Hold over Myriad of Worlds

-"How did you become so cute?"

~"I'll explain later. Do you know if rest is busy?"

-"Nobunaga is taking care of Kioto. After your disappearance, she was able to capture the city. Now, that organization is trying to enter a negotiation but was rejected until your well-being could be confirmed."

~"Good that nothing bad had happened."

-"Something did, you were missing. Don't disappear like that, my best friend."

~"Don't worry. I won't let anything like that happen again, ever."

-"None of us will. Now that you returned I'll call everybody."

~"Let's go into Hold. Felis, thank you for the trip around the city."

-"I... Yes... Sorry..."

~"Don't worry, I'm grateful for showing me how people here live. Remember to take me on a similar trip if we have time in the future."

-"I will!"

I jumped from Felis's head onto Elysia's shoulder, wrapping my tails around her neck to keep myself stable. She was surprised by it but quickly smiled and pushed her cheek against my fur.

We walked toward the plaza before the Hold. Elysia explained to me what had happened the past month. It mostly concerned Inazuma, as Elysia helped there in most of her free time.

Ei left ruling over the land to the shogun puppet. To assist her, prominent families created a council of advisors. Ei herself joined Hold as general under Domination.

Additionally, Yae took Kokomi and joined Duty. They decided to open shrines in Hold in honor of Principles. Astraea instructed them not to deify us five but Principles themselves.

Gorou followed after his lady and also joined Hold, but rather than Duty, he chose Hope. Kamisato siblings joined Avarice after Ningguang invited them.

By the time Elysia finished telling me about her adventures on an island covered by mist, we passed through a wall gate and entered the plaza. There were already some people gathered there, and seeing Elysia, they started approaching.

I jumped from the shoulder I was sitting on and returned to my human form. This surprised everybody who was rushing here, but they did not stop.

-"I'm back. Sorry for worrying everyone."

-"Yue, thank all gods there are you are safe."-Nobunaga was first to reach me, and after having a sigh of relief, she threw a punch at my stomach.-"You bastard. Next time, if you leave like that, I'll seek you even in hell."

-"I'll do everything to prevent that."

-"Then explain what happened to you. Fu Xuan told us about turning back time, punishment, and things like that, but we lack details."

-"Ok, let us sit somewhere before I start."

We moved to the reception room in Hold. Other than Nobunaga and Elysia, listening to my story were Astraea, Loki, Ningguang, Tingyun, Jingliu, and Sakura. I briefly explained what had happened in the Chaos and about my Hunt.

-"Wait, wait, wait! You joined hands with Destruction and Hunt and killed Abundance!?!"-Tingyun's shock was so great that she rushed to my side and started shaking my shoulders.

-"You can say so. Yaoshi is no more. As for the path of Abundance, it still exists."

-"Plague Author is dead. Finally..."-Tingyun hugged me and started sobbing.

No person on Loufu hadn't lost someone to Mara or abominations of Abundance. The entire Hexafleet of Alliance existed to prevent a repeat of their history, hunting those who accepted the blessing of Yaoshi. Now, their mission was finally completed.

After calming Tingyun down, she left my embrace with a red face and sat by my side.

-"Returning to the subject. Are you in any more danger? Some kind of side effect?"

-"No, there is nothing like that. I'm in no more danger of becoming something I don't want."

-"Good to hear that. A month without you was stressful to a surprising degree."

-"I agree with Ningguang. We get used to having someone powerful enough to give us absolute backing."

-"Arent we all necessary for Hold to work? I'm simply doing my part."

-"That is true, but people in the city, soldiers in the army, and even many members under Principles consider you a leader of Hold."-Loki spoke, looking at me.-"The idea of you being god or Aeon is popular enough that in many places around the city, we found small shrines with foxes inside."

-"This belief became even stronger after you revived Fu Xuan. Soldiers pray to you before the battles. Privately, some call you Emperor, even consider four of us your harem."-Nobunaga continued after Loki

-"Such voices are heard not only in Hold. In Inazuma, your act of teleporting people to help those in need spread to the point that the shogun enshrined you next to Ei as one of the main gods."-This time, Ningguang spoke.-"People Sumeru consider you the partner of Aranyani, the guardian god of time. Even in Liyue, your deeds spread."

-"Then we should stop those rumors from spreading. Explaining that every Principle is equal. Also, that slander may damage your reputation."

-"Even if we wanted to do so, it won't be successful. Don't underestimate the strength of gossip."-Astraea spoke softly.-"Even to us gods, being associated with evil divinity often leads to ostracism. Trying to fight those rumors may backfire and divide Hold internally."

-"What do you plan to do? I believe that leaving the state of things as it is right now won't be good in the long run."

-"During your absence, we consulted with all people holding positions in Hold and created three plans for future development. As Loki, along with Zhongli, Aranyani, and Riveria, were authors of those plans, let her explain."-Ningguang spoke, turning her head to Loki

-"In essence, the main focus of Hold is expansion, be it of its influence or strength. The situation in Nobunaga's world shows that, right now, we are unprepared and inefficient, as such, we have to change how things operate."

Loki stood up and took out three documents from nearby. Placing them before me, she continued the explanation.

-"Three plans that Ninggunag spoke of are directions for Hold future. Those are Theocracy, Monarchy, or Confederation."

Loki pointed to the first paper on the table.

-"Theocracy involves turning Hold into something akin to the pantheon, where every member is a higher being, and five of Principles are supremes, far over mortal people."

I turned my head to the second document.

-"Turning Hold into Monarchy would require making you King or Emperor. The rest of us would be ministers, but in the eyes of the masses, you are one leading Hold. Future achievements and failures will be on you."

Loki then shifted our attention to the last paper.

-"Confederation would give worlds under Hold's influence more autonomy. The Hold would become the overseer of them, joining other worlds and granting protection and technology for resources."

-"Why only those three?"

-"While there are more possible ways, those are best in the current situation. Each has some advantages and drawbacks, but before I continue the explanation, I want to hear your first thoughts."

-"While emotionally I want to choose Confederation, as I don't like placing myself over others, I know that there are too many disadvantages to hold in that plan. Theocracy is preferable to Monarchy, as I don't want to become king. This way, all five of us would have the same position."

-"You answered as we thought you would. Let's start by focusing on Confederation. As you stated, the drawbacks of becoming one are glaring. We would lose much of our central power and be unable to control what is going on in the worlds. The benefit is easier diplomacy with new worlds."

-"Flaws are too much, and that would not create a foundation for the future. I'm opposed to that idea, as it would lead to politicization of Hold."

-"Yes, that's why most of us rejected that idea. Theocracy is next. Its advantages are obvious, as power would be left in our hands, and it would be easier to rule people under our influence with a divine mandate."

-"I was thinking along the same lines, but downsides also are there. Most of the people in Hold would have to advance their strength to match the title of a higher being. It would also make recruiting in the future harder."

-"Yes, but the greatest drawback is blocking of diplomacy. Calling ourselves gods would make other belief systems outright hostile. Add to that placing ourselves over mortals, and it will be hard to make any negotiations come to fruition. Calling it a way of total war is not that inappropriate."

Thinking about it more, I understood the point Loki was making. This disadvantage makes this course even worse than Confederation.

-"Last is Monarchy, which can also be called moderate Theocracy. 

Keeping all the power in Hold without elevation of its status over everything. It keeps the best of both worlds while minimalizing drawbacks."

-"Indeed, from Hold's point of view, it's best, but what I'm afraid is alienating people. Forcibly putting ranks and statuses on people crates divisions and invites politicization. Not to even mention that I don't have any interest in ruling. I lack the qualities of a leader. This would also create a difference in rank between Principles, which I totally against."

-"It is indeed best for Hold overall, but you will be burdened with almost full responsibility. Another downside you hadn't mentioned is creating bureaucracy. As a Monarchy, you must have rites to show prestige and many protocols for different occasions."

-"I understand the situation and plans you mentioned. Tell me what next."-I looked at Loki, who sat down again after the explanation.

-"This time, it's my turn to do the talking."-Tingyun stood up while talking.-"I gathered opinions from people, the army, and members of Hold. I asked three questions to the first two groups. What is your opinion of Hold? How do you want to be treated by it? What would you change in its structure?"

Tingyun gave me the form she just described.

-"Answers to the first questions fall into three categories, Hold as savior, Hold as country, Hold as opportunity. Almost all opinions were positive."

She took out some of the example answers.

-"The second question surprisingly had only two types of answers. To be treated as a member or as a resident. I have not found any answer that didn't fall into those two categories. The last question was to test understanding of the structure we have, and answers here were mostly Principles led by Yue."

-"So we have high approval."

-"Indeed, but even more than that. The army was given two more questions. What is Hold's greatest weakness? What is your source of belief in Hold?"

Tingyun took a new forum and passed it to me.

-"Weaknesses that were mentioned mostly concerned military matters, 

but the most repeating one was lack of target and structure. The answers to the last question were almost identical. You are the source of belief in Hold."

I was expecting this answer after hearing everything before, but it surprised me that it was unanimous. Looking over some forms filled by people, I saw what their thoughts were.

-"Members of Hold were given an overview of three plans and were asked for their opinions and to vote for the development of their choice. After counting the votes of 61 members, the results were: 6 for Confederation, 21 for Theocracy, and 33 for Monarchy."

-"Over half for Monarchy, sigh..."

-"Yes, and the last thing to mention was the decision of Principles."-Tingyun stopped speaking and looked at Ningguang, who was nearest her.

-"I vote for Monarchy."

Next was Astraea.

-"While I don't want to burden you with that, I still believe that Monarchy is the best way forward."

I was sitting next, but before I could speak, Elysia answered.

-"I think that Yue is the right person to lead."

Nobunaga spoke last

-"Monarchy."

I leaned, resting my back on the sofa. Silence gave me time to collect my mind. Slowly opening my mouth, I started speaking.

-"From the beginning, we agreed to decide on matters by vote. The majority has spoken, and I will not oppose it."-I stood up and walked outside.

To clear my mind, I left the Hold and traveled to Orario. To not have any gods pestering me, I took the form of a fox again. Using slight illusion to reduce my presence, I was able to easily move around the city.

While walking, I heard of a rare event happening in the nearby port city of Melen. Deciding to take a look, I teleported to the port, where a giant ship was docked.

People around called it the School District, a place where the brightest of this world gather. I entered the crowd that was before the bridge that led on board, listening to talks of people around me to learn some details.

-"It's your stop, Lefiya. I'll miss you."

-"Me to Alisa, I hope that you will be well."

-"No need to worry about me. You are the one leaving the School. I'm worried that something will happen to you. What if you are not accepted here?"

-"I already have an invitation from her hinges, Riveria. She is about to arrive. Remember to be polite."

-"I know, I know."

Those two students attracted my attention, and hearing them mention Riveria, I decided to wait for her arrival. Soon, the crowd made way for two people, one elf and one teenage girl.

-"Lady Riveria, it's an honor to meet you."

-"You must be Lefiya. You already know me, but allow me to introduce my companion. This is Ais, a member of Loki familia."

Ais nodded her head as a greeting.

-"Welcome, Lord Baldr asked us to be your guide."

-"I see. Then please, lead the way."

~"Ehem, Riveria, would you mind taking me along?"~I spoke while sitting on the box next to them.

Surprised by the sudden voice, all four looked at me. Seeing only white fox, they started looking around. Only Riveria understood who I was and spoke to me.

-"I don't mind. In this form, you'll be treated as a pet or familiar."

~"Then I'll follow you as I'm interested in a school opened by the gods."

I hopped onto Ais's head.

~"I hope you don't mind me sitting here, little Ais."

She shook her head and stroked my tail that was on her shoulder.

-"I hope you two allow me to bring him along."

~"When I'm like that, just refer to me as Shiro."~I spoke to make talking to me easier.

-"Please don't worry, Lady Riveria. Familiars are not forbidden on board, and as Shiro can speak, there will be no problems."

-"Thank you."

Our group walked through the bridge. Inside, many buildings and parks created an image of an upscale organization. Students were all around, some talking, some rushing somewhere.

We entered the main building, passing next to classrooms, from time to time, we would hear lectures taking place in them. Stepping around the corner, we found ourselves next to the entrance to the training area.

-"Lord Baldr is inside currently teaching class. I hope you don't mind."

-"No. Let's take a look at the students."

We entered inside, where, in front of a blond man, eight students were casting various spells. He looked over and smiled slightly at our arrival.

-"I welcome you to the School District Riveria of Loki familia."

-"Pleasure is mine, Lord Baldr."

-"I hope you can give some pointers to my student."

-"Good."

Our two guides joined the rest of the students, now standing in a row waiting for instruction. Riveria moved forward and started speaking about her experience as a mage and advising on how to be part of a team.