Somehow or another, an atmosphere like, [Lets welcome our new companion!] appeared but, Cam easily cut apart that atmosphere. All of the elder’s eyes became dots. It seems that they never thought they’d be rejected.
[.......Can I hear why?]
Somehow Alfrerick managed to recover, he was bearing a headache, wondering what was bad about something that Demi-humans thought to have been the greatest reward.
[There’s no particular reason, to begin with you guys are fundamentally mistaken about something]
[A misunderstanding?]
[That’s right. The reason why all Demi-humans were rescued was only due to the occasion. What made us decide to take action was because we thought about the future which would be the end of the Usagininzoku. The other Demi-humans, if I were to say it, “doesn’t matter”]
[......What was that]
The elders looked at Cam unbelievably who was talking indifferently.
[Therefore, don’t get the wrong idea. We the Hauria tribe were never your ally. If, you guys who have tasted victory on this occasion decide to go off and wage war on the humans and start stocking up on weapons which cause trouble for us and boss then…...you’d best believe that the Hauria tribe’s blade will be pointed at you]
[Are, are we not your brethren! Do you plan on pointing your blades towards your own fellow Demi-humans! Isn’t that insane!]
[Fu~n, it won’t change that you guys look down on the Usagininzoku. There’s no point in trying to get all intimate. Ma~a, that kind of thing doesn’t really matter. Anyways, all of our blades are held simply for the Usagininzoku’s future. As long as you guys carve that onto your chests, then its fine]
Cam’s expression after he finished speaking was refreshed. The Hauria who were also behind him were also smiling. Becoming a new elder, if you think we’d use our power for you guys then you’re sadly mistaken!- their eyes stated.
truthfully, it would be a lie to say that they haven’t calculated that far yet, Alfrerick and their expressions were bitter.
On one side, the people who were waiting around Hajime just watched everything unfold, then they all equally turned their eyes towards Hajime. [I don’t care about anyone other than those important to me! I’m not interested! Pe~!] is what Cam’s behavior was like, it was exactly like a certain somebody.
[It’s as if you’re saying that the Usagininzoku are independent from all the other Demi-humans]
[Alfrerick, you’re always precise. It’s exactly that. From now onwards, the Usagininzoku will be living by the rules of the Usagininzoku. Being incorporated into Fair Bergen’s rules like a goody goody is something I want nothing to do with]
Aides and elders, the short-tempered Zell in particular, were extremely angry at Cam who was haughty. Although Cam had a cool face, the Hauria subordinates behind him were, [Ahh? got a problem with that!*Improvised, not really sure what they’re doing here, やんのかゴラァ*] just like thugs who wanted to mince things up.
Within that, Alfrerick was thinking about something with a difficult expression, almost like ever since Hajime has showed up he’s only been releasing tired expressions, then he talked to Cam.
[Then, Cam. How about if we recognise you guys as, “A race equal to Fair Bergen”. Of course, that also gives you a special guest pass into the elders meetings. If we do this then you’d have no obligations to go along with what the elder meetings decide nor the laws of Fair Bergen, with that in mind, you’d have enough influence as us]
[Hoho~u. Ma~a, that’s not a bad proposal]
Towards Alfrerick’s new proposal, Cam smiled from ear to ear as if stating, [I wanted to hear those words!].
Cam had thought that in preparation for the day when the Empire eventually invades, he wanted some kind of connection with Fair Bergen. However, if he had allowed themsleves to be incorporated into Fair Bergen then he wouldn’t be able to ignore the elder meetings and he’d be restricted from moving around freely. That’s why it was best if they were an alliance only in name or as an external organization.
But, it was obvious that voices of opposition would appear when the Hauria tribe were getting too much preferential treatment. Against that, Alfrerick answered out while sighing.
[They are people who accomplished things as just a single race? Even if Fair Bergen collaborated with all its power, we’d likely not be able to do it. If you think like that, then its more than enough reason to consider them as equals? Besides, there’s also the possibility that this’ll cause the Hauria tribe to cut off all ties with us, do you guys not understand the gravity of loss that’ll be for us? If we form an alliance, they who have been banished will once again create a connection. If so then, things of this degree when compared to the size of their accomplishments isn’t excessive at all]
Although the elders were twisting their heads while grunting out, gunununu, eventually no good proposals came out so the prestige of a single race was somehow pushed through the elders meeting and they decided to go along with what Alfrerick proposed.
[That’s how it is, Cam. As a decision of the elder’s meeting, the status of, “The Alliance Race”, will be given to he Hauria tribe, would that be fine with you?]
[Ma~a, whether we’re recognized or not, what we have to do doesn’t change, but those kinds of things would be alright. Ahh, incidentally, we’re using the big tree towards the south so you guys shouldn’t wander in without permission? We can’t guarantee your lives after all]
They never expected that Cam would place an additional order.
Or rather, he selfishly declared it was his land without permission. As expected, even Alfrerick’s cheeks twitched a bit. Shia who was besides Hajime had covered her face with both her hands. It seems she was embarrassed at her fathers impudence. Her blood father was letting out a Hyaha~ though.
Afterwards, the strangely tired looking elders left and Hajime and them went towards the big tree and were guided into their rooms at Fair Bergen.
The town was still stirring up a big uproar over the Demi-humans returning. Kouki and them were wondering if there was anything they could help with and took off but, Hajime and them decided to relax in the room indifferently.
By the way, Ririana had returned to the Kingdom a short while ago. It was still necessary to negotiate with the Empire and report of the current incident as well, they needed to decide the Kingdom’s next moves.
Why, didn’t she return at once, it was a simple story…...from just a few minutes ago. Until Ririana said that she wanted to return to the Kingdom, Hajime had completely forgotten about her existence. When she passed through the gate, it’s needless to say but something was shining within Ririana’s eyes. *I.E. she was crying*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Midnight
Even now, clamor can be heard throughout the whole town. They may have been holding some kind of celebration and feast somewhere.
Within that, Hajime and them who were relaxing as they desired inside of their room. But, there was one person who was strangely restless.
It was Shia. Since a while ago, she’s been frequently glancing at Hajime and thinking about something.