[King Souma E. Elfrieden of the Kingdom of Friedonia]
Formerly known as Souma Kazuya.
After abdicating the throne, he continued his work as a scholar of ancient mankind, contributing greatly to the advancement of civilization. Having renounced his royal title and lived as a commoner, little is known about the details of his final years. It is said, however, that he pursued his research until old age and eventually passed away peacefully—drifting into eternal rest surrounded by his many wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
However...though unverified, there are persistent rumors that after living a full life, he discovered technology in the northern world that allowed him to rejuvenate himself as a high human and journeyed into space in search of his original home world. Just as there were tales claiming his rival, Fuuga Haan, survived his era, legends of rulers living on are hardly rare. Did Souma ever reach the world he once came from? If anyone knows the truth, it would surely be Mother Dragon, whose wisdom transcends the limits of mankind.
—Excerpted from How Souma Rebuilt the Kingdom by Tuttle Tortoise
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“By the way, Dad, are you coming home for New Year’s?”
Now that the Souma family had scattered in different directions, they only gathered together twice a year: once for the summer Memorial Festival and again for New Year’s Day. Though their numbers had grown large enough to make reunions difficult, their bonds remained close, and Cian wanted the family’s cornerstone, Souma, to join them for the holidays.
Scratching his cheek awkwardly, the projection of Souma replied, “Yeah, about that. I won’t be waiting for New Year’s to come back.”
“Huh? Did something happen?”
“Well, uh...we just found out Aisha’s pregnant.”
“Come again...?”
For a moment, Cian couldn’t process what he’d heard. He stood frozen until Souma added, “It means you’re going to have another little brother or sister next year.”
“Huh... Whaaaaaa?!”
Cian’s voice echoed through the chamber. The maids, Marin and Maron, who happened to be passing by, stopped in alarm.
““His Majesty is screaming?! Is it an emergency?!””
Word spread quickly, and before long, the rumor had grown into “His Majesty was attacked by an assassin!” Carla and Sharan burst into a panic, while Kazuha charged through the corridors, rapier in hand, yelling, “Where is the brigand?!” The castle fell into chaos until Ichiha and Tomoe, realizing what had actually happened, managed to calm everyone down.
When peace finally returned, Cian explained Aisha’s pregnancy, and the castle erupted into an even bigger uproar.
Parnam Castle was lively as ever that day.