How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom: Volume 10 (Premium)

by Dojyomaru

  “What is it?” Julius asked. “Suddenly raising your voice like that...”

  “Lord Julius, this is a wedding gift to us, right? And Lady Roroa will be getting married to Sir Souma soon, too, I’ve heard. I think we need to send them something, too, but is there anything in this country that could match up to this wonderful gift?!”

  It seemed Tia was concerned about the return gift. It was true, there was likely little this small, recovering country could send to the Kingdom of Friedonia.

  Julius gently stroked her cheek as she quivered with worry. “It’s okay, Tia. If it’s a wedding gift for those two, I can prepare one.”

  “Y-You can?! But is there anything like that in this country?” Tia stood there with question marks over her head.

  Julius gave her a smile. “There is something we can give. It’s something this country is well-positioned to offer. Sebastian.”

  “Yes. What is it?”

  “When the supplies are unloaded, you’re returning to the kingdom, right? I’ll go get it now, so could you deliver my wedding present to Roroa and Souma?”

  “As you wish, sir.” Sebastian bowed reverently again.

  Julius went back to the castle temporarily, withdrawing the item he was after from his desk, and then returned to the gate where Sebastian was waiting. Then, when he turned over what he had brought to Sebastian, he asked to have it be delivered to Souma.

  When she saw what Julius had given him, Tia cocked her head to the side. “Is that item equal to their gift?”

  “Yes. This will do.” Stroking his dumbfounded wife’s hair, Julius insisted, “I’m sure Souma must want this more than anything.”

  ◇　◇　◇

  Another two weeks later, in the governmental affairs office in Parnam Castle, as Roroa and Sebastian watched, Souma went through the wedding present Julius had sent.

  The reason he was looking through it was because what Julius had sent was a sheaf of papers.

  When he finished reading, Souma let out a sigh, and laid the papers down on top of his desk.

  “I have to hand it to Julius. Not only did he know what I want, he had this prepared in advance, too. He’s frighteningly perceptive.”

  “Darlin’. What was my brother’s weddin’ gift?” Roroa asked.

  Souma crossed his arms. “This is a report on the situation in Malmkhitan compiled by people working under Julius.”

  “That’s the place where that Fuuga fella you’re so worried about’s from, yeah?”

  Souma nodded, stood up, and walked over to the map of the continent hanging on the wall. Then he looked at Malmkhitan in the Union of Eastern Nations.

  “It seems that Fuuga and Madam Mutsumi’s wedding was just held in Malmkhitan. Simultaneously, they succeeded in eliminating the remaining anti-Fuuga elements within Malmkhitan. In short, Fuuga has shored up the home front inside Malmkhitan.”

  Souma put his hand on top of Malmkhitan on the map. The territory was still small enough that his hand spilled out of it, but just like his fingers were now spilling out, so too would Fuuga’s ambition spill out from inside the country.

  “Now his eyes will turn to the outside in earnest,” Souma said.

  Fuuga had talked about this. First he would secure the country, then once that was finished, he would request aid from other countries in the Union of Eastern Nations to invade the Demon Lord’s Domain.

  That plan was finally going to be put into motion.

  Going forward, Souma was going to be less and less able to ignore Fuuga’s actions.

  He returned to the desk and put a hand down on the papers. “This is an independent report based on Julius’s independent investigation into Malmkhitan. I’ve sent the Black Cats to engage in intelligence operations of our own, but because the Union of Eastern Nations is a group of countries, making contact is difficult, putting some heavy limits on their activities. However, because Lastania belongs to the Union of Eastern Nations, it seems a fair bit of information is making its way to Julius.”

  “So, my brother was tellin’ ya about that?” Roroa asked.

  “Yeah. For instance, it’s hard for the Black Cats to investigate what negotiations Fuuga might make with other states inside the Union of Eastern Nations. Julius says this isn’t a one-off thing; he’ll be sending regular updates. As our wedding gift.”

  Souma wanted information on Fuuga, no matter what. Even if it had cost him more than the goods he had asked Roroa to send.

  That he’d understood that, and sent this back as a wedding present, showed that Julius was not a man to be underestimated.

  “This wedding present is worth a fortune,” Souma said.

  Chapter 7: Time to Face One Another

  — Around the end of the 1st month, 1,548th year, Continental Calendar —

  It was around the time when the reinforcements sent to the Union of Eastern Nations were returning, and all of the cleanup was over. It was an evening so chilly that snow was falling in the royal capital.

  Komain had come to Serina’s room in Parnam Castle, and was sitting across a table from the owner of the room. While there was tea laid out on the table, there was a bizarre atmosphere in the air that left her unable to relax and drink it.

  In that tense situation, Komain asked, “Do you mind, Serina? I’m going to ask one more time.”

  In response to Komain’s serious expression, Serina was her usual cool self.

  Komain found her resolve and opened her mouth. “There’s not much time left, so no beating around the bush. How do you feel about Poncho?”

  Komain sure cut straight to the chase.

  Serina cocked her head to the side. “I don’t know what to tell you. I think Sir Poncho is Sir Poncho?”

  “That’s not what I mean. I’m asking whether you like him or not.”

  “Whether I... like him?” Serina groaned. She was a beauty, so there was a certain flourish to the way she looked when deep in thought. “I find him... likable, you know? He may be weak-willed and indecisive, and I would be grateful as his aide if he were to have a little more self confidence, but he has good character. I would say, without a doubt, he’s a likable person.”

  “I agree, but... that’s not what I was asking.” Komain clutched her head, wondering how it had come to this.

  Souma had asked her to subtly help Serina realize her romantic feelings, but an unaware Serina made for quite the tough adversary.

  From Komain’s perspective, Serina and Poncho seemed compatible.

  Serina was highly capable and filled in for Poncho’s shortcomings as a minister, while Poncho had used his cooking to seize firm control of Serina’s stomach.

  Komain’s relationship with Poncho was similar, but she felt like Serina and Poncho’s ties were even deeper.

  They needed each other.

  That irked and frustrated Komain, who was pining for Poncho herself.

  “You love Poncho’s cooking, don’t you, Serina?” she asked.

  “Certainly.”

  “How do you feel about Poncho, who makes that food? As a man.”

  “I respect him. I think having encountered that sort of food is the greatest happiness in all my life. That’s why I’m grateful to Poncho for creating all those dishes.”

  Serina looked enraptured. Komain thought there really was something there.

  “And that respect and gratitude hasn’t transformed into romantic feelings at some point?” Komain asked.

  “Romantic feelings... is it?” Serina looked up slightly in response to that.

  That change made Komain think, “Oh?”

  This was Serina, always cool and composed, her expression never changing, and yet now she looked just the slightest bit melancholy.

  While Komain waited, wondering what it could be...

  “Um... I don’t really understand what ‘romantic feelings’ are,” Serina confessed, as if searching for the words to express herself.

  “...Come again?”

  “My family has served
the royal house for generations. I was educated from a young age to become a servant befitting the royal family. I was taught that loyalty and sincerity are meant to be reserved for those in the royal family. As a result, I’ve never thought about anyone outside the royal family.”

  Komain was speechless. It seemed Serina’s cluelessness about love came from her devotion to her family’s duty, and the thorough education that had molded her into a maid.

  No, no matter how proud a family was to work in service of the royal family, they wouldn’t suppress all their personal feelings except loyalty to the crown. If they forbade romantic feelings, then Serina herself would never have been born.

  However, Serina, ever loyal to her duty, must have taken their teachings at face value.

  Thinking of the royal family first, she had cast off any special feelings for any of the other people outside it as unnecessary. Serina could skillfully handle any job you set her to, but she was so awkward when it came to herself.

  Komain slumped her shoulders, because of course this was going to be hard, but at the same time she thought, But even though she’s like this, Serina has a strong interest in Poncho’s food. Her usual iron mask has a way of falling apart when she’s eating, too, so with one more push, maybe she’ll realize her own feelings?

  If that came to pass, what was needed next was Komain’s own resolve. In order to open a heart that was locked up so tight, somewhat forceful methods might be needed.

  “Very well,” Komain said. “I will find my resolve, then.”

  “Hm? I’m not entirely certain what you might mean?” Serina cocked her head to the side.

  Komain stood up and looked down at her. “If that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll go all out! In order to reach the place I want to be, I don’t have the luxury of being picky with my choices.”

  As Komain found her determination and left the room, Serina looked on dumbfounded.

  ◇　◇　◇

  It was a few days later.

  Poncho was in a room in a certain mansion in the capital with a tense look on his face.

  Just the other day, talk of an arranged marriage meeting had arrived, and he was about to meet the lady in question today.

  Though the numbers had declined from their peak, Poncho was still a well-off bachelor, so these offers kept coming in.

  Normally Serina and Komain stood behind him, keeping a keen eye out for ulterior motives, but today Komain was away on business. Because of that, the only one behind Poncho today was Serina.

  When it was almost time for the meeting, and Poncho was losing his composure, he tried striking up a conversation with Serina behind him to distract himself from his nerves.

  “I wonder who exactly it is I’m meeting today, yes.”

  “Hm? You haven’t heard?” Serina asked.

  “I haven’t, no. It was suddenly brought to the castle, so the information on my partner hasn’t had time to reach me. The castle says they want me to at least try meeting her.”

  “That is... odd.”

  Does anyone go into an interview about a potential arranged marriage with no knowledge of their partner? Serina wondered. If they hope to form relations with Poncho, they would have had to lay the groundwork for it first. Wouldn’t they normally give the lady’s name and advertise her lineage, appearance, and talents, so as to inspire as positive an impression as possible of her in Poncho?

  While Serina was thinking that, Poncho bowed his head apologetically.

  “I’m sorry to always trouble you like this, Madam Serina. Accompanying me to these marriage interviews.”

  “No, this is a duty I undertake on His Majesty’s orders.”

  “I’m still grateful for it, yes. I’d like to tie the knot already. I feel bad for you and Madam Komain, helping me with all this.”

  “Yes, I... suppose.”

  Seeing Poncho clench his fists with enthusiasm, Serina felt just a little irritated. However, she did not know what at.

  Poncho had said nothing particularly strange. Yet still... for some reason, there was a rustling in her chest.

  As Serina clutched at her chest, there was a knock at the door.

  “C-Come in, yes,” Poncho called.

  “Pardon me,” came the response as the door opened, and in came a woman in fine clothes. This woman was presumably his partner for the day.

  When they saw her face, not just Poncho’s but Serina’s eyes bugged out, too.

  “M-Madam Komain?! Didn’t you say you had business today?!” Poncho cried out.

  “Yes,” Komain replied with a smile.

  Today, she was more dressed up than usual. She wore a vibrant shawl over her usual Native American-ish outfit, and on her head she wore a hairpiece made of jade. This was likely her tribe’s finery. She was wearing make-up, too, thin though it was.

  Seeing Komain all dolled up like this, it finally dawned on Poncho.

  “C-Could it be that you’re my partner for today?”

  “Yes,” said Komain. “I asked His Majesty Souma to arrange this for me. Please, take good care of me today!”

  An instant later, an intense wave of pressure flew her way. From behind Poncho, Serina had turned those eyes that had repelled many conniving potential marriage partners on Komain.

  Struck by this cold gaze, like that of a wild wolf, an ordinary woman would have broken. However, Komain had already experienced it once, and she knew it was coming, so she was prepared.

  I won’t lose, Madam Serina. Komain sat straight up, looking right back into those eyes. Not returning the pressure, simply staring at Serina.

  Responding, I have nothing to feel guilty about, and I’m not afraid of your intimidation.

  As she kept staring back, Serina dropped the pressure in no time.

  Perhaps Komain will be all right? she relented. She knew the woman was not approaching Poncho with ulterior motives. I know Komain’s personality well. She is without artifice, cheerful, and has a pure respect for Sir Poncho. In her case, even if they were to wed, I see no misfortune befalling Sir Poncho as a result... or at least I shouldn’t...

  She had acknowledged Komain as a valid partner, but Serina’s chest was filled with an eddy of conflicted feelings.

  As Serina tilted her head, unable to identify why, Komain seated herself across from Poncho.

  “Um... if you’re here as a potential marriage partner, that means, you, um... would be willing to marry me, yes?” Poncho asked hesitantly.

  “Yes,” Komain replied crisply. “I have great respect for you, Poncho... Lord Poncho. There’s my gratitude for what you did for the refugees in our time of need, but I also am enamored with your gentle personality. Of course, I also love the many dishes you make.”

  This straight expression of affection made Poncho blush.

  He had been laughed at for his appearance before, but Poncho was unused to this sort of pure affection being directed towards him, so he was flustered.

  “U-Um... I’m not much when it comes to looks or personality, but you still wish to be with me, yes? Oh, no, I don’t mean to suggest I would be dissatisfied with you in any way, Madam Komain. But still, your elder brother, Jirukoma, is a manly warrior, nothing like me, right? For someone as lovely as you, Madam Komain, I would think you could find a more talented and attractive man, one who has performed great acts of valor, yes.”

  “I suppose I could. Long ago, I wanted to marry a strong, cool guy, like my brother.” Komain chuckled. “But the one I fell for was you, Lord Poncho. The heart never acts quite as we expect it will, does it? I mean, I fell in love with you, even though you’re the opposite of my type.”

  “Madam Komain... thank you, yes.” Poncho answered Komain’s shy smile in his own shy way.

  He met Komain while distributing food aid to the refugee camp, and she had helped him with the former refugees after he’d become the magistrate of Venetinova.

  Then Komain had ended up serving under Poncho, supporting him both openly and secretly.


  That was why Poncho knew how good-natured Komain was. He thought she was too good for him, but if she was willing to marry him, he couldn’t have asked for a happier outcome.

  Poncho turned around and asked his assistant, who was standing behind him, “What do you think, Madam Serina?”

  “...Let me see.” Appearing to think for a moment, Serina looked at Komain and said, “Madam Komain can be expected to support you without ulterior motives. However, you are a minister in this country, and, though you are an up and coming one, you are nobility. Without influential backers, I think Madam Komain merits some concern in that regard, wouldn’t you say?”

  What Serina was saying was right.

  The people they had chased off so far had come from lineages of knights, nobles, and influential merchants. If Komain, who had no backers, became his wife now, she couldn’t be expected to fend off the jabs of women of such parentage.

  However, Komain looked straight back at Serina and replied, “If I am to become Lord Poncho’s head wife, then I am told His Majesty Souma will arrange for my adoption into a suitable family. He seems to feel it’s a threat to the country that a good vassal like Sir Poncho should remain single for so long.”

  “H-How embarrassing... Yes...” Poncho bowed his head apologetically, but the reason he hadn’t tied the knot yet wasn’t his fault. It was because Serina and Komain were intimidating the candidates.

  Serina looked probingly at Komain and asked, “True. In that case, your lineage should be no problem. However, in that case, the responsibilities of the first wife of a noble will land squarely on your shoulders. Can you bear that?”

  “Let’s see. What I really want is for Sir Poncho to take someone reliable as his first wife, and then to keep me at his side as his second.”

  “...Is that a fact?”

  “Yes. However, that person just won’t appear,” Komain said. “If I just keep waiting like this, I never know when my turn might come. That being the case, I think I will do my best to be able to handle it myself.”

  Komain words were earnest, determined, and there was nothing Serina could say in response.