Postwar Arc Chapter 3: The Negotiation A There was a training ground inside Vans Castle. In that open air room, that was similar to a Japanese archery range, I was facing the fully equipped Aisha. The red armored Aisha bared her great sword[1]toward my direction, while opposing her were me and the five medium-sized Musashi Boy-kun dolls(It was in the middle between the small size, that was as big as a stuffed toy, and the large size, that was as big as a human). Then I will move, Your Majesty!(Aisha) Come, Aisha!(Souma) The referee, Liscia at the corner of my field of view, raised her hand. At that moment, Aishas great sword slashed down. In an instant, a visible shockwave flew towards me. I then moved Musashi Boy-kun (equipped with Shields in both of its hands) to the front and braced the shields. When the shockwave hit, it produced a loud banging noise, but Musashi Boy-kun A (Dual Shield) somehow managed to hold its ground. Its not over!(Aisha) However, without even a moment to feel relieved, Aisha pointed her great sword towards my direction and set the sword at her side, before thrusting it forward with all of her might. Even though, Musashi Boy-kun A piled its shields to guard against this attack, that battering ram-like attack penetrated both the piled up shields and Musashi Boy-kun. (For real It pierced through those two bulky shields)(Souma) I was taken aback by the unreasonable power, but currently, Aishas feet were stopped. Using this chance, I sent Musashi Boy-kun B (Dual Sword) and Musashi Boy-kun C (Spear) from both of her flanks and attacked from both right and left at the same time. But Aisha stabbed the great sword, that had pierced through Musashi Boy-kun A to the ground, and then, as if using the great sword as a pivot, she did a cartwheel and evaded the attack by moving her body towards the air. Aisha ended up in a position similar to a handstand by using the great sword. There,Precision Shooting!(Souma) The remaining Musashi Boy-kun D and E (Bow) aimed and shot at Aisha, whose feet had left the ground and could not move. Two arrows quickly flew towards Aisha. Nave!(Aisha) On top of the stabbed down great sword, Aisha rotated her feet and did something like a capoera handstand roundhouse kick (I dont know the proper name)[2]and then kicked down the two arrows. Then, she stepped down and immediately took out something from inside her pocket before flicking it towards me with her thumb. Noway(Souma) There was a pacch sound from my forehead, so I was greatly taken aback. In the middle of my forehead, there was a ten yen coin sized piece of clay. If perhaps, this was a knife or a stone from a slingshot, then perhaps I would already be dead. Well, since it was only a practice match, I wont die, but as expected, its depressing to be defeated one-sidedly I then sat down on the spot. Ah, really I cant even put up a proper fight.(Souma) T-that is(Aisha) Aisha, I think it is important for the battle analysis, so just say it honestly.(Liscia) Liscia stopped Aisha, who was hurriedly approaching me, and, just like what Liscia had said, I was currently verifying my battle capability. Just like what Liscia said. Speak honestly.(Souma) T-then How should I say this, I didnt feel any difficulty facing the Party of dolls. But I think the previousEveryone carries swords in both hands and swarmstactic is more difficult to deal with.(Aisha) Ah, thePikmin Tactic[3] But then, didnt you just blow them all away together?(Souma) So in other words, its below the standard.(Liscia) Uuu.(Aisha) I hung my head when Liscia pointed this out. Since the Pikmin Tactic wasnt effective, then this time, I tried to use the combination tactic that was used by the adventurer party, that Musashi Boy-kun participate together with in the quest before, as a reference (if I have to name it, it will be calledWorld Tree Labyrinth Tactic[4], but in the end, this tactic failed Since an adventurer party will have a magician, after all. A shield that has been strengthened using magic would be difficult to pierce and, rather than arrows, elemental magic would also be difficult to deal with.(Aisha) Aisha said this sketchily. Also, rather than impossible, its difficult, so Aishas above the norm standard was really obvious Even if you mention a magician. I cant use elemental magic or support magic(Souma) To say nothing of me, even if theLiving Poltergeistdolls that I control could useWhirlwind SlashorPrecision Shooting, they couldnt use magic to put elemental effects on their weapon or to shoot out flames or ice. I wonder if you can learn how to use them from something like a magic academy?(Souma) It will be impossible. I have never heard a Dark Attribute user that can use magic from other attributes.(Liscia) Liscia immediately vetoed it. According to her, the four great attributes: Fire, Water, Earth, and Wind, created the phenomenon by manipulating mana in the air, while the Light attribute meddled with mana inside the body to increase the healing rate or to enhance the body. However, a Dark attribute didnt have any ability to do this. In other words, no matter how much I learn or study, I wont become a Magician or a Healer How should I say this? This is disappointing. I dropped my shoulders and Liscia began to speak with a surprised expression. What are you talking about? A Dark attribute is rare, you know? Even until now, I only have seen three person possessing it.(Liscia) Three people? Its me and Tomoe, right? Who is the other one?(Souma) Its my Mother. But she never told me what her power is.(Liscia) ReallyThe previous Queen, right? I met with her a bit when I was summoned. Im certain the right to succeed the throne was originally the previous Queens (so strictly speaking, the previous Queen Regnant)[5]and that the Queen was just entrusting the kingdoms governance to her husband, the previous King Albert? She was hidden behind the Kings shadow, so I dont really remember her, but whenever I see her, she was always smiling, so I feel that she is a nice person. However, it seems that my power is not enough to protect myself(Souma) Please be relieved, Your Majesty! I will always guard Your Majestys life the entire time!(Aisha) Aisha hit her chest with a puff. In front of her reliability, I feel pathetic. A hero that is protected by a girl, as expected, is not cool(Souma) What are you saying right now? Souma hasnt been hero-like since the very beginning, you know.(Liscia) Liscia slashed me down with a single stroke. I agree with her But could she not use such a coarse and indirect expression?[6]While I was thinking this, Isnt it Soumas way to entrust things that you cant do to people who can? Since you couldnt do it with your own power, then we will be the ones who will always protect you.(Liscia) Liscia said this while blushing. Aisha also followed her. Just like what the Princess said! Your Majesty is the one who has protected the country where we live, so please let us protect Your Majestys safety!(Liscia) I see.(Souma) To have two beautiful girls saying this to me, although it is pathetic, I am also happy. I am a frail Hero(?), but I will protect the girls in my own way No, I want to protect them. Its from the deepest part of my heart. Your Majesty.(Juna) When I turned my head at the sudden call, I saw Juna-san in her Marine uniform making a bow with her hand on her chest. Hakuya-dono is searching for you, he wanted to talk about the city planning.(Juna) I understand. I will go to meet him right now.(Souma) I stood up and brushed away the dirt. I asked the soldiers to tidy the training ground, as I and the girls headed towards the government affairs office. I will do what I can do. When we arrived at the government affairs office, Hakuya and Ludwin were already waiting inside. I sat at the desk, while Liscia, who had been in the secretary position since some time ago, and Juna-san, who was also in the secretary position due to the labor shortage, were sitting at both of my sides. Aisha was standing close to the door in her bodyguard stance. Recently, this has become the standard formation for this room. After confirming that everyone was in position, Hakuya then showed a map of Vans city planning that he had prepared on the table. Please take a look at the city planning scheme.(Hakuya) Just like what he had suggested, I took a look at the map. There were four highways to each cardinal point from the Dukes Castle at the center towards the square outer walls, then, small roads branched out perpendicularly from the main road, which made the map look like a Go board[7]. It was as if I was seeing the map of Ancient Nara and Ancient Kyoto depicted in a history textbook.[8]The nobles quarters would be integrated on the northeast section, while the workshops would be on the southwest section. Facilities, such as garrison military stations, are dispersed in an earth-staggeringly efficient manner. I let out a sigh while resting my chin on my hands. Hakuya.(Souma) Yes, Your Majesty.(Hakuya) This is overkill.(Souma) After all, this was a city planning that was really taking efficiency into serious consideration. Ane-san-rokkaku-tako-nishiki[9]Why are you turning the streets into a mysterious unrecitable spell? In the first place, for such a large scale reconstruction, wont it be quicker if we just burned down the entire city? Do I need to become a Nero emperor?[10] I am sorry. After looking at that disordered city planning, I had this sudden impetus to make it more efficient(Hakuya) Perhaps Hakuya understood this, so he made a wry smile as he pointed at the main street. However, for the fire countermeasures, it is important to establish a boundary. So establishing these main streets is necessary. Thats seems to be so. However, I want to reflect the will of the people who live on the other parts. I want them to think about what kind of city they want to be and what they think about the other people living alongside with them. If we just decided anything and everything here, then it could incite a rebellion.(Souma) Just in case, I have called several architects who lived in this city, but Asking the opinion of the people in this city? But with the current atmosphere, the result would be some avant-garde art(Hakuya) An artistic city, huh? That sounds interesting if thats really the case.(Souma) It might be a good idea to also establish art galleries and museums What will it be? Since there is a open air market just like Ameyoko[11], I feel that Van would gradually turn into Ueno. If thats the case, then lets also build a Zoo, too[12]. If we borrow Tomoe-chans power, then it will easy to make it a reality, since the Pongos (mountain apes) could quickly build it. However, Hakuya shook his head. Van will become the front line city against Amidonia. At this point of time, it is impossible to create such pleasant city.(Hakuya) Ah, thats true.(Souma) After all, you cant hope much for the defensive capabilities of an Art City. I want to quickly turn it into a city that you can change as you wish. I then looked at Ludwins direction. Whats the current state of the work for establishing a transportation network?(Souma) Yes, Your Majesty. Presently, the Royal Armys Kings Guards and the Army had given their entire effort and have connected Van to the highway that leads to the Kingdoms territory. In addition, we have completed connecting the road to the villages surrounding Van that are under our current possession. We have also constructed eight bridges over the rivers, but(Ludwin) But?(Souma) I asked Ludwin, who seemed to be hesitating and then, while showing an uncomprehending expression, he asked. Currently, I dont understand what the meaning of establishing the transportation network is. Of course, I understand that it is necessary to establish roads for the supply line. However, currently the Empire doesnt recognize Vans ownership, so if we construct roads and bridges, wont it just be a worthless endeavor when it gets handed back over?(Ludwin) Hes right The Empire, of course, would demand Vans return. It will also be annoying if Julius uses the bridges that we constructed.(Liscia) Liscia also made a pensive expression. However, Perhaps that wont happen.(Hakuya) Yes. Not happening.(Juna) Hakuya and Juna-san denied it together. With all due respect, the Ducal Prince Julius is not someone who has that kind of personality.(Hakuya) I heard that he has high pride, so he wouldnt do something like using a bridge that had been constructed by his enemies.(Juna) Hummm If its me, even if its Amidonias, as long as it can be used, I will use it.(Souma) For example, that husky voiced female general. Ever since that day, Margarita Wanda had done her best as the singing contests host. In this country, where a woman is looked down upon by men, a woman who can speak frankly to the male participants is precious. She is also powerful, so the half-hearted men wouldnt oppose her. Well, leaving that aside. If he had such a high pride, then shall we try to do something to harass him?(Souma) Harass him?(Liscia) We shall bestow names to the bridges. There are eight, right? Then Souma Bridge, Liscia Bridge, Albert Bridge, Hakuya Bridge, Ludwin Bridge, Poncho-Ishidzuka Bridge, Aisha Bridge and Juna Bridge. Engrave each of these names on the respective bridges guardrails. Even if they change hands, we could still emphasize the Elfrieden Kingdoms contribution. In this case, wouldnt Julius want to destroy them instead?(Souma) Souma You really take to such dirty measures so easily(Liscia) Liscia answered in half admiring half amazed tone, but since there were no objections, this plan would be accepted. Incidentally, I requested that the bridge were only sufficiently strong, as it will be alright if the bridges are destroyed. I also confirmed that they didnt ornament the bridges. After seeing Hakuya and Ludwin going off to carry out the plan that we had decided on just now, Liscia sighed. As expected, it is hard since the Empire maintains their demand for Vans return?(Liscia) YeahThey have no intentions to change their basic policy, but if that Sister Princess[13]is our enemy, it will be impossible to push things our way. Even if it ended successfully for us, the Empire would lose its face. If thats the result, it will incur the Empires hostility, and it will be a diplomatic failure.(Souma) I heard that Souma met with Jeanne Euphoria. Is it true? About how the Hero Summoning was their consideration for our country?(Liscia) Did she heard that from Juna-san? I only nodded in response. Yeah.(Souma) Since when did Souma realize this?(Liscia) Ever since I heard that the Empire is led by someone referred to as theHoly Maiden, I have had a vague hint. I believed that a person who was touted as a figurehead called theHoly Maidenwouldnt do such a relatively unreasonable action.(Souma) Isnt that position was just their public face?(Liscia) It is because it is their public face, that it is convenient to be touted.(Souma) For the Empire that has a humongous territory and is composed of many races and tribes, a figurehead called theHoly Maidenis convenient to act as the unifying force. It was all the more important, since the Empire wanted to create a system to manage an united Humanity front to counter the Demon Lord Army. Then, so that they wouldnt lose this convenience, Maria Euphoria would be someone who will act just how a Holy Maiden would do. Because of this, you could interpret the Empires request in a favorable light, or something like that.(Souma) Well, until my discussion with Jeanne, I didnt have any positive proof of this. But I had finaly confirmed it in the discussion with Jeanne. Although, the Grand Chaos Empire appears to be something like anEvil Empirein a story, it is not a haughty superpower nation. They are only a normal strong nation that endeavors to frantically preserve their country. For this reasonwe cant be completely careless in this.(Souma) Youre right.(Liscia) I exchanged looks with Liscia and the other two, and then I made a sigh. On the next day, that Sister Princess, Jeanne Euphoria, accompanied by the claimant, the new Amidonian Duke, Julius, appeared in Van as the envoy for the territory return negotiations. Table of Contents Dundundundun. Curtain of a 8 long part chapter called Negotiation begun Now, what a Realist Souma do to counter a Realist Jeanne?