#1251 The Warring States Period of Attracting Business 

And so, on the appointed day... 

We gather. 
At the promised place. 

“...People! Do you want to ride the train?!” 
“YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!” 
“Do you want a station built in your domain?!” 
“YEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” 

It’s exactly like someone shouting, “Who wants to go to New York City?!” at a rally. 

Here we are in front of Farm Station, future site of the Farm Kingdom. 

This place is chosen as the stage for deciding the new railway line between the Demon Capital and the Royal Capital. 

Gathered here are the feudal lords whose lands are still being considered for the route. Humans and demons alike, all riled up with excitement. 

Why is everyone so fired up about this?! 

“Hmhmhm… That’s only natural, Lord Saint.” 

Oh, Mr. Shax?  
Even the head of the Pandemonium Trading Company is here? 

“I’m only here as an observer. But whether a feudal lord manages to bring this new concept of railways into their territory will decide if they flourish or fall behind. The more capable the feudal lord, the more desperately they’ll fight for it.” 

So that’s how it is… 

The purpose of today’s assembly is to take the nearly finalized railway plans, narrow them down with the concerned parties, and lock in the final decision. 

Obvious detours and unnecessary routes have already been cut, leaving only a few viable candidates. 

From here, whichever route is chosen will come with trade-offs.  
There’s no perfect answer. 

That’s why the feudal lords of the candidate territories are gathered here, to make the decision openly.  
That way, even those who lose out should have fewer complaints. Or so I thought... 

“Naive… far too naive, Lord Saint.” 

What? 
Mr. Shax lets out a grim little smile. 

“No one can lose without complaint. This decision will draw a stark line between wealth and poverty. Those denied such riches cannot help but resent those who gain them. That’s why His Majesty the Demon King chose this method.” 

Huh…? 
It’s true the proceedings are being hosted by the Demon King and Ritheseus, but… 

“Now then… All who gather here are those who survived harsh selection... I can only imagine the struggles and bitterness you endured to stand here today.” 
“But today, it will all be decided! Whose hands will glory fall into? That is what we decide here and now!!!” 

The Demon King and Ritheseus hype up the crowd. 

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!  

“Can you seize glory?! Do you have the resolve to risk your very life for it?!” 
“YEEAAAAHHHHHHH!” 
“Will you cut down the enemies before you, step over their corpses, and claim victory?!” 
“YEEEEAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!” 
“Then rouse yourselves! The losers will walk away with nothing, and the winner takes all! According to the law of this world, to gain what you desire…!” 
“Fight!!!” 
“YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” 

Eh?!  
Fight?!  
Why are we suddenly fighting?! 

“This is an unavoidable fate, Lord Saint. When both sides have something they cannot yield, the only way to settle it is through victory or defeat.” 

Even if you say that so matter-of-factly, Mr. Shax...!  
This is supposed to be a peaceful discussion, isn’t it?! 

“If a railway runs through their land, they’ll gain unthinkable wealth. What feudal lord could knowingly back down? That’s why they must fight. Nothing settles matters more cleanly than battle.” 

I really don’t think it’s clean!  
It sounds like a recipe for grudges that’ll last forever! 

“The current feudal lords, human and demon alike, are still of the war generation. They know well how to seize what they desire, even if it costs their lives. They’ll fight, fight, fight until only one remains standing. And that one will earn the glory of the railway!!!” 

Wait, no, no, no! This is way too much! 

The whole point of the railway was to symbolize peace, wasn’t it?! What’s the point if it sparks conflict instead?!  
That’s the definition of missing the point! 

“Do not worry, Lord Saint. When I say ‘battle,’ I don’t mean actual war. We aren’t fools.” 

Really, Mr. Shax?! 

Ahh… thank goodness.  
For a second I thought I’d just accidentally reignited world war. 

“When I say ‘battle,’ I mean rule-bound, carefully regulated… personal duels to the death.” 

…Did you just say “to the death”? 

“All the feudal lords gathered here once personally led troops in war. You can expect spectacular fights. Look there, one has already begun.” 

Following Mr. Shax’s finger... What?! Already?! 

Two human feudal lords face each other like it’s an old-fashioned duel, the air thick with tension. 

“Let’s go, Highlands. I’ve always wanted to test which of our swords is stronger.” 
“I thought such a chance was lost forever when the war ended. The world is full of surprises!” 

Wait...they’re seriously clashing swords?!  
Hey! 
Isn’t this dangerous?! 

“Hmhmhm… To see Lord Highlands, feared as the Grim Reaper by the demon army, and Lord Illurkansch, crossing blades so close...what a time to be alive.” 

Mr. Shax, why do you sound like some battle-obsessed commentator?! 

And it’s not just them!  
Another pair is blasting away at each other over there. 

“Explosive Flame!” 
“Wind Rend!” 

This time it’s demons! 
Of course they’re hurling flashy magic at each other! 

Crowds form around the fights, cheering and jeering like spectators at a tournament. 

“Get ‘em! Not like it matters to us anymore!”  
“Better yet, knock each other out!” 

Those must be the feudal lords who already lost their bids.  
They can’t join the fights, so they’re making do as the peanut gallery. 

But no... This isn’t right. 

This railway was supposed to be a bridge for peace... I can’t just stand by and let this happen! 

—“Fight. Fight more.” 

Wicked-Holy Sword Dreischwarz, unleash your flash! 

“UOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH?!” 

My beloved blade Dreischwarz erupts with blinding light, tearing the sky open. 
The sheer brilliance and deafening roar shatter the frenzy.  
Warriors freeze mid-swing, and the crowd turns toward me. 

“Stop this! Stop right now! Life is too precious to waste!” 

If decisions must be made, then talk it out!  
That’s why we have words! To settle things peacefully! 
Settling everything with force is short-sighted! 

“But the profits at stake are massive!” 
“Exactly! Everyone wants them, and no one will give them up! There’s no way we can decide this with words!!!” 

—“Fight. Fight more.” 

“The only way to resolve this is through overwhelming strength, crushing the other side’s objections! Now’s the time for that!” 
“Keep yammering and we’ll cut you down first!” 

—“Fight. Fight more.” 

…What is this voice echoing in my head? 
It’s not just me. Everyone seems tense and hostile. Is it this voice’s doing?! 

—“Fight. Fight more.” 

Shut up! Who’s saying that?! 

There…?! 
I won’t allow anyone to spread chaos now that peace has finally returned! 
Whoever you are, lurking in the shadows, show yourself! 

Evil Holy Sword Dreischwarz, fire another flash!!!