LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 353
Negotiations or agreements between nations typically aim to maximize one’s own benefits.
Ignoring the damages to other countries, it’s all about maximizing one’s own gain. That was how most diplomacy unfolded in this era.
But this time, things were different.
“By the way, I believe Rattkinia’s food production is quite substantial. How much surplus food do you have?”
“Well, our farming in Rattkinia is going well, but our food consumption isn’t exactly low either… so we don’t have a lot of surplus food.”
“Is that so? But I’ve heard that the Rattkinian rat beastmen can store food for one year at minimum, and up to five years at most, using their unique preservation methods.”
“Th-that is…”
At the High Priest’s words, the rat beastman’s tail twitched slightly.
Given their rodent nature, the rat beastmen took food storage quite seriously. They dug holes to create environments with proper temperature and humidity for long-term food storage, and it was common sense in Rattkinia to fill those storerooms with food after various trials and errors.
Well, their commitment to food storage was indeed what allowed them to handle their uniquely explosive population growth.
“That’s… problematic. Our emergency rations are reserved for emergencies, so we can’t use them carelessly. If we were to use that food, the backlash would be immense…”
“But this is exactly the emergency! The number of monsters shows no signs of decreasing, and they are growing stronger by preying on each other. If this isn’t an emergency, then what is?”
“…….”
The Rattkinian delegation had no rebuttal to the High Priest’s words.
Even the small but sturdy rat beastmen were starting to feel the pressure.
There were already considerable damages occurring to their cave structures, which were more numerous than those built on the surface.
So, the demon king’s army was not something they could simply brush aside.
That is why they sent a delegation to participate in the meeting.
“Understood. After returning to our homeland, we will engage in sufficient discussions.”
“Thank you. Now, moving on…”
The High Priest then began to discuss with other nations to gather as much support as possible: food, troops, magic scrolls, weapons, armor, information, and so forth. They urged everyone to contribute what they had for the sake of all.
There were occasional refusals, but the authority of the Church of Life was strong enough to dismiss those refusals, especially since the Church itself was also willing to contribute what it had. Thus, any rebellion crumbled pathetically.
“Then it seems to be roughly settled. After compiling the support from each nation, we will use this aid to minimize the damage and adjust the overall situation. If anyone has an objection now, please raise your hand.”
At those words, nobody could lift their hands.
Everyone understood that this was necessary.
Thus, each country began to offer what they had to help others.
Of course, it wasn’t entirely voluntary.
Amidst such an atmosphere, while the situation was roughly organizing…
“Wait a moment. What are we going to do about the demon king, the root of all this?”
Someone raised their hand and spoke.
The demon king, the very figure pointed out as the culprit behind the monsters growing stronger.
If they couldn’t address that issue… there would be no chance of improving the situation.
Fully aware of this, the High Priest spoke with a serious expression.
“The demon king… as of now, its existence hasn’t been confirmed. But if the rumors are true, solving all of our problems might hinge on capturing the demon king.”
At the High Priest’s words, most of the delegates nodded.
The demon king. The king of monsters. The king of all evil.
Rumors about its existence ran rampant, but it had never been confirmed.
As they advanced toward the suspected location of the demon king’s castle, they faced increasing resistance from more numerous and stronger monsters.
So far, adventurers with enough skill to break through the wall of countless monsters… were still nonexistent.
Dragons? They could obviously handle it… but under my orders, they’re currently focused on eliminating the monsters threatening the people.
A story where an outstanding adventurer defeats the monsters and slays the demon king isn’t bad… but I still think of the demon king as something for heroes to handle!
“Then, for now, let’s start by collecting information on the demon king. We should commission skilled adventurers to gather that intel.”
“Commissioning adventurers… but most of them are too busy protecting others from monsters to have any spare time… Can’t we wait until the situation improves a bit?”
At someone’s words, the High Priest shook his head.
“Monsters are growing stronger and multiplying every day. If we delay taking action until the situation improves, gathering information on the demon king will become even more challenging.”
The High Priest’s gaze reflected a grim future. Well, it’s only natural, I suppose.
Coordinating nations that are eager to tear each other apart even for a tiny opening is already exhausting enough; how would it be if the monster armies grew even stronger?
By that time, other countries wouldn’t care about anything else and would throw all their resources into protecting their own lands. In such a situation, how would they defeat the demon king?
Even if the end of such efforts leads only to destruction, the basic thought will be to ensure the safety of their own group and nation.
‘Can’t we all just help one another and survive?’
“The conflicting interests of each country will always lead to divisions.”
The dragon priestess asked naively, but my response was endlessly cold.
Not everything operates on idealism.
If you forcibly try to pull things toward an ideal situation using force, many will break and fall apart.
Well, that might not necessarily be bad, but it’s certainly not the time for that now.
‘What a complicated issue…’
“Indeed. It’s tough.”
Knowing one’s mind is challenging enough; how could one possibly understand a world composed of countless lives?
“We all would dearly love to obtain information on the demon king and defeat it… but we are at a loss for how to proceed.”
“At times like this… um… wouldn’t the gods offer us more direct assistance?”
Discussions among the nations turned toward the temple that worshipped the gods.
The limitations of what nations could do are apparent, but perhaps something could be resolved beyond the boundaries of nations in the temple.
‘At the temple, can we also…?’
“Of course. It is the most representative temple.”
Although it’s called a church, it falls under the classification of a temple.
The largest, most widespread, and most powerful temple.
It’s no wonder that there’s even a temple on the opposite side of the continent!
“We and the Divine Hall, along with the Church of Life, are offering the utmost support.”
“No, we are always grateful for the Church of Life’s dedicated support, but… ahem.”
“Has the Goddess of Life not said anything specific?”
The representatives from each country spoke cautiously.
Since the goddess of life has always worked hard for numerous lives, they believed she wouldn’t overlook the looming crisis they faced.
Words from those filled with earnest desires, faith, and the hope of salvation.
“The Goddess of Life…”
Those words surely required a response.
“She is already showing her will.”
“Huh?”
“What does that mean…?”
At the High Priest’s words, the gazes of the other delegations changed.
“The fact that the Goddess of Life is showing her will means…?”
“That can only mean…!”
Some appeared perplexed, while others seemed to already understand.
“She must already have descended!”
“Indeed, the Goddess of Life must have prepared everything!”
The representatives whispered among themselves.
In their eyes, a flicker of hope began to well up.
‘The atmosphere shifted suddenly.’
“There’s a glimmer of hope amidst this difficult and despairing situation.”
‘A glimmer of hope?’
The dragon priestess, perhaps not fully understanding the implication, inquired again.
I could only smile lightly at such a pure demeanor.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
“This time, some peculiar fellows have joined the demon king’s army.”
“Peculiar fellows?”
I accepted the document handed to me by Asherat and started reading.
Let’s see… um…
A massive horde of goblins? Interestingly, not a single orc in sight among a goblin army?
What the hell is that?
“What do you mean there are no orcs? What’s going on?”
“Just as it says. It’s an entire army made up solely of goblins. Although there are various subtypes like hobgoblins and goblin shamans.”
What in the world? What even is that?
And this… the leader of that goblin horde.
“What in the world is a golden goblin?”
“Well, it’s a goblin that shines with a golden hue. It was also a bizarre goblin that could use the power of lightning.”
“What the heck is that? Did someone pick up the wrong snack?”
It seems some bizarre goblins have joined the demon king’s army.