No anomalies were found, even through careful aerial observation and mana detection.
The analysis of the magi-device containing Head’s memory and the control cores of the golems guarding the prisoners suggested that no Negadolls remained.
However, the reason why 001 and No. 13 had survived from the original batch of discarded Negadolls remained a mystery. Furthermore, their motive for kidnapping the four demons, including Doneicia, was still unclear.
While several such riddles persisted, it was safe to conclude that the incident regarding the Negadolls had been settled.
It was already September 12; a full month had passed since Jin arrived in the demon race’s territory.
"I suppose it’s about time."
The threat of war had been averted, and a solution to the demon race's food shortage was in sight. The threat of the Negadolls—beings that hated both humanity and the demon race and sought their total annihilation—had been eliminated. Finally, Jin had managed to establish friendly relations with the majority of the clans.
For Jin, the results were more than satisfactory.
However, there was at least one person who was not yet content.
"...Arshel..."
It was Belialus, who had still not found his sister. He seemed deeply worried about his much younger sibling.
"This is just a guess, but I suspect she’s still on the Lauren Continent," Jin offered.
Belialus nodded weakly. "...I suppose you're right."
"I'll be returning to the Lauren Continent soon myself. I'll keep an eye out for her when I do. Arshel is reasonably strong, isn't she? I'm sure she's doing just fine."
Belialus shook his head dejectedly. "After seeing you, Jin-dono, I’ve begun to wonder what 'strength' even means anymore..."
Exchanging such words, Jin’s group returned to the settlement of the Jest clan. Naturally, the now-sane Doneicia and the three demons who had pursued her were with them.
"Oh, Doneicia!"
Bafrosk’s joy was boundless. After all, his clan had dwindled to a mere twenty members.
"Clan Chief, I’m so sorry... I..."
Doneicia began to explain the circumstances. Bafrosk listened in silence, then placed a hand on the shoulder of the girl, who was trembling with shame, and spoke softly.
"We all have to change our way of thinking. Myself included. So, do not let it weigh on your soul."
"Clan Chief...?"
"We must think of the future now. Jin-dono has graciously offered his cooperation."
It was a slightly awkward attempt at comfort, but Doneicia was more startled by the Clan Chief’s attitude itself. Bafrosk had actually shown consideration for a member of the clan.
"This ordeal has given me much to think about. Regardless of my feelings toward humans, I have no desire to be an enemy of the Magi Craft Meister."
Bafrosk wouldn't admit it out loud, but he knew he owed Jin a great debt.
Fortunately or unfortunately, because the radical faction's population had decreased, their food problem was solved for the immediate future. Their numbers had dropped from approximately four hundred to about two hundred and seventy. Their current stores would likely last through the end of the year, by which time the harvest of the kuromugi—the autumn soba—would be finished.
＊ ＊ ＊
"...Then, is the division of labor for agricultural products, farm work, hunting, fishing, and mining acceptable to everyone?"
"No objections."
"Mm, no problems here."
"That will suffice."
"I have no complaints."
Three days later, the historic first All-Clan Council was held at the settlement of the neutral Erosion clan.
The All-Clan Council was an assembly featuring representatives from every faction: moderate, neutral, and radical. Alectas of the Gospel clan presided as the chairperson.
During this meeting, the roles of each clan were finalized. This gathering was only made possible because the demons had come to realize they were now a single community sharing a common destiny.
In that sense, I suppose the Negadolls served a purpose after all, Jin mused from Hourai Island while operating the Body Double.
If these were humans from Earth, they probably wouldn't change their minds this easily... Is it because they identify so strongly as the 'demon race,' or is it just because their population is so small?
Jin didn't have the answer. But the results were what mattered.
At the very least, their desire to invade humanity has vanished, which fulfills my original goal.
"There is a place called Kaina Village."
A familiar name snapped Jin out of his thoughts.
"In that village, all the residents formed a community."
The one speaking was Sion.
"The fields were managed by the village as a whole. The harvest was distributed equally... no, it was distributed fairly."
Voices rose, asking for the difference between equality and fairness. Sion answered them clearly.
"Equality means that if there are twenty people, you just divide everything into twenty equal parts. But then people get the same amount regardless of whether they worked or not, right? That’s no good."
Sion had been a diligent student, and her efforts were bearing fruit.
"Fairness means taking into account how much work someone did, or their family situation. You adjust the distribution accordingly. And the leader’s job is to ensure that no one is left feeling dissatisfied."
Despite her blunt, tomboyish tone, the explanation was remarkably clear. The attendees listened with interest. More than anything, it sparked a positive sense of rivalry—a feeling of "If humans can do it, there is no reason we cannot."
Then, Jin was surprised yet again.
"...Regarding the agricultural golems that Jin-dono created for us."
Jin’s attention sharpened. The speaker was Clan Chief Baldius of the All-Creation, Sion’s grandfather.
"I believe we should manage them collectively as the property of the entire demon race."
A stir went through the room. It was only natural; golems were immense assets. Specifically, the ones Jin created were comparable to ancient artifacts.
"The reason is simple. I wish to prevent us from falling into decadence."
Baldius silenced the murmuring crowd with a hand and continued.
"Golems are indeed wonderful. They allow us to reap a harvest without doing anything ourselves. However, that 'without doing anything' is a double-edged sword."
Some of the demons seemed to grasp his meaning and nodded.
"Things obtained without labor are treated lightly. And once the will to work is lost, the rot of decadence begins."
Baldius lectured them earnestly. After fifteen minutes of his impassioned speech, the assembly unanimously accepted his proposal.
He’s quite impressive... If these were humans from Earth... no, even the humans of this world probably wouldn't think that far.
Humans and the demon race. Biologically, they were the same species, but their spiritualities were clearly different. Sion had said they would model themselves after Kaina Village, but Jin wished he could let the rulers of the human nations hear Baldius’s words.
It was decided that a nine-member council would be formed, with three representatives from the moderate, neutral, and radical factions each. A member of the Gospel clan would serve as the chair.
This was also a proposal from Sion. Apparently, she had read about such systems in the books stored at Nidou.
Laojun, what kind of books have you been making...?
Jin was impressed, yet a little exasperated. It was a system clearly not adopted by any human nation in this world. Perhaps that was exactly why the demons, in their rivalry with humanity, had chosen it.
"Then, starting next time, we shall hold discussions to deliberate on our future in this manner. Are there any objections?"
A chorus of "No objections" followed. No one opposed the idea.
Should we learn from this kind of solidarity? Jin wondered as he watched.
"We do not expect our grudges and hatred toward humans to vanish overnight," Bafrosk of the radical Jest clan spoke up, surprising everyone. "However, we must realize that we cannot be so foolish as to commit the folly of launching reckless wars."
He paused, then continued. "That said, I do not believe we can build a friendship with humanity right away either. I believe it would be best to start by establishing a formal pact with Jin-dono, the Magi Craft Meister."
"No objections."
"No objections."
This was also accepted unanimously. Jin felt a bit embarrassed by the sentiment.
They moved on to listing local specialties, such as magical beast hides and magi-crystals, to be traded for seasonings and rare ingredients, and consulted Jin for his approval. They agreed to meet at least once a year to confirm their pact.
Jin was even surprised when they asked if the "books" Sion had read could be lent or given to them. His impression was that the All-Creation clan was full of people with a deep thirst for knowledge and high levels of comprehension.
And so, while it still felt somewhat tentative, a formal pact was established between Jin and the demon race.
"Now, all that’s left is that fellow Raldus..."
After the All-Clan Council concluded and the representatives dispersed, Bafrosk muttered the name quietly to himself.