How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 7: Chapter 3

Book 7: Chapter 3

There wasnt much point in our continuing this discussion outside, so we relocated to inside the workshop.

In addition to those who had been in the workshop before, this time Aisha came inside, too, as a bodyguard.

Having seen him swing that cudgel around, that Kuu kid was pretty experienced. That was why, in preparation for the unlikely event that things went badly, I wanted Aisha at our side.

While drinking the coffee Taru provided, I explained to Kuu my request to this workshop.

...And, well, thats the gist of it, I finished at last.

There were medical reforms underway in the Kingdom of Friedonia, in the future there would be a shortage of medical equipment, and we were going to need to get the craftspeople in this country to mass-produce that equipment for us to import. We would also need to secure permission from the government so the medical equipment wouldnt be misunderstood as weapons when exported.

Because Kuu was the son of their head of state, and it was unclear if the two countries could form cordial ties, I was hesitant to show too much of my hand. But I had already discussed all of this with Taru, so I decided we couldnt trick him.

Incidentally, when I tried taking a formal tone in the discussions...

Lets do away with all the stuffy formality! he declared cheerfully. Yeah, Im the son of our head of state, but we dont know if the Council of Chiefs will let me inherit the position. Having people get all polite with me just makes my butt feel all itchy.

So I opted to talk casually with him. He was awfully open, considering his position, but, well, who was I to talk?

Hearing what I had to say, Kuu thought for a moment, then let out a sigh. Whew... Medical reforms, huh... Thats awesome. Is that what our neighbors doing? We dont get much news from outside around here. Our access to news is so bad we have to get our information about what happens at the end and beginning of the year from the merchants who come in the summer. Like, we only heard the Elfrieden Kingdom had absorbed the Principality of Amidonia to become the Kingdom of Friedonia after the snow melted.

Oh, he was right, that might be a bit slow.

The annexation of Amidonia had taken place from late fall to early winter last year. If he was saying the information hadnt reached here until the spring of this year then yeah, that was pretty bad. It just showed how intense the snow was in this region. Maybe it was like having the evening edition and morning edition of the paper arrive at the same time.

From what I hear, the king who was installed next door is pretty young, yeah? Kuu added.

Hell be twenty this year, I said.

Oh, but by the reckoning of this worlds calendar, I was twenty already, right? Well...whatever.

When he heard the (provisional) king was twenty, Kuu let out an abrasively loud laugh. Twenty, huh! Ill be sixteen this year, so hes not much older than me!

Isnt a four-year gap between humans and beastmen pretty big?

Back when I was entering my first year of high school, this guy still would have been in elementary school, wouldnt he?

Nah. Kuu shook his head with a laugh. Its a rounding error, nothing more. If its just four years, thats still well within my strike zone.

What are you talking about?!

Women, of course, he said. Im down with anything from twelve to thirty.

I dont care! Youre not laying a hand on Tomoe, got it?

Thats a darn sha Ow! Hey, Taru, dont hit me with that thing.

Taru had whacked Kuu in the head with the tray she had used to bring in the coffee. It made a pretty loud bong sound. This girl didnt hold back when taking shots at the son of their head of state.

Taru held on to the tray and snorted. Dumb master, your vulgarity shames our country. You ought to work on fixing that.

Y-Yeah, shes right, said the bunny-eared girl, Leporina. I-Isnt your father always getting upset with you over it? For a start, you keep acting like youre loose with women, but youre not actually okay with just anybody, right? Pretending to have feelings for other women just to get the one youre interested in to pay attention is Ow, ow ow! Dont pull my ears!

Its because you keep running your mouth! Kuu shouted.

Ahhh, I think that exchange told me a little about who Kuu is as a person.

So that was it... If he was going to turn sixteen this year, that meant he was fifteen now. By the reckoning of my old world, hed be in his third and final year of middle school. When I remembered what I was like at that age, I felt like I could understand how he was acting.

I would be spinning my wheels with eagerness and self-consciousness, and when I came to my senses, Id often mistake the means for the end, and the means I chose often wouldnt even match the end I was pursuing.

Whats up, darlin? Why the frowny face? Roroa asked while I was indulging in sentimentality.

No, its just, I was looking at how Kuu was acting, and I saw a bit of myself in him...

Hm? Ya did?

Hee hee. Grandmother told me men are like that, Juna said with a smile full of charm, and I could offer no rebuttal.

Then, to mask his awkwardness, Kuu cleared his throat loudly and got back on topic.

So, whats the young king like? I hear he annexed Amidonia not long after he got into power, so is he that great a warrior?

No, its nothing like that, I said. He didnt absorb Amidonia because he wanted to, the flow of events just made it a necessity...or so I hear.

Hmm... It was hard explaining myself while pretending not to be me.

But, well, even if the king himself isnt a military man, hes assembled a talented group of subordinates, I added. Their support lets him keep the country going somehow, you could say.

Capable subordinates, huh... Thats something to be envied. The only person I get to order around now is Leporina. I wanna hurry up and get some house vassals for myself.

I-Im not your subordinate, Im your attendant, you know?! Dont order me around! Leporina protested, but Kuu wasnt even listening to her.

So? Kuu asked, looking straight into my eyes and trying to appraise me. Youre one of those capable subordinates that supports the king, are you?

Im just a merchant, you know...?

Oookyakya, lyings not good. Those medical reforms are sponsored by the king, right? The equipment for them isnt something a single merchant, let alone the young son of one who hasnt even inherited the business, can handle the negotiations for. Youre playing at being a merchant, but you really are acting according to the will of that king. Am I wrong?

...

Hed hit the nail on the head, so I couldnt come up with a good response. It looked like he didnt think I was the king himself, at least, but acting on the will of the king was equivalent to acting on my own will, so he wasnt wrong.

Taru had called him the dumb master, but he might be surprisingly sharp. If I underestimated him, I was going to get hurt.

What if I am? I asked. Would you call off this deal?

I wouldnt say that, he said. For our countrys part, mass-producing that medical equipment or whatever would be a new industry. Its just...theres one point that bothers me.

What would that be?

He leaned over with his elbows on the table and his cheeks resting on his hands as he responded. I think the neighboring kings medical reforms sound awesome. Those...doctors, was it? They dont rely on light magic, and even treat diseases thatre hard to heal with magic.

I nodded.

Basically, I want those doctors here, too. Exporting the equipment is fine, but if its being produced in mass quantities, I cant accept not being able to use it ourselves. There are a large number of sick and wounded in every country. If there are tools that may be able to treat them, itd be a waste not to have people on hand who can use them, right? Thats why, if you want medical equipment from us, youll give us doctors in return.

Kuu spoke in a strong tone. I felt an intensity in his eyes that he had every right to be proud of as the son of their head of state. Even though he was only turning sixteen this year, he could pick the fights needed to carry his country and people.

This was...a man who might do great things in the future. Half impressed, half cautious, I accepted Kuus stare, and he suddenly grinned and let the tension out of his shoulders.

And, well, thats what I figure my old man would have said.

Your father...huh.

Even though those were clearly his words, Kuu had brought up his father now to blur that distinction. He was a shrewd one, all right.

Ive thought that over properly, I said at last. If you people will export the equipment to us, I will provide doctors...is what our king said.

Well, thats nice. But the winters in this country are harsh, you know? Can an outsider take them?

In that case, we can make doctors out of the people in this country.

Our people? Kuu asked, and I nodded.

To be more specific, what the kingdom will provide is the study of medicine. When it comes to the training of doctors, we are confident we are well ahead of other countries. So, if anyone in this country wishes to become a doctor, they can come to the kingdom to study. If those people return home after acquiring knowledge of medicine, you will have doctors who can stay here.

Kuu slapped his knee as if he got it now. I see... That sounds like itd work. Thats how well trade doctors and medical equipment, huh?

Fundamentally, thats about right, I said. What do you think?

Kuu pounded his chest with one hand. Sounds good! Ill talk to my old man. I mean, I insist you meet with him and discuss it now, he added with a happy smile.

I didnt have a bad feeling about this. If we could expect the backing of Kuu, the son of their head of state, that was going to be a great help.

Oh, wait.

In regards to that, theres a person I want to have handle the negotiations with your head of state.

You want to leave it to someone? Youre not doing it yourself?

Yeah. I think negotiations should be handled not by me, Kazuma, but by His Majesty, King Souma.

Oookyah?! A meeting between heads of state, huh!

Yeah. Thatd be faster, right?

Well, yeah, but...can you get King Souma to come here?

Im thinkin itll be fine, yknow? That king likes doin the legwork. Roroa looked to me with a grin as she spoke.

Well, I was here, after all...

Oookyakyakyakya! Kuu laughed heartily. Okay! Ill talk to my old man. Itll be up to him what happens, but you people talk to your King Souma!

Got it.

Now things are getting interesting! Thisll be a huge deal! Kuu seemed deeply entertained. Hey, Leporina! You run over to the old man now, and let him know whats up!

N-Now?! she protested. Its already evening, so let me set out tomorrow!

You dolt! he yelled. Youve gotta make immediate decisions and act fast when it comes to business opportunities!

G-Give me a break, please.

Kuu was hyped up, and Leporina was being run ragged by him. Watching this boisterous master and servant, Taru, who had to this point been listening and not saying anything, let a few words slip out.

I knew it... The dumb master really is dumb.

Her tone was cold, but the corners of her lips looked as if they had turned upward just slightly.

This unplanned-for meeting with Kuu resulted in the decision to arrange a sudden meeting with the head of the republic.

To make preparations, I dispatched a messenger kui to Hakuya in the kingdom, and Kuu dispatched one to his father, to arrange a time and place for the meeting. Then, when those arrangements were complete, it was decided we would stay in the country until the day of the meeting.

Taking the speed of messenger kui communication into account, the meeting would be in one week (eight days in this world) at the soonest.

However, I explained to Kuu I would be staying as a liaison.

Because there were issues of security and such when the king stayed in another country, I was choosing to keep my identity a secret for a while longer. Because I had, technically, entered the country on false pretenses, I decided to have Hakuya subtly inform their head of state of that fact before the meeting.

That being the case, I thought I would use the time left before the meeting to continue deepening my understanding of the country, as originally planned. But Kuu said he wanted to accompany me.

If you want to learn about our country, youll need a guide, right? Being Turgish born and Turgish raised, Id say I fit the bill, wouldnt you?

Oh, uh...I appreciate the offer, but I couldnt make the son of the countrys head of state be my guide...

I tried letting him down lightly, but Kuu laughed.

Hey, dont sweat it. I may be his son, but I dont have any power. Besides, Kazuma, now that I know youre a foreign VIP, I cant let you out of my sight. Kuu made a sharp, slightly provocative glance in my direction. Sightseeing is fine, but I dont want you going anywhere too unusual. If you try going to military installations, for instance, I think we may have a little trouble.

That made sense... Hed be doubling as our keeper, it seemed. The air got a little tense, but I shrugged and let the look Kuu was giving me slide.

I never planned on that, anyway.

Oookyah, just playing it safe, he said. You people wouldnt want to be suspected of anything you arent doing, right?

Fair enough...

Right now, we werent in the country to gather intelligence. We were purely here to expand our understanding of the country; there was no need to seek out their critical facilities. If Kuu was going to accompany us, we wouldnt have to worry about any undue trouble with the locals, so it was a convenient arrangement.

I offered Kuu my right hand. If thats how it is, then please, come along.

Sure! Kuu took my hand and shook it firmly. By the way, do you guys have lodgings booked for the night?

Yeah. We booked lodgings at the White Bird Inn in the town of Noblebeppu.

The White Bird Inn! Thats a good place. Now, if youre wondering whats so good about it, its that there are hot springs.

Hot springs.

Yes, hot springs.

Id heard there were many hot springs in the republic. The town of Noblebeppu was one of the few hot springs areas in the country, which was also one of the reasons we had chosen it for our base of operations. We apparently had a decent number of hot springs in the Amidonia Region of our own kingdom, but there were few in the former territories of Elfrieden, and none of those were in the vicinity of the capital Parnam.

I wanted to take the opportunity to use Noblebeppu and its famous hot springs as our base of operations, and to enjoy the springs while deepening my understanding of the country. That was the reason we were here.

The White Bird Inn, where we would be staying for a while, was a travelers inn operated by a member of the white eagle race. What was more, for an additional charge, we could reserve the open air baths for an hour a day for exclusive use by our family.

When Roroas sharp eyes had picked up that detail during check-in...

Hey, hey, darlin. We dont get the chance often, so hows about we reserve the bath and go in as a family? By we I mean me, you, Big Sis Ai, and Big Sis Juna, of course, shed said with a grin.

Being a man, it was a tempting proposal, but I had no idea how to explain our family situation to the innkeeper, and I felt it would be a poor influence on Tomoe, who was traveling with us. And, more than anything...I felt incredibly embarrassed, so I gave Roroa a firm but non-painful karate chop to the head.

While I was recalling that, Kuu suddenly slapped his knee.

Okay! Ill stay at the White Bird Inn tonight, too, then!

Leporina let out a strange cry. Whoa, what are you saying, young master?! You have a villa here, dont you?!

But Kuu tut-tutted and waggled a finger at her. Kazuma and his folks want to understand our country better, right? In that case, weve gotta let them experience our traditional culture.

Traditional culture? I asked.

Oookyakya! Kuu cackled with glee. In this country, when friends come from far away to visit you, its customary to slaughter an animal and hold a feast. You and I are already like friends, after all! Lets ask the inn to hold a feast!

With that said, Kuu threw his arm around my shoulder.

It should have felt a little too chummy coming from a younger guy, but, for some reason, it didnt bother me so much. There was no malice behind it, and I could tell this was just how he was, so I couldnt even bring myself to feel like, Well, I guess theres no helping it... It may well be this was a sort of charisma.

I appreciate the offer, but wouldnt it be trouble for the inn, receiving a sudden request like that? I asked.

Oh, dont worry, I know the owner. If I pay money and provide the ingredients myself, it wont be an issue. Leporina, run over to the innkeepers place and get the necessary materials together.

Urgh... I understand, but, young master, youre such a slave driver, Leporina complained. Youre already sending me to your fathers place tomorrow...

Kuu heartily laughed it off. While youre out shopping, you can buy that expensive cherry wine you like, too.

Ill get right on it! With a salute, Leporina took off and dashed out of the workshop.

Kuu was surprisingly good at handling his subordinate.

Kuu turned to the woman near him. Taru, you come party, too. The more the merrier, after all.

Honestly, dumb master, youre such a handful. Taru resignedly accepted. However, her white bear ears were twitching a little.

Could it be the snow bear races ears functioned similarly to the mystic wolf races tails? If so, despite how cold she presented herself to be, she may have been unexpectedly enthusiastic about it.

Well, anyway, the impromptu feast had been arranged.

The sun went down, and a large carpet in the great hall of the White Bird Inn was packed tightly with plates bearing various dishes. The majority of it was meat, meat, meat... A smorgasbord of meat dishes. The white eagle innkeeper was laying down another large plate with a new meat dish.

The white eagle race were, as the name suggested, eagle beastmen with wings on their backs, but their wings turned brown from the middle outward, so they didnt give off the impression of being angels. For the men, their faces were actual eagle faces, making them resemble the half-man, half-beast depictions of gods from ancient Egyptian murals.

While watching the innkeeper lay out the food, I talked to Kuu, who was beside me. Im seeing an awful lot of meat dishes...

Thats how our feasts are. We generally butcher our livestock, then eat the meat.

This is party food, right? What is your normal diet like?

Aside from meat, we eat shellfish, fish, and dairy. We do have potatoes, but fruits and vegetables can only be harvested in parts of the north, so theyre rare and expensive.

Hmm...

If he was saying there was demand for vegetables, we could probably develop a trade route and export them here. Well, how were they getting their vitamin C and such? Id read in some manga that, long ago, sailors had suffered from scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency, and it was really hard on them.

You dont get sick from lack of vegetables? I asked.

Huh? Never heard of that happening. Like, we dont get sick much at all. We dont really have reason to be afraid of death by sickness. Were more afraid of death by freezing.

Hmm...

Did they have some special way of taking in those nutrients?

While I was thinking that, the preparations for the feast seemed to be completed. Present for the occasion were Aisha, Juna, Roroa, Tomoe, Hal, Kaede, and me from Friedonia, as well as Kuu, Taru, and Leporina from Turgis, for a total of ten people.

Something resembling wooden goblets were passed around, one to each of us.

When I looked, the goblet had a white liquid inside. Giving it a swirl, I could see it was just a little thick. Rather than milk, it seemed more like unrefined sake.

A mysterious white liquid...? I murmured.

This? Its our famous fermented milk, Kuu answered.

Fermented milk?

Its a drink made by fermenting snow yak (this was apparently a hairy cow-like animal that lived in this country) milk, so its fermented milk. Its got a strong taste, but once you get used to it, its good, yknow?

Fermentation... I murmured. If its yak milk, then...lactic acid bacteria?

Come to think of it, didnt lactic acid bacteria produce vitamin C? If I recalled, it was part of the fermentation process... I only vaguely remembered it, though. Could it be the people of this country were supplementing their otherwise insufficient intake of vitamin C with this drink?

That aside, once everyone had received their goblet, it was decided Kuu and I would offer a toast. With everyone gathered around, he and I stood up on our own.

Long-winded speeches before a feast are so uncouth. Thats why Ill keep this brief. With that said, Kuu turned to me, and raised his goblet. To our guests from Friedonia!

In response to those words, I raised my goblet to Kuu, too. To the people of Turgis!

Then we clacked our goblets together.

Cheers! we both said.

Cheers! everybody else called.

Then the feast began.

Now, go on and knock it back, Kuu urged me.

R-Right...

I tried drinking the fermented snow yak milk. It had a strange taste.

It was smoother than its appearance may suggest, but...how could I describe it...? It was like drinkable plain yogurt, maybe. But it had that alcoholic flavor to it, too. It was better than I had expected, even this way, but I felt like it might taste better with honey.

Everyone but Tomoe smacked their lips over this fermented milk.

Incidentally, in this country, just like ours, there was no law dictating a minimum age for drinking. It seemed the custom was that, as of fifteen or sixteen, children could openly drink in public. Id considered putting a proper law in place, but in some ways it was part of the local culture, so I was leaving it be for now. If I meddled unnecessarily, it could invite a backlash from the public, after all.

Well, if the people became health conscious, voices calling for a minimum drinking age would emerge naturally. I could wait to roll out a law until then.

While drinking my fermented milk, I looked around.

Checking the most boisterous spot in the room, Aisha and Kuu were seated in front of big plates stacked high with food, competing over who could eat the most and the fastest for some reason. It seemed like Kuu, influenced by seeing the way Aisha ate, had challenged her. The competition was apparently to see who could clear a plate stacked high with food first.

Nom, nom, nom, nom...

They were both desperately piling food into their mouths.

In a simple contest to eat the most, I wouldnt have thought it possible for Aisha to lose, but, with the speed element added in, who knew? From the look of it, the food was disappearing from their plates at about the same rate.

Nom, nom... (Oookyakya, youre not bad, for someone so slim.)

Nom, nom... (You, too. Im impressed.)

Their eyes crossed every once in a while, and when they did, they seemed to be having an exchange like that.

They were being watched by an exasperated Roroa and a bewildered Tomoe.

Honestly... Big Sis Ai, whatre you havin a speed eatin contest for? Roroa asked.

Aishas eating as fast as ever, Tomoe commented.

Tomoe, dont ya let her beat ya. Eat up. Ya wont grow otherwise, yknow?

If I eat a lot, can I grow up big like Aisha?

It must be nice, havin room for growth...

I was pretty sure Tomoe was talking about height, but Roroa was looking down at her chest with dead fish eyes. She must have gotten depressed when she imagined our little sister growing larger than her in the future. I think shed just chosen a poor person for comparison, and it wasnt as if she didnt have any, but...broaching the topic with her too deeply would be suicidal, so I opted not to do it.

Looking to another spot, Hal and Kaede were drinking with Taru and talking about something. Hal asked a question as he poured Kaede another drink.

Taru, youre a blacksmith, right? Do you know what sort of weapon would suit me?

What kind of weapon do you want? Taru asked.

I specialize in wreathing my weapons in fire then throwing them, but with ordinary spears, they burn up after I throw them. Meanwhile, magically enchanted spears are expensive, so I cant throw them away, and on the battlefield its a lot of trouble going to retrieve them.

That, and Hal often rides on Ru...a large creature, Kaede added. So hed be best with a weapon he can use from on top of a creature like that, you know.

The large creature Hal often rode on was Ruby, but she didnt mention that. If people learned Hal had a contract with a dragon without being from the Star Dragon Mountain Range, they were going to wonder just who he was, so she kept that part vague.

In that case, theres a weapon called a Twin Snake Spear. Taru seemed to think a little as she spoke.

Twin Snake Spear? Hal asked. What kind of weapon is that?

Like a twin-headed snake that has a second head on the end of its tail. Its a weapon with two spears connected at the base. Theyre connected with a thin chain, and if you use one as a throwing spear, you can pull on the other to retrieve it. It was originally made so someone riding a large beast like the dumb masters numoth could attack soldiers at its feet.

Hmm, sounds like an awesome weapon.

Hal seemed impressed, but Taru shook her head quietly.

Its just...its incredibly hard to use. The length of the chain can be adjusted with enchantment magic, but the longer it gets, the more technique and strength it takes to use it. Its not widely used, even in our country.

I think that should be fine, you know, Kaede put in. If theres one thing Hal can be confident in, its his strength.

Thats harsh... Couldnt you have found a more loving way to say that?

Its love thats making me look for a weapon to keep you two from dying on the battlefield, you know?

Urgh...

Seeing Hal get verbally bested by Kaede, Taru giggled. If I recall, we have one in stock in the workshop. I think it would be a good idea to test how it works for you first. If you like it, Ill accept an order for one.

Oh! Thanks, Ill be counting on you, Hal said.

Well take you up on that offer, you know, Kaede added.

The three clacked their goblets together. Had a deal been struck? I hoped hed find a good weapon.

Now then, as for those of us who remained, Juna, who was playing the role of my wife, sat down, and the white rabbit Leporina poured the drinks. In part because we were seated directly on the floor, not on chairs, it reminded me of a Japanese-style reception in a tatami room.

Im sorry, Leporina said as she poured fermented milk into my goblet. Normally, entertaining our guests would be Master Kuus job...

No, no, Im extremely grateful to have a welcome feast like this at all.

It helps so much to hear you say that. Oh, let me take care of your wife, too.

Hee hee. Thank you. Juna was having Leporina pour her drinks, too. She looked to be in somewhat of a good mood.

You look like youre enjoying yourself, Juna, I said.

Yes. We look so much like a husband and wife now.

Y-You think...?

That was kind of embarrassing. Leporina watched us with a big smile.

Juna scooped something that was in a nearby pot into a wooden bowl and offered it to me. The dishes here are all so new to me, too. This soup is delicious.

Oh, yeah? From the looks of it...its like dumpling soup.

There were root vegetables and thin, white dumplings floating in a broth similar to miso soup made with red miso.

I took a sip, and an unexpected flavor spread through my mouth. This wasnt miso soup, it was pumpkin stew. The dumplings were dumplings, but they were thin and stretched out. It was like... How should I put this? It was like a cross between houtou and pumpkin stew.

Its not the taste I expected, but...its good.

Yes, Juna agreed. It makes your body feel warm, somehow.

Hee hee! That pumpkin stew is an old standard in our country, you know? Leporina eagerly explained as Juna was smacking her lips. Its hard to get your hands on leafy vegetables in our country, but you can get a lot of pumpkins. Thats why we have a wide variety of pumpkin dishes. Many of our sweets use pumpkin filling or pumpkin cream, too. They use sugar liberally, though, so they may taste too sweet to those from outside the country.

Oh? You have a lot of sugar? I asked.

Yes. Like with the pumpkins, we have a lot of beets, too.

Beets. She was talking about sugar beets.

Like their name suggested, they were one of the plants from which sugar could be made. Most of the sugar circulating in our country was made from sugar beets, too. There was also maple sugar, which could be harvested from maple trees. Because sugarcane could only be grown in some places in the north of the kingdom, there wasnt much cane sugar in circulation.

They could harvest a lot of beets in this country, huh...

Food is one of the places where a land really shows its character, I commented.

Youre so right, Leporina agreed. But it was only just recently that we began putting dumplings in pumpkin stew, you know? We started putting them in after we heard from an Amidonian merchant you can eat the root of the beguiling lily plant.

Wait, these were lily root dumplings?!

Yes. It seems a deity known as Lord Ishizuka, the God of Food descended on Amidonia, and taught them they were edible. Thanks to that, we were able to eat a soup that was once a side dish as our main course. We have to give our thanks to that god.

... We were all silent.

To think the food culture we were spreading in Amidonia would reach this country, too.

What was more, Poncho was ascending to divinity as the God of Food; not just in Amidonia, but here, too... Rumors tended to blow things out of proportion, but at the rate things were going, I wondered if someone might actually build a temple to the god Ishizuka eventually.

Oh, Poncho, where are you going? Well, he probably didnt know it himself.

Kuu came over, patting his belly. Hey, you two. Having fun?

We are, thanks, I said. And you? Is the eating contest over?

Oookyakya! That girls tough. Speed eating is one thing, but I never stood a chance against her when it came to quantity. Im shocked she can pack that much away and still eat more.

Aisha had won the contest? Well, in retrospect, that did seem like a foregone conclusion.

Kuu took Leporinas goblet from her, and plopped himself down next to me. Ill handle the rest, so you can go join the others, Leporina.

Okay. Leporina waved and went over to where Aisha and the others were.

Juna said, Im going to go check in on Aisha and the rest, too, and vacated her seat.

It looked like it was going to be just us guys, drinking one-on-one from here. We poured out drinks for each other, then had a toast.

Kuu downed his drink in one gulp, then laughed cheerfully. Whew! Booze you drink at a feast just tastes extra special.

Isnt that line a little too old-man-ish for a fifteen-year-old? I commented.

Oookyakya! Dont worry about it. Setting aside age and rank is the only way to party.

...Oh, yeah?

I poured Kuu another drink. Kuu sipped at his drink this time, and then slapped his hand down to rest on my shoulder. What? Was he looking to argue with me? I was thinking that, but...

So, how is it, Kazuma?

How is what?

This country, I mean. You enjoying it?

I thought about that for a little bit before answering. Yeah. I think its a good country. There are hot springs, and the local dishes and fermented milk are delicious. You have capable craftspeople, too, so I think its an attractive country.

Oookyakya! Yeah, you bet it is. I love this country, too. Kuu let out another cackling laugh, then took on a more serious expression. I honestly... think its a good country, you know? We put our livestock out to pasture in the summer, and make excellent handicrafts indoors in the winter. Its cold, but the people huddle together to survive in this country. Therere some hardheaded old folks who seem bent on expanding to the north, though.

I was silent.

I had heard the Republic of Turgis had a national policy of northward expansionism. In fact, during the time our country had been shaken by internal issues and a conflict with the Principality of Amidonia, this country had massed troops on the border showing their intent to invade us. While there was no direct conflict between our nations, I was surprised to find someone in the Republic of Turgis who thought like Kuu.

Besides, even if we take land to the north, we cant hold it, Kuu continued, crossing his arms and nodding. In the outside world, air power like wyverns is the most effective, right? A cold land like ours isnt suited to breeding wyverns. Thats a plus when it makes it difficult for others to come to invade us, but its impossible to slice off part of a neighboring countrys territory without wyverns. No matter how hard we tried, wed take maybe a city or two at most. Besides, when winter came, the snow would shut down contact with the mainland, so it would be hard to maintain them.

His dumb behavior made it hard to see, but he had an incredibly precise grasp of his countrys situation. Talking to him, I felt a charisma that would draw people to him, too. If Kuu had been born into the royal family of a kingdom with a better territorial situation, he might have become a rare hero.

Kuu gulped down his fermented milk in one gulp again. Listen, Kazuma, I seriously think this country has its own way of becoming prosperous. We dont have to go north. This country has the underlying power to develop itself. Thats how I feel.

I feel like I understand, I said soberly.

You do, huh? he laughed. Im glad you get it! Heres hoping the negotiations between my old man and your king go well!

Yeah. Im sure... the meeting will be meaningful for both parties.

With that, we clacked our goblets together once more.