Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

After Returning to the Country Arc 3: The Flower that Blooms in the Field and the Bird in the Cage

The summer sun had begun to set, and it was getting a little cooler.

I was in the governmental affairs office, fighting with the documents that had piled up while I was away in the republic. Why, when I was working so hard, did the amount of work left not seem to be decreasing?

There was always work I needed to do. I couldnt fight 24 hours a day... I wanted to go home... This was home, though...

Augh... I cant concentrate anymore...

I had been working in the office all day today, so my mind was exhausted.

Physical labor brought about lethargy of the body, but mental labor brought about impairment of mental function.

I leaned back in my chair.

The sense of exhaustion felt stronger than usual.

Its because Liscias not around...

Ever since Liscia, who had always helped me in a secretarial role, was found to be pregnant, she had been resting at Sir Alberts former domain. I still hadnt found time to go see her.

With days going by in which I couldnt see her, I now understood that Liscia had been a soothing presence, just by being near me. Even when I was tired, when I looked at her well-balance proportions wrapped in a red military uniform, I felt like I could try a little harder.

If I told her Id been ogling her during work, would I be in for another lecture...?

I wanted to talk to Liscia... No, for now, it didnt even have to be Liscia. I just wanted someone to talk to.

Sigh... Time to call it a day, I guess.

If I forced myself to work and entered the wrong information somewhere, it was bound to create more work down the line. I was running out of concentration, so it would be better to leave the rest until tomorrow and get some rest.

There was a sudden voice from the terrace, which should have been vacant.

Your Majesty, may I have a moment?

Considering the time, it was probably one of the Black Cats. It used to make me jump every time I suddenly heard my name, but... it had happened often enough, I was used to it now.

As expected, the units second-in-command, Inugami, was the one to open the terrace door and come in.

Did something happen? I asked.

Yes, sire. I have something I would like to report.

After I heard Inugamis report, I was left agape.

Huh? Why is she here?

It will do you no good to ask me. I suggest you address the matter with the person in question.

I guess youre right... But Im impressed they knew.

The one who found her was a member who went to the Republic of Turgis, the man said. If any of the other members had found her first, it would have been dangerous. For her, of course.

I know. How could she do something so dangerous...?

I pressed my palm to my forehead and sighed. Seriously, what was she thinking?

So, what will you do? Inugami asked, looking to see how I would respond.

...Can you lead her here? I asked wearily.

You wish to meet with her?

We could run her off, but shes not the type to give up.

Understood. Please, wait a moment.

Inugami went out to the terrace. He had to be going to get her.

I leaned back in my chair, thought about what was to come, and became a little gloomy.

We now turn back time to around when the sun was low in the sky.

In Parnam, bustling with people who had finished their daily toil, there was a green-haired girl walking down a shopping street.

Yeesh, everyone just goes off whenever they want...

The one who walked along, muttering that to herself, was the adventurer Juno. The party Juno was a member of had returned from the Republic of Turgis to their usual base of operations in the royal capital Parnam.

Juno stuck her hand in the pouch at her waist. There was more money in there than usual.

Here I am, with hazard pay, but I dont really want to drink alone...

The emergency quest they had taken in the republic had resulted in a hefty reward.

Even divided between the five of them, the money had been enough to pay for all of their new equipment, and they had decided they would each spend the day doing whatever they wanted.

Then youre Mr. Little Musashibos real identity?!

Well, yeah, thats more or less what I mean.

The young man extended his hand to Juno.

Its a pleasure to meet you... though I suppose its not the first time. Still, I havent given you my name properly, so let me introduce myself. I am Souma Kazuya. The one who was controlling Little Musashibo.

Souma Kazuya... Wait, thats the name of...

While they were shaking hands, Junos brow furrowed at the familiar name.

The young man said, with a wry smile, Do I really make that little of an impression in my normal outfit? Yeah. Im the provisional King of Friedonia.

At this point, Junos mind went completely blank.

It took some time for Juno to recover from her confusion.

Th-Then what? Youre Little Musashibo, and youre the king, so that means Little Musashibo is the king? ...Ah! Sorry, I need to mind my manners.

No, the way you normally talk is fine, I told Juno with a wry smile. She was babbling incoherently now. I told you we were comrades before, didnt I?

Juno puffed up her cheeks and looked away. ...I dont want someone who was keeping something so important a secret a comrade.

I couldnt tell you because it was so important. Besides, even if I had, I doubt youd have believed me, would you?

Thats... Well, maybe not. Fine, Ill act like normal.

With that said, Juno sat herself down on the railing at the edge of the terrace.

I stood with my back leaned against the same railing, and we were finally in a position to have a relaxed talk.

Then Junos eyes started darting around the area.

What is it, Juno? I asked.

Nah, I was just wondering where the presences that were chasing me up until a moment ago went.

Oh. Those are my people. I asked them to guide you here.

There is a debate over which is happier, the flower that blooms in the field, or the caged bird.

It is meaningless.

The flower and bird each have their own happiness.