How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 16: Chapter SS4

Maria Visits the Senior Queens (Naden Version)

Good morning, everyone. Im the Maria who just lost the job she held for many years. Now that I was going to get married to Souma, I wanted to chat with my senior wives more so that we could live together happily.

Early in the day, Second Secondary Queen Naden said shed be going down to the castle town, so I joined her.

Souma tells me you do the weather forecast, and also act as a sort of jack-of-all-trades in the castle town?

Well, thats how its worked out, yeah, Naden said, awkwardly scratching her cheek as we walked down a cobbled road in Parnam. When I was killing time in town, I helped out an old lady who was in trouble. Then I did a bunch of other stuff, like delivering some things a customer left behind or moving a damaged cart out of the road. It kept happening to the point that people just casually ask me for favors now.

Naden was a black ryuu from the Star Dragon Mountain Range. She had strength and mobility, which probably made her a big help to the townspeople.

You lend an ear to the common people. Thats lovely.

Its not that big a deal.

I was serious, but Naden waved it off.

Ah! Naden. Thanks for that delivery earlier.

Hey, Lady Naden! Ive got good vegetables in stock, would you like some to take home? Your husband loves cooking, so hell be grateful for them!

Lady Nadeeen, lets play hide and seeeek.

The bakers wife, the greengrocer, and a child walking down the road all called out to Naden like close friends. Naden turned and responded to each of them.

Your kids are still little, right? If you need anything else, just let me know.

Ill drop by on the way home, so hold onto them for me!

Im showing someone around today, so no can do! Well play next time!

So she played hide and seek too, huh? The number of people calling out to her never let up. My eyes widened with surprise.

You really are popular, Naden.

Theyve all forgotten Im a queen.

When things settled down a bit, Naden said, They respect Souma, Liscia, and the others like theyre supposed to. Im the only one they treat so casually. Your people loved and respected you too, right?

They did, yes, but...thats not always a good thing, you know?

Hm? Its not?

No. People respect kings or queens because they dont see them. Obviously, they see our faces over the broadcast, but they arent closely involved with us. Thats why the common people fear and respect royalty.

That...could be right.

Naden looked somewhat, but not entirely convinced. I was telling her what I really felt though.

Thinking back to when I was an empress, I said I was doing things for the people, but never had the chance to actually come into contact with those people. I never spoke to them directly, so could I really hold my head high and say I was a good ruler?

I think their relationship with you is healthy, Naden. If anything, I see it as close to ideal, the way youre able to hear the voices of the townsfolk directly.

Its not that big a deal. But I dont mind hearing you say that, Naden said with a smile. Thats when I had an idea.

I know! I exclaimed, clapping my hands together.

Huh?! Wh-What was that about?

Naden gave me a dubious look. I didnt let it bother me. I grabbed one of her hands with both of mine.

You have a lot of free time, right? Lets use that time to travel the country together! Then we can meet people all over the kingdom!

Travel?! Whats this out of nowhere?!

If you let me ride you, Ill be able to hear from people all over the kingdom. From the weak and downtrodden, whose voices rarely make it to those at the top too. With you there, we wont need bodyguards. Naden! Lets go hear from lots of people, and make this country better together!

H-Hold on! Naden hurriedly shook free of my hands. I respect the idea, but the only one whos supposed to ride me is my partner, Souma, you know?! I cant just let you ride alone and take me all over the place...

The partner of your partner is your partner. So its fine!

Its fine? On what basis...?

Now, with that decided, lets go and get Soumas permission!

I took Nadens hand and started walking along.

Naden started protesting, Listen to meeee!

But...thats fine! We were going to get along great!