How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 16: Chapter SS1

Maria Visits the Senior Queens (Aisha Version)

Hello, everyone. Im the Maria whos a little worried about gaining weight now that shes been released from her intense workload as empress. Now that I was going to get married to Souma, I wanted to chat with my senior wives more so that we could live together happily. Today, I was watching the Second Primary Queen Aisha train.

Hngh! Hah! Yah!

With each cry of exertion, Aisha swung her greatsword downwards, causing silver hair to stream behind the beautiful and powerful dark elf warrior. My own little sister, Jeanne, was a capable warrior in her own right, but Aishas martial arts had a visible power to them that Jeannes didnt. She had a natural intensity and techniques refined by daily training. No warrior in the Empire could have matched her.

You really are strong, Aisha, I said from where I sat in a corner of the indoor training area.

Aisha let out an embarrassed laugh, continuing to swing all the while.

With my abilities so concentrated in the martial arts, this is the only way that I can be of service to His Majesty.

The brown skin of her cheeks flushed red. Oh, my. Shes so cute its hard to believe shes swinging a massive sword around like that.

You keep up the effort even now that youre a queen, I see.

Yes...! Thats true. I initially pushed myself on His Majesty as a bodyguard, so I wouldnt want to neglect that duty now that Ive become a queen.

But youre the second primary queen, right? Hasnt he asked you to stop doing dangerous things?

In this country, we use the people we have, even if they happen to be royalty. Its not just meLady Liscia and the other queens are all still doing the work they did before marriage. Well, aside from Liscia, who carries the blood of the royal house of Elfrieden, and Roroa, who carries the blood of the princely house of Amidonia, the rest of us dont need to be so stiff about things.

I think thats strange for a royal family though... The queens all raised their children together, and each had their own work. Souma tried to look after the kids as much as he could too, and Id witnessed Liscia kicking him in the butt and saying, Thats enough; go to work already, several times now.

The king and queens each had valuable jobs, and because they were so busy with them, they divided the labor of raising children. It didnt result in a situation where, after getting married, all that was left to do was struggle for power inside the family. It was so unusual...yet, at the same time, so comforting for me.

It lets me do what Ive always wanted to, after all. I looked at Aisha as I was thinking that. Just as I had things I wanted to do, Aisha had her desire to protect Souma.

Souma is a lucky guy, having a woman like you to defend him.

I wonder...

Aisha stopped swinging. Is something the matter?

Did I say something to offend you? I asked.

No, not at all. Its true that I defend His Majesty in situations where my martial abilities allow me to do so. If Fuuga Haan were to attack His Majesty, I would make the battle last at least ten strokes. And yet...in any other situation, more often than not, hes the one protecting me. As the king, His Majesty has a great number of people at his disposal, and he makes such tasty food too.

Yes... I suppose that was true. There were times when you needed martial prowess in order to protect others, but the world wasnt so simple that you could solve everything by strength of arms alone.

Aisha let out a short sigh. I feel so pitiful at times like that. I dont know how I should react when the person I hope to protect has to protect me...

Aisha had the look of a young maiden in love on her face. Despite her incredible strength, she had a delicate side to her too. That had to be part of her appeal.

I think its simple, really.

Madam Maria?

I smiled as she cocked her head to the side in confusion.

You should just say thank you when he protects you. It makes you happy when Souma thanks you after you protect him, right?

Thanks for always being there, Aisha.

Sorry for the trouble. You really saved me there, Aisha.

Aisha nodded as if remembering the times hed thanked her.

Youre right. It makes it feel like it was all worth it.

Yes. Its the same for me. Jeanne was always helping, so when she thanked me for something, it just made all the exhaustion from my hard work go away. Im sure Soumas the same.

Thank you, Madam Maria, Aisha said, smiling, then picked up a wooden sword that was lying on the floor. It must be boring for you, just watching. Come sweat with me.

Uh... About that... Err...

I tried to object since Im not very athletic, but if I was going to be traveling around the kingdom, it might be wise to learn to defend myself. This was as good a time as any.

Could you go easy on me, please?