How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 7: Chapter 4

When negotiations were finished, it was decided that a meeting would be held ten days from now, with the utmost secrecy, at the inn where we were staying in Noblebeppu.

The reasons for the secrecy were the issue of security and the fact that to hold open talks would require the approval of the Council of Chiefs. If we took our time, that permission would likely be given, but we didnt want to go to the trouble.

Regardless, a date was set, and Hakuya and Kuus father would hash out the rest of the details between themselves.

As for us, we had nothing in particular we needed to be doing until then, so we decided to explore the country as planned. Kuu had already volunteered himself as a guide, after all.

That was why, today, we had come to Moran, a fishing port near Noblebeppu.

The seven members of the group included me, Aisha, Juna, Roroa, Tomoe, Kuu, and Leporina.

Hal and Kaede said they would be at Tarus workshop, checking out a weapon for Hal to use, and they went off on their own.

Now that he was a dragon knight, Hal was the ace of the Defense Force. Because there was great meaning in Hal having a weapon that would let him exercise his valor to its fullest, I was happy to give him permission to break off from the group.

Wow... Tomoe cried out as she walked through the town of Morlan. Big Brother! Theres a really big person!

It was true. As we walked through the town, we would occasionally see extremely large people. They might have been over two meters tall.

In addition to a height that would cause their head to burst through the roofs of the average house, they all had a roly-poly physique, like they were heavyweight sumo wrestlers.

Anyway, even just walking around, they made a strong impression. It made me worry they might crush little Tomoe underfoot.

Seeing how startled we looked, Kuu laughed in amusement. Oookyakya! Its a surprise, seeing them for the first time, huh? Theyre members of the walrus race.

The walrus race, huh...

Now that he mentioned it, the large people who happened to be men had two tusks growing out of their mouths. With the women, I only ended up thinking, Their canines sure are long.

Members of the walrus race make their living in the fishing industry, said Kuu. Members of the snow bear race like Taru are good swimmers, too, but theyre no match for the walrus race. These are people who, when the waters frozen over in winter and they cant take the boats out, break through the ice to dive in and go fishing, after all.

Diving in the frozen sea?! That was incredible. Nobody had dry suits in this world, so it was amazing they didnt freeze to death...

Oh, wait, I get it. Thats why theyre built like that.

The blubber beneath their skin provided increased insulation, making them a race specialized for acting in frozen water. Was that a result of evolving to adapt to their environment, or did only races that were adapted to the environment manage to move forward? The question fascinated me.

When we followed Kuu over to the beach, we could see a group of walrus race people gathered around a fire.

Kuu walked over and called out to them. Hey, you guys! Having a cookout on the beach?

Oh! Young master, a man said. Yeah. We brought in a big haul of shellfish, shrimp, and the like today, so we were just saying how were gonna let loose and party all day.

On further inspection, there was a net laid over top of the walrus mens campfire, and a variety of shellfish were roasting on it. There were clam-like bivalves that had opened wide, and bubbles escaping from the valves of a spiral-shelled variety that resembled the turban shell. Combined with the scent of the sea, they looked incredibly delicious.

Looking at them, Kuu laughed happily. Oookyakya! Thats nice! Im actually showing some guests from abroad around right now. Well provide the booze, so let us join you.

The men cheered when they heard Kuus proposal.

Oh, you mean it?

All right! We can drink lots now!

Kuu turned back, pulled a pouch from his pocket, and tossed it to Leporina. It was apparently his wallet. Leporina! Get us a barrel of potato vodka with that.

Whaaaaaa?! Leporina blinked at Kuus order. A barrel...? Thats too much! Itll be too heavy for me to carry back by myself!

If its too heavy, roll it.

No faiiir...

Leporina was at the mercy of Kuus sudden ideas.

I felt bad seeing her run ragged by her boss, so I decided to offer a bit of help. Aisha. Sorry, but could you go with Leporina and carry the barrel for her?

I felt bad making someone else do it, but Aisha could probably lift a barrel or two with ease.

She pounded her breastplate proudly. Leave it to me. Now, lets go, Madam Leporina.

Whuh?!

Aisha dragged off the still-dumbfounded Leporina.

Watching them go, Kuu chuckled. Yeah, Im sure that dark elf girl can heft a barrel of liquor or two without any trouble.

You can tell? I asked.

Well, yeah. I think even I could put up a good fight against your red-haired buddy, but... that girl feels like shes in a different dimension. Kuu spun his arm around in circles. At the very least, thats not a level of power an ordinary adventurer has. Is she a military commander in the kingdom, or something?

...No comment.

I want her as a vassal myself...

You cant have her.

Oookyakya! Oh, yeah?

While we were talking, the shells kept roasting. Then one of the walrus fishermen took something that was a milky white color out of a jar and put it on the seashells.

Whats that? I asked.

Butter made from the same yak milk we use to make fermented milk, the man said. When we eat seafood around here, we pour alcohol over it as it cooks, then put this stuff on top when its done.

That made sense. Butter, huh. Like with butter-fried scallops or short-necked clams. Shellfish and butter were a good match.

The fisherman went on to chop up some shellfish that were probably scallops with butter on them. He offered them to Kuu and me. Go ahead, young master.

You visitors, too, another man said. Dont hold back. Eat your fill.

Sure thing! Kuu cried.

Thank you, I added.

We thanked the fishermen and accepted them. Immediately, the scent of the sea and the aroma of butter tickled my nostrils.

Oh, I dont know how to describe it... It was a very nostalgic experience. It reminded me of the whelk skewers they sold at little stalls at festivals. Id never thought I wanted to eat them regularly, but when I passed by those stalls and smelled that aroma, I couldnt help but stop. That was the feeling I was getting now.

I used the fork I was given to eat them. Yeah, these were butter scallops. The taste of both the butter and the scallops were intact, and these were the best butter scallops I had ever had.

I let out an unintended groan of appreciation. Theyre good...

I know, right? Kuu happily agreed. Frying them up on the beach and then eating them with butter is a proud part of our food culture.

I see.

Food culture, huh? Well, I wasnt going to let him outdo me.

I called out to Roroa, who was watching with great interest as one of the fishermen stabbed a metal skewer into a spiral shell, twisting it to extract the meat and organs.

Hey, Roroa!

Hm? Whatcha need? Roroa trotted on over.

Do you have that on you now? You know, the thing you put in a metal container and brought from back home?

Ohh, I think thats in the luggage I brought with me. Roroa rummaged through the bag of traveling equipment she had brought with her from the carriage. Producing a metal container about the size of a lunchbox, she inquired, This it? and offered it to me.

Kuu looked at it with curiosity. Oookya? Whats that box?

It contains a seasoning we brought with us from our country.

When I opened the metal container, it was filled with a thick, yellowish-brown colored paste.

Seasoning?

Yeah. Its called miso.

The container held the miso Id had the mystic wolves back home make.

Like how Japanese people want to bring instant ramen or miso soup with them when they go abroad, I had brought miso and konbu for producing broth on this trip. With some water and whatever vegetables were on hand, I could make miso soup anywhere this way. If I had meat, I could add that in, too.

That being the case, I scooped up a spoonful of miso and put a small amount of it on my butter scallops. The butter scallops had now evolved into miso and butter scallops.

I stirred them up a bit, then offered them to Kuu. Give me the benefit of the doubt and try them, okay?

...S-Sure.

Kuu dubiously picked up one of the scallop chunks, throwing it into his mouth. In the next moment, Kuus eyes opened in shock. What is this?! The flavors super complex now! No, its delicious! Its delicious, but I cant help but want booze with it!

Heh heh heh, I grinned. Hows that? What do you think of my countrys food culture?

I said it confidently, and after a moment of being taken aback, Kuu let out an amused laugh.

Oookyakya! I see! You were feeling competitive because I mentioned food culture earlier! Youve got me this time!

Id say I only evened the score, I said. I think frying them on the beach is a good culture to have.

Oookyakya! No doubt about that! Ohh, whens the booze gonna hurry up and get here?

While we were talking, Leporina and Aisha came back. Leporina was carrying a small barrel, and Aisha was shouldering two large ones.

After that, Hal, Kaede, and Taru rejoined us, and we had a big party on the beach.

The potato vodka Kuu provided was apparently strong stuff, and by the time the sun set, everyone was too excited. Some started to let a little too loose.

The walrus men started dancing and chanting what was either an off-beat song or a cheer, I couldnt tell which. The way they contorted and wriggled it was almost like they were belly dancers.

Hows a walrus man dance under the sea?

Oh! He dances wobble-wobble-wobblingly!

Elsewhere, a no-doubt-drunken Hal was performing some sort of fire dance with two pieces of wood wreathed in flames.

All right! Im all fired up! he cried.

An equally drunk Kaede was cackling and rolling around as she watched him.

Thats great, you know! Hal!

Meanwhile, a drunk Kuu had a happy Tomoe riding on his shoulders.

Oookyakya! Cmere.

Ahahaha! Im so high up!

From the high spirits she was in, Tomoe might have been drunk, too. Naturally, I hadnt let her have a sip of alcohol, but maybe shed gotten drunk off the smell, or the alcohol used on the shellfish hadnt fully evaporated. Whatever the case, Id failed in my role as her guardian. If Liscia heard about this, I was in for a lecture.

Next to them, possibly incited by Kuu, a drunk Aisha had Juna riding on her shoulders.

Ha ha ha! What a jolly time were having, Madam Juna!

H-Hold on, Aisha! Put me down, please!

Juna didnt seem all that inebriated, but her face was flushed red from embarrassment at all the attention she was getting.

I helped myself to another drink and just sort of watched as the chaos gradually unfolded on the beach.

Mweheheh, darlin. Roroa draped herself over me from behind. Resting her chin on my shoulder, she rubbed her cheek against me. It was a cute, cat-like gesture, but she smelled a little of alcohol. You drinkin like you should, darlin?

Im drinking, yes, I said. But you, Roroa... you sure you havent had one too many?

Mweheheh. She had a glass in one hand and a shell in the other. They were both already empty, so the fact that she wasnt about to let either of them go was proof that she was already pretty drunk.

Hey, Roroa... I began.

Zzz...

Wait, that was fast! We were in the middle of talking!

Roroa was snoring softly with her chin resting on my shoulder.

There was a little drool coming out of her mouth, but... I decided to pretend I didnt see it. With no other choice, I got her down off my shoulder, and let her borrow my crossed legs as a pillow.

Purr...

...

Honestly... She looked so happy, sleeping. While patting Roroas head, I looked over to the stupid ruckus Kuu and the others were still kicking up. They were drinking, eating, and partying together.

Having shared that fun time together, a certain thing began to take root in me.

I reflected on that silently.

Then, in order to wipe it away, I downed the glass I was holding. I did not, at this time, realize there were eyes looking at me with concern.

The party in Moran continued until late in the evening, and we ended up staying there overnight. That was because nearly everyone was totally sloshed, and while it was nearby, it was still far enough that we would have to use carriages to return to Noblebeppu.

In the end, we all ended up sleeping on the floor in the great hall of an inn that Kuu used his reputation to get us into.

Those difficulties aside, the next day came.

Kuu, Juna, and I went for a walk and visited the fishing port near the beach where wed had the cookout. The rest of the group was hung over and out of commission.

Roroa, Hal, and Kaede were hit especially badly, and Tomoe was working with Aisha and Leporina, whose symptoms were less severe, to nurse them. It seemed Kuus potato vodka had caused those unused to drinking it to suffer a nasty hangover.

But why was I fine?

I could understand why Kuu, who was used to the stuff, was fine. And I could see why Juna, whod started holding back at some point, was okay. But for some reason, I wasnt hungover, either.

I only drank when participating in the nobles banquets, or while eating at Ponchos place on days that work kept me busy until late at night and I missed dinner. I mentioned that to the two of them in puzzlement.

Maybe you just take your liquor well naturally? Kuu suggested.

I take my liquor well, huh? Was it a genetic thing?

But, thinking back, I recalled my grandpa could be a pretty bad drunk. I vaguely remembered several times when hed gotten drunk after drinking heavily at a party with his buddies, hadnt made it home because of the police taking him into custody, and then received a thorough tongue-lashing from my grandma the next day.

Is it really something natural about the way my body works? I murmured.

Ah... Juna quickly looked away.

What was that about?

Juna?

...What is it? Juna showed me her usual calm smile. However, her cheeks looked like they were twitching just a little.

I peered at her face. Is something the matter?

Juna blatantly averted her eyes. For Juna, who rarely let her emotions show, she seemed unusually out of sorts.

Suspicious.

Do you know something? I prodded.

Whatever do you mean?

I stared down Juna, who was trying to dodge the question.

It must be because of the uwabami, she said finally, averting her eyes.

An uwabami... That meant a heavy drinker, right? Maybe it did have to do with my genetic makeup... Wait, huh? Shed said it was because of the uwabami, not that I was an uwabami, right? Uwabami was a word that also meant a large serpent, didnt it?

Hmm, there was something bugging me about this.

For a while we played a game of tag where I would try to look Juna in the eye and she would look away, but then Kuu pointed to the sea and started talking.

Hey, Kazuma. Can you see that?

That? I looked out to sea to see what he meant, and there was a white object spread out across the horizon.

Was it ice? This country was on the southern tip of the continent. That being the case, that might be the ice of this worlds south pole. Because the maps were vague, there was no way to be sure if there was a continent beneath the ice, though.

Kuu looked directly below the ice as he spoke.

Those are the ice islands. They gradually approach this country at the end of summer. When winter comes, that ice and this beach are connected, and once it snows, you cant tell whats land and what isnt. This sea gets covered with ice so thick you could ride a carriage over it and it wouldnt break.

Kuu sat right down on the beach and crossed his legs.

Then, propping up his elbows on his lap, he rested his cheeks on his hands and looked resentfully out to sea. Large sea creatures hate this frigid sea. Thats why medium and small fish gather, and its why our country has a wealth of places to fish. But that also means large shipping vessels cant come in.

Its tough, huh, I nodded.

The large ships of this world had large sea creatures like sea dragons pulling them in the same way that horses would pull a carriage. If those sea dragons hated this sea, that was good in that they wouldnt be invaded by foreign navies, but it was also bad in that large transport ships couldnt come here, either. They could carry out trade by methods that didnt rely on sea creatures or the air, but that was only an option during summer. This world didnt have ice-breaking ships that could push through the frozen winter seas.

There are limits to what shipping overland can do, Kuu said. Traveling merchants only come in summer, and with the land locked in ice during the winter, its hard to even walk around. If we use creatures like the numoth, we can transport things even in winter, but there arent that many of them. The vast majority we do have were raised for military use, too.

You cant transfer them to jobs in shipping instead? I asked.

Theyre our only means of mobility during the winter. If some monsters pour out of a dungeon, or brigands are attacking a village, or a small village has been isolated by an avalanche... we need their legs to carry us there at times like that, right?

I see...

They were already using them for as much as they could, then. They probably couldnt reassign them for shipping.

Kuu was scratching his head vigorously. So, well, its not like I cant see why the old men would want to advance northward. If we could receive large transport ships in winter, too, it would do a lot to make this land more prosperous. But even if we invaded and took a warm water port, what would come of it? So long as the difficulties of shipping dont change, only the area around that port would benefit from trade. Invading land thats going to be hard to support like that seems like the equivalent of wooing a beautiful woman in your dreams.

Wooing a beautiful woman in your dreams. That seemed to be a local saying, equivalent to calling something a picture of rice cakes in Japanese. Basically, no matter how hard you worked to seduce a beautiful woman you met in your dreams, it was meaningless, and would only leave you feeling empty.

Hmm... Winter shipping methods, huh...

I wracked my brain.

That issue was a problem for our country, who wanted to trade with this country, too. If the period of trading was limited, that would put limitations on the potential trade goods. Vegetables seemed like they would be a good thing to export to this country, but many fresh foods didnt keep for long.

We have the Little Susumu Mark V (Maxwell-type Propulsion Device), so we can send out large ships even during the winter, I reflected. However, it wont let us break through thick ice. I have people studying it, but who knows how long it will take to produce an ice breaker like the Garinko-go...

Could we manage with what we had now, somehow? How about stationing a mage on the ship and having them carve a path?

...No, it was hard to use magic at sea, wasnt it? The frozen area was too wide, so no matter how many mages we had aboard, theyd eventually run out of steam. Meanwhile, if we tried to attempt transportation by air, the air currents would be too wild, so flying mounts wouldnt be usable. Also, because the land was covered with snow, if we didnt use creatures like the numoth, overland transportation would be difficult.

There are no snowplows, either. If there were something like sleds, we could slide over top of the snow... Wait, wouldnt we need numoths to pull those sled? ...Hm? Slide over top of the snow?

That was when I remembered the existence of a certain thing.

Earlier, when thinking of uses for the Little Susumu Mark V, there was something Id developed almost entirely as a joke.

Maybe with that... I pondered. Guess Ill try contacting Genia.

I didnt know how it would go yet, so rather than give him false hopes, I decided not to tell Kuu and to contact the royal castle in secret.

When the afternoon rolled around, the hungover members of the group started to feel a lot better, so we decided to return to the town of Noblebeppu. It was already evening by the time the rocky carriage ride came to an end.

Kuu was saying wed have another party tonight, but since most of us hadnt fully worked last nights alcohol out of their systems, we politely declined and decided to let our stomachs and livers rest for the night.

The shaking of the carriage had aggravated Roroa, Hal, and Kaedes hangovers, so they went to their rooms as soon as we got to the inn, and went to sleep without dinner.

Aisha took Tomoe out to walk around the town at night. They were apparently going to look at souvenirs.

Left behind, Juna and I talked about nothing of real consequence and relaxed.

Eventually, while I was thinking that all there was left to do was take a bath in the hot springs and go to sleep, suddenly Juna said, Oh, I just remembered something I need to do. Excuse me, and left the room.

She had business to attend to at this hour?

Had she gone to look for Aisha and Tomoe, maybe?

Having been left behind all by myself, I had nothing to do, so I decided to take a bath. This inn just had one large open air bath fed with free-flowing water that was partitioned into mens and womens sides.

I rinsed myself with hot water, then immediately went to soak in the tub.

Normally, Id want to wash myself first, but the nights were cold here, and this being an open air bath, if I didnt get in quickly, Id catch a chill and bad things would happen.

As I sank into the steamy water from the cold outside air, my body felt like it was pleasurably melting.

We were the inns only guests now, and Hal was about the only other person who might come into the mens side, so I was able to relax without having to be considerate of anyone else.

Whew, so warm.

The water seeped into my body, washing away the fatigue Id built up while moving around.

Leaning on the edge of the bath, I was humming the hot springs song from Noboribetsu when I heard someone walking behind me.

That wasnt the direction of the womens bath. In that case, had Hal woken up and come to the bath?

I was thinking that as I turned around, but...

Whuh?!

There was Juna, naked.

In her right hand she had a tray, and in her left she held a towel that just barely covered her. Her slightly flushed skin and round, womanly figure burned themselves into my mind.

I was still dumbfounded by this sudden occurrence when Juna laid down the tray and began pouring hot water over herself.

Excuse me while I get in beside you, she said as she got into the bath. Then she sat down so close to me that our shoulders were touching. Her soft, white flesh was right next to me.

Once she had soaked up to her shoulders, she let out a breath. Whew!

That sexy sigh finally brought me back to my senses. U-Um... Juna? This is the mens bath, you realize?

I asked the innkeeper to reserve it for us for an hour or so. So its fine.

Now that she mentioned it, Roroa had been saying there was a system like that.

No, but its still embarrassing...

Hee hee! Wheres the harm? Were a couple, after all. With that said, Juna leaned against me. So, please, feel free to call me by a pet name now, darling. Were all alone, so I dont want you to be so formal.

With you, being polite just feels natural, though, I objected. Still, I tried to loosen up, like she wanted. Hmm, yeah, this was embarrassing. I actually have to actively try to speak less formally.

I think, in terms of our positions, its only natural for you to speak informally, she told me. I know you said you feel tense around older women, but you call my grandmother Excel, dont you?

Thats because I have a stronger sense of Excel being my vassal. I need to make it clear whos the master at all times, or that woman will run me ragged. But with you, I just feel like being extra polite. Naturally, thats not an attempt to set you aside from my other fiances or anything like that. Youre like my reliable older wife.

Hee hee! Am I? Juna watched me with a calm smile as I did my best to explain myself.

Juna pulled over the tray she had brought. The tray had two small glasses, and a pale yellow bottle on it.

She passed me one of the glasses and held up the bottle for me to see. First, a drink.

Is it alcoholic?

No. Considering last night, I decided on juice instead. This juice is made by almost the exact same process as a cherry wine that Leporina said she likes. It seems the only difference is whether you add water or alcohol to the syrup produced.

With that explanation, Juna poured me a glass.

While it was juice, it felt like alcohol, so I poured Junas drink for her in return, as was common courtesy.

Finally, with me having gotten used to the sight of Junas white skin... well, I wasnt tired of seeing it, of course, I just was able to keep myself under control a little better... we had a toast.

Then, soaking in the bath together, we drank together, with juice taking the place of wine.

During that time, I couldnt help but glance at those swells which were larger than Liscias. Her wet skin had a glossy shine to it.

Juna noticed, of course. Hee hee! You can go right ahead and look.

Please... spare me, I murmured.

The juice shouldnt have had any alcohol in it, but I was feeling woozy. I was going to get dizzy from the heat in no time. There was an epic battle between lust and reason being waged inside my head.

Is there something youre thinking about? Juna asked suddenly.

I was on edge, thinking shed realized how full of lustful thoughts my head was right now, but Juna had a serious look in her eyes.

Ever since the cookout on the beach, youve had something on your mind. Today, too... your mind seemed to be somewhere else.

You noticed that, huh?

It was true, there was something Id had on my mind since the cookout. No, it might be more appropriate to say I was confused about it.

Juna leaned her head on my shoulder and spoke to me with downturned eyes. It may not do any good to tell me what it is. Still, if telling someone will lessen your worries any, please, darling, do not bear the burden alone. You have partners, including myself, with whom you can share anything.

Juna...

Among all my fiances, Juna was the one who was always taking a step back to look at the big picture. It was fair to say that she was the best of all of them when it came to showing careful concern. Thats why shes easily seen through to the worries I thought I was hiding.

Then Juna took on a tone like a sullen girl. I thought you would tell me on your own once we were alone, you know? Despite that, youve said nothing. This is why I arranged for us to be together like this. In a place where nothing is hidden, I thought you might bare your heart to me, as well.

You did it all with that in mind, huh? I commented. I really am no match for you...

Hee hee.

She looked cute when she was sulking, so I stroked her face, and she gave me a happy smile. She had seen through everything, but seeing Junas smile wiped away any frustration I had over that.

That was why I revealed what was concerning me.

Juna... what do you think about Kuu?

Sir Kuu? He seems a bit boisterous, but I find him to be an affable young man.

Yeah, I nodded. Hes got a mysterious ability to attract people, too. Hell be a good ruler someday, Im sure. If he were an expansionist, hed be an enemy we couldnt afford to underestimate, but Kuu is satisfied with internal development. Hes the kind of ruler Id want to see in a neighbor.

None of this sounds bad, though. Juna tilted her head to the side.

It was true, it wasnt bad.

If hell become my sworn friend, theres no one more reliable, I said. Having the illegal fishing problem with the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union to our east, the Union of Eastern Nations struggling with the Demon Lords Domain to our north, and the unpredictable Mercenary State Zem and the theocratic Lunarian Orthodox Papal State to our west, it would make things a lot easier if we could have amicable relations with the Republic of Turgis to our southwest, at least. Itd give us a land connection to our secret ally, the Gran Chaos Empire, too.

She listened silently.

However, we havent formed an alliance yet. I learned too much about Kuu before that happened.

I stared into the glass in my hand.

When we were drinking with Kuu, Taru, Leporina, and the other people in this country and acting like idiots, it was fun. It was fun, but I had another thought then, too. If it came down to it, could I make enemies of these people?

Enemies...? Junas expression grew clouded.

Why would that come up? her face seemed to ask.

I think Kuu is a likable guy, I said. But in addition to being myself, Im the representative of a nation. I have to think about my preferences as a person and my preferences as a country separately.

Because we havent formed cordial relations with the Republic of Turgis yet?

Yeah. If the Republic of Turgis were to become hostile to in future, could I fight the country where Kuu and his people live...? Thats what I thought.

That was the vague worry Id been feeling.

When I resolved to open hostilities with Amidonia, the enemys plans were already in motion, and it was a kill-or-be-killed situation. That was why I decided to go to war. But if I had known there were people like Roroa, Colbert, and Margarita there before the war started, would I have been able to make that decision? Even when it might mean losing Roroa and the others?

She was silent.

Its the same this time, I said. If the republic opposes me, its my vassals and my people who will suffer if Im too slow to decide. Knowing that, can I still resolve myself to do it? I may have grown too attached to Kuu and his friends. I felt worried, thinking that.

Now that I had revealed my feelings, Juna placed her hand on my cheek.

Juna?

I am sure you will make the decision, darling. Her voice was endlessly calm and gentle.

Then Juna wrapped her arm around my neck and held me close. Surprised by the suddenness of it, I dropped my glass into the bath. My left arm was wrapped in a soft sensation.

Whoa, Juna?!

Im sure youll struggle with the decision. You may even regret it afterward, Juna whispered gently in my ear. However, even with the hesitation and regret, you are the kind of man who does what he needs to do. Ive been watching you all this time. I know your strengths and weaknesses. No matter how your heart screams out that you dont want to fight, you are the kind of person who can fight when necessary.

I was silent.

If the choice tears your heart to pieces, then tell us. We will carry your hesitation, regrets, and sins together as a family. Hee hee! You have five future wives, so lets split it into six equal parts? Juna said the last part teasingly.

I felt like my heart was a little lighter now.

Thanks, Juna.

Hee hee! Also, thinking about fighting the Republic of Turgis now is like worrying if a boulder might roll down a distant mountain. If you do that, you may trip over the rocks at your feet, you know?

Ahahaha, true.

While looking into the distance, Id trip on what was at my feet, huh? She was so right.

Rather than consider what to do if they became hostile to me, it was better for now to think about how to prevent that from happening. If I didnt want to fight them, that was even more true. Yeah... I had a direction now.

In order to forge a formal alliance, I need to show a gain to be had from forming amicable relations with us, and a threat to make them hesitate to oppose us, I said. I have to impress upon Kuus old man that our country could be a valuable ally, but a terrifying foe.

Gain and threat, is it? she said. But how will you do that? You cant be planning to bring our military into the meeting, right?

Dont worry. I have a number of ideas.

Unlike before, my mind was working properly now.

It was good that, instead of fearing their becoming hostile, I could now decide to do everything it took to keep them from becoming that way. It was thanks to Juna.

Thanks, Juna, I said. Thanks to you, I think the path... Huh?

Suddenly my vision blurred. The world was spinning. Oh, damn, this was bad.

D-Darling?

It looked like Id gotten dizzy from the heat. Now that I thought about it, Id been in the bath since before Junas arrival.

The last thing I saw in the spinning world was Junas white skin, and then I lost consciousness.

When I came to, I was on top of the bed in the room where I was staying.

Erm... I passed out in the hot springs, right?

I was... not naked now.

Had Juna carried me back and dressed me?

I felt a gentle breeze on my face. Looking next to me, Juna was sitting on the edge of the bed and fanning me.

Juna? I asked.

Oh, youve come to? Juna said with a look of relief. You passed out in the hot spring, so I had the inn staff help me carry you back to your room. The outside air was too cold to pull you out of the spring and treat you there, after all.

Sorry. That was embarrassing of me.

Dont worry about it. It gave me the chance to look over your body. Juna brought a hand to her cheek and smiled mischievously.

Urkh... Even if it had been in the hot spring, I was really embarrassed to think shed seen so much of me while I was unconscious.

As if she saw through to my innermost feelings, Juna giggled. By the way, are we already back to you being so polite with me?

Ahh... Yeah, this just feels more natural.

I see, she said. Then lets have you loosen up with me when its just the two of us alone.

Its embarrassing to have you put it that way, but... lets do that.

Talking differently when we were alone together. I thought that might be okay.

By the way, are Aisha and the others back yet? she asked.

No, not yet. You were only out for about ten minutes.

I was...?

Yes. So we can do things like this.

Juna leaned in, brushing back her beautiful, blue hair, and pressed her lips against mine. Then she pulled her face back and giggled.

Shall we keep the fact we took a bath together our little secret for a while?

Huh?

If Aisha and Roroa hear, Im sure theyll get jealous and want to join you for one, too. I want you to be able to rest, darling.

I understood her meaning. So, for now at least, let it be our secret.