Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Cast of Characters Arc 1: Children and their Guardians

This happened around the time that Souma had returned from the Union of Eastern Nations, had flown to the former king Alberts old domain on Nadens back, and was anxiously waiting for the children to be born.

Hakuya was in the castle, dealing with the souvenirs Souma had brought back.

Ive returned, sir! Tomoe chirped.

Welcome home, Little Sister. I am glad to see youre safe.

With that enthusiastic greeting, Hakuya patted Tomoe on the head. Then he looked at the two standing behind her.

These must be the two youve brought back from the Union of Eastern Nations. Sir Ichiha Chima of the Duchy of Chima, and Madam Yuriga Haan of the steppe country Malmkhitan, right? A messenger kui from His Majesty has apprised me of the situation. I am the Prime Minister of this country, Hakuya Kwonmin.

I-Im Ichiha Chima. Ill be in your care.

I am Yuriga Haan. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prime Minister.

Ichiha was timid, while Yuriga was bold.

Though it was more obvious with Ichiha, it was plain to see that Yuriga was tense, too. The reason she appeared bold was that she was putting up a strong front.

With a slightly wry smile, Hakuya said to the two of them, Theres no need for overly formal greetings. You are the school friends of His Majestys little sister. Feel free to just call me Hakuya.

Ichiha looked nervously. O-Okay, Sir Hakuya.

Very well, Yuriga said.

Tomoe looked over at her. Ah, but that doesnt mean you can just call him by name. You have to call him Mr. Hakuya when hes acting as your teacher, Yuriga.

Why are you only saying that to me?! I have at least that much common sense!

Do you really...?

Just how do you look at me?!

Like this? Tomoe stared unamusedly at Yuriga.

Dont look at me like that, you little kid!

Tomoes response was slurred into incomprehensibility as Yuriga pulled on her cheeks. Tomoe must have found how fast Yuriga got angry amusing, because she was grinning even as she pulled her cheeks.

H-Hold on, you two! Youre in front of Sir Hakuya, you know? Ichiha tried to intercede, but he didnt have a personality that let him speak firmly, so they werent listening to him.

Hakuya watched the noisy three in front of him in surprise.

So... she can make a face like that, too. The little sister who was so reserved and shy about everything is having fun like a girl her age when shes with Madam Yuriga and Sir Ichiha.

After a little while, the three of them settled down.

These are... incredible. Looking at what was in front of him, Hakuya let out a sigh of admiration.

With introductions out of the way, Hakuya and the children had come to Hakuyas room in the castle.

There were several pieces of paper spread out on top of the table where Hakuya normally taught Tomoe. These were all pictures of monsters that Ichiha had drawn.

What is this? Its kind of creepy, Yuriga said as she lifted up one illustration and scrutinized it.

Maybe he was used to that response, because Ichiha took the paper from her with a forced smile.

A... a book? No... Its too much for me. Ichiha shook his head back and forth.

Hakuya gave him a small smile. Naturally, when the time comes, Ill help oversee the process. Countries which place a high value on mystery like the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State take a narrow view of this sort of research into the unknown. In order to avoid agitating them, perhaps we should intersperse as little personal opinion as possible, and simply report the truth in a matter-of-fact way. Like a dictionary or encyclopedia, a basic handbook that leaves the speculation to the person making use of it.

A monster encyclopedia... you mean? Ichiha asked.

Oh, thats a good name, the Monster Encyclopedia. If were going to the trouble of making it, well want it to be a book every future monsterologist will keep close at hand.

If that could happen... it would be wonderful. I-Im getting all excited now, Ichiha said happily.

Hakuya felt the same. He was an unparalleled lover of books, and when it came to written works, he could hardly contain himself.

Despite the large age gap between them, Hakuya and Ichiha eagerly discussed the composition of their Monster Encyclopedia, while Tomoe and Yuriga were left out, watching them with exasperation.

Its amazing men can get so engrossed in all this nonsensical stuff, dont you think? Yuriga complained.

Ahaha! Juna told me thats just how they are, you know? She was repeating what shed heard from Duchess Walter, but thats supposedly whats cute about them.

Is that how it works? Yuriga wondered. Then they could be at this forever. Show me around the castle. Somewhere we could get good food would be preferable.