Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

It was the night after the day of the combined forces of the Kingdom of Friedonia, the Kingdom of Lastania, and the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom exterminating tens of thousands of lizardmen that had attacked as part of the demon wave.

In the fortress near the Dabicon river, there was a banquet being held in honor of todays victory.

There were large pots prepared in the fortress courtyard and camps, and the soldiers sat in a circle around them, sharing liquor provided by Friedonia and Lastania, and having a jolly good time.

Their excess rations had been set aside for the occasion, but some brave men had heard it was possible to eat monster meat, and they were cooking and eating the remains of some of the more edible-looking ones that had been lying dead outside.

While the soldiers were having a raucous good time outside, we were in a specially prepared dining hall inside the fortress.

Present were me, my fiances, our close companions, and important figures from all three countries.

The king and queen of Lastania, who had been left behind in Lastas castle, were now here, having arrived in a wyverns gondola.

Incidentally, for some reason, Princess Tia had already been at the fortress, and shed surprised me by greeting us with Roroa after our return from battle.

Given the look on Juliuss face like hed bitten into something unpleasant, I suspected hed already known about her sneaking in. It seemed she was driving him crazy.

That aside, there were people from Friedonia, Lastania, and Nothung everywhere having pleasant conversations.

Given my position, I figured I ought to go talk to a bunch of them, but...for now, I was stuck with Aisha and couldnt move around.

At the start of the banquet, Aisha had grabbed my arm tight and made no attempt to let go.

It didnt bother me that various soft parts of her were pressed up against me, but she was squeezing a little too hard, and I couldnt move.

Um, Aisha? Could you loosen your grip a little? I pleaded.

I dont want to.

...Well, there you have it.

From what I heard, she had been stuck watching Jirukoma and Captain Laurens lovey-dovey atmosphere on the battlefield. Just what had those two been doing out there, anyway?

Incidentally, out of consideration for Aisha (or maybe just because dealing with her would be a pain right now) Roroa was with Julius and Princess Tia, and Naden was with Pai, whom she hadnt seen in a while.

Aisha looked at me with eyes like an abandoned puppy dog. Um...is this not okay? I did my very best in todays battle.

Her eyes clung to me. Seeing those eyes, I finally understood her feelings.

Oh, I see. Aisha wants me to praise her.

She wanted my approval. The sort of approval given from one in a higher position to one in a lower position. (Like from a parent to a child.) The desire for that sort of approval comes from a feeling of wanting that person to indulge you. Aisha wanted me to indulge her.

It might have something to do with the fact that, as I had slept in the same bed as Roroa and Naden last night, shed been alone outside guarding us.

With my free hand, I patted Aisha on the head. You really did well, Aisha.

Hehe. Aisha finally showed me a satisfied smile.

Princess Tias parents, the king and queen of Lastania, came over and looked at us with smiles.

You two certainly get along well, the king said.

They really do, the queen agreed. Theyre so innocent.

Th-They saw, huh? I felt a little embarrassed, but the King of Lastania offered me a bottle of wine.

Here, Sir Souma, Madam Aisha.

Oh, thank you very much, I said.

W-Were much obliged, Aisha agreed.

We accepted the King of Lastanias invitation to drink together.

Once four glasses of wine had been poured, we toasted together.

The King of Lastania drank all his wine in one gulp and thanked us with good cheer. You know, I really am grateful for your reinforcements. If not for the Kingdom of Friedonias support, our country might have fallen. In place of my people, I thank you. If I had the martial prowess of one like Sir Julius, I could have fought myself, but I was completely useless...

No, youre being too humble, I said. The reason our reinforcements made it in time was because of the hard fight put up by Sir Julius and the people of this country. We only helped a little, at the request of the Empire. In any case, Ive gotten the sense that the Lastanian royal family are very much loved by the people of this country. Im sure you were able to provide emotional support to your people.

I poured more wine into the King of Lastanias empty glass.

Dealing with the Demon Lords Domain is an issue that concerns our country too, I went on. If there are any movements inside the Demon Lords Domain, or within the Union of Eastern Nations, please contact us. Well do whatever we can to help.

Thank you. The King of Lastania bowed his head with a smile.

My words werent just lip service. The Kingdom of Lastania wasnt just a member of the Union of Eastern Nations; they were allies of the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom in the west. They were the perfect go-between in negotiations between our two countries, and I definitely wanted to continue relations with them.

Still, this certainly is an incredible sight, the King of Lastania said as he looked around the banquet hall. Here we have you, Sir Souma, representing the Kingdom of Friedonia, and Madam Sill, a princess of the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom. From what I hear, Sir Kuu is also the son of the head of the Republic of Turgis, is he not? That all these young people who will carry the future of this continent are gathered here, in this one small country in a corner of the Union of Eastern Nations... well, its a surprise.

Yeah, he was right, there were almost too many of us here. But...

The next generation of Lastania is looking like it has a bright future too, isnt it? I asked. You have Sir Julius, Jirukoma, and Captain Lauren after all... Oh! I know this is a bit late, but congratulations on Madam Tias marriage.

Thank you, he said. I am truly glad to have a reliable young man like Sir Julius marry into our family. We knew how Tia felt about him, so there would have been no objection from us, but I would have felt a little hesitant asking someone who was once the crown prince of the Principality of Amidonia to be the king of a much smaller country like this. However, it seems my worries were in vain.

Smiling as he spoke, the King of Lastanias eyes were focused on Julius, who was talking with Princess Tia and Roroa, with the same stern look on his face as ever. Still, though Juliuss face was stern, there was no sign of the conversation letting up, so they were getting on well enough in their own way.

While I was thinking about that, the King of Lastania looked at me. Sir Souma. I have heard there was bad blood between you and Sir Julius. Do those feelings still create a wall between the two of you?

Having parted ways with Naden and company, Aisha and I watched Tomoe, Inugami, Kuu, and Leporina having fun talking and laughing as we headed over to see Poncho, Serina, Komain, Jirukoma and Lauren next.

Sir Poncho, Lauren said, what was your first meeting with Madam Komain like?

Is my sister doing a good job working for you? Jirukoma asked.

Huh? Oh, yes, said Poncho. Shes very reliable, yes.

It seemed Poncho was being interrogated by Lauren and Jirukoma. The result was being watched by Komain with trepidation, and Serina with exasperation.

What exactly is the situation here? I asked.

Why, Your Majesty, I believe it is exactly as it appears, Serina said matter-of-factly.

I wasnt sure what she meant...

So then, Sir Poncho? Youre really not seeing anyone? Jirukoma asked.

Youve become a noble now, so havent there been a lot of people who expressed an interest in marrying you? Lauren demanded.

Y-Yes, Sir Jirukoma, Madam Lauren. Its true, there has been a lot of talk like that, but I just dont seem to have any luck, so Im not seeing anyone, yes.

It looked like Jirukoma were trying to drag out the details of Ponchos love life.

Wait, so Poncho still couldnt find himself a fiance? Poncho was a retainer I had hired personally, so he was seen as having a promising future. Because of that, a wide variety of people, from the nobility and knightly class to influential merchants, had seen him about a potential marriage, but...had he really not been able to get an engagement from any of them?

Lauren brought up that question for me. But from what Lord Jirukoma tells me, you are very popular in the kingdom.

I figured I could let the fact she was referring to him as Lord Jirukoma instead of Sir Jirukoma now pass without comment. From how Aisha reacted to being around them, I could basically figure out what was up between them for myself.

Many people respect you for your role in ending the food crisis in Elfrieden and Amidonia, and youre seen as having a promising future, Lauren continued. I have a hard time imagining women would leave you alone, you know?

Exactly. Poncho was incredibly popular in the Kingdom of Friedonia. In the Amidonia region, he was even being deified as the God of Food. Though that sort of movement could antagonize the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State, so I wish theyd cut it out.

Poncho shook his head vigorously. Y-Youre giving me too much credit, yes. Maybe its the way I look? When they come to discuss a marriage, people turn around and leave as soon as they see me, yes.

Huh? They do? Lauren asked in confusion.

Huh? People were leaving right after seeing Poncho? Sure, he was tubby, but he had a likable face, and he wasnt the type youd find unpleasant at first sight. Women had to have seen how tubby he was on broadcast programs anyway, so if it that was enough to make him unbearable for them, they could have just not arranged to meet in the first place.

Besides, Poncho had a promising future. If these were women sent by nobles, who strategic marriages were second nature to, they would turn a blind eye to a certain level of faults and try their best to make Poncho like them.

I didnt want an opportunist like that becoming Ponchos wife, of course, so that was why I had Serina with him as his assistant, keeping a watchful eye out.

I looked over at her. So, tell me the truth, how are Ponchos marriage meetings going?

Serina pressed her index finger to her chin and cocked her head to the side. More or less, as Poncho said. Even the people who come with thoughts of seducing Sir Poncho take off the moment they see his face. Its quite rude of them, really.

Serina hadnt dropped her usual cool expression, but she seemed indignant for some reason. If it was like she said, then it was even more incomprehensible that he couldnt get an engagement.

While I was thinking that, there was a sudden tug on my sleeve. I turned to see it was Komain.

Komain led me a little way away, then whispered to me. Listen...I have something to tell you about that...

Her eyes were wandering, and she spoke timidly.

Um...its about why Sir Poncho cant find an engagement.

Then Komain told me about the meetings to discuss an arranged marriage that she had witnessed while in Venetinova. It was true that many offers were coming to Poncho, and many women seemed to mistakenly believe they could seduce him with their pretty faces. However, whenever it came time for the meeting, Serina was standing beside Poncho.

Serina had some shortcomings in terms of personality, but to the eyes, she was a graceful beauty. In front of her beautiful face, those conceited women were beating a hasty retreat.

Even if they could withstand that, whether she was aware of it or not, Serina gave off an incredibly intimidating aura toward those that pursued Poncho, and that scared off even those who were drawn to him with pure intentions.

Komain, who had experienced that intimidation, said it was comparable to that of a wild wolf.

Serinaaaa... I muttered.

I held my head. I had told Serina to keep any strange women from getting close to him, but I never expected her to shield him from all marriage opportunities.

Also...Im sorry, Komain confessed in a whisper. I may have joined Madam Serina in giving off that intimidating aura recently.

Huh?! Why would you...

Thats because...um...Im sorry. Komains face was bright red, and her voice vanishingly small.

Seeing her so embarrassed that she wanted to crawl into a hole... I was able to guess the situation.

I scratched my head. Well, I guess Im fine if its you. Make sure you take responsibility, okay?

Do you...think Ill be able to?

Komain looked unsure, so I put a hand on her shoulder. For now, tell him how you feel and talk it over. Poncho is timid and lacks self-confidence, so I doubt hed ever think someone could have feelings for him. Still, hes a nice guy, so Im sure hell respond to your affection with sincerity.

Having left the matter of Poncho to Komain for now, I could see Roroa, Julius, and Princess Tia talking, so Aisha and I headed over there.

Roroa and Princess Tia had made fast friends, and they were chatting as happily as two sisters. (They were going to be sisters-in-law soon too.)

Julius was watching the two of them with a peaceful look on his face.

Oh, darlin! Roroa waved her hand vigorously at us, then came over and quickly wrapped herself around the arm opposite the one Aisha was holding. Ohhh, darlin. Our Big Sis is just the cutest.

Big Sis? I repeated.

I told you not to call me Big Sis! Princess Tia protested. Youre the older one, Roroa! Its too much!

Ohh, shes the big brothers fiance, so that makes her the big sister, huh.

Seeing Tia get upset, Roroa cackled. Ohh, I was just thinkin how refreshin it is to have a big sister whos younger than me.

Come to think of it, you call Liscia Big Sis Cia, dont you? I asked.

Sure do. Big Sis Cia, Big Sis Ai, and Big Sis Juna all feel like my big sisters. Nadie feels more like a friend, though.

Then you can call me Tii, or something like that, Princess Tia suggested.

But Roroa said, Nothin doin, and shook her head. I like seein my big sis get all embarrassed, so Im gonna keep callin you Big Sis.

Augh!

Unable to watch any longer, Julius intervened by flicking Roroa in the forehead. Roroa. Dont tease Tia too much.

Ouch! Roroa bent backward in exaggerated pain.

L-Lord Julius! Princess Tia hid behind Juliuss sleeve to hide her face, which was red with embarrassment.

Roroa held her aching forehead as she stuck her tongue out at Julius. What, Big Brother? Were just havin some good sisterly fun, okay?

Its your fault for being so quick to get carried away. I do think your endless cheer is a virtue, but if you dont take the time, place, and person you are with into consideration, youll only annoy people.

Oww... darlin, Big Sis Ai, my big brothers bullyin me! Roroa rubbed up against me with a fawning voice.

No, Julius is totally in the right here, isnt he? I said.

I agree with His Majesty, Aisha put in.

Youre stabbin me in the back?!

Roroa made a backward falling motion so exaggerated that if this were a manga, it would be accompanied by a sound effect.

Watching Roroa overreact, Princess Tia giggled, and seeing her smile made Juliuss expression soften a bit too.

Roroa really was amazing. I had agreed with Julius: Roroas cheer wasnt annoying, but rather made everyone around her smile.

Aisha, Julius, and I left the room where the banquet was being held and moved to a small room.

Here is fine, I said.

As we entered the room, my bodyguard Aisha showed some consideration, and waited with her back to the door.

It was probably a position meant to let her listen for eavesdroppers, while still being able to handle Julius immediately if he tried anything funny.

Julius poured wine from the one bottle we had brought with us from the banquet hall into my glass.

Once he was done pouring, I took my turn pouring for Julius.

We raised our glasses together, and said in unison, To victory, clinking our glasses together.

Once we had drank all the wine in our glasses, Julius smirked. Id never have expected a day would come when we would drink together.

I could say the same, I said while pouring fresh drinks. And its a drink celebrating our shared victory too.

Drinking with Julius...huh.

Come to think of it, Serina drank you under the table in no time in Van, didnt she? I added.

Thats...a bitter memory. That maid was at the banquet today too, wasnt she? The moment I saw her, those unpleasant memories came back to me.

Hahaha! That head maid of ours is feared by the princess of a nation and the daughter of a former General of the Air Force.

...Youre sure shes just a maid?

Im not sure about that myself sometimes, I admitted.

We were shooting the breeze about inconsequential things when, suddenly, Julius got a serious look on his face. Im really grateful for the reinforcements you brought.

I keep getting told that, I said. Ive been thanked enough.

Still. If you and Roroa hadnt come to our aid, I might not have been able to protect Tia. And so, I thank you. Julius gave a deep bow.

Looking at how different Juliuss attitude was from before, I slapped him on the shoulder with a wry smile. You say that like everythings been resolved, but the real difficulties for this country start now, dont they? You lost more than a few men in the battle up until now, right? Can you recover?

We will. We protected the women and children. The population will grow, and we can build a future. Besides, after the war, our population and territory will grow.

Your territory too? I asked.

In the Union of Eastern Nations, the gain or loss of territory is decided in parliament. There are many lands that lost their lords in the demon wave, so land will be redistributed. When that time comes, those countries that behaved poorly by failing to send several reinforcements proportionate to their nations power will be stripped of territory, and countries that distinguished themselves will gain it.

Hmm... So that was the system in the Union of Eastern Nations, huh. It was like a union of multiple nations, but also like a single feudal state.

Julius smirked. We have the accomplishment of having held off tens of thousands of lizardmen until reinforcements could arrive. We can expect to be showered with honors after the war.

Hey, youre starting to look like your old self, I said. If Princess Tia could see you, wouldnt that worry her?

That wouldnt be good. Julius slapped his own cheeks. Well, fortunately, monster parts sell for a high price. There are lizardman and monster corpses lying around everywhere. The merchants will come to deal in them, so we should have no trouble with finances.

Hahaha! Now youre sounding like Roroa.

I am her brother after all.

That you are... Oh! Thats right. About the lizardman corpses, do you mind if we take some of them back ourselves? Id like to do research on them.

Theyre going to be used to finance the reconstruction, so it would be a problem if you took too many.

Theyre strictly for research, so two from each general category will be enough.

I dont see a problem with that, he nodded. Take what you like.

The time went by slowly.

Julius looked at the wine in his glass as he spoke. Now that the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom is here, this country will be fine. Souma, what will you do? Pull back to the Kingdom of Friedonia?

Id love to, but...

Julius put down his glass, glaring in the direction of the door. Ah! Who goes there?!

Had he sensed someone? But Aisha, who was by the door, seemed unconcerned.

A folded white piece of paper was slipped under the door.

Having figured out the situation, I put a hand on Juliuss sleeve. Calm down, Julius. If Aisha isnt getting ready to fight, it means whoever it was was one of ours. Right?

Aisha said, Yes, with a nod. Then she collected the paper from under the door and passed it to me. Sire, its a report from Kagetora and his people.

It was a letter from Kagetora, the head of the Black Cats, the secret intelligence unit that reported directly to the king.

I had the Black Cats investigating every nation in the union.

I took the letter and looked through its content then...looked up to the ceiling and let out a sigh.

Looks like I wont be going back to the kingdom any time soon...

I was starting to get the feeling I wouldnt be able to be there when Liscia gave birth, and it was depressing.