When they thought about the state of the world now, Utaha and the other refugee girls couldn't help but nod in agreement.
It was precisely because the world had become what it is now that they became refugees the moment they crossed over.
Had this world remained as it once was, even if they were still wanderers upon arriving, they wouldn't have been reduced to second-class beings, stripped of dignity, left to be selected like livestock.
If others were to transmigrate here in the future—and if any of them were loved ones—then something in this world must change.
That change would have to include, but not be limited to: purging the curses that shroud the world, restoring human dominion over the wilderness, guiding humanity toward a republic, and leading it into a new age.
And if someone has to stand up to take that first step—why couldn't it be Roy?
After all, he was chosen by the Root of the World itself.
Could anyone else even hope to do the same?
And if that day ever came—when the system Roy envisions is fully built—then perhaps humanity would no longer even need a king. Roy would retreat into obscurity, finally able to live in peace.
"…Well, I get that you're not doing this for personal gain," said Rin, twirling the end of her ponytail around a finger, her expression somewhere between admiration and exasperation.
"So, you're telling us all this because…?"
"I want your help in realizing this ideal," Roy said, sitting upright, his expression solemn as he looked at everyone before him.
"This is a vision I can't accomplish alone. Not because of a lack of power—but because of everything else. I need you by my side, to advise me, to stop me from becoming arrogant, from straying down the path of hubris and tyranny. I don't want to end up like Zouken Matou or Uemon Ji—a monster hollowed out of all humanity."
Roy wasn't a god. He had his fears.
And on this path, the one thing he feared most was the erosion of his emotions by time, losing sight of his purpose, becoming a creature devoid of heart.
To prevent that, he needed to stay surrounded by people.
"…Of course."
Utaha gave a small nod, though her face dimmed a little with self-doubt.
"That may be all we're good for—to be your voice of reason as you walk this path. The ones who'll truly be useful to you are the Aozaki sisters and Miss Tohsaka. We're probably only capable of this much…"
If she was honest, even Hayasaka was more useful—at least she could take care of Roy's daily needs. The rest of them? Decorative at best.
The Nakano sisters remained silent.
"…I hate to break it to you, Utaha, but even if you wanted to live a carefree life someday, I'm not going to let you," Roy said with a sudden grin.
"What… What does that mean?"
"Don't forget—only we can adapt to this world. Or rather, it's me and all of you, because I helped you adapt."
"Adapt to the world? What do you mean?"
Aoko leaned in curiously.
"Ahem. That's… a topic for another time," Roy coughed lightly, steering the conversation back on track.
"In any case, the only ones capable of adjusting to the laws of foreign worlds are me and the ones I've helped. That means all of you are going to have to inherit my path."
After all, Roy was a pioneer.
He was the first to venture into another world—but he certainly wouldn't be the last.
Suppose Roy entered a new world, adapted to its rules, and then returned. Would that mean there was no further need to go back to that world?
Of course not.
Each world held its own unique resources. If Roy was to truly realize his ideals, then inter-world exchange and cooperation would be essential.
But Roy couldn't manage it all alone. He had to keep exploring, which meant…
He needed others—those he had trained and adapted—to hold the line in other worlds.
These girls would inherit his mission. In the future kingdom Roy envisioned, they would take on key roles.
To put it less elegantly, if Roy were Columbus, then Utaha and the others would be the ones who followed him onto the shores of the new world.
In truth, Roy could have kept them at home, cherished like porcelain ornaments.
But to be frank, he needed manpower—especially people he could trust to oversee other worlds. That was where they came in.
It might seem like planning too far ahead, but it was something that had to be addressed.
"…That actually sounds kind of fun!"
"Hey! This is supposed to be serious work!" Roy barked, but his tone was more exasperated than scolding.
Utaha and Ichika both lit up with interest—even Miku looked like she was tempted.
He let it slide. They were still high school girls, barely into their teens. It was only natural for them to be lighthearted.
"I'll tell you this in advance—agreeing to help me means you'll have much less time for jokes. You'll need to study and train constantly, to grow stronger and more capable. That's the only way you'll truly be of use to me."
"Good. I'm getting bored of staying cooped up in the mansion anyway."
Utaha looked motivated—being ornamental was never her style.
Ichika, for her sisters' sake, would no doubt shoulder responsibility.
"Lord Roy, I have a question."
At that moment, the silent Hayasaka finally raised her hand.
"Go on."
"If the worlds are to be connected… can we reconnect with our original world?"
Her question sobered Utaha instantly, who just moments before had been brimming with excitement.
In that moment, she felt the chasm between herself and Hayasaka.
"…It should be possible," Roy answered after some thought.
There didn't seem to be any anomalies around, and the Root within him—ever aware—seemed to confirm that conclusion.
"In that case, please allow me to serve under your banner, Lord Roy!"
Hayasaka sat up straight, her tone reverent as she solemnly pledged allegiance.
Her attitude couldn't have been more different from Utaha's casual enthusiasm—it was an act of deep conviction.
But no one knew what truly stirred in Hayasaka's heart.
In her original world, the Hayasaka family had always been vassals of the Shinomiya family. From a young age, she had been raised to serve them.
But that era was over.
No, the world itself had changed.
Who said only the Shinomiyas could stand at the top?
Why couldn't the Hayasakas rise instead?
When that day came, she would march up to Kaguya-sama and slap a resignation letter in her face—just to savor that look of disbelief—and then demand that she become her maid in turn! Let the proud lady taste the fury of the working class!
All four of the refugee girls had made their choice.
(Three, technically. Miku was still in ostrich mode.)
"Meh, I don't really mind either way~"
Illya lounged inside the hearth nearby, looking half-asleep, though it was clear she hadn't missed a word.
"If you need my help, Roy, I'll help you. Simple as that!"
"…No, Illya, you can just stay home. I'd rather you didn't get involved."
"Why not?!"
Illya snapped awake, glaring indignantly.
Roy's expression turned complicated.
Did he really need to explain?
***
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