How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 2: Chapter SS1

Bonus Short Stories

Aisha in the God-Protected Forest

After the disaster which struck the God-Protected Forest, Aisha remained in her homeland for some time, even after relief operations were completed and repair work was getting underway. Souma allowed this out of concern that she wouldnt feel right leaving her family and homeland behind in their current state.

Lately, Aisha had been putting great effort into the task of rebuilding, but still her thoughts were with Souma and the others who had returned to the capital. There was something suspicious in the air in this country.

Souma, as the King of Elfrieden, was at odds with the three dukes who controlled the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It felt like war could break out at any moment. On top of that, there was also the Principality of Amidonia, which had positioned itself to launch an invasion of the kingdom. The situation was tense and left him no room for distractions.

However, Aisha knew this confrontation wasnt so simple as it appeared on the surface. Aisha had been present when Glaive Magna, a close confidant of Georg, the General of the Army, had revealed his friends true intentions.

Georg intended to risk his life to help the country. As a fellow warrior, Aisha respected his spirit of self-sacrificing devotion. That was why she felt all the more sorry for Souma and the others.

The princess respected him as a superior officer, so this must be painful for her, Aisha thought. I know his Majesty is suffering, too, because he has to make a decision which will sadden the princess.

Aisha looked at the letter that Liscia had sent her by messenger kui. In it were the details she had wanted to know about Soumas recent situation.

Georgs Army and Excels Navy, which Juna had acted as their liaison with, were not an issue. However, between the personal forces of the corrupt nobles who had gathered under Georg, Castors Air Force, and the forces of Amidonia gathering on the southern border, she was not optimistic about the situation.

Furthermore, with all that was going on, Souma was starting to show signs of exhaustion. Liscias letter related that Souma seemed to be pushing himself too hard, telling himself that he had to because he was the king.

It pains me, sire, thought Aisha. To have pledged my allegiance to you, yet not be able to be at your side in your time of need...!

Aisha wanted to return to Parnam at once. However, knowing there were still things she could do here, she remained.

Sire... You are not alone. While it may not be much, I will do all I can for you!

As she looked off in the direction of Parnam, that is what Aisha thought.

That night.

More than ten of the most influential members of dark elf society gathered in the house of Wodan Udgard, Aishas father and the leader of the dark elves of the God-Protected Forest. Among them was Wodans younger brother, Robthor.

Wodan sat in the seat of honor with Aisha behind him. Once everyone had gathered, Wodan began to speak in a relaxed voice.

It looks like everyone is here, so I would like to get started. On this occasion, I have asked you all to gather here at the request of my daughter, Aisha. It seems she has something to ask of me and she desires your presence for it. Please, hear her out.

With those words from Wodan, Aisha bowed her head. She then rose to her feet, moving to take the lowest seat in the gathering, then bowed deeply once more before opening her mouth.

I stand before you today, not as my fathers daughter, but as a servant of the king of this country, Souma Kazuya, to make a request of Sir Wodan Udgard, the representative of the God-Protected Forest.

Not as my daughter... you say. What is this request, then? Wodan asked.

When she had introduced herself as a servant of the king, Wodans eyes had grown stern. Aisha looked up, meeting his gaze head-on.

Please, lend us the braves of the God-Protected Forest.

When they heard Aishas words, there was a murmuring from the assembled leaders. The braves in question were like soldiers who protected this land. Dark elves were known for their powerful archers. Now, she was asking to lend them out. Wodan narrowed his eyes.

...Lets hear your reason, he said.

At this very moment, the General of the Army, Georg Carmine, is about to raise the flag of rebellion against His Majesty, King Souma, said Aisha. Furthermore, the Principality of Amidonia is massing its forces along the southwestern border in preparation for an invasion. This is a time of crisis for the kingdom. I ask that you help to save it.

She concealed that Georgs rebellion was a farce. That was because it needed to be kept a secret, and so she did not tell even her own father.

When he heard Aishas words, Wodans eyes grew even more stern. ...Does this request come from King Souma?

No, His Majesty means to settle things using only his own troops, said Aisha. However, as things stand, I do not feel confident in his troop levels. It seems that the brilliant Sir Hakuya has some sort of plan, but without sufficient troops, they may still fail. That is precisely why I ask for your aid.

You act alone in this, then? Wodan asked.

...Yes. However, His Majesty rushed to our aid in the recent crisis, saving many of our comrades. Furthermore, a small village like ours was only able to recover so quickly because of the food and materials that he provided, Aisha said. Should we not repay our debt of gratitude to him?

You are making this request as a servant of His Majesty, are you not? said Wodan. If so, you shouldnt speak from our position.

Urkh... I apologize. Having received that rebuke from Wodan, Aisha hung her head dejectedly.

Wodan shook his head in dismay, looking to the others assembled there. That would seem to be it. I would like to hear your opinions.

With Wodan asking for comment, they each began to give their separate opinions.

Im grateful to His Majesty. However, wouldnt it violate our laws to involve ourselves with the outside world?

Weve already accepted aid. If we have him help us in our time of need, then do nothing when he faces a crisis, it would be a breach of trust.

But, while fighting Amidonia is one thing, wouldnt any battle with Duke Carmine be a civil war?

I hear that Duke Carmine is sheltering corrupt nobles. If such people are allowed unfettered access to power, will we be able to maintain peace in this forest? I would like to see King Souma remain in power.

I feel the same, but I dont know about getting involved in a civil war...

Summarizing their opinions, they seemed to be, We feel indebted to King Souma for the relief he sent, and we would like to send him reinforcements. However, involving ourselves in the affairs of the outside world, especially in a civil war, would violate the laws we have adhered to for so long, and we are hesitant to do that.

Wodan turned to his younger brother Robthor, who had remained silent up until this point, for his opinion. Robthor, what do you think?

When Wodan sought Robthors opinion, Aisha got nervous. Robthor held a negative attitude towards interaction with the outside world, having strongly opposed Aisha going to see Souma. Robthor glanced once at Aisha, then quietly opened his mouth.

...I am opposed to leaving soldiers with Aisha.

Uncle?! Aisha exclaimed.

Silence, Aisha, Wodan said.

Aisha fell silent, and Robthor went on, not paying her any heed.

Aisha has already become a servant of King Souma. If we give Aisha troops and take part in the civil war, we, too, will be seen as servants of King Souma. In respect to the independence of this forest, there is the risk that it could set a bad precedent. As such, I think that we should have the braves be led by someone other than Aisha. They should be a volunteer army that go to help King Souma with no permission from anyone.

Huh? Aisha asked, doubting her own ears. Essentially, Robthors opinion was that they should side with Souma.

Seeing Aisha so astonished, Robthor quickly looked away from her. Hmph... I owe him a debt of gratitude for having saved my daughter. If I failed to repay that debt, it would reflect poorly on the honor of our race.

Uncle... Aisha murmured.

Ha ha ha! If thats how it is, let me lead those volunteer soldiers. A strong and young-looking dark elf man stepped forward.

You will, Sur? Wodan asked.

Sur thumped one fist on his chest. I have heard that Sir Halbert is among Soumas followers. He was the one who saved my daughter after the disaster. If I do nothing while her savior is in trouble, my daughter will be furious.

I see... Wodan closed his eyes in silent thought, then, having come to a decision, he opened them. I agree with all of you. I want to repay our debt to King Souma. In order to do that, I would like to adopt Robthors proposal and have Sur lead a volunteer army. What do you think?

Everyone present lowered their heads to Wodan. This was the sign that he had their approval.

Father! Aishas face was filled with glee. Now, Wodan finally showed her a smile.

The man you fell for is in trouble. I cant very well do nothing, can I?

Th-The man I fell for...? Thats not... Aisha stammered.

It leaves me with complicated feelings as a father, though... Wodan smiled wryly.

Aisha brought a hand to her breast. Sire, the policies you carried out are bringing you strength. Your people have been watching what you do. Thats why... I am certain you will not lose.

Now certain of their victory, Aisha was eager to fight.

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