#949 Aotagai

Yes, it’s me again.

The prelims at Orkubo’s Castle had me wondering how it would all pan out.

But it ended on a high note with a bang.

I thought it was all over when Ritheseus, called up in a hurry, unexpectedly got eliminated in the first round.

Yet, someone from the general crowd stepped up and filled the gap with daring feats.

What was that young lad’s name again?

Neyote?

Anyway, Neyote, with just average stamina, gave it his all, and his sheer effort moved everyone to cheers.

Thanks to him, the venue was wrapped in unity.

Watching him sprint just before the finish line, it felt like the song “Sarai” by Shinji Tanimura was playing in my mind.

I’m sure everyone felt the same.

So when Neyote crossed the finish line, the crowd went wild.

It seemed like the event’s success was cemented right then and there.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Out of nowhere, Ritheseus appears and slings an arm around Neyote in an overly familiar way.

What’s he doing?

...Huh? He’s recruiting him?!

“The Human Republic is seriously short on talent right now... I mean, we do have people, but they’re mostly seniors from the Old Human Kingdom era, stuck in their ways no matter how many times you tell them...!”

I remember hearing something like that before.

Hearing this trouble made me think, “Man, I’m so glad I’m not on the ruling side.”

“To establish a new Human Kingdom, refreshing our talent pool is essential! So right now, we’re scouring the country for young, talented individuals overflowing with compassion. And today, I’ve found the perfect candidate. You, Neyote!”

“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!”

Shocked, Neyote screams.

I mean, this is basically headhunting.

From one of the most crucial figures in the nation, no less. No one can remain unfazed by such a sudden twist.

“P-P-Pl-Please wait! I’m just a humble villager, hardly someone to help a king...!”

“Of course, I’m not expecting major contributions right away. I hope you’ll learn a lot and grow into someone who can support our country. And by the way, I’m not the king. I’m the president. Please remember that.”

“Pardon?!”

Something fierce flashed in Ritheseus’ eyes as he insisted on that point.

Was there something bothering him?

“Anyway, I’d like you to join an elite training program to become a bureaucrat for the next generation, eventually entering the leadership of the Human Republic, and maybe one day, stand as the nation’s backbone. Whether as a doctor or a minister, I’m looking forward to your development.”

“Please wait a minute! Does that mean I have to leave my village? If I leave now, who will manage our stockpile...?!”

Assigning such critical responsibilities to a young boy?

The smell of workaholism is already strong...!

“We’ll send an official to train and even offer subsidies. That should satisfy the villagers. Right now, gathering capable individuals in the center is urgent!!!”

It seems Ritheseus has developed a pushy personality that I couldn’t have imagined when he was studying on the farm.

Maybe it’s because he became the president?

Does one’s position change the person?

“And another important thing, Neyote. The head of the newly established Human Republic is a president, not a king. Do you know what the difference is?”

“I don’t know, sir...!”

“A president is elected, meaning you could potentially become one as well!”

“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!”

“As you study and become a bureaucrat, you might even become a future national leader. That’s democracy for you!”

Ten years from now, Neyote might become the second human president...

I threw that made-up narration to spice up the atmosphere.

However, from Ritheseus’ tone, it genuinely seems like it might happen.

His determination not to revert the Human Kingdom to a corrupt monarchy but to establish a new system is palpable.

“Participating in Orkubo’s Castle event was the right move. I never thought I’d find such a promising candidate. It was worth even pretending to get eliminated.”

Huh?

That line caught my attention.

Could it be... that Ritheseus’ drop out at the first obstacle was... all part of his plan?!

If he had become the main character and hogged all the attention in Orkubo’s Castle’s main event, the other participants would have faded into obscurity.

So he deliberately eliminated himself early to create opportunities to scout for talent?!

...And no, I’m not just making up that he screwed up!

“Indeed, my disqualification allowed me to resolve a conflict with a professional participant, and that’s how I noticed Neyote. Everything went as planned.”

If the result is good, that’s all that matters, you mean?!

“Even though it’s none of his direct concern, Neyote senses the overall flow and scrambles to turn the tides. I can spot a born selfless workaholic in him! We must harness this prowess for the benefit of the Human Kingdom! Oh, right...”

Looks like Ritheseus suddenly remembers something.

“Regarding the problematic pro contestants of Orkubo’s Castle... How about we enlist them all as soldiers for the Human Republic?”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!”

The very pros in question leap up upon hearing this, shocked about being suddenly thrust into a crisis themselves.

“If they can consistently clear the formidable Orkubo’s Castle, their physical abilities must be commendable. Given this, I propose they join the government’s direct military forces that are being organized by the Human Republic. This is a done deal.”

“Wh-Wh-Wh-Who said you could just decide that?!”

“Up to now, our human army has consisted of feudal lords’ levies, hired mercenaries, and heroes summoned from other worlds. For the sake of alleviating the burden on each territory, the government decided that a nimble, essential force was... well, essential. I want you guys on board!”

“No way! We have our annual gig at Orkubo’s Castle!”

Er, that’s hardly a job, is it?

Compared to that, wouldn’t working as a soldier for the grand Human Republic offer more social and living stability?

“Don’t worry, you don’t have the right to refuse. By presidential authority, your participation will be compulsory. Should you resist, you’ll be branded as traitors.”

“Eek!”

“This is how one exercises power to build a good country.”

Are you okay, Ritheseus?

Isn’t what you’re doing the complete opposite of democracy?

“With this, they’ll have legitimate jobs, and Orkubo’s Castle will no longer be plagued by problematic participants. Isn’t this a great solution? And I can keep scouting fresh talents at Orkubo’s Castle. First up, Neyote! Let’s build an ideal Human Republic together!”

“Wait just a minute!!!!”

Interrupting the scene, a new force emerges.

It’s a wolf with shimmering silver fur.

“Ah, Silver Wolf, long time no see.”

“As the guildmaster of adventurers, I must speak to you, President Ritheseus! I’ve been planning to scout Neyote as an adventurer for some time now. Please refrain from your abrupt interference!”

What?

Silver Wolf had his eye on Neyote, too?

Since when?!

“Wait a moment!”

Another?!

And now, it’s Mamoru from the Demon King’s Army’s Heavenly Four!

“If so, the Demon King’s Army would also like to throw their hat in the ring for Neyote! The war is over, and human-demon harmony is advancing. There shouldn’t be any issues with the Demon King’s Army scouting humans! Prime Minister Lucife Focale himself sends his regards!”

What in the world is going on?!

Neyote is being pulled in every direction!

What kind of karmic whirlwind has turned this into a chaotic draft meeting?!

“It’s because of... the peculiar karma of a born workaholic.”

And now what?!

Zoth Syra?! A mermaid dignitary showing up, too? Seriously, what even is going on anymore?!

“I met Neyote here in Orkubo’s Castle two years ago. That was when the Selfless Workaholics were gathering. The world’s greatest workaholic, Lucife Focale, was there too, making it quite the event.”

Ah...

The sorrowful team named the Selfless Workaholics.

Come to think of it, Silver Wolf, Mamoru, Zoth Syra...they’re all members of that same team.

“Was it a twist of fate, or do those who have endured hardships naturally gravitate towards each other? That’s when Neyote joined our team...! I knew it at first glance—he too was born under a hard star, a young man destined to bear burdens!”

The fate of the hardworking...

It’s a tough destiny, but oh so believable.

“As fellow strugglers, we aim to relieve him of his hardships, even if just a little. That’s why we’re scouting him into our ranks. And I haven’t been remiss in this! I’ve already got the king’s permission to recruit the first interspecies in the Mermaid Kingdom! Come now, Neyote! Join me, and let’s head to the ocean depths together!”

Even Zoth Syra joins the fray?!

Will Neyote unexpectedly be the top draft pick from all factions?!

“Pl-Please, wait! I still have a job in the village, or rather... uwaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!”

One might think he’s right in the thick of trouble with all this competition going on...

Anyway, this season’s Orkubo’s Castle was wrapped up without a hitch, and we even managed to sort out the ongoing issue with the professional participants.

That’s good... right?

Well, for everyone except poor Neyote.

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title meaning:

"Basic meaning of “Aotagai(青田買い)” is “buy rice before it is reaped”.
Otherwise, meaning of it as a kind of idiom is “recruit college students for future jobs long before they graduate”.

-latelyjapanese.com