How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 1: Chapter SS4

Tomoes People-Watching Diary

My name is Tomoe Inui.

Im a ten-year-old mystic wolf. When the Demon Lords Domain showed up, I was chased out of my home in the north and came to the Elfrieden Kingdom as a refugee. My mom and little brother came with me, too.

Thats who I was, but a little while ago, I was adopted by the old king and queen of this country.

They did it because I could talk to animals and monsters, and that caught the eye of the new king, Big Brother Souma. He told me it was a very important ability. They adopted me, but my real mom and my little brother Rou were allowed to live in the castle, too, so I could always see them.

That meant I had two moms now. Mom and the old queen both took good care of me, so I was very happy.

Today, I would like to talk about the people in my life.

First, Ill start with Big Sister Liscia.

She is the old king and queens daughter, and she has an arranged marriage with Big Brother Souma. I am her little sister by adoption, too. She is brave, and strong, and pretty, and cool. She is a great big sister.

Souma, are you really going to import something like that?

Yes. I absolutely need to have it, and I cant get it in this country, after all.

Okay, I understand. But... what are you even going to use volcanic ash for?

Well, just you wait and see.

Thats what Big Sister Liscia is like, but...

Thanks for all your help, Liscia.

Wha...? Its no big deal... I mean, youre doing it for the country...

...she still cant come out and be honest about her feelings for Big Brother Souma.

Why, Madam Tomoe. Have you come to eat lunch? Aisha called out to me in front of the Parnam Castle cafeteria.

Ms. Aisha Udgard is a dark elf, and she is always protecting Big Brother Souma. She is really strong. Ive heard that even if a whole bunch of men ganged up on her, they still couldnt beat Aisha. She is pretty, too, and tall, and busty. I admire her figure. Will I be like that someday?

Thats what Aisha is like, but...

Hey, Aisha. Poncho is developing a new sauce for dishes made from flour. There are some samples left over. Do you want to eat them? Big Brother Souma poked his head out of the cafeteria and called for her.

Ill follow you for the rest of my life, Your Majesty! Aisha ran right to him.

...its so weird. Aisha is a dark elf, but when Big Brother Souma and his food are in front of her, she shakes her bottom back and forth. It makes it look like she has a tail.

There is another person I admire. Her name is Juna.

She is a really good singer with pretty blue hair. She has grace and feels like a mature woman, and I admire her, but in a different way than Big Sister Liscia and Aisha.

She looks like she is always taking a step back from where everyone else is and looking at the big picture. She supports everyone from the shadows. She is very mature. I admired her more and more all the time.

Thats what Juna is like, but...

...

Um... Juna?

Oh, what is it, Tomoe?

...No, its nothing.

Hm?

...there are times Juna looks a little lonely when she watches Big Brother Souma with Big Sister Liscia or Aisha. But when Big Brother Souma turns to look at her, she always puts on a gentle smile to hide it.

I think if she feels lonely, she should say so, but Juna never lets Big Brother Souma see her like that. I dont understand adults.

There is a certain room I always go to visit.

It belongs to this countrys prime minister, Mr. Hakuya Kwongmin.

When I knocked and went in, Hakuya was staring at a pile of papers. Big Brother Souma seemed busy, but Hakuya was always just as busy. Even though he is always so busy, Hakuya makes time for me.

When Hakuya noticed me come in, he said, Oh, Little Sister. Is it that time already? He said it with a little smile.

I gave a short bow. Thank you for your time again today, teacher.

Okay, he said. Well then, let us start by reviewing this countrys history today.

Okay!

Ever since I came to this castle, Hakuya has been teaching me. Reading, writing, math, and even this countrys history. Hakuya knows a lot, and he is a good teacher. Im not being forced to study; I had asked him to teach me.

Even if it was because of my ability, I am grateful that Big Brother Souma and Big Sister Liscia adopted me as their honorary little sister, so I want to be a smart little sister that they can be proud of.

When I told Hakuya that, he said, Im sure His Majesty and Lady Liscia want you to have fun like a child your age... with a strained smile.

Still, I want to be able to help my big brother and sister as soon as possible. I want to make it so we can all walk together in this country. Thats why Im going to study hard!

Knock, knock.

Your Majesty, may I have a moment?

Hm?

I have brought your little sister.

Zzz...

Ah, she fell asleep again, huh?

Yes. She works hard at her reading, writing and math, but this always happens when we get to history. ...Do you suppose my history lectures are boring?

Dont let it get you down. Shes ten, so you cant really blame her. Ill take her over to her mother later. Lie her down in the bed over there for me.

Yes, sire.

Honestly... Theres no need for her to try to grow up so fast...

Shes at the age where she wants to act mature. You must have had a time in your life like that, too, didnt you?

...Youre right. But, for now...

Good night, Tomoe.