How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 2: Chapter SS3

Ludwin and XXX

It was the day before Souma issued his ultimatum to the three dukes. On this day, the captain of the Royal Guard, Ludwin Arcs, was visiting a certain place not far from the capital.

The common view was that a clash between Soumas Forbidden Army and General Georg Carmines Army was inevitable. Ludwin was the one who would command the Forbidden Army. That was because, in times of crisis, the Royal Guard took control of the Forbidden Army.

This will be my first real battle... and whats more, the situation is quite bad, he thought.

At present, the Forbidden Army could mobilize 10,000 troops, while the Army had 40,000. In addition, the allegiances of Navy Admiral Excel Walter and Air Force General Castor Vargas remained unclear. Also, the Principality of Amidonia was said to be massing its forces on the southwestern border. The situation was obviously very bad for the Forbidden Army.

Be that as it may, I am the captain of the Royal Guard, he thought. The Royal Guard are His Majestys shield and spear. Even if it costs me my life, I must defend His Majesty. ...Even if that means I will never return here again. Ludwin silently closed his eyes. ...Yes.

With war drawing near, Ludwin had come to an acquaintances home to visit. It was a log house built in the darkness, where the sun never shone for a certain reason. He stood in front of the door and, once he had composed himself, Ludwin knocked.

Knock, knock.

The sound of him knocking on the door echoed in the darkness, and then...

Hmm? That you, Luu?

He heard a voice from inside the house. When he heard the light, casual tone, Ludwin started to feel silly about how hed been brooding and he forced a smile.

Youre right, it is me, but couldnt you at least wait to see my face before you decide that? he complained.

Youre about the only one whod come out here to see me, arent you, Luu? the voice said.

Well, yes, but still...

The door clicked open. Well, anyway, thanks for coming to visit.

Having said that, a woman in a white lab coat who looked to be in her early twenties came out from inside the house.

While she looked a bit scrawny, with unkempt semi-long hair, she had regular features and would have been a real beauty if she had taken proper care of herself. With the little pair of glasses perched on her nose, she had a look that screamed researcher.

When he saw how the woman looked, Ludwin sighed. Genia, youve gone a while without bathing again, havent you?

When he said that, the woman called Genia responded with an awkward laugh. Ahaha. Ive been absorbed in my research lately. Do I smell?

Honestly... Youre a girl, so take better care of yourself.

I think Im a little old to be called a girl, though... Hmm, well then, Luu, will you come in with me and wash my back? The way you used to.

When Genia started to strip off her white coat and bared her shoulder, Ludwins face flushed red and he shouted at her. That was when we were kids! You just said you werent young enough to be called a girl anymore!

I dont mind, you know? she said.

Well, I mind!

Genias cackling laughter quickly exhausted Ludwin.

As you could no doubt tell from this exchange, these two were childhood friends. Her name was Genia Maxwell, a daughter of the House of Maxwell, known for her research into the over-technology artifacts occasionally found in dungeons. Ludwins family, the House of Arcs, were their neighbors, so they had grown up like brother and sister.

Genia let Ludwin into the house that doubled as her workplace, pouring him a mug of tea. Well, Luu? What are you here to see me about today?

...I need to head off to war soon, so I came to say my goodbyes, Ludwin said, trying his best to effect an air of calmness. He was heading off to war after this, so this might be his final parting with Genia. He was very conscious of that, but he didnt want her to find out and worry about him.

However, Genias expression didnt change one bit.

Hrm. Sounds like youve got it tough, she said, just continuing to sip her tea. Ludwin was thrown a bit off balance by that.

Th-Thats all?

Ill be a bit lonely not seeing you for a while, though.

No, I mean, we might never see each another again...

Hm? Luu, are you planning on not coming back? Genia asked with a blank look.

Ludwins eyes went wide. No, my plan is to make it home alive, of course...

Well, thats no problem, then, she said. Go do your best to distinguish yourself while youre with that king.

Genia said it like it was nothing.

Genia... Do you have no doubts that His Majesty will win? asked Ludwin.

Huh? Well, of course?

Why? Because the situations looking pretty bad to me.

True, from the information thats made its way to me, things dont look good. But, what if we try looking at it from a different perspective? Genia stood up and started preparing something. She poured water into a beaker, then put in tea leaves.

Ludwin looked at her questioningly. Genia? What is this supposed to be...?

The situation in this country right now, she said. There are countless tea leaves swimming in the water, so you cant see through to the other side of the beaker, right? Well... what if I do this?

Genia used a glass rod to stir the contents of the beaker. That created a current inside the beaker, and in no time, the tea leaves were piled up in a little mound at the bottom of the beaker.

When I do this, I can separate the water from the tea leaves, right? Now, if I only take the top, all Ill have is clear water. I think thats what the king is probably trying to do.

Genia seemed satisfied with her explanation, but Ludwin had no idea what she meant.

...Sorry. Could you explain that in a less abstract way?

The kings enemies at the moment are the corrupt nobles and their personal armies, as well as Duke Carmine and his subordinates who wont swear loyalty to him, right? Genia said. All of those people are currently gathered in the Carmine Duchy. Just like the tea leaves in my beaker.

With that, finally, Ludwin got what Genia was trying to tell him. You think theres a trap in place to round up all of his enemies at once?

Too many of the conditions for it are in place, she said. We should take the view that someones set that up. Now, whether it was that king, the black-robed prime minister, or... the will of someone else entirely is something I dont know. Genia stared hard at the tea leaves. It was as if she were looking at some secret hidden in them.

Without noticing that Genia was doing that, Ludwin laughed. You really are smart, Genia. Its like youre seeing things that I dont.

Well, I am from the House of Maxwell, famous for turning out nothing but geniuses and eccentrics, after all, Genia said with pride as she put the tea leaf-filled beaker over a flame. It looked like she planned to brew tea in it.

Ludwin smiled wryly. Thank you. Im feeling a little bit better about things now.

Well, good. Now, then.

Ludwin stood up, and he put on the helmet he usually never wore. Thank you for the tea... Ill be heading out.

Take care. Im counting on you to come back quickly.

Yes. I swear that I will come back here.

Genia tsked. Now theres a line that makes it sound like you wont be coming back.

Dont say ominous things like that. Ill make it home out of pure stubbornness. I did promise to introduce you to His Majesty, after all. Ludwin raised his hand. Bye now.

Hmm. Well, Ill be looking forward to the day I get to meet this king of yours. Genia sipped her tea as she watched Ludwin leave.

The surface of the liquid in her cup was shaking just a little.