#856 The No. 1 President Association

It’s me again.

Yeah, me...

I came to the Human Kingdom after receiving an invitation from Lord Dalkish.

It’s been a while since talks of establishing the Human Republic began, so I thought, ‘Maybe they’re finally unveiling this new nation?’ and merrily made my way over. But...

The actual scene was quite different from what I expected.

There was an unsettling air of hostility.

People were walking around armed, some even shadowboxing into thin air...

It seemed as if they were gearing up for war.

What in the world?

As I was utterly baffled, someone finally came along to clear up my confusion. 

Feudal lord Dalkish welcomed me.

“Lord Saint! You’ve arrived at the right time!”

“I’m starting to feel it wasn’t the right time at all.”

What’s gotten into you, Lord Dalkish? Fully armored and sword in hand, you look more ready for war.

Wasn’t this supposed to be about declaring the birth of a new Human Republic, not marching off to war?

“In a way, you’re not wrong. What we’re about to start is indeed a battle…!”

“What?”

“A battle to decide the Human Republic’s leader is about to commence!!!”

I couldn’t believe my ears.

What’s this all about? His explanation was as clear as mud, so I decided to dig deeper.

The feudal lords of the Human Kingdom had been thoroughly discussing and exploring how the new Human Republic should be. 

They agreed to govern through a council, but they couldn’t decide on a chairperson for the life of them.

With no resolution in sight, Lord Dalkish took a drastic measure.

“We’ll decide it through combat.”

“Uhh...”

“All those desiring the chair will gather, fight, and the last one standing will be the chairperson... the new leader of the Human Kingdom.”

How barbaric. 

Modern nation-building, it seems, is reverting to primitive methods.

“Today, we have a gathering of mighty warriors, all vying for the chair of the Human Republic Council. It’s essentially a battle royale for the throne of the Human Kingdom!!!”

I thought we were in modern times, but this feels more like the Sengoku era.

Is this really okay?

I was expecting a peaceful, modern nation built on negotiations, not this.

Is this how it’s going to be? Ancient Roman style? Bread and circuses?

Maybe democracy is too advanced a concept for a fantasy isekai world. That’s the vibe I’m getting right now.

But then, why am I here?

I wouldn’t have minded attending a celebration for establishing the Human Republic, but this is something else entirely.

“Lord Saint, we were hoping you would participate as well...!”

“In what?”

“In the battle for the throne, of course...!”

No way!

This is just too absurd. I hate the idea of leading a nation, and I hate fighting!

This is like a combo of my top two most hated things in this world!

If I were the type of person who wanted this, I would have become a hero when I was summoned and starred in my own rags-to-riches story.

Really, why would they think I’d participate?!

“Well... we thought... if there’s even a slim chance you’d join... we should ask!”

“?”

“We first approached the Adventurers’ Guild. They’re the largest organization in the Human Kingdom now, experienced in managing groups. And the Guild Master is also an active S-rank adventurer, so he’s quite strong!!!”

Silver Wolf... 

He’s been taking on troubles without me knowing again.

“But he declined.”

“Oh, that’s rare.”

The hardworking Silver Wolf saying a clear NO?

“Adventurers are essentially outsiders, so they shouldn’t be involved in the core of power...! We wanted to offer it to other major adventurers, but they all declined too...!”

Lord Dalkish seemed frustrated. 

But really, wouldn’t his situation worsen if more rivals for the chair participated...?!

“Um... You’re also participating, right...?”

“?! Absolutely! After all, I am a feudal lord! A proud feudal lord! Of the Human Kingdom!!!”

Why state it with such vehement emphasis?

“It’s the agreement...! All feudal lords are mandated to participate...! It’s a simple truth that the more commoners sign up, the lower our chances of being chosen. But if a feudal lord were to back out, it would be a total loss of face...!”

“What are you talking about?”

“However, fewer commoners have signed up than expected... In fact, if the Adventurer’s Guild doesn’t come through, we’re almost out of options! Our only hope might be you, Lord Saint... or maybe we’ll have to recruit from the demon race...?!”

I see.

I had a hunch, but it seems I was right.

They... the representatives of the Human Republic, are reluctant to take the role!

Probably because it’s a hassle!!!

I get it. I wouldn’t want to be a head of state for similar reasons.

A farm owner is about as much as I can handle!

“My capabilities are at best suited for being a feudal lord! The thought of being thrust into a role akin to a king is unbearable! Surely, there must be more capable people out there in this world! A new era needs new leaders, don’t you think, Lord Saint?!”

Yeah, I agree.

And I think I belong to an older generation that should step aside.

So, please, don’t pick me.

“At this point, we might need to seriously consider demon candidates...! Has Governor-General Malvastos returned home yet...?! Maybe he’ll agree to participate...?!”

Now, the conversation has even turned to Malvastos, a high-ranking official of the Demon King’s Army who’s been governing the Human Kingdom in place of its king for the past few years.

No. Wait a minute.

If the governor-general, who led the Demon King’s Army’s occupation, becomes the representative of the reborn Human Kingdom, isn’t that just maintaining the status quo?

Shouldn’t you manage your own country without foreign intervention?!

This is just like choosing a class representative.

No one wants to do it, so it’s a game of hot potato.

A grand game of passing the buck.

I remember no one wanted to be the class rep either during my school days.

“Intervening with another nation is the last thing we want...! Shouldn’t your nation be led by your fellow brethren?”

“Then, will you do it, Lord Saint?”

“No, thank you.”

Besides, I’m not strictly human.

I’m just a visitor from another world.

“No... we’ve made our decision...! This tournament decides everything through combat...! If I win, I’ll bravely take on the great responsibility...!”

He sounds utterly resigned. 

Does he dislike it that much? Or is it just too much of a hassle?

“Among the feudal lords, there’s an agreement to fight earnestly and not hold back. Everyone’s serious about this battle. So, Lord Saint, we desperately need your support!!!”

No way!!!

Just because you all have made some grim resolve doesn’t mean I have to take on the risk!

“Mmm...I-If that’s the case, there’s another matter I’d like to discuss with you...!”

“What’s that?”

“The title ‘Chairperson of the Human Republic’s Council is a bit of a mouthful and lacks punch. Since everyone is (ostensibly) competing for this position, isn’t there a snappier way to say it?”

Hmm...!

True, Chairperson could mean anything from a school council to a family meeting.

But if it’s for a council that decides the fate of the Human Republic, a different title might be more fitting.

...Prime Minister is an option, but how about...

President?

...Yup. How about that?

A President seems more fitting for a battle of fists.

What’s about to start is a battle to determine the President who will rule the new Human Kingdom.

No hard feelings, whoever wins.

Without further ado, let the Fight for the President begin!