But the conference only just started. I should wait and see how it plays out. I’m not the type to point these things out myself, anyway. Of course, he wouldn’t hesitate to speak up when necessary, but that was another matter. His current policy was to see how things developed.
“Well, all that’s left now is for us to deepen our bonds through this conference♡. I eagerly welcome us getting extra close, darlings.”
With those unsettling words from Vagia, the floor was open. Who would be the first to talk? Takuto settled in to be a spectator, while a certain someone who must have been feeling irritated by the whole situation fired the first shot.
“Tell us what you want first. What’s the purpose of this conference? I’m not convinced it’s just to become all buddy-buddy. I know that ain’t happening with you at least,” Yu Kamimiyadera spat at Vagia, unable to hide his displeasure.
A predictable reaction given his impulsive personality. Vagia didn’t take offense either.
“Ehehe. Don’t be such a spoil sport. Our goal is what we have been saying all along: permanent peace. And to build a new order♡.”
“Peace, you say? Ain’t that impossible? Has the world ever been free of war? I mean, our world.”
Never, Takuto answered internally.
Since the dawn of time, the world has never been free of conflict. When people gather in large numbers, conflict on some scale is inevitable.
Yu was just pointing out reality. What Witch Vagia spoke of was too idealistic and premature. It was dangerous to take what she said literally.
“But even more people will become victims if we allow conflict to continue like this, darling♡. What do you have to say about that? Don’t you think you are at least partially responsible? It’s not like you can’t have known what the Demon Lord’s Army did.”
“Ha! You can’t blame me for what the Demon Lord’s Army did when they ain’t my subordinates,” Yu spat. “Do you honestly believe they’ll do what I say?”
“Don’t you think the same tragedy will repeat itself if you don’t decide to do something about it?” Vagia pressed. “Leaving them to their own devices can be viewed as you neglecting your duty, darling♡.”
“You think that’s my fault? Lousy argument from the faction that crushed the Elven empire. I had nothing to do with the Demon Lord’s Army, but you went and invaded a nation and dare to claim it was for order with a smug look on your face? A little convenient, don’t ya think?”
“Let’s just say it was unavoidable and leave it at that, hun♡. Oh, but there wasn’t a single victim, you know? With our abilities, it’s easy-peasy to take over and rule a country without any casualties, ehe…♡.”
Their verbal exchange continued.
As far as Takuto was concerned, they were both at fault. In that regard, so was he. All of them had built their current standing upon the sacrifice of others. Takuto felt this wasn’t a matter to be criticized.
All living things take from others in one form or another in order to survive. Many of the ingredients making up their meals had come from living things at some point.
Vagia’s argument rang hollow. Takuto mentally cheered Yu on, hoping he’d draw more information out of the Witch as he devised a plan to walk away with the most gains from this conference.
“Whatever you say, I don’t like you guys,” Yu asserted. “Besides, do you honestly believe your new order and all this peace stuff will actually work out?”
“I believe that the people here have the power to decide that, ehe♡.”
“We’re going in circles here!” Yu threw his hands up in frustration.
Takuto took a moment to consider what Vagia said. It was true that the Players possessed powerful abilities. With the game system and the existence of subordinate NPCs, the nations that originally existed in this world were no match for them. In fact, El-Nah had been captured and Qualia was in dire straits.
Still, could peace truly be achieved if all the Players agreed? It sounded an awful lot like a snake oil pitch to Takuto.
“People are capable of understanding each other♡. No matter how painful and suffocating the wounds in their hearts, they can support each other. All is possible…with sex!”
“I hate myself for almost agreeing for a moment…” Yu groaned.
“Boo, bad Master!”
She’s awfully fixated on peace. Putting aside the intent behind it, does the word peace embody Vagia’s psyche or something? Takuto observed Vagia without losing focus on the lambent conversation. The way she spoke in circles and how she communicated with Yu made it clear she had ulterior motives. But she also seemed impatient. Panicked, almost.
If they truly sought peace, they should simply conclude this conference as a meet-and-greet and sign a provisional pact of nonaggression. From there, they could take their time interacting until they improved their relationships enough to tackle creating a new order together.
It was far too soon to try to force everyone to sign on to a new order and vow for peace.
Something else is at play… Takuto had a bad feeling. Could it be… Catching onto something, Takuto finally decided to voice his opinion, partly to back Yu as well.
“Seeking peace is important. But what he—what Yu Kamimiyadera is saying is also logical. Even if everyone here is sympathetic to your cause, that doesn’t mean that others will agree to your policy. Especially since we have sponsors.”
“Right that. I know my god will throw a right fit,” Yu agreed.
Takuto was concerned about the existence of the gods. Yu declared that the purpose of this game was in the journey, not the victory. But he also said that it was unclear what the purpose was. If the journey was what mattered, then the gods should prefer more dramatic developments.
Perhaps it was death and conflict the gods sought rather than victory?
And that was why Vagia was so hung up on peace. That’s what it looked like to Takuto.
“Is it really possible for a new order to exist that satisfies everyone? In a way that everyone is satisfied,” Takuto repeated.
Vagia’s pretty lips uttered the answer that wasn’t all that far off the mark from his guess.
“Ultimately, by ending this game.”
Tension jolted the room.
Only the Players accurately understood the meaning of her words. They all already understood that their situation was created by the gods for some purpose.