"Humans, as a species, are basically brainless. Because they are led by a foolish leader chosen from among fools, the nation can never unify, leading to wars that cause hunger among the people. That's why people like me must gain power and glory."
[What you hear is the boastful talk of some fool]
[Surrounded by a sea painted by dusk]
[A huge ship is docked at the pier, so luxurious that it seems impossible to have been built in ancient times]
[You know this is the Argo]
[A golden-haired man is facing another towering, muscular man, creating a stark contrast]
[If the former belongs to the category of ordinary people, then the latter is clearly a terrifying beast like a T-Rex, merely clad in a guise resembling a human]
[It's hard to imagine why that fool dares to speak so freely to the towering man]
"Well, Persephone, that guy is a big fool; you shouldn't get too close to him. Foolishness is contagious."
Persephone showed a puzzled expression.
But Moran wore a faint smile and said no more.
Because the fact that the man was a fool needed no explanation; it was clear just by looking.
Originally an outsider, Moran seamlessly blended into the atmosphere radiating from the Argo as he brought Persephone into the docking area of the ship.
Currently, there were quite a few people on the ship.
No one noticed this strange detail; they subconsciously regarded Moran as a natural part of it.
Just like he was meant to be on this ship.
Many people thought this way.
"Those who fear you are all hopeless fools as well. It's just that the stupid cannot understand you, this monster.
Because they cannot comprehend yet intend to use you, they fear you while praising you as a hero; they are nothing but a bunch of lowly people. They are no different from foolish creatures that are not even as good as the man-eating wolves."
[The golden-haired man said while he patted the towering man's arm]
[Since the latter was nearly three meters tall, the golden-haired man could only reach his arm, making the scene somewhat comical]
[The reactions of the crew on the ship varied]
[Some brightened their eyes and nodded frequently at him, while others smiled wryly and shook their heads, each with their own response]
[Persephone's gaze revealed suspicion]
[Combining what you said about the golden-haired man being a fool, she seemed to realize the man's suspicious nature]
"Moran, why do you say he's a fool?"
"Ha, of course, it's because he's clearly weaker than anyone on this ship, yet still clings to such unrealistic fantasies; everyone is led by this fool's sweet words..."
Moran's gaze revealed nostalgia.
This was somewhat difficult to explain, but he believed Persephone would soon understand—
"...I want to create the best nation! Implement an education system for all citizens. Not only do I want to establish a school more impressive than that stable, but I will also lend my knowledge to the ten thousand citizens below.
So that everyone can read and write, and not be deceived by malicious merchants.
Ah, even so, I probably won't reach the level of wisdom I possess~ so those shortcomings can only be compensated by me."
[The golden-haired man boasted while flipping his hair]
[While speaking of his grand ambitions]
[He exuded an atmosphere that suggested he was not so much intoxicated by his own words but rather treated his statements as the only truth, describing something that seemed extremely obvious]
"Nothing much, after all, to become a king, I've long been prepared for this level of labor. As long as everyone listens to me and does as I say, I will reward you with corresponding compensation and a prosperous nation—there will be no country where anyone feels uneasy!
In that nation... listen well, in that nation, there will not be a single person who fears you!"
[What a familiar and well-known phrase]
[Once, you heard this in Charon's classroom, and now you hear this arrogant rhetoric again]
[The man's imagined nation was wrapped in honey]
[For everyone on this ship, they all knew this was merely the speech of a fool, with very little feasibility]
[Originally, it could only be regarded as a joke]
[However, for some reason, there was a kind of magic in the golden-haired man's incredibly confident expression]
[It seems to say, it really can be done just like that]
[This fool might have even deceived himself, which is why he believes in this fantasy so unwaveringly]
[Such a fool has moved them]
"Because I will make everyone understand, you are both my subordinates and friends, all belong to me."
[The blond man opened his arms with a cheerful smile]
[As if he were about to embrace the world]
"Ha ha... Jason... as a human... you really are always so interesting..."
"Of course! I am the king of the future!
Before I achieve this ideal, Heracles, you must protect me well!"
[The man, as mighty as a monster, showed a faint smile, while the arrogant blond man laughed proudly]
[Watching this scene]
[Persephone also smiled]
[She knew more or less why he would say that; the man named Jason indeed had a special charm]
[Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many heroes on the ship]
[This man is not unqualified as a captain]
"Hey! Are you all attracted by my speech? Look, this is the famous Heracles, even he has decided to become my personal bodyguard!
Hmm, I see, you seem to be quite something too! Hahaha, I still have a few spots available on my ship!"
Jason turned his gaze towards Moran.
He stroked his chin, showing a very interested expression: "How about it, why don't you try setting sail with me? It's strange, I feel like I've seen you somewhere before... never mind, it's no problem!"