Anime Episode 06

"The Wise Man Never Forsaketh an Advantage" is the 6th episode of the "Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki" Anime adaptation.

''While at Lorelei, Souma overhears two soldiers arguing about whether to side with or against the new king. Hakuya reviews the political situation concerning the neighboring lands with the king. Souma and Liscia discuss the nature of their engagement.''

Summary
Elfrieden Kingdom's military force is about 100,000 people. The army led by Duke Georg Carmine is about 40,000. The navy led by Duchess Excel Walter is about 10,000. The air force led by Duke Castor Vargas is about 1,000, however, one Wyvern Knight is said to equal to 100 foot soldiers. Further, the Forbidden Army that was comprised of the Royal Guard, that reports to the king, and the private armies of the noblemen other than the Three Dukedoms, is about 40,000. Additionally, mercenary units dispatched as part of a service contract with the Mercenary State Zem fall under the Forbidden Army, but their employment has already been terminated. The reason is that soldiers who fight for profit would readily switch sides if there is greater profit. The Forbidden Army is smaller than the Dukedom's forces due to the country's ideals. The kingdom was originally formed when various races decided to come together. Humans were the most populous among them, so one became the king, but to preserve the rights of the other races, the top leaders of the three armed forces over air, land and sea were chosen from the other races. If a human tyrant started oppressing the other races, the Three Dukedoms' forces who outnumber the Forbidden Army, would resist. While it looks well designed, the multiple systems has many disadvantages for decision making. Souma contacted the Three Dukedoms for a reform, but none have replied back, however that gives Souma some free time.

At Juna's cafe, Souma sees a mystic wolf girl raising her voice, but is corrected it's a mystic fox and that if he mistakes it in front of them, both the mystic wolf and mystic fox would be angry. They see she is talking with Halbert Magna, the oldest heir to the prestigious Magna family. As he is supposed to have a post in the army, Liscia wonders why he is in the capital. Juna explains the girl is Kaede Foxia, a regular customer and a mage in the Forbidden Army. They overhear Kaede telling Halbert to not go see Georg Carmine, as he is at odds with the new king and at the worse-case scenario, there could be a civil war. However, Halbert states that he must go, since if there will be war, it's his chance to get ahead in the world. Halbert's father served under Georg, but Halbert believes he is a coward and is afraid to get caught in the fighting. Kaede states that his father understands the situation and Georg refusing to heed the king's call has no just cause. She further explains that internal fighting will only benefit neighboring countries like Amidonia, who would try to take the land that was taken by Elfrieden two kings ago. Republic of Turgis has most of its territory in ice and would love to get some rich soils and a harbor that won't freeze over.

Souma recalls his conversation with Hakuya about Elfrieden's neighbors. Hakuya explains who the neighbors are and states that four are neutral, while one is hostile. Souma wonders if that's Zem, due to them terminating the mercenary contract, but Hakuya denies it. Turgis in winter would be frozen and usually they head north, so if they don't give them a chance, Turgis won't do anything hostile against them. Souma then guesses it's Amidonia, who had offered them assistance by sending reinforcements to put down the Three Dukedoms. Hakuya believes they made the same offer to the Three Dukedoms to help them overthrown the king. They will use the chance to send troops into Elfrieden, occupying several cities and then will decide to side with the Dukedoms or the king depending on which will be more advantageous for them. The three leaders should also be aware of this and Souma hopes that they won't seek their help.

Halbert is sure that Georg have something in mind and Kaede questions whether he will join him even though he doesn't know what he plans. Halbert states that many noblemen already joined him with their armies, but Kaede states that's only because their injustice was exposed by the king and their property was confiscated. If George is taking such people, then Kaede finds it hard to believe his cause is just. Halbert doesn't believe in the inexperienced king, while Georg is battle-proved. Kaede disagrees, stating that his image for the king is wrong and he is formidable. Souma joins the conversation asking why she is thinking that. Kaede states that the critical things when leading an army are the quality of soldiers and supplies, which is also the same for a nation. Kaede continues to explain that the king gathered people from everywhere to solve the food problem, but then looks at Souma and realizes he is the king.

Kaede wonders if they heard what Halbert was saying and are there to arrest him, but tries to defend him stating that he won't rebel. Souma denies it and explains he just had free time and went to Juna's cafe. Annoyed, Halbert asks who Souma is and raises his voice against Kaede and Souma. Aisha quickly overpowers him and stops him from moving. While he is still wondering who Souma is, Souma decides to use a famous phrase from his country and asks Halbert if he forgot his face. Halbert then realizes that's the king and panics, asking Kaede why she didn't tell him who he was. Souma questions if Halbert will be joining Georg Carmine and explains that just like how rulers choose their officers, officers can choose the ruler they are going to serve. As he hears they are friends since childhood, Souma asks Halbert if he realized that joining Georg, means he and Kaede would be enemies and could find themselves on the battlefield and if he would raise his sword against her. And even if it's not him personally doing it, someone else could take her life. Halbert then has a moment of thinking about what he desires and for whom.

A bit later, Aisha falls asleep. Liscia asks Souma if he tried to change Halbert's mind and Souma states he just told him the truth of the path he is going on. Liscia offers Souma to lay his head on her lap as this is a date and he agrees. Liscia asks Souma if he doesn't want to be engaged to her, but Souma asks her if she is okay with him being engaged to her. Liscia states she doesn't mind and explains he is better suited to be a king than her and that's what royalty do. Souma states he would rather marry for love. Liscia asks him if he dislikes her and if he can for sure say that he will never fall in love with her. As a moment of silence follows, Aisha asks them for how much longer she must keep pretending to be asleep, embarrassing both of them.

Souma shows Liscia that he is able to use Living Poltergeist on four objects now. The maid informs him that Glaive Magna, the head of Magna family, Halbert and Kaede are requesting an audience with him. As he meets them, he sees bruises on Halbert's face and Glaive asks Souma to overlook his son's misconduct and begs for mercy, and explains he heard about yesterday from Kaede. Glaive expects the king is angry, but asks for his forgiveness and states he would take all the blame. Souma states he won't be doing anything and sees that he already has been punished. Glaive is grateful and states that he will punish him more when they return in the mansion. Souma tells him to not be harsh and harming his beauty anymore may upset Kaede, which then makes her blush. Souma then states he planned on doing it eventually, but this is a good chance. He tells Kaede she is quite talented to remain a mere mage and orders her to work under Ludwin Arcs in the Royal Guard, as a staff officer. Kaede is surprised, but Souma reminds her of what she said yesterday and states they think alike. Souma then orders Halbert to be transferred from the army to the Forbidden Army and be Kaede's adjutant, standing by her and supporting her. Glaive then wishes to tell Souma something, but requests the room to be cleared. They remain alone and start talking.

Meanwhile, Liscia invites Kaede and Halbert to tea. Seeing an opportunity, the maid Serina asks how a young man and woman are able to strengthen their friendship with each other day in and day out, as it would be instructive for Liscia, causing her to blush. Kaede is ready to explain, but Liscia tells her to not take Serina seriously. Glaive tells what he wanted to Souma, but doesn't expect him to do anything and just wanted Souma to be aware. Souma finds the news heavy and sits to think about it.

Characters in Order of Appearance
Characters in italics debuted here.


 * Kazuya Souma
 * Liscia Elfrieden
 * Aisha Udgard
 * Juna Doma
 * Kaede Foxia
 * Halbert Magna
 * Hakuya Kwonmin (Flashback)
 * Serina
 * Glaive Magna

Trivia

 * This Episodes adapts from Light Novel Volume 1 Part 2 of "Chapter 4"
 * The title is adapted from ancient Chinese political and warfare text Strategies of the Warring States Volume 13: Strategies of Qi 6.