Gacha Kingdom Building

I returned to the Kingdom the same way I had left, through the Infinite Hotel's doors.

Suddenly, I found myself on the walls, looking from above at the entirety of the land.

Reina, my newly summoned, yet unproven companion, stood by my side, or rather, slightly behind me, as we walked towards the girls waiting for me.

Miwen: "...What do you think? As a former queen..."

Reina: "I believe it is splendid work, my lord. However, and you already know this, there is room for improvement."

Miwen: "Right, but I think I should take things slowly with them..."

The Snow White Wolves represented the vast majority of the Kingdom's citizens, making up almost 750 of our 782 citizens.

While we had led an incredibly successful campaign, it was impossible to completely restore the Snow White Wolves once they had lost their homes.

Most of the ones we recruited were women and children, with the number of fully fledged men reaching below 50.

Unsurprisingly, during the years after their tribe's conquest and our arrival, the males of the Snow White Wolves who weren't sold to nobles were used as a disposable workforce by Hamperlon in Maides Island's mines.

As for those who became slaves...

They were on a timer.

Quite a few were used as entertainment in battles, until their deaths, while most found themselves far from home, serving nations they hadn't even heard of before.

It was easier to find women and children in "good" condition, but this has its own problems.

The most inhibiting factor right now is myself.

I feel the weight of my decisions more than ever, and I'm afraid of the negative or unforeseen consequences my ideas may have on them.

Thus, I trick myself into waiting for them to settle before making the changes I believe necessary.

After experiencing so many of their lives, it might be even harder for me to act now...

Reina: "My lord, would you care for this one's advice?"

Miwen: "Yeah?"

Reina: "...For the good of those he rules, a king must do what his people won't. Most often, this requires momentary sacrifice for the greater good that awaits."

Miwen: "Noted."

I hoped that she would offer a different perspective from Elizabeth's, but her words weren't too dissimilar to her answer when I presented her with the same problem.

Not that this disappointed me, though.

I could tell from her way of speaking that she was much more satisfied with her position than Elizabeth.

The two spoke to me with reverence, but she lacked Liz's almost sarcastic, defiant cheekiness.

For some reason, unlike Liz, who acted dutifully due to her own pride, it felt to me like Reina actively sought to work under me.

I didn't know how to feel.

There were plenty of girls loyal to me, but it took time, which made sense to me.

I found it hard to believe in immediate devotion.

Reina: "...The truth is often strange, isn't it?"

Miwen: "I guess? I'm not going to trust you just because of a few words, though. I still want to see what you can do."

Reina: "A wise decision. However, for now, would you like to use me to support yourself?"

Even though I was doing my best to act naturally, either due to keen eyes or because she had experienced my memories, she quickly noticed that my steps were heavier than usual.

They were messy. I was having difficulties walking straight.

But that much should be obvious.

My body didn't feel like my own.

At times smaller, at others bigger.

Sometimes sturdy, sometimes flimsy.

Faster, then suddenly slower.

I had forgotten how to walk like myself.

The wind touching my back felt strangely different.

I found the light of the Kingdom's sun both pleasant and unpleasant.

Each sensation was foreign, often contradictory.

I noticed then that this is how it should've been.

The only reason why I didn't feel like this before was, most likely, thanks to the First Daughter's influence and silent support.

Outside of the Infinite Hotel and the other cosmic places, without the First Son and her helping me from the shadows, I was confronted with the toll of the many lives I lived.

Each voice in my mind was from a beautiful life.

Yet, like shattered stained glass, I couldn't see the whole picture or tell where each piece should be.

Where it started, or where it ended.

What was mine, and what wasn't.

The things that would take me a moment to process now took minutes.

Sometimes, I had to give up entirely and move on to the next thing.

I walked like a drunkard, each next step more frantic.

Even my words and answers were slightly delayed, the words I chose didn't feel like my own, as I could picture someone else saying them.

The meaning I had for them was lost in the sea of so many others, all equally justified inside my brain.

Yet, in my confusion, I refused Reina's offer and walked forward on my own.

It would be fair to keep the others waiting after I gave them such an ominous goodbye.

Even if I wasn't...

I had to make sure they knew I was fine.

Miwen: "...! Wait!"

I wanted to apologize to the girls.

I knew I had made them worry.

However, in that state, I could barely formulate a thought.

And the most I managed vanished almost immediately, all thanks to Licia of all people.

As soon as her eyes landed on me, she jumped my way without a second thought.

She didn't mean anything by this.

She couldn't know about my condition.

Yet, in doing that, she healed me.

The familiar, precious feeling of her body pressing against mine was so precious to me, it suppressed everything else I could feel in that moment.

Thanks to her, I knew exactly what thoughts and what feelings were mine.

They were, after all, the loudest.

And so, although her arms still squeezed my body with all of her strength, I could finally breathe like myself.

I could finally hug her like I wanted to.

Licia: "I can't believe you acted all dramatic only to come home with a new woman."

Reina and the others silently watched the scene play out without saying a word.

To anyone who knew the two of us, this much was expected, after all.

Still, Licia's words were a little surprising.

Miwen: "Feeling jealous?"

Licia: "I was worried! But now... I'm relieved."

It took her a while to be satisfied and release me, but while waiting, I couldn't help but think how well her words described everyone's feelings.

From the coldest, most detached and distant girls to the closest, most sensitive and sincere ones, in their own way, everyone seemed glad to see me return alive.

Although if I'm being fair, there were exceptions like Marin, who was too wasted to show complex emotions, and Nissa, who seemed like she'd been happier had I shown up in a more sorry state.

Honestly, these two were more or less as expected.

However, the one who really caught me by surprise was Claire.

She is both among the loudest and the most emotional girls we have, yet this time, she was oddly among the quietest.

Even when approaching me, she did it slowly, uncharacteristically carefully and gently.

As she silently faced me, with her hands on her hips, I could only prepare myself for the worst.

With my mind back to a functional state, I imagined she would demand an apology for making her worry needlessly, however...

Claire: "...Miwen! You ended the event now, right?"

Miwen: "...Yes?"

Claire: "Good, good."

Surprisingly, she didn't even mention my selfish request or my reckless decision.

Instead, in response, she simply closed her eyes and nodded her head.

The grin she had on her face before became more smug by the minute, and then, with a step so powerful I could feel the ground shaking beneath me...

Claire: "Congratulations on a successful campaign!"

A bright smile with the energy of a few dozen stars, the likes only she could give.

During our Dungeon raids, Claire was always recklessly charging forward, with not a spare thought for enemy and ally alike.

This attitude made it hard to believe that she knew the concept of strategy.

Yet, during this war, she proved that she was undoubtedly the fearless commander she claimed to be.

Even more than that, she felt like a goddess of not only war, but also victory.

The girls and I saw firsthand the commander she was in her previous life, and it was brilliant.

She quickly gained the trust and respect of the men around her.

They were inspired by her strength and felt that with her on their side, victory was nothing if assured.

Time and time again, this girl showed that to be stopped, the enemy better bring their biggest guns.

Either that, or an entire mage squadron focused solely on stopping her.

And they better be good mages too.

Because when it came to long, drawn-out sieges and battles, attrition was always on our side.

There's simply no supply line or economy capable of resisting her power.

She is both an alchemist's best friend as well as a treasurer's worst nightmare.

That's not to say about the poor souls who tried to stand against her from behind the walls.

Who could blame them, though?

Castles that had proven themselves capable of holding for months, if not years, were brought down within the week by the flames of her sword.

And if that wasn't enough, her tactical insight was nothing to scoff at either.

She was able to read the enemy's movements well and helped me prepare accordingly more times than I could count.

And either due to instinct or experience, during battles, she knew exactly where her power was needed the most.

"I'll deal with the annoying ones", she'd say.

And just like that, the most precious pieces on the enemy board would fall, letting us run amok on the battlefield.

Her relentlessness and bravery, even if filled with carelessness, were the key to the success we saw against Hamperlon.

Thus, it's no wonder that my answer to her was meant with all of my heart.

Miwen: "Thanks. Couldn't have done it without you."

Claire: "Hehehe... Of course! I couldn't let you taste defeat on your first campaign! Next time, I'll show you even more-"

Merchant: "Ahem!"

While the two of us were having a small moment, like a neglected child, the Merchant forced a cough out of his throat, drawing my attention to him.

This didn't feel too out of the ordinary since he can be quite childish sometimes, until I noticed he was pointing to someone else.

Following his finger, I saw a bothered Elizabeth, doing her best not to seem obviously bothered.

Merchant: "Sorry, I had a sore throat."

Liz: "Hmph. Please, forgive my uncle's rudeness, Miwen."

Interestingly, she didn't refer to me as "Your Majesty" this time.

It made me wonder if she felt the Merchant would disapprove, or if she didn't want to appear as "lesser" in front of him.

Whatever the case may be, though, I already planned on thanking her, too.

While she didn't participate as much in the frontline battles, she basically created and dominated her own frontline.

Together with the North Dragon, she decimated any hope the enemy had of even a pyrrhic victory.

I could never emphasize enough the damage they did to Hamperlon's war effort and to their soldiers' morale.

She even saved me from Nissa that one time, even if she seemed happier at the chance of fighting a strong opponent.

Miwen: "Thanks, Liz, I'm happy I can count on you."

Liz: "That is hardly a question..."

Merchant: "That's it. If you're going to show someone affection, make sure to show it to my adorable niece, too."

Miwen: "I really should, huh?"

Liz: "I would rather you don't... Miwen."

Oh, so close.

I could feel the words "Your Majesty" ready to leave her mouth, even in front of her uncle.

Such a shame, yet I was more satisfied seeing her cuter and tamer side around the Merchant.

Since she is always proud and fierce, I had to make sure to enjoy this cute side she rarely shows.

Merchant: "Oh, I just remembered. Since I helped you this time, and you already owe me a favor, I'll be imposing on you."

As always, the Merchant refuses to do anything without compensation.

Also... what help?

It'd be one thing if the Endless had dealt with me and he had protected them, but since that didn't happen, all he did was hang out with them.

Well, the moment I called him over, I already expected him to ask something, but the request he had this time was probably the most troublesome yet.

Miwen: "...You want me to house the Caravan?"

Merchant: "Not all of them."

Even with the girls being so kind and welcoming, I had trouble thinking of a way to bridge the gap between the Snow White Wolves and us.

After everything they've been through, they justifiably prefer to keep their distance.

It wouldn't be much of a problem if the Merchant's group were a quiet bunch, but considering their leader...

Miwen: "Is Priscilla among them?"

Merchant: "Oh... I'll have you know she's already head over heels for me."

Yeah, sure is...

However, that's not why I asked.

Miwen: "I need someone who can control them."

If the other Caravan members had a fraction of the power Priscilla and the Merchant had, they would be able to walk all over me.

While Priscilla also somehow found herself following this guy, she was by far more serious and level-headed.

I knew that with her around, we wouldn't run into nearly as many problems.

Merchant: "I'll make sure she comes, then."

Miwen: "That'd be great."

Before going his way and saying goodbye, the Merchant took as much beer as he could.

He also told me that the Caravan members would arrive by tomorrow, but he couldn't say for sure the time.

Of course, I was a little mad, but even if I could refuse, I wouldn't.

Apparently, they had lost another one of their bases, and things were looking grim for him.

And as much as I hate to admit it, the Merchant never refused to help me.

Even though he didn't do much this time, the girls were in a better mood than when I left.

This alone is enough reason for me to extend a hand...

Gabriella: "Oh, good... He's finally gone."

Miwen: "You really don't like him, huh?"

Gabriella: "A self-proclaimed enemy of the Gods can't be a good man."

Miwen: "Well..."

Can't really argue there.

Not on the premise, but on the conclusion.

Still...

Miwen: "I was thinking... Wouldn't it be better for you to stay in that world? They sure seem to need a Saint right now."

Gabriella: "That world's God is already looking over its people, so their next Saint will be born soon enough. My mission here is much more important."

Her mission, huh?

Unfortunately, I couldn't see her thoughts past her death, so I'm not sure what she sees in the Kingdom.

If I had to guess, though, she probably wants us to get rid of the demons and monsters and live proper and virtuous lives.

Or at least what she would consider proper and virtuous.

Gabriella: "Speaking of that world, though, I think I deserve a reward, no?"

Miwen: "The church?"

Gabriella: "Yes!"

Miwen: "Sure."

Gabriella: "Really!? It's a promise, then!"

I couldn't blame the other girls for being confused by the way I was treating her.

At the same time, there was no helping it.

After seeing life through her eyes, I was a little more sympathetic.

Still, I knew exactly how dangerous this Saint could be, so I had a few surprises in store for her.

Just in case...

Isabella: "You're being surprisingly kind today, huh? Should I ask for something too?"

Miwen: "Don't push it, Isa-"

Huh? Isa?

Seriously, this girl....

Miwen: "...How?"

Only two real hours had passed since I entered the Infinite Hotel.

The drug I put in her drink should've had her sleeping for at least six.

Isabella: "The curse of insomnia."

Miwen: "You only had a few minutes before losing consciousness, though?"

Isabella: "It was plenty since I had prepared a charm beforehand."

I was careless.

Or rather, I cared a little too much.

Should've given her something stronger.

Isabella: "Just so you know, I'm not leaving."

Miwen: "...Are you sure? You achieved so much there. You were finally recognized, and no one could look down on or mistreat you. I can't offer half of the luxury you had there."

Isabella: "I can see that... You don't mind if I make myself at home, do you?"

I wanted her to enjoy the life she had built for herself, but...

She didn't even bother answering me.

Instead, she started messing with the Kingdom, giving rise to a castle out of nowhere.

Miwen: "And you two are fine with that?"

Since I couldn't win against her, I had no choice but to rely on her brothers.

Sure, Isa can be incredibly stubborn, but she's also incredibly considerate towards her brothers.

She wouldn't force them to abandon their lives just for her sake.

Albert: "We wouldn't be here otherwise."

Lenard: "I promised to look after her. That's not going to change."

I never expected these two to change this much.

Well, I suppose their love for her was always there, just suppressed.

Ever since the death of their father, they've been doing their best to make amends.

They might even be spoiling her.

Miwen: "...Why is your family like this?"

Isabella: "Speaking of which, Miwen, I've been meaning to ask, but... Why is Lady Pamela here?"

Oh...

I hadn't planned an answer for that.

Isabella: "You didn't... You... Did you?"

Miwen: "There were circumstances..."

Isabella: "I can't believe you! Before me!?"

Surprisingly, the fact that I slept with her mother first seemed to bother her more than the fact that I had slept with her in the first place.

Her brothers also judged me thoroughly for that...

I couldn't blame them, but at the time, it was necessary.

And I don't particularly regret it either.

Miwen: "Well, whatever. I was going to need someone to help with the Snow White Wolves demographic crisis anyway."

Albert: "...What do you mean by that?"

Miwen: "Ah, you know. There's plenty of pretty girls without a partner around here, and you two are still young, so... Maybe you could find a wife or two..."

Preferably, twenty or thirty...

Miwen: "Oh, but not with this one. She's already mine- Ow! I thought you said you weren't going to hit me anymore?"

Mia: "...If you don't push it. For now, this is as much as I can do."

Honestly, I totally deserved the punch since I pulled her by the waist without notice.

The only unfair thing she did was look so cute awkwardly holding my hand after pushing me away.

In any case, I gave up on leaving Isabella in her own world.

I couldn't stop her anyway since she had her own version of [Gacha Kingdom Building].

Although it was not a Gift, just a shell with the same name and description that only gave her perks and permissions of a special role I had yet to unlock, the First Son was unwilling to take it away.

He said that the Third Son and the Fifth Daughter's failure in copying [Gacha Kingdom Building] would detain the other Endless from trying too, so ultimately, it was useful for him to have her keep it.

Miwen: "So... You said you need time to show me your Gift?"

Reina: "Among other things, yes. But I should be able to show its effects within the week."

Miwen: "Hm... Alright. Make me a list, I'll see what I can do for you."

I was starting to get a little suspicious since it felt like she was pushing the deadline at every turn, but I planned on giving her a month to decide whether or not she'd like to stay anyway.

At level one, she shouldn't be much of a problem, either...

Still, I told Lana to keep an eye on her for me for the time being.

Then, I returned home with the girls for the first time in forever.

Miwen: "Elizabeth...?"

Elizabeth: "...I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I'm not sure what happened here."