The Strongest Villain Sets Out: Reincarnated into a Merit-Based Clan, I Become the World's Strongest Swordsman - Chapter 80: Troubled Path Ahead

The Zora Federation.

One of the countries created by demi-humans. An unusual nation where leaders of multiple races decided matters through indirect democracy. Essentially the same as Japan from my previous life.

Nine members called councilors managed politics, with almost all bills passed by majority vote.

For example, some councilors were elves, wolf species, dwarves, and mermaids—completely inconsistent. The wisest or strongest were chosen from each selected race. Naturally, each race had different values and claims.

Elves were conservatives who cherished nature. Wolves were belligerent, focusing on military strength. Dwarves mainly handled trade—managing commerce and being picky about money. Mermaids, like elves, valued water sources and hated conflict.

The Zora Federation had conducted peaceful governance while unifying these diverse values.

Incidentally, “Zora” in Zora Federation was apparently the name of a leader who helped found the country. Race unknown. They supposedly stood up for equal living among demi-humans.

“…Well, that’s about it regarding the Zora Federation.”

Sheila, who’d finished explaining, let out a “phew.”

She was knowledgeable from constantly reading books. She knew well even about the Zora Federation, which had little relationship with the empire.

Among us listening, Cornelia and Lucia gave disinterested “hmms.”

While I knew the Zora Federation fairly well from game knowledge, Lucia and Cornelia barely knew about a federation that wouldn’t even come up in conversation unless you actively tried to learn about it. Rather, both disliked studying. Cornelia was especially bad.

In childhood, tutors would bow their heads to me to teach her because she kept running away.

Personally, I’d be troubled if Cornelia gained unnecessary knowledge, so I initially refused… but they gradually offered rewards, and to create debt with royalty, I forcibly captured Cornelia and taught her various things.

Good times. Thanks to that, Cornelia barely acquired minimum knowledge. Really barely (her ethics were hopeless).

“As mentioned before, the reason the Zora Federation was founded lies in human discrimination and persecution against demi-humans. Naturally, most people in the Zora Federation learn this history. Their hostility toward humans is tremendous.”

“Luka said it’d be terrible if we entered town and were discovered as humans.”

“Yes. We could easily be killed.”

“We’re all imperial nobles and royalty, you know? If they did such things, wouldn’t the Zora Federation be in trouble? Do they want to make an enemy of the empire?”

“That’s how much they’re hated, Lucia-sama.”

“Mmm… even though I’m the same elf race.”

Lucia puffed out her cheeks sulkily. Sheila giggled watching her.

“Actually, that’s exactly why they’d want to kill Lucia. Morgan and allied elves are shameless elves who abandoned all pride to curry favor with humans.”

The empire had races besides humans. Elves like Morgan, dwarves like Yumir, and such.

However, those two faced no discrimination or persecution. They were clans that rose up by cooperating with humans and demonstrating their power.

Because of this, they were especially targeted by demi-humans in the Zora Federation. In Lucia’s case, encountering other elves might literally draw blood. That would be interesting in its own way.

“What’s shameless about it! The elves in the Zora Federation are just shut-in idiots. It’s weird not to show off power when you have magical aptitude.”

“That has merit~ Just cowards who ran away because they were scared of losing.”

Cornelia unusually affirmed Lucia’s words. Lucia’s mood improved.

“Exactly. Power is meaningless if you don’t use it. Stupid reasons like ‘to protect something’ are unnecessary. Since it’s yours, you should use it for yourself!”

“I use mine for Luka though.”

In the not-particularly-narrow carriage, Cornelia pressed unusually close. She wouldn’t listen even when I said it was stuffy.

“Insulting elves is fine, but don’t start fights randomly. If there’s someone you want to kill, wait until the coup. It won’t be discovered amid that chaos.”

“””Yes~”””

Both Lucia and Cornelia nodded in unison.

Yep, quite good. They’d properly listen to my instructions.

“Now… how much longer to the Zora Federation?”

“A few more days traveling by carriage through other towns.”

“Should I read Sheila’s books?”

“Please do. I brought my favorites.”

Cornelia napped. Lucia practiced magical manipulation. Sheila and I read books as the journey continued peacefully.

Eventually we crossed the Zora Federation border, and our carriage headed toward the capital without stopping—

“Hey! Get out of the carriage! Humans!”

Suddenly, a group that appeared to be beastmen blocked our carriage’s path.

The beastmen surrounded the carriage, emanating killing intent while readying weapons. Really unfriendly atmosphere.

Probably bandits living in the Zora Federation. I sighed deeply while giving Cornelia instructions.

“Cornelia… leave only three alive.”