My name is Yuto Nakagawa. I've always loved reading—regardless of genre—but my favorites were always books about politics and military strategy. I'd spend countless nights lost in volumes on tactics, logistics, infrastructure, the history of warfare, and modern governance. Every day, I left the university library with a backpack stuffed full of heavy tomes.
"Ah... I think that's enough for today," I murmured with a yawn, closing yet another book and stacking it atop the growing pile beside my bed.
Exhausted, I drifted off to sleep. But something strange happened.
It felt like I was sinking into an endless ocean—no air, no movement. Then suddenly, like someone tossed out of a plane, I snapped awake.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a grand hall. Towering white marble columns supported a vaulted ceiling, and the polished floor reflected like a mirror. Stained glass bathed the room in soft colors. I was seated on a large crimson carpet. Before me stood five elderly men. Four quietly exited, leaving just one at the center... and a breathtaking young woman at his side.
The elderly man wore a red cape and regal attire. He looked at me and asked:
"What is your name?"
"Yuto Nakagawa."
To my surprise, he knelt before me and begged,
"Please, Hero Yuto... marry my daughter!"
I froze. "Wait—what!? Marry? Hero!?" I cried, pressing a hand to my head. "I don't even know how I got here!"
The old man nodded solemnly. "You're right. Allow me to explain. I am Cedric, Regent of the Kingdom of Lusandria. This is my daughter, Lizbeth, who reigns as Queen. Our kingdom is engulfed in a brutal war."
"And what does that have to do with me?" I asked, already annoyed.
"There is a legend—when the kingdom faces calamity, a hero from another world shall be summoned to save it. By my authority, I enacted the ritual."
Another elder entered, holding a massive scroll. He unfurled a map before me.
"This is the continent of Valkardis," he explained. "Eight kingdoms share these lands. Lusandria, our home, borders Darakhan, which boasts the largest army, and Tenmark, which possesses the most firepower."
"You're up against *both* of them?" I asked.
"For now, yes. But just barely. We estimate only three months before collapse."
"Just a second... I need to think this through."
*So they summoned me here to save them because they're losing a war? That's not my problem. But that 'for now'... That implies the other kingdoms are just as dangerous. Six of them, huh...*
I narrowed my eyes. "Are you at war with the others too?"
"And this marriage proposal—is that just to strengthen your kingdom?"
"Yes," Cedric admitted. "We wish for you to marry Lizbeth and solidify the crown's legitimacy."
I fell silent for a moment, then glanced at Lizbeth. She looked at me shyly.
"No thanks."
"W-What!?" Lizbeth gasped.
"I just want to go home. I have nothing to do with your war."
Cedric's expression darkened. "Unfortunately, we do not know how to send you back. The mana in the air is too weak, and we've never attempted a return ritual."
I sighed. "Then figure it out. Until then, deal with your problems on your own."
As I turned to leave, Lizbeth took a hesitant step forward.
"Is there nothing you desire? Something that might persuade you to help us?"
"Access to the palace library," I replied. "Full access—including military records and restricted archives."
Cedric and Lizbeth exchanged glances. Then, they both nodded.
"Very well," Lizbeth said, managing a smile. "You may use the library as you wish."
"Good. Then I'll help. But on one condition."
"And what would that be?" Lizbeth asked.
"Until the war is over, I'll govern from the shadows. You'll remain the public figure. The engagement will only be announced once the kingdom is stable. Until then, I'm just an invisible advisor."
Lizbeth blushed and averted her gaze.
"I... agree," she said softly.
Cedric let out a breath of relief.
"Please, allow me to offer you a place to rest."
"Ana, take him to his room."
A maid approached. With pale skin and short hair, she looked like a porcelain doll.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Master, please allow me to escort you to your quarters."
*Master?* I thought, confused—but I followed her anyway.
The room was simple yet spacious. A wooden bed with pristine white sheets, a dark wardrobe, and a small writing desk. The oak flooring reminded me of home. I glanced out the window and saw a landscape that resembled 19th-century Europe.
I took a deep breath.
"Better get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day..."
When I awoke, the maid was already standing by the door.
"Master, I've come to take your measurements for formal attire and accompany you to breakfast with Her Majesty."
"You're the maid from yesterday... And what's with calling me 'master'?"
"You are to marry Her Majesty. That makes you my master."
"Ah, sorry. I didn't introduce myself. My name is Anastasia, but please call me Ana. I'm the head maid—I manage all the other servants in the palace."
Still groggy from sleep, I let her in. She measured me with uncanny precision, not even needing me to adjust my posture.
"I'm done," she said a moment later.
Startled by her speed, I just nodded. We headed to the dining hall.
The corridor felt endless, maybe because of the tension. When the doors opened, I found Cedric and Lizbeth already waiting.
"Good morning, Hero Yuto," Lizbeth said cheerfully.
"Morning, Lizbeth," I replied, taking a seat beside her.
But I added, "And enough with the 'Hero' stuff."
"If that's what you want... Good morning, Yuto. But call me Liz. It's awkward to be so formal with someone who's supposed to be close to me."
"Alright, Liz."
She blushed lightly, and breakfast was served: breads, cheeses, fruits, and more.
As we ate, we discussed the political situation.
"We need to stabilize the interior before we face enemy forces," I said after a quick look at the map.
"And how do you plan to do that?" Cedric asked.
"First, by centralizing intelligence gathering. Then, by reforming military logistics and tax collection. Modern wars are won in the rear—not just on the battlefield."
Cedric's eyes widened, surprised by my confidence.
"You speak like a seasoned general."
"I've just read a lot."
After breakfast, Liz guided me to the library. It was a massive building attached to the palace, packed with ancient books, documents, and maps. To me, it was paradise.
I spent the entire day there, devouring information.
I learned that Lusandria, despite being a young kingdom, was still bound by an outdated feudal system. Power was fragmented among local nobles, and the army lacked discipline and standardization.
Everything needed reform. But first, I'd have to win the trust of the nobility, stabilize the economy, and rebuild the military.
That night, I returned to my room. The maid was waiting outside.
"Master, I've brought some tea to help you relax."
"Thanks," I said, accepting the tray.
As I sipped the tea, I began to draft a plan—organize the army into professional companies, establish new supply routes, centralize command, revise the feudal tax system... The list was endless.
*It won't be easy... but it's not impossible,* I thought, resolute.
When I finished, I looked out the window. The stars were shining brightly.
I smiled.
"If I'm stuck here... then I'll do things my way."
And thus began my story in the Kingdom of Lusandria—not as a hero, but as the architect of a silent revolution.