How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 15: Chapter 7

The Royal Capital, Parnam

Gerula has come, I said as flatly as possible.

Gathered around me in the governmental affairs office were Liscia, Hakuya, and Yuriga. Because Liscia and I have been together a long time now, she gulped, realizing from my expression that the circumstances were extraordinary this time.

Hes the envoy who came from the Spirit Kingdom, right? she asked on behalf of the group.

Yeah. I nodded. And apparently he was infected with the Spirit Kings Curse.

Ah! The disease you promised Sir Fuuga youd help fight?

Oh, no... Are you saying he brought it to this country? Yuriga asked.

I nodded slowly.

It would mean that, yes. The medical teams I sent to the port town, and Hilde and Brad whove read their reports, tell me it doesnt spread from person to person though.

I-I see... Okay then, Yuriga said, relieved.

That was our one salvation. Wed be in serious trouble if this disease spread between people via air, droplets, or contact. If that had happened... I dont think Id be able to forgive Gerula for it. If someone close to me died of this disease, even if it was inevitable, I would have resented the Spirit Kingdom and the high elves.

I took a deep breath to quell my anger before continuing.

Still, we dont exactly know how the disease works. It seems to happen as a result of fighting monsters, but we cant be certain. The reasoning behind becoming unable to use magic is unclear too. Because of all these unknowns, we cant rule out person-to-person transmission.

Thats true... Liscia agreed. So? Where is Sir Gerula now?

In a town near the border. Ive sent an envoy to collect him, and hell be quarantined in a facility run by the state outside the castle walls. I intend to have the envoy and Gonzales quarantine at home for a week following this. Well also ask around in the places hes been, and see how much contact people had with him... Yuriga.

As I called her name, Yuriga jumped and stood up straight.

Y-Yes!

Gerula must have come into our country through our border with the Great Tiger Kingdom. It seems he was taken into custody soon after, so I doubt he went many places on our side of the border, but...on your side, that cant be true. Ill relay what he tells us of his route here, so please ask Fuuga to investigate.

O-Okay. Ill definitely let him know.

While Yuriga was somewhat shaken, she put her hands together in front of her and bowed her head.

Im counting on you, Yuriga.

Sire, Sir Gerula is seeking an audience with you. Will you see him? Hakuya asked.

Scratching my head, I replied, Ive got to meet him, right? There are a ton of things he needs to tell us, and some of them will require me to make decisions as king.

Thats...worrisome, Liscia said, her expression pained.

It killed me to see her like that, but I still had to go. For her sake, and the childrens as well.

I intend to take every precaution against infection, of course. But we have Enju and Leon who were only just born, Juna and Roroa who are still weak from giving birth, and Cian and Kazuha who are still little. Ill be self-quarantining in some corner of the castle after I meet with Gerula.

Having a big, sprawling castle was useful at a time like this. If I used my Factory Arms, I could do my work without ever meeting anyone. Itd be lonely not being able to see my family though...

Chuckling, Liscia cupped my face in her palms.

Then maybe I should touch you while I still can.

Uh, no, can you wait till were done here? Hakuya and Yuriga are watching.

I glanced over at them. Hakuya looked like he was done with this nonsense, and Yuriga was looking away, a little red. Awkward...

Peeling Liscias hands off of me gently, I ordered, Hakuya, contact Hilde and Brad. Theyll be seeing Gerula, Im sure.

Is that all right?

I promised to tell them anything we discovered. If the patients come to us, I cant not let them see him. We want all the information we can get, after all.

Understood.

And with this, the Kingdom made preparations to take in Gerula.

Some days later, I received a report that Gerula Garlan had arrived at the facility (or quarantine site, rather) that we had prepared for him. Once I had accounted for everything I could think of, I went there to meet him.

This time, I had refused to allow my usual guards, Aisha and Naden, to accompany me. Instead, I brought two of the Black Cats. Aisha was really against letting me go without her, but I didnt want any more of my family having to quarantine, so she had to put up with it for now.

When I arrived at the facility, my guards and I donned cloth masks and disinfected our hands with alcohol at the entrance. In my old world, there would have been non-woven masks and protective suits, but this was the best we could manage in this country currently.

Once we were inside, they led us to Hilde and Brad, who had arrived ahead of time to examine Gerula.

Incidentally, their daughter Ludia had been deposited at the castles nursery with Tomoes mother for safekeeping. When I met them in what looked like an examination room, they seemed troubled. I asked them about Gerulas condition.

I cant believe he crossed the continent in this state. He could have collapsed at any point, Hilde said with a face that said, Is he stupid?

That bad, huh?

Its more than just bad! In the state hes in...he could die any second.

Under that robe, he was practically just skin and bones, Brad, who was resting his back against the wall, said. Hes living pretty much on force of spirit alone. Once it comes this far...frankly, theres nothing we can do.

Its that bad...

This is why I hate warriors. They dont value life, even when its their own, Hilde complained, a sad look in her eyes.

She was feeling the frustration of being unable to save her patient. But...I dont understand.

If hes in such bad shape, why come here? Did he think our medicine would be able to cure him or something? I asked, but they both lowered their eyes.

I think...its better you hear that from him yourself, Hilde said.

Yeah, Brad agreed. Its not for us to say.

I decided to meet with Gerula in his room on the east side of the facility. Knocking and entering, the first thing I saw was a sheet of glass bisecting the room. On one side was the entrance door while the other contained his bed. There was another door that allowed people to traverse between both sections. This seems like a prison visitation room.

As I walked in, Gerula was sitting in bed, gazing out the window. I sat on a chair nearby, and he slowly made his way over to me.

There was none of the suffering of a diseased man; no lamentation of his fate in his expression. He had the look of a man who had accepted everything. It reminded me of former General of the Army Georg Carmine when he was in prison.

Sir Gerula.

Sir Souma.

We addressed one another. It felt a lot different from when wed first met. There was no arrogance from him now. If anything, he came off as quiet and meek.

As I struggled to decide where to start, Gerula bowed his head.

Its been some time since we last parted... Im glad to see you.

Glad, huh? Cant say I feel the same. You did drag a disease in here, after all.

I apologize. The circumstances are very much regrettable.

Is it the Spirit Kings Curse?

Yes. That is what I am afflicted with, he replied, looking straight into my eyes.

It didnt seem like he had some secret motive here, or any hint of darkness about him.

I rested my elbow on the armrest as I said, Youve changed a lot since I first met you. Back then, you were more...

Arrogant?

Well...yeah. You didnt seem suited to negotiating.

I was immature. Even after living more than a century. And so was my country... With a smile too peaceful to call self-mocking, Gerula shook his head. However, I can understand my immaturity now. When I sensed the final stage approaching and reflected on myself...I thought, How immature Ive been.

The final stage... Youre talking about your symptoms? I asked, and Gerula nodded.

I have seen many die of the same disease. And I know my own body better than anyone. Im sure I dont have much time left... We high elves may be long-lived, but it means nothing in the face of such a disease.

He sensed his impending death. Does this peace come from his acceptance of it? I decided to ask him what Id asked Hilde before.

Why did you come to this country? Was it because you thought we could treat you here?

At this, Gerula silently shook his head.

No. Despite incurring this disease for so long, we still have yet to figure out what causes it. I cant imagine you have the medicine to treat it here where it doesnt even occur.

Then why?

I thought that even if you dont have it now, if anywhere was going to make a cure, it would be this country. To that end, I came here to do what I can with this body and life of mine.

Gerula pointed at a table. On it, there was a single letter. Is he telling me to read it? Walking over, I picked up the letter and read through it.

Huh?!

I was speechless. This is... Its just...

After a few seconds, I managed to say, Are you...in your right mind?

I will donate my body to researching this disease. Gerula nodded. I dont have much life left in me, but I will cooperate with any sort of examination or medical experiment. And when I am dead, I wish for you to dissect my body, and discover the true nature of this disease. That letter is written permission for you to do with my body as you see fit. It bears the signatures of both myself and Spirit Kingdom King Garula.

In other words, we had royal assent to perform an autopsy on him. Like he was a lab rat or guinea pig.

This is what Hilde and Brad didnt want to talk about...

Why go...so far?

Because I saw this country for myself, Gerula said with a slight smile. You have things here that others dont. Well-maintained roads, recreational broadcasts, foods Ive never seen, songs Ive never heard...and people who welcome and celebrate all of these new things. I was surprised at first. While the Spirit Kingdom has been closed off, so much new culture has been born in the outside world.

I remained silent, allowing Gerula to continue.

At the same time, I envied it. Resented it. Back then, I thought the perspective of the Spirit Kingdom was everything, and these shallow things were ill-suited to us high elves... I was too narrow-minded. If Id been more flexible and accepting, I could have built a better relationship with your country, and requested your assistance with fighting this disease more sincerely.

Sir Gerula...

Getting back to the topic at hand, he shook his head.

Its much too late now... Im just trying to say that I sensed these new things, and...perhaps the ability to develop a cure for the Spirit Kings Curse may be something that only this country has. Thats why I thought Id offer my body to help your research. And now that Ive returned to your country, I am certain of it. Sir Gonzales told me about your doctors and hospitals. I think your country can give my death meaning.

Oh, I see now.

A death not in vain; that was what Gerula wanted. It was why he pushed on to return to this country despite his disease. He did so in hope that, with his life, he could save those of his countrymen. You could even say that he came to this country to die.

I let out a small sigh. I couldnt approve of his decision to cast his life away. But still, I wasnt so cold-blooded that I could tell him that.

Fine. Lets do it your way, I told him, and Gerula reacted with obvious delight.

Ooh, thank you so much.

Im sure youve met them by now, but Hilde and Brad are the best doctors our country has to offer. This may not be much condolence, but...between your body and their abilities, Im confident we can find a solution to this disease.

Gerula nodded firmly at that.

I believe so too.

Well... Ill be going now.

I rose from my seat. This is probably the last time Ill ever see him alive. I sensed that keenly as I looked at him.

If you have anything you want, just tell the people here. Ill tell them to grant your wishes to the degree were able.

Thank you for your consideration. Please be well.

Yeah... May your stay here be as long and peaceful as possible.

And with that, I left Gerulas room.

It wasnt long after that I received word of his death. Mankinds advances in the field of medicine were a constant repetition of this sort of thing. Those involved in the field studied out of a desire to save as many people as possible. Those who fell to the disease hoped that at least their death would not be in vain, and wished for a world where others wouldnt die the same way. In many cases, with the donation of the patients body, things became clear, and a path to a cure was found.

We could fight the disease, crossing the boundary between physician and patient, and between countries as well.

Yes, in the name of mankind.

After weakening day after day, Gerula awoke, unable to tell day from night any longer, and saw a woman standing on the opposite side of his room.

Clear white skin. Sharp ears. Red eyes. These were the traits of a high elf.

Why...is there a high elf here?

Oh... Youre awake.

Approaching the glass, the woman said, I never expected to meet one of my kind in this country.

Who are you? Gerula asked, and the woman pressed a hand to her chest and bowed slightly.

I am Merula Merlin. One who broke the taboo of leaving the island.

Ah...I see. So youre Merula.

A complicated expression crossed Gerulas face, but it quickly passed and his features slackened.

Thats right. Id heard you were in the Kingdom...

Yes. For the past few years.

And? What are you doing here?

Hilde called me here. She wanted a healthy high elfs blood to study the Spirit Kings Curse. And you and I are the only high elves in this country.

She had actually been asked for saliva and urine samples as well, but being a woman, Merula didnt mention that.

Gerula took a long breath.

I see... Im sorry to trouble you.

Tell me about it, Merula said, resting her hand softly on the glass. To think youd push yourself to come here in that state...

I thought this country was the only place that could discover a cure. And Merula... Your presence made me sure of it.

Im not a doctor or anything of the sort, you realize?

An eccentric like you is able to live normally here. That fact alone lets me sense this countrys academic efforts, Gerula said with a small smile. After you left the country, the number of young people who aspired to be like you increased, and we struggled to suppress them. But looking back at it now...you may have been right. While our country was closed, the outside world has advanced so much.

Merula smiled wryly and shrugged.

This country has advanced too much, so its not quite right to use them as your benchmark.

Its fine. Im sure our country must change... Gerula said, and Merula lowered her eyes.

I left our home during the reign of the previous king. He had two sons; the elder Garula was a warrior, and the younger Gerula was brave and wise. Your brother has inherited the throne now, right? Do you think he can change? Merula asked.

Gerula nodded with a peaceful expression. It wont be a problem. Garula isnt a stubborn man with nothing but power now.

Youre sure about that?

Yes... That girl, Princess Elulu is wise too... The Spirit Kingdom will be fine...

Gerulas consciousness was blurring, and his eyelids looked ready to fall at any moment.

Sir Gerula!

Merula... See this through to the end... The end of the disease...

As Merula watched, the strength faded from Gerulas body. All that remained was an empty face, set free from all pain and responsibility.

Sensing what had happened, a tear streamed down Merulas cheek. Wiping it away, she pressed her hand to the glass and said, Good night, Gerula.