How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 14: Chapter SS3

Chronicles of the Great Tiger Kingdom: The Legend of Kasen

The Crossbow of the Tiger, Kasen Shuri. The youngest of Fuugas commanders and an expert bowman who led the mounted archers. Because he was a celestial like Fuuga, and that they had all known each other for a long time, Fuuga and Shuukin treated him like a little brother. He had the potential to become a wise and powerful commander like Shuukin, but the other commanders treated him like he was still not fully one of them yet.

On the night of the banquet after they finished defending the Duchy of Chima from the threat of the demon wave, he was grumbling to Tomoe and Ichiha for some reason...

Lord Fuuga and Lord Shuukin still treat me like Im just a kid. I lead the mounted archers, you know? It sets a poor example for the men.

R-Right...

I-I see.

Tomoe and Ichiha smiled politely and nodded along as Kasen complained, his face perhaps a little red from drinking. The people invited to this event were all important figures from other countries, so the average age was on the higher end. It was only natural that the younger guests would cluster together, and thats how Tomoe and Ichiha had been caught by Kasen.

Pwah! Besides, Im in a boring position, Kasen grumbled, knocking back his drink. Im confident in my ability to shoot while riding a horse or temsbock. But Lord Fuugas a powerful archer himself, and if our feet are on the ground, hes better than me. And when were mounted, he rides that super strong mystery tiger, Durga, which puts him on another level entirely from other mounted archers.

Yeah...youre right, Yurigas brother did seem strong, Ichiha said. Kasen nodded emphatically.

Yeah, yeah, thats it. Im no match for Lord Fuuga martially, so I try my best in other ways. But weve got a lot of really distinct guys around. Sir Shuukin is both wise and brave, and I cant compete with Sir Gaifukus experience. And Sir Moumei looks like a berserker but is actually a learned man. Its not fair. I could try to stand out on the battlefield, but with a guy as showy as Gaten around, Ill always be plain by comparison.

They sure are a lot of different people in Malmkhitan, huh? Tomoe said, sounding impressed. Having seen the way Souma obsessed about finding talented people to recruit, Tomoe could see how many capable people were gathered around Fuuga, even if their talents were slanted towards the military side of things.

Kasen let out a long sigh. Well... If theres one thing were missing, its a strategist or a military advisor, but honestly, Im not cut out for that kind of scheming... I just want to find some way to make myself useful, have a little more presence, and stop being treated like everyones little brother...

Tomoe cocked her head to the side. Is being treated like a little brother so bad?

Huh?

I was adopted by the former king and queen and became Big Sister Liscias stepsister, which also makes me her future husbands sister-in-law. She and Big Brother Souma both treat me like a little sister, and so do big brothers other fiances. It makes me happy, and I dont think I deserve it, but...Ive never been upset about it, Tomoe explained, and this time it was Ichihas turn to nod.

Im the youngest of eight brothers and sisters, and I get bullied by two of my older brothers for being weak. Its only Big Sister Mutsumi whos nice to me. Im their real sibling and they treat me like this, so maybe you should just be glad everyone doesnt mistreat you.

Urkh... Kasen was unsure how to follow up Ichihas story, which was heavier than hed expected. Uh...sorry. I guess youve got it hard too, huh?

Ichiha...

Ah ha ha... Im already used to it. And besides... Ichiha smiled at Tomoe. Ive met people who recognize me for who I am now. Im going to try to do my best in a new environment from here on.

Yeah! Thats right, Ichiha! Tomoe grinned at Ichihas positive attitude.

Ohh...youre such good kids. Kasen cried manly tears as he watched the two of them. Im embarrassed at myself for having complained.

Oh, no, please dont cry.

Um, um, um... Kasen raised a glass to the two of them as they got all flustered. Im going to do my best where I am now, just like you both! Ill strive to make Lord Fuuga and all the others I respect recognize me not as a little brother, but as a man!

G-Good luck with that.

Well be cheering for you!

Ichiha and Tomoe offered words of encouragement as Kasen knocked back his drink again, tears streaming down his face.

Whatre you guys doing...?

This went on until Yuriga came along and exasperatedly put an end to it.