Chapter 82

### Obtaining Borris

In the continent of Seldeas, "obtaining Borris" means "advancing towards a great ambition."

From ancient times to the modern era, numerous lords and monarchs in the western region of the continent, who sought to dominate, vied to take control of the city of Borris. This was not only because Borris was a strategically important location at the gateway to the vast Solviant Plain in the north but also because it had been the center of scholarship, arts, and industry since ancient times.

In a sense, Borris could be called the heart of the western region. For those who aimed to conquer the west, obtaining Borris meant advancing towards their great ambition.

Historically, the first to "obtain Borris" was Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction.

At that time, Borris was just a border town. The Solviant Plain, which is now one of the world's largest granaries, was mostly uncultivated grassland and wasteland, and the Zoans, who were hostile to humans, made it difficult to develop.

Moreover, at that time, the central region of the continent was the cultural and industrial center and the most advanced nation. In contrast, Borris, a mere provincial town far from the center, had a level of culture and industry that was barely worth mentioning.

However, the city of Borris underwent a significant transformation under the rule of Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction.

The vast fields of the northern Solviant Plain became fertile granaries, and Borris transformed from a poor border town into a major export hub for the vast agricultural products from the plain.

Moreover, the changes did not stop there.

Under the governance of Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction, within just a few years, Borris saw a flourishing of culture in the form of scholarship and arts, and technology and industry made rapid and significant progress.

When asked about this, Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction, is said to have stated:

"It is only natural. I am different from others in every way."

What arrogance!

It was not just that he was superior or fortunate; he claimed that his world was different from others, a statement that evokes a sense of awe.

However, the development of Borris at that time was indeed extraordinary.

But this extraordinary development was likely accompanied by harsh governance.

This is suggested by a passage from "Wind Rumors," written by the philosopher Senes. "Wind Rumors" is a compilation of rumors and gossip from the time, starting with the famous line, "As I hear from the wind."

In it, the entry describes Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction, entering Borris immediately after the Battle of Borris:

"As I hear from the wind, Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction, who defeated General Darius, entered Borris with an army of subhuman Zoans. After securing the position of lord, Soma Kisaki summoned the city's notables and officials and told them, 'Those who do not obey will have their heads cut off,' forcing them to submit. The notables and officials were greatly terrified and had no choice but to prostrate themselves and swear allegiance."

While this is just a rumor, considering Soma Kisaki's later actions, it is not an unfounded rumor.

However, the actual governance he implemented is lost to history, erased by the passage of over a thousand years and the burning of books during the Great Reforms. Today, we can only glimpse it through the few remaining records.

But at the very least, the foundation that supported Soma Kisaki's subsequent advances was undoubtedly laid during his rule of Borris.

### Excerpt from "The Child of Destruction as Seen in the History of Borris"

◆◇◆◇◆

The day after the Battle of Borris.

In a room of the lord's residence, Soma, sitting on a bed, let out a low groan. He rested his elbow on his thigh, cradled his head, and his face was contorted with agony.

Despite having defeated Darius, the highest-ranking general of Holmea, and becoming the de facto ruler of Borris, there was no trace of joy on his face, only agony.

"Damn it! I'm an idiot, a big idiot! How could it come to this...!"

The words that escaped Soma's lips were filled with intense regret.

At that moment, a Zoan girl, Shemul, entered the room with a small pot.

Shemul, unable to bear the sight of Soma's suffering, shook her head slightly and sat down next to him.

"Here, drink this water. It might help you calm down."

Soma took the small pot from Shemul and drank it in one go.

"How are you feeling? Are you a bit calmer?"

Soma, with moist eyes, looked at Shemul and replied in a hoarse voice.

"...I still feel terrible."

Shemul placed her hands on her hips and sighed deeply.

"You drank too much, idiot."

Soma's first day as the ruler of Borris began with a hangover.

◆◇◆◇◆

After the Battle of Borris, Soma, having given orders for the treatment of the wounded and the neutralization of the prisoners, returned to Borris with his key subordinates.

This was to demonstrate to the residents that they were not temporary occupiers but long-term rulers.

Waiting for them were the city's notables and key figures, who had brought wine, meat, and other gifts to celebrate their victory.

Despite being treated like a sore spot before, these notables now greeted Soma with humble attitudes and full smiles, congratulating him on his victory. Soma, still somewhat rough from the life-or-death battle, couldn't help but think, "What a good mood these people are in."

However, their actions were understandable.

After a fierce battle, it was common for excited soldiers to engage in violence and looting. To protect the residents from such incidents, it was customary to offer gifts to the victorious general to seek protection.

Although he didn't feel particularly good about it, Soma couldn't dismiss these people he would have to work with. He reassured the notables that he would not harm the residents and then sent them away.

With the meat and wine presented before him, Soma was at a loss about what to do when Zugg and Dvalin appeared, seemingly having caught wind of the situation.

"Looks like we got some wine!" said Dvalin.

"Looks like we got some meat!" said Zugg.

Then, in unison, they declared:

"Let's have a victory feast!"

Garam and Jahangir, hearing this, joined in and began preparing for the feast. Soma couldn't help but chuckle at how these usually competitive and strong-willed individuals could unite for such occasions.

"Enjoy yourselves, but don't go overboard."

Despite the victory, there were still many former enemies, now prisoners, outside the city. If the soldiers got drunk and were attacked by the prisoners, it would be a disaster.

Soma intended this as a light warning, but everyone exchanged strange looks. After a moment of awkward silence, Shemul, speaking for the group, said:

"Why are you talking as if it's none of your business? You're participating, Soma."

"No, I'll pass."

However, Soma had no intention of joining the feast.

In this battle, not only the enemy soldiers but also his own forces suffered significant casualties. There were nearly two hundred casualties, including those with critical injuries. Most of these were Zoans who had charged into the heavily armored pikemen, outnumbered several times over.

When Garam and the others confirmed the casualty list, they were surprisingly pleased, considering they had fought against five times their number.

But Soma, feeling responsible for the deaths, couldn't easily dismiss it.

It was Shemul who advised him.

"If we don't celebrate the victory, the warriors will not understand why they died."

Soma realized that a victory feast was not just a celebration of the victory and a way to honor the survivors but also a way to mourn the dead.

Understanding this, Soma decided to join the feast. However, remembering his previous embarrassing incident when he got drunk in the city, he intended to join quietly at the edge of the festivities.

But that was a naive thought.

At a victory feast, the main focus is naturally on those who made significant contributions in the battle.

For example, someone who single-handedly saved the Zoans on the plain from near destruction, then achieved the long-standing goal of reclaiming the plain, liberated the subjugated Zoans, and finally repelled an overwhelming enemy force several times their number.

Soma, who had intended to quietly mourn the fallen at the edge of the feast, was quickly surrounded by everyone and made the center of attention. With drinks continuously poured, Soma, a Japanese who finds it hard to say no, ended up drinking heavily and passed out.

However, he couldn't afford to rest just because of a hangover.

He needed to decide the fate of the prisoners, plan strategies against Holmea, and establish a governance plan for the city. There was a mountain of tasks to be done.

Holding his head, which throbbed with each heartbeat, Soma began with the city's officials.

While allowing the residents to leave the city, he summoned the officials who had been detained during the occupation and told them:

"I have no intention of dismissing you. I would prefer if you continue your duties as before."

Soma believed that the officials' expertise was essential for governing the city.

In modern Japan, Soma was just an ordinary high school student with no knowledge or experience in governance. His only resource was the knowledge he had gained from manga and light novels where the protagonist used modern knowledge to develop a city or country.

However, having such knowledge didn't make it easy. The manga and novels described the knowledge the protagonist used but not the practical steps, such as budgeting, securing materials, and personnel.

Therefore, Soma needed to find people who could adjust his knowledge to the current situation and implement it.

The officials who had run the city were the best candidates.

However, when Soma said he had no intention of "dismissing" them, the officials, who were prostrated before him, and even Shemul, who was standing next to him, were taken aback.

"Did I say something strange?"

When he asked Shemul, she hesitated before answering:

"Well, threatening to cut off the heads of those who surrender is a bit much, don't you think?"

Soma realized his mistake and exclaimed:

"No, that's not what I meant! In my world, 'dismissing' means 'firing'—no, I mean, letting them quit their jobs!"

It was too late.

Soma, with bloodshot eyes from the hangover, looked intimidating to the officials, who misinterpreted his words. Threatening someone with "dismissing" in this world might mean something different, and Soma's attempt to explain only made it worse.

The officials, trembling, all pledged their loyalty to Soma.

Seeing this, Soma, realizing it was futile to explain further, decided to use the opportunity to address a concern.

"I will not tolerate embezzlement or corruption. If such acts are discovered, they will be strictly punished. I want to make that clear."

In modern times, he had often seen news about widespread corruption in developing countries. While he didn't intend to be overly strict, he couldn't allow unfair pressure or interference in business due to bribes.

Moreover, he had used such loopholes to take over Borris, so he took a firm stance.

Of course, the officials had no choice but to nod in agreement.

After the officials left, the next to appear before Soma was Marcronis, the deputy commander of the plain's fort.

As Soma began to act as the ruler of Borris, he encountered a woman.

She was the smallest and the most brilliant horn.

Later, when asked about the most accomplished subordinate of Soma Kisaki, the Child of Destruction, she was the first name he mentioned.

Known as the First Horn of the Child of Destruction and the leader of the Three Horns, she was a remarkable woman.

Mishena Elbaziso, the Ice-Blooded Chief.

(Here We Go Again!) Chapter 2: The First Horn - The Encounter

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Bonus:

Shemul: "But Soma comes up with so many things I've never seen or heard of before."

Soma: "Well, I'm from a different world, so it's natural."

People around: (The Child of Destruction is something else! He's from a different world, you know.)

People around: (You're on a different level from us!)

2014/6/15 - Typo corrections