Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

In regards to how to handle the children... Im honestly not sure what to do. Once Tomoe and Ichiha were sent away, I conferred my thoughts to Liscia and Hakuya. Im sure Ichiha will be fine. Hes not that loyal to the Duchy of Chima, and with some negotiation, Im convinced hell offer his allegiance to this country. You would agree with that, right, Hakuya?

Indeed. I believe we can look forward to his service in the future.

The problem is... Yuriga. What do we do with her, going forward?

What do you mean, do with her?

Weve set our policy in regards to Monsterology for now, but for as long as Yuriga stays in this country, things like this will keep happening. Itll be a pain having to worry about Yurigas eyes every time we try to do something that takes us forward.

Thats... true, yes.

As Liscia chewed on that thought, I held up two fingers and showed them to her.

There are two options available to us. The first is to send her back to Fuuga without teaching her anything of importance. If we send her back ignorant, it wont improve our relationship with Fuuga, but it wont make it any worse, either. It will just maintain the status quo.

Thats the safe choice, yeah. Liscia nodded. So, whats the other one?

We bring her to our side.

You mean... make her our ally?

No, theres no need for her to be completely aligned with us. She just has to not be an enemy.

...Im not sure I quite get the difference.

Liscia seemed confused, so I crossed my arms and explained, From what the recent reports tell me, though Fuuga and Yuriga are brother and sister, I feel like their personalities are quite different. Yuriga is more realistic, I guess you could say? The more powerful the opponent, the more fired-up Fuuga gets, but I feel like Yuriga would rather avoid the dangerous battles.

...I think I can understand. Hakuya agreed with me. The girl is clever. Her ability to study was nowhere near the level of Little Sister or Ichiha, but she possesses a mind capable of flexible thinking and imagination. You might say shes adaptable... She possesses a skill for seeing through to the true nature of things. The way she praises the way you reign, but is also wary of it, is another sign of that... Ahh, I see. You think you can use her as a deterrent against Sir Fuuga?

Hakuya nodded in fascination, perhaps having seen through what I was planning.

Its true that if you show Madam Yuriga what this country is capable of, she will warn Sir Fuuga not to fight with you. Perhaps she is already warning him through her letters.

Hrmm, Liscia crossed her arms and groaned. I get what you two are saying, but... Ive never met this Fuuga. From everything I hear, though, he doesnt sound like the type who would stop because his sister warned him against something, you know? I mean, if he was, Souma would have no reason to be so wary of him.

Liscia had struck at the heart of the matter, and I nodded.

Thats right. I think Fuuga would likely be able to throw Yuriga away for his ambition. But he wouldnt like doing it. Theres a slight difference in nuance between not hesitating, and not being able to hesitate.

Think of the similar great man, Oda Nobunaga.

He killed his younger brother, and murdered the families of his wife and his sisters husband, so hes remembered as a cruel and merciless demon king, but he could be awfully soft on those close to him. He forgave his little brother and Matsunaga Hisahide several times for betraying him, and offered that same Hisahide and Azai Nagamasa the opportunity to surrender up until the very last moment.

Ultimately, Nobunaga dominated the era by destroying whoever he had to destroy, but he had a strong heart, and it wasnt like he didnt struggle with that.

Having to do it over his little sisters objections should put some psychological pressure on him, if only a little. If were going to face that man, I feel were going to need to build up every little advantage that we can.

Its a tough one... But do you think Yuriga will actually oppose him for us? Liscia asked.

Thats the problem, isnt it? What do you think, Hakuya?

It is hard to say at this stage, Hakuya said, shrugging his shoulders as if giving up. In the end, that will depend on who Yuriga thinks would win in a conflict between you and Sir Fuuga. If she decides Sir Fuuga would win, we wont be able to use her as a restraint on him. If she thinks you would win, or perhaps that Sir Fuuga would have difficulty winning, I expect she will do whatever she can to stop him. The latter would be good for us, but...

Thats the ideal outcome... but wed have to show her a certain amount of our real power to convince her our country is strong, right? Its still too early to show her something like the Hiryuu, obviously.

Yes. Thats why we should have her participate in events like this symposium. To show that we are studying fields that other countries arent is one easily-understood signal that we are ahead of the other nations academically.

We should proactively show her what we can, huh...?

Well... thats the only way to do it, I guess. I thought. I dont know what will happen between our countries in the future, and I cant be sure what decision Yuriga will make when that time comes. If possible, Id like her to see us as a country they dont want to tussle with...

All we can do is watch and wait for now. Well have to show her what we can afford to in order to make her see this countrys power, and keep a watch on her. Hakuya, you keep your eyes sharp, too.

I intend to, of course.

When Hakuya bowed, Liscia let out a sigh and said, The girl is clever, but well just have to hope shell act as a good deterrent for us.

I agreed with Liscia from the bottom of my heart.

In the afternoon, on a day some days after the guardians had that discussion.

Having finished her classes at the Royal Academy, Tomoe and the other students had gathered in the grand auditorium following after-school homeroom. They were here to clean up and bring in seats in preparation for the Monsterology Symposium to be held tomorrow. This world did not yet have folding chairs, so they had to bring in the wooden ones they usually used in the classroom.

Later, when he heard about this, Souma considered developing a folding chair. Mass-producing them would be expensive, and they were doing well enough moving the wooden seats they already had around, so he decided to put it off.

While Tomoe was setting the chairs up in neat rows on the carpet, Lucy came along with a one under each arm and laid them down with an Oof! Then she sat down in a chair herself.

Augh, this is exhaustin. Lucy sighed, hanging her head. The chairsre heavy, and too far away.

You okay, Lucy?

I dunno if this is a symposium, or a symbolium, or whatever it is, but whatre they makin a frail young maiden work like this for? And wherere Yuriga and Ichiha at a time like this?

They both have clubs. The teacher said that takes priority, and Ichihas in the Monster Research Society, so he must be especially busy.

I get that, but its killin me goin back and forth over and over to get chairs. I aint never carried anythin heavier than a sack full of wheat before, yknow?

Thats pretty heavy, isnt it? More than a chair, Id say. Tomoe pointed that out with a wry smile, and Lucy cocked her head to the side.

If you add in how awkward they are to carry, isnt it about the same? How about you, Tomie?

Me? Hmm... I havent carried a lot of heavy things, but I may have pulled some.

Pulled them?

Back when I was a refugee, we all pulled a heavy cart together.

.........

The ease with which that emotionally taxing story came out left Lucy speechless. It reminded her once more that Tomoe lived quite the odd life in her twelve years, and she put her hands together and bowed apologetically.

Aw, Im sorry.

Ahaha... Dont be. With Mr. Jirukoma and Ms. Komain leading the refugees, we hardly lost anyone, and weve been treated well ever since we came to the Kingdom. Things were hard back then, but its not that unpleasant of a memory.

In Tomoes case, that was largely because her family had been there with her. Many of the refugees had been separated from their families, but because the kobolds had spared her, Tomoe was able to evacuate.

Once they came to the Kingdom, the kind but indecisive King Albert had given them tacit approval to stay, and a small amount of support. Then, once Souma took the throne, Tomoe became Liscias adopted sister, and the refugees were accepted as citizens of the Kingdom.

The kindness of many people had allowed her to be where she was now. The thought of this warmed her heart. Those had been days of uncertainty, where she never knew what tomorrow would bring, and she would not willingly go back to them, but there was nothing in them that made it painful and sad just to remember them.

Now, all it made her think was, Oh, yeah, thats a thing that happened, isnt it?

I hope I can repay the kindness I was shown someday. To the former refugees, and the kobolds in the north, too. The first step to doing that had to be the Monsterology Symposium being held tomorrow.

While Tomoe was thinking about that, Lucy suddenly cried out in surprise, Whoa?! Just how many of those things can you carry, Velie?

When she looked over, Velza had brought a stack of five chairs. The wooden seats werent designed to be stacked, so the pile was awkward and shaking. Still, Velza carried it with a cool look on her face.

This is nothing. I still have a long way to go before Im anything like Lady Aisha.

No, no, whatre you comparin yourself to the strongest person in the Kingdom, the Kochiji Queen for! (Bop!)

Ow...! Lucy bopped Velza with the back of her hand for comedic effect, and the impact made her tower of chairs lurch even more.

Whoa?!

While Tomoe and Lucy cried out in surprise, Velza was concentrating.

Oof, there...

The tower was shaking to and fro, but Velza managed to balance it and stop it from collapsing, to which Tomoe and Lucy broke out in applause. When the shaking completely subsided, Velza laid down the chair tower, and the three of them dismantled it together.

Oh, right, I believe you two were saying something about clubs earlier? Velza asked as she lined up chairs.

Oh, yeah, we were. Ichiha and Yuriga are both in clubs, Tomoe replied. Arent you going to join one, Velza? Youre really athletic, so Ill bet youve had invitations from all those clubs.

It is true that I move well, but... Im not that interested. I am thinking I would rather join the Cooking Club.

Huh? Cooking?

Yes. If I consider my future, I believe it will be necessary.

Velza said, her cheeks reddening a bit.

Come to think of it, Velza said she came to this academy so she would be fit to serve a certain someone. From the way shes acting, is it someone she loves?

Shoom...! Whoosh...! Ring!

Rumble... Kaboom!

It was hard to imagine they were playing soccer from these noises. If Souma were here, hed think, Is this a factory, or the runway at an airport?

This was to be expected though, since they were, in fact, not playing soccer. What they were playing was a new sport, created by merging the rules of the sport called soccer that Souma had brought them with a new rule allowing all non-offensive magic.

It was aptly named Magic Soccer.

Yuriga, Im going! A female dragonewt player kicked the ball high into the air.

She looked familiar, and she was. She was the senior who had chased Yuriga through the air to recruit her into a club on the day of the entrance ceremony. Yuriga had escaped then, but it seemed she had eventually caved to the other girls enthusiasm and joined.

The ball flew to a height even an amateur could tell might be too high (about ten meters in the air), and Yuriga kept after it, taking advantage of her ability to fly. Then, getting in position for an overhead kick, she wrapped the wind around herself.

Goooooooo!

Shoooom!

Yurigas powerful shot flew straight towards the goal.

I wont let you! The goalkeeper opened her hands wide, and the ground in front of the goal rose up, taking the form of an earthen doll.

The girl who was goalkeeping was a user of earth magic, like Genia, and had summoned a golem that was three meters tall. No, it had been spread thin to better protect the goal, so it looked less like a golem, and more like the creature Nurikabe from Japanese folklore.

The ball, wreathed in wind, struck the Nurikabe-like golem. When it did...

Break throuuuugh! Yuriga bellowed, and the Nurikabe-like golem cracked.

No way?! My golem!

The shot tore through the Nurikabe-like golem, and into the net. A whistle blew to indicate a goal had been scored, and the team that scored it celebrated with high-fives.

The scrimmage is over! Take a break! A long whistle blew as one dragonewt club member made the announcement, and the other members started to disperse.

Yuriga, who had been mobbed by her side because she scored the point, was set free, and fluttered over when she noticed Tomoe and the others had been watching.

Well, if it isnt Tomoe and the gang. What, is the auditorium set up already?

Yeah. That shot you made was cool.

Well, of course it was. Yuriga puffed up her still underdeveloped chest with pride. Looking towards the auditorium, she said, About the symposium tomorrow. Its all right for me to go and see, right?

Huh...? Oh, yeah. The audience seats are open to the public. But Ichiha and I are both going to be in the seats for people involved in the symposium, so youd be watching on your own.

Thats fine. Im sure there will be people watching me, too, though.

I think so, too, but...

Yuriga put her hands on her hips, laughing as if she had just remembered something. When we went to Lucys fruit parlor before, the ice seller who came to restock the ice room was singing something. Thats because of that song battle you held, isnt it?

.........

She was totally on the mark, and Tomoe didnt know how to respond when it came up so suddenly.

The Work Songs Society had received state support after the experimental skirmish called a song battle, and part of their research on improving magic used in daily life had been made public. Incidentally, the song the ice seller had been singing was from Soumas old world, and was one that made you want to build a snowman when you heard it.

Even when your brothers policies seem pointless, they do have some meaning to them. Now that I know that, I cant afford to look away, Yuriga proclaimed while Tomoe remained speechless.

Uh, oh. I cant let things like this shake me. Coming to her senses, Tomoe shook her head. Ive got to do like Juna told me. At times like this, I...

Always smile, so your opponent doesnt know how you truly feel. Always act with composure, and only let the one you love see your weaknesses. That was what Juna, her vision of an ideal woman, had taught her.

Tomoe smiled at Yuriga and said, I dont know what youre talking about.

...Whats that pasted-on smile for?

Oh, nothing really.

Youre kind of pissing me off... Anyway, Ill be watching from the guest seats tomorrow.

Sure. Please, do as you like.

Yuriga looked dubiously at the smiling Tomoe. Smile and stare collided.

Wh-What, what? Whats goin on here? Lucy stammered.

...I was stunned for a second, too, Velza muttered. I need to train myself more.

The unease flowing between these two who were, on the surface, just having a peaceful chat gave Lucy and Velza the chills.

It was the day of the Monsterology Symposium, and the auditorium at the Royal Academy was packed. The theme had been narrowed to monsterology, but experts in various fields had been called in to hear their opinions, so there were quite a large number of people gathered. In addition, there were ten times that number of spectators who wanted to watch and listen, so it was likely the largest gathering this auditorium had ever held.

In terms of seating arrangements, the main guests of this event, the authors of the Monster Encyclopedia, Hakuya and Ichiha, were seated at a table in the center of the stage. Also sitting with them was the head of the Monster Research Society, a young man who was petrified with nervousness. He had been brought in solely because he headed the club Ichiha belonged to, and I had to feel bad for the guy being put under the spotlight like this.

At the table on the right were the members of the royal family: Liscia, Roroa, Tomoe, and me. The left table held the headmaster of the Academy; Ginger, the head of Gingers Vocational School; Kuu, the son of the head of the Republic; and Souji, a Lunarian Orthodox bishop. Because of the VIPs gathered on stage, Aisha, and Kuus servant Leporina were there as bodyguards, while Carla and Gingers wife Sandria were there to assist with other tasks.

There were rows of long tables in front of the stage, and researchers of Monsterology and all the other fields were gathered around. Among them, there were familiar faces like Genia the Overscientist, and Merula the high elf. This symposium was basically going to be an exchange of opinions between us on the stage and those researchers and experts at the tables in front of us.

On the other side of the researchers and experts, there were chairs filled with those who had come to observe. Given that this was being held at the Royal Academy, a large percentage of them were students. Yuriga was probably in there, too. The symposium was also being broadcast to Empress Maria of the Empire over the Jewel Voice Broadcast.

With the preparations nearly complete, I spoke to Liscia who was sitting beside me.

I feel like I havent sat next to you at an official function in a long time.

Yeah. Ill have to thank Mother for watching Cian and Kazuha, Liscia said with a smile.

The children were being watched by Lady Elisha, who often helped with raising them, and Sir Albert, who had come to the castle to see his grandchildrens faces for the first time in a while. They were always helping us out.

On the other side of Liscia, Roroa had a grumpy look on her face. Hey, Darlin, Im here, too, yknow?

Yeah. Im counting on you today as well, Roroa, I said as I stroked her hair. I think your area of expertise will probably come up.

Nyahaha, you leave it to me. Roroa grinned as she puffed her chest up with pride.

Okay... It looks like everythings good to go, so Id say its time to get this show on the road.

I stood up and walked to the lectern in the center of the stage. At the same time, all the people assembled rose and bowed their heads to me. They couldnt sit while their king was standing, after all.

At ease, everyone. I started by having them raise their heads. Thank you all for coming to this Monsterology Symposium.

Because there were so many people from different classes and positions gathered, I figured it was most efficient for me, the top person in this country, to MC and run the show. This was the first time we were doing it, too, so it was probably fine.

First, Id like to ask you all to be seated, and to look at the cover of the materials you will find in front of you.

With everyone now situated, I moved on to explain this symposium once more.

Now then, the theme of this symposium is Monsters. The monsters from the Demon Lords Domain that attacked in large numbers and destroyed the lands of the north. As well as the monsters that live in dungeons, occasionally appearing on the surface and threatening the area around them. Monsters are a threat to mankind, but studying them is of great importance if we are to protect our lives and property. I believe you are all aware that there is considerable research being done into monsters in my country now.

As Ichiha got a relaxed look on his face, Hakuya asked him, Sir Ichiha, you like researching monsters, right?

Huh...? Oh, yeah. Ive done nothing but study them, so its become a hobby. When I see a monster I havent before, I want to sketch it.

Ichihas face reddened in embarrassment, but Hakuya smiled gently.

Then you should think of this as a place to speak about your hobby. People can speak on and on about the things they love, and they want the people they tell about them to love them too, right? I could go on forever about books. Hakuya said, as he put his hand on top of Ichihas head. Leave the success or failure of the symposium out of your head. You should just enjoy yourself, and say what you want to say. Because everyone has come to see you speak.

Mr. Hakuya...

Youre still just a child, so leave the complicated parts to us adults... I believe I said something similar to Little Sister not long ago.

You said that to Tomoe, too?

Its common to want to act more mature at your age. Theres no need to rush. Hakuya patted Ichiha on the head.

You should think of this as a place to speak about your hobby. Just enjoy yourself, and say what you want to say. Hakuyas words seeped into Ichihas heart. Dont worry, have fun...

Ichiha turned to face forward. He could enjoy researching monsters, without burdening himself. That was what having a specialty meant. A specialty that none of his siblings could beat him at. Even once the time came and he took his seat at the table in the middle, Ichiha was no longer hanging his head.

Now then, Sir Ichiha, Hakuya, you take it from here, Souma said to them after opening the symposium. Ichiha stood up together with Hakuya and the president.

Standing at the lectern, Ichiha kept his head up, and looked straight ahead as he spoke. First, I would like to thank His Majesty for granting me the opportunity to speak here, as well as all of the people of the Kingdom of Friedonia who have come. I am Ichiha Chima, an exchange student who has come here from the Duchy of Chima, one country in the Union of Eastern Nations. I am honored to be able to discuss monsters with you here today.

The way he spoke with confidence inspired everyone who had gathered in this place. Even in the Kingdom, there were rumors about the supposed extraneous eighth child of Duke Chima. However, the people assembled in the audience knew he was the author of the Monster Encyclopedia. That Hakuya participated in a primarily supportive role had been made clear in the text of the book. When they learned that the radical new encyclopedia had been written by an eleven-year-old boy, the research world got excited.

Extraneous and prodigious.

There was a disconnect between these two evaluations, and people were watching closely to see which Ichiha truly was. Judging by the confident way he spoke here, it was likely the latter. Souma had not been stuck with the leftovers, after all. The people here understood that, true to his reputation of a maniac for recruiting capable personnel, King Souma had seen the boys potential and brought him back.

I was worried before he got started, but it looks like I didnt have to be, Souma commented, impressed by Ichihas sudden boldness.

You said it. Hes the type thats really strong.

Thats obvious. Big Brother, Big Sister, Tomoe said proudly. Ichiha is timid, but thats because he lacked confidence in himself. But he has a strong heart and hell never run away when it really counts. He protected me when we were surrounded by scary people in the Duchy of Chima. That is the real Ichiha.

.........

When Tomoe spoke of him almost like she would herself, Souma and Liscia both looked at her fondly. They could sense an absolute trust of Ichiha in her words.

Eventually, Souma let out a small sigh, and Liscia smiled.

...If Daddy Inugami could hear, hed be so jealous.

And you arent, Souma? Hee hee, its so bittersweet.

???

There was a blank look on Tomoes face and question marks hovering over her head. She had no idea what they were talking about.

While the Souma family were having their chat, Ichiha was still giving his speech.

The Duchy of Chima, where I was born, borders the Demon Lords Domain. Due to that, incursions as large as the demon wave are infrequent, but small groups of monsters come out of the north on occasion. In short, it is a situation with plentiful subjects for observation. The monsters would be put down by soldiers led by my older brothers, who excelled in the martial arts, but I sat on the walls, where it was safe, sketching the monsters my brothers fought. Of all my siblings, I was the only one with no notable skill, so I wanted to be what little help I could be to everyone by learning about the monsters...

Ichiha trailed off, and his face brightened.

...Though, along the way, it just became a hobby. Its fun, you know? If any of you have the chance to go north, please give sketching a try.

The whole audience chuckled. It looked like hed gotten adjusted to the point where he could mix in the occasional joke.

The first to recognize me for my sketches was my eldest sister. The second was His Majestys little sister, Tomoe. I was able to come to the Kingdom because she introduced me to His Majesty, and that let me meet my respected teacher Hakuya. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. Ichiha looked at Tomoe and smiled.

Ichiha... Tomoes wolf ears perked up happily.

He looked forward, and picked up the Monster Encyclopedia he had written.

This book was produced using those sketches, with the help of Mr. Hakuya. There is also the basis on which we compiled the Monster Encyclopedia. That is the Monster Part Identification system. Ah

Ichiha cut off, before continuing again.

Thats kind of long, huh. Lets call it MPI for short. Yes. In order to provide a guidepost along the path of monster research, I would like to give a lecture on MPI. President of the Society for Monster Research, if you dont mind.

U-Underst-stood, the president blurted out. He sounded a bit shrill due to the nervousness of being called on.

Still, he put a large paper up on the movable blackboard that had been prepared. That paper was full of monster drawings. The lizardmen that Souma had encountered in the Kingdom of Lastania were there, as well as the pudgy, winged snake monsters they had gotten them to eat.

Standing in front of the pictures, Ichiha resumed his presentation.

While I was drawing pictures of monsters in the Duchy of Chima, I realized something. There are monsters that, despite being of different races, shared the exact same parts. Ever since I realized this, I have paid close attention to monsters body parts.

He stood in front of the picture of a pudgy, winged snake and boxed both the wings and the snakes main body in long, thin, colored paper cutouts.

Take this monster as an example. There is no official name for it, but I believe that His Majestys temporary name, the flying tsuchinoko, feels apt, so I am going to call it that. This flying tsuchinoko is composed of two types of parts: the snake body part, and the wing part. Its defining features as a creature are its powerful jump, and the ability to fly, albeit only for short distances. Also... its edible.

There were hushed voices from the crowd when he said it was edible. Most of mankind did not yet know about this fact. Even in this hall where many experts had gathered, it was a bombshell statement.