Before departing for the Holy Stake, we will all have a briefing to reconfirm the execution plan. I want to make sure everything is clearly understood, especially to reassure Glostina, who is worried about our unity.
“Now, I will take charge of moderating. Are there any objections?”
“No, there are plenty of objections! I, who know the Ten Authorities better than anyone, should be the one to moderate.”
“Oh? And why would I entrust such a grand responsibility to you, someone I cannot trust?”
“I’ll return that sentiment to you. I am currently under restrictions imposed by Kelvin. On the other hand, you, who are not bound by any collar, are essentially a hyena aiming to snatch our prey. Don’t you lack any trust whatsoever?”
“Please, stop fighting!”
Just as I thought that, Rukil and Kelvum’s argument over who should moderate erupted. These two get along as terribly as Boss Shin and Principal Art… Oh, right. We still have that cat-and-dog pair here. Please, I beg you, can the other two just behave themselves?
“Okay, to compromise, I, Shutra, will moderate! I’ve worked hard to study the overall plan!”
“Ah, if it’s Shutra, I can entrust it to her with peace of mind. I think it’s a good idea.”
“Ngu ngu, *gulp*! …I also recommend Shutra. Rukil, is that alright with you?”
“Huh? Y-yes, if Melfina-sama says so…”
“…Well, if Kelvin says so, I have nothing more to say.”
And so, Shutra was safely appointed as the moderator. The briefing finally began.
“Our common goal is the defeat of the Ten Authorities; this is something everyone agrees on. The problem is what comes after. Rukil Big Sister wants all the Ten Authorities to become Mel Big Sister’s followers and for her to be reinstated as the Reincarnated Goddess. Kelvum Older Brother wants to replace Eld, the leader of the Ten Authorities, revive Evil God Adams, and release the world from all its shackles. And then, Kelvin Older Brother, who is also our representative, will be perfectly satisfied if we can just put up a good fight against the Ten Authorities. As for what happens after rescuing Pritia (Female), well, maintaining the status quo is probably fine, right? That’s the general direction. Other members have their own various thoughts, but generally, they agree with Kelvin Older Brother’s ideas… Is there anything incorrect in this explanation so far?”
“From the Guild’s perspective, there are no issues. Well, if we add the clause about wanting to collect valuable items, then it would be perfect.”
“I concur with Lord Celsius’s opinion. If we can neutralize the threat and then reform them with my beauty, that would be ideal! …However, I cannot afford to be selfish. I will not demand that much.”
“I will be satisfied if I can regain the pride of the Divine Pillar.”
Following Boss Shin, Principal Art, and Dorothy, Rukil and Kelvum also nodded their agreement. Paul and the others were muttering things like, “What do they mean by Reincarnated Goddess?” I’ll gently evade that later.
“Hmm, hmm, I see, I see. So, what about after we defeat the Ten Authorities? In other words, the objective changes then, right? Is it okay if I defeat Rukil and Kelvum?”
“Yes?”
“Hoho?”
Serge (Female), with a smile, dropped a bombshell that completely ignored the mood. Naturally, Rukil and Kelvum became enraged.
“Um, well, I think being so confrontational is a bit much, but Serge Big Sister’s point isn’t entirely wrong… In a sense, that is one possible method. Once the common objective is achieved, the cooperative relationship will end, and there’s a distinct possibility of a new conflict arising. It also depends on the situation at the time, and frankly, we can’t decide anything now.”
After taking a breath, Shutra turned her gaze, alternating between Kelvum and Rukil.
“Ah, of course, it would be best if we could resolve it through discussion! Kelvum Older Brother is different from Eld, and Rukil Big Sister aims for peace under the new Reincarnated Goddess, I understand that. Surely, the two of you would be open to discussion… right?”
Shutra asked this, looking up with her chin slightly down, a supremely cute gesture that would undoubtedly defeat Gerard or Azgrad in one blow. In fact, the materialized Gerard was currently spitting blood as he collapsed.
“…Hmph. I doubt that Kelvin would release me from my constraints through mere discussion. However, as this young girl says, I have a broader perspective than Eld. If that is what you seek, I will not arbitrarily deny it.”
“…Yes, I too do not desire a futile battle. If my objective can be achieved in the end, I do not particularly care about the method. If discussion is the best means, I will agree to it.”
“R-really? …Yay! Then, we have a promise, a promise, okay?”
Shutra jumped up and down with her arms spread wide, rejoicing innocently. She looked like she was about to finish off the collapsed Gerard.
“Gggh…”
“Hey, Kelvin. Gerard is on the verge of death.”
“Yeah, just leave him be…”
Setting aside Gerard’s critical condition, Shutra’s question was practically cheating. No, it’s not just her appearance, but in this situation, with everyone who has formed a cooperative relationship watching, if one were to carelessly refuse to discuss, they would immediately become a target of suspicion for others. Even if their true feelings were different, anyone in this situation would nod at that question. This trivial exchange, without a contract, is essentially something that can be easily smoothed over on the surface.
…However, Shutra possesses the Unique Skill ‘Retaliatory Persuasion.’ This ability activates against those who harbor ill will towards Shutra. If one affirms Shutra’s words, they will subsequently be compelled to act in accordance with those words. In other words, Rukil and Kelvum, who nodded to Shutra’s question, will be forced to fulfill their promises even after the cooperative relationship ends, and have thus genuinely agreed to discuss matters. This has eliminated the possibility of surprise attacks aimed at reaping the benefits by a third party, as well as various other possibilities, allowing us to concentrate on defeating the Ten Authorities with peace of mind.
Well, personally, I wouldn’t have minded continuing the battle… But in this case, it’s hard to predict how the battle situation will end. If we can take safety measures, there’s no harm in doing everything we can.
‘Shutra, you did a great job.’
‘Hehe, this much is easy~’
‘Easy, you say… Honestly, for someone like me who loves fighting, Shutra is the type of person I least want to face as an enemy. Having a wedge driven in like this in a situation entirely unrelated to combat is sheer terror. How terrifying, oh, how terrifying.’
“Next, I will explain about White Wing Land, where we are heading. Compared to other continents, it’s smaller, but it’s still a continent, and a vast one! To avoid getting lost, make sure to engrave the map firmly in your minds! Even though I’m this small, I was able to memorize it all, so I’m sure everyone else can too!”
The briefing continued under Shutra’s lead, with precise explanations and cleverly laid traps of questions and answers. Uhm, Shutra-san? Could you perhaps show a little more leniency…?
