On the plain of Sarnio, the horses of the Great Patriarchate and the heraldry camps ride. In order to bring back the information they hold in their hands as soon as possible.

　The Daishonin's messenger is riding fast, but his mind is not in a hurry. Because the report was exactly what the superior wanted. It will be welcomed, but not discouraged.

　On the other hand, the heraldic messenger's face scrunches up and he gallops his horse, his heart convulsing. He struggled to formulate words in his head to tell his superior, but they soon broke down and spilled out with cold sweat running down his body.

　It's really unfortunate that it's my turn to be forced to report like this. The heraldic messenger complained alone in his mind. But even that thought was soon overshadowed by frustration and grief.

　--The autonomous city of Philos has agreed to partially cooperate with the Daishonin's army.

　This news undoubtedly upset not only the Daishonin and heraldry, but also the citizens of the autonomous city of Philos.

　There were various reactions, as many as there were citizens. However, if I had to categorize them, I would say that there were three types: those who were simply astonished, those who were frightened and confused, and those who objected.

　The Philosopher's Association of the Autonomous Cities falls into the category of those who disagree.

"We are a self-governing people. We are not slaves. This is not acceptable!

　A man howls on the platform of the largest facility in the city, the Civil Assembly Hall. He is of a mature age and his voice is full of energy. His eyes were lit with the color of a sure will.

　The man speaks. The people's assembly had decided that there was no need for cooperation between the Great Saints and the Church of the Emblem. In spite of this, the ruler, Philos-Treit, has agreed to cooperate with the Great Saints, even if only partially.

　Every time the man shouted, the citizens in the public hall cheered. The cheers included praise and agreement with the man, as well as opposition to the current ruler, Philos-Treit.

　The ruler, Philos, looked down at them from his seat in the privy council chamber, as if he were looking at something unimportant. The glasses attached to his right eye reflected an extremely cold glow.

　His face, which refused to show any expression, seemed to indicate that he was not interested in the play that was taking place in front of him. The only reason why Philos attends the assembly rather than the ruling seat is because he has a duty as a ruler. Otherwise, why would he be attending to such a trivial matter at a time of crisis?

　People's Assembly. Is it because they have always existed in the form of listening to the face of the powerful and cozying up to them? Or is it because of the name of autonomy? In the autonomous city of Philos, there has traditionally existed a structure called the People's Assembly, which is designed to gather the consensus of the citizens.

　The structure is simple: several representatives of the citizens, those who represent the will of the people, are elected and debated in the council chamber. Then, the consensus of the citizens is decided and reported to the ruler, Philos. Philos looks over the decisions of the people's council and makes the final decision.

　In short, the People's Assembly is a mechanism for the citizens to make recommendations to the ruler of the city. That's all it is. Of course, even if it's just that, it's definitely something to behold from the perspective of surrounding cities.

　This would not have been possible if the relationship was that of lord and subjects. The people are only ruled by the lord, and interfering with the lord's will is like spitting words at the sky. It makes no sense, and if it were to reach your ears, you would be punished on the spot.

　A body like the House of Representatives has no place in any city.

　Therefore, the residents of the self-governing city of Philos are not afraid to say that this organization is a symbol of their self-government. They embrace it with great pride.

　We are not just a people to be ruled. They say that they are self-governing people who can speak out against their rulers.

　And there's nothing wrong with this civil society. The lives of the people depend on the quality of the lord. If the lord is a good one, they will have happiness and peace. If the lord is a bad one, only a life of sorrow and pain awaits them.

　The People's Assembly is a shield to prevent this and protect the people. As a ruler, you can take the word of the people and use it to help you govern. If there is a problem with the decisions of the people's council, the ruler can correct the course of the people's council by voicing his opinion from his seat.

　In other words, Philos the Ruler and the People's Assembly were supposed to be an ideal mechanism that could complement each other. At least, that's what he was originally aiming for, the current Philos blinked his white eyes.

　That man standing on the stage, wowing the citizens. I think his name was Roseau. I don't remember the family name.

　As far as Philos knows, that Roseau is just a smooth talker. Not a very useful man. You can tell that by the way he speaks. In other words, Roseau's only talent is as an instigator.

　And such an agitator is now speaking out against you as a representative of the People's Assembly. A sigh escaped from his lips, a sigh that no one could hear, but one that was quite loud for Philos.

　Recently, Roseau has been increasing his activities. His meetings with citizens and his advice to himself as Philos have become strangely prominent. Is this because of the smoldering heroism within him? Or is there something else going on?

　Just as Philos was turning his thoughts. The cheers of the citizens reached a climax, and Roseau turned his gaze directly to the ruling seat.

"Ruler Philos-Treit, what I have just said is the consensus of the people. I hope you will take it to heart.

　Compared to his previous speech, his tone was much more condescending. Perhaps there was a hint of sarcasm in it, Philos thought.

　Well, whatever it was, he knew how to respond. Philos waves his lips in a cumbersome manner and announces that he will do his duty as ruler. This was all he needed to say.

　But Philos paused for a moment and added the following words.



"The consensus of the people has been heard. But just as the hungry cannot be saved without bread, we must sometimes take up our shields and swords against the threats that appear before us. Remember that, all of you.

　With that, Philos turned his back on the council chamber. No one can make him stay here now that he has heard the consensus of the People's Assembly.

"Your words will only cause more dissatisfaction among the people, Master Philos.

　The clerk's voice from behind him made Philos narrow his eyes for a moment.

"Of course, but it is necessary.

　Of course, Philos knew that his words would cause a certain amount of animosity and frustration. The citizens believed in the People's Assembly as an ideal, and there was no doubt that it was righteous. The people believe in the People's Assembly as an ideal and do not doubt its righteousness.

　That is why the rulers of the past have been in close contact with the People's Assembly and have prevented conflict by working closely with each other. Philos just stopped them.

　Because that is not the ideal way of the People's Assembly. They are not complementary as they should be. Philos believes that sometimes cooperation and sometimes conflict is the right way for a ruler and a people's council.

　Philos twisted his lips as if in mockery. It was a smile of helpless self-mockery.

　He told the citizens not to pursue their ideals too far, but in the end he too is being pushed around in pursuit of the city's ideals. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　After Philos left, Roseau's voice covered the council chamber. It was loud and high-pitched.

"Gentlemen, it must be said that our hope is now lost!　The ruler, Philos-Treit, will not listen to the will of the people!

　Roseau's words coiled and entangled the heat of the citizens. His body language, his tone, his inflection. The people are transfixed. There was something about Roseau that drew people to him.

"Listen!　Hear me! The dragon and the demon are now closing in on the city of Philos. If you obey the dragon, you will be crushed. If you make a pact with the devil, you will go to hell!

　The dragon is the Great Saints, the devil is the heraldry. The dragon is the Great Saints, and the devil is the heraldry. Whichever side we fall in line with, there is no future for us, Roseau says. The words are strangely real, and make the citizens think that it is really so.

　Of course, most of them are members of the Great Sanctuary Sect. Of course, they are mostly members of the Great Satanic Church, so there is nothing wrong with being a member of the Great Satanic Church. But that's not the same thing as cooperating in a war, Roseau said fervently.

"My fellow citizens!　Wise citizens!　The time is at hand when we must show our will by our actions!

　The assembly hall shook like boiling water. The citizens threw cheers as if to show their agreement with Roseau, only to be buried under the heat.

　In the face of this spectacle, Roseau's full bearded mouth broke into a quiet smile.