Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

The biggest task was supplying the stored magical power to the apparatus in a stable manner, but the magical power storage system Big Sister Genia provided sorted everything out nicely. Ohh, how wonderful the technology of the House of Maxwell is! Trill rhapsodized. Viva Maxwell!

Youre too into this, Genia told her. Also, your drill hair is sitting on my head.

Not only was Trill rubbing her cheek against Genias, her hair, which was tied in a distinctive drill-like sidetail, was resting on top of Genias head, so Genia was a little unamused.

However, Trill didnt let go. Ohh, if I were a man, I swear I would take Big Sister Genia as my bride...

And she was saying some pretty incredible things, too.

I knew she was a big fan of the kingdoms overscientists, the House of Maxwell, but this was already to feel less like she was a fan and more like she was a worshiper.

It seemed not even Ludwin could let that line go unchallenged. He took Genia by the arm and pulled the two of them apart.

Please, stop, Madam Trill. Genia is my fiance.

Genia, with a look that showed she felt she had finally been liberated, hid behind Ludwins back.

Trill looked at Ludwin and puffed up her cheeks. They tell me youre Big Sister Genias childhood friend, but I see you have no appreciation for the things she develops. I, however, can properly understand the way she thinks!

True, Genias greatness is difficult for me to comprehend. Ludwin, who was by nature a serious man, countered Trills argument directly. But Ive been with Genia for a long time. If you claim to understand Genias greatness, I understand everything thats wrong with her. Shes a shut-in, unconcerned with anything outside her research, lacking in common sense, and unconcerned about how she looks to others. Even though shes a girl, she doesnt take care of her appearance, she lets the laundry pile up, and if you leave her alone, shell even collapse because she forgets to eat. I cant say I dont have my reservations about our married life.

Big Brother Luu, if you take it that far, even my feelings are going to get hurt, you know? Genia pursed her lips in displeasure, but...

Wow, Ludwin sure has been through a lot, huh?

It seemed even Trill was put off by how bad it was. E-Even so, the greatness of her technology wins out!

Because you comprehend its greatness, said Ludwin. I can only vaguely understand it. However, despite that, even as Im confronted with Genias bad points and cant understand her good ones, I still want her to be with me. I still want her as my wife.

Big Brother Luu...

As Genia clutched at Ludwins cape, her cheeks reddened and her face melted into a big silly grin. It was an uncommon expression for one who was usually so aloof.

I guess if he was going to talk so seriously about how much he loved her, that would be enough to make anyone smile.

It seemed Trill was not amused, because sparks flew where her eyes met with Ludwins.

...Hold on, why was this turning into a love triangle? It was an unusual one, too, where even though there were two women and one man involved, Genia was the one at the center of it.

Well, in the interest of friendly relations with the Empire, I couldnt have the commander of our National Defense Force and the Imperial ambassadors relationship go sour, so Id have to put my foot down.

I slipped into my king mode just a bit, and spoke to Trill in a frightening tone.

Madam Trill. If you mean to take issue with the engagement of one my vassals...

Wh-What are you going to do about it? she shot back defensively.

I will report your words and actions just now, not a single detail omitted, to Madam Maria and Madam Jeanne. Madam Jeanne told me, Please, tell me if she does anything to embarrass the Empire. I will bring her back, even if I have to tie a rope around her neck to do so.

This time, it was Trill who hid behind Ludwins large body. Th-Thats the one thing I dont want!

Her distance from Genia, who had already been hiding there, dropped, and Genia looked bothered by that.

Im finally in a position to learn from Big Sister Genia! Trill wailed. I dont want anyone taking me back to the Empire! Please, spare me that, at least!

Then please refrain from making waves about any of my vassals marriages, would you? I glared at her a little.

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Trill quickly saluted. Understood, sir!

Good grief.

Watching that exchange between us, Kuu smirked.

...What? I asked.

Some days later, it was busy in Tarus workshop in the Parnam craftsmens town.

Hey, Taru, Kuu said. Were done filing the anvil. Where do you want it?

Ohhh, its pretty heavy, Leporina groaned.

Kuu and Leporina were carrying in a heavy-looking anvil. They had been doing maintenance on it outside the workshop until just now.

Hearing their voices, Taru, who had been cleaning the ash out of the furnace, stopped and wiped the mixture of soot and sweat from her brow. She pointed to a spot near her.

Close to the furnace here.

Gotcha, said Kuu.

Kuu and Leporina laid the anvil down where they were asked to.

The three of them were currently doing a major cleanup of Tarus workshop.

The workshop had been left vacant recently because of her work on the drill development project, so Taru was using her day off today to clean the place up and do maintenance on her tools there.

Kuu had volunteered to help, and then dragged Leporina along, too.

Ever since they were in the republic, Kuu had wanted to show Taru his good side, so he often helped with cleaning the workshop, and was used to doing maintenance on her tools.

Leporina, who was often dragged along into helping, was the same.

Taru had anticipated the work would take all day, but with the extra help, they were finished before the sun went down.

As thanks for the assistance, Taru served the two of them black tea that she had allowed to chill after making it. It was still before spring, and cold, but the three of them were sweaty from their work, so the cold tea tasted especially good.

Thanks for today, Taru said bashfully, hiding her mouth with her cup. Master Kuu, Leporina.

Ookyakya! It was nothing, Kuu said energetically. Right, Leporina?

Yes. She seemed a little exhausted, her bunny ears drooping. Ive long since gotten used to being run ragged by Master Kuu.

Taru watched those two contrasting individuals for a moment.

So, Master Kuu, I still havent heard what you were here about, she said at last. Why did you come to see me today? You didnt come just to help clean up the workshop, I assume?

Ookya? Oh! Right, right! Kuu slapped his knee as if hed just remembered.

Oh! He actually came on business... Tarus eyes widened a bit in surprise.

In Kuus case, it was more than possible that hed just dropped by on a whim. Or rather, before this, that would definitely have been what Kuu was doing. However, today Kuu spoke to Taru with a serious look on his face.

I wanted to hear about that drill in detail. How about it? Hows development?

Going smoothly, Taru said. Even when theres an issue, if Madam Genia and Madam Trill argue over it for a while, they have a new breakthrough in no time. Those two are smart. From there, its simply a matter of me making parts of the quality they demand, and Merula providing the spells.

Then Kuu scratched the back of his head, as if troubled.

The ability to create superior technologies requires adaptability. Thats something we lack.

Huh? Adaptability? Leporina asked.

Yeah. Like how Bro used the jewels from the Jewel Voice Broadcast to create broadcast programs. He used something that had only been used for speeches before to provide entertainment for his countrys people. No one in this world ever thought of that, right? The ability to adapt and apply existing technologies is guaranteed to be important going forward. Like the rotational mechanism in the drill. Im sure Bros thinking of all sorts of uses for it.

You may be right. Taru nodded with a pensive look on her face. Im sure Madam Genia and Madam Trill will come up with all sorts of uses for it. But I cant think up ideas like that.

Yeah, and neither can I. Thats why, while they may not be up to Bros level, we need to find people of our own who can think of these things. Lots of them, too.

If were going to find these people, do you have any idea where to look? Leporina asked.

Kuu smirked. Not now, no. But with some time, we can make them.

Hm? What do you mean?

We round up some of the clever folks from our nation, young and full of motivation, and we send them to the kingdom and Empire to learn. Just like Im learning from Bro. Then, if they come back home to teach, it should increase the number of people who are able to think with adaptability in the republic.

Kuus idea was to gather students to study abroad in the kingdom and Empire. Of course, he would need to get permission from Gouran Taisei later, the man who was his father and the head of the republic, but Kuu planned to convince him, no matter what.

Leporina was impressed. Wow. Thats amazing, Master Kuu. I never knew you were thinking about all this.

Yeah, well, youre welcome to keep the compliments coming, you know? Kuu said laughing bashfully. Well, I am our future head of state. Id be in a sore spot if everyone was useless when I take over. Ive got to hire anyone useful I can, regardless of race or age.

I think thats wonderful. Taru seemed genuinely impressed, which only made Kuu happier.

Ookyakya! You falling in love with me all over again?

You get carried away so quickly, she sighed. How did you come to that conclusion?

Well, because I want you to be the wife of the future head of state.

At hearing him express his affection for her directly like that, Taru had no words.

The way he said it was as casual as ever, but his eyes were serious and focused directly on her.

Im always serious, you know? Kuu said. I know we cant do it right now, but I have every intention of making you my wife when we go back to the republic. I want you to act as a representative for the republics craftspeople, after all. I want you to walk with me.

She was silent.

Well, theres no rush to answer, Kuu said. Think on it.

With that, he stood up with an, Ups-a-daisy, and left the workshop.

Left behind, Taru and Leporina stared vacantly at the door through which he had left.

At last, coming to her senses first, Leporina asked Taru, The young master seemed serious. What will you do?

Having come to her senses, too, Taru answered her question with another. Huh?! What will I do...? Are you okay with this, Leporina? You love Master Kuu, too, dont you?

After she asked that, trying to read Leporinas expression as she did, Leporina nodded.

Its certainly true that I have feelings for Master Kuu. However, Master Kuu will one day be head of the republic. If he were to ask for my hand on his own, that would be one thing, but I cannot ask him to take me as his wife myself. Thats why, honestly, Im jealous of you.

Leporina...

Seeing the worried look on Tarus face, Leporina giggled.

Until you make your feelings clear, out of loyalty to you, Master Kuu isnt going to look at another woman. Whether you choose to accept or reject his proposal, I think now hell finally be able to look at me, too. I wont ask that he marry me, but I can appeal to him so he wants to make me his bride on his own. I just want to be by Master Kuus side, whatever form that takes.

Taru was speechless.

Leporina stood up and put her hand on the door. Now, its just a matter of what you want. I dont mind being second, so Ill be rooting for the two of you. That said, if you reject his proposal, Ill work to soothe Master Kuus wounded heart, and make sure he takes me as his first.

Youre able to come out and talk about your feelings honestly, I see, Taru said quietly.

Because I want to be with Master Kuu, from the bottom of my heart.

Its morning... I murmured.

I had the day off, but out of ingrained habit, I had woken up before dawn. As per usual, it was still dark out.

As I got out of bed, I remembered the dream I just had. It was a dream of when I was little, the first time Id met Master Kuu and Leporina.

After that day, Master Kuu and Leporina had repeatedly come over to my house to play.

There were limits to the fun we could have indoors, though, so Master Kuu had always been quick to take me outdoors. Wed ridden on the numoth and gone all sorts of places.

Because Master Kuu was reckless by nature, hed taken Leporina and me to dangerous places where we were caught in avalanches, chased by wild creatures, yelled at by adults who found out, and put through all sorts of other rather unfair situations.

Fond memories.

I tried comparing the Master Kuu of then to the Master Kuu of now.

I think... Master Kuu really has changed.

I felt like coming to this country coming into contact with a number of worlds had helped to broaden his horizons.

Hed tagged along to the Union of Eastern Nations, so he was as reckless as ever, but through it all, he had an awareness that he was the son of the head of our republic, and he was seeing what was good for our country, and what was out there that threatened us.

I think he has grown.

But some things never change.

Master Kuu was always trying to break down walls that stood in our way.

Like how he had broken through the snow to come to me in our youth, now he was trying to use the drill to open a hole and bring fresh air into the republic, which seemed locked in snow and ice.

It was because Master Kuu was the way he was that, even after all the hell he put her through, Leporina loved and adored him, and would follow him anywhere.

I... wanted to help Master Kuu, too.

I couldnt fight, so I couldnt follow him to the battlefield like Leporina, but I could at least watch Master Kuu press forward from behind.

Just as Master Kuu had broken through the snow to take me outside, if there was a wall that stands in Master Kuus way, this time, I wanted to be the one to tear it down.

Since I didnt have battlefield strength, Id do it using all the technology at my disposal.

...Okay.

Having found my resolve, I ate breakfast and left the workshop.

Ten days later...

Heyyyy, Taruuuu, Im heeeere! Kuu called.

Taaaaruuuu? Leporina called.

Taru had just called Kuu out with a letter saying she had something important to discuss, so he was here at her workshop with Leporina.

The furnace wasnt lit today, and it was high noon, so without light shining inside the building, it was gloomy.

The two entered the workshop and looked around.

Honestly, that Taru, Kuu said. Whats she doing so sneakily?

Leporina was silent.