How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 15: Chapter SS4

Elulus Worries

As the Spirit Kings Curse incident was coming to a close...

Hmm... What should I do?

A new independent government had begun on the Father Island, one of the two islands of the Spirit Kingdom, and Princess Elulu had been appointed as their representative.

But now she had a problem.

Elulu was sitting at a wooden table in the yard, feather pen in one hand, her chin resting on the other, agonizing over what to write on the piece of paper before her.

Whats the matter, Madam Elulu? Shuukin asked as he walked by, wiping his brow with a hand towel.

Shuukin had been training heavily since recovering in order to make up for the stamina he had lost while ill. He had just finished washing himself at the well, so he was naked from the waist up.

Ohh, those are some nice pecs... she whispered to herself.

Elulu, who kind of had a thing for muscles, couldnt help but stop and stare at Shuukins well-toned bodybut then had to shake her head to clear her mind again. Once she had regained an expression befitting a princess, she smiled at him.

Hello, Sir Shuukin. Have you finished your training?

Yes. Now, Madam Elulu, you seemed to have a difficult expression on your face a moment ago. Is something the matter?

As Shuukin took a seat across the table from her, Elulu smiled wryly and nodded.

Yes. Ah, but its nothing major!

Dont say that. If its something I can help with, Id like to. You and the other high elves have been helping me all this time, after all.

Its kind of you to say that, but I dont know that we have. Ah ha ha.

Elulu laughed shyly before deciding to consult him about the thing that was bothering her.

You see... Its the name Im worried about.

The name?

Weve created a new government for the liberals and reformers on the Father Island, right? So I thought we should use a different name; not the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan to refer to ourselves, but... You see, were still taking in patients from the Mother Island, and our relations with the homeland are still good, so...

Hmm, I see your point. Its probably similar to the relationship between you and Sir Garula.

Spirit Kingdom King Garula had chased out his daughter who was the leader of the reformers and liberals in order to bring the conservative faction together, but it was also partially to let Elulu escape the confines of the mainland. Even if they had different philosophies, they could understand and respect how the other felt. That was analogous to the relationship between the two islands.

Elulu sighed and rested her elbows on the table.

We want to show were an independent government in order to repay what you and your people did for us, Sir Shuukin. But Im not sure its smart to change the country name and stoke tensions when were not on bad terms...

I see...

Shuukin crossed his arms and thought about it. From the Great Tiger Kingdoms perspective, they wanted to bring the newly independent government of the Father Island into the Fuuga faction, and to prevent the Spirit Kingdom of Garlan from joining the Maritime Alliance. That was why it was in their interest to have Elulu and her people at odds with the Spirit Kingdom mainland.

Still, I wouldnt feel good about it on a personal level... Shuukin thought.

He felt a debt of gratitude for Elulu who had looked after him while he was ill. And he felt a sense of camaraderie with her people who had fought alongside him to eliminate the insect monsters. Obviously, he understood that as a commander, those personal feelings didnt override the interests of his liege, but...

Shuukin looked at the high elf girl in front of him. She smiled, unrestrained by the schemes and intentions of her own homeland. He felt indebted to her and didnt want to do anything that would tarnish that smile.

I dont have Lord Fuugas overwhelming charisma, nor do I possess Sir Hashims calculating ability to manipulate people. So, at the very least, if Im going to be a useful pawn, I want to maintain sincere relations with my lord and his allies.

And he felt the same way about the girl in front of him.

You dont need to force yourself to change the name, do you?

Elulus eyes widened at what Shuukin said.

Huh? But arent we making an independent government?

If youre de facto independent, thats good enough. It shouldnt be a problem to maintain your independence while building cordial ties with your homeland, so theres no need to change the name. Youll tell outsiders youre independent, yet internally youll act like different regional administrations.

Huh? Is that okay? Didnt you want us as a puppet state? Elulu asked with upturned eyes, but Shuukin laughed it off.

Theres no need to make puppets of you. Youd never betray us. Weve a bond forged in battle, and I can trust in that. You wouldnt leave us to join the Maritime Alliance, right?

Of course not! Elulu said without reservation. They did indeed aid us with the Spirit Kings Curse, but you were the ones who helped retake the Father Island! We could never stab you in the back like that!

Then its fine. I plan to act as a bridge between you and the Great Tiger Kingdom.

Okay! Well be counting on you!

Elulus perfect smile received a nod from Shuukin.

She and the islanders had joined the list of things Shuukin wanted to protect. Now he had to keep the things on that list from fighting among themselves, maintaining his sincerity to the best of his ability. This is what Shuukin resolved to do.