How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 9: Epilogue1

Epilogue 1: Family

A little past noon, 21st day, 12th month, 1,547th year, Continental Calendar

Whew... We finally made it back, I said, relieved.

When you see the castle, the exhaustion just melts away, doesnt it? Naden agreed, spinning her arms in circles after having returned to human form.

Youre right, when you see the castle, it really does feel like weve come home, Aisha put in.

Hee hee! The castle really has become our home now, hasnt it? Juna smiled.

Yeah, they were right. Wed finally managed to make it home.

After having returned to Parnam alongside the reinforcements wed sent to the Union of Eastern Nations, wed gotten in Nadens gondola and headed back to Parnam Castle ahead of the rest.

This wasnt a war, so there would be no triumphant return parade, and the main force would likely just be disbanded outside the castle walls. That work was being left to Kaede, as Ludwins second-in-command.

Hakuya and Roroa came out of the castle to greet us.

Your Majesty, hurry to Princess Liscias side, Hakuya said without preamble.

Ya better go quick! Roroa added.

Those were the first things out of their mouths. It seemed they were in a hurry.

Huh?! Did something happen to Liscia?! I cried.

Hakuya nodded gravely. I received word that she went into labor this morning.

Labor...? She was giving birth?!

Roroa jabbed me in the chest. The doctors, Hilde and Brad, are already with Big Sis Cia. Well be headin over there, too, once our works done, so get movin, Darlin!

Is that okay? I fretted. Should the king really be heading over there as soon as he gets back?

Between the administrative work that had built up while I was away, along with dealing with the aftermath of having dispatched troops, there was surely a mountain of work to do. The bureaucrats must want me to return to my duties immediately.

But Hakuya just shrugged his shoulders. Youre not going to be able to focus on your duties like this, anyway. If your lack of focus causes you to make a series of errors, that only results in more work in the end. Please, let us take care of things ourselves.

...Sorry. Thanks.

I turned and spoke to my fiances and little sister.

You heard the man. Naden and I will be going to see Liscia. Aisha, Juna, sorry, but could you sort out the luggage in the gondola? I want you to come later.

Y-Yes, sire, Aisha said.

Understood. Juna nodded.

Roroa, I want you to come once your work is finished, too. Tomoe, show Ichiha and Yuriga to Hakuyas place. If you want to come too, the three of you are welcome to join us later.

Gotcha, said Roroa. Im countin on ya to take care of Big Sis Cia.

Okay, Big Brother, Tomoe said obediently.

I straddled Nadens back in her ryuu form. Okay, Naden! Go as fast as you can, please.

Roger that! Dont go fainting on me, okay?

With that, Naden danced up into the air.

The ground sped away from us even more rapidly than normal. Normally, that would have really scared me, but in my haste to get where we were going, I didnt have the presence of mind left to be scared.

Liscia... Liscia...

With me repeating her name in my head over and over, Naden and I headed straight for the former king Sir Alberts domain, where Liscia was staying.

Having raced across the sky, Naden and I set down in front of Sir Alberts manor.

As we did, I spotted the doctor Brad sitting at one of the tables on the veranda which could be seen from the gate. He was wearing a string-like thing diagonally over top of his white clothes.

I approached him, calling his name. Brad?

Brad noticed me. Oh, its the king. Thats an interesting getup youre wearing today.

I realized I was still in my military uniform. Wed come here right after returning from the Union of Easter Nations, after all. There had been no time to get changed.

I was in a rush... and, I mean, arent you wearing something kind of weird, too?

What choice do I have, the way things are here?

Brad turned to show me his back, and there was a baby less than a year old strapped behind him. It turned out the string running diagonally across the front of his chest was for a baby sling.

When I approached and looked closer at the baby, it seemed to be sleeping. The wispy hair growing on the babys head matched Brads white hair, but on its forehead was the small, jewel-like third eye that was characteristic of the three-eyed race. Its puffy cheeks were adorable.

Cute, I said admiringly. Ive heard you have a kid. Is this your kid, Brad?

My daughter. Her name is Ludia.

Ludia, huh. You took the L and D sounds from the end of Hildes name, huh... Wait, I know Ludias cute and all, but nows not the time for this!

The adorable baby had momentarily distracted me from my original objective.

I came flying when I heard Liscia had gone into labor, so what are you doing sitting around relaxing here?!

Fwah... Wahhhhhhhh! Because of my shout, Ludia woke and burst out crying.

Ah, sorry! D-Dont cry, I said anxiously.

There, there... Could you not shout so loudly in front of Ludia? Brad told me off while trying to soothe the daughter on his back. Just having an adult they dont know around is frightening enough for children.

I feel like hed been more prickly a long time ago, but now he was totally in dad mode.

The three of us worked together to get Ludia to settle down before I asked Brad the same question again.

Im sorry for shouting. But since its twins, wasnt it looking like you were going to have to do a Caesarean section? If I find you, the head doctor, out here, obviously Im going to be concerned.

So, about that... we ended up not doing one.

Huh?! Why didnMmph!

Souma! Quiet! Naden covered my mouth and said that in a hushed voice. Youll make the baby cry again, you know?

The three of us looked at Ludias face... Yeah, it looked like she was sleeping.

I moved Nadens hand aside and took gasping breaths.

...Sorry. But why?

At the mothers request.

Liscias?

When I explained about the procedure, she refused. She said she didnt want her stomach cut.

According to Brad, she hadnt wanted her abdomen... or rather her abdominal muscles... to be cut during the Caesarean section.

For Liscia, who partook in the martial arts, having her muscles cut meant she might not be able to stand on the battlefield the same way she had before. That was apparently why she had requested a natural delivery instead.

Fortunately, the babies are not in a bad position, Brad said. In Hildes estimation, a natural birth should be possible.

Really?

Yeah. But shell be in pain for twice as long as an ordinary pregnancy. There are two of them, after all. Well, even with that explained, the mother requested a natural delivery, so thats how it is... I dont really understand her thinking, though, to be honest, Brad said scratching his head.

I agreed, but Naden said, I feel like I get it, showing some degree of understanding. Maybe it was some sort of motherly pride us men couldnt understand.

Hildes attending to her closely now, Brad said. Obviously, if we determine shes in danger, were prepared to switch over to the Caesarean. Are you all right with that, too, sire?

If thats what Liscias decided.

She had chosen not to have her muscles cut even if it meant being in pain for twice as long.

Was Liscia that eager to stand on the battlefield?

Brad told me I could talk to her about the details in person, so we headed inside the house.

The maids were moving about frantically. The scene reminded me of the palace just after I was entrusted with the throne.

I spotted a familiar maid and called out to her. Carla!

Wah?! ...Oh, its you, Master. Youve returned to the country.

The dragonewt maid Carla turned around. She was wearing a maid dress with a skirt short enough that she wouldnt be out of place working in a maid caf, but instead of a silver platter, she held a metal basin that even a grown man would have struggled to carry.

We just got back, I said. Whats the basin for?

To hold hot water for the babies first bath. I was told bigger was better, so I flew off and found the biggest one in this domain.

No, isnt this kind of too big? Its the size of one of those small vinyl pools for children, you know?

It was large enough that you had to worry about the babies drowning. Someone was going to be holding them during it, though, so it was probably fine...

Wait, before that, show me to where Liscia is, would you?

Understood. She is in the large room upstairs.

Naden and I followed Carla upstairs. There was a door in the second floor corridor that was left wide open. We could see maids constantly coming in and out of the room. That had to be where Liscia was.

Approaching the room, I heard what sounded like a womans groaning.

I dashed forward. Lisci

Stay out of the room! someone shouted.

I came to a halt.

The three-eyed doctor Hilde came out. Hilde had an irritable look on her face as she put a hand on her hip and glared at me.

I heard, and looking at what youre wearing, I can tell. You were just up fighting monsters in the Union of Eastern Nations, right? And you came straight here as soon as you got back. Am I wrong?

Y-Yeah...

In other words, you came without cleaning off the grime from your journey. Dont bring that filthy body into the same room as a pregnant woman and her babies! Werent you supposed to understand hygiene?!

Urkh... Sorry. Hilde was absolutely right in what she was saying, so I gave her an honest apology.

In modern society, where we had proper hygiene, fathers were allowed to be present for the birth, but here in this world where that was not the case, it was probably better to leave things to the doctors.

Not only that, I had been touching monster corpses in the Union of Eastern Nations. I had wiped myself afterward, obviously, but I hadnt taken a thorough bath yet.

Is that... Souma...? Liscia croaked from within the room.

I couldnt see her with Hilde blocking the way, but I could hear her voice.

Yeah, its me! Can we talk? Youre not in too much pain?

Yeah... Im feeling up to it for now...

Y-You are? Well, Im right here!

It looks like you made it. How about you, Souma? Youre not hurt anywhere?

I came back in one piece! Aisha and Juna and Naden and Tomoe all came with me! Roroa was holding down the fort for us, but she seemed full of energy, too!

I see. Good. You... didnt do anything reckless, right?

Liscia, Naden called. This is Naden. What Soumas saying is the truth. He may have been a little reckless, but hes not hurt, so dont worry.

I heard Liscia chuckling. So you were being reckless again... Maybe we need to have a little heart-to-heart later? But from what Naden says, it sounds like youre okay... She paused. Thank you... for protecting Souma.

No, I just did what any ryuu ought to!

Souma, just stay there and dont worry, Liscia managed. Ill make sure I give birth to healthy babies.

Dont worry? You know I cant do that! I hear you refused the Caesarean section, you know?

So you heard, Liscia replied a little awkwardly. Listen, if they cut open my abdomen, I might not be able to fight like before. I dont want that. I still want to be able to command the military and fight in your place.

Y-Youre still planning to go out on the battlefield now that youre a mother?

Wouldnt any mother want her kids to see how cool she is?

My shoulders slumped. Youre going to be one tough mom...

Hilde made a shooing gesture with her hands and chased me off like a wild dog. Now that you understand, take off that uniform and wash yourself. You leave the princess to me. I swear youll be able to see her and the kids later.

Im counting on you... I bowed my head to Hilde, then temporarily left the room.

While I was trudging down the stairs, Carla felt bad for me and raised her voice to say, Y-You know, Liscia may not look it, but shes pretty tough. You must be exhausted from your long journey, Master. Ill get the bath ready now, so wash off the dirt from the campaign like Hilde said and get some rest, all right?

Wash the dirt off... huh.

I should pour some hot water over my head... No, in this case, there was something that felt more appropriate, wasnt there? I clapped my hands together as if Id just come up with a brilliant idea.

Okay. Im going to perform mizugori.

Mizugori? Naden looked confused.

I nodded. Its a traditional method of prayer from my world. You pour well water over your head repeatedly to wash away the grime, while offering Shinto and Buddhist prayers.

Well water? Its the middle of winter! If you do that in this cold, its guaranteed to be unhealthy! Stop being stupid!

Thats perfect, I said. Liscias trying her best, too. I need to do that much, at least.

Just calm down already! Every hair on Nadens body rose.

Bzzzap!

Gyah!

I collapsed on the spot.

Looming over my immobile self with her arms crossed, Naden sighed. Honestly... This is so unlike you that I cant bear to watch. Calm down a little already. If you collapse because youre being reckless, that will cause delays in your duties and make trouble for everyone at the castle, okay? Thats not something Liscia wants, either.

Uhhh... But Im worried.

I understand, but is pouring cold water on yourself going to change anything? A little water isnt going to let the gods do anything for you. My god is Lady Tiamat, and she generally doesnt even interfere in the world below.

That remark wouldnt go over well with the followers of Mother Dragon worship or Lunarian Orthodoxy.

Besides, isnt your whole thing that you leave the things you cant handle yourself to other people? You cant give birth, so trust Liscia, who can, to handle it.

Naden was so right that I couldnt say a thing in return.

Naden was a nonsensical being that could transform into a ryuu, but Naden herself was a common-sense person capable of reasoned thought. Her lecture to me made sense.

Youve got it more together than I give you credit for, I sighed.

Thats right. Im the only one around to scold you right now. Aisha loves you like a loyal dog, Juna is too indulgent, and Roroa is more likely to goad you into doing something than stop you. I feel like Ive gotten a lot of practice at it while Liscias been away.

You make me sound like some sort of problem child, I objected.

If you dont have the self-awareness to see it, thats pretty bad. But you were starting to get out of hand, so I want Liscia to hurry up and get back on the job soon.

Wow, that was harsh. But I was in agreement about wanting to see Liscia soon.

Oh, my. A gentle voice came down to me. If you sleep there, youll catch a cold, son-in-law.

I sat up because the numbness was starting to fade and saw Liscias mother, the former queen Elisha, looking at me with a soft smile.

If youre tired, why dont you come rest in my room?

I wiped myself down in a hot bath, which Carla and the others had prepared for me after Nadens stopping me from performing mizugori, and then put on a spare change of clothes I had borrowed from Sir Albert.

When I was finished getting changed and met up with Naden, who had likewise just finished wiping herself off, she was wearing a frilly apron-dress that made her look ready to chase a rabbit to Wonderland. It really suited the petite Naden.

I think you look cute in that outfit, but whered it come from? I asked.

Elisha forced it on me.

It seemed the outfit Naden was now wearing was one that had been Liscias when she was younger. However, given Liscias personality, she hadnt been willing to wear it often, so Elisha had wanted to take this chance to get Naden to wear it.

Liscia in a frilly dress... No, I couldnt imagine it.

Naden transformed her scales into clothing (though it was all-black clothing) when she turned into her human form, so she didnt really need a change of clothes, but where was the harm, once in a while?

You look good, I said. Why not try dressing up once in a while?

Ill think about it, Naden said curtly, turning her head away, but her long tail was restlessly wagging back and forth, so it looked like she wasnt entirely against the idea.

While I was smiling wryly at watching Naden try to hide how she really felt, Carla came in.

Master. Lady Elisha is waiting for you in the parlor. Tea has been prepared.

Carla put her hands together in front of her and bowed.

I felt like her performance as a maid had improved. Now that I thought of it, before wed set out for the Union of Eastern Nations, Liscia had mentioned Carla was learning to cook with her. Maybe shed learned various other things, too.

Carla led us to the parlor.

I see youve gotten changed, Elisha said. She gestured for us to have a seat on the sofa. Please, both of you, come this way.

Naden and I sat down side-by-side, and Lady Elisha personally poured tea for us.

This herbal tea will help calm your nerves. Please, drink it first.

Oh, sure, I said. Thank you.

Watching her gentle smile, Naden and I both took a sip.

Oh... It was good. Quite relaxing, too.

While I was feeling at ease, Lady Elisha sat down across from us. Has that helped you to calm down a little?

Yeah... Ah! Um, sorry.

For a moment, I had seriously relaxed.

Looking at me, Lady Elisha chuckled. Its your first birth. I can understand why youd be tense.

...Im sorry. Liscias the one whos really having a hard time, and Ive been told I should leave this to her, but... I just cant help but feel anxious...

She chuckled. Albert was the same when I was giving birth to Liscia. Her eyes took on a nostalgic look.

Wait, huh?

Now that you mention him, I dont see Father anywhere, I said. Where is he?

Oh, Ive shut him away.

...Come again?

Today he was even more distraught than you are, milling around restlessly, so I gave him a sleeping... I gave him some medicine to calm him down, and put him to bed.

What a troublesome man, she seemed to say as she put her hand to her cheek and sighed.

Wait, no, no, no! Didnt she just start to say a sleeping drug?!

Did you drug I began.

Hee hee. Im sure he was so eager to see his first grandchild that he just couldnt get to sleep last night.

I was aghast.

Forgive me, Father. Some subjects are best left unbroached, so please just rest quietly for now.

I was speechless, but that was Liscias mother for you. Liscias tough mom routine may have been inherited from her. You could tell shed held the right to the throne before relinquishing it to Sir Albert.

Then Lady Elisha smiled. Im worried, too, myself, of course. Its really hard giving birth to a child. I can tell you that because Ive experienced it myself.

Mother...

However, youve arranged the best environment possible. Youve sent talented doctors, and built the best environment for giving birth in this country... No, in the entire world. My daughter is more blessed than anyone.

I was speechless for a different reason.

...Oh, crap. That nearly brought me to tears.

Feeling uneasy about the high rate of infant mortality in this world, and out of consideration for Liscia and the rest of my new family, I had set out to reform the medical system.

When she came right out and praised me for it like that, I felt something catch in my chest. I dont know, I was just so grateful... I couldnt speak.

Naden slapped me on the back. Im sure you already know this, but Liscias strong. If you werent around, Id almost want her to be my dragon knight. So... Im sure itll be fine.

Ha ha... I laughed weakly. Is that supposed to be encouraging me? Id be in a trouble if you two became dragon and knight on me. I want both you and Liscia to be my partners, you know.

I-It was just an example... you dummy. Naden turned away, pouting.

I laughed and drank my tea. Then, exhaling, I finally settled down.

...I feel pathetic, I admitted. Seeing how cowardly I am next to Liscia.

Youre a man. Its only natural, Elisha said. There are times when fear lets you detect danger and protect you family. Its a natural sense we all have as animals.

...Thank you.

Thanks to her, I was feeling a little better.

Just as I was feeling relaxed, Carla barged into the room, hardly bothering to knock.

Master! Its started!

We all raced to the hallway in front of Liscias room.

Urkh...! Ahh...! Ahhhhh!

From inside, we could hear the cries of agony. Just the sound had me beside myself with worry.

I knelt down, intertwining my hands in front of my forehead, and prayed that she would be safe.

To God, to Buddha, to Mother Dragon. Even to Lunaria and the gods of the minor religions.

Please keep Liscia and our children safe.

Naden put an arm around my neck and hugged me.

...

The time seemed to go ten times slower than usual. I dont know exactly how much time had passed, but that was how it felt.

Wah...

I heard a tiny voice, not Liscias, coming from the room. It was not large, but not too small, either.

When I looked up, Hilde emerged from the room.

Its a boy. His cries are a little quiet, but his color is good, and I see no problems.

Having announced that, Hilde immediately returned inside the room.

...They were born. Were they born?

No, that was just the first. There was one more.

Please, let it be born safely! And let Liscia be safe, too!

I waited, praying like that for a while, and...

Wahhhhhhhhhhh!

There was an inexpressibly loud cry.

Unlike the previous voice, this one was loudly broadcasting that it had been born.

Hilde came out again.

The second child is a girl! Whod have thought it? A quiet boy and a girl with too much energy. Wouldnt you just know your children would turn out like that?

Hilde gave me a teasing smile.

The sudden release from tension made my shoulders slacken.

I unclasped my hands, letting them slump to the floor.

A boy and a girl.

The twins had been born safely... Thank goodness.

Wait, is Liscia all right?! I exclaimed.

Have no worries. The moment the second was born and I let her hold her, she fainted in relief.

F-Fainted...

She struggled a long time. Shes just sleeping out of exhaustion. When she wakes up, you give her the praise she deserves.

Of course... Of course I will...

Overwhelmed by emotion, tears began flowing from my eyes.

? ? ?

Where... is this?

I was in an empty space filled with milky white fog.

Huh? What was I doing up until now?

Wheres Souma? Where did everyone go?

While I vaguely wondered those things, I suddenly noticed a humanoid figure in a place a little ways away.

Two of them, actually. The figures were apparently looking at me.

The faintly glowing figures gradually took form, becoming like diminutive old people.

Judging by their silhouettes, were they an old man and woman?

Even squinting I couldnt make out their faces, but somehow... I felt like they were smiling. Smiling gently in my direction.

I felt as though I knew who they were.

Um, could it be, youre...

The moment I tried to say it, the two figures went further away.

Then the figures turned to me and bowed their heads. Until they vanished out of sight.

It was as if they were entrusting me with something that was very precious to them...

Thats when I woke up.

Looking up, there was a familiar ceiling.

This was my room in Fathers manor.

My whole body felt heavy. And tired.

I felt like if I relaxed even a little, I would lose consciousness again.

Whoa! Whats all this?! a voice shouted.

This voice was... Roroa? I looked down and found Aisha, Juna, Roroa, Naden, and Souma all around the bed where I was lying.

Theyre so cute! Roroa squealed. Just look at her tiny little hands.

She was making a big fuss over something wrapped in cotton.

Roroa! M-Me! Let me hold her next, Aisha fussed.

Here, Big Sis Ai. The princess sure is full of energy, aint she? She cries loud, and shes always flailin her arms.

Hee hee. Juna giggled. You could say the prince is tame in comparison. Even with all the excitement around him, hes sleeping and doesnt cry much. Here, Tomoe.

Wow, hes so cute and pudgy!

Whats everyone having so much fun with?

While my addled brain pondered that, it happened.

Fweh... Wahhhhhhhhhhh!

It was a wail loud enough to clear the mist from my head.

Whoa, whatre ya doin there, Big Sis Ai?! Roroa objected.

I... I was just holding her! There, there, dont be scared.

Sh-Should I turn into my ryuu form and make funny faces?

Thats guaranteed to backfire, Juna said. Id recommend against it. Should I try singing?

Sh-Should I let her cuddle my fluffy tail? Tomoe asked tremulously.

Seriously, what are you all doing? I asked in exasperation.

Everyone turned and looked at me in unison.

Liscia, ya woke up! Roroa squealed.

Everyone was speaking at me from different directions, and when I turned to my side, Souma was sitting on the bed and peering at my face.

Ohh, I was wondering why I couldnt see him, but there he is.

Wahhhhhhhhhhh!

Hold on... There had been a baby crying for a while now...

Wait, huh? A baby?

...!

That finally woke me up.

Souma, the babies?! I shouted.

They were both born safely. You really worked hard. Souma gently stroked my cheek.

Oh... Theyd both been born safely. Id been so desperate that I didnt remember what happened all that well, but... now that he mentioned it, I recalled Hilde let me hold something warm before I blacked out. That had probably been one of the childrens warmth.

Naden came carrying the twins, laying them at either side of my pillow.

When the crying girl was laid down next to me, she instantly stopped crying. The boy was doing as he pleased and sleeping.

Our children were swathed in white blankets. They had been born safely. Nothing could have made me happier.

When I look at the childrens faces, I can feel that my priorities in life have been changed, Souma said, looking at their faces. When I met you and the others, I felt your lives meant as much to me as to my own. But these children are a level even above that. If the time comes, I feel like Ive got to give my life for these kids.

I know how you feel, so much that it hurts, but thats not something a king should say, I told him. The lives of every person in this country rest on your shoulders, you know?

I know. But the part of me that isnt kingly genuinely feels that way. Souma gently stroked my cheek with a smile. Thats why we have to protect the kids no matter what, Mom.

...Youre right, Dad.

When we said that and shared a laugh, Aisha, Roroa, Juna, and Naden joined in laughing, too.

As your kochiji, I pledge to protect not just you, sire, but these children as well, with every fiber of my being, Aisha said. I know! When they grow up, can I teach them martial arts?

Sounds good, Roroa grinned. Ill teach em accountin, too.

Hee hee, I suppose I would teach them to sing, then? Juna asked.

Teaching them to fly... isnt something I can do, said Naden. But if I let them ride on my back, maybe itll be good training for riding an aerial mount like a wyvern.

Souma watched the other four get excited with a wry smile.

Hey, now... Dont put too much pressure on them, okay? If you cram too many skills in there, theyll never master any of it.

I giggled a bit. Youre right. If theyll just grow up healthy, thats enough for me. I gently stroked the childrens foreheads. So, fellow moms, please look after these children. I will, too, of course, and when all of our children are born, well raise them all together.

They all gave me a firm nod.

Of course, Lady Liscia, said Aisha.

Hee hee. Lets raise them all to be healthy.

Darn straight, Roroa agreed. With the group weve got here, we aint gonna ever have domestic troubles.

Roger that!

Hearing four reliable responses from the four of them, I said to Souma, This family... lets protect it, no matter what. And for that...

Yeah. I need to make this country stronger and firmer.

Because this country was our house. I needed Souma to protect it, and to go on supporting Souma.

For the sake of these new lives, too.