How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 15: Chapter 9

The story now rewinds to when I ordered Hakuya and the others to go to the port city on the west coast...

After taking Hakuya, Hilde, Brad, and the three kids to the port, I ordered them to gather information and establish a method of treatment. Meanwhile, those of us who remained in the Kingdom moved into action.

I called First Primary Queen Liscia, Second Secondary Queen Naden, and Julius Lastania, my military advisor and brother-in-law, into the governmental affairs office.

Its impossible for our country to bring this Spirit Kings Curse under control alone, I stated resolutely. Its not just the Spirit Kings Curse though. Diseases arent a thing that a single country can fully suppress. Even if our country develops a treatment, if theres an epidemic in the surrounding nations, it will eventually make its way here. When that happens, obviously we wont have enough people to treat all of the sick, and the epidemic cant end until there are no infected people left in the neighboring countries.

Epidemics have happened from time to time in our history, Julius said, crossing his arms. They never end easily. Ive even heard of cases where they led to the fall of a state.

Yeah. It was the same in the world I came from.

I had often heard it said that disease recognizes no borders, and I guess that was no different in this world. When a country fell, it often looked like the work of a single great man, but behind the scenes, there were often other major causeslike natural disasters, epidemics, locust plagues, and famine. Its these elements that cause the peoples hearts and minds to stray from the state, and lead them to cling to the rise of a new great man. If you want to maintain a healthy nation, its important to remove those elements one by one wherever you find them.

Machiavelli said that Fortuna, the goddess of chance, was the arbiter of one-half of our actions, but she still leaves us to direct the other half by human virt. In Japan, we have a saying that goes, Do all that is humanly possible, and leave the rest to Heaven. We had to do everything that we could.

All nations need to work together on this problem. Frankly, its a greater threat than the Demon Lords Domain, which has stopped expanding for now. How far the Spirit Kings Curse can spread is still unknown, and we cant be sure a similar disease wont break out elsewhere. We need to cooperate not just across national borders, but factional ones like the Marine Alliance and the Mankind Declaration too.

Isnt that essentially everyone? Youre looking for something bigger than the Mankind Declaration... Liscia said.

Yeah. I nodded. We need to get literally every country to cooperate.

Can we do that?

Right now, the continent is largely divided into three camps, I said, pointing to the map on the desk. Our Maritime Alliance, the Gran Chaos Empires Mankind Declaration, and Fuugas Great Tiger Kingdom. We can cooperate with our allies in the Maritime Alliance. Head of the Republic Kuu and Nine-Headed Dragon Queen Shabon are engaged in medical reforms too, so they should have the same sense of urgency about this. Likewise, Maria is part of a medical alliance with us, so we can count on her to bring in the countries of the Mankind Declaration.

Right, Julius interjected. The Spirit Kingdom of Garlan is directly affected, so theyll probably help, which only leaves Fuuga Haan, Mercenary State Zem, and the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom. If I recall correctly, the Lunarian Orthodox Papal State has an alliance with Fuugas Great Tiger Kingdom?

I nodded. Yeah. Theyre cooperating with Fuuga, likely out of hostility to the Empire. So if we can just get Fuuga to assist, they should obey.

We have a relationship with Princess Sill of the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom, so if we bring this up with her, I think she should help, Liscia said, and Julius pointed to Mercenary State Zem.

The Empire can handle Zem. Considering their geographic location, it will be hard to refuse a request from the Empire. Theres mutual benefit, and they wont be forcing anything unreasonable on them, so they should have no reason to refuse.

Yeah, what it boils down to is, if we can just convince Fuugas camp, all of mankind can unite against the disease. Furthermore, since all power there is concentrated in Fuuga, we only need to convince him. Me, Fuuga, and Maria... You could say that all mankind can unite so long as the three of us are in agreement.

I see... A three-way conference between the leaders of the three factions, huh? Julius mumbled, seeing straight through to the heart of what I was saying.

I gave him a big nod. This was why I had stayed in the capital.

I plan to contact Kuu and Shabon by broadcast to get them on board, but Maria, Fuuga, and I are the only ones who need to get together. It would be too much trouble to round up everyone and make it fit into all of our schedules.

I get it, Liscia said, nodding with satisfaction.

Umm... Naden, who had been standing there awkwardly all this time, hesitantly raised her hand. Why did you call me here? I cant follow any of the political strategy stuff you guys are talking about.

I had a good reason for having her come, of course.

Sorry about that. I had two favors to ask of you, Naden.

Favors?

First, I want you to talk to Madam Tiamat and ask about her policies for defending the Star Dragon Mountain Range from disease. If she wants to stay out of it, like she does with conflicts down below, then thats fine by me. Madam Tiamat can probably handle it without medicine, after all. Not that I know if shell even give us a response.

Naden nodded at my request.

Roger that. So, whats the other one?

For the location of the meeting between Maria, Fuuga, and me that I was talking about, I wanted to propose it be held in the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom. Theyre positioned as neutral to all three factions.

Zem was neutral too, but the place was full of ruffians, so security would be a lot of trouble. If they were inviting us like last time, I could count on them keeping their people in line, but not so much if we were the ones requesting to borrow space from them. That said, if we had the conference in the territory of one of the three factions, my people might accept it, but Marias and Fuugas would raise a fuss. I didnt want to waste time fighting over who was in control.

With all of that explained, I asked Naden, You and Pai still keep in contact, right? Id like you to have him get in touch with Princess Sill for us and request a site for the conference, along with dragon knights to run security.

But that country fought a battle with Fuugas forces, Julius pointed out. Although it was to aid us in our escape.

We were just going to have to accept that as it was.

The Dragon Knight Kingdom neighbors Fuugas expanding country. Theyll want to do what they can to avoid war with him. They can use this opportunity to hold a separate conference with Fuuga, and get him to agree to mutual non-aggression with defined terms.

That makes sense... Julius agreed.

We cant hold talks over the broadcast with the Dragon Knight Kingdom, so it will take longer to negotiate. Messenger kuis will always take time to fly back and forth. It might be faster for you to go there in person, Naden. Can I get you to do that for me?

Roger that. You can count on me. Naden thumped her chest with one hand. Liscia and I looked at Julius.

I plan to bring Aisha and Naden as bodyguards, but only a small number of people will be able to attend the conference itself. Ill propose we limit it to each of us bringing two assistants who can double as bodyguards. Id like you two, Liscia and Julius, to be mine. Can I ask you to do that?

Okay.

Understood.

They both nodded. Liscia would be fine, but...I was worried about Julius.

Im pretty sure Fuuga will be bringing Hashim, you know?

As an advisor, Hashim had been instrumental in Fuugas takeover of the Union of Eastern Nations. In the process of that, he had destroyed the Kingdom of Lastania, which had been ruled by Juliuss in-laws, and killed many members of the opposition. Even those of the neutral faction, including Ichihas sister Samis adoptive father, King Roth, were slain.

I knew Julius and Sami had to want revenge on Hashim. Could Julius keep his cool when meeting with him face to face? I gave him a meaningful glance, and he let out a small sigh.

If Tia or her parents had been harmed, I doubt I could keep a level head around him. But, fortunately, they are all living here peacefully in this country now.

Julius...

Its not that I dont bear a grudge, but prioritizing Tia and her familys safety is more important now. If working for this country will do that, then my resentment is nothing in comparison.

Thats a relief to hear.

I stood up and turned to face the three of them, saying, Now, lets let Hakuya and the others handle things outside while we make this conference a success.

Yes, sir!

The incident might be happening out in the field, but there were sometimes things that could only be done in the conference room. Basically, it was a matter of the right job for the right person.

Thanks to Nadens help with negotiations, the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom will provide a secured site for a tripartite conference. According to Naden, Princess Sill had gladly agreed with a smile, and said, Its an honor for our knights to be able to guard such a historic conference. It seemed shed accepted that whatd happened in her skirmish with Fuugas faction was an inevitability on the battlefield, which was a relief.

Now that I had the permission of the Dragon Knight Kingdom, I immediately started feeling out the other countries on the idea.

Ookyakya! Of course Ill help you out, bro! Diseases like this are everyones problem!

Yes. Allow us in the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union to offer you our full support as well.

First, I talked to Kuu and Shabon over a broadcast. They agreed that I would represent the opinion of the whole Maritime Alliance at the tripartite conference. After them, I contacted Fuuga next.

Well, youre already helping me with Shuukin and the rest. Let me make you look good just this once.

It was almost a letdown how easily he agreed. It seemed like he was already informed about Shuukins arrival at the port town, and his treatment. That was likely why he was so uncharacteristically cooperative. One good turn deserves another, they say.

And finally, I contacted Maria. Id left her for last because I expected it to go through easily, but...

Hee hee, she chuckled from the other side of the broadcast.

Did I say something strange?

Oh, no. I already knew this, but you really did have Sir Julius join you...

In these broadcast calls, Julius was standing at my side instead of Hakuya.

Wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, she apologized, saying, I just find it strange, knowing how things were between the two of you at one point. To think our country was your mediator.

Julius and I looked at one another awkwardly.

It felt like when someone brought up the things youd done as a naughty child. No, its even worse than that. Our reaction apparently tickled her funny bone even more, and unable to contain herself, with a broad smile Maria said, Of course my country will support you. Well be there at the conference.

Later on, we were heading to Balm, capital of the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom, in one of the royal gondolas. The group consisted of me, Liscia, Aisha, Naden, Julius, and a number of the Black Cats. A number of wyvern riders were escorting us as well.

It seemed unlikely that there would be any danger this time, so we didnt bring Hal and Ruby along. Id decided that bringing too much firepower would show a lack of trust.

Last time, I swam all the way there on my own, but today Im riding in the gondola, huh? Naden said, kicking her legs back and forth.

She wanted to swim through the sky with me on her back, but this was a foreign country, and that would make it hard for our escorts to protect me and the gondola, so I had her sit in with everyone else. Back when I was still new to this world, I always looked out at the scenery with great interest, but now that I was used to air travel, I just spent the time relaxing until we arrived.

As we neared Balm, I overheard Liscia as she mumbled to herself.

Theres King Souma of Friedonia, Empress Maria of the Empire, and Fuuga Haan of the Great Tiger Kingdom... she said, counting us off on her fingers. With Head Kuu of the Republic and Nine-Headed Dragon Queen Shabon joining by broadcast.

Liscia? Whats up?

I was just wondering if theres ever been a conference with so many major leaders in attendance... No, maybe no ones ever thought to gather them like this before, Liscia replied, sounding impressed.

Its doubtful they have, Julius said with a nod. Even when the Empire organized a subjugation force in response to the appearance of the Demon Lords Domain, they didnt gather the kings. Maybe some of them met, but its unprecedented to gather everyone in one room like this.

Oh... Now that you mention it, that makes sense, I said, convinced.

In my previous world, I feel like Id seen a lot of these sorts of gatherings of world leaders covered on the news. Like that summit, the G-whatever it was. But those sorts of events were held in a globalized world thatd experienced two world wars in order to deal with problems that no individual nation could address.

The people of this world had put together a combined force against the Demon Lords Domain, but because the countries to the north took the brunt of it, the sense of crisis wasnt felt equally across the whole of the continent. This resulted in a lack of globalism development, and meant there had been no need for these sorts of leader conferences. We were really making history here.

I dont understand complicated things, but it seems very typical of you to handle things this way, sire, Aisha said with a chuckle. I mean, they say that a hero is one who leads the change of an era, dont they? When I think back to when the God-Protected Forest was my entire world, it feels like Ive come so far.

You know, Tiamat was saying something like that. When the furiously moving gear and the gear that has come to a stop mesh, things will work out just right... Or something like that? I cant remember exactly, Naden said, cocking her head to the side. Lets say the stopped gear was me when I was a shut-in, then that makes Souma the moving gear, right? If meeting us is what makes Souma move at just the right pace, then who knows how wild hed have gone without us cooperating.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Huh? Do you guys think I get out of control that often?

Of course! Liscia, Aisha, Naden, and even Julius all said at the same time.

In the case of Fuuga or Madam Maria, I think they come up with a firm decision, saying, Im going to change the world! Then, bringing other people on board, they actually do it, Liscia explained and I nodded in agreement.

Oh, yeah. That sounds about right.

But in your case, the worlds changed before you notice! Were forced to accept it after the fact when you say, Okay, yeah, the worlds changed, but its not gotten worse, so its okay, right?

Roroa is similar in that respect. Since you two are involved in policy making...Im sure the countrys grown even more terrifying than when I was in Amidonia.

Liscia and Julius both sighed.

Meanwhile...

Its His Majesty and Ponchos fault, or maybe I should say its thanks to them, that my tongue has become so discerning... I cant return to living off only the blessings of the forest anymore, Aisha said, her voice filled with emotion.

I wholeheartedly agree. Hes got us by the stomach, Naden, the other big eater of the group, said emphatically.

Yeah... This is getting awkward now.

I spent the rest of the journey in silence, hoping not to stir up any more trouble.

His Majesty Souma A. Elfrieden, King of Friedonia, has arrived! a guard called out as the gondola set down in the castle of the Dragon Knight Kingdoms royal family. We were halfway up the mountain next to their capital city, Balm.

As the door opened, I stepped out onto a red carpet lined with dragon knights together with women in dresses, who I could only assume were their dragon partners. Then, once all of us had disembarked, the dragon knights and dragons all took a knee and bowed their heads.

It was truly a welcome fit for guests of honor. Liscia and Julius were fine, but Aisha and Naden werent accustomed to this so they both looked a little uncomfortable.

Princess Sill and Pai came walking towards us from the other end of the red carpet. Princess Sill was not in her knightly armor, but wore a dress and a tiara. If you overlooked the hefty muscles on her arms, she looked every bit the princess that she was. Pai, for his part, was dressed like a gentleman, looking right at home next to her.

I welcome you to the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom! Princess Sill said, spreading her arms wide. Then we shared a two-handed handshake.

Well be in your care, Princess Sill.

Ah ha ha... The truth is, Im not a princess anymore.

Huh?

The other day, my father abdicated the throne to me. Such an important conference being held in our land must have made him sense the times are changing. He told me, From now on, it should be young people like yourself who steer this country. Though, you could say he was just throwing all the problems at me.

Oh, I see...

Hmm... Sounds familiar.

Sounds like a big responsibility, I remarked.

Tell me about it. Still, now that Ive been entrusted with the task, I plan to do my utmost.

Sills expression was full of confidence, and I felt strength in her unswerving gaze. It was a bit of a surprise, but I decided to correct myself.

Well be in your care, Queen Sill.

Yes, King Souma. Its good of you to come. The people from the Empire and the Great Tiger Kingdom have already arrived. Ill show you to them, so please come this way.

We followed Sills lead. Proceeding down a corridor lined with clumsy stone pillars that had a sense of history about them, we eventually came to a stop in front of a room. Soldiers from the other major countries present here stood waiting outside.

I recognized one of them. Gunther, a quiet commander from the Empire.

Sill turned to us and said, Now, as we agreed in advance, Ill ask the bodyguards to wait here. Please choose two attendees to go in with Souma.

Got it. See you later, Aisha, Naden.

They both nodded.

Understood. Well be waiting here with the Black Cats.

If anything happens, give us a holler. Well be there in a flash.

Nodding to the two of them, I went into the room with Liscia and Julius. The center of it was dominated by a large round table. In one section of it sat Maria, Jeanne, and Krahe of the Empire. In another sat Fuuga, Hashim, and Mutsumi of the Great Tiger Kingdom. In the time it took us to arrive, it appeared like they had...not been having a friendly conversation.

Maria and Fuuga seemed natural, but their eyes told me they were evaluating each other, while Jeanne and Hashim were each cautious of the other, wearing stern expressions. Mutsumi seemed like she felt awkward, while Krahe was weirdly excited. For an ardent believer in Maria like him, he had to be beside himself with glee at being able to attend a gathering of important leaders like this.

When we entered the room, Maria noticed us and rose, smiling, then gracefully walked over to us.

Its been a while, Sir Souma.

Yes. Im relieved to see youre well, Madam Maria.

We shook hands and said our greetings. Next, Maria turned to Liscia.

This is our first time meeting in person, I believe, Lady Liscia. I am Maria Euphoria.

Oh! Yes! I am Liscia Elfrieden.

Maria and Liscia shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

Oh, yeah, Liscia wasnt there for the meeting in Zem, huh?

Meanwhile, Julius and Jeanne were rekindling their old friendship.

I never thought we would meet again like this, Jeanne said with a wry smile.

Yes, I agree... Julius replied awkwardly. Im already breaking into an unpleasant sweat.

You dont seem like youre on bad terms with Sir Souma this time, so thats a relief.

Fear not. Hes the master I serve now.

Youve changed... I feel like your expression has gained composure, and your manner is more relaxed.

Finding a partner can change a person.

Im envious. Id like to get married myself, but my sister just wont settle down...

Excuse me, Jeanne? Maria said with a smile.

No, forget I said anything, Jeanne said, backing down.

At this point Fuuga rose from his chair, waving to me.

Hey, I came like you asked, Souma.

Im grateful for that. But remember were here because of the disease that you and your people found.

Yeah, I know. Why else do you think Im doing as you say?

You could act a little more sorry.

Sorry. Its just not in my nature, Fuuga said, shrugging.

This guy... I thought.

Mutsumi rose from her seat and came over. Its been a while, Sir Souma.

It has. Since we met in the Union of Eastern Nations, right? Im glad to see youre doing well.

Yes. How are Ichiha and...Sami doing? Mutsumi asked, tripping over her words just a little.

Im sure...she must have wanted to ask more about the latter of those two.

Smiling, I said, Ichiha is doing well. Hes quickly becoming one of the youths wholl lead our country in the next generation. As for Sami... She lives surrounded by books in the capitals library. I dont know how long it will take for her heart to recover, but...I think shes living peacefully.

Oh! Is that right? Mutsumi looked just a little relieved. Please continue to look after both of them.

Yeah. Ill do what I can.

Okay, looks like everyones here, Fuuga said, clapping his hands as Mutsumi and I finished talking. How about we get on with it? Lets have this top-level meeting between the leaders of key nations, or whatever its supposed to be.

Maria and I nodded in agreement.

Let the Balm Summit begin.