These two were always like this. Ryuunie took the initiative, while Myurei made concessions. However, Myurei was by no means incompetent. The reason he was so willing to align with Ryuunie was that he respected his abilities. There were many expectations placed on Ryuunie, but he always managed to meet them. This time was no exception.
“But if this is the compromise Lotz is already making, then the northern viceroys need to compromise as well, wouldn’t you say?” Ryuunie said, turning to Yuninel. “Our rapid development as a nation is largely thanks to the wealth coming from our two port cities. Would it not be wise to give them the funds they need to further develop their harbors and create an even larger wealth pool for us all to share?”
“Hahaha, that’s a good way of putting it!” Zaria’s viceroy, Shatina, cackled.
When I’d first met her, she was still a child, but now she was one of the most respected voices on the Commonwealth Council.
Still chuckling, Shatina said, “Zaria’s soil isn’t suited for agriculture, and we don’t export any important products either. Of course, I plan to change that eventually, but for now, we’re one of the cities that benefits from the Commonwealth’s handouts. So, I don’t mind letting Lotz have a bit more money this time around so we can get more later!”
Zaria was one of the southern cities, but it lay in an arid region far from any coast. In fact, it was closer to the northern region than to any of the southern cities. Zaria showing support for funding Lotz’s harbors would be vital in getting the other northern cities to agree. But why is she looking at me so smugly? Does she think she’s cool? I mean, yeah, she did say something pretty cool, but still.
Shatina rested her chin in her hands and turned to Myurei. “How about this? We shift some of Zaria’s allocation over to Lotz? I’m sure Lotz would be willing to give us preferential harbor rights in return.”
Hey, don’t start negotiating this before the budget’s even set! I shot Shatina a glare, and she hurriedly cleared her throat.
“I-I, um, mean that is my way of showing I’m willing to compromise. Yes. I just want what’s best for everyone, humans and demons alike.” Shatina looked over at Firnir, the kentauros viceroy of Thuvan. She and Firnir were best friends, and while I didn’t know what Shatina’s look was supposed to mean, Firnir clearly did, since she nodded multiple times in agreement.
At any rate, thanks to the efforts of my former students, we were able to reach a compromise that everyone found acceptable. Man, they really grew up, didn’t they? Melaine, the viceroy of Bernheinen, must have thought the same, because she turned to me with a grin.
“So, does the Demon Lord’s Vice-Commander have anything to add?”
It would probably be a good idea for me to say something. So, I cleared my throat and said, “I agree with Ryuunie. Inequality will only lead to strife. If we follow the path the Senate took, we’ll meet the same fate.”
Eleora had effectively executed every member of the Senate. It was a harsh judgment, but they brought it upon themselves.
“Naturally, we all have different ideas of what constitutes fair and equal distribution. There is no perfect solution everyone will agree on. But if we return to competing with one another because of that, then this Commonwealth will have no future. History has proved that many times already.”
I tried to make my speech sound impressive, but it might have been too vague. Fortunately, everyone present was smart enough to pick up on what I was insinuating and to agree. As a result, the meeting ended with unanimous agreement on the budget after a few minor alterations. The meeting itself dragged on longer than scheduled, but at least I was able to squeeze Ryucco’s proposal through as well. It was approved, albeit with a few concessions.
What an exhausting meeting. I stared out at the setting sun from my room and let out a sigh. Somehow, I’d made it through another day.
“I’m finally free...”
That meeting took a lot out of me. Most of the viceroys knew one another so well that they felt like family, but just like an actual family, they fought like animals once money was involved. My neck and back were stiff from sitting in that chair for so long.
“I really wish they wouldn’t fight over the budget so much. Thanks to international and domestic trade, we’re making way more money than before, and the budget allocations are much fairer than they were under the Senate,” I grumbled.
Airia, who was sitting next to me, smiled gently. “You’re right; things are much fairer than they were under the Senate.”
“Right? Inequality breeds strife. I realized this both from my life in Japan and from observing the old Meraldian Federation. The reason Zagar, the former king of Kuwol, gained so much support was because Pajam the Second ignored the plight of the poor and only cared about constructing his palaces.”
With another sigh, I signed the form that allowed today’s meeting to go public.
“Inequality creates strong resentment in those who get the short end of the stick, and eventually they run out of patience. That’s how it was back in Japan too.”
Memories of my past life flashed through my mind. Despite my best efforts, nothing good happens. No matter how hard I try, it never goes anywhere. Why am I the only one who has to suffer like this? Why do they get to live an easy life? I shook my head to dispel those thoughts and ran a hand through my bangs.
“If the size of the pie shrinks, everyone will feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick. On the other hand...if the pie gets bigger, people will be willing to tolerate a little unfairness as long as they’re confident they’ll get a larger share later on.”
Now that Meraldia’s humans and demons were no longer fighting, the country was developing rapidly. Even those who still harbored doubts about demons had realized that they provided much-needed physical labor and military strength. It was precisely because things were constantly improving that people were willing to set aside their prejudices. If Meraldia’s development began to stagnate, humans and demons would soon be at war again.
“My work isn’t done yet. I still need to...”
Before I could say anything more, Airia leaned her head against my shoulder. “You’re already working hard enough, Veight. You don’t need to shoulder all of these burdens alone.”
“Thank you. But everyone has become too accustomed to this peace. They don’t realize that the slightest issue could send us tumbling back into an age of war.”