#886 Reception

It’s still me, Ritheseus, speaking.

...Ah! I meant Ritheseus, the Human President.

I’m still not quite used to this title.

Today marks the day of my courtesy visit to the Demon Kingdom.

We were once warring nations, and they even had us under their thumb after a defeat. But now, as a restored sovereign state, it’s time for my first official neighborly greeting.

The Demon and Human Kingdoms. 

This is the first step towards walking together as formal friends.

Upon arriving in the Demon Capital, the Demon King himself was there to welcome me.

“Welcome! Young beacon of the human race!”

In response, I quickly exchanged a firm handshake with him.

Many important figures from the Demon Kingdom surround us, along with curious onlookers. The whole place is abuzz. 

Their intention to grandly welcome a visitor from a neighboring country is unmistakable.

“As the first human leader to visit us as a friend, I, representing the Demon Kingdom, will welcome you with all my might. We have prepared a ball at the Demon King’s Castle for your enjoyment tonight!”

The Demon King’s hospitality is undoubtedly sincere.

Despite being in a position to treat us as a vassal state, he treated us as equals. 

His kindness must be part of why he’s such a successful ruler. 

After all, winning a war doesn’t guarantee the ability to rule two nations without significant issues.

“You seem to be doing well, Mr. President.”

“Thanks to you, sir!!!”

And here I am, still not quite shedding my underling mentality.

“You were among the first to join the farm’s exchange program. Seeing you now, I’m convinced that was the right policy. After all, new talents open up new eras,” he says with warmth in his voice. “Nothing suits your current role better than applying what you learned on the farm. Do your utmost to live up to the expectations of Lord Saint and Sensei who guided you, and together, we will bring prosperity to our nations.”

“Yes, sir!”

“It was fun working alongside Lord Dalkish. But opting for young, fresh talent was a valid approach, too. I’m genuinely excited for what’s to come.”

Indeed.

Lord Dalkish, one of our human feudal lords, had the potential to aim for the presidency, but he chose a different path without hesitation.

He hosts an event every year at Orkubo’s Castle in his territory, which the Demon King also attends.

They seem to have become good friends through that event, but I guess their bond really shines there.

Anyway, I received a reception beyond my imagination in the Demon Capital.

The journey from entering the Demon Capital to the Demon King’s Castle was like a parade.

Walking alongside the Demon King, we received cheers from the people of the Demon Capital, waving back in response.

This alone must have showcased the closeness between our two nations.

Humans are no longer enemies of the demons.

The Human Republic differs from the Human Kingdom that once threatened the Demon Kingdom.

This courtesy visit adequately conveyed that message.

***

At the Demon King’s Castle, I met the Demon Queens, their princes and princesses, and even signed a friendship declaration in front of a large crowd.

It was quite a diplomatic achievement.

Later, the Demon King and I reviewed the policies our nations were jointly pursuing and discussed potential areas for further collaboration.

I expressed my concerns about the current government’s chronic talent shortage, especially those who could grasp the new concept of democracy, and sought assistance from the Demon Kingdom.

“Hmm... We’re happy to help, but this custom of democracy is also quite new to us in the Demon Kingdom... Maybe it’s best to consult Lord Saint and Sensei on the farm, the source of these ideas?”

That’s what I was thinking, too. 

I had a sneaking suspicion about that, but I feel it’s rather presumptuous to drag Lord Saint into the mundane affairs of politics...

Especially since lately, there’s been this spontaneous rise of folks forming something called the Saint Kidan Alliance, all intent on pulling him into the political arena.

But if it comes down to it, I’ll reach out. 

For now, I’ll give my all to what I can do.

“Then, for tonight, let yourself enjoy the ball. The Demon Kingdom’s nobility and notables have gathered to entertain you. Enjoy being the center of attention.”

I wondered about his choice of words, but as the representative head of the Human Kingdom, maybe I should get used to some attention. 

To gauge the situation better, I decided to participate in the ball.

***

That evening...

I found myself guided to a place unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

In a word, opulent.

The walls and ceilings glimmered in gold, and the crowd, adorned in lavish dresses and suits, sparkled just as brightly.

“Everyone, we gather tonight to welcome the young King Ritheseus from the Human Republic!”

And the Demon King himself has dressed up for the occasion.

Donning a jacket more ornate than his usual attire, with shimmering embroidery on the sleeves.

But calling me a king... Even the Demon King doesn’t quite grasp the nuances of a democratic system, it seems.

“The era of hatred is over; it’s time for humans and demons to join hands. Young Ritheseus is the standard-bearer for this new era. Everyone, let’s foster bonds with him tonight. Now, enjoy yourselves!”

With that, the banquet begins.

Those more accustomed to such events are already dancing to the court music.

Graceful waltzes surrender to the rhythm.

But as expected, I’m totally out of my element, and as I stand here dumbfounded, I am quickly surrounded by what appear to be the upper echelons of demon society.

“A pleasure to meet the new human leader.”

“So young to be at the pinnacle of a nation. Do you possess extraordinary talent, or... are humans so lacking in capable individuals that they must rely on a child?”

“It’s not polite to be so blunt. After all, the Human Kingdom lost many of its leaders in the war. Naturally, they’re experiencing a shortage.”

“Perhaps we should lend you some from our side? Even those who are mediocre among us might prove invaluable in your country.”

There are a few who speak with undisguised condescension.

I expected this, but it couldn’t be helped.

No matter how earnestly we wish for a productive relationship, our nations’ history of fierce warfare can’t be ignored.

The conflict had a clear victor.

It’s natural for the winners to look down on the losers.

After all the hard battles fought, it’s understandable that emotions might not allow us to immediately embrace each other as equals and become friends as soon as the conflict ends.

“It’s true that the Human Republic still lacks the necessary talent.”

But that doesn’t mean I should respond in kind.

That’s neither appropriate nor productive.

This visit is meant to forge and deepen friendships, so any quarrel will only shatter that purpose.

Hence, I navigate the conversation with diplomatic tact I’ve honed over various encounters!

“What I aim to build is a novel kind of nation, and understandably, many are confused and concerned about my vision.”

“That is... oh...!”

The demon nobles can only offer vague, noncommittal responses.

It can’t be helped. My own words are somewhat elusive in nature. Given the lofty ideals I herald, which might appear blurred in their ambition, the most anyone could probably offer in response is a half-hearted “Ah, I see...”

But that’s fine. It’s better to keep the conversation light and avoid outright arguments.

“S-Setting that aside, as the young human leader, do you have any plans for marriage?”

“I am a president, not a king.”

They blatantly changed the subject.

While this plays right into my hands, the new direction of the conversation is, in its own way, quite the predicament.

“I’m still single, and with the foundation of the new Human Republic keeping me busy, I haven’t had much time to think about personal matters...”

“That’s not good! A man must have a family to be considered complete! If you’re too busy, that’s all the more reason to marry! A wife’s role is to support her husband behind the scenes!”

Their push for marriage is intense.

In truth, this kind of meddling is a frequent occurrence in my circle.

In today’s world, marriage seems a prerequisite for being considered a fully-fledged adult.

As President, at the pinnacle of state affairs, I am expected to marry and at least appear respectable.

There are also those, of course, who see marriage as a means to gain power.

Getting this talk daily back home is one thing, but hearing it even when I’m out on formal visits is starting to get to me.

“Perhaps we could introduce you to a suitable young lady? It would strengthen the bond between our Demon and Human Kingdoms!”

And thus, the topic of marriage resurfaced among the surrounding demon nobility.

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but feel exasperated.

The marriage partner suggested to me by the Demon Kingdom’s nobility is...