How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 3: Chapter SS4

In the Refugee Camp

Outside the castle walls that surrounded Parnam, the capital of the Elfrieden Kingdom, there was a place where many hovels had been built. This shanty town was where the refugees whod been displaced by the expansion of the Demon Lords Domain lived. These refugees, who had drifted here during the reign of the former king, Albert, lived by helping and supporting one another. The issue of refugees who had escaped from the Demon Lords Domain had been a source of trouble for all of the nations affected. It had been dealt with in various ways, from conscripting them into the armies and positioning them on the front lines, to working them to the bone as a cheap source of labor.

In that situation, the mediocre but gentle-natured Albert had silently tolerated the existence of this refugee camp. While his successor, King Souma, was unable to actively help them integrate, he had ordered his Minister for the Food Crisis, Poncho, to provide food support.

While Poncho had been in the Principality of Amidonia, hed provided emergency food aid to the residents of Van, and here in the Elfrieden Kingdom, he did the same.

And so, Poncho was wearing a bandanna and a gown-like apron called a kappogi (Soumas idea), like some old cafeteria lady, and was taking the lead in serving meals to the refugees.

We are serving food here, yes, Poncho called out, standing in front of a cylindrical pot, ladle in hand. This time we have the mystic wolves miso soup and a pork soup made with lily root dumplings from the Principality of Amidonia. Everyone, please line up, and dont push and shove, yes.

The end of the line is here, Tomoe added. Theres plenty to go around, so theres no need to hurry.

Helping Poncho was Tomoe, who despite being a refugee herself was now King Soumas adopted little sister. In addition to Tomoe, there were many other mystic wolves helping to serve food. While they had gained the right to live in the capital in exchange for their skill in making soy sauce and miso, the mystic wolves had once lived in the refugee camp. Because of that, they had a sense of camaraderie with their fellow refugees and the money they made from producing Kikkoro brand miso and soy sauce went to support them.

At this point, a young girl came up to Poncho and Tomoe as they were serving food. Thank you for your hard work, Poncho, Tomoe.

The girl was around seventeen and wore clothing in earthen colors that was reminiscent of a Native American attire. As if to represent her exuberance, she was a beautiful, healthy, athletic girl with tanned skin and muscular arms and legs. When they noticed the girl, Poncho and Tomoe both smiled.

Wh-Why, Madam Komain. Its been a while, yes.

Hello, Komain, Tomoe said.

Her name was Komain. She was the younger sister of the leader who kept everyone in this refugee camp together. When Poncho took off his bandanna and started bowing repeatedly to her, Komain panicked.

P-Poncho, dont bow your head to someone like me. Youre the one supporting us. It hurts my heart to see you do that.

Ah!... I-Im sorry, yes. Even as he said that, Poncho continued to bow his head to her. This was the product of his own timid personality, so even if she pointed it out to him, it probably wasnt something he could fix. Komain understood that, so all she could do was smile wryly.

I think you could afford to act a little more self-important, you know? Komain asked.

Urkh. I-I suppose youre right. If Madam Serina were here, shed say, As one who stands above others, please, be more proud of yourself, and get upset with me. Ahaha...

Poncho wore a troubled smile. Ever since she had been charmed by the food he made, the head maid, Serina, had constantly gotten herself involved in Ponchos business. Souma had noticed, and was formally ordering her to assist him more and more often. However, today shed had some other work to do at the castle, so Serina was not present.

Serina? Is that your wife? Komain, who was not acquainted with Serina, tilted her head to the side and asked.

Poncho hurriedly shook his head. N-No, shes not my wife! While I do rely on her, shes like a coworker. Because of the way I look, Im still single, yes.

Poncho responded humbly, but Tomoe tilted her head to the side in confusion. Was Poncho and Serinas relationship really just that of coworkers? Even to the eyes of ten-year-old Tomoe, the two of them seemed very close.

Komain also reacted with surprise. Is that right? Well, youre a hit with the women of the refugee camp, you know?

P-Please, dont tease me with jokes like that, yes.

Poncho seemed to think she was joking, but Komain spoke the truth. The fastest way to a persons heart is through their stomach. There were many women in the kingdom, the principality, and even here in the refugee camp who loved Poncho for the delicious dishes he made. However, due to his lack of self-confidence, Poncho didnt realize it at all. He was dense, but Komain found his humbleness and lack of arrogance likable.

Were all grateful to you and King Souma, you know? Komain said. You support us when we have nowhere to go, and no home to return to, and for that we truly thank you.

Ah! Youre welcome, yes. Poncho laughed shyly in response to the girls heartfelt words of thanks.

Komain smiled. Well, Ill go around and let everyone know youre handing out food!

Then, with that said, she rushed off with a sense of urgency. The way that, before she was out of sight, she turned back once and waved to Tomoe and Poncho was memorable.

Poncho had seen her off with a smile, but the smile now vanished, replaced with a pensive look. When Tomoe noticed, she asked him, Whats wrong, Poncho? You look depressed.

Poncho snapped back to his senses. Ah! No... I was thinking about what would happen to Komain and the others from here on.

From here on...? Tomoe asked.

Poncho nodded with a solemn look on his face. Right now, were offering them support, but we cant leave the refugees like this forever. Kindness alone is not enough to rule a country. Eventually, His Majesty, the Prime Minister, or someone else will attempt to solve the underlying problem. Komain and the others may be forced to make a hard decision. When that time comes, I worry it will darken her smile, yes.

Kindness alone is not enough to rule a country.

Those words of Ponchos echoed heavily in Tomoes young heart. But...

Its going to be okay, Tomoe said, smiling to Poncho.

Madam Tomoe? he asked.

Big Brother Souma is really kind, she said confidently. Hes not full of himself, even though hes a king, and hes always looking out for me, a former refugee. My teacher... Hakuya is a very warm person, too, even though he doesnt look like it, you know? Im his number one student, and I say so, so I must be right. Tomoe clasped her hands together behind her back and looked towards the castle. If those two have something planned, it definitely wont be all harsh. Im sure theyll figure something out.

It was a baseless confidence, but Tomoe didnt doubt it in the slightest. The people she loved would never leave people in sadness, she believed.

Poncho said, I-Im sure youre right, and nodded. Id like to trust in His Majesty and everyone else, too, yes.

Okay! Tomoe cried.

Now, lets work hard on handing out food, yes! Poncho agreed.

When he said that, Poncho rolled up his sleeves and held his ladle up high.