Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Prologue: The Running King

20th Day, 11th month, 1,546th year, Continental Calendar Royal Capital Parnam

The temperature had gotten just a little chilly on this clear day in a temperate autumn.

Fall is said to be the season for eating, for reading, and for art; but for me, right now, fall was the season for sports.

Come on, three more laps! Lift those legs more! Focus on your leg biceps! Owen bellowed.

Urgh... I groaned.

I had been running laps around the castle guards training grounds for more than half an hour while my advisor and educator, Owen Jabana, shouted at me with his throaty voice. For some people that might not seem like much, but for an indoorsy guy like me, it was pretty tough. If I had been taking it at my own gentle pace, it would have been easy, but as I stumbled along, I was subjected to Owens overbearing encouragement.

Gahaha! Muscles will never betray your hard work! he hollered. They say a healthy mind resides in a healthy body! Surely healthy politics reside in the body of a healthy ruler, too! Now, test your limits! Torment your calf muscles!

Souma lived with his grandfather in his old world, right? Liscia asked. Id say the reason he doesnt give up, even with all his whining, is that Sir Owen reminds him of his grandfather, dont you think?

...Well, that may be part of it, I admitted.

When I saw the cheerful old man, I couldnt help myself... you know. My grandpa wasnt a muscle-bound macho man like Owen, but it was true that this reminded me of old times.