Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Bonus Short Stories

It was a few days after Roroa had come to stay with Souma.

It was the middle of a clear autumn day, but the curtains were drawn shut in the castles governmental affairs office, leaving only a slight gap to dimly illuminate the room. Its sole occupant was seated at the desk, elbows resting on top of it. Then another person knocked and entered with an, Excuse me.

Thank you for coming, the person at the desk spoke.

The one who had entered responded with a dubious look, Um... princess? What are you doing in His Majestys seat?

The person who had entered the room was King Soumas bodyguard and also the candidate to become his second primary queen, Aisha. Liscia rose from her seat and drew back the curtains. Suddenly, the room was flooded with light. I was just trying to set the mood. Also, Ive told you, dont call me princess.

Not quite able to parse the situation, Aisha gave her a troubled smile and asked, Umm... Lady Liscia? Did you call me here to joke around?

No, thats not it. I do have serious business with you. Liscia seated herself at the desk once more. The other day, Roroa joined us as another of Soumas fiances. It wouldnt do to make her position too strong, so she will be the third primary queen, ranked after both you and me.

Oh, yes, Aisha said. That gave His Majesty a just cause for absorbing the Principality, and Roroa is quite a capable individual herself, so it all worked out well... right?

When Aisha asked that question with a prodding tone, Liscia nodded. It was the best result that the country could have hoped for. But... It has also created a grave situation for both you and me.

A grave situation? What do you mean?

I said the family. Theres one more, isnt there? Someone who will be joining our family who has even greater housekeeping skills than Juna.

No... You cant mean... With that strong of a hint, it finally dawned on Aisha. There certainly was one such person. Is it... His Majesty?

Yes. You know as well as I do that the dishes Souma makes are delicious, right?

But of course. My stomach remembers them well.

Souma had worked with Poncho to recreate many of the dishes from his own world. Recently, they had often been gathering around one table to eat the Japanese-style breakfasts that Souma would make. Every one of those dishes was delicious, and they had ensnared Aishas heart and tongue. Even the memory of them was enough to make her drool.

Its not just cooking, Liscia continued. Hes good at sewing, too. One moment hes hand-sewing a doll, the next hes working a treadle sewing machine to produce a robe for Tomoe.

Hes good at both cooking and sewing? Aisha said. If I were a man, I would want him as my wife.

I feel the same way, but unfortunately were the ones who are going to be the wives, Liscia said, clenching her fist tightly as if she were giving a speech. In other words, we, the ones who cant cook, will be the minority in this family. Dont you think that would feel humiliating? The fact that we arent even up to the same level as a man like Souma is already a black mark on our pride as women. We need to come up with countermeasures immediately.

Some days later, on a certain islet in the Excel Duchy.

Seeing the cheery look on Excels face, Castor could only feel sympathy for the princess he had once served.