Founding a Nation, Reasons for Unwelcoming

“To realize the Master’s request with higher accuracy, may I ask for details on the issues if it’s not inconvenient?”

“Sure.
I also try to organize my thoughts as I explain.”

To Eve, whose hair color changes like flickering waves, I first explain the circumstances that led me to search for ‘Mamiya’ alone.

Deciphering ancient royal manuscripts led to the discovery that ‘Mamiya’ lies in the Land of Death...
I presented this in front of the esteemed elders…
As a result, I was deemed ‘insane’ by my own father and given the Land of Death as my territory…
In essence, I disclosed that I had been practically exiled.

“…Therefore, I intend to use the power of this ship to transform the Land of Death into fertile land and establish a new country.”

“Then, isn’t this situation advantageous?
The scans show that the improved species on the surface lack food and water, so it is presumed they would collapse if they were to leave here.
How about accepting them as citizens of the country that the Master will establish?”

“Genetically modified individuals refer to the beastman?
Anyway, It’s not a good idea…”

I leaned my weight heavily against the backrest.
Plain in appearance with no embellishments, a chair of modest design that doesn’t seem like something a captain would use…
Yet, for some reason, it efficiently supports my entire body… I am convinced I am free from back pain as long as I use this chair.

“I aim to found a nation to eventually annex the Kingdom of Lombard.”

“So, is it about seeking revenge then?”

“No, it’s different.”

I flatly denied Eve’s words.

“Certainly, I do have feelings of resentment towards my father and brothers…
However, the decision to annex the Kingdom of Lombard stems from a heightened sense of duty as a royal.
With the taxes collected, the people of the kingdom who raised me…
I must repay them with the utmost benefits.”

“I sensed a contradiction in the Master’s explanation.
In that case, wouldn’t it be possible to return to the homeland by boarding this ship?”

“It won’t work out like that.”

I announced this while crossing my arms on the captain’s desk and resting my forehead.

“According to my father’s orders and as per the king’s command, if ‘Mamiya’ is discovered, that would be good. It would be a credit to the king.
However, in reality, it was I who discovered it after being exiled.
What do you think will happen when I nonchalantly return with it?”

“What will happen?”

I inform Eve of the anticipated future, tilting my head slightly.

“It’ll be a civil war. One of the proportions that will go down in the kingdom’s history.”

With both hands outstretched, I conveyed the scale of the impending civil war.

“Let’s say I obediently offer ‘Mamiya’…
In that case, the factions within the kingdom will split into two.
There will be factions attempting to support my father and brothers…
And, unavoidably, against the foolish decision made by the king, there will be forces that will not yield, lifting me up who obtained a great catch.”

“Divide?”

“They will divide. Without a doubt.”

I recall the miraculous feat Keaton caused.

“I will be called a hero…
Those who claim I am more suitable for the king than my father and brothers cannot be just one or two…
Moreover, just think about the reactions of the people, what would they say?
By harnessing the power of ‘Mamiya,’ their lives would become unbelievably prosperous.
It was not the royal family but rather me, who was exiled from there, that brought that about.”

I recall the words once spoken by my elder brother, the first prince, in my younger days.

‘Asuru. The theologians say that royal authority is given by God.’

‘But I believe it is acquired through the implicit approval of the commoners.’

…It is a profound statement.

If I were to simply return, the implicit approval from the common people would likely disappear.
Being a figure who brought miraculous benefits to themselves, they will likely express denial through rebellion to support me.

“If it is a civil war among nobles, that would be acceptable.
However, it will probably escalate into a class struggle involving even the common people.
That apple tree…”

In the picture floating in the void, I gaze at the apple tree now saving the group of beastmen on the verge of collapse, growing at a jokingly rapid pace.

“…If such growth rate could be achieved with other crops…”

“…It is possible.”

“…Ah, I see.
Then, it will definitely happen.
Their efforts, previously consumed by daily farming tasks, will now be channeled towards rebellion.”

With that, I paused.
From this point on, it’s not merely a prediction of the future… but also a declaration of determination.

“So, we aim to control the chaos in a slightly better direction.
Thus, emerging as an independent force and maintaining a confrontational stance against the royal family.
It means clearly and conspicuously raising our flag for everyone to see.”

Nevertheless, it will undoubtedly stir considerable chaos within the country.
However, there may be no other choice…
The expenses incurred to create a new system are like bleeding.
Being born as a royal family member, I can handle such compromises.

“I understand the conclusion and how you arrived at it.
However, isn’t their presence even more convenient?
They are expected to become members of the sought-after independent force.”

“Considering the aftermath, it’s not looking good.”

I replied while shaking my head.

“If we were to accept them, as the first citizens of the nation we are about to establish, we would inevitably have to treat them with preferential treatment.
Even though I want to benefit the citizens of Lombard, I will have to show kindness to those who have come from elsewhere.
So, I want to negotiate with the Margrave Harkin border territory adjacent to the Land of Death and bring people in.”

Moreover, there is something to add to this.

“Furthermore, considering that they are beastman… and based on their distinct attire, it is apparent that they are from the Latora, a beastman nation destroyed by the Fain Empire.
On the map, the Empire is adjacent to Lombard. Still, in reality, it’s a distant country with several other nations in between due to obstacles like the Land of Death.
Nevertheless, have you heard the rumors circulating about this?
It seems the Empire has implemented thorough discriminatory policies against the beastman they have conquered.”

I clenched my fists tightly and bumped them together.

“To accept that and make it part of the nation… well, it would probably be seen as picking a fight by the Empire.
Establishing a new nation in the Land of Death will inevitably make enemies of both Lombard and Fain.”

The situation is truly not favorable at all.
If one must make enemies, it should be on just one side…
This is a fundamental rule.

“I’ve understood a fragment of the global situation.
So, are we going to leave them alone like this?”

Eve asks, still expressionless, to which I shake my head.

“It seems like we can’t just leave them at that…”

No matter how you look at it, they’ll probably linger.
It seems there are no magic users, and if they leave this place, it’s death, plain and simple.

“So, is it okay to proceed with making contact?”

“…Seems like that’s the only way.”

What the outcome will be… I have no idea.
Just brooding down here won’t solve anything for sure.

“Eve, can you return me to the surface?”

“Yes.
However, in that case, I recommend heading to the surface using ‘Mamiya’ itself.”

Eve answered my question without even blinking.