How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 8: Chapter SS

Bonus Short Stories

Liscia and Cookies

Mix, mix, mix...

Liscia was mixing a bowlful of batter with a spatula.

This was the kitchen of the former king and queens home. Liscia was pregnant with Soumas child, so shed chosen her father Alberts old domain as a place to rest. While she was resting there, in order to become a better mother to the children that were on the way, Liscia was learning to cook from her mother Elisha.

At the moment, she was applying what she had learned to make cookies on her own.

Liscia?! Carla cried out in surprise when she came in and saw her. Wh-What do you think youre doing?! Cooking alone!

Practicing, thats what. I need to be able to cook alone, dont I?

Dont give me that! Carla strode over to Liscia and pointed at her belly. Look at that belly! What if something happened?!

Liscia was six months pregnant, and her belly had grown to the point that it was readily apparent she was with child. Having Liscia, who was bother her master and friend, standing alone in the kitchen with a belly like that, Carla was clearly beside herself with worry.

If you had a fall when no one was around to see... Carla began.

Geez... No need to be so dramatic, Carla. Liscia put a hand on her hip with a wry smile. Doctor Hilde was saying that if I kept moving around up until the birth it would make it easier on me. This much exercise shouldnt be any problem.

The problem is that youre doing it where no one can see you! Keep someone with you at all times, in case the unthinkable should happen! I mean, you can just call me!

...Sorry, Carla. Seeing the tears in Carlas eyes as she pleaded with her, Liscia gave her a heartfelt apology. Carla was getting angry for her sake. Given how often she had scolded Souma out of concern for his well-being, Liscia could relate. Ill reflect on what you said, but... theres a reason I didnt want to call you.

Why?!

Come on, Carla, we both know youre improving faster than I am. Liscia puffed up her cheeks and started mixing the batter again. We started learning from Mother at the same time, but youre better than me. Youve always been just as much of a tomboy as me, so it feels kind of unfair.

I-Im not sure what to tell you... Carla faltered.

Carlas duties here were to look after and protect Liscia. That said, her duties as a maid were already being done by the servants here, and Souma had the Black Cats keeping a thorough watch on the area around the mansion, so there was no need to be on constant guard. Basically, all that was left for Carla to do was to give Liscia someone to talk to.

When she heard Elisha would be teaching Liscia to cook, Carla had decided to learn, too, for lack of anything better to do. It was a skill it wouldnt hurt to have, she figured. But once she tried it, it turned out Carla had a surprising knack for this sort of housework, and she improved rapidly. To the point Liscia that was jealous.

Hey, they say cooking is all about love, right? Carla said, trying to mollify her friend in a hurry. Im sure that since you have a husband you love, and kids on the way, youll get better than someone with no partner like me.

...By that logic, shouldnt I be getting better faster than you?

Ah! Er...

While Carla was trying to figure out how to respond, Liscia let out a sigh.

Whatever. We know I have no sense for housework. But Ill work hard so that, someday, I can bake delicious treats for Souma and the kids!

Watching her friend work herself up, Carla scratched her cheek. Thats a fine thing to aspire to, but why limit yourself to sweets?

Well, Soumas good at all kinds of cooking. I want to be able to beat him at one thing, at least.

Youve set a kind of low bar for yourself... Hold on, Liscia.

What?

Havent you mixed the batter too much? Elisha was saying if you mix it too much, itll be hard when cooked...

Ah! Liscia looked down at her bowl of batter. Shed been mixing it the whole time theyd been talking.

She tried cooking the batter anyway to see how it was, but...

Theyre so hard... she mourned.

And overly sweet, too, Carla said.

It seemed she had put in too much sugar, so the cookies had come out both hard and excessively sweet. Liscia rested her elbows on the table with her face on top of her hands. How am I so bad at this...?

W-Well, if you dunk them in tea until theyre soggy, theyre edible, at least.

Thats not how you eat cookies.

Still, it would be a waste not to eat what she had made, so they slowly ate them little by little using the suggested method. It was an odd tea time.

By the way, Carla, didnt you come because you had some business with me? Liscia asked.

Oh! Thats right. We received word from the castle that the master will be coming tomorrow.

Souma will? Liscia perked up. She hadnt been able to see Souma in an awfully long time.

Liscia had come here soon after Souma left for the republic, and since his return, she heard he had been spending his time buried in work. That was why she was pleased to be able to see him. Still, the timing of it made her feel uneasy.

Im happy to see him, but...

Huh? Why do you look so unhappy? Carla asked.

I know how busy Souma is. If hes coming so suddenly, he must have something important to tell me. Liscia bit into one of the hard cookies, then looked at it. Does he need to go abroad again? Is he pushing himself too hard again? Honestly, I wish he wouldnt worry me so much.

Liscia...

If he worries me again, Im going to make him eat these failed cookies.

Liscia giggled to herself, imagining the look on Soumas face was he tasted her botched batch of cookies.

Roroa and Tias Girls Talk

Around the time when Souma, Julius and the rest were executing their plan to liberate Lasta, Roroa was in Tias room in the castle, the two of them waiting for the mens return.

This time it wasnt a siege battle, but a sally to exterminate the lizardmen in the area around Lasta. It was therefore expected that the lizardmen and chimera monsters wouldnt come over the walls, but the non-combatants were holed up in the castle for safetys sake.

Perhaps Tia, who was sitting beside Roroa, was feeling uneasy, because her hands were clasped in front of her chest as if she were praying.

She must be thinkin about my brother, Roroa thought as she looked over.

The two of them were alone in this room. Roroa found it suffocating to share a room with someone who spent the whole time looking so pathetic.

Roroa was concerned for Souma, too, of course, but acting glum here wasnt going to change the outcome, now was it? Even if she wasnt confident, a cheery smile would bring in good luck and customers. That was Roroas view as a hardy merchant.

That was why Roroa, the older little sister (to be), didnt want Tia looking like that.

Hey, hey, Big Sister.

...Ah! What is it, Lady Roroa? Tia raised her head. She must have been pretty out of it, because her response was delayed.

Roroa smiled wryly. What made ya fall for my brother anyhow?

Wh-Whats this? Out of nowhere...

I was thinkin I oughta ask, since youre gonna be my sister-in-law.

Tias eyes went wide. Is this really the time?!

Roroa cackled. Nows precisely the time! Us lookin all glum aint gonna do anyone a lick of good, now is it? Ive got ya all to myself, so I wanna ask you what my brothers like now.

...Okay. Um... What do you want to ask?

All righty then. First off, how about your first impression of him?

Tia tilted her head to the side. My first impression of Sir Julius?

Yep. The big brother I knew was clever, but his eyes were cold. He didnt hesitate to do what he had to when it came to achievin his goals. Thats why, when I came to this country... I was surprised by the mighty calm look on his face. It was nothin like the image I had of my brother.

It was?

You bet. Thats why I wanna hear your first impression of him. What was my brother like when he first came to this country?

Well... I thought he was a cool guy, at first. Tia let out a little squeal and covered her cheeks as she spoke. It seemed shed started by immediately fawning over him.

Roroa said, Yeah, yeah, a little exasperated. My brothers got a handsome face, after all.

But I didnt have the impression he was a cold man back then, either, you know? He didnt smile, but... it was like he always had something difficult on his mind.

He did?

Tia couldnt have known this, but after Juliuss defeat by Souma and exile from his country by Roroa, he had gone to the Empire for shelter. If Souma had mismanaged the Principality of Amidonia and gotten resentment building against him, Julius had been preparing to incite the people into an uprising and drive Souma and Roroas forces out to restore the principality.

However, because Souma had ended up living happily with Roroa, the nations princess, and used broadcast programs to embrace the people of Amidonia and win them to his side, no such resentment arose. Finding no inciting spark, and Juliuss hopes of restoring the principality had been dashed.

Leaving the Empire in disappointment, he had wandered from country to country as he thought. Why had he lost? And why did the people support not Gaius and him, but Souma?

It was during this time that Tia had met Julius.

Tia spoke with fond memories of that period in Juliuss life. He was hard to approach, at first. But he was caring, I think you could say. When the monsters attacked from the north, and when my father had political troubles, he helped, even if he grumbled as he did it. Youre so inept, I cant bear to just watch, hed say.

Im pretty sure thats exactly how my brother felt, Roroa declared confidently. Julius was obsessive by nature. If he had to leave something to a less competent person, hed rather do things himself.

Tia must have realized that, too, because she smiled wryly. You may be right. However, when I saw him quickly handle things the right way, he looked so very reliable to all of us. We ended up relying on him, and even though he grumbled, he responded to our faith in him, making us rely on him more. The end result was that Julius became the most reliable person in this country.

I see. So reliable ya fell for him, huh?

Um... yes, Tia responded with a nod, blushing.

I think I can see it now...

Hearing Tia tell the story, Roroa felt like she could understand how Julius had come to be the person he was now.

The soothing effect of the kindness of this girl who would be her big sister naturally had an effect. But in addition to that, Juliuss desire to win the trust of the people in this country, after having been rejected and run out by the people of his own, may have been a major contributor, too. He had responded to the hopes of those who placed their trust in him, and their acceptance had allowed Julius to regain his lost confidence.

Ill bet thats why hes able to smile so softly. Roroa was satisfied with that answer.

Tia took her hand. I answered your question, Lady Roroa, so now you answer mine. What was your first meeting with Sir Souma like?

You wanna hear it? Roroa said to the eagerly listening Tia with a wry grin. We had us a real odd first meeting. See, first I got myself a carpet, and...

Huh? A carpet?

Roroa went on, passionately relating the story, until a soldier rushed into the castle and interrupted.

Reporting! Our forces have exterminated the lizardmen! We are victorious!

Hearing that report, Roroa and Tia hugged each other in glee.

Hakuya Crafts a Plan

While Souma and the others were planning out the liberation of Lasta...

In distant Parnam Castle in the Kingdom of Friedonia, Hakuya the Black-robed Prime Minister was talking to Jeanne the Little Sister General of the Empire over the Jewel Voice Broadcast. The main topic was the demon wave, of course. By sharing intel between the kingdom and Empire, they were secretly coordinating their efforts.

According to the letter I received from His Majesty, it was going to take a long time to move the entire force, so he led an advance party and entered Lasta, the capital of the Kingdom of Lastania, Hakuya said.

Huh? King Souma led the advance party himself? Jeannes eyes went wide with surprise.

Souma was cautious, well aware of his lack of ability in combat, and not the type to act so boldly. As Jeanne looked bewildered by the divorce between her image of the man and his current actions, Hakuya let out an exhausted sigh.

I know that His Majesty wouldnt usually act with such rashness, but he has a way of not assessing the situation on a cost/benefit basis when family is involved.

...I see. If I recall, Madam Roroas elder brother Julius was in the Kingdom of Lastania, wasnt he?

Yes, Sir Julius is. His Majesty must have judged that, even though theyve parted ways, if anything were to happen to Sir Julius, Lady Roroa would be distraught. Hakuya shrugged in exasperation. He looked favorably on Soumas sentimentality, but as Prime Minister, he wished the king would show a little self-restraint. Well, it does seem His Majestys recklessness kept Lasta from falling.

Thats good to hear. My sister will be pleased to know there are fewer people suffering out there, Jeanne said.

Indeed. There was a reason Maria was known as a saint. The more victims there were, the heavier it would weigh on her heart.

Hakuya nodded. If we leave assume we can leave Lasta to His Majesty, we still have to think how the main body of the reinforcements will act. Fortunately, I have a detailed report from His Majesty on the state of things.

Hakuya spread a hand-drawn map of the crossing point on the Dabicon River out across the table.

There are tens of thousands of monsters such as lizardmen on the opposite shore of the Dabicon. Unless they are exterminated, Lasta will not be fully safe. The enemy that the reinforcements sent by Friedonias National Defense Force will face is likely those monsters.

They can only cross at this shallow point in small groups, right? Jeanne remarked, looking at the map that she could see through the broadcast.

Yes. Thanks to that, they were able to defend Lasta, but now that we are the ones trying to attack, it makes it quite difficult. We are also in the position of only being able to send our ground forces across in small parties.

Why not bombard them with air forces?

If we do that, the monsters will scatter. Id like to find some way to encircle and exterminate them, was the request from His Majesty.

Thats a tall order. If the situation were reversed, things would be easy, though.

What do you mean, reversed? Hakuya asked.

Jeanne nodded. If instead of being on the other side, they had their backs to the river on this side, encircling and exterminating them would be a simple matter. If their only retreat was across the shallows, they wouldnt be able to flee so easily.

I see. So thats what you meant.

Satisfied by her response, Hakuya looked back to the map. It was true; if the monsters were on the near shore, not the far one, encircling and exterminating them would be a simple matter. However, that was not the reality they had been presented with...

Hm? Then can we not simply create that situation?

They could bring the monsters to the near side... in other words, have them all cross at once. Hakuyas mind raced to find a way of accomplishing that.

Um... Sir Hakuya? Jeanne asked, looking concerned by his sudden silence.

Hakuya gave no response, as he was deep in thought. After a lengthy silence, he finally raised his face.

I think I have something workable.

It looks like youve come up with something, Jeanne said.

Hakuya realized hed been leaving her out. He hurriedly bowed his head in apology. Im sorry. I got lost in thought there.

She smiled. Oh, no, dont mind me. More importantly, what was the idea you came up with?

Hakuya cleared his throat before explaining. If exterminating them on the far side is going to be difficult, we only need to have them cross to the near side. I believe we can borrow the power of a certain esteemed woman in our nation to accomplish that.

After Hakuya laid out the outline of the operation, Jeanne voiced her admiration. I see! I think thats a fine plan.

The problem is... can we keep Duchess Walter under control?

Hm? Duchess Walter is famous in our country, too. Is there some issue with her?

No, Im sure shell lend us her strength if we ask her to, Hakuya sighed. The issue is what will happen afterwards. She can be a person of quite unusual tastes, and its questionable whether shell come back quietly when the situation is resolved. If she decides accompanying His Majesty would be amusing, she may throw a tantrum, saying she doesnt want to come back.

Sh-She sounds like quite a pain in the neck...

She is very reliable, though...

With Jeanne giving him a concerned look, Hakuya let out a sigh.

I believe I will consult her relative Juna, just to be safe, Hakuya thought to himself. She might be able to come up with some countermeasures.

After that, Hakuya and Jeanne exchanged a great deal of information. Normally, after a meeting they would enjoy tea or liquor together while grumbling about their respective masters, but this time they each had matters they needed to act on immediately.

Id love to keep talking, but... Jeanne said, her disappointment apparent, and Hakuya nodded.

As would I. But... right now, let us each do what we must. To bring back peace even a day sooner. Then, when that time comes...

Yes. Lets talk all about it. I have plenty more complaints about my sister Id like you to hear, Sir Hakuya.

I am not entirely sure whether I should be looking forward to that or not...

Then the two of them looked at each other and nodded, each with a wish for the others success.

They hoped for the day when they could talk again to come soon.

The Reason Taru Makes Leporina Stronger

The day before Friedonian reinforcements set out for the Union of Eastern Nations.

Kuu and Leporina, the servant and master duo from Turgis, had come to Tarus workshop. They would be joining the reinforcements, so they wanted to come let Taru know they wouldnt be seeing each other for a while.

So, there you have it, Kuu said. Were going to the Union of Eastern Nations with Bro since theyre being hit by the demon wave. Oh, dont you try to stop me, Taru. Ill be back safe and sound. Until then, so long for now!

Kuu was making a big show of saying goodbye to Taru, but as for Taru herself...

Leporina, raise your arms.

Okay.

She was putting a new breastplate on Leporina, and wasnt hearing a word of it.

Leporina, your breasts have grown a little again. If you dont wear something thats the right size for you, it will just be hard to breathe. It hurts your performance, too.

Hey, could you not say that in front of the Young Master?! Leporina exclaimed.

It serves you right, Taru muttered.

Taru?!

While the two girls were having that exchange, Kuu looked on with disinterest. Hey, Taru. I came all this way to say goodbye, so could you maybe pay me a little more attention? Im getting lonely here.

Dumb Master, Taru said in a lovingly syrupy tone, getting Leporinas equipment taken care of is my first priority right now.

Taru didnt so much as look at him as she said it. Then she went deeper into the workshop to fetch some arrows.

I made the arrowheads myself, she told the other woman, emerging. Ive asked enchantment artisans to strengthen them for me.

Wow, they came out great! Leporina sighed in admiration as she looked at the arrowheads.

Kuu, who was primarily an up-close fighter, wouldnt have understood this, but those arrows were so well made any archer would fall in love with them.

Taru puffed up her practically non-existent chest with pride. With these, you can pierce monster shells and carapaces with ease. Take as many as you can carry.

Thank you, Taru!

Seeing how happy Leporina was, Kuu was not amused.

Hey, dont just help Leporina! Make some equipment for me, too!

I made the cudgel exactly as you ordered it, Dumb Master, Taru said coldly.

Its been a while since you made it, you know? Youre always making weapons and equipment for Leporina, but I get nothing?

Leporina comes before you, Dumb Master.

Why?!

Because.

Taru went back to working on Leporinas equipment without engaging further. Kuu slumped his shoulders, dejectedly drawing swirls on the bare ground of the workshop with his cudgel.

Seeing the exchange between the two of them, Leporina could only smile wryly. Whenever Taru makes my equipment stronger, its for the young masters sake, though...

Leporina was Kuus servant. If it came to it, she had to protect Kuu, even if that meant sacrificing herself. Kuu was the son of the republics head of state. He was expected to become head of state himself in future, too. He might be shortsighted in some ways, but Kuu drew everyone to himself, and the people of the republic had great hopes for him. Even if it cost her life, defending him was Leporinas duty.

Young Master... thats why Taru makes me stronger. Because she never wants to let you die, she is making me strong enough to protect you, no matter what.

That was what Leporina thought as she watched Taru seriously work on getting her equipment in order.

Mind you, if shed let those feeling show even a little, I think it would make the young master happy... but Taru is every bit as stubborn as he is.

That said, even knowing that, Leporina did nothing to tell Kuu. If she did, in the end, Kuu would only pay more attention to Taru. When she considered her own feelings for him, that was undesirable.

I hope youll forgive me for being a little mean about this.

Leporina considered Taru a valued friend. Thats why, though she wouldnt convey those emotions to Kuu, she was determined to do everything else she could to grant the wish behind them.

When Taru came to remove the breastplate for Leporina, Leporina whispered in her ear, I swear Ill defend Master Kuu with the equipment youve made.

Taru blinked and opened her eyes wide, nodding. ...Yeah. I trust you.

Leporina laughed at how cute Taru was being. That honesty, you could stand to show a little more of it to the young master.

If I did, Master Kuu get a big head. Thats dangerous.

I agree with you there. Dont worry, Ill protect him.

You come back safe, too.

Right! I swear Ill come back with the young master!

Then the two of them hugged each other tight.

Being forced to watch how close the two of them were, Kuu, who was feeling left out, pouted even harder, and the number of swirls on the bare ground of the workshop continued to increase.

Ill Be Back

When I told Juno, the adventurer who had been coming at night occasionally to have tea, that I would be going to the Union of Eastern Nations, she let out a cry of surprise.

Whaa?! Youre going to the Union of Eastern Nations?! Juno exclaimed.

It was a few nights before the reinforcements were dispatched to the Union of Eastern Nations, which was being hit by the demon wave.

Wasnt it supposed to be pretty dangerous up there now? Juno asked.

Huh? You know that, too, Juno? I said.

We were keeping a lid on that information so as not to incite an undue sense of crisis, so the common people shouldnt have had a very good grasp of what was going on in the Union of Eastern Nations. Why did Juno, a simple adventurer, know about it?

When I raised that very question, she smiled boldly.

I know because Im an adventurer. The number of quests up in the Union of Eastern Nations has spiked recently. We adventurers can tell these things from experience. Delivery of medicine, escort of caravans, protection of villages, slaying of monsters... There are all sorts of quests. When those are focused in one place, you know somethings going on there. Like a war, maybe.

Juna clapped her hands. My fiance was there with us. I see. Adventurers have their own network of information, huh?

When Juno had first met Juna, shed gulped at the famed beauty of the Prima Lorelei, and then compared Junas voluptuous chest with her own and gotten depressed. Was this deja vu? (Just kidding.)

Whatever the case, I groaned and rested my face on my palm with my elbow on the table.

From what Roroa tells me, keen-eyed merchants are heading to the Union of Eastern Nations, too, Juna said. I guess even if we try to clamp down on the information, it continues to spread through grassroots networks.

Well, obviously, the adventurer Juno replied. Adventurers and merchants are both special occupations that cross borders. But we keep the information in our own circles, and dont blab, so maybe thats why it hasnt spread further?

Many of the loreleis are from common backgrounds, but I dont hear them sounding all that worried, after all.

Juno and Juna addressed my concerns from their respective viewpoints. From the way it sounded, I probably didnt have to worry. Still, though, it was great to be able to hear things from so many different perspectives.

Still, youre going to a dangerous place like that? Juno asked with a concerned look on her face.

Youre worried for me? I asked.

Well... I did go on an adventure with Mr. Little Musashibo, and now Im drink tea with the king inside him, Juno mumbled in embarrassment. Youve got retainers, dont you? Youre a king, so why cant you wait in the castle?

I know, but its easier to negotiate with the other country if I go in person.

The more precise reason was that Julius, who I had some bad blood with, was in the Kingdom of Lastania, and wed decided it would be best if Roroa and I handled him, but I wasnt going to tell her that much.

Well, Ill have an army of tens of thousands, I told her. It should be fine. The one actually leading them will be Ludwin, while Im just negotiator and figurehead, so I doubt Ill go to the front lines.

Heres hoping, Juna interjected, a look of concern on her face. The princess and Naden told me what happened in the Star Dragon Mountain Range, so I cant help but think youll do something reckless again.

I wouldnt know, but is the king that reckless? Juno asked.

Juna put her hand to her cheek and nodded. His Majesty tends to shy away from recklessness and rash behavior, but because hes a rational person, when he thinks, Taking a risk now will mean less danger later, he can do the most reckless things. Its not so much that hes brave as that hes good at accepting the situation.

That... must be worrying to watch, the adventurer said.

Yes. It really is. I mean, he went to go see something we never figured out the identity of in the Star Dragon Mountain Range!

The two of them looked at me like I was some sort of troublemaker. Why were they so in sync?

Juno leaned on the table, resting her face on her palms as she asked, Hey, is there anything I could do to be of assistance?

Nothing, I said.

Yeah, I figured. Youll be bringing in the regular army, after all.

I was glad for the offer, but this wasnt a point where I could use adventurers. Besides, even if I had needed them, I wouldnt have wanted to take Juno to a place she herself considered dangerous.

It seemed Juno understood that, so she leaned back in her chair and looked up at the sky. We wont be able to talk like this for a while, I guess. Does that go for Mr. Little Musashibo, too?

Yeah. I dont know whatll happen, so I want to keep it so I can use Living Poltergeists at any time. I need to leave a number of consciousnesses behind for my political work, too, so I intend to have the rest on standby. Naturally, that means the consciousness I use for Little Musashibo, too.

Oh, yeah? Ill kind of miss him.

Ah! Then why dont you stay in my room and we can talk? Juna offered, clapping her hands. Ill be staying in the kingdom, too, and Ill be lonely without His Majesty and the others around, so if youd keep me company, that would be lovely.

That sounds like it could be fun, but... is it okay, letting me stay in the castle? Juno asked nervously.

I gave a big nod. Yeah. Its true that Liscias away now, and Ill be taking Aisha, Roroa, Naden, and Tomoe with me. I was feeling bad about leaving Juna to hold down the fort by herself, so if you dont mind, please come and have fun with her.

Okay. Sure. Ill do that.

Hee hee! Itll be fun! Juna giggled. Oh! Why dont you stay for the first time tonight?

Thats getting ahead of ourselves! I have to prepare myself emotionally, too, you know!

Juna and Juno were having a lively talk. It looked like a lot of fun.

...Oh. Right. I had something to say.

Hey, Juno, I spoke up.

Hm? What?

Im heading off now, but Ill be back.

Juno stared at me blankly for a moment, but then grinned. Take care, and make sure you come back in one piece.

Incidentally, later on, Juna was sent by Hakuya to retrieve a stubborn Excel who joined us with additional reinforcements and then refused to go home.

When Juna later told Juno about it, she got a resentful, You traitor! in return.