This is a story from around the ti Souma left for the republic.
The stage is Venetinova, a coastal city in the east of the Kingdom of Friedonia.
The Kingdoms coast was bent in a < shape. To encourage more active distribution of goods throughout the country, King Souma had sponsored the construction of Venetinova at the corner of that shape.
If there was one thing unique about this city, it was its two-level layout. In the lower level, facing the sea, there was a fishing port, a plaza, parks, and more, while the residential quarter, governors mansion, and other similar buildings were concentrated in the upper level.
Nearly all of the shopping areas were along the hill road between those two levels. This town layout was in preparation for the great earthquake that was said to strike once every hundred years.
In one of the clinics along the hill road in Venetinova, there was currently an eight-month-old baby boy swinging his legs as he was held by his mother.
Goo goo! the baby cooed.
This healthy baby was nad Fuku. During Soumas visit to the refugee camp, Hilde Norg, a female doctor belonging to the three-eyed race, and Brad Joker, a surgeon, had delivered him by caesarean section. Incidentally, Souma himself had given the boy his na.
Today, little Fuku had co in with his mother for a regular checkup.
Hilde was the doctor examining him. Hm... I dont see anything out of the ordinary. Hes full of energy.
Until just recently, she had been at Gingers Vocational School in the capital, Parnam, training doctors. Once it had gotten on track, Hilde, who had always been more at ho treating the common people than hidden away in a lab studying, had left her duties to her juniors at the school. In order to follow the forr refugees, having been concerned about them, she had followed them to this new city and opened a clinic.
That said, Hilde was considered one of the two greatest minds in the dical world, and the other one was the surgeon, Joker. So they were both frequently called to the dical school in Parnam, but recently, for a certain reason, she had been staying in Venetinova.
Hearing from Hilde that her child was okay, Fukus mother bowed her head. Thank you so much. Its all thanks to you and Dr. Joker that Fuku and I are both still here.
No need to thank , said Hilde. Its my job, you know. More importantly, like the king told you, you should really be thanking your child, for being born when both of us were there.
Perhaps to hide her shyness, Hilde turned to look the other way as she brushed Fukus hair, which had finally begun to grow evenly.
Fuku clapped his hands in glee.
Fukus mother watched with a slight smile. I guess youre right. Now we can wait together for my husband to return.
Oh, thats right, they found your husband, didnt they?
Yes, said another woman, stepping forward. I received word from my elder brother.
The one who responded to this question was an eighteen-year-old girl who wore an outfit similar to that of a stereotypical Native Arican, and paint on her cheeks that seed magical.
Her na was Komain. She had originally been left in charge of handling the refugees by her brother, Jirukoma, and was now a community leader for the forr refugees putting down roots in Venetinova.
Komain had co here today to give support to Fuku and his mother during their routine checkup. According to the ssenger kui my brother sent, he should be on his way here now.
Jirukoma had returned north, leading all of those who refused to beco mbers of this country, and who insisted on attempting to retake their holands. He was now staying in the Kingdom of Lastania, one of the smaller countries inside the Union of Eastern Nations, as a volunteer soldier, having responded to their call for troops.
In that land, he was also gathering information on those who had been scattered while they were being driven from the north. Fukus father was just one of the ones he had found that way.
He said your husband was searching for you in one of Lastanias neighboring countries, said Komain. When my brother told him you were safe, and your child had been born, he dropped everything to rush here and be at your side.
Honestly... That mans always been in such a hurry, Fukus mother said, but she looked really happy.
Hilde gave an exasperated shrug. Well, its good to have the family together. Just, let caution you on one thing.
Huh? Uh, sure.
Your bellys already been opened once for the delivery. The procedure went perfectly, and you can probably have a second, but...once the belly has been cut once, its weaker, and a natural birth becos more difficult. So, the next ti you give birth, it would be safer for both you and the baby to cut you open and take it out.
Fukus mother and Komain both gulped.
Hilde grinned at both of them. When your husband gets back, youre going to have so romantic ti together, right? If that makes you decide you really want a second, youd better consult a doctor approved by either or the country.
Right! Fukus mother nodded enthusiastically.
Hearing that, Fuku let out a confident-sounding cry, too, which caused all three of the others to look at one another and smile.
Is the checkup finished? Brad poked his head out from deeper inside the clinic. He was a man whose expression was usually more subdued, but he was glancing worriedly at Hilde now. Um...is it okay?
Theyre fine, said Hilde. Both mother and child are healthy.
No... Thats not what I ant...
Honestly... Youre more nervous than Id have expected. Hilde stood up and shooed Brad into the back of the clinic. For starters, there are no n allowed in here while Im seeing a female patient!
No, youre seeing the baby... I just...
Enough. You go over there and get ready for tomorrow! Youll need to head out for the capital and look at the princess. They say shes gotten sick.
Having forcefully made Brad leave, Hilde returned to her seat. Good grief, she muttered.
Having seen that interaction between the two of them, Komain tilted her head to the side quizzically. Dr. Brad is here, too, huh? Id heard he had gotten a case of wanderlust, and was seeing patients all around the country.
Brad was, indeed, prone to wanderlust. He was the sort who would tell King Souma to his face, I want to heal the poor, not the rich. To put it in more flattering terms, he was a solitary sort; in less flattering terms, he still had a mild case of middle school syndro.
Even though he had received a request from Souma to hold lectures, he was still traveling around the country to see patients and treat them. Technically, he did take apprentices with him and call it training in the field, though.
That was why Komain had been surprised to see Brad here.
However, Hilde snorted. Whats there to be surprised about? n are so simple, she said, rubbing her abdon.
That gesture told Komain everything she needed to know. You, too, Doctor?!
Wow, congratulations! cried Fukus mother.
Hmph... Hilde turned to look away in embarrassnt. But, still, in a vanishingly small voice she replied, Yeah, yeah... Thanks.
The way she said it made Komain and Fukus mother erupt in laughter despite themselves.
Komain, thank you for coming with today, Fukus mother said, bowing her head.
Dooo, her little son agreed.
The ti was a little past three oclock in the afternoon. On the hill road outside Hildes clinic, Komain rolled up her sleeves and said, Oh, its no big deal. Brother asked to look after everyone. If theres anything I can do, please, go ahead and tell .
Thank you. Are you going ho now?
No, I have so docunts to submit to the governor, so I plan to head there next.
Oh, is that right? Well, keep up the good work.
I sure will! See you later, Fuku.
Taking Fukus hand and shaking it, Komain said her goodbyes to the two of them and raced up the hill. The governors mansion was at the highest point in this city. While Komain was racing through the shopping street, the lady running one of the fruit shops called out to her.
Koma, you always look so busy. Are you eating right?
Huh? Uh, now that you ntion it, I may have missed lunch today.
Thats no good. Even if youre busy, youve gotta eat! The lady threw one of the apples she was selling over to Komain.
Whoa... Thanks, maam! Komain caught the apple, waved vigorously to the lady, then went on her way.
People often waved at Komain when she was running through the streets.
She was doing a lot of jobs lately, everything from cleaning, laundry, and babysitting, to deliveries and removing bee nests. Though she was a young girl, shed firmly taken on her role as a community organizer for the refugees, and because she had the guts to give the local n a piece of her mind, even though they were hard workers and could be a bit rough, it was little wonder shed gotten so popular. She didnt know it, but shed already been nicknad the poster girl of Venetinova.
But...I cant keep doing this forever, Komain thought as she ran through the streets of Venetinova. The refugees are starting to put down roots in this new city. If were going to assimilate into this country, its better if theres no wall between those who were forrly refugees and those who werent. My role as an organizer for the community is emblematic of that wall, so eventually they wont need anymore. That in itself is a good thing, but...
Komain bit into the apple shed been given and let out a little sigh.
It may be about ti I begin looking for a way of living for myself, like Brother did when he went north.
Komain thought about it as she ran through the streets. While she was still thinking, she arrived at her destination.
The governors mansion; this was where the governor who ran the city lived.
It wasnt the lords mansion because Venetinova was part of the royal desne, and therefore the lord of this city was King Souma. However, King Souma was based out of the capital, so hed needed to dispatch soone to manage this city.
There were tis when administration of major cities was left to the nobles and knights working in the governnt office, but considering the importance of this city, a re magistrate wouldnt have been sufficient.
The title created for the post of running this city was governor. It was a new post, created for the person who would rule this important city on Soumas behalf, and the place where this governor lived and worked was called the governors mansion.
Now, as for who was the citys current governor...
Excuse . Is Governor Poncho in at the mont?
Indeed, it was the forr Minister for the Food Crisis and current Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Poncho Ishizuka Panacotta.
Because this important city couldnt be left in the hands of anyone who was less than competent, the kings close associate Poncho had been tapped, albeit temporarily, to handle the job. Because of that, Ponchos days had been going by blindingly fast, with him going to work in the castle every morning, and returning to Venetinova every afternoon.
Technically, his replacent had already been chosenit was the Lord of Altomura, Weist Garreau, who had distinguished himself in the warbut until he was prepared to take over, Ponchos busy days were set to continue.
What was more, Poncho had another batch of troubles coming his way.
The governor is present, but youre looking at a long wait if you want an audience with him, the guard said with a forced smile and in a way that seed to imply sothing.
I understand, said Komain. I have so docunts to submit, so do you mind if I wait?
I understand. Go ahead, Madam Komain. You can stay in the waiting room.
Thanks in part to her being a familiar face, the guard easily let Komain inside.
The maid standing by in the front entrance to the building who was tasked with guiding guests led her through to the waiting room where there were already four won waiting.
The won seed to be gathered in one corner of the room and were talking about sothing. They all wore gaudy outfits, and Komain could infer they were young ladies of good parentage. The won glanced over at her as she entered the room, then huddled close and began whispering to each other.
Komain, feeling awkward, sat at a distance from these won. When she did...
Whats with that outfit? Is that girl aiming to beco Sir Ponchos wife?
What a common girl. Does she think that, if its Sir Poncho, even a girl like her could seduce him?
Komain could hear their whispering perfectly. She was from a tribe of hunters who had lived in the north, and they were sensitive to the presence of their prey and other noises. She could hear lowered voices like theirs whether she wanted to or not.
Komain sighed. I knew it... Theyre won whove co to discuss a potential marriage with Sir Poncho, just as I thought.
There had already been a public announcent that King Souma would be holding a ceremony to celebrate his marriage to Princess Liscia and his other queens in waiting. In response to that, there was now a rush of marriage offers from those who wanted to secure a position as a queen for themselves, too. Not only that, these offers of marriage were also coming en masse to any unwed n among Soumas vassals who seed to have a promising future.
The intelligent and attractive Pri Minister, Hakuya, and the handso Captain of the Royal Guard, Ludwin, were both popular, but the person these offers were most concentrated on was Poncho.
Being an upstart noble, Poncho was from a family of low status, providing a low barrier of entry for such proposals. On top of that, there was his pudgy body; those with confidence in their appearance thought he would be easy to seduce. In addition, many had an honest affection for him as one of the people who had helped end the food crisis.
In short, Poncho was visited by those of high and low statuses, those interested out of ambition and those who were pure... It was a truly diverse group of won who were proposing to him. The group here currently was no doubt full of won from ambitious houses.
Just you watch, said one. Ill make that pudgy man mine with this beautiful face.
He seems like a timid sort, so if I push hard enough, he should submit easily.
The way he looks, he cant be used to beautiful won.
The won continued talking in hushed voices.
This is kind of unpleasant, thought Komain. I dont care what they say about , but Sir Poncho worked with His Majesty to provide food relief to us refugees when things were hard for us. I want him to be happy, and Id rather not see anyone too weird beco his wife.
However, as these won were saying, Poncho had a sowhat unreliable side to him. If the won pushed hard enough, given his personality, he may not be able to decline. Komain was worried for Poncho, but then a question ca to mind.
Huh? Then why hasnt he gotten married yet?
It was true Poncho was easy to push into things. However, despite that, she hadnt heard anything about him being engaged. This was despite so many offers pouring in.
Hes rebuffing all those offers from won like these? The Sir Poncho I know?
While Komain was still wondering about that, the maid ca for them, and all of the won present to discuss potential marriages were led off one by one.
The next thing she knew, Komain was alone.
Then the maid ca for her, informing Komain that her turn had co.
Im sorry for the wait. Madam Komain, co this way, please.
As she followed the maid down the corridor, Komain saw one of the won who had been in the waiting room before walking quickly toward them from the opposite direction. Her face was tense, and she passed by Komain without seeming to take note of her.
Wh-What was that? She looked like she was on edge. Did her eting not go so well?
While she was wondering about that, they arrived in front of the reception room. The maid knocked lightly on the door, then waited for a response from inside before opening it and announcing Komains arrival.
Please do co in, yes.
Hearing Ponchos voice, Komain responded, Excuse , and entered the room.
Inside the reception room, a sowhat tired-looking Poncho was seated on a sofa with a maid standing behind him.
Komains eyes went wide despite herself as soon as she saw that maid. For a mont, she was overwheld by this woman who looked to be a little over the age of twenty, with a beautiful face, and a poise that spoke to her great intellect.
Little wonder that woman looked so pressured...
With a beauty like that behind Poncho, it would no doubt destroy whatever confidence the visiting won had in their own looks. Had it been solely thanks to her that, despite all of the offers, no woman had been able to push hers through? In that case...
Huh?! Is she glaring at ?! Komain felt as if the maid standing behind Poncho had shot a glare at her.
When a beautiful person did the glaring, the impact was multiplied. Komain felt a chill down her spine, but this was the sa Komain who spent her days openly speaking her mind to burly n.
She glared back, as if to say, I wont lose.
At Komains return glare, the maid turned up the intensity.
Their gazes collided. It was as if an image of a wolf and a hawk could be seen behind them.
Um, you two, is sothing the matter? Poncho asked hesitantly, sensing the abnormal atmosphere between them.
Having been addressed by him, Komain was the first to co back to her senses. Oh, thats right. Poncho, Ive brought the list of newly arrived refugees.
Well, well. Thank you for your hard work, yes.
When Komain turned over the papers to Poncho, the oppressive vibe she had been getting from the maid vanished. In fact, the maid bowed to her and said, Ill go prepare tea now, then left the room.
While there was still a question mark floating over Komains head at her sudden change in attitude, Poncho spoke.
Im sorry it seems we kept you waiting, yes, he apologized as he perused the docunts.
Oh, no. Um... Do you have a lot of people expressing interest in marrying you?
Y-Yes. Lets see. From what I hear, many of the unmarried n among His Majestys vassals have been receiving such offers, yes. Even I have received a fair number. If Madam Serina, who is the head maid at the castle, hadnt handled them for , Im sure things would have gotten even worse, yes.
Serina... Is that the incredibly beautiful maid from before? If shes the head maid in the castle, she must be highly capable.
Poncho put on a troubled smile. Of course, maybe its because of the way I look. Ive received an awful lot of offers to discuss the prospect, but not one of them has worked out, yes. Im often told, Actually, lets call the whole thing off, the mont they see my face at the interview.
Huh? Does that an...
Komain recalled the mont of first entering the room. Shed seen the kindly Poncho, and the super beautiful maid Serina standing behind him.
Yeah... That was the first barrier. For those who had a little confidence in their appearance and thought they could easily seduce Poncho, when they saw Serinas beautiful face, they were likely to beat a hasty retreat. Even if they held their ground, the next thing to hit them would be that wave of intimidation from Serina. The average woman probably couldnt withstand that pressure.
Even Komain had felt sothing akin to the kind of shudder she would feel if she encountered a large wolf.
Serina has been kind enough to manage things, so I feel bad for her, yes, Poncho said apologetically.
No, isnt it Serinas fault that none of these offers have worked out?!
Komain nearly said that out loud, but the maid interrupted.
Pardon . Ive brought the tea. Serina brought in the tea with what felt like carefully planned timing, so the words never left Komains mouth.
While she was drinking the delicious tea, Komains mind spun in confused circles. Madam Serina is getting in the way of Sir Ponchos marriage offers? But why? Since she was sent from the castle, is that under His Majestys orders? No, that cant be right. I cant see the king doing anything so nasty. Then is it her own will? Does she have sothing against Sir Poncho, maybe?
While Komain was thinking that, Poncho gently began talking to her. How are the forr refugees these days? Is there anything troubling them?
Oh, right, Komain said. Everyone is getting used to life here. Its a gradual process, but Im getting fewer requests for diation than before.
Thats good, yes. Peace is the most important thing.
It is. From my standpoint as a community organizer, I feel its a load off my shoulders, and Im relieved. At the sa ti, I have less and less to do, so Ive been thinking of starting up sothing new. Sir Poncho...youre as busy as ever, arent you?
Yes. In addition to my work as governor, I also have to et all the people making proposals, and His Majesty has instructed to study sothing new, too. So Im busy, yes.
Poncho looked at the mountain of books beside his desk and sighed.
Study...? What exactly? Komain asked.
The transportation of provisions. According to His Majesty, whether my na is listed among the people managing our soldiers food or not will make a large difference in the entire militarys morale. Thats why, even if just for show, he apparently wants to place in an important post, so Im in the middle of having the bare minimum of base knowledge pounded into , yes.
Poncho was so widely regarded as a specialist on food that the common people referred to him as Ishizuka, the God of Food. Even just having his na listed as a manager of military provisions would be enough to convince the troops they could eat sothing good, and it would raise their morale.
Thats a trouble you run into when youre famous, I guess, thought Komain.
Serina leaned in to whisper sothing in Ponchos ear. Madam Komain is your last visitor for the day. Thank you for your hard work.
Oh, she is? Thank you, too, Madam Serina, yes.
No, I was ordered by His Majesty to support you, after all.
Still, Im always grateful, yes.
Komains far-too-sensitive ears picked up their whispered conversation.
Hearing their voices, Komain quickly struck down her earlier theory. There was no trace of hostility in Serinas voice. More than that, there was an excited sweetness in it. It was amazing Poncho could keep a level head while she whispered to him like that.
If youre that grateful, then do it again tonight, Serina whispered.
You really do like it, huh, Madam Serina? Poncho whispered back.
Komain nearly spewed her tea.
Tonight?! She likes it?! Huh, what?! What are the two of them talking about?!
While pretending to drink, Komain glanced at the two of them over the rim of her teacup.
D-Do the two of them have that kind of relationship, maybe?! Oh! That explains why Madam Serina was being so intimidating! To keep anyone from taking Sir Poncho from her... Huh? But thats a surprise. I wonder why a beauty like her is so deeply infatuated with Sir Poncho...
Komains head was filled with a different confusion than before, and it worried her.
Oh, thats right, said Poncho. Madam Komain.
Huh?! Uh, yes...?! Komain unintentionally let her voice go a little shrill.
Do you have so work after this, Madam Komain?
No, this was the last thing for today... Um, why do you ask?
Poncho put on a happy smile and said, Oh, its no big deal. I just thought Id invite you to dinner, yes.
H-How did it turn out like this...?
Komain didnt understand the situation she now found herself in.
She was in the governors private dining room at the governors mansion. There, Serina and Komain were seated across from one another. Poncho was away cooking, so Komain felt indescribably awkward.
Serina suddenly bowed her head. Madam Komain, I must apologize for earlier.
Huh? Um, why is that?
For looking at you with appraising eyes. I thought you were another one of those won who think they can so easily seduce Sir Poncho.
It seed that look hadnt been a glare, but one of appraisal. Komain was relieved to realize Serina had been protecting Poncho from the venomous fangs of won with ambitions.
Um... I was wondering, are a lot of the people who seek to et Poncho and talk about marriage like that? Komain ventured.
Yes. Like youve seen, hes a man with many weaknesses. Ive been asked by His Majesty to make sure Sir Poncho isnt ensnared by any strange won, but many of them run away at the first sight of my eyes. I do wish they would at least pay us the most basic level of respect.
Well, yeah, of course theyd be scared, Komain nearly said, but managed to swallow the words just before they left her mouth.
Serina may have only intended it to be probing, but even those with no ill intentions might get scared and run away at the sight of that look.
But you didnt run away, did you, Madam Komain? Serina asked.
I co from a tribe of hunters. I felt like I was being glared at by a large wolf, but you cant be a hunter if you let fear get the best of you.
Komains words seed to have left Serina a little shocked. My look was on the level of a large wolf?
At that mont, Poncho ca back carrying a large pot. Sorry to keep you waiting. This is our experintal dish for the day, yes.
Poncho went on to serve portions from the pot onto each of their plates. When she saw what she was served, Komain winced for a mont. Her entire plate was covered in brown. What was more, it looked unappetizing.
Is this...the rice the mystic wolf people were cultivating? But I can see bits that look like thinly-cut pasta here and there. On top of that, the whole things brown, too...
Ohhh, this is wonderful, Sir Poncho. Unlike Komain, Serina was entranced by the sight of this dish. This is like the sauce yakisoba you served before, but youve mixed in rice this ti, too. The noodles are thin, making them easy to eat together with the rice. This sinful sight of a staple food cooked together with another staple food, combined with the scent of the sauce, is simply the best.
Serina praised the dish like she was a young maiden in love. The gap between this and the intellectual beauty she had seed like earlier was so great Komain found it a little off-putting. However, Poncho seed reasonably used to this reaction, and went on smoothly explaining the dish.
In His Majestys world, this is apparently called soba shi. First, you make sauce yakisoba, then add rice. From there, you add things like tendon and mix it all together. Im thinking of serving it at my experintal restaurant in the castle soon, yes.
Ill dig right in.
Serina scooped up so of the soba shi with a spoon and carried it to her mouth. The mont she put it in her mouth, she broke into a smile of ecstasy, as if she had just received a revelation from on high.
Poncho watched her with a smile on his face. I must say...you really do like it, Madam Serina.
Hearing those words, Komain recalled their earlier whispers. It seed this was the thing she liked that theyd be doing tonight.
Feeling a little embarrassed at what she had imagined, Komain took a bite of the soba shi on her plate without hesitating, and...
Ohhh! Komain felt like shed just had a revelation from heaven, too. What is this?! It looks awful, but its so delicious!
The sweet and spicy sauce stimulated her appetite, and her spoon went back for scoop after scoop of soba shi. What an alluring flavor. She could see why Serinas face had lted like that. While she was satisfied with her explanation, she rembered what Serina had said.
If youre that grateful, then do it again tonight...
Do it again tonight... Serina had said again. In other words, didnt that an Serina was eating delicious als like this with Poncho nearly every night?
The mont that thought occurred to her, Komain couldnt restrain herself. She kicked back her chair and stood up, then kneeled on the floor in front of Poncho.
Sir Poncho!
Y-Yes! Um, Madam Komain? What are you doing, suddenly kneeling like that?
Madam Komain? Serina asked, startled.
Seeing the dubious looks on their faces, Komain spilled forth the feelings she could no longer keep inside. If I can eat food like this, I want to serve you, Sir Poncho! Please, keep at your side!
Komain was suddenly offering to serve under him.
While Poncho was still at a loss for words at the sudden turn of events, Serina rose from her seat to stand in front of the kneeling Komain. Her eyes had that sa intensity in them which had driven away the won looking to discuss marriage with Sir Poncho.
While laying a gaze ant to make those it fell on shrink away on Komain, she said, Is that...sothing you truly feel?
Yes! I swear it on the honor of my people.
Komain looked straight back at her, eyes unswerving.
Serina and Komain were ignoring the man who, normally, should have been the center of this conversation, in order to stare each other down.
Poncho, as usual, was just flustered.
Shortly, Serina slumped her shoulders in resignation.
It seems youre serious... Very well. With that said, Serina extended a hand to Komain. I accept you. Welco to the Ishizuka family table.
Madam Serina!
The two exchanged a firm handshake. Their hearts had both been stolen by the sa thing.
On this day, the two who were entranced with B-grade gourt dishes were bound by a tie stronger than any plate.
Incidentally, Poncho, who had been left out of this, continued quietly eating soba shi by himself.
Furthermore, though this is but a side note, from the next day onward, there were two won standing behind Poncho when won ca to talk marriage with him.
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