Next in line were the chiefs of each high orc clan, arriving with several of their subordinates. Notably, they hadn't brought any guards with them—a sign of the trust they placed in us. Their confidence was well-earned, as the improvements in food supply and the overall security of Eterna had tangibly changed their lives.
Among their priorities, the birth of new children was paramount. Rumor had it that the appearance of newborn high orcs was a pleasant surprise, which is why they had come to report it personally.
"Isn't it normal for high orcs to give birth to high orc children?" I thought, but apparently not. Normally, high orcs would produce regular orc offspring; mutations were rare and usually limited to one generation. The declining birth rate must have pushed them to care for their young with greater diligence. More children meant more future labor, more capable citizens, and more growth for Eterna.
I observed quietly, noting their pride. Children were precious—no matter the world, no matter the race. That truth remained unwavering. The names I had given these children were randomly devised, perhaps even slightly complex, yet the clans accepted them without complaint. Clearly, they had grown accustomed to this new system.
"Excellent," I muttered under my breath, my authoritative voice carrying across the courtyard. The reception with the high orcs concluded smoothly, and I allowed myself a small nod of approval.
Finally, the last group of the day remained. Beyond the lizardmen and high orcs, the treants were yet to come.
Technically, the only representatives present were Treyni's two sisters, the dryads Trya and Doris. The treants themselves were immobile, so their absence was unavoidable. Still, the dryads represented the entire treant faction, so it mattered little.
I had visited the treant grove several times before, guarded by Zegion and Apito. The duo not only ensured their protection but also delivered high-quality honey—a gesture that fostered mutual respect. The atmosphere among the dryads was, therefore, relaxed.
"It's been a while, Atem-sama. We come to offer our congratulations on your ascension as Demon Lord," Trya said with a bright smile.
"Please continue to safeguard us under your rule," Doris added.
Their sincerity and cheerfulness were tangible. I inclined my head, responding with calm authority. "Your service to the forest is valued. I trust you will continue to uphold your responsibilities."
We discussed recent conditions. For the most part, no serious issues had arisen. The only notable change was a thinning in the magicule density throughout the Jura Great Forest, which had made movement slightly more difficult.
The two dryads radiated the same innate aura as Treyni—an abundance of raw mana. Yet, even they were affected by the lower concentration of magicules. Doris, standing before me, appeared somewhat translucent.
"I see… that is my miscalculation," I said, my tone measured but sharp. "The 'Barrier' applied along the roads is interfering with mana flow. I will devise a solution."
"It is not of grave concern," Trya replied, her voice light but firm.
"Our bodies are affected because we rely on 'Magic Body,' formed from environmental magicules," Doris added.
"I understand," I said. "Yet, Eterna's operations cannot falter due to minor inconveniences. We will resolve this efficiently."
"By the way, Atem-sama—" Trya began, but Doris interjected.
"Yes, we have urgent matters that require your attention."
Despite the reduction in magicule concentration, the dryads remained resilient. Monsters being impacted in this way was unusual, but their lives were intimately connected to the treants. Since they were the final visitors of the day, I decided that our conversation required a more private setting.
"I will arrange a venue for us to continue this discussion this evening," I said, my commanding presence leaving no room for hesitation.
Night had fallen when I entered the chamber.
"The thing we truly wish to discuss is—"
"We want to follow Nee-san's example and serve the beautiful Fairy Queen!"
The two spoke simultaneously. My attention immediately locked on the title "Fairy Queen." Such a dramatic designation seemed almost comical for someone so small and childlike. And the term "beautiful"? Even more questionable.
Ramiris's innocent smile flashed through my mind. No way… there was no way.
From my perspective, her charm hardly matched the grandiose title. If Ramiris were considered beautiful, then my own appearance—could only be described as divine. Even after becoming accustomed to it, I occasionally found myself mesmerized by my reflection.
Benimaru and Shion, standing by my side, shared similar impressions. Trya and Doris, however, seemed blissfully oblivious to such nuances.
"It's not merely our wish," Trya continued. "All the treants desire the same."
"And we've heard that this town—" Doris added.
"Ramiris-sama has taken residence here," I interjected calmly, letting the statement carry weight.
"If that is the case, we hope to contribute our fair share of effort in serving Her Majesty…" they explained in turn, alternating between pledging loyalty to me or Ramiris.
I raised an eyebrow. How could I take them as subordinates when their loyalty was aimed elsewhere? Well… Treyni-san already served Ramiris, so there was little reason to object.
"Then would you like to ask her directly, in person?" I offered.
"—EH?"
"Can we really do that?" Their voices betrayed excitement, practically vibrating with enthusiasm.
We proceeded together to where Ramiris was. Beretta was quietly immersed in her work, while Treyni-san attended to Ramiris. Beretta was clearly buried beneath a mountain of tasks.
I watched quietly, thinking—
"AH! Ramiris-sama is indeed beautiful—" Trya exclaimed.
"She is beautiful and noble as always. None could rival her as our master!" Doris added, completely enthralled.
The moment they saw Ramiris, the two dryads went full fangirl, their voices rising in cries of excitement. Treyni-san acknowledged this with a nod, seemingly used to such displays. I, however, remained skeptical. Noble quality? I had serious doubts.
"Did you hear that? Hey! I'm talking to you! Are you going to start seeing me differently now?" Ramiris playfully flitted around, delighting in their praise. Her boisterous pride was almost unbearable. I resisted the urge to intervene—after all, receiving admiration was a rare pleasure, even if she exaggerated.
"How do you see it, Ramiris?" I asked, my tone calm but authoritative. "Not only these two, but the entire treant tribe desires to serve you."
"Uhmm… but…" She glanced around, indecisive. Clearly, she recognized herself as a temporary guest in my domain.
I stepped forward. "How about moving them into your labyrinth? You can easily relocate the beastmen's shelter—surely moving the treant tribe would be manageable as well."
Her eyes widened in realization. "Can I? Then we'll have them move in tomorrow! With the guidance of my mentor, expanding the labyrinth is effortless! My power feels even greater now. There are still empty floors—why not convert one into a forest?"
I allowed the proposal to stand, noting her joy. "With the aid of her mentor," I thought, "her potential continues to grow."
"But we are residents of the Jura Great Forest—shouldn't we still follow Atem-sama?" Doris asked hesitantly.
I nodded once, decisively. "I do not object. The interior of the labyrinth falls under Ramiris's authority, yet my oversight coexists peacefully. This area constitutes a special zone—extraterritorial and beyond interference. You may move there without concern. Serve your original master fully, without any hesitation or risk."
"We treants and dryads hope to relocate and seek the protection of Ramiris-sama," Trya and Doris requested earnestly.
I studied them for a long moment, letting my commanding presence settle the room. Then, with quiet authority, I granted my consent.
"Very well. You have my permission."
Joy and relief washed over their faces. The treants and dryads would now have a safe haven under Ramiris, while remaining loyal to their original master—an arrangement perfectly aligned with the balance I sought to maintain in Eterna.
And just like that, the plan to relocate the treant tribe into Ramiris' labyrinth was finalized. They would inhabit floor 95, currently designated as the beastmen's temporary shelter. The dome-shaped floor spanned a full five kilometers in diameter, the largest of its kind, providing ample space for the entire tribe.
It was also convenient timing, as I had been planning to convert that level into a resting zone. With the existing forest hot spring, the area was already primed for comfort. This migration would simply make the transition smoother, improving both functionality and aesthetics.
The matter of moving the treants was settled with remarkable efficiency. Ramiris personally visited their living grounds and constructed a new labyrinth gate, enabling direct relocation of the tribe. Knowing the treants traveled at a painstakingly slow pace, she strategically opened a gate in front of every individual, accelerating the process.
Within hours, Ramiris gained a substantial number of new subordinates. They assisted in stabilizing the labyrinth's interior, regulating magicule concentration, and even optimizing air flow. The treants themselves appeared delighted with the conditions; the increased magicule density invigorated them, lending life and energy to the previously static environment.
The beastmen who were temporarily residing there seemed largely indifferent to the change. The treants' behavior was orderly and unobtrusive, as they spent most of their time resting. Their appearance resembled normal trees, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Consequently, no conflicts arose over the shared space.
I observed the beastmen as they went about their routines. Their acceptance of the new residents suggested that once the treants became fully acclimated, the beastmen might even welcome them. After all, their stay here was temporary—they would eventually return to Eurazania. For now, the shared residence posed no threat or inconvenience.
The arrangement had been executed with precision, authority, and consideration, hallmarks of my governance. Floor 95 now stood as a testament to the careful orchestration of Eterna's expanding civilization, balancing the needs of multiple species while maintaining order and harmony.