How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 7: Chapter 7

Book 7: Chapter 7

Several days before the meeting...

With the Jewel Voice Broadcast jewel and simple receiver that had been delivered, I contacted Hakuya in Parnam Castle and informed him that I wanted to demonstrate Friedonias strength in order to ensure negotiations went smoothly. Demonstrating that our nation could be both a reliable friend and a troublesome enemy would make the alliance firmer.

When I asked Hakuya for his insight on the subject, the first idea he proposed was, Will you deploy troops along the border?

Wait, were suddenly resorting to open intimidation in our diplomacy? I asked, taken aback.

I believe it is an easily understandable show of force, Hakuya said with a cool look on his face.

...Huh? Was it possible he was serious?

Youre joking, right? That would only make the other side needlessly wary, wouldnt it?

I jest, of course. I was merely presenting the quick and easy method. If you hope for a long-lasting friendship, doing it may not preclude that, but its far from the best option.

...

Hed said all that completely deadpan. It must have been Hakuyas idea of a joke.

Way to make a joke thats hard to get... I thought as I glared at him.

The next proposal he offered was, Lets get the Gran Chaos Empire involved in these talks.

Empress Maria of the Empire?

If your negotiations go well on this occasion, you intend to bring up the medical alliance with the Empire, too, right? he asked. You can move the schedule up on that.

Thats... Well, yes, its true I was thinking of it...

If we were going to develop medical treatments and make them generally available, no single country could handle that alone.

If we forged ahead alone, we might be able to create a gap between ourselves and other countries, but our funding and manpower would have limits. If we tried to force just one country to do all the research, the progress would be slow.

In this world, external injuries could be treated with light magic, even serious ones, but there were still many people suffering from ailments that magic didnt work on.

If someone close to me fell to disease while I was wasting time... Id definitely regret it. It couldnt hurt to be quick about developing medical treatments.

For the sake of that, I wanted the Gran Chaos Empire, the largest nation of mankind, and the one with considerable budget and manpower, to handle one wing of that development. I had a diplomatic channel to the Empire, after all, and their leader, Empress Maria, was a woman I could talk to. She was sure to support the idea.

However, I had been meaning to get things in place with the Republic of Turgis before I brought this subject up with the Empire. Because the kingdom and Empire were distant, we needed a country to act as an intermediary between us, or this would be all pie in the sky.

And yet Hakuya wanted to involve the Empire... to involve Maria... in our current talks.

There is more than one way to show strength, he said. Our connections are another form of power. If we can introduce Madam Maria, who is the empress of the Empire, at the meeting, Sir Gouran will be shocked. It would inform him that the nations to the east and west of the republic have their own independent line of communication.

True, Im sure that would shock him...

If the Empire and kingdom were coordinating in secret, the republic could be caught in a pincer attack the moment it opposed either. Well, given their geographical situation (in winter they were completely isolated by ice), there would be hardly any benefit in invading them and occupying their territory, but it would still put pressure on them.

...But still. I scratched my head hard. It would be incredible if we could do that, but its probably not realistic calling in Madam Maria. There arent many days left until the meeting. Isnt it impossible, considering security, the necessary processes, and everything else?

What are you saying, sire? Hakuya objected, looking exasperated. Who is each of us talking to right now, and where is that person?

...Oh. I finally realized what he meant.

That was right. If she attended the meeting remotely over the Jewel Voice Broadcast, there was no need to invite Maria to come here from the Empire. Id been imagining them meeting in person, so I must have been a bit out of it to overlook something this simple.

I felt awkward, and cleared my throat loudly. Ahem... With that in mind, even if the meeting is held over a Jewel Voice Broadcast, will Madam Maria take time out of her busy schedule to attend?

Almost beyond a doubt.

You seem awfully sure of that.

During my talks with Madam Marias younger sister Jeanne, I have already made the request to put negotiation about medical technology on the table, and said that we are willing to compensate you appropriately.

You already had your eye on this, huh? I said. Well done.

We havent decided on a policy for medical technology yet, so weve just been slowly feeling one another out on the issue.

Hakuya and Jeanne feeling one another out, huh? They were both sharp, so their conversations were probably like laying down stones in a game of Go. But I doubted they were tense about it. With my and Marias permission, Hakuya had even done things like exchange gifts with her while Piltory was making his temporary return to the country.

In regards to their relationship, Maria had once said to me during a broadcast meeting, Lately, Jeanne feels so full of life. Hee hee, do you think she and your Prime Minister found something in common to talk about?

Shed seemed so happy about it. The only thing I could imagine them having in common to talk about was complaints about their respective masters, though. I wasnt so sure it was a good thing if they were having a good time talking about that.

Regardless, I said, in short, if we bring up the negotiations on medical technology, we can call Madam Maria to the meeting with Sir Gouran, right? Then, by showing off our connection to them, well shock Sir Gouran, and we can take the negotiations in a direction thats beneficial to us?

Indeed.

It feels like accomplishing two things at the same time, but... arent you saying that we should effectively convince two separate countries simultaneously?

I believe that will be up to your abilities, sire.

You make it sound so easy, I grumbled.

Honestly...

But, well, that was probably the most effective way to do it.

Lets go forward with that, I said. Hakuya, negotiate with the Empire and move the preparations along. Make sure there are no mistakes made with the other matter I asked you to address, too.

Understood.

Hakuya bowed respectfully.

And that brings us to the present.

Here now, the heads of the Republic of Turgis, Gran Chaos Empire, and Kingdom of Friedonia were meeting, even if it was over a broadcast.

Sir Gouran was left looking dumbfounded at Marias sudden appearance for a little while, but his expression soon returned to normal.

Why, its a pleasure to meet you. I am the head of the Republic, Gouran Taisei. He nodded to the empress on the simple receiver.

The jewel was on the opposite side of the simple receiver, so Maria could see he was nodding to her.

The Jewel Voice Broadcast of Maria giggled and smiled at Sir Gouran. Please, forgive me for the rudeness of not informing you beforehand that I would be taking part in this meeting. I heard that a medical alliance was to be discussed here, and the Empire would very much like to participate.

Id like to apologize, too, I said. It was decided on so suddenly, I didnt have time to contact you in advance.

Maria and I bowed our heads in unison.

Sir Gouran looked at us with a blank expression for a moment, but then he let out a hearty laugh. Gahaha! It looks like Sir Soumas pulled one over on me! I never thought you were connected to the empress of the Empire!

Even though he was laughing, his eyes were fixed on me. He was probably cautiously probing my intent.

I corrected my posture while making sure not to avert my eyes from his gaze. I apologize for keeping quiet about this. However, I want to form this medical alliance between the Kingdom of Friedonia, the Republic of Turgis, and the Gran Chaos Empire, the three nations that make up the south of the continent.

I was stating it clearly for Sir Gouran and Maria.

I believe knowledge in the fields of medicine and treatment should be shared equally with all of mankind. Sickness strikes all, irrespective of race or borders. If an epidemic runs loose in one country, the damage will definitely spread to its neighbors. When that happens, if just one nation had the knowledge, drugs, or equipment, would we be able to protect our people? ...I say nay. Even if there is no discourse between countries, people such as merchants and adventurers are moving back and forth constantly. We can try to protect only our own people, but infectious diseases will keep on spreading.

Thats true, Maria said. Fortunately, I havent experienced one myself, but history records occasional epidemics on this continent, and how seriously they have shaken up the countries who underwent them.

Yeah, history had recorded the same thing in my previous world, too.

In studying history for my entrance exams, Id learned that the Black Death had been transmitted from Asia to Europe along the Silk Road, bringing chaos to many countries and then spreading onward to Africa, contributing to the fall of the Mameluke Sultanate.

In fighting epidemics, it was important to prevent the outbreak from spreading in its early stages. In order to do that, we needed to share medical knowledge.

As long as our three countries share their medical knowledge, if an epidemic begins to spread in one country, we may be able to limit its spread to the minimum, I said. Furthermore, if an outbreak occurs in a country other than our three, we can coordinate in order to limit the area of our borders we have to inspect people at.

Youre right, said Gouran. For the republics part, not having to worry about our borders with the Empire and the kingdom would be appreciated.

I agree, nodded Maria. Our borders are needlessly long, so theres nothing we would appreciate more than even a slight reduction in the number of checkpoints.

Sir Gouran and Maria were both nodding. I could probably assume I had their support thus far.

Having confirmed the need for sharing of medical knowledge between our three countries, I will return to the conversation I was having with Sir Gouran before, I said. The discussion about how the kingdom will aim to train doctors and improve on their techniques, the republic will produce and develop medical equipment, and how we will trade our results. Ive been thinking it is best to divide the labor, and focused research would be effective in leading to the development of the field of medicine. By having the Empire join us in this, I am hoping to have them handle the mass production of drugs, and the improvement of them.

Drugs...? Maria asked, and I nodded.

In my country, the three-eyed race has developed three-eyedine, an antibiotic. Thats a medicine that works well on infectious diseases, but the subspecies of gelin its extracted from will require land and manpower to raise, so we have not yet gotten to the point of mass production. If we cant secure it in quantity, drugs will continue to be high-priced. For that reason, I want to request that the Empire, with its land, manpower, and funding handle the production of the drug.

Thats wonderful, Maria said with a smile. If you can tell us how its produced, I would like to create a system for mass-producing it at once.

I could only imagine a dubbed in voice saying, I want your technology behind that smile, so I couldnt help but smile wryly.

Ill tell you about how its made... I said. However, I do want something in return.

Of course. How much do you want us to pay you?

I reflected on what I had been thinking about earlier. I dont want money. I want something else from you.

Something else? What might that be?

A Jewel Voice Broadcast jewel. In other words, a dungeon core. Looking at the scale of the Empire, dont you have a lot more than we do? Id like you to let me have one.

A dungeon core, is it...? Maria got a pensive look on her face, but she must have felt there was no loss to her in the deal, because she soon nodded. Very well. I accept those terms.

Thank you, I said. And Sir Gouran.

Hm?

This time, I looked at Sir Gouran. It must be inconvenient to only have one jewel to use in domestic broadcasts. I am thinking of giving the jewel I receive from the Empire to you. How does your providing us with medical equipment at no cost for the time being sound as a payment for that?

Hm... Its certainly true that we cant simply acquire a jewel whenever we want. Gouran thought for a little while, then slapped his knee. Very well! However, I will want to discuss the exact amounts to be provided further.

Yes. That will be fine.

This is some awfully indirect negotiating, Maria said, sounding a little exasperated.

I smiled wryly and shrugged my shoulders. I did my best to make things work out for all three parties. If the republic only has one jewel, thats inconvenient for coordination between the three countries. I thought theyd definitely want one.

Gahaha! Sir Gouran chuckled. It seems you saw right through me.

I see... Maria had a serious look on her face. By the way, Sir Souma, I have one question for you.

What might that be?

In regards to the three countries each taking on a field of research, is it not allowed to research the other fields? In my country, for instance, would I not be able to research doctor training or medical equipment?

No, youre free to research the other fields. In fact, I very much hope you will.

Its fine, then? Sir Gouran checked to confirm, and I nodded.

The reason I say I want each of us to specialize is in the name of efficiency, I said. However, if thats all we each do, the moment one of the three countries is lax in their duties, the whole thing falls apart. Besides, in order to improve our drugs and medical equipment, Im sure the knowledge of doctors and their techniques will be needed. Please, Id like both the republic and the Empire to send anyone you want to master the study of medicine to our country. They will study with us, teach what theyve learned in our country when they return home, and give birth to more doctors. In they do that, then the Empire and republic should be able to educate their own doctors, too. On the opposite hand, Id like the republic to send a number of craftspeople who can produce medical equipment to us, too. I want to get a system in place that allows us to produce our own medical equipment if the situation calls for it, after all.

However, if we do that, ultimately, wont we all end up studying every field? Sir Gouran asked. Doesnt that defeat the purpose of dividing the research among us?

No, Sir Gouran, I said. This is insurance, and its also a race. If we fully divide things, it will be over the moment one country decides to break off this relationship. By all of us studying each field, we can prepare for that situation, should it arise. Furthermore, the fact that other countries are also studying it means that if you neglect your research, the other countries may get ahead of you.

I see, Maria said thoughtfully. In order to prevent that, youve introduced the element of a race into this.

Youre thought into this quite deeply, she seemed to be implying.

Well, of course. I had debated this to death with Hakuya. Wed spent almost the whole time in between this conference being called and my going out to slay the ogres discussing it.

Sir Gouran said, Hm... with a pensive look on his face.

Was there some point that was unclear? I asked.

No, I think youve put a lot of thought into this, but... there remains one problem.

A problem?

Im sure youre aware, but in winter our land is closed off by snow, and our seas by ice. In that period, means of shipping are limited, and we can only carry out trade in the summer.

In other words, Sir Gouran was concerned about shipping.

In this world, when you tried to ship large volumes, it either meant land shipping using large creatures like rhinoceroses, or sea shipping using boats. Neither was suited to the Republic of Turgiss winter.

The seas froze in winter, preventing the ships from coming in, and the land was covered by snow, which forbid the entry of creatures that were susceptible to the cold like rhinoceroses. There were cold climate animals like the numoth, but the amount one of those could carry was limited, and they were slow, too. That was exactly why merchants only came to this country in the summer.

I couldnt blame Sir Gouran for being concerned. However, I had already heard that from Kuu.

I have some ideas about that, I said. Roroa.

Roroa, who had been silent up until this point, pumped her arm as if to say, Ive been waitin for this.

Its finally my turn! Lets get on with showin em that thing, then!

Maria and Sir Gouran were taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm, but it was too soon to be surprised.

We still had a card up our sleeve, after all.

I requested a temporary suspension of the meeting so I could prepare.

Having gained Maria and Sir Gourans assent, I explained the situation to Sir Gouran, and received permission to bring a certain thing in from the kingdom.

Id assumed that if I brought that in without clearance, it would cause a huge fuss. If things went badly, they might even think it was an invasion.

I had Sir Gouran write up a document to show at the border, and had a messenger kui carry that document to the border where that thing was supposed to be waiting.

Ive given my permission, but... I find it hard to believe, he said.

Same here, Kuu added. Not that I think Soumas lying.

The Taisei father and son gave their honest reactions as they watched the messenger kui fly away.

I shrugged with a wry smile. You may find it hard to believe, but there is no lie or exaggeration in anything weve said, you know?

Yeah, you two just look forward to seein it. Roroa had gone back to her less formal speech style at some point, but she spoke with confidence.

Hmm, in that case, I find it all the harder to believe, Sir Gouran said.

Oookyakya! Kuu laughed. If its true, itll be worth seeing, now wont it?

Gouran was dubious, while Kuu laughed with enthusiasm. They were contrasting reactions.

Regardless, until that arrived, we decided to relax and drink tea.

About two hours later, maybe, there was suddenly a lot of hubbub outside, allowing me to confirm that had arrived.

When we all went outside the inn, that was already visible.

It was a large object, the bottom of which was black, the top of which was orange, and which was about the size of an elementary schools gym, standing at the entrance to town where nothing had been before.

When we approached, it became apparent it had a two-layer structure. The top half, colored orange, was like a large ship, and it was supported by the lower half, which was made of a black, rubber-like substance.

That also made a constant sound like air was being expelled from it.

How do ya like er? This is the amphibious ship, Roroa Maru! Roroa shouted loud enough she could be heard over the sound it was making.

Gouran and Kuus mouths were agape at the majestic appearance of the Roroa Maru.

It was an amphibious ship. Yes, this was a ship. One that could travel by land or sea, at that.

I explained how it worked for Gouran and Kuu, who were still flabbergasted.

Like Roroa said, this is a ship that can run on a water surface without waves, or on land. By constantly sending air into the black rubbery part, that large body floats, and even if theres water underneath, its able to drive across it. In the world I came from, it would have been called a hovercraft.

Hovercraft... Gouran repeated the unfamiliar word.

This massive object was the hovercraft Roroa Maru, which I had sent for from the kingdom.

This Roroa Maru hovercraft was the one of a kind, built as an experiment while we were looking for uses for the overscientist Genias invention, the Little Susumu Mark V.

The Little Susumu Mark V was a ring-shaped machine that created propulsion by pushing water or air that was in front of it out the back side. Id thought it might be possible to create a hovercraft that floated off the ground if that ring was faced towards the ground, and the air was blown up into an enclosure made of the recently discovered rubber-like substance.

And so, with Genias design, and with funding from Rora and Sebastians company, The Silver Deer, the Roroa Maru was now complete. Incidentally, when Id asked Roroa what she wanted it named, since she had put up the money to develop it...

Hey, hey, darlin, in the world you came from, what were ships names like?

Hmm... Most used the names of people or places.

Hmm, that aint much different from how we do things here.

Yeah. Oh, and for fishing ships, a lot of them had Maru on the ends of their names.

Maru? Hey, thats got a cute sound to it... All righty then, Ive decided! This ships gonna be the Roroa Maru!

Roroa Maru?! Youre putting your own name on it?!

...And that was how it had ended up with that name.

It was registered to The Silver Deer, which was the investor. Dealing in everything from apparel to the dishes from Earth that Poncho and I had recreated, The Silver Deer had its fingers in a lot of pies, but did they plan to enter the trade business as well now? They had clothing, food, transportation... almost everything at this point.

A ship that runs on land... Maria said, sighing in admiration, on the other side of the simple receiver Aisha was carrying. The kingdom can even make things like this, huh?

We were having the jewel carried behind us so that she could see this scene clearly, too.

Would you sell us this ship? Maria asked. Im prepared to pay a handsome sum, you know?

It uses technologies that are a state secret, so I cant sell it.

You cant? Thats unfortunate. Maria looked like a child who had been told she couldnt buy a toy. She was as much of a quiet beauty as Juna, but her actions were a little childish.

Well, it looks impressive, but its hard to use, I said with a wry smile. Its got a bad cost-to-performance ratio, and it takes a fair amount of labor to move it.

Is that right?

Yes. Its top speed is only a little higher than a rhinoceros going at full speed, and its carrying capacity isnt that high. Technically, its an amphibious vehicle, but using rhinoceroses on land and ships at sea is a much lower cost option.

It had a Little Susumu installed, and it ran on magical power stored in curse ore. For the Little Susumu Mark V Light, which was loaded on wyverns, we had people charge it themselves, but the charging of the large model Little Susumu used on ships and such was carried out by multiple mages attached to the military.

Because of that, the amount of magic power that could be charged in a day was limited, so I had prioritized deploying the Roroa Maru on battleships or carriers over it being a substitute for the rhinoceros train on land.

These were also reasons why it was hard to apply the Little Susumu for use on civilian transport ships. To provide propulsion on civilian ships, we had to wait for the development of a motor as an alternate technology.

Setting that aside, though, the Roroa Maru did have its benefits.

Its not efficient enough as a means of transportation in peacetime, but because it doesnt make contact with the surface, it has the benefit of it being hard for it to be affected by the terrain, I said. To be more specific, in places where its normally hard to move around, such as marshes, sand, and even snowy plains, it moves ahead smoothly.

Snowy plains... I see. So thats it. Sir Gouran seemed to realize what I was leading up to.

Yes. This Roroa Maru is the only one we have for now, but if only in winter, I am sure it will serve as a viable means of transportation that links my country, the republic, and the Empire.

Certainly, if it can tie the three countries together as a means of winter transport thats faster than a rhinoceros and has the same capacity as a ship, even if there is only one of them for the time being, it will become a valuable trade route. Sir Gouran crossed his arms and grunted.

Then, as might be expected from a head of state, he began thinking about the trade route created by this Roroa Maru.

Even in winter, domestically we can use our military numoths and other such livestock to secure transportation. If we gather all our goods at a port town, can we use this amphibious ship to trade with other countries? It looks like well need to expand a port town like Moulin.

Maria giggled. Hee hee! I think well need to open a port town near our border with the Republic of Turgis, too... I think I do want one of those ships, after all.

She glanced sneakily in my direction, but I told her, No can do, with a shrug. Please, dont do anything like seize her the moment she comes into port, either. Its hard to build one, and youll be forcing us to make it self-destruct just to keep our secrets.

I said that to casually indicate to the two of them that if they tried to steal it, we would destroy it ourselves. I wasnt bluffing, either. When we used this Roroa Maru for trade, I intended to have a mechanism in place that would cause it to self-destruct if seized.

I couldnt let the Little Susumu and other technologies fall into the hands of other countries yet. In order to send the one-of-a-kind Roroa Maru to other countries, I had to be prepared to destroy it, if necessary.

Maria gave a wry smile. I know. I cant put the relationship between our nations in danger over one ship. I really do want it, though.

That was the third time shed said she wanted it. Was this one of those Its important, so I said it three times things?

Whatever the case, I wanted to wrap this topic up now.

With the use of this Roroa Maru, I would like to conclude a medical alliance between our three countries, as I was saying before. How does that sound?

Sir Gouran laughed heartily. Gahaha! If youve gone this far, Im not about to say no. Ill accept your alliance.

We of the Gran Chaos Empire will accept, too.

With Gouran and Marias assent, the Tripartite Medical Alliance between the Kingdom of Friedonia, Republic of Turgis, and Gran Chaos Empire was formed.

The formation of this alliance not only promised that the field of medicine would develop by leaps and bounds, it was also significant that, in this era of uncertainty, with the Demon Lords Domain sitting to the north, it was laying the groundwork for our three nations to coordinate.

While I was silently breathing a sigh of relief to have successfully concluded the medical alliance, Sir Gouran extended his hand to me.

Sir Souma. We are now sworn friends. I look forward to working with you.

Yes, Sir Gouran. I extended my own hand, and we exchanged a firm handshake. I look forward to working with you, too.

Maria, who was watching us, said, Its a shame. If I werent on the other side of a receiver, I could have shaken hands with you, too.

Which made Sir Gouran and I look at one another and laugh.

Once we had finished laughing, Sir Gouran suddenly took on a serious expression. Now then... Since youve become my sworn friend, there is a favor Id like to ask of you.

He had a pensive look on his face.

A favor? I asked.

Indeed. The favor concerns my boy, Kuu. Could I ask you to keep Kuu with you in the kingdom for two to three years?

Huh...

Whaaa?! Kuu exclaimed.

The look on his face was a mix of shock and bewilderment. Hed heard his name brought up, and now there was immediately talk of him being left in a foreign country, so it was hard to blame him.

Once Kuu returned to his senses, he rounded on Sir Gouran in anger. Whatre you talking about, out of nowhere, Dad?! You want me to be a hostage in the kingdom?!

Thats not it, said Gouran with a serious look on his face. In want you to go see what the kingdom is like now for me. He paused. Ive been thinking about this since last night. When young Empress Maria of the Empire was invited to take part in our meeting today, that cemented it for me.

Cemented it? What? Kuu demanded.

That theres a new wind blowing across this continent, Sir Gouran said, then turned to me. If youll excuse my rudeness, Sir Souma, may I ask how old you are?

Ill be twenty this year.

Sir Gouran nodded in satisfaction. From what I can see, Madam Maria must be about the same age. (If I recalled, she was twenty-one.) The Empire in the west is ruled by a young queen, and a young king has arisen in the kingdom in the east. When you get old like me, you start to sense something akin to fate in these things.

Kuu, Maria, and I listened intently to what Sir Gouran, the only member of an older generation who was present, had to say.

Sir Gouran continued in a quiet voice, In the world of man, there is something like a flow. Whether we want it or not, that flow has an effect on all things. Some ride that flow, others struggle against it, and yet others drown in it. That is how one might become famous, and another might fall. How one country might prosper, and another might perish. The fierce warrior, Sir Gaius, fell, and Sir Souma, a man of culture, was victorious. With the help of Princess Roroa, he annexed Amidonia and created a new country.

It was hard to react to what he was saying. The look on Roroas face said she didnt know what kind of expression she should be making, either.

However, hearing Sir Gourans words, Machiavellis words about preparing for the changes of fortune came to mind.

Gouran laid a hand on Kuus shoulder. Thats what the times are like. No one can read where this world is headed. However, when the east and west are both led by the younger generation, our country may be left behind by the era if we are the only ones to cling to old ways. In order to avoid that, I want to raise a breath of youth of our own.

A breath of youth... You mean me? Kuu asked.

Gouran nodded firmly. You are still inexperienced, but you have a flexible mindset. If you see how the kingdom changes under Sir Soumas reign, that will act as a compass for you when the time comes for you to be leader of this country.

No... I havent decided if Ill take over the headship or not yet...

You may not be head of state.

Huh?

Sir Gouran answered the question mark hovering over Kuus head with a serious look on his face. Depending on the flow of the times, our country may need to centralize power and abolish the Council of Chiefs in favor of a monarchy. In that event, you must become a king who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Souma and Maria. That may be the era that comes. Thats all the more reason why I want you to broaden your horizons while you still can. While youre in the kingdom, I will bring the Council of Chiefs under control, and build the foundation for you to put your shrewdness to work.

...This was some incredible stuff he was saying. The look on Sir Gourans face right now resembled the face of the former king, Albert, when hed entrusted Liscia to me and left the castle.

It was the face of one entrusting things to the next generation.

Even though I was awed by the atmosphere, I hesitantly raised my hand. One question. You said you want to leave Kuu with us, but do you mean you want him to study abroad in our country?

No, not as a student. I want you to use him as a temporary vassal. I think that will be a better experience for Kuu.

An uninvited vassal, then... Kuu muttered.

In terms of position, hed be like Aisha was initially. Basically, I could treat him as a vassal who doubled as a friend, like Hal. I could let him stay in a room in the castle.

I dont mind, but does Kuu? I asked.

It doesnt matter if I mind or not... I dont have the right to refuse, do I? Kuu glanced at his father, seeking confirmation.

Sir Gouran simply nodded without saying anything.

Kuu, sensing the mans unbreakable will, scratched his head. My stubborn old mans made up his mind, so throwing a tantrum wont get me anywhere. Besides, Im interested in what kind of country Soumas building, too.

He couldnt have fully accepted suddenly being told he would be entrusted to a foreign country, but it was very like Kuu to already be thinking about it positively like that.

...I see, I said. Welcome aboard, Kuu.

When I offered him my hand, he took it firmly.

Oookyakya! But since Im imposing myself as a vassal, that means you outrank me, doesnt it? Still, Im from a foreign country, so calling you Your Majesty doesnt feel right. Thats why Im going to call you Bro from now on.

Uh, Bro?

Yeah. Think of me like your little brother. Well, so long. Kuu put a hand on his hip, grinned like always, and said, Im counting on you from here on! Bro!