***Kuro***

  About four months after I inherited the fief of the te Viscount Dupree, and all the projects we pnned were proceeding to its completion.

  Thanks to the people who helped with my duchy’s finances, our budget—while skirted on the ‘just enough’ levels—avoided falling in the ‘red.’ Eris’ House of Braunhauer sent money to construct the road networks, train tracks, and the highway system. For that, I granted their business the right to operate in our territory and preferential treatment at the customs of the port of Maverny. The House of von Albert, led by the Amaranthine queen, Jessica, also invested funds for our health center and the hospital and invited their merchants to Maverny. When I asked Her Majesty what she wanted to receive in return, the queen only said,

  “Just do what you intend to do, Kuro,” Jessica winked at me. “While you may think you’re receiving our help for free, actually it’s not. We learn and copy your reforms; thus, improving our kingdom as well.”

  Well, I guess it’s a good exchange…though I’d like to give her more concessions if possible.

  The Kingdom of Cherwind and the Federal Demon Republic sent personnel from their militaries and schools to train our citizens in matters of modern medicine, first aid, and firefighting tactics. They also provided volunteers to staff our schools and the university at Maverny with teachers. And finally, teams of construction workers from both races took charge of the public projects, assisting our own human builders. As I was also the King of Cherwind and the ‘Special Adviser’ to the Demon Lord President, my duchy received exclusive trade rights and items, compared to the rest of the political entities that existed in Chersea.

  Oh yes, I should also mention that Cherwind and the Federal Republic give or lend us construction materials, tools, and equipment.

  As for Maddie’s House of Rubinforth, well, she and the House of von Leese, through Lily, gave our militia proper training on par with the Holy Patial Garden’s Padin Corps and Nerfes’ military. The Lady Margaret Jean of Malvette also helped us in naval matters, as it was common wisdom in Chersea for kingdoms with shorelines to have ‘naval patrols’ to keep pirates away from the trade nes.

  After all, the ‘Saint’s Peace’ is an era of prosperity never before seen in the history of Chersea before…

  “…”

  The rest of the projects were funded using the money in Maverny’s treasury. As such, even before the completion of most of our undertakings, the lives of the duchy’s citizens improved significantly. So much was the jump of progress that our territory attracted migrants from other nds and countries, and nobles from those pces had to enact bans to keep their people from moving out.

  The irony is that I must adhere to frugal living, or my budget will suffer.

  There were rumors that reached me. Rumors that nobles would secretly ugh and mock my efforts in the Imperial capital. Like,

  “Isn’t that commoner just given one of the best nds in the Empire? Yet, he feeds on scraps just to make his subjects happy?”

  “A swine will always return to its mud! No matter how he is honored, he is still what he is: a commoner.”

  “Get your most hated daughter to marry that man and have your grandchildren inherit his fief. It’s wasted on him.”

  “The saints’ favor rests on him, yet he does nothing! If I were him, I’d make sure my house would be blessed for eternity!”

  Not that I’m offended by their short-sightedness, but I wanted to develop my nds properly. See, no one wished to die poor and destitute. Even I would like to live comfortably until I’m old. Now, I ‘nurture’ my territory and its people, not only so they could share in the wealth of the duchy but also they’d return part of that wealth into the treasury through taxes. A functioning government and good, accessible public services meant a happy popution. A happy popution would gdly pay their taxes. A paid tax into the treasury was 50% additional money to my finances. And with good finances, I could provide proper governance and public services…as well as satisfy my needs.

  Simple loop, right?

  “…”

  And I won’t feel guilty for neglecting my people.

  ‘Yes, that’s true. Everyone uds your hard work, and wisdom, Kuro. But, someone is unhappy about your decisions,’ Gaius suddenly said.

  My eyes immediately fell on the Lady Hinwe, who was busy working on the commissions I gave her. While her face showed no expression, I could tell that Gaius was referring to her.

  After all, among my companions in the Dupree pace, the Elf Saint is the only naysayer in everything I do, especially about the general popution.

  “Kuro!”

  “!!!” My train of thought stopped when I heard Eris call me. Turning around, I saw her standing by the Elf Saint’s private study doorway, with many papers in hand. “The Beastmen workers sent in a message that the st stretch of the Maverny Expressway is already done, along with the parallel service roads and the train tracks.”

  “Ooh, nice!” I took the report from her hands. “That’s fast; how many weeks it just took?”

  “As far as I remember, they started the construction just three weeks ago,” the duchess revealed. “And you know what? Even the hospital building in Maverny is already finished!”

  I fell silent. Honestly, I didn’t expect the Beastmen workers could work this fast, even back when I was in Cherwind.

  Nevertheless, Eris revealed their secret, “Beastmen strength, demon magic, and Her Holiness the Lady Ruro’s powers. Such a convenient combination of abilities. The only matter left is the staff themselves; I think it would still take some time for them to be fully trained.”

  “It’s fine.” Actually, I’m more than happy now that the infrastructures we wanted done were already completed. I cannot ask for more blessings, can I?

  “Well, this won’t be possible if you’re not around,” the young maid smiled. “I’m really gd I met you, Kuro.”

  “Thank you, my cute dy!”

  Eris' face suddenly blushed terribly. She was so surprised by my compliment that she stumbled towards the door, saying, “Y-Y-Y-You s-sh-should v-visit y-your projects s-sometime, milord!” With a quick bow and wave, she left the study.

  ----------

  “You’re a real dy-killer, you know that?” was the Lady Hinwe’s comment the moment we were alone.

  “I don’t intend to,” I replied. “Besides, from where I come from, it’s common to have single partners for life. That’s why I’m quite surprised that Chersea allows more than one lover for marriage.”

  “So, your old world is just like ours, the elves,” the Elf Saint smirked. “Heh, good thing I’m not interested in romances. I just want a cute waifu on a pillow, or a figma.”

  “Ah, you mean a dakimakura?” I chuckled. “Yeah, it’s something I want too, when I was still a ‘weeb’. But then, I live with my family before, so I can’t have one…or they’ll throw me suspicious gnces.”

  “For me? I don’t care about others’ opinions! My love for 2D is pure and divine!”

  “Heh, spoken like a true otaku. In any case, I’m not interested in forming a romantic retionship with an elvish recluse.”

  “Asshole,” she stuck her tongue out to me.

  We both ughed, having used to trading insults regurly. Nevertheless, when we settled down, the Lady Hinwe asked again, “What’s up with these signs and mangas you’re making me do tely? For your ‘bed pleasure,’ Kuro?”

  “What if it is? Why do you care?”

  “Of course, I care. These are my drawings! They’re like my children; the st thing I wanted for these is to end up drenched in…”

  “Drenched in what? Why did you suddenly trail off?”

  “Do I really have to say that? You can tell, right? From the world where these books are produced,”

  “I’ll pretend I don’t know what you say.”

  “Fuck you!”

  I fshed her a sarcastic grin, and also a middle finger.

  “Okay, I know you, and I have read lots of hentai manga before to know what I'm saying!” the Elf Saint reiterated. “So, shut the fuck up, Kuro!”

  “You’re the one who started it!”

  “You won’t even deny it!”

  “Why would I? It’s the truth!”

  “You don’t even follow the rules of manga and anime!”

  “Why would I? I live in real life, not in some Japanese cartoons.”

  “Fuck you! Anime is different from cartoons!” the Lady Hinwe was already fuming mad; she smmed her table, and I was worried the ink bottle might overturn and mess up her hard work.

  So, to appease the angry saint, I stood up and gave her a figma of an orange jacket-wearing ninja (it was actually an imitation, made of dried slime material, courtesy of a talented Beastfolk craftsman Gaius recommended to me), as well as a pouch filled with gold coins for her sary. Then, I told her, “My apologies for getting you mad, Your Lazy Holiness! But, nice work as always!”

  The Elf Saint stopped her tantrums and went silent. She examined the figma carefully, then returned the figure to its box. The holy dy took a deep breath and—with certain suppression—squealed her heart in delight.

  That’s how fast her mood changes as if she is just changing clothes.

  And then, her face quickly turned serious, as if nothing happened just seconds ago. She said, “Heh, I know you’re just complimenting me because you need my ‘talent,’ but yeah, thanks! I love the figma.”

  Ah, the usual self-deprecating dialogues of a person with low self-esteem.

  Well, if only the Lady Hinwe could see my thoughts now, she’d tell I’m sincere. I mean, her artworks were damn good—no, I think it’s great! Given her time (which was really long) to practice her skills, there’s no doubt she could master drawing anime-style by now.

  However…

  “W-What?” I was surprised to find her staring at me as if peering into my soul.

  “You sure about this?” she pointed at the figma and the gold.

  “I thought you like it?”

  “I do, but…is my work really worth it?”

  “Huh? Where did all the spunk earlier go?”

  “Kuro,” the Lady Hinwe was serious. “Look, I may be a zy ass, but, I still keep my pride as an elf and as a person. Compared to you—who’s even ready to live on the streets just to help his subjects, I’m just here, sitting and drawing to my heart’s content.”

  “Ah, don’t worry about it,” I reassured her. “First, I don’t want asking for free shit from people, Your Lazy Holiness. Second, I’m the lord of this nd, so I have to work doubly hard than my staff to ensure everything’s fine. And third, I love your drawings.”

  “Isn’t this too much?”

  “No,” I shook my head. “You’re talented, and I think my payment for you is worth it.”

  “I know it’s a joke.”

  “Yeah, your life is a joke, but your talent isn’t.”

  “Come on! I’m being serious here!” the Lady Hinwe stomped her foot and smmed her table again.

  “I’m helpful, see?” I puffed my chest out. “You love beating yourself? I’ll help you beat yourself even more. Likewise, if you stand for yourself, I’ll get your back.”

  “You’re really an asshole, Kuro. A little encouragement will help me, you know?”

  “Well, I’m encouraging you, but you keep dismissing my words as ‘jokes’, or ‘consotions,'” I smirked triumphantly. “And since you won’t believe me, I’ll just do the opposite; since you love discouraging yourself.”

  The Lady Hinwe fell quiet once more. Then, she slowly moved her eyes to meet mine, and sheepishly asked, “Err…is it really, uhm…good?”

  “Your art? Yes. I don’t know who told you they’re shit, but fuck them. They don’t even know what art is.”

  The Elf Saint then smiled. Well, it was the first time I saw her smile that pretty, so I averted my eyes. I don’t want any stupid desires surfacing within me. I’m just hoping she didn’t see me blush…

  “…”

  The holy dy had a smug expression on her face. Yep, she did see me blush.

  “I can expin.” This is awkward.

  “No need,” the Lady Hinwe ughed. “You’re really a dy-killer, Kuro.”

  ----------

  The cospy event at the Holy Patial Gardens' exhibit grounds was scheduled for three days, beginning by Friday. The mangas I had the Lady Hinwe write were for her own booth, which we allotted for her in the event. Our goal to impress everyone with her works remained the same, and I pnned the cospy festival to ‘showcase’ her as its main event.

  Honestly, I’m nervous; 50/50 it might not go our way. But I’m hoping for the best…after all, Maddie, Ruro, Natasha, and even Seirna—along with some of our friends—are working hard to make this event successful. Then we can finally end the mess I did at Cherwoods.

  “…”

  By Wednesday, three days before the start of the festival, I rarely went home to check on the logistics for the event. Since we’re expecting a lot of visitors (we did advertise our cospy festival well), I had to ensure everything was going smoothly. The stage to serve as a ‘catwalk’ for the cospyers was thoroughly examined for any possible faults; the magic lights were tested, and even the magicians who were to serve as the ‘effects’ team were practiced and ordered to rest. I also discussed the security with Lady Henristone, including the flow of foot traffic, so as not to create ‘bottlenecks’ once the festival began.

  And then, the big day arrived…

  Contrary to what we expected, the crowd that came to the Holy Patial Gardens exceeded our predicted numbers. Children, teenagers, and even some young adults came in their favorite characters’ costumes, many were from the cssic stories of Chersean, Cherwindian, and Demon literatures. There were also characters from the Lady Hinwe’s manga, though it was understandably fewer than the character cssics. But what caught my eyes were the cospys of the saints…

  “…”

  The four saints watched from one of the buildings overlooking the patial exhibit grounds. The Saints' cospyers also caught their eyes, and Seirna went ballistic.

  “This is sacrilege!” she bellowed. “Look at that child! She’s impersonating me!”

  “Chill down, Lady Seirna!” Natasha told her. “It’s not like they’re doing something disrespectful in our costume.”

  “They’re disrespecting us by copying our images!” the Saint of the Fme reiterated. “I won’t stand for this!”

  Just as she stood up to confront the children cospyers, Ruro blocked her. “Hold up,” the wolf saint pulled her back. “Let the kids enjoy. If you let them see how angry and offended you are, you’re going to scar them for life!”

  “That’s not how they should treat us!”

  Maddie countered, “Midy, I don’t think those kids meant to disrespect us, though. Actually, if you just peek into their hearts, they want to honor us in that way!”

  “Lies! I know the humans, beastmen, and especially the demons, are angry at me!” Seirna reiterated.

  “Well, sucks to be you then,” Ruro snickered.

  “Midy,” I decided to intervene. “I think the Human Saint is right. That kid is cospying you because she appreciated your efforts; after all, your good deeds were also printed in those materials you distributed. After all, cospying is not meant for a character one hates, I can assure you of that.” I mean, come on. With the amount of money one would shell out to create the best possible rendition of the character that person liked, it’s stupid to invest it in someone they abhorred.

  Seirna gnced at Maddie, one of the campaign's masterminds to promote my ‘heroism.’ The Human Saint averted her eyes, embarrassed by what she had done. Nevertheless, though she may be snappy at times, I could tell the Lady Seirna was a bit grateful for what her colleague did.

  “Otherworlder,” the Saint of the Fme cleared her throat to call my attention; her voice was calmer this time. “I’d appreciate it if you stop with your pandering thoughts of me…though, yes, I appreciate your opinions.”

  I’m not pandering to anyone, Your Holiness, I’m just telling the truth based from my experience.

  “R-Right…”

  “So, you won’t get angry at the kids now?” Ruro teased her.

  “W-Well, I-I see that beastman girl cospying me is…err…c-cute. I guess I’ll take that as a compliment, y-yes…”

  “…”

  “What?” was Seirna’s question when she noticed all of us staring at her.

  Natasha dropped our thoughts, “For someone who acts so vilinous, it sure is refreshing to see your girly side, Seirna. Although, yes, you creep me out.”

  With her face terribly blushing, the Saint of the Fme brought out her sword. “Alright, I’ll make everyone here a zombie.”

  We rushed to stop her, though I guess there’s no cause to worry; from her expressions alone, I think the Lady Seirna Stephanie was enjoying her time…

  ----------

  When I ensured the saints loved the festival, I excused myself and went to the other saint, who was supposed to be at the booth we made especially for her. However, instead of finding the Elf Saint in her seat signing her mangas for the long line of her fans—humans, beastmen, demons, and elves—it was Lady Meanor who did everything in her mistress' name.

  “Midy, is it true that Her Holiness the Elf Saint wrote this book?” a young elf asked, his eyes full of excitement.

  “Yes, young one!” the holy servant replied with a smile.

  “Can you tell her it’s beautiful?” he told her.

  “Yes, she’d love to hear that!”

  Good work, Lady Meanor!

  However, I couldn’t be distracted. I intended for the Lady Hinwe to appear, signing the books she made and answering her ‘fans’ questions. So, I asked a padin assigned to guard the pce, “Where’s Her Holiness the Elf Saint?”

  “Milord,” the padin answered, “She said she’d just go to the vatory; she hasn’t returned since.”

  Damn…

  I was about to go when someone tugged on my long sleeves. I turned and saw Meanor; she may have been silent, but her expression was pleading for help.

  “Her Holiness got dizzy,” she expined. “Perhaps, her shyness is acting up again.”

  Right. Ever since she isoted herself, the Lady Hinwe had been a handful. I was easily embarrassed, had low self-esteem, and was an introverted prick, just like me back in my college days. “So,” I asked the servant. “Need any help from me?”

  “The line of her adoring subjects—”

  “You mean, fans?”

  “Is that what it’s called?”

  I nodded.

  “Well, you see the line of her fans? This is just the first column. I heard from the padin guards that there are at least five more outside the grounds.”

  “Oh shit…”

  “Honestly, milord…it’s getting tiresome,” Meanor admitted. “Uhm…can I…well, you know, ask for help from you?”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Help me sign these books?”

  “Err…isn’t that Her Holiness’ job?” I asked. But then, I realized, many of the Cherseans didn’t know about the concept of autographs yet, so I guess I could use my own fame to help the elf servant finish her ‘stand-in’ work. So, I took a book from a fan and asked what she wanted me to put in there…

  “Uhm, who are you?” the beastman girl asked me, with a bit of disappointment in her eyes.

  Oh yes, I forgot to introduce myself. In a world like Chersea, where modern media conveniences like television, the internet, and computers were non-existent, it is hard for everyone to get a picture of who you were. So, I told her, “Do you know the Commoner General?”

  The girl nodded. “He’s also our eternal god-king, Kuro of Arles.”

  “Well, I am that man.”

  The girl and the nearby fans looked at me with disinterest and then ughed. One said, “Surely, mister, you’re good at pying jokes! The Commoner General is more handsome than you!”

  That hurt…at least.

  “!!!” Everyone nearly jumped when we heard someone sm the table. Then, from the corner of my eyes, I saw the Lady Meanor stand up, and say,

  “I do not mean to get angry at you kids, but please do not disrespect the Lord Kuro of Arles!”

  At that point, even the padins—meant to guard the Lady Hinwe’s booth—expined the truth. “Sorry little ones, but he really is the Lord Kuro of Arles. He may not be someone you expected, but this man is really kind…and sacrificed a lot for us.”

  Hearing those words gave me mixed feelings. Part of me wanted to thank them for standing up for me, another wanted to shrink from embarrassment, and another still wanted to tell everyone that, ‘I’m just doing my job.’ But I guess this was good; the less talk and expining to do, the fewer mistakes I commit.

  The children, realizing their mistakes, apologized. “We’re sorry Your Majesty…”

  “Nah,” I smiled at them. “It’s fine guys! It’s always fine for you to commit mistakes, as long as you learn from them. But next time, even if it’s someone ‘small’ or ‘unpopur,’ still give them respect, okay?”

  And with that, the awkward tension that hung around the booth dissipated. However, there’s another problem that surfaced…

  “Uh, Lady Meanor?”

  “Yes, milord?”

  “Can I ask for your help in signing these books?” I pleaded, since the moment others learned I was the hero ‘Kuro of Arles,’ they all flocked to me instead of Lady Meanor.

  “Ah, I will, soon, milord! Let me just take a break…my hands are getting tired already, see?” she smiled as she fshed her ‘exhausted’ hands to my face. “For something that’s not even my responsibility, I’m getting worked up.” The elf muttered those words, but I still heard them.

  So, I guess, for a little while, I’ll be dealing with the Lady Hinwe’s adoring fans…

  ----------

  The program for the first day was at its peak when I finished with the autographs. I could hear the upbeat music being pyed at the exhibit area, and the occasional shouts and swoons of the crowd watching their characters ‘come to life’ on the cospy catwalk. As for the Lady Meanor, she did come back, but only to sign a few more before the fans’ queue line went empty. My hands were painful, so I healed it with the god-powers. After standing too long, my back and feet were aching, so I sat on one of the empty benches nearby.

  Then, suddenly…

  “!!!”

  I nearly jumped from where I was sitting when I felt something cold on my face. Looking around, I saw Lady Meanor with a cold drink in both of her hands, one of which she offered to me. Naturally, as I was a bit pissed when she abandoned me, I took it as a peace offering from her.

  “By the way, milord…I got a confession to make.”

  “Hmm?”

  “I know the Lady Hinwe won’t return to the booth. And I know where she went.”

  “You little…”

  “Well, milord, there’s no one else to bme but yourself, you know?” she told me. “You keep pushing her, forcing her, helping her…that in the end…”

  “In the end…what?”

  Meanor sighed, “…in the end, she says she won’t fail you.”

  “Oh…?”

  “My mistress,” the servant began. “Everyone loves her when they get something from her. But then, they abused Her Holiness; and when she tried to correct it by teaching them how to do some things themselves, they got angry and lost faith in her.”

  “Typical mortals,” I quipped.

  “Indeed. Nevertheless, milord, you didn’t give up on her. When she was down, you—even if you become an asshole—did your best to support and encourage her. And now, I can see that she’s enjoying herself for the first time in a very long while. See? She left the autograph signing for me because she wanted to appear as best as she can in her cospy, so she went to some private room inside the Holy Patial Gardens to prepare for her grand appearance ter.”

  I looked at a nearby hourgss. “But that’s still two hours away! She’s that excited?”

  “That, and you know us dies,” the Lady Meanor winked. “Every girl out there who’s in-love would like to appear at their best for their crush, you know?”

  “Wa-Wait…in-love?”

  “I-I mean…I mean, uhm, you know…her crush,” the servant ughed, though I could hear the hint of awkwardness from that. “Her characters! She admires her characters a lot!”

  “Right…” Seriously, I got a guess. But, I didn’t want to assume things, so I’d just py it off, like the usual. Lady Meanor might be mistaken, so I’d py safe.

  ‘Ooh, that’s good, Kuro!’ I heard Gaius’ voice again. ‘You can get the Elf Saint to kiss you, and you acquire her powers!’

  That’s the st thing I would do, Gaius. I’m not using anyone for my benefit.

  “Any case, milord,” the elf servant stood up, and did a curtsy. “I’ll have you know that while I faithfully serve my mistress, I have no qualms serving you as well. Thank you for everything you did for us so far…”