How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 9: Chapter 4

Evening. The monster attacks relented, and when we heard Fuuga had returned from the battlefield, we brought Yuriga to the courtyard, where he was bound to have landed.

When we arrived there...

Ha ha ha! Good! Give me more! Fuuga called.

Dont underestimate meeee! Hal yelled back.

Hal and Fuuga were engaged in an intense exchange of blows.

Kaede and Ruby were there, too, so...

Hey, why are they fighting? I asked, but they must have been absorbed in watching the fight, because no response was forthcoming.

Hals Twin Snake Spears and Fuugas crescent blade screamed as they collided, the sound of the impact echoing several times.

Judging from the general attitude of the entranced soldiers who were watching, I assumed it was a mock battle, but because they were each using their favored weapons, the intensity was on another level.

Hal used two spears in a series of jabs at Fuuga, but Fuuga switched between the blade-end and the pommel of his crescent blade as he batted them away. Then, seeing an opening, Fuuga took a swing with his crescent blade, but Hal crossed his Twin Snake Spears to block it.

After an incredible back-and-forth battle, I couldnt tell which had the superior martial prowess. However, Fuuga was the one who looked most composed.

Youve got good spirit! Even in my country, there arent many warriors as brave as you! Fuuga called.

Enough yammering! Dont act like this is easy for you!

Hal, on the other hand, seemed to be getting fired up... The guy was kind of the king of another country, so I wished hed watch his words, but well, Fuuga wasnt one to care.

Then Hal jumped back as Fuuga took a big swing, and while parrying the strike with one spear, he threw its twin toward Fuuga.

Hed made the throw from an unbalanced position, but after just finishing an attack, Fuuga was unable to react so suddenly.

Whoa, thats dangerous! Fuuga bent his upper body backward and out of the way. It was possible to dodge like that?

In order to make a follow-up attack, Hal thrust out with his other spear once more.

This settles it! he yelled. ...?!

Halbert, was it? You really do have a good sense for this. Fuuga let go of his crescent blade and took hold of the Twin Snake Spear that had fallen to the ground. Another five years of training, and maybe youll catch up to me.

Wha...! Whoa?!

When Fuuga gripped the chain hed taken hold of, he turned his body to swing Hal around. Like he was doing the hammer throw, Fuuga made Hal run in circles around him. Then, after one and a half times around, Fuuga let go of the chain, and the excess momentum made Hal fall to the ground.

Fuuga clapped his hands and said, But by that point, Ill be even further ahead.

He was strong. Hed been literally swinging Hal around.

He possessed such overwhelming martial prowess that I could understand why Aisha would be wary of him.

Hal! Kaede cried.

Hold on, are you okay?!

Kaede and Ruby ran over to his side at the same time.

Hals eyes must have been spinning, because he clutched his forehead, muttering, Hes strong... to himself.

Hm? Oh, if it isnt Souma. Having noticed us, Fuuga came over. You have my thanks for looking after Yuriga. It was a big help.

Thats fine, but... Why exactly were you fighting our Halbert?

It was a mock battle, just a mock battle. If I fight nothing but weak monsters, my skills will rot. There was a guy who looked like he had some idea what he was doing, so I had him face me.

Weak monsters...? Fuuga was probably the only one who saw them that way.

In the Kingdom of Lastania, we hadnt known what traits the monsters had, so wed observed their forms and behaviors, prepared ourselves, and found an effective way to counter them.

Hakuya, Kaede, Julius, and I had all wracked our brains to come up with a strategy, with the understanding that monsters were frightening.

However, to Fuuga, that was all just petty tricks.

If he had the martial prowess to break through any troubles, and the guts to believe in that power, he could face any enemy without fear. He wasnt just a muscle head.

People gathered because they were drawn to Fuugas valor, and they believed with him they could overcome anything.

Fuuga looked at Aisha beside me as he said, Id like to ask permission to face the young lady there, too.

You mean Aisha?

I can tell from her face. Shes quite skilled. I think itd be a good fight.

No, but thats... I glanced over at Aisha.

Her eyes were burning with the desire to fight. Sire, I also wish to fight with Sir Fuuga. Its not often I have the chance to face a man of his caliber. It will be a good chance to reflect on my own technique.

She was raring to go. Neither looked likely to back down.

...Very well. But I dont want you getting hurt, or hurting him.

Yes, sire. He is the king of another country, after all. I understand.

Fuuga. Aisha is a woman who will be my queen. It would be a problem if she were to be injured.

I get it. Ill hold back.

Ah... when she heard the words hold back, Aisha must have taken that as a provocation, because she got upset.

...I was getting worried whether they both really understood me.

Then Aisha fell into a stance with her greatsword, and Fuuga readied his crescent blade.

Then, I shall begin!

Lets do this!

The two kicked off the ground simultaneously, and blade clashed with blade. In that instant, a noise or shockwave resounded, and all of the nearby soldiers had their heads knocked back.

From there, the two traded blow after blow. It wasnt a contest of skill like Fuugas battle with Hal; it was a struggle to crush the enemy with brute strength.

The terrifying part was, while Fuuga had been able to overwhelm Hal with technique, he wasnt coming up short against Aishas idiot strength, either. He had both power and finesse. He was what I could only call a natural warrior.

While trading blows with Aisha, he let out an amused laugh. Is the kingdom a dungeon? Youve got all sorts springing out of that place!

While Fuuga seemed to be enjoying himself, Aisha was upset.

If youre laughing during a fight, this must be easy for you.

Not so much. Each and every blow is incredibly heavy. But...!

When Aishas greatsword tried to mow him down with a horizontal swing, Fuuga got into a position with one leg bent, the other leg stretched out (like during warm-up exercises) to slip under it and out of the way. Then, with a full horizontal swing of his crescent blade, he tried to strike Aishas exposed torso.

Urkh!

Maybe having decided she wouldnt make it in time if she used the blade of her greatsword to block it, Aisha reacted by using the long hilt to do so instead. There was a loud clang. However, in her compromised stance, she couldnt hope to absorb the blow completely, and she was sent flying about five meters.

Wait, Aisha got thrown?! I cried.

No, in order to avoid the impact, she jumped back on her own. Juna explained from beside me.

Looking at her, Aisha had landed nimbly, so being sent flying must have been part of her plan all along.

Well, is it an even fight, then?

...No, Juna said. When Sir Fuuga went to mow through Aishas torso, he didnt do it with his blade, but with the hilt. He must have kept his promise not to injure her.

Oh! Thats why she was able to block with the hilt?

Yes, thats right. If he had hit with the blade... though her greatswords hilt does have a steel core to it, she might not have been able to stop it with that.

Shed been saved by how surprisingly honest Fuuga was? That was probably why Aisha had such a frustrated look on her face after fending off the attack.

Fuuga spun his crescent blade overhead like a windmill before readying it again.

You rely too much on your inborn strength, Young Miss Aisha. Thats gotten you by so far, Im sure, but when you face an opponent with the same strength, superiority is determined by technique.

Im inexperienced... is what youre saying. The world truly is vast.

Do you want to keep going?

Of course! Because as His Majestys blade, as his shield, I cannot lose!

Ha ha ha! Thats the spirit! Youre well-loved, Souma!

Here I come! Aisha went to face Fuuga again.

Though they were trading blows once more, it looked like Fuuga did hold the advantage.

There was no doubt he was among the top warriors on the continent. That man was a king, and there was a country he ruled. It was a terrifying thought.

However, Aisha wasnt the top warrior in our kingdom for nothing, so she was managing to hold her own against Fuuga somehow.

While I was absorbed in watching the fight, Mutsumi who was watching beside us, spoke up. They both have such wonderful technique. Just watching them has got my blood boiling.

Mutsumi looked over at Juna.

From what I can tell, you practice the martial arts yourself. Would you care for a match with me?

Having said that, Mutsumi offered Juna a wooden sword.

I specialize in surprise attacks, not frontal ones. Although she said that, Juna took the wooden sword. But I was interested in you, too, Madam Mutsumi.

You were?

Yes. In your beautiful face and fighting skills that make the commanders of the union obsess over you. Juna readied her sword with a wink at me. Because making His Majesty obsess over me is my job.

I couldnt help but be entranced by Junas mischievous smile.

I didnt expect you to start flirting. Mutsumi smiled wryly as she, too, readied her wooden sword. It looked as though Mutsumis had a longer blade. Now that I thought about it, shed had a long sword on her back, so she must have prepared one similar to what she was used to using. However, if it means I can fight you, then thats convenient. Lets fight fair and square.

All right... Here I come.

Their wooden swords collided, and a loud clacking sound echoed.

Mutsumi seemed to hold the advantage due to her reach giving each of her attacks that much more weight, but Juna was doing a good job of chasing off her attacks using quick movements and a large number of moves.

If one went on the offensive, the other was forced on the defensive, and when attacker and defender changed roles, the person doing better changed, too. It was a back-and-forth battle.

While fighting, they both smiled as if enjoying it.

Impressive, Juna said. I can see why all the soldiers would be charmed by your marvelous fighting techniques.

Mutsumi returned the compliment in kind. I could say the same of you. Its not fair that you have these sharp skills to go with that beautiful face.

When they pulled away from each other to catch their breath, Mutsumi let out a sigh.

It seems Father wants me to seduce Sir Souma, but... if he has a person like you at his side, I dont see myself winning him over with the martial ability of seduction.

Your techniques are very direct, Juna said. I very much doubt you had any intention of going through with that.

Mutsumi let out a troubled laugh. Not for myself, no. But when you come from a house of schemers, there are times when you have no choice. Hee hee, thankfully, Ill have an easier time refusing now. I really do want to choose the man I marry for myself.

As a fellow woman, I want to support you there.

There were still limits on the advancement of women in society in this world. But the women in this world had the strength not to lose to them. Seeing the two of them, I realized that all over again.

Having taken a breather, the two began trading blows again.

Aisha and Fuuga, and Juna and Mutsumi. It didnt seem like any of the four of them would stop fighting easily, so I headed over to where Hal was being tended by Kaede and Ruby.

Hal frowned when he noticed me coming. ...Souma. Looks like youve caught me looking uncool.

If you ask me, anyone who can fight is pretty cool, you know?

Like Aisha, or Juna. If Liscia were there, too, shed have been happily getting in on the action, too, Im sure.

I wanted to have a little talk with just us guys, so I asked the women to excuse themselves.

Once Juna and Naden had taken Kaede and Ruby away, I sat down next to Hal. So, how does he look to you? That Fuuga guy, I mean.

Hal let out a sigh.

...Scary. Not just the strength he has, but the air around him, too.

The air around him is scary?

Yeah. When I split off from you guys and chased after him, before I knew it, I felt myself being pulled in by the atmosphere around him. I was thinking how great itd be if I could fight like him, or how, if I could die like that, Id have no regrets. It was only for a moment, but I did. Even though theres no way thats true.

Halbert laughed mockingly at himself. I quietly listened as he spoke.

If I died and left Kaede and Ruby behind, more than anyone, I wouldnt be able to forgive myself for that. But for that moment, I was accepting it. If you hadnt told me to remember their faces, and if Ruby hadnt stopped me, I might have gotten in even deeper with him. Did you give me that advice because you knew it would happen?

Hardly, I said. I was just putting down some insurance because I was worried. Because, of all the people I know, youre the closest to Fuuga.

When I said that with a wry smile, Hal cocked his head to the side. Were close? You mean were similar?

In terms of personality, yeah. You both are exceptionally courageous, and are always aiming to move upward, right?

Its hard to answer that myself...

While Hal scratched his nose in embarrassment, I smiled wryly and told him, Thats how it looks to someone else. And people like that draw in those who will fight with them. Like you. Youre seen as someone special in the National Defense Force, right?

Huh? I am?

Youve been fighting on my side since the battle near Randel, right? I think you did a lot to distinguish yourself in battle against the forces of the Principality of Amidonia, too, and you even became a dragon knight in the Star Dragon Mountain Range.

Th-That just sort of happened on its own, you know?!

I told you, didnt I? This is about how you look from the outside. Then, in the Kingdom of Lastania, many soldiers witnessed the red dragon flying through the skies. Of course you were going to end up with a nickname.

Whaa?! Hold on, what do you mean a nickname?!

Huh? Hal didnt know?

The Red Oni... Thats what the soldiers of the National Defense Force call you, you know?

Hal was silent. He really hadnt known.

Oh, right.

I stood up and headed over to the gondola Naden had carried here. Then, pulling something from the luggage, I returned to Hal and presented it to him.

Whats this? he asked.

Its a hachigane. With oni horns on it.

It was a hachigane (a kind of protector worn on the forehead) with oni horns decorating the metal part of it.

It looks like youve become famous as the Red Oni, so I had Taru the blacksmith make this for you. Weve been so busy lately, I forgot to hand it over. If you wrap this around your head, theyll know youre the Red Oni right away. I figure thatll raise allies morale, and demoralize the enemy. Itll be perfect for hiding that red wound on your forehead, so why not try it on right now?

Hal accepted the oni hachigane, still looking dumbfounded. It seemed his mind hadnt caught up with what was happening yet.

This was the moment Hal the Red Oni was born, but Hal looked totally out of it at the time.

Well, if Hal continued to distinguish himself from here on, I was sure the playwrights of a later era would find some way to dramatize this scene and make it cool.

So, give it your all, Hal.

That night...

Youre looking pretty cool, Hal, Kaede said.

I like how the horns on your head kind of match mine, Ruby agreed.

R-Really?

Hal had put the oni hachigane on right away, but he seemed not at all unhappy with the praise Kaede and Ruby were giving him for it. He liked anything that served him. Well, not that I could blame him for feeling that way.

In the room with me were Aisha, Juna, Naden, Halbert, Kaede, Ruby, Kuu, and Leporina. We were about to go through a final confirmation of what we would do from here.

They had said they wanted to watch, too, so little Tomoe and Ichiha were sitting on chairs over by the wall.

I spread the map of the area around Wedan that I had borrowed from Duke Chima across the table.

Now then, Id like to get started...

Having said that, I glanced over beside Tomoe. For some reason, Yuriga was sitting there like she had every right to.

Didnt you go back to Fuuga? I asked.

Well, I dont have anything better to do. My brother falls asleep quickly on days where he goes wild on the battlefield.

That doesnt mean you have to come to us.

This is the only place with kids my age. Please, I wont get in the way! Yuriga put her hands together and pleaded.

If I treated her badly, I felt like itd hurt my relationship with Fuuga later... Guess there was nothing else for it.

Just watch quietly, okay? I sighed.

I know that.

Hahh... Okay, Kaede, go ahead with the explanation, please.

Got it. Please look at the map, you know. My staff officer Kaede stood up, pointing to the map as she spoke. This is the current deployment of the Union of Eastern Nations. We will be joining up with the reinforcements from the Kingdom of Friedonia, so we will not be joining this deployment. The overall flow is simple. While the forces of the Union of Eastern Nations are holding back the invading monsters, we in the forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia strike them from behind, encircling and eliminating the monsters quickly. That is all.

...Huh? Thats all? Hal sounded disappointed. He must have expected a more detailed explanation.

Seeing Hal like that, Kaede shut him down. Hal, our forces outnumber the monsters, and our equipment is superior. Its a simple plan, but in the current situation, it is the most certain and effective tactic we can use.

S-Sure... I get it. Having been given a reasonable explanation, Hal stayed quiet.

Well, Kaede was giving it her stamp of approval, so she was probably right.

I told everyone, We will join up with the main force led by Ludwin tonight. Hal, Kaede, Ruby, you will be fighting under Ludwins command. As for Tomoe... Id be worried about leaving her in this castle, so Ill keep her at my side, I think.

Okay, Big Brother.

Aisha, Juna, Naden, please join the main force, too.

Understood.

Roger that.

Are there any other questions? I asked.

Over here, Bro. The first hand to shoot up was Kuus. Is it okay for us to fight this time?

No, thats not happening. I was so short-handed that I wanted your help in the Kingdom of Lastania, but now we have the forces to overwhelm the enemy. This time, Id like you to sit tight.

Kuu clasped his hands behind his head and pursed his lips. Tch. Well, can we stay here in Wedan Castle, then? I want to watch how the Union of Eastern Nations forces fight from this side.

I dont really mind, but... dont go joining the front line just because were not around to see it. If anything were to happen to you, I could never face Sir Gouran.

Ookyakya! I know that. Kuu nodded, but I couldnt help but worry.

I looked over at Leporina. Leporina. I feel bad giving you what sounds like an order when youre not my retainer, but keep a close eye on Kuu for me. If he looks like hes going to join the front line, can I count on you to do whatever it takes to stop him?

Urgh... I dont know that I can stop him, but Ill do my best, she said.

Please do. If you want, youre welcome to shoot out his legs with that bow of yours.

Ookya?! Bro, isnt that a little harsh?! Kuu protested, but I decided to ignore him. If Kuu got hurt badly, it was liable to turn into a diplomatic incident, so I wanted him to show some restraint.

I figured that, for now, I was done with giving orders.

But...

Um, Souma. Ichiha, who had been sitting in on the meeting, hesitantly raised his hand.

What is it?

Um... would it be all right if I went, too? I think if I was in the Kingdom of Friedonias camp, I could safely get a look at living monsters from up close.

Huh? ...I wonder.

Knowing Ichihas rare gift when it came to monsters, I wanted to give him the opportunity to observe them. But, well... It was true, the main camp would be safe, but was it okay for me, as an adult, to be bringing a small child who was from another country with me?

I hesitated, but it seemed Ichiha was serious about this.

Ill go ask Father for permission myself. How about it?

If Duke Chima gives permission, I guess its okay, I said slowly.

I personally wanted to have Ichiha learn more about monsters, so if he could get permission, it was probably fine.

While I was thinking that, suddenly Yuriga stood up. Then Im going, too! I want to see how the Great King of the South fights!

She puffed up her underdeveloped chest as she made that declaration, but if she wanted to see me fight, uhh...

Im just going to be sitting put in the main camp, you know? I said. Itd be an inconvenience for everyone else, too.

You are? Then I want to see how you command...

I leave commanding to Ludwin. Im seriously just going to be there.

...Is there even any reason for you to be on the battlefield? With an exasperated look on her face, she came right out and hit me where it hurt.

Hold on, Yuriga, dont you think thats being a little rude to Big Brother Souma? Tomoe complained, looking upset.

However, Yuriga snorted derisively, showing no sign that bothered her. When my brother stands on the battlefield and performs courageous feats, everyone follows him and is ready to fight to the death. Isnt that what leading people is all about?

People will fight for Big Brother without seeing him fight, Tomoe said. Aisha, Hal, and everyone else, theyre all fighting on their own initiative.

Leaving everything to other people? Isnt that a bit lame, for a king? Yuriga complained.

It is not!

When Yuriga shrugged as if trying to provoke her, Tomoe bared her canine teeth in open anger. This might have been the first time Id seen her make that face.

I patted the growling Tomoe on the head with an Its okay, before I said to Yuriga, Well, if were talking about whos cooler, Fuuga wins that one, sure. Id love to be able to fight like he does, and I admire his strength.

Well, obviously, Yuriga said with a smug look.

It was cute seeing a kid so proud of her family like this. Though it did mean she was selling me short.

But Im not Fuuga, and I cant become like him. That goes for everyone else, too. No matter how much they admire and follow him, no one can be Fuuga but Fuuga. If they insist on trying to become like Fuuga, theyre going to die an early death.

Something about that may have rung true with Yuriga. Thats... She came up with no response.

That was because Fuuga acted as if he was living too fast.

He went into the Demon Lords Domain alone; he charged into the middle of swarms of enemies by himself... Fuuga was still alive because of who he was, and anyone who tried to imitate him would die.

Try as I might, I can only ever be me, I told her. Thats why Ill defend the country and my family my own way. That means borrowing other peoples help in the areas Im weak in. Thats somehow been able to let me keep the country going through everything thats happened so far. I dont care if its lame; if I can defend whats important to me, I think thats good enough.

Yuriga stared at me blankly. Youre... a weird king, huh.

Im well aware.

Hmm... Well, now I want you to bring me along in the main camp even more.

Why?! I told you I dont fight, right?!

I mean, youre a completely different type of person from my brother, so now youve got me curious why people would follow you. Come on, its fine, right? Ill get permission from my brother.

When she looked at me with pleading eyes, I shrugged my shoulders. Guess I had no choice. Having just given Ichiha permission, I couldnt tell Yuriga she was the only one not allowed.

If I refused, it was possible shed suspect I was giving Ichiha favorable treatment.

If you actually get permission from Fuuga...

All right! Well, Ill go get permission, then! No sooner had she said that than she dashed out of the room.

Her initiative to act on things the moment she said them might have had something in common with Roroa.

They were both little sisters, too.

Later, because both Duke Chima and Fuuga gave permission, we ended up bringing three little kids back to the main camp with us.

Fortunately, Tomoe (a mystic wolf), Ichiha (a human), and Yuriga (some sort of crow tengu-style beastman) reminded me of a dog, monkey, and pheasant.

Were we going oni-slaying? Who was Momotarou?

We did have a Red Oni on our side, though.

Thick clouds covered the sky, and the strong wind felt cold on the skin that day.

In the camps of the forces of the Union of Eastern Nations near the walls surrounding Wedans city, the commanders from each country that had led an army here were raising their voices to inspire their troops.

Listen! Reinforcements from the Kingdom of Friedonia will soon arrive!

These reinforcements are a grand army of 50,000, and the battle for Wedan will no doubt end today! In short, today will be our last chance to earn battlefield glories!

Once the forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia arrive, there will be no place left for us to distinguish ourselves! We cant let Malmkhitans cavalry hog all the glory!

The reward is Duke Chimas six children. That means only six countries can be rewarded. We all must strive to be one of those six!

Ohhhhhhh!

Battle shouts rose up from camps here and there.

Learning of the impending arrival of the Kingdom of Friedonias forces, the generals of the Union of Eastern Nations were attempting to raise their fervor for one last show of glory.

The soldiers moved into action in response to their generals incitement.

Up on the walls surrounding Wedan, watching those forces of the Union of Eastern Nations, was Kuu.

Ookyakya! Theyve all gone mad! They must want to take the beautiful Madam Mutsumi for themselves pretty badly!

You say that, but the truth is you want to join in, too, dont you, Young Master? Leporina said, sounding exasperated with the playful Kuu. Lady Mutsumi was pretty, after all.

Hmm? Id love to go wild down there, but Im not really interested in Young Miss Mutsumi. Im more into the type of cute girls wholl make me want to protect them despite myself.

Is that the type of girl Taru is?

She used to be a crybaby, remember? Shes gotten stubborn now, though.

Now that you mention it... Thats right.

Kuu, Taru, and Leporina were childhood friends. Leporina could remember those days long ago.

When they were children, Taru had been shy and a crybaby, always hiding behind Kuu or Leporina. Kuu would try to get her to laugh, doing naughty things, spinning his wheels, and just making Taru cry even more. Then Kuu would be hit by his father Gouran, and Leporina would be lectured, too, for her failure to control him.

It must have been around puberty that their relationship had taken a turn.

Kuu could only communicate his affection to Taru in a joking way, Taru couldnt be true to her feelings even when she felt affection for Kuu, and because Leporina knew their feelings for each other, she maintained a position that wasnt cruel to Taru, but which let her stay at Kuus side.

Before she knew it, a strange three-way relationship had formed between them.

Will this relationship change someday, too? If possible, I hope it can take a form that all three of us want. For that, do I need to make a move myself?

It happened while Leporina was pondering that question.

Oh! Is that him over there?! Kuu stood up, saying that as he looked at a specific point on the battlefield.

When Leporina followed his line of sight, there was a white tiger racing across the battlefield. It was Fuugas mount, Durga. Did that mean the speck on its back was Fuuga?

Fuuga and Durga looked like a ship sailing smoothly across a sea of monsters.

While watching that scene, Kuu let out a sigh. Fuuga Han, was it? I can see why he had Bro worried. Man, it sure is a wide world out here. To think there was an incredible guy like that hiding in it.

Is he incredible? Hes certainly strong, I agree...

In response to Leporinas skepticism, the corners of Kuus mouth turned up in a slight smile.

Hes not just strong. The guys pure. You could call him the greediest man in the world. Hell reach out for what he wants over and over, trying to grasp it. Even if its in the fire, and its something that will burn him badly if he tries to take it. Seriously, hes scary.

Despite saying that the man was scary, Kuu seemed amused.

Even when it comes to things Bro or Empress Maria would hesitate to touch, hell reach for them without hesitation. On the day that he has more power than he does now, his pure greed may cover this whole continent. Ohh, this is scary, scary stuff.

It was a bit too abstract for Leporina to understand what Kuu was trying to say. However, one thing she could say for certain was that Kuu was convinced about something.

Is this your intuition, Young Master?

Well, something like that, but Im confident. He embodies the life I idealize. Hes chasing a huge dream, and hes got the power to make it real. If I could live like that, itd feel great... but if he becomes an enemy, hell be trouble.

When he said that, Kuus smile vanished, and he glared straight in Fuugas direction.

The Republic of Turgis is cold, and the currents in the air make it so wyverns cant fly. Thats been a problem for us, but at the same time, its had the benefit of preventing outside countries from attacking. Even if they could conquer us, wed be hard to rule, so theres little for them to gain. Thats why Bro and Madam Maria wouldnt think to attack us.

...And Fuuga would be different? Leporina hesitantly asked.

Kuu sat down and crossed his legs. His dream becomes the dream of those who follow him. If he were dreaming of unifying the continent, then if it meant a little... no, even a lot of losses for no return, Im sure hed invade. Just to make his dream come true.

No...

If you were to ask Bro, he might have a different perspective, but thats how it feels to me. We cant take it easy. Theres no guarantee Bro or Madam Maria will stop him for us. Weve gotta build a country for ourselves that wont lose, even if he comes to invade us.

Leporina was silent.

There were already hints of a ruler-like dignity in Kuus eyes, making Leporina lose herself in them despite herself. She didnt know if he was aware of it himself, but by going outside the Republic of Turgis, Kuu had been steadily maturing.

Leporina pressed on her chest as her heart pounded.

In order to stay with Master Kuu for all my life, I must... be prepared.

At some point, the flames of determination had begun to burn in Leporinas eyes, too.

At that time, the forces of the Union of Eastern Nations began to stir. That was because they had spotted the 50,000 strong forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia on the other side of the swarm of monsters.

Thus, the demon wave moved toward its final stage.

Did it happen a little after noon?

Hows that? Can you see it now?

Around the time that the kingdoms National Defense Force finished deploying and began to encircle and exterminate the monsters, Aisha was standing in the main camp with Tomoe and Ichiha sitting on her shoulders.

The reason they were riding on her shoulders was because the little ones had said, We cant see the battle very well from here.

We were deployed on the high ground, so we could see the entire armys movements, but because we had shields set up in front of us to stop arrows, among other things, the childrens short stature made it impossible for them to see.

Okay, we can see much better now, Tomoe said. Thank you very much.

In contrast to the delighted Tomoe, Ichiha seemed more hesitant. Y-Yes, its true we can see better, but... Im not so sure about making the candidate to become the Kingdom of Friedonias second primary queen do this...

However, Aisha said, This is nothing, and laughed it off. You two weigh next to nothing, so dont worry yourselves about it.

No, um... Its not about the weight, its about how inappropriate this is...

He was having a woman who was going to be a queen let him ride on her shoulders, so I could understand how Ichiha felt. But our country was pretty easygoing on that sort of stuff, you know. Me included.

I would act appropriately for my position when I was performing official duties, but I really didnt like the idea of acting self-important around the clock. If I didnt take a load off when I could, my shoulders felt stiff.

Aishas saying its fine, so its probably fine, dont you think? I told Ichiha with a wry smile.

S-Souma! he protested.

Come on now, you came to sketch monsters, didnt you? I said. Youve got to actually do it.

Urkh... Okay.

Ichiha put the drawing board around his neck, and his charcoal began racing across the paper.

She doesnt have to let them sit on her shoulders, Naden, who had been watching the three of them from beside me, suggested, crossing her arms. Couldnt I just transform and fly? The kids should be safe in the gondola.

I wouldnt be going out onto the field of battle myself this time, so it seemed she was stuck in the main camp with nothing to do. I gave a dissatisfied Naden a gentle pat on the head.

If you did that, Id have to assign wyvern cavalry to escort you, wouldnt I? Every member of the wyvern cavalry we brought is participating in battle, so we cant cause any more trouble for them.

Im pretty sure with both me and Aisha there, wed be fine no matter what flying monsters came.

If you were taking the two kids, itd be in a gondola. Its dangerous fighting while you carry a gondola, right? I mean, if anything were to happen to Ichiha while were taking care of him for Duke Chima, itd be a big problem.

...You have a point. It looked like Naden was convinced.

But, as we were talking...

Arent you people a little too relaxed here? Yuriga, who was also beside me, looked at us with cold eyes. This is the final battle with those monsters, isnt it? Shouldnt you be more tense, more...? Thats it, serious! Dont you need to act serious?

You say that, but its just a matter of surrounding and crushing them now... I said.

This time, while the forces of the Union of Eastern Nations were holding the enemy back, the forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia were going to attack in the crane wing formation. The units on the left and right wings would gradually fan out, encircling and eliminating the enemy. It was a simple plan.

To sum it up briefly, it was, Surround them with everything weve got.

If I wanted to avoid letting monsters escape, I should have worked with the other countries to divide the labor, but the forces of the union were in the middle of one last struggle to distinguish themselves.

It might not have been impossible, but they werent in a position to coordinate closely with us at the moment.

What we could do was do our best to encircle the enemy, and finish off as many monsters here as we possibly could.

The important thing was that the monsters didnt escape as a pack. If few of them escaped, and they were split up, sending a request to the defense forces of each country and the adventurers guild would be enough to handle them.

We just have to play our role, I said. Which, for me, is staying put in the main camp, and thats about it. If I try to go out to the front, Ill just be causing undue trouble.

It really is a mystery, Yuriga said. Without showing strength or ferocity, its a wonder the soldiers are willing to follow you, you know that?

Now listen, you. Dont you think the way youve been talking is a little rude? Naden glared at Yuriga. She was letting off a little of her ryuu intimidation, so an ordinary child might have burst into tears just looking her in the eye.

However, Yuriga stared Naden right in the eye and said, Come on! People will submit to someone stronger than them, but if you show even a moments weakness, theyll leave you. When my father died, I watched as a number of clans left the House of Haan or plotted to betray us. Those clans were all obliterated by my brother when he took over, of course.

Being hit with such a heavy topic as if it was nothing, Naden was at a loss for words. Yuriga, you...

It seemed it wasnt just Fuuga; Yuriga had lived a different life from the one most people lead, too.

People must be brought together and led with strength, Yuriga insisted. Thats what my brother is always saying.

The steppes of Malmkhitan were like the Union of Eastern Nations in miniature. There were a variety of small and medium-sized factions vying for power, unifying and then splitting up once more. In a world like that, he likely did have no choice but to unite them through power. No one could say that it was a mistake to do so.

Im sure ruling through might was the right way to do things in Malmkhitan. I crouched down in front of Yuriga, meeting her at eye level as I spoke. But the world is more than just the steppes or the Union of Eastern Nations. Values are formed by the nature of the region and shared history, so its more complicated than that. Theres a nation ruled with religious authority, and a nation united by the monetary bonds of mercenary contracts. Theres a country like the Gran Chaos Empire which raises the flag of ideals to confront the Demon Lords Domain, too.

...I dont really get it.

Oh, um... Well, maybe this wasnt the best conversation to have with a thirteen-year-old.

Dont treat me like a child!

Thats such a line a kid would say.

Grr... Yuriga ground her teeth.

I wasnt being very adult in the way I was treating a kid, huh?

But still... Hearing her story, I felt a little bad for her. Feeling unable to leave her alone, I wanted to offer some advice, but if it wasnt going to get through to her, there wasnt much point.

Now then, how could I say this...?

I know... If you get the opportunity, you should come to my country. That way youll meet all sort of people, and come in contact with the differing lives they lead. If you do that, Im sure youll encounter value systems that are different from your own.

Hmm... Is that how it is? Yuriga asked.

That is how it is.

Yuriga didnt seem entirely convinced, but she eventually nodded. Ill at least keep it in mind.

Then, at that moment, a cheer rose up from the battlefield. The encirclement of the monsters had just been completed.

The huge monsters like the zombie rhinosauruses were being defeated by a focused attack from the temsbock cavalry led by Fuuga and Durga, as well as the wyvern cavalry led by Hal and Ruby.

Massive lightning arced all over, and intense flames blew about wildly.

The monsters attempted to flee when they saw the huge ones going down, but the encirclement was already complete. The vast majority either threw themselves at the soldiers in the formation and were killed, or were crushed by the encirclement with nowhere to go.

It was a one-sided trampling.

What had once been so many writhing monsters turned into lifeless corpses, and eventually the sound of screams and death cries vanished from the battlefield.

The thick clouds that had covered the sky scattered, and when it was dyed red by the setting sun, the soldiers cheered. Hip, hip, hurray!

That was the cry that heralded the end of the monster wave.

It was evening on the monster corpse-littered battlefield, with the skies dyed red.

With the extermination of the monsters complete, I had the forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia set up camp while I rode Naden and returned to Wedan Castle with a select group of my companions. That was because I had to return Ichiha and Yuriga to their respective guardians.

We set down in the courtyard like when we had come yesterday, and Duke Chima, also like yesterday, greeted us with a broad smile.

Ohh, Sir Souma! Thanks to the Kingdom of Friedonia, the monsters are eliminated, and my country freed from the crisis. I dont know how to thank you.

I could only smile wryly as Duke Chima took my hand and made an exaggerated show of gratitude. There was likely a heaping helping of lip service in what he was saying, so I was just listening to hear what he would say.

We just relied on our numbers to let us make the last push, I said hesitantly. I didnt want him to inflate what Id done too much. Its nothing compared to the efforts exerted by those whove been fighting all this time.

Yuriga, who was beside me, crossed her arms and nodded in agreement. Its true, Sir Souma just sat in the main camp and watched the battlefield.

Mrrgh, there you go, saying that again, Yuriga... Tomoe protested, but Yuriga just looked away peevishly.

Hmph, well, its true, isnt it? On that point, my brother Fuuga really distinguished himself on todays battlefield. You saw, didnt you, Tomoe? The way that huge zombie rhinosaurus got fried. That was absolutely my brothers shot.

I saw, but... thats what my teacher would call rash courage, you know?

No matter what kind it is, courage is courage! Hes brave and strong! Truly a king among kings!

Mrrrgh... Weak kings can be great, too. Lord Albert and Big Brother can both make decisions for everyone.

There may have been sparks flying where Tomoe and Yurigas eyes met... but they were just kids, so it only looked like they were having a staring contest.

Now, now, Tomoe, Yuriga, both of you calm down. Ichiha got between them and tried to mollify them both.

With his sharp eyes, Duke Chima spotted the boy doing that, and, Ohh! he exclaimed with the smile of an affable middle-aged man. It seems our once shy Ichiha has become fast friends with your little sister! Theyre so close in age, I might have expected they would grow close quickly!

Ahaha... Is that how it works? I laughed wryly.

Could Duke Chima not see Tomoe and Yuriga glaring at one another with teeth bared despite their closeness of age?

Even if they were just kids, the friendship between Ichiha and Tomoe might get the duke a connection to our kingdom... was what I was sure he was thinking.

I should have expected as much from a man whose diplomatic acumen had allowed his country to maintain its independence in a region rife with wars between small and medium-sized powers. He wasnt to be underestimated.

Im grateful to your little sister for getting along with Ichiha, Duke Chima added.

Ahaha...

I knew I probably shouldnt get too deeply involved with a crafty fellow like him, but now that I knew how skilled Ichiha was, I couldnt treat the man too poorly. Although, if he knew I was so interested in Ichiha, he might try to use that.

For now, I had no choice but to mask my inner feelings with polite laughter.

Then Duke Chima took my hand again and said, Tonight, we will be having a little banquet to celebrate this victory. I will be carrying out the conferment of awards there, so I would very much like for you to attend, Sir Souma.

Oh, right. I will be participating, I nodded.

Duke Chima nodded with satisfaction at my response and took Ichiha back inside the castle with him. When we were about to return to our room, too...

Oh! Big Brother, Yuriga said looking up into the sky.

When I looked up, a big white tiger was in the process of descending.

It was Fuuga and Durga.

Durga must have gotten covered in monster blood, because his white fur was stained dark red in some places. When I was looking up at the massive Durga, Fuuga poked his head out over the side.

Hey, I see you people are back, too.

Yeah, I said. It sounds like you really did a great job out there.

Well, yeah. When the forces of Friedonia showed up, I suddenly found all my prey had gone missing, though. I wanted to go wild a bit longer, but, what can you do...? Oh, right. Fuuga jumped down from Durga, bringing his face close to mine. Hey, Souma. Youve got a flying mount, too, dont you? That black one.

...Uh, yeah. Though shes not so much my mount as my fiance.

Fiance...? Well, whatever. Why dont we have a little talk up in the sky? Lets have a heart-to-heart, as fellow rulers.

Before I could even respond, Aisha cut in. As His Majestys bodyguard, I cannot allow that!

Fuuga tossed his bow and quiver of arrows to Yuriga, thrusting his crescent blade into the ground. Its just small talk. Well leave all the weapons here. My rock-rending blade, Zanganto, too.

Was that weapon that was like the Green Dragon Crescent Blade called Zanganto? From the sense of weight it had when it was thrust into the ground, it certainly did seem like it could split rock.

Besides, even if it is just the two of us, that strong dragon will be there, too, right? Fuuga asked. If I try something, she can fly off, or attack me, or whatever.

But... Aisha still had a look of uncertainty on her face.

I could understand her unease.

This was Fuuga. Even unarmed, he could easily kill me. Aisha was thinking that, if he should try, Naden might not be able to defend me alone. That was just how much caution Fuuga warranted.

But that was exactly why it wasnt a good idea to let him realize we were cautious of him now.

Its fine, Aisha, I said. Im sure he just wants to talk.

Sire...

Aisha. Juna softly laid a hand on her shoulder. Then she whispered something in her ear. I couldnt hear what it was from here, but knowing Juna it was likely, Lets leave this to His Majesty. She was persuading her for me.

Though reluctant, Aisha backed down. ...I understand. Madam Naden, I ask you do everything you can to take care of His Majesty.

Were leaving His Majesty in your care, Naden, Juna agreed.

Roger that, Aisha, Juna.

Then Naden took on her ryuu form, revealing that massive body in front of Fuuga.

In her ryuu form, Naden was about thirty meters long, so even with her feet on the ground, she was bigger than Durga.

Looking up, Fuuga let out a whistle of admiration. Whew... Shes big! I thought it seeing her at a distance, but she really makes an impact up close like this! Is she strong, like I thought?

I am, Naden said in an intense tone. So if youre intending to harm Souma, I wont hold back.

Fuuga laughed the threat off. She speaks directly inside your head? I thought she looked weird, but I guess shes like the dragons Ive heard of that way. I get it, dragon girl! If I act strangely, you can crush me with those big jaws of yours!

I could only be amazed by the guts it took Fuuga to say that without any fear when faced with a ryuu. Did this man know no fear?

Naden looked at him with her golden ryuu eyes. Ill do just that, she said in a grave tone.

Durga may have become cautious about the sudden appearance of a ryuu, because he was emitting a low roar. Somehow we had ended up with the looming potential of a dragon vs. tiger showdown.

In order to change the general atmosphere, I clapped my hands. So, we were going to talk, right? Lets get going.

I hopped on Nadens back, and we danced up into the sky. Fuuga and Durga raced after us.

Naden swam through the air, and Durga leapt through the sky, the dragon and tiger moving through the skies of Wedan side by side. We climbed high up, so we could see the Dabicon River, the border between the Union of Eastern Nations and the Demon Lords Domain.

That was when it happened.

Hey, Souma. How does this country, the Union of Eastern Nations, look in your eyes? Fuuga suddenly asked.

...What do you mean?

I mean, dont you think its hopeless? In an area with all these small and medium-sized countries, theyve had a history of repeated unification and rifts, alliances and betrayals. Just like my country on the steppes. On top of that, because of all these messy marital alliances, theyre all hopelessly intertwined. When youve got relatives all over the place, no one is going to get serious about unifying the country.

Fuuga practically spat those words out. Then he sat cross-legged on Durgas back, resting his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands.

Those eyes which looked down on the land below were thoroughly cold. It was as if he were regarding the country itself with scorn.

They finally managed to bring it together in the Union of Eastern Nations, but it hasnt fundamentally changed at all. Look at this demon wave. If wed united to fight as one, it would have ended more easily, but when each countrys self-preservation and self-interest get involved, we cant work together. If the forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia hadnt come to relieve us, it would have taken longer to wipe them all out, and maybe even some of the medium-sized countries would have fallen. Thats why Im grateful to you.

Youre being awfully forthright about that, I said, surprised. I had never expected words of thanks from Fuuga.

However, thinking back, Fuugas actions had shown a tendency to be true to his feelings. Because he was forthright, he didnt show fear in the face of other kings, and he could be straight about his affection for Madam Mutsumi. The forthrightness must have come from a strength that let him not be concerned about how others saw him.

While I was reflecting on that, Fuuga grinned. If you people hadnt turned up, who knows how long this battle for Wedan would have dragged on? Everyone was just fighting on their own, greedy for the potential rewards to go to themselves.

Dont act like you werent involved, I said. That included you, too, didnt it?

Its fine when I do it. Even if I do whatever I want, I still contribute the most.

Its all in how you put it, I guess...

But the fact was, he was right. Even if he did whatever he wanted, Fuuga got results.

Still, if others acted the way he did, there was no guarantee things would go the same for them. Fuugas results were largely a product of his inborn aptitude.

Come to think of it... the men whod picked a fight with Tomoe had been hurt, too. These were people who, judging by the size of their attitudes, were reasonably high-ranking figures in their country getting injured. Normally, they wouldnt need to go out on the front lines that often. Could this have been Fuugas influence, too?

Perhaps the commanders from other countries had been pulled in by Fuuga, acting recklessly to get results like he did. Then, because they couldnt do it like him, theyd gotten badly hurt, or even died.

Could it be that many commanders from the petty states had died or been injured in this series of battles?

When that thought occurred to me, a chill ran down my spine. For the umpteenth time, I felt the wariness of something I couldnt identify welling up again.

With no way to know what I was thinking, Fuuga carried on talking. So, on that note, I had a thought during this demon wave. The Union of Eastern Nations has to be united in the true sense of the word. Like when my old man conquered the steppes.

Fuuga clenched the hand he had stretched out in front of him into a tight fist.

In a time when we have the Demon Lords Domain to our north, the Union of Eastern Nations cant do anything as it is. Even as the empress they call a saint waves the flag to bring the nations of mankind together in the west, and a young king rebuilds a decrepit old country into a new powerhouse, the union can do nothing. We cant even stand upon the stage of this era. Thats galling to the people who live in this land.

I listened silently.

The stage of this era... Did Fuuga want to rise up on to it?

What role did he intend to play there? Who was he trying to become?

Thats exactly why someone has to truly unite it. Fuuga stood on Durgas back and spread his arms wide. To unite the Union of Eastern Nations. It will take the resolve to smash everything first so it can happen. Like I said, this country is hopelessly intertwined by alliances and blood relations. To unify it, all of that must be destroyed, cut off, and returned to a blank slate. It will take the resolve to do it no matter what the means, and no matter how much blood must be shed.

Are you saying youll do that, Fuuga? I asked with a tense expression.

Fuuga thumped his chest with one hand. Yeah! In this day and age, who else but me can?! The fact is, Ive already done it on the steppe. My father brought the steppes together as one, but I made those people who still conspired to kill him submit to me as a warrior. Now, everyone on the steppe has high hopes for me.

Conspiring to kill his father. The report from the Black Cats hadnt been able to determine whether Fuugas father, Raiga Haan, had been killed by illness or poison, but... it seemed Fuuga interpreted it as an assassination.

Look at the times were in. Strength can be just as powerful a banner as the ideals the saint carries.

Then Fuuga pointed down at the ground.

The Union of Eastern Nations is now full of refugees who escaped the north. Each country handles them in their own way, but Im sure, under the current situation, the refugees have their reasons to be discontent in each of them. If even a small portion of the Demon Lords Domain could be liberated, they would see in me the hope that their homelands might be liberated, and theyd rush to my side. Its not only the refugees who want to see the Demon Lords Domain liberated, either. The soldiers and farmers who want land, the merchants and craftspeople who want products, and the petty rulers who want to expand their holdings will all ride that wave.

Fuuga went on to describe his imagined blueprint. There were parts of it that seemed unrealistic, but I had a strange premonition that Fuuga might just be able to pull it off. If people felt the way Fuuga said they would... it might well become hope for them.

But will it be that simple? I asked. Even at its height, the Empire failed in its invasion of the Demon Lords Domain.

I know that. But theres something Im convinced of.

Something youre convinced of? I parroted back questioningly.

Fuuga gave me a firm nod. They say the allied force led by the Empire wasnt defeated by monsters, but by demons. And the demons only exist deep inside the Demon Lords Domain.

I was shocked. The demons only existed deep inside the Demon Lords Domain?

...On what basis do you say that?

I went into the Demon Lords Domain out of curiosity, but despite frequently being attacked by monsters, I never encountered a single demon. I went in pretty deep, too. That means the demons arent spread out over the whole of the Demon Lords Domain.

... I was speechless. I felt as though Fuugas conjecture was on the mark.

Fuuga likely didnt know, but I had already shared my theory that Monsters are to demons as animals are to humans with the Empire. If these demons couldnt communicate with the monsters, they might see them as dangerous beasts, the same way as we did.

If the demons were wary of monsters, rather than dividing up their forces, wouldnt they make large colonies to protect their children and such from attacks?

If it was true, it made sense why the allied forces led by the Empire had made good progress at first. Basically, the alliance had gone too deep into the Demon Lords Domain, and perhaps they encountered a demon colony. Then they had attacked the monsters and demons without discriminating between them...

In other words, the extermination of harmful beasts had escalated into an all-out war.

Urgh... I grasped my head as I was struck by a headache.

Naden telepathically expressed her worry in a small voice. Hold on, Souma, are you okay?

I told her it was all right, but inside, I didnt think it was all right at all. There was too much to think about. I wanted to talk with Maria as soon as possible.

With no sign that he noticed, Fuuga went on talking. Thats why I think its possible to retake a part of the Demon Lords Domain. Ill use that accomplishment to get public opinion inside the union on my side, and create the opportunity for unification. Ill crush all who oppose me, force the uncooperative to submit with power, smash all the worthless bonds holding us back, and make this country one.

You intend to do all of that yourself?

I said it, didnt I? If not me, who?! Fuuga seemed full of confidence.

That incredible imagination and determination... This man was clearly in a different dimension than anyone else.

What had made this man, without question, was the tension in this country, and the wishes of the people to break free of it. He was the embodiment of peoples hopes.

Do you have any idea how much blood will flow? I asked. This is a path of carnage you plan to walk.

I dont care! Life is brief. Even the long-lived races die when their time comes. Therefore, its a mans greatest wish to accomplish something great that future generations will remember!

...Yeah, there was no questioning it now.

This man was trying to become what Maria had rejected becoming.

He was a being that grew feeding on peoples hopes, becoming something greater than human in the process.

He wanted to become the great man of this era.

Whenever an era came to a stalemate, great people would appear as if responding to the peoples wishes.

Ying Zheng of Qin (Qin Shi Huang), Oda Nobunaga, Napoleon... The great men who appeared to break out of an interminable situation were always violent in their destruction of the values held up until that time, and they tried to build a new world atop the ruins of the old. Many who were praised for their great deeds in later generations were seen as nothing more than slaughterers by the people of the time.

I saw the potential to become that sort of great man in Fuuga.

In this confused era with the Demon Lords Domain in the north, the people were seeking a vessel into which they could pour their hopes. I was wasting the label of hero, and Maria had the capacity to be a saint. However, we had rejected becoming something larger than human, so that vessel had not yet appeared.

But what about Fuuga? If the people looked for Fuuga to become a great man, wouldnt Fuuga become one without hesitation?

Then, with the peoples hopes behind him, wouldnt he try to become the hegemon of this era?

When I get home... I need to tell Maria.

I need to tell her to beware Fuuga Haan of the Union of Eastern Nations.

If this man truly rose, even the strongest of mankinds nations was at risk.

And so, I myself made careful note of Fuuga Haans name as the person I most needed to be concerned about from now on.