Konbini Ossan Volume 1 Chapter 10 – The Kingdom of Runegard
I followed Marceline as she guided me. She led me into a room and gestured for me to take a seat.
The room was cozy, but the furnishings were elegant and refined.
It made me feel like I, a mere convenience store worker, was terribly out of place.
“Now then, Otsugi-dono. Where shall we begin?”
“Let’s see… First, I’d like to know the name of this country. Also, I’d appreciate some details about the Demon King. And if possible, the current state of the war.”
As I made my request, Marceline nodded and began explaining.
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To summarize:
The name of this country is the Kingdom of Runegard.
It's one of many human-established nations, but it boasts the largest territory and is considered the leading human power.
You might think of it like the U*ited St*tes back on Earth. According to Marceline, it also provides military support to its neighboring countries.
As for the Demon King — he’s the ruler of a neighboring nation comprised of demons and monsters. He isn’t simply a monstrous overlord, but an actual sovereign, the head of a structured nation.
About ten years ago, that demon nation, led by the Demon King, invaded the Kingdom of Runegard from a place known as the Monster Forest.
Since then, the two nations have been locked in a stalemate along the border, with territory being fought over in a constant back-and-forth.
“So then, this war with the Demon King’s army isn’t some grand battle between good and evil, is it?”
“As a knight of this kingdom, I cannot nod in agreement to that,” Marceline replied, somewhat evasively.
But that was as good as confirmation.
So in truth, this war is just a territorial dispute between the Kingdom of Runegard and the Demon Nation.
A war over power and resources, cloaked in lofty ideals. Realizing that made me feel sorry for the summoned students.
“They were forcibly separated from their families, never to return home. And now, they’re expected to fight in a war that isn’t even just — just a struggle over existing national interests.
…
Children, thrown into battle as weapons. Your kingdom’s actions are quite cruel.”
“If I weren’t a knight, I likely would’ve said the same thing,” Marceline said with a weary sigh.
Even though she’s a Knight Captain, it’s not something she can change.
Still, from the way she spoke, it was clear that her sense of justice wouldn’t let her forgive the kingdom — or herself — for what had happened.
“It must’ve been hard for you too, Lady Marceline.”
“Huh? For me?”
“Being forced to play a part in sending children off to war, unable to voice your pain because of your duty as a knight captain. That must have been incredibly painful.”
As someone who worked as a shift leader at a convenience store, I know a bit about the hardships of middle management.
I can tell Marceline is someone who pushes herself.
Someone who keeps going, even when things go wrong. Someone who blames herself because she can’t change the system.
So she works even harder. And gets even more exhausted.
She must’ve been close to being crushed by the weight of it all.
And unlike a convenience store shift lead, she bears a burden of far greater magnitude.
I can only imagine how deep her suffering must be.
“You really hit me with that out of nowhere… That’s unfair, Otsugi-dono.”
“I apologize. But it’s just in my nature to want to see people who work hard be rewarded. If nothing else, I at least want to acknowledge their efforts.”
At my words, Marceline gave me a soft smile.
“That must be something only an otherworldly ‘Konbini¹ Baito²’ leader can do.”
“Perhaps.”
I smiled back at her.
Even if it’s just a creepy guy like me… if my smile can ease her burden even a little, then I’m happy.
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E/N:
Stud move by Ossan, at the end. Well played.
Konbini (コンビニ) - Convenience store
Baito (バイト/倍と) - Part-time job
The kingdom's either going to suffer horribly or the dispute would be resolved in the future. Hang around to find out!
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