Episode 156: “The Beastman Nation of Zuberu and Slavery”
“So, do you have any knowledge about the Beastkin nation, Zuberu?,” Emma inquired.
“Hmm, honestly, not much. I’d appreciate it if you could fill me in on the details,” I replied.
“Of course,” Emma said, and with a slightly nervous expression, began explaining about the Beastkin nation, Zuberu.
Zuberu was a tribal nation made up of eleven different tribes, including cat, dog, fox, bird, cow, rabbit, bear, monkey, horse, tanuki, and rat tribes. Each tribe had its own tribal leader who governed their territory, and at the heart of each territory was a royal capital. However, only the representative of the tribe that had won the “Beast King Tournament,” held every few years, could rule as the “Beast King.” The principle was “the strong lead the nation,” and Zuberu was a place where the law of the jungle seemed to apply, based on rule through strength.
“So, essentially, they have a rule of strength where the ‘Beast King’ can change through force every few years? Doesn’t that make the nation quite unstable?” I asked, concerned about the implications.
In response to my question, Emma’s expression clouded with disappointment. “Yes, as you say, Lord Rid. When a ‘Beast King’ is determined solely through strength, there can be instances of oppressive rule. In such cases, we’ve heard that the various tribes cooperate to overthrow the ‘Beast King.’ In fact, there have been ‘Beast Kings’ in the past who met such fates.”
Emma’s explanation made a shiver run down my spine. Selecting a “Beast King” based solely on physical strength didn’t guarantee they would have the qualities required to govern a nation. If the chosen “Beast King” lacked the necessary leadership and governance skills, it could lead to rebellions, essentially turning the nation into a breeding ground for coups.
I furrowed my brows in thought. “Hmm, in that case, depending on the circumstances, the individual tribes might hold more power and influence than the ‘Beast King’ himself.”
“Yes, in Zuberu, the ‘Beast King’ is considered the nation’s representative, and they do have the authority to issue orders to the various tribes. However, the tribes aren’t necessarily obligated to follow those orders. If a ‘Beast King’ proves to be inept and relies solely on force, the tribes might not follow, leading to their eventual downfall,” Emma explained further.
To summarize her explanation, in the nation of Zuberu, they select the most skilled individual in terms of combat abilities from the eleven tribes to be their representative, known as the “Beast King.” However, if this “Beast King” proves to be inept, they can be replaced through force. While the tribes generally understand this process and would likely not select someone wholly inept in the first place, there is still an element of competition and potential instability in the nation’s leadership.
Emma, maintaining her tense demeanor, continued her explanation regarding the “Beast King.” “Nevertheless, each tribe strives to have their representative become the ‘Beast King.’ As long as the orders from the ‘Beast King’ do not lead to a tribe’s decline or involve impossible demands, the tribes generally follow these instructions. The privileges obtained by the tribe with a ‘Beast King’ are substantial, provided they do not make grave mistakes.”
“So, in essence, if they can provide a capable leader as the ‘Beast King,’ there are significant benefits,” I confirmed, seeking Emma’s agreement.
“Exactly,” Emma nodded in agreement. “That’s why each tribe tends to favor and promote individuals with strength and talent. As a result, those born with physical weaknesses or who are not adept at combat often face difficult circumstances. Many of them end up as slaves, sent out of the beastmen nation to foreign lands.”
Emma finished speaking and appeared somewhat pained. Beside her, Chris, who had been sitting quietly, sent a concerned glance her way before looking at me.
“Lord Rid, according to the information we received through our contacts in Barst, most of the slaves being sold this time are children around the age of 6 to 7. It appears that at least ten individuals or more are coming from each of the beastmen tribes.”
I was taken aback by Chris’s words. It was understandable how a large number could be amassed if each of the eleven tribes contributed ten or more individuals. However, the fact that the majority of them were around 6 to 7 years old was troubling. It meant that most of them were children close to my age. Perplexed, I asked a question.
“I understand the reason behind the quantity, but why are there so many young children? There seems to be a reason behind it… Could you explain why?”
“…That’s related to the issue of the beastmen’s ‘survival of the fittest’ system I mentioned earlier.” Emma, who had been looking down until now, raised her head in response to my question and proceeded to explain.
In the beastmen tribes, everyone seeks to produce a “Beast King,” and those recognized as possessing “strength and talent” are highly regarded. However, conversely, individuals deemed to lack “strength and talent” face severe difficulties in their daily lives. Children born in such circumstances or those labeled as lacking strength often find it challenging to get by.
As a result, they might end up as slaves as a way to reduce the burden on their tribes. Inside the beastmen nation, there are situations where becoming a slave is the only viable option for those facing severe hardships. Emma concluded her explanation and muttered, “I, too, was considered one of the ‘lacking strength’ individuals, making it difficult for me to survive in that country.”
