National Enrichment Arc

Chapter 3: The Kings Brunch A

Nowadays, the great tumult from Soumas gathering of talented people had calmed down.

According to the story,In the dead of the night, a mannequin doll was loitering around. In the story, the mannequin was a type of doll with joints in its arms and legs, had no face and was used to decorate a clothing shop, however this mannequin clutched a sword in both of its hands and hunted monster by itself night after night

A certain adventurers testimony:

The other day, I was receiving a quest to escort a merchant and was walking in the highway at night, but unfortunately we were surrounded by Zelrin[2], a Gel subspecies. Although they were weak individually they are difficult to fight in high numbers, but at that same time, a mannequin doll, wielding a sword in both hands, staggered from the direction of the castle and started attacking the Zelrin. We became afraid of that eerie sight and started to run away as fast as we could... What the heck was that really?

Another adventures testimony:

It was several days ago. I received a request from the guild to intercept a group of hobgoblins that had crossed the border from the north and were heading towads the south. We had lain in wait to ambush them in a valley on their marching route, but they never arrived. Becoming impatient, we then conducted a search, but the hobgoblins had all been massacred and standing there, still in the midst of their corpses, was a mannequin doll. My swordsman comrade, who thought that it was a new Monster reinforcement, started to slash at it, but was repulsed with the dolls two swords style. My mage comrade started to attack it with fire, but it was nimble like an eagle, and fled the place with unbelievable speed. That.... was perhaps some sort of new unmanned weapon made by the Demon Lord, dont you agree?

There were many sightings of it, so although it was called a ghost story, it almost surely exists. However, at the time the adventurer guild started to recognize its existence and officially gave out a subjugation quest to capture that mannequin, the reports of its appearances suddenly came to a stop.

Today, the people wonder whether or not the rumor was a deliberate prank by somebody.

......and that is what the story of the rumor that had circulated around.(Liecia)

Eh... Is that so... (in monotone)(Souma)

Liecia[3], who was sitting on the bed, was telling me a story as I was leaning on the sofa. I replied without stopping my hand and then followed up with Needle. Her face became a bit sullen.

What is it? Are you not interested in such story?(Liecia)

As a king, I think its important to solve a potential problem on the castles land.(Liecia)

......How do you know about it?(Liecia)

Hmm, Well.... You know...(Souma)

I made a vague answer while continue to stuff cotton. Finally, after I sew the back, it will be complete.

......That reminds me. What have you been doing this entire time?(Liecia)

Then, why are you purposely doing needlework in my room?!(Liecia)

Theres no other way, right? Since my room is more like an office...(Souma)

Thanks to theMultiple Simultaneous Parallel Thinking[4]andTelekinesis[5](the skill up version ofWeak Telekinesis[6], I could now manipulate objects that had the same weight as me, but only on inorganic things and not living organism), I was now able to make the pen continue working while the original body took a break. However, my room was, as usual, still established as an office. As one would expect, a place where government officials continuously go in and out of was not place where somebody could take a rest.

Moreover......(Souma)

......Because of thatDarkElfAishamy heart has no time to rest.(Souma)

I can sympathize with you....(Liecia)

Nowadays, Aisha[7]was never separated from my side.

Dark Elves had a law that they were proud of that said that they will protect and stay at the side of the person they had pledged allegiance to until their life had come to an end. Thats why I acknowledged Aishas position as my Guard. Now, whenever I work, whenever I take a meal, whenever Im sleeping, even whenever Im in the bath and toilet, she always tried to say by my side. Although it was a problem for a person not yet officially employed to stand beside the King, since she was both beautiful and extremely loyal, the Imperial Guards under Ludwin[8]had given their tacit consent for her conduct. Nowadays, even the one who distinguished himself as my Right-Hand Man, Hakuya[9], said:

It doesnt matter if its with Princess Liecia, Aisha-dono[10]or Juna-dono[11], please quickly make some children. If you had some children, even their births can become a diplomatic card that we can use.(Hakuya)

He said this in a calm voice. Well, even in my previous worlds history, diplomatic marriage gave birth toThe Empire Where Sun Never Sets[12]or the Habsburg House Dynasty, or theDual Empire of Austria-Hungary. However, nowadays for Japanese (even if they enjoy Harem Romance), such notion about producing children for the sake of the house was an outdated concept and they refrained from it.[13]

Rishia glared at me with scornful eyes.

People with high social status is a magnet for beautiful women, right?(Liecia)

Ah, Tomoe is with my parents. Mother[15]really adores her.(Liecia)

Ever since Tomoe-chan became Liecias stepsister several days ago, she had been living in this castle. Of course as promised, she is together with her family and baby brother. By the way, Tomoe-chans mother become a day-care worker in the experimental newly introducedCastles Day Care Nurserythat is established to stimulate female social progress. It also mixed with the duty of Wet Nurses to nurse babies along with taking care of the other peoples children. Since the current society didnt have concept of maternity leave[16], if the castles maids have children then they must retire. Unless they were touched by the King, the majority of the maids will end up unmarried in life. But with this nursery, the young maids could have peace of mind to find marriage partners, so this institution had become very popular.

The talks had veered away... But basically, Tomoe-chan had two mothers inside the castle. At first they were quite confused, but nowadays both of them cherished her as their daughter. Liecia stood up and put her hand on the back of the sofa where I sit down as she took a peek at my hand from the back.

Even if you say you have free time, to spend that time sewing is...... Is that possibly, a plush doll?(Liecia)

Ah this? Papapapan Mushashi Boy-kun[17](Souma)

I had finished sewing the back so I took the doll in my hand and presented it a manner similar to a certain robot cat took out his tools.[18]

Musashi Boy?(Liecia)

Yes. In my world...It can be considered as a rare animal?(Souma)

Mushashi Boy-kunis a mascot character[19]of the town where I live; it was a cute deformed[20]two head talls[21]of the Musashis follower, Monk Benkei.[22]The head is covered with a white hood and it wore a waist-long Juzu[23]on its shoulder. It was a really dignified figure of Benkei. However, peeking below the gallant thick eyebrows were adorable acorn-like eyes that utterly erased any majesty it had. Because of that Gap[24]that stole the hearts of the citizens, it became unexpectedly popular. By the way, the city where I live has absolutely no relation with Musashis Monk Benkei; the reason why they chose Benkei was because the Saitama prefecture was formerly called asLand of Musashi[25].

I hadboorish thoughts likeThen isnt Miyamoto Musashi[26]or Musashimaru[27]also acceptable?orDo you want to introducethe enireSaitama if you bundleit as Land of Musashi?. But since it's just a mascot character; I should really just relax. Anyway, I had already sewn the 40cmtallMusashi Boy-kun doll.

Kuh... This is unexpectedlytoocute for me to get angry with.(Liecia)

But why this kind of thing?(Liecia)

My ability is really versatile. See.(Souma)

The Musashi Boy-kun in front of us started to move by itself. Then it started to skillfully break dance with its short arms and legs. Then,with its headon the floor, both of its short legs spread out and started to spin like Spinning Back Kick[28]. It was really skillfully done but alsoincrediblysurreal.

Liecia opened her eyes really wide andlookeddumbfounded.

Noooiyaaa...... What is this(Liecia)

Do you want to become a street performer?(Liecia)

Dont say stupid things. I wont forgive you if you quit halfway!(Liecia)

... I understand. Lets leave that aside.(Souma)

I passed two knives to Musashi Boy-kun. Then the Musashi Boy-kun, that was only made from ordinary felt cloth at the outside and a lump of cotton on the inside, could hold them like the way an adult holds combat knives. Musashi Boy-kun then brandished the two knives like Musashi Miyamoto.

Liecia was amazed by it.

No way... This is a doll right?(Liecia)

Doll and monsters, wait a moment... Could it possibly be that the rumored mannequin was a result of Soumas action(Liecia)

Ah. I was just experimenting with a different doll inside the castle.(Souma)

But I never thought it would become a rumor. Even though I was deliberately hunting monsters at night in order to avoid attention, but I think that because of that it had became an unwanted ghost story.

But because of the frequent battles with the monsters, I have discovered something: Just by receiving experience points, the dolls movements improved. The doll can even use the Intermediate Level Dual Sword SkillHigh Speed Rotational Cut[29](Souma)

As soon as I was saying that, Musashi Boy-Kun spread both of the knives in its hand and then started to rotate with high speed withGyuiinsound effects. It looked like a giant spinning top, but anything that approached it from the side will surely get cut into two.

Perhaps the experience points from the doll also are given back towards the real body?(Liecia)

That didnt happen?(Liecia)

Then how about you train it a little?(Liecia)

That is not how a Hero should fight, right?[30](Liecia)

Liecia told me in astonishment. Im sorry to say but I cant refute her opinion.

In the fantasy genre of my former world I think that my job can be calledPuppeteer,Doll UserorDollmancer[31]. The main gist of those types of job wasMid-Range Support Type. It was very different from a Hero who gave more of an impression of being aNear and Mid-Range Attacker Type. Well, it seems that in this country the Hero had a meaning ofSomeone who Leads the Age of Reformation[32].

Seeing you, the image of a Hero inside my heart has been thoroughly shattered.(Liecia)

Dont worry. I also feel the same.(Souma)

Not only had I managed the countrys domestic affairs for a month, I also dont really have any plans other than managing domestic affairs for the next several months. Can I really be called a Hero? No, I am One *irony*.

Suddenly, a knock came from outside the door.

Yes, come in.(Liecia)

Please excuse me(Serina)

The person who said it while bowing her head was Liecias chambermaid, Serina-san.[33]She was three years older than Liecia and wore glasses that really suited her appearance as an intellectually beautiful woman. It doesnt mean that I really know her, but I know from Liecias story that she was a woman Liecia considered as an older sister.

Serina looked at my face and then politely bowed to me.

Your Majesty, Hakuya-sama want me to pass a message to you :Poncho-sama had started assembling everyone.(Serina)

It came at last! I have waited for this for a long time!(Souma)

I immediately stood up and took Liecias hand.

Lets go, Liecia!(Souma)

Eh? Wai-? Wha-!?(Liecia)

We left the room as quick as the wind as Serina-san bowed and saw us off.

En route, we picked up Aisha and then went to the conference room where several people were already assembled.

In the middle of the room was a round table where Hakuya (who had succeeded Marcuss[34]position as Prime Minister), Tomoe-chan, Juna-san, and at last Poncho Ishizuka[35]were sitting. As Ludwin and Marcus were busy with another matter, they couldnt come right away, so all the assembled people in here were the talented people I had scouted earlier.

Your Majesty.(Hakuya)

Ah, please sit down. I just came here on my own accord!(Souma)

Seeing that everyone tried to stood up, I raised my hand to stop them before Liecia and I took our seat. It was only Aisha, who for some reason, immediately stood beside me when I took my seat. Honestly, this was bothering me but I couldnt do anything about her since when I ordered her to take a seat, she firmly ignored my command. Wasnt I a ruler? ...Well, lets just leave this matter aside for now.

I deeply express my thanks to everyone for your efforts in coming to this place.(Souma)

Your Majesty, I wish for you not to lower your head so easily.(Hakuya)

Hakuya, who stood beside the flustered Poncho, began to frown.

If someone like Your Majesty, who stands above others, starts to debase themselves, it might cause others to humiliate Your Majesty.(Hakuya)

I think that words is unworthy of us, Your Majesty.(Juna)

Juna-san softly bowed. Juna-san was behaving in was that were really picture-perfect.[36]

On the contrary, Tomoe-chan was very nervous to the point where she started chattering her teeth.

Am-Am I also a friend of the king?(Tomoe)

Ah, thats right.(Tomoe)

Ah, not fair! Then, also call meOneechan!(Liecia)

(Souma)(Liecia)

Looking at Tomoe-chans adorable behaviour, I and Leichia spontaneously made a Guts Pose.[38]

Our head were immediately hit by a harisen.[39]The one who had done it was Hakuya.

Both of you please stop doing this foolish thing, since the talks cant continue on like this.(Hakuya)

We are sorry(;_;)(Souma)(Liecia)

We gave an earnest apology. By the way, that harisen was something that I gave to Hakuya when he assumed the prime ministers position.When my conduct becomes intolerable, dont hesitate to strike my head with this.One way or another, the intention was for the formal Hakuya to calm down with a snappy joke, but, as expected of the unparalleled genius in all of the history of Elfrieden (according to Marcus), he used the harisen splendidly.

...How do you feel being a retainer who hits the head of the king in such a dignified way?(Souma)

My heart is pained by this, however this is also the Kings Decree(Hakuya)

Hakuya replied nonchalantly. I am delighted to be able to see his honest side, otherwise I would regret it if he had turned into a strict overseer... I was worried about this.

Putting those matters aside, Your Majesty. Could you care to enlighten everyone as to the purpose of this meeting?(Hakuya)

Y-Yes!(Poncho)

Perhaps because he was called so suddenly, the plump Poncho knocked over his chair when he stood up. His round body was the same as ever, but looked different from the way it looked at the audience several days ago; his body was completely tanned dark. There was a reason for this: recently, he literally flew around the whole world.[40]

Have you prepared what I had requested from you earlier?(Souma)

...What do you mean?(Liecia)

Liecia looked puzzled.

I lent Air Force 1[41]to him for the transportation.(Souma)

Royal Family has flying dragon right? I lent that to him.(Souma)

It was the Royal flying dragon that the king uses when travelling abroad. Due to the armys prohibitions, there were no other flying dragons, just the one. Because rapid transportation was necessary for Ponchos errand, I lent it to him. There were objections about lending the Royal Familys exclusive flying dragon to a mere commoner. However, since it couldnt be substituted with one of the flying dragons belong to the Air Force led by one of the Three Lords, Castor Balgas[42]; they were forced to accept this decision. By now, it will be futile to oppose my loan and request. Really... They are standing in my way.

...It would be great if they were destroyed. Three Lords territory that is.(Souma)

Even if Im thinking about this seriously?(Souma)

Liecia let out a gasp when she saw my expression. I wondered what kind of face I was making right now. Even Poncho and Tomoe-chan became frightened by it. Maybe this is not the right occasion to speak about this.[43]

Well then, Poncho, can you please show us what you have gathered?(Souma)

Y-Yes! These are what Your Majesty requestedThe Ingredients not used in This Countrys Cuisine!(Poncho)

Poncho said it while taking out the big bag with great haste. Yes, I made use of Ponchos plethora of food knowledge and appointed him to search for foodstuffs.

Seeing that bag, Liecia opened her eyes wide in disbelief.

Isnt that the Royal Familys treasured possession theHeros Bag of Holdings?!(Liecia)

Thats why..... Argh, whatever!(Liecia)

Well, since the milk had been spilt, Liecia gave up and dropped her shoulders.

So what are these? The ingredients not used in this countrys cuisine?(Liecia)

More accurately, these areFood that are eaten only in another country or in a locality in our country and are not a particularly popular cuisine on this country(Souma)

Different places have different goods, so different people also have different tastes.

Something that is not eaten and thrown away in one place could be considered as a delicacy in other places. This is a story that I hear often. Even in Japan, there are some localities that made us surprised.Eh? That sort of thing could be eaten?!: That is what the Ken*n Show on TV had taught me.[44]

Right now, our country is changing from planting cash crops, such as cotton, tea and tobacco, to planting food crops. However we will only get results during autumn. To guarantee that the citizen s right now dont get starve, we need an immediate effective measure.(Souma)

A long term earnest reform was necessary to fundamentally resolve the food problem. However, in the meantime there might be people suffering from starvation and they were in danger of starving to death if it went on too long. Furthermore, the ones who would perish first will be the ones with meager vitality. That is, infants who require a large amount of nutrition. Children are the treasure of a nation. A country that couldnt protect its own children would have no future. However, even if we delivered the nutrition to infants inside of Elfieden, there will be some part of the land that cant be reached by the countrys aid. Thats why while we are executing our long term plan, we also need a short term immediate effective measure.

Those are the ingredients not usually eaten?(Liecia)

Does something that convenient actually exists?(Liecia)

Move? Where?(Liecia)

I smiled at the confused Liecia and said.

We will need to examine whether or not we could use the food, so the place we should go to of course will be the dining room, right?

Author note (digested version, since Im too lazy to translate everything):

: TASTING THE FOOD!

Table of Contents

Next chapter will come out in December. Sorry. I will be very busy in late November.

[2]: Zerurin

[4]: Fukusuu Douji Heiretsu Shikou.

[6]: Jaku Nendou Nouryoku

[8]: Rudowin

[10]Dono: A very formal polite way to refer someone. Mainly used in official letters and or situation. Actually means Feudal Lord / Master.

[12]Remember that it was the Personal Union between the Kingdom of Scotland and Kingdom of England that gave birth to the British Empire.

[14]: Tomoe.: Chan. An informal familiar way to refer a child or someone younger.

[16]Refers to the period of time that a new mother takes off from work following the birth of her baby. In Indonesia, this is three months and considered as a paid leave.

[18]The certain cat robot isDoraemon. When he took out tools from his 4 dimensional pocket, there will be a BGM playing and he will say the tools name.

[20]Deformed: A Japanese term for a character with unrealistic proportion; mostly 1:2 or 1:3, the so called chibified character with a large head. Like Gundam SD (1:2)

[22]Benkeiis famous in Japan for being an epitome of loyalty and honor.

[24]Gap: a Japanese concept of a character that had an unexpected side that is different from what they usually shown to others, related to Japanese concept ofHonne and Tatemae, like a girl who is really taciturn, composed, and always glaring at MC, but actually really shy and likes cute things. Just.... expose yourself to some Japanese popular media....

[26]FamousJapanese Swordsman who famous for two sword style

[28], Chun-Lis move from Street Fighter.

[30]Standard JRPG Hero party consists of 4 people: one Hero and three comrades that stand side by side a la Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest style. Since Liecia didn't know about it since she was from another world. I previously mistranslated this line. Thanks to the kind anon who pointed this out.

[32]: Jidai no henkaku o michibikusha.

[34]: Marukusu.Either it Marx or Marks, or Marcus.

[36]Picture-perfect, adjective:lacking in defects or flaws; ideal.

[37]Upturned eyes are considered to be cute in Japan.

'Oniichan'

[38]A victory pose popularized by famous athlete,Guts Ishimatsu.

Thanks again, Kokoro...

[39]Harisenis a paper fan commonly used in Japanese slapstick comedy. Umm... this is another world right? I now picture Hakuya carrying a harisen like Zhuge Liang carrying a fan.

[41]A nickname or moniker for the personal plane of President of the USA

[43]Beware the nice one. Maybe his face expression is just like Hinata Fuyuki in Keroro Gunso when he mad. Too bad we wont see is army of dolls (funnels) decimating the Three Lords army.

[44]Nope. I dont know what kind this TV Program is... Any reader know? It start with Ken and end with n, and the genre is documentary or reality show I guess.