NOVPUBVarious races live in this world.
Starting with humans — the “default” race — there are also beastkin, dwarves, elves, and demons.
If we also consider the “ethnicities” or “nations” within each race, the number would be even greater, but even distinguishing just the races themselves is difficult enough, so most people don’t pay much attention to it.
However, that doesn’t mean there is no discrimination among members of the same race.
Differences such as skin color, birthplace, and even cultural distinctions have led to various forms of discrimination.
Humanity has always been prone to conflict whenever differences exist between groups.
It’s no wonder they say, “People are the same everywhere.”
In particular, there’s one race that suffers from even worse discrimination than humans: the beastkin.
But their discrimination is mostly internal.
While other races tend to lump them together as “the furry ones,” the beastkin themselves see sharp divisions within.
Lions, tigers, bears, cows, dogs, cats, rabbits, and more — many different tribes exist within Animers, making it truly a melting pot of races.
But with that diversity comes constant incidents and problems.
Beastkin not only have different instincts like animals, but also vastly different cultures.
When they lived scattered around the world in tribal communities, it wasn’t a problem.
But ever since the founding of Animers, conflicts have erupted.
It’s common, for example, for a rough tiger beastkin to intimidate a timid rabbit beastkin.
A bear beastkin, deeply valuing family, once tore a mischievous monkey beastkin to pieces for crossing a line.
Other examples include cat beastkin, who have a strong sense of territoriality, fighting with others, or ox beastkin being insulted by being told to “just pull a plow.”
Since Animers’ founding, countless incidents have turned into serious social issues.
“Do you really think that ‘vote’ could unite us? There are so many different peoples here,” said Anuman, a tiger beastkin, pointing out the problems of Animers and the limitations of democracy.
With other races, only cultural and ideological differences might exist.
But for beastkin, their very “nature” deeply influences their way of life.
Even though 300 years have passed since King Hik founded Animers and assimilation policies were put in place, these problems persist.
After Hik’s death, the Lions family barely managed to hold the nation together — but now, even that pillar has been uprooted.
Given how strong the individual personalities of beastkin are, if the country had truly split, Animers wouldn’t have survived.
“Well, you have a point. Even though we now have some understanding of each other’s cultures, these problems will exist as long as Animers exists,” Jinai surprisingly agreed readily.
After all, even she couldn’t help but think, “Why the hell is that idiot acting like that?” sometimes.
“But you know what? People’s thinking is simpler than you’d expect,” she continued.
“What do you mean by that?” Anuman asked.
“The tribal chiefs who agreed with you, and the ones who agreed with Chief Kanu — though it’s a bit extreme — split about evenly, didn’t they?”
“…”
As Jinai continued, Anuman narrowed his eyes and looked at her, his face slightly twisting, but willing to listen.
Then, Jinai turned her gaze from Anuman to Kanu and spoke in her characteristic sly tone.
“This time, I’ll ask Chief Kanu. Even within your tribe, aren’t there people who agree with Anuman’s ideas?”
“…There are many,” Kanu admitted.
“Then I’ll ask the other chiefs too. Between those who agree with Anuman and those who agree with Kanu — do you know which side has more supporters?”
Jinai asked the chiefs seated at the table, but all of them hesitated.
It was only natural — they were here because they were tribal chiefs, after all.
And unless you’re Holmgang (trial by combat), chieftainship is mostly inherited through bloodline.
You could investigate to find out which opinions are more common within each tribe, but reality is often determined by who has the loudest voice, making even that difficult.
“See? You have no idea. You don’t even properly know what your people want, yet you talk about fighting or safety without thinking.”
“…”
“If democracy takes hold, there’s a high chance that Anuman’s militant faction and Kanu’s safety-first faction will naturally split.”
Like the unbreakable rivalry between conservatives and progressives in a democracy — ideologies that, short of a war, never fully unite.
Despite being from the past, Jinai saw the future clearly.
If Isaac were here, he would have praised her, saying she should remain Grand Chief for life.
But Jinai only wanted to step down from her position as Grand Chief as soon as possible — even if just a year earlier.
The best way was to establish democracy and then naturally resign.
“Now, Anuman, let me ask you this. In your mind, ‘struggle’ means fighting with the body, right?”
“…That’s right.”
“Then is fighting with the mind — using wisdom instead of force — also a form of struggle?”
“While underhanded, that can also be called a struggle. Complaining about getting caught in a trap is just the excuse of a fool.”
“And you prefer the former?”
Anuman silently nodded.
He wasn’t against struggle itself — he simply didn’t like the idea of giving everyone an equal vote.
It didn’t matter whether the fight was through strength or wisdom — what mattered was proving oneself.
Even if the ideology was simple and brutish, it was fitting for beastkin, especially one known as a “general.”
You couldn’t just hand voting rights to lazy fools!
If you wanted it, you had to fight for it!
If a weak beastkin said the same thing, he would’ve been mocked as a chicken hawk — a coward pretending to be tough.
But Anuman had proven his worth.
The fact that many chiefs supported his ideas spoke for itself.
“I understand. But Anuman — what would you do if someone objected to your method? Someone who fought with wisdom rather than brute strength?”
“If that person defeated me, I would accept it. Otherwise, they’re just a coward with words.”
“And what if that person suggested a vote? Since voting is another form of fighting with wisdom.”
“…What exactly are you trying to say?”
Anuman wasn’t stupid.
Sensing that Jinai was leading him somewhere with her words, he growled, baring his teeth.
Jinai, smiling as if she had finally caught him, patiently continued explaining:
“There are limits to struggles based on brute strength alone. Especially when naturally strong tribes like lions, tigers, and bears dominate, the others will inevitably resent it.”
“…”
“But if someone who rises to the top through struggle ends up ruling tyrannically, support will naturally erode.
On the other hand, if you rose to the top but ran things poorly, people would also doubt you.
Even if you become chief, you must continue proving yourself — just like you are doing now.”
“Ahem.”
At the unexpected praise, Anuman awkwardly cleared his throat. He knew it was flattery, but praise was still praise.
More importantly, it wasn’t just flattery. In reality, Anuman had indeed secured various benefits for his tribe through his struggles.
After realizing that Anuman’s heart was leaning toward democracy, Jinai turned her attention to Kanu this time.
“The same goes for you, Chief Kanu. What you mean by ‘safety’ differs from person to person. Are you talking about safety from discrimination caused by cultural differences, external threats, or some other form of safety?”
“…I hadn’t considered that far.”
“That’s natural. Elections need to be complicated. You can’t satisfy everyone, but you have to satisfy at least 51%.
And even within that 51%, not everyone thinks the same way.
All this complexity will tangle like roots and, eventually, strengthen our foundation like a giant tree.”
Her explanation, oddly persuasive, had the chiefs listening attentively. Even Vulcan looked as if he was absorbed by her words.
Just as most of the chiefs were beginning to warm to the idea of democracy, Anuman, still dissatisfied, discreetly raised his hand.
Unlike before, he was now formally requesting to speak, surprising even Jinai a little. Still, a request was a request.
She pointed at Anuman, granting him the floor. Instantly, all the chiefs turned their attention toward him.
“I still don’t like this democracy thing, but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. However, each tribe has its own culture and laws—how will that be handled?”
“The state will establish a broad framework. Things like murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud — basically, laws to prevent individuals from exploiting others at will.”
“If the state sets the broad framework, then the rest…?”
“The details will be handled by each tribe within its own territory. We’ll need to have discussions over time to refine that.
Also, we’ll create a force to keep the chiefs in check so that no chief can arbitrarily change the laws.
In other words, even if a chief desires conflict, if the supervising force wants safety, it will be hard for the chief to act on his own.”
“That sounds disgustingly complicated.”
Just hearing about the system made Anuman click his tongue in frustration. But at the same time, he was amazed.
What on earth was inside this hyena’s head to come up with such ideas?
Though she became the Grand Chief through unconventional means, he had no choice but to acknowledge her.
Otherwise, he himself would have become Grand Chief instead of Jinai. Jinai was an annoyingly capable person.
“I’ve always said that it’s this complexity that will make Animers stronger. And this next part is a system you’ll probably like the most, Anuman.”
“What is it?”
“The system prohibiting challenges for Holmgang against the Grand Chief — I’m planning to abolish it.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
At Jinai’s bombshell, not only Anuman but also Vulcan reacted even more strongly.
They had implemented that restriction long ago, and now she was suddenly saying it would be removed. No one could make sense of it.
The other chiefs were similarly stunned. If challenges were allowed, the whole complex system of democracy might become meaningless.
“Not just the Grand Chief, but tribal chiefs and the heads of the supervising forces will also be open to Holmgang challenges. But — there’s a condition.”
“A condition…?”
“The target’s reputation must have hit rock bottom. Just imagine it — suppose I misuse public funds for luxury. What would you all think?”
“I’d want to tear your throat out.”
As expected of Anuman — he spoke without hesitation even with the Grand Chief right in front of him.
The more bitter thing was that even the gentle Chief Kanu was nodding along.
But Jinai continued without concern.
“See? But then what if you’re not allowed to challenge the Grand Chief? How frustrating would that be?
We should discuss the details carefully, but it’s definitely happening. In a way, it’s about granting ‘legitimacy.’”
“That’s refreshing to hear. But what if the tyrant wins the Holmgang?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just the fact that a Holmgang took place would shatter the tyrant’s honor.
Who would listen to the words of a dishonored leader?”
“Hoo…”
Now genuinely intrigued, Anuman stroked his chin. Other chiefs also showed growing interest in this unique Holmgang system.
“Unless you’re thick-skinned like me, losing like that would practically turn you into a figurehead.
The Grand Chief and the tribal chiefs would check and balance each other — or support each other — depending on the situation. They’d be like rubber stamps.”
“Interesting. Even if you lose the Holmgang, you gain honor…”
“It seems like a really good method. However, if…”
The seeds of beastfolk democracy were slowly beginning to sprout.
“Now, if democracy passes, then I…”
“For now, we’ll just have you stay in your seat. That’s for the best.”
“I agree. It’s better if Jinai remains as Grand Chief.”
“The hell? Wait a minute. Why me again?”
Jinai’s plans for retirement were, once again, dashed.
Democracy wasn’t introduced immediately, but positive reviews were being made through a series of compromises.
At this rate, it would only be a matter of time before democracy was officially adopted —
It could become a tremendous force to unite the beastfolk, who were once considered impossible to unify.
★★★
“Do you really think it’ll be okay?”
But not everyone was purely optimistic. Democracy might be better than other systems, but it was far from perfect.
Inside the now-empty Grand Chief’s chamber, Vulcan, too, carried his own doubts. He threw a question at Jinai, who was still seated at the head of the table.
Jinai, despairing again over the fact that she would have to continue as Grand Chief, answered wearily.
“What?”
“Do you think democracy will really hold together?”
“It’ll be shaky within fifty years.”
She answered without even a moment’s hesitation, as if it wasn’t even worth considering.
Vulcan looked at her with a puzzled expression.
Seeing his face, Jinai let out a long sigh and pulled her hand away from covering her face.
“Look no further than Anuman. If there are beastfolk with even more extreme ideas than him, do you think democracy will survive?”
“…”
“People like Anuman could easily stage a rebellion, insisting that the nation should be built for the individual, and that everyone must fight.
Democracy, for them, would be nothing but shackles suppressing their struggle.”
Just as America struggles with gun control, Animers would face extreme difficulty regulating force.
Just as Americans carry guns for individual protection, beastfolk wield personal force for the same reason.
But just like guns can be used for crimes, beastfolk can use their strength for criminal acts too.
Add to that discrimination and conflict between different tribes, and diplomatic friction with neighboring nations.
In many ways, Animers was following a similar path to America — except that the personal strength of individuals was even greater than the power of guns.
“Animers is a country that was formed by scattered beastfolk coming together. Unlike other races, we didn’t start with a collective group.
Even when Hik officially founded the nation, individuals still needed the means to protect themselves.
And that means was force.”
“…”
“It would be great if we could stop it, but realistically, it’s difficult. Eventually, a civil war will break out.
That war will determine Animers’ fate — whether we fall into lawlessness or unite even stronger through a democracy built on blood.”
She then looked at Vulcan with a complicated gaze. Vulcan silently met her eyes.
“You want to protect Animers, don’t you?”
“Our ancestors sacrificed themselves to build this country.”
“Then protect it. Crush even those who cry for constant struggle. Fight to protect this damn country. Understand?”
There was so much packed into those words that Vulcan let out a soft chuckle.
He then stood up from his seat and slowly bowed.
“As you command.”
At Vulcan’s respectful reply,
“Ugh. It’s still so awkward.”
Jinai shuddered as if a chill had run down her spine.
★★★★★
