How A Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom
"First Begin With a Hero"
GrandFather
Why do you think people have families?
GrandFather
So that they don't die alone.
GrandFather
As I was attending to your grandmother,
I dwelt on that thought.
GrandFather
We lost our son and your mom much too early, but you were still here.
GrandFather
It was because of you that we found fulfillment in our lives.
GrandFather
Once I go to join your Grandma, you're going to be all alone.
GrandFather
Kazuya, Start a family. And no matter what comes your way, keep them safe.
GrandFather
Do that, and when the end comes,
GrandFather
I promise you, you will consider your life to have been a good one.
GrandFather
These will be the final words of wisdom I leave to you, my grandson.
Kazuya Souma
When he said those words, I though they sounded like a dying wish.
"Ancestral resting place"
Kazuya Souma
Grandpa has now joined
Grandma where she is.
Kazuya Souma
And now I... am all alone.
King Albert Elfrieden
Hmm, What do we do?
Prime Minister Marx
Mm-Hmm, Whatever Shall we do?
King Albert Elfrieden
What can we do about this?
Prime Minister Marx
Your Majesty,
Prime Minister Marx
at this point, I believe our only move is to Summon a hero.
"The Prince"
"Niccolo Machiavelli"
Hero Rite of Summoning
You do Understand the procedure, right?
Hero Rite of Summoning
Very Will, we will now perform the Hero Rite of Summoning.
"The Prince"
"Niccolo Machiavelli"
Hero Rite of Summoning
I can't believe we actually summoned someone.
Hero Rite of Summoning
Everything is worth trying at least once.
King Albert Elfrieden
O Hero!
King Albert Elfrieden
Thank you for answering our call!
Kazuya Souma
I didn't answer anything. I was summoned here without may say-so.
King Albert Elfrieden
I-I Suppose you were. From your Standpoint, it must seem that way.
King Albert Elfrieden
You aren't, by any chance, angry that we summoned you here, are you?
Kazuya Souma
Can you imagine that I wouldn't be angry?
Kazuya Souma
Could I at least ask you to explain the situation?
Kazuya Souma
I'II decide whether to lose my temper after that.
King Albert Elfrieden
Y-Yes indeed... an explanation...
King Albert Elfrieden
...Mm-Hmm, allow me to explain...
Unknown
Many Races--including humans, elvis, dwarves, and dragonewts--
Unknown
Have made Their Homes here, forming a number of countries of various sizes.
Unknown
However, roughly ten years ago, on the northernmost end of the continent,
Unknown
a horde of monsters arrived from a void that appeared, called the Demon World,
Unknown
and all hell broke loses among the northern countries.
Unknown
Centered around the Gran Chaos Empire,
Unknown
Which boasted the largest territory on the continent,
Unknown
The various nations united together to form a punitive force,
Unknown
and mounted an invasion of the Demon World.
Unknown
However, that punitive force was wiped out.
Unknown
With these nations losing their main military force on this expedition,
Unknown
They no longer had the strength to repel the monsters from the Demon World,
Unknown
and the Demon World's forces have now occupied a third of the continent.
Unknown
Perhaps because the number of monsters attacking
Kazuya Souma
So then, I hope you're not telling me to go and defeat those monsters.
King Albert Elfrieden
No, not that, exactly.
Prime Minister Marx
Ahem...
Prime Minister Marx
Hero, this is truly difficult for me to say...
Empires Maria Euphoria
At the moment, there is no large-scale movement in the Demon Lord's Domain.
Empires Maria Euphoria
However, the forces stationed along the border
Empires Maria Euphoria
have been informed to remain ever vigilant.
Empires Maria Euphoria
The soldiers' morale is high, with the charge to protect the world of men,
Empires Maria Euphoria
but as their posting become dawn out, their toll on the nation's treasury grows heavy, and is becoming problematic.
Empires Maria Euphoria
So, about that other matters...
Jeanne Euphoria
Other matter?
Empires Maria Euphoria
The Matter of our request to the Elfrieden Kingdom to contribute financially to the war effort.
Empires Maria Euphoria
The deadline is approaching, but they have yet to respond.
Kazuya Souma
You're going to turn me over to the Empire in the place of financial aid?
King Albert Elfrieden
I'm so sorry about this!
I hope you will forgive me!
Prime Minister Marx
Currently, that nation who is primarily containing the Demon Lord's Domain is the Gran Chaos Empire, who shares the longest border with them.
Prime Minister Marx
Our own Elfrieden Kingdom is being greatly benefited by their efforts, which is why the empire has sought financial assistance from those countries who do not share a border with the Demon Lord's Domain.
Kazuya Souma
If money will do, then why not pay it?
Kazuya Souma
It sounds far preferable to fighting these monsters, right?
King Albert Elfrieden
The thing is, we can't
Prime Minister Marx
Yes. In addition to our nation facing a chronic shortage of food, the expansion of the Demon Lord's Domain has sent us an influx of refugees who were chased from their homes, and it is costing us much to deal with them.
Prime Minister Marx
Oh, we are in no position to play any financial assistance.
Prime Minister Marx
However, within the empire's request for aid is a clause that states that if we cannot contribute any assistance, then we may perform the Hero Rite of Summoning
Prime Minister Marx
that has been handed down through our nation, and send the hero thereby summoned to the empire.
Prime Minister Marx
So it is with utmost reluctant that we--
Kazuya Souma
... would sell off your own daughters to pay your debts, would you?
Kazuya Souma
So, what happens to me after I'm turned over to the empire?
King Albert Elfrieden
Well, we aren't sure what happens to you.
Kazuya Souma
And what is a hero in the first place?
Prime Minister Marx
It is said that a hero is the one who will lead the revolution into a new age.
Kazuya Souma
That's more than a little vague, isn't it?
Prime Minister Marx
Er, you see, our information is scarce, and he is someone shrouded in mystery, so...
Kazuya Souma
I hope the reason the empire wants you to hand me over to them isn't to unravel the mystery of what a hero is through dissection...
Kazuya Souma
... Or anything like that, is it?
Kazuya Souma
So it could be?
Prime Minister Marx
Th-There isn't a chance in a million that they would do such a thing!
King Albert Elfrieden
That's right not a chance in a thousand, not one in a hundred, I'd say.
Kazuya Souma
What is that possibility rising?
Kazuya Souma
Still, I'm stuck here. My life plan was to become a local civil servant,
Kazuya Souma
and now I'm at risk of being dissected in this outlandish place?
Kazuya Souma
I could run, but that's going to be easier said than done.
Kazuya Souma
If I screw up and get captured, the situation will only get worse and worse.
Kazuya Souma
Which means that everything hangs on the next thing I say.
Kazuya Souma
Sire, may I ask you a question?
King Albert Elfrieden
Wh-What is it?
Kazuya Souma
Are the requests for assistance from the empire limited to just this once?
King Albert Elfrieden
W-Well, of course, they---
Prime Minister Marx
No, I believe that the requests will keep coming for as long as the monsters continue to attack.
Kazuya Souma
I'm sure you're right.
One other question...
Kazuya Souma
This has to do with hero Summoning.
Kazuya Souma
Is it the sort of thing where you can summon as many people as you like, so long as you perform the ritual?
King Albert Elfrieden
Oh, well, you see...
Prime Minister Marx
According to our records, the last time a hero was summoned was nearly 500 years ago. It took place only once, at our nation's founding.
Prime Minister Marx
We are unable to perform Summonings very often at all.
Kazuya Souma
Assuming that's true, then I am the one card this country has to play under the circumstances.
Kazuya Souma
Is that about right?
King Albert Elfrieden
Th-That seems about right.
Kazuya Souma
In that case, wouldn't it be a vacuous move to give me up right now?
King Albert Elfrieden
V-Vacuous?
Queen Elisha Elfrieden
Dear, "vacuous" means something foolish.
King Albert Elfrieden
O-Oh, that "vacuous."
Kazuya Souma
I think it might be working.
Kazuya Souma
If we are thinking ahead, should we not first review the country's finances, adopt policies to increase it's might, and build up enough national strength to reject these sorts of imperial demands?
King Albert Elfrieden
E-Enough national strength to reject imperial demands?
Prime Minister Marx
B-But the idea of us being able to accomplish that is completely--
Kazuya Souma
I was told that heroes are those who will lead the revolution into a new age.
Kazuya Souma
You never know, we might be able to bring about some change in this country.
Kazuya Souma
...or so I said, but at the moment I don't have a plan.
Kazuya Souma
Whatever the case, I just have to find a way to come up with this aid money.
Kazuya Souma
Can we start by having you tell me everything about the country's finances?
Kazuya Souma
I need budget reports, and any data on agriculture, forestry and fisheries, on your economy, trade and industry, and on your land, infrastructure, and transport, if you please.
Queen Elisha Elfrieden
Marx, if you would?
Prime Minister Marx
At once.
Unknown
And so, a wide range of topics were discussed, as the conference between the Elfrieden king, Albert, the prime minister, Marx, and the hero, Souma, went on for three days and nights.
Prime Minister Marx
All of you present, I would like your attention.
King Albert Elfrieden
hereby abdicate the throne, and give it over to our Summoned hero, Souma Kazuya!
King Albert Elfrieden
Further, I am also announcing the engagement of my daughter, Liscia Elfrieden, to Souma!
Unknown
April 1546 by the Continental Calendar.
Unknown
The throne of the Elfrieden Kingdom is given over to Souma Kazuya.
Unknown
This news reaches the three Dukedoms-- the trio of dukes who head the Kingdom's armed forces-- where it creates no small stri among them.
"Vargas Duchy, Red Dragon City"
Liscia Elfrieden
I heard that the throne had been usurped and came flying here!
Liscia Elfrieden
And then I find the two of you in there, casually carrying on like that!
King Albert Elfrieden
The throne has not exactly been usurped.
King Albert Elfrieden
I abdicated it in favor of Souma of my own free will.
Liscia Elfrieden
But why would you suddenly do such a thing?
King Albert Elfrieden
Because I am convinced that he is more fit to be King of the country than I am.
King Albert Elfrieden
I made my decision responsibility, as one who was in charge of the Kingdom.
King Albert Elfrieden
And I won't have any arguments!
Liscia Elfrieden
B-But Father, how could you declare my engagement without asking me?!
King Albert Elfrieden
That's something the two of you can discuss between yourselves.
King Albert Elfrieden
This marriage arrangement originated with me.
King Albert Elfrieden
If you don't want to go through with it, I doubt that Souma will insist.
Queen Elisha Elfrieden
You should go and meet Souma first.
Queen Elisha Elfrieden
This is your life, after all, so you should dicede for yourself.
Liscia Elfrieden
What does he mean, the two of us should discuss it ourselves?
Liscia Elfrieden
Obviously this guy can't be up to anything good.
Liscia Elfrieden
I'm coming in.
Kazuya Souma
Hey, whoever just came in...
Kazuya Souma
Are you able to read?
Liscia Elfrieden
D-Don't take me for an idiot! I've had my share of education!
Kazuya Souma
--Okay, what's three plus two?
Kazuya Souma
Six times two?
Liscia Elfrieden
Twelve, of course.
Kazuya Souma
Forty-two divided by seven?
Liscia Elfrieden
Seven! no, I mean six!
Kazuya Souma
Good. Come over here and help me with this work.
Liscia Elfrieden
Help you? Who do you think I am, anyway?
Kazuya Souma
Fresh manpower.
Liscia Elfrieden
I am Liscia Elfrieden, daughter of the king--
Liscia Elfrieden
I mean, the former king, Albert Elfrieden.
Kazuya Souma
You're a princess?
Liscia Elfrieden
Don't I look it?
Kazuya Souma
Oh, no, you're wearing what looks like a military uniform, so...
Liscia Elfrieden
Not "like" a military uniform, it "is" one!
Liscia Elfrieden
I'm stationed with the army under commander of Duke Carmine.
Liscia Elfrieden
I was out performing my duties on patrol, until I came rushing back here.
Kazuya Souma
O-Oh, is that right? Mm-Hmm, now that you mention it, there is something Princess-y about you.
Kazuya Souma
I'm Souma Kazuya.
For better or worse, I'm the king now.
Liscia Elfrieden
I'm not a princess anymore. Thanks to you stealing the throne away,
Liscia Elfrieden
my position right now is really up in the air.
Kazuya Souma
Stole it away? Your old man all but dumped his throne on me.
Liscia Elfrieden
What happened, anyway? I know that you're the hero they Summoned,
Liscia Elfrieden
but how did that turn into you suddenly ending up being delegated the throne?
Kazuya Souma
That's What I'd like to know. I was just looking out for my own safety.
King Albert Elfrieden
I wonder if those two will get along well.
Queen Elisha Elfrieden
They'll be fine. I'm sure of it.
Kazuya Souma
When I brought up fiscal refurms, I knew I might end up being tasked with overseeing financial management, but I never expected to be made the king.
Liscia Elfrieden
Uh, listen, I'm sorry for how I acted earlier.
Kazuya Souma
There's nothing you need to apologize for.
Actually, you're the victim here.
Kazuya Souma
You've been engaged to me out of blue.
Liscia Elfrieden
A-About that matter...
Kazuya Souma
You don't have to give our engagement another thought.
Kazuya Souma
I'm only keeping the throne warm for now.
Kazuya Souma
After a few years of this, I'II probably give up being the king.
Kazuya Souma
I never wanted to do anything more than put in the work to raise enough funds to keep me from being handed over to the Empire.
Kazuya Souma
Then again, now that I've been shown the throne, I'II at least do what it's going to take to get the country's finances back on track.
Kazuya Souma
But beyond that, I'II leave any further discussion in the hands of the people.
Kazuya Souma
And of course, you can cancel our engagement.
Liscia Elfrieden
I meant that when you say you will quit being the king after a few years, do you really think you can do anything about this country in a few years?
Liscia Elfrieden
And before you answer that, what are you doing about the aid to the Empire?
Kazuya Souma
Hmm? Oh, I've already secured the aid money.
Roroa Amidonia
It looks like a custodian for the items coming out of Elfrieden has been found.
Herman Neumann
There is a great demand among the wealthy when it comes to jewelry sourced from royal families.
Herman Neumann
Investing all those founds to snap up the standout pieces first was the right call to make.
Roroa Amidonia
And as a result, we did a fair bit of business.
Herman Neumann
I must say, this new king is taking some rather bold action.
Roroa Amidonia
Right now, their country doesn't need jewels that nobody can eat.
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