Morning, one week (eight days) after we returned to Parnam.
In the castles governntal affairs office, all that could be heard was the scratching of my pen and the shuffling of paper as Liscia passed docunts to . I had been getting work done while in Van, but not only had the workload not decreased after returning to Parnam, if anything it had grown.
Now that the system of three dukes had collapsed, I needed to reorganize the army post-haste.
In order to build a relationship of equals with the Empire, I needed to increase military expenditures to counter the threat of the Demon Lords Domain. In other words, to strengthen the military. That plan for strengthening the military was the one I had spoken of during the ultimatum to the three dukes, the unification of the ard forces.
When I looked at the history of the other world, an armys strength or weakness depended heavily on its mobility. In other words, how fast it could get where it needed to go, and whether it could deploy the needed firepower.
The reason wed won a crushing victory over the Amidonian forces recently had been that wed been able to reach the battlefield before our opponents. Because we had arrived a day ahead of the enemy, we had been able to fight the exhausted forces of the principality with a well-rested Royal Army. Had we arrived simultaneously, our exhaustion would have been roughly the sa, and while the forces of the principality would still have been outnumbered, they would have dug in and fought harder. If that had happened, the fight would have been much more difficult for us.
In order to achieve that mobility we needed, it would be necessary to roll out a transportation network, and, at the sa ti, eliminate the divisions between our Army, Navy, and Air Force, to create a system that worked under a single command structure to imdiately move all of our forces. That system would be a unified ard forces.
The Forbidden Army, Army, Navy, Air Force, and, lastly, the troops that were nominally part of the Forbidden Army, but were the personal troops of the nobility, would all be dismantled and reorganized as one force to be called the Elfrieden Defense Force (EDF).
In organizing that EDF, I had to be cautious of resistance from each branch of the military, but with the recent uprising, the Army and Air Force had lost their influence. The temporary heads of each force, Glaive and Tolman, were both cooperative, so they would pose no problem.
Furthermore, the Navy had sided with us and therefore had not lost their influence, so by appointing their Admiral, Excel, as Supre Commander of the EDF, we could expect very little resistance. Excel wasnt keen on being enshrined as the Supre Commander, but I had made her accept the position under the condition that it was just until Ludwin gained enough experience to handle the role.
That was enough for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but the real headache was going to be the nobles forces.
They were part of the Forbidden Army, but the fact that command over them lay with the various nobles made them hard to deal with.
In this world with wild beasts and monsters (though, before the appearance of the Demon Lords Domain, these had only existed in dungeons), thieves, pirates and bandits, there needed to be a certain amount of policing power in every area.
That was why the landed nobility trained personal troops, which they were obligated to use to maintain stability inside their fiefs.
However, in this country, the numbers they had were excessive. It was the effect of the king-before-lasts expansionist policies.
At that ti, battlefield achievents had been the shortest route to glory and advancent, so the nobility used to levy commoners from their fiefs to bolster the ranks of their personal forces. Despite the fact that, while conscripting amateurs might raise their manpower, if it led to a fall in productivity, it was pointless. Eventually, when the forr king, King Albert, hanged tack from his predecessors expansionist policies, the nobility still maintained their enlarged forces.
That was why, now, I was stuck with the task of dismantling their forces down to the bare minimum required for policing. Those who had a primary trade outside of soldiering would be given severance pay and released from service, while those who sought to join the EDF would be able to undergo testing to enlist.
While the organization would be decided on by Excel, Glaive, Ludwin, and the other military officials, they had looked over my proposal and found they had no choice but to give it their stamp of approval.
While we worked, Liscia and I were silent. There was an awkwardness between us.
...No, I was likely the only one feeling awkward. Liscia was acting the sa as always.
That day, even as Id told her that Georg Carmine had committed suicide in his cell, Liscias expression hadnt changed in the least. Her face had been emotionless, and my report had only elicited a quiet I see...
It wasnt that I thought she would lose her composure. It wasnt as if I thought she would bla for it. Liscia wasnt that kind of girl, and I was well aware of it.
But I hardly expected her to be able to go about her daily routine this way, like everything was normal. I thought she would look at least a little distraught. There was no way this wasnt painful for her, no way it wasnt heart-wrenching, but when I saw Liscia acting like nothing had changed, I couldnt find the words to say to her.
It would have been easier if shed lashed out at a little...
Why didnt you spare Duke Carmine?!
...Yeah. No, that wouldnt have been any better.
Just imagining Liscia insulting and deaning was enough to depress .
If she would just punch, and we could forget it all after that... But, no, the only one that would make feel better was . Honestly, what was I thinking? After running my mouth like that to Georg, could I not even protect the heart of the girl closest to ?
Souma, she said.
Huh? What? I raised my head, and saw Liscia looking at with her head inclined to the side questioningly.
Your pens stopped, you know? she asked.
...Oh, sorry.
Thats no good, I thought. I have to keep it together.
I went back to work. Right now, I have to focus on taking care of all the little tasks in front of .
While I worked with that thought in mind, there was a knock at the door. Co in, I said, and the head maid Serina entered.
Pardon , she said. The preparations are complete, and your presence is requested.
Right.
We stopped working, and I donned my royal cape and headed towards the audience chamber. Today was a day for rewarding those who had distinguished themselves in the war with Amidonia.
Glaive Magna, I said. Your loyalty was truly remarkable. In recognition of that loyalty, I grant you Randel and its surrounding region to rule.
Yes, sir, Glaive said. It will be my pleasure.
Very good. In addition, while this is only provisional, I also grant you so of the powers Georg held as General of the Army. Until they are folded into the EDF, keep them in good order.
Yes, sir, he said. I swear I will do my utmost to et Your Majestys expectations.
In front of as I rose from the throne, giving comndations in a grandiose tone, Hals old man, Glaive Magna, bowed deeply. We werent broadcasting this, so I wasnt keeping up with stiff formality, but there was a secretary in the corner dutifully recording my every word, so I had to act kingly. That was to ensure that future generations who read the records didnt look down on , or so my chamberlain Marx had sourly told , but... honestly, I didnt really care what people would think of after I died.
In the war with the Principality of Amidonia, the Elfrieden Kingdom might not have gained any territory, but we had secured hefty war reparations. Furthermore, we had been able to collect ransoms from Zem for the return of their rcenaries, and Id been able to confiscate the corrupt nobles land and assets. The dismantlent of the Carmine and Vargas duchies had been decided on, too.
For all of those gains, there was little need to reward the troops. Most of the troops mobilized had belonged to the Army and Air Force. They were under suspicion of treason, and this had been a battle to clear them of that suspicion, so no rewards needed to be paid.
Additionally, for those who had taken a wait-and-see approach to the conflict, the nobles whose forces were part of the Forbidden Army, I didnt need to pay for any rewards to them, as they hadnt participated. It ant they had missed out on a good opportunity, but that was their problem, not mine.
The only ones who need to be rewarded were the Navy and my directly-controlled forces in the Forbidden Army. Those of the nobility or knightly class in either force would be given land, but that would co from the forr fiefs of the corrupt nobles and the dismantled Carmine and Vargas duchies. Those who were of lower status would be given a cash bonus.
And so, today, I was to give personal rewards to those who had contributed the most. It was standard to give titles in the peerage and land, but if they wanted sothing else, they were welco to negotiate for it. If it was within my power as king, and a suitable reward for their efforts, it would be granted. If they wanted cash or rare items in the possession of the royal family, that was fine.
Long ago, there had been a knight whod used this system to request the right to marry a princess he was in love with. Thered also been one whod used it to request a corrupt noble be brought to justice. This was a situation where you never knew what crazy requests might co flying, so I opted not to air it over the Jewel Voice Broadcast.
This ti, the people to be rewarded were as follows:
The turncoat from the Army who had led them in the battle with Amidonia, Glaive Magna.
The Lord of Altomura who had stalled for ti and delayed the Amidonian forces, Weist Garreau.
The commander of the marines who had, likewise, delayed the Amidonian forces at the Valley of Goldoa, Juna Doma.
As well as the one who sent reinforcents during the battle outside Randel, the chief of the dark elves who lived in the God-Protected Forest, Wodan Udgard. Sir Wodan was Aishas father.
Normally, the Admiral of the Navy, Excel Walter, would have been first in both rank and in terms of her contributions. However, she was foregoing any recognition of her achievents for herself in order to seek clency for the two Varguses, so she wouldnt be receiving a reward.
Also, before giving the aforentioned five their rewards, I formally gave Aisha, who had been defending as my self-declared bodyguard, the newly created post of kochiji.
If I were to explain what that changed, it was that before she had been like a rcenary I was paying out of my own pocket money, but now she was a proper knight with a salary.
Incidentally, her title, kochiji, ca from the a bit of wordplay on the nickna of Cao Caos bodyguard Xu Chu, read Kochi in Japanese. The originals na was written Tiger Fool and ant a fool who is strong like a tiger, so I chose to write hers with the character for Eastern Wind instead.
...Not that there was much point in obsessing over how itd be written with kanji in this world.
In addition to that appointnt, I gave Aisha a gauntlet from the treasury in the castle that was enchanted with a spell that reduced physical and magical damage (it was called the Iron Wall Gauntlet, apparently). To be honest, I had wanted to give her a shield, as it suited the image of her position better, but Aisha used a two-handed greatsword, so Id opted for this instead.
Aisha held the gauntlet tight to her breast, stuttering and slurring her words through her tears. Ohh... Your Majesty... Th-Thank you sho much!
...Im glad to see shes happy and all, but isnt that a bit of an overreaction?
Everyone watched her with wry smiles.
Weist, I said. You served well in distracting the Amidonians. Please, continue to maintain stability in your lands as Lord of Altomura. Furthermore, when the city of Venetinova is complete, I am sure I will place you in charge of managing her.
Yes, sir, he said. Inadequate as I may be, I will serve you to my utmost.
After Glaive, I finished presenting Weist with his reward. It was decided that Weist would take on the additional post of Lord of Venetinova, the coastal city that was currently under construction. While his original fief had been in the countryside, because it was in a crop-growing region with fertile land, he had quickly gained influence. In the recent operation, he had played the important role of portraying himself as a coward in front of Gaius and Julius. This was his reward.
Now, it was ti to reward Wodan Udgard, Aishas father who had sent reinforcents to aid us in the battle outside Randel.
These were reinforcents neither Hakuya or I had anticipated. We had known how powerful the dark elves were, but wed assud they were busy with reconstruction after the landslide, and they werent interested in affairs outside their forest to begin with, so we had thought it would be pointless to send a request. However, contrary to our expectations, Wodan and his people had dispatched troops to aid us.
Apparently, when Aisha had been staying in the God-Protected Forest, she had independently made the request on my behalf. From what Hal had told of the battle outside Randel, the corrupt nobles had brought out cannons and launched a reckless attack. Without those reinforcents, our losses would have been much greater. It was truly a happy miscalculation.
I walked over to Wodan, taking his hand as I thanked him. You have my gratitude. I thank you for sending reinforcent when you yourselves face such difficult tis.
Think nothing of it, said Wodan. We have only repaid our debt of gratitude. When the disaster struck, the relief force that Your Majesty led reminded us that we have ties to the outside world.
I am glad to hear it, I said. It shows anew that this country was built with many different races coming together. If you have a wish, you need only na it.
Wodan shook his head. We already owe you more than we can ever repay. With the steady supply of relief supplies you send, our warriors have already been amply rewarded. I seek nothing further from you.
Please, dont be so modest, I said. Those reinforcents wouldnt have co without you making the decision. If youd like, we can plant trees around the God-Protected Forest to expand your territory.
I am grateful for the offer, but the forest is fine as it is, he said.
Hmm... That leaves in a conundrum, I thought. I wanted to show my gratitude to Wodan sohow. However, no matter what I offered as a reward, Wodan stubbornly refused to accept it.
You truly have nothing you want? I questioned.
When I asked him that, Wodan took on a pensive look. ...In that case, I have one request for you, sire.
Na it. If it is within my power, it will be yours.
Then... would you take my daughter?
Father?! Aisha yelped. She had been standing behind the throne, and she sounded surprised.
His daughter... He ans Aisha, right?
Wodan continued, smiling, I see my little girl who never used to show an interest in anything but fighting and food has grown into a fine woman. That change ca from her feelings for you, sire. Could I ask you to take her as your wife?
Sir Wodan is called Chief in the village in the God-Protected Forest, but he is actually nobility with the God-Protected Forest as his domain, my chamberlain, Marx, hastened to add. You would be able to take his daughter Aisha as your second primary queen.
Marx was handling things here today on behalf of Pri Minister Hakuya, who was indisposed.
I have ntioned this in past, but in this kingdom queens were broadly categorized into primaries and secondaries, and it was possible to have multiple of each.
Originally, there had only been one primary queen and the rest had been either secondary queens or concubines (mistresses) with no power, but one king a number of generations ago had said, I dont want to call these won I love concubines.
...He must have been a passionate man.
As a result, all of his secondary queens had been made primary queens. (The original primary queen had been made First Queen, with the others called Second Primary, Third Primary, and so on, to distinguish them.) And his concubines had been promoted to secondary queens, a convention that continued to this day.
While Im at it, let explain the difference between a primary and secondary queen.
To beco a primary queen, the lady in question had to be of the knightly class, the nobility, or higher. To make a woman of lower status a primary queen, she would first have to be adopted into such a family. That process wasnt necessary for a secondary queen.
The children born to a primary queen had the right of succession. The line of succession was determined not by order of birth, but the children born to the First Queen, the Second, and so on. In cases where there was a large gap in age, the numbering of queens could be changed.
Conversely, while a woman of any class (even a slave or a prostitute) could beco a secondary queen, their children had no right of succession. However, they were still royalty, and noble and knightly houses that wanted to form a blood connection with the crown would try to marry their sons and daughters off to the kings children from those queens. It was definitely one way of marrying into money.
While the position didnt co with any power, it also took less responsibility than being a primary queen, and they were allowed to act freely, within limits. For won of common birth who had no interest in power, this was often the position they dread of.
But... making Aisha my second primary wife...
Would you consider that a reward? I asked.
As a father, my feelings are complicated... but she seems to be hoping for it, and a father always wants to grant his little girls wishes, said Wodan. Besides which, with the people of the God-Protected Forest beginning to look to the outside world, I think it would be valuable for them to see their chiefs daughter marry into the royal house. It wouldnt just create a bond between the royal house and the God-Protected Forest, it would beco symbolic of the bond between humans and dark elves, as well.
Then it wasnt just for his daughters sake. There were political considerations, too.
Looking at it from my position, if I strengthened my ties with the God-Protected Forest, I would probably have the elite archers who showed their might in the battle outside Randel at my disposal.
No, even if I set that sort of pragmatic gain aside... Aisha was cute. If I had to ask myself whether Id want her as a wife or not... I did.
She might be a little too loyal to , but it let her affection for co across all the more directly. Though it did feel a bit like Id tad her with food.
I couldnt expect much from her as a political operator, but Aisha had more than sufficient martial prowess to compensate for that. She was the sort of woman who would be reassuring to have at my side.
...But, is that really okay? I returned to the throne, looking at Liscia beside .
I had told Liscia we were only temporarily engaged so that I could potentially get out of it. But, now that the war with Amidonia was behind us, my thinking on the matter had changed.
People had died because of my orders. I carried a weight of karma far too great to ever return to ordinary life. I could no longer stop being king, or abandon this country.
I felt the sa about my relationship with Liscia. Since the day wed first t, we had overco so much pain and hardship together. I couldnt break off our betrothal, and I had no desire to. If Liscia would be my queen, I could accept being king.
...But, thats a different issue entirely.
While I had resolved myself to be king, I still had reservations about taking more than one queen. Liscia, Marx, and even Juna had repeatedly told it was normal, but as soone dragging along the moral views of modern Japan, I was hesitant.
...Yeah, it wasnt that I thought it was insincere to love more than one woman. I wasnt that full of myself. But I thought giving an imdiate answer here and now wouldnt be fair to Liscia.
Id feel like I was cheating on her...
While I was thinking that, Liscia looked at . Seeing that I was at a loss for words, Liscia said exasperatedly, Souma, marry Aisha like you ought to.
Like I ought to...? Youre fine with that, Liscia?
I dont have the right to refuse, but Aisha and her father have already told you its fine, havent they? she said. Actually, if you dont take her, thats probably going to be the bigger headache.
How so? I asked.
Liscia stressed the practical aspects. Youre a king, Souma. There may be situations where youre forced to marry the daughters of major nobles or princesses from other countries as part of your internal or external diplomacy. In preparation for that, I want the higher-ranked queens to be filled out with people I can trust.
No... But... I an...
Seeing still hesitating, Liscia sighed. Souma, youre able to make decisions when the country hangs in the balance, but when it cos to the won in your life, youre so indecisive.
Urkh...
Honestly... Aisha! Liscia called.
Y-Yes! The dark elf jumped in surprise. Aisha had been standing in her bodyguard position waiting anxiously as she watched things unfold.
Liscia leveled a finger at her. Im not giving up the position of First Queen, you hear ? Youre Second Queen, got it? If thats all right with you, its all right with . In fact, I welco it.
Y-Yes! If it lets be by His Majestys side! Aisha cried.
Liscia nodded and looked straight in the eye as she said, Ive set everything in place for you. Now... treat her right.
...Right, I said slowly.
I dunno. I felt like I had been the future balance of power between the two of us get decided right there.
Liscia had shown so much spirit. I couldnt keep pathetically waffling any longer.
I walked over to Aisha. Aisha, the fearless warrior of the battlefield, had eyes that were trembling with uncertainty.
Oh, geez, dont look at like that, I silently pleaded.
Aisha, I said.
Y-Yes!
So... will you marry ?
She inhaled sharply. Yes! It would be my pleasure!
I refrained from any quips about how her response made her sound like a server responding to orders at a Japanese-style pub. My face was burning with embarrassnt.
In among all the smiles, I could see Sir Wodans face dripping with all the complicated feelings of being a father.
I said to him, using not the tone I would usually use as king, but a tone used towards those above you, ...This is how it turned out. Ill co to formally give you my regards at a later date, Father.
Yes, he said, smiling. I will be waiting. Son.
Thus, Aisha beca my second fiance.
With a second primary queen chosen...
Finally, thats one less burden on my mind, Marx said with an expression of relief. Marx had felt a sense of crisis about the shortage of royals brought on by the succession crisis after the reign of the king before the last one. That was why, with my formal marriage to Liscia not having taken place yet, he was constantly badgering , Get more wives, make more babies. He didnt even seem to care if they were conceived out of wedlock.
That aside... what was I going to do with the kochiji title Id co up with now? I couldnt very well make one of my queens act like a personal bodyguard.
When I said that to Aisha, though...
Leave it to ! Even if I beco your wife, I will always protect you, sire! Aisha declared with a broad smile, so I ended up letting her keep it.
For , I knew Aisha was tough, so I figured it was all good, but the previously-elated Marx was imdiately holding his head in his hands. I wanted to put the Second Primary Queen he had finally managed to get into a position that was synonymous with danger. I had to feel bad for the guy, only having new things to worry about.
Juna watched all of this with a slightly lonely smile on her face, but none of us realized it at the ti.
...Juna. You...
With the exception of Excel.
With the very eventful reward for Wodan out of the way, it was finally Junas turn.
I offered her so words of comndation, then asked, Is there anything you want of ?
Of course, I knew what Junas response would be. She would likely ask that all of her achievents be counted as her grandmother, Excels. If Excel wanted to save Castor and Carla, she needed to have as much rit to her na as possible. This was the gentle Juna. I was sure shed do it out of consideration for Excel.
Juna looked straight in the eye and opened her mouth, Your Majesty, I ask that all of my...
May I have a word, Excel cut her off before she could finish speaking. Forgive my sudden interruption. I would like permission to speak.
Hm? ...Granted, I said.
Thank you. Excel bowed and began to speak slowly. As you are aware, Your Highness, Juna Doma is my granddaughter. However, Junas father, my son, has been married into the Doma family of rchants in Lagoon City. In other words, Juna is a commoner.
I had heard that when Juna had disclosed her ties to Excel to . However, why was she bringing up Junas low status now?
Excel continued. I gave her a rank in the military because she is my granddaughter, but that doesnt change the fact that Juna is the child of a common family. She has no connection to the doings of any noble house.
...What are you getting at, Duchess? I asked.
Excel turned not to , but to Juna. I am sure you an to use your achievents for my benefit, but that will not be necessary.
But, Grandmother...
Excel silently shook her head. Its fine. You have nothing to do with the House of Vargas You mustnt use your achievents for people youve never t. Use them for your own sake.
Grandmother...
I cant sacrifice my granddaughters happiness for the sake of my son-in-law and my other granddaughter, said Excel. You dont have to worry about us. You should have your own wish granted.
As Excel turned her gentle gaze on her, Juna lowered her eyes and seed to struggle internally for a mont. When she finally raised her eyes, she stepped forward and kneeled.
Your Majesty. I have a request.
...What might that be? I asked.
If it is at all possible, then like Aisha... I wish to continue singing at your side.
Could she an... No, there was no doubt about it, Juna ant for to take her as my bride, too.
Sire, Marx said gleefully, if you take Juna Doma, it will be as a secondary queen. If you wish to take her as a primary queen, you will need to have her adopted into a noble or knightly family first.
He must have been more than happy to have another candidate for the position of queen appear. When I looked to Liscia, she nodded, accepting it.
But...
Im sorry, thats not possible. I gave a clear refusal.
Liscias eyes went wide, while Excel asked Why...? looking at pleadingly. Juna continued to look down at the floor, so I couldnt see her face.
The air in the room grew heavy, but... I hoped theyd wait to hear everything I had to say.
I cant do that now, I said. Youre the central pillar of Project Lorelei, the project to create a music program using the Jewel Voice Broadcast. You are the Prima Lorelei. Youre popular with the people, too. What do you think would happen if I announced you and I were getting engaged? Thered be riots.
When I said it that way, everyone seed satisfied with that explanation. It was fresh in their mories that the Congress of the People had sent petitions saying, Show more of Juna on the Jewel Voice Broadcast.
It was common for fla wars to break out on an idols blog if she was discovered to have a lover in my old world, but in the current situation, I worried Parnam itself might get torched. The Kingdom would be burning with jealousy... Yeah, not a funny joke.
That was why I said, Could you wait, just for a little while?
Juna gasped.
When Juna raised her face, I thought, Well, this is awkward, as I told her, I need your strength as the Prima Lorelei for producing our broadcast programs. Thats why, for now, Im asking you to stay the peoples songstress. When more songstresses have gathered, and we have trained enough people that can keep the program on course, I swear, I will take you then.
When I said that, Juna rubbed the tears from her eyes. Ill wait longingly for that day, sire.
When she spoke those words, she wore the smile of a pure, innocent young girl.
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