Ethan approached Justin with a startled expression and asked again.
Justin shrugged lightly and said, "Even if the system doesn't officially allow it, there's always a way to manipulate it. After all, the leader can decide whether to make the enemy settlers slaves or accept them as new settlers."
If they could make that decision about settlers, there was no way they wouldn't have a choice over the pioneers. Pioneers were far more valuable human resources compared to settlers, so recruiting them, if possible, was beneficial.
"Of course, there's always the risk that the enemy might break their promise, and even if they accept you, you might just be treated as an outsider. But if surrendering seems like the better option after considering all that, then it's a different story."
In the worst case, the one acting like a king could be torn apart alone, while the rest would be peacefully absorbed.
