion of power and intellect." My voice resonated with certainty, authority in every syllable.
"Hmph, as if it's that simple," she replied, though her interest betrayed a gleam of excitement.
"How fascinating! Truly fascinating. I look forward to witnessing its completion," she added, her tone that of a child discovering a wondrous artifact.
Gazel chuckled, a knowing smile on his face. "Overly optimistic, Your Majesty, but confidence suits you." His eyes reflected trust, not judgment. He had long learned that my ambitions were always backed by strategy and power.
The contrast was striking—Elmesia's enthusiasm against Elalude's solemn, worried expression. It left a deep impression on me, a reminder that leadership inspired different reactions in different hearts.
"Let us lay the tracks toward Sarion first," I continued, tone firm, precise. "We can coordinate construction alongside roadworks, saving time and ensuring standardization. Since Eterna is leading this, there will be no conflicts in standards or execution."
"Hold on! I have a question regarding the tunnel proposal from Benimaru-sama. Is it truly necessary?" Momiji's voice rang out, unexpected but clear.
Her words suggested willingness to consider digging through the mountains of her territory. I acknowledged her carefully.
"If feasible, tunnels will streamline the route. Our plan begins with a checkpoint in Blumund, passing through Farmenas to the west gate of Armored Kingdom Dwargon. From there, we must connect to Sarion's streets. Circumventing mountains adds cost and delays. Should this displease you, we will abandon the tunnel."
Momiji's expression softened. "I will trust Your Majesty Atem's judgment. If you guarantee the sacred mountain remains unharmed, I may grant permission for the tunnel."
"Really?" I allowed a faint smile, letting authority and reassurance speak.
"Yes, with one condition: Benimaru-sama should oversee the project." A blush accompanied her words, a subtle human touch in diplomacy.
"Benimaru-kun!" I declared, projecting both authority and expectation.
"Hold on! Your Majesty, are you selling me out?" he protested.
"Do not misconstrue. Geld is occupied with matters of state. If anyone possesses the competence to lead, it is you," I replied, unwavering.
Geld inclined his head, acknowledging the logic, while Benimaru's shock lingered. "I cannot lead. I lack the expertise for construction work!"
A fair point. Yet, the matter was pressing. Some concessions were inevitable.
"Very well. Benimaru will accompany inspections, but not oversee directly," I decreed. "Consider this a compromise."
Momiji's face brightened. "That suffices. Please visit our village during inspections."
Hakurou's smirk betrayed satisfaction; the alliance of convenience and mutual respect was solidifying.
"Benimaru-kun, do not resist," Momiji teased.
"I will not yield entirely. I will serve as Your Majesty's guard during inspections," Benimaru replied, shoulders squared.
I allowed the arrangement to stand. Pushing further would have been excessive. Their personal rapport would develop naturally from here.
"Please, call me simply Momiji," she said, tone warm.
Hakurou acknowledged, and I followed suit.
"Then, Momiji-san, may I conduct preliminary investigations to assess tunnel feasibility?" I asked, projecting calm command.
"It is acceptable. Proceed, but handle matters carefully," she replied, trust tempered with caution.
The Tengu clan's stance had softened. Permission granted, the tunnel project could progress smoothly. Progress, after all, favors the prepared and the decisive.
Next, attention turned to Sarion. "Elmesia-san, may we have permission to enter Sarion for further investigation?" I asked.
"All approved. Elalude, proceed accordingly," she replied effortlessly. Authority delegated without hesitation, a model of pragmatic leadership.
"Yes, Your Majesty Atem. Permits will be prepared. For internal construction, we will provide civil engineers," Elalude added, cautious but cooperative.
Acknowledging the arrangement, I noted the mutual benefit. Coordination between nations required flexibility, trust, and efficiency—qualities exemplified here.
The meeting had intended to reflect on prior events, yet pivotal decisions had already been reached. Complex formalities gave way to action—a testament to strategic efficiency.
Amidst the discourse, Youm, previously silent, raised his voice with measured courage. "Young master—no, Your Majesty Atem. May I pose a question?"
He was growing in confidence since our last meeting.
"Speak, Youm-san," I invited, maintaining calm authority.
"I intended to present my question personally, but I am not well-educated. May my wife, Myuran, speak for me?"
Ah, Myuran. The presence of a spouse added context and support, a prudent move for diplomacy and clarity.
"You look as dignified as always, Your Majesty Atem," Myuran began.
"And you, Myuran-san, are well-presented. Impressive," I replied, acknowledging her composure.
"You need not maintain formalities with me," she said respectfully, yet casually.
We set aside strict protocol; substance mattered more than ceremony.
"Then, Myuran, present your inquiry," I prompted.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Regarding the route from Blumund through Sarion to Dwargon: does this project align with Your Majesty's vision of prosperity for both humans and monsters?"
A question reflective of the greater purpose—unity and common prosperity. The phrase resonated with authority, strategy, and vision.
"I believe it does," I responded, voice carrying weight and assurance. "And a fine choice of words—you grasp the principle immediately upon hearing it."
The room fell into a charged silence, minds alight with the implications of strategic progress and collaboration under my command.