Anime Episode 16

"Tyranny Is More Terrible than Tigers" is the 16th episode of the "Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki" Anime adaptation.

''Van is returned to Julius as a result of the mediation of the Gran Chaos Empire, in exchange for a great deal of reparation costs. Souma returns to the Kingdom of Elfrieden, where many other problems yet remain.''

Summary
At the negotiations comes to an end, its decided that Elfrieden will return Van to Amidonia and that Amidonia will pay war reparations to Elfrieden, which is separate from the money negotiated for the return of prisoners of war. Julius Amidonia isn't happy about it as it sounds like they were defeated and insists they only had their capital captured. Jeanne tells him there was no other option, but if he wishes, the Grand Chaos Empire will leave and will leave the kingdoms fight each other, but she knows Julius can't retake Van. Jeanne further explains that they can't overlook the aggression and exploiting a gap in the interpretation of the declaration, as such they must set an example so that other countries to know that if they decide to do the same, they will be severe punishments. Julius wonders what will happen if they decline. Jeanne then states the Empire will withdraw and expel Amidonia from the declaration. Fearing being expelled as that would mean nearby countries being able to prey on Amidonia, Julius accepts the mediation plan.

Hakuya announces that Elfrieden requests two years' worth of Amidonia's annual budget, which can be paid in ten years of instalments all of which to be made in imperial coinage. Julius finds the amount too much, but Jeanne reminds him he can't take Van otherwise. Liscia comments that 50% of Amidonia's annual budget goes towards the military. Souma confirms, commenting part of the reason is to deprive them military funding. Souma asks Jeanne what will happen if the payments are overdue. Jeanne states that the Empire will support Elfrieden's bid to annex Van. Souma the requests some collateral - a gemstone for broadcasts. Julius comments that there is only one in the country and if he intends to incite the people, but Souma tells him they can just change the receivers' frequencies to block Elfrieden's transmissions. Souma then states that the gemstone won't be enough and wishes to take the books from the castle's library. Julius quickly agrees. He then requests Amidonia's solder who are held captive to be returned. Souma agrees as long as they pay ransom for the nobles and those of knight or higher rank. However, they also investigated those that committed war crimes and compiled a list. Souma doesn't wish to return anyone who is on that list and also requests that if someone on that list is in Amidonia to be send to them. Once that is done, they will Souma will start returning the captives. Julius asks if Roroa is captured by Souma, but Souma explains they heard she escaped Van before they attacked it. Souma states he could help looking for her, but Julius declines. Liscia comments that he is watching out for a succession dispute, as that happens often in royal families. Souma also wishes they keep general Margarita Wonder. Julius agrees if they release five noblemen. Jeanne states that she heard Margarita worked with the kingdom after the occupation and if he should accept that. Souma happily accepts, stating that unlike him, he doesn't judge people only by their military value.

After they sign and agree on everything. Souma cites Machiaveli and explains how easy it was for him to control Van, but warns him that once the nobles and military returns it may not be easy for Julius to keep it without incidents. He also tries to tell him to direct his efforts in helping the people, but Julius doesn't wish to listen and leaves. Jeanne wonders what will people think of a man who couldn't take back the capital on his own and that he is making a mistake not listening to Souma's warning.

While leaving Van, Liscia comments that people look sad. Souma states they are anxious as things will be returning to normal. They liked under oppression, but under Elfrieden's occupation they learned it can be different and they to be free to express themselves. And now they are anxious not knowing if they will return in living under oppression again.

Jeanne returns to the Empire and reports to her sister that Van is returned to Amidonia. Maria then hugs Jeanne, glad that she is back and states she missed her, and is tired of everyone treating her as the empress. Maria then asks what kind of man is Souma. Jeanne explains that just like Maria, he also has a bed in his office. He is aware of the Empire's intentions and isn't angry about the hero summoning. He is very intelligent and comes up with one innovation after another, stating they are common knowledge from his world. He also wondered if monsters and demons are like animals and people. which also causes Maria to think about it. Souma also proposed a secret alliance in which the Empire will defend the west, while Elfrieden the east. Maria starts to laugh, stating that until just recently Eflrieden was in a decline, but all of a sudden they are dependable kingdom to which they can entrust the eastern half of the continent. Maria asks Jeanne if she remembers what the hero was said to be in the kingdom. Jeanne recalls it was one who will lead the revolutions into a new age. Maria confirms, stating it isn't one who will defeat the Demon Lord or rule the world. Jeanne agrees that she can't really call him a "hero" and Maria states that considering everything that is happening it feels like "revolution", and can't wait to speak with Souma directly.

At Parnam Castle, Liscia welcomes all the adventurers who helped them. She explains that Souma can't be present right now, but gives his gratitude to everyone one of them. The feast then begins and the adventurers starts drinking and eating happily. Juno forces Master Mascot to drink, with others also sharing his drinks. Master Mascot then faints and Liscia to check on him, commenting that Souma also revealed himself and tells the soldiers to take him in the other room. In the other room, Souma comments he was almost found out, but he needs to socialize sometimes. Liscia then asks who is Juno as she seems cute. Souma panics in trying to explain there is nothing happening, but Liscia smiles stating she wasn't asking if something was going on.

Characters in Order of Appearance
Characters in italics debuted here.


 * Kazuya Souma
 * Liscia Elfrieden
 * Hakuya Kwonmin
 * Jeanne Euphoria
 * Julius Amidonia

Changes

 * A scene showing the adventurer's partying isn't in the manga

Trivia

 * This Episode Adapts from Light Novel Volume 03 Chapter 5 & Extra Story: The Story of a Certain Group of Adventurers 3
 * The title is adapted from Classical Chinese philosophical literature Book of Rites: Chapter of Tangong Part 2.
 * Souma made the right call to ask for the library's contents as collateral. With this information, he can see where the country went wrong and where he can start helping out once Julius self destructs.