"Today the lord announced that the king would be using the Jewel Broadcast!"
"Jewel Broadcast? I-is the king planning for a war?"
"Don't know... Honestly, I'm scared. He first usurped the throne, now don't tell me he plans to go to war?"
"Usurp the throne? The former king himself abdicated the throne to King Souma! He is a hero! A hero! How dare you slander him?"
"That's right! He's even engaged to Princess Liscia. How can you say he usurped the throne?"
"Hah! Do you think a king would give his throne to a stranger?"
In the town square surrounding the fountain, the entire town had gathered today. People discussed, debated, and waited patiently for the promised Jewel Broadcast—to finally see the face of their new king.
This Jewel Broadcast, normally used for important announcements or war declarations throughout history, always held great significance to the people of the kingdom. But today, it was especially important, for it would be the first time the summoned hero and newly ascended king, Souma Kazuya himself, would address the nation.
Public opinion varied among the citizens of Elfrieden. Some were eager to catch a glimpse of their new ruler, while others worried for the nation's safety, believing that the throne had been usurped rather than abdicated.
"The town sure is lively today..." Limping with the support of two sticks, Damon muttered as he curiously observed the crowd filled with humans, beastmen, and elves.
Passing merchants stopped setting up their stalls near the gathering as adults argued and children ran about playing together.
"They sure are," Owen, whose thin frame and bald head barely reached Damon's shoulders, muttered as he supported him toward a seat.
After noticing improvement in Damon's condition—enough to walk, albeit with support—Owen had proposed a stroll around the town, and Damon readily agreed.
Stuck in bed with nothing to do, the boredom had been eating him alive. So there was no reason to refuse Owen's offer, especially since the news of the Jewel Broadcast had already stirred his curiosity.
Looking at the bustling streets, Damon smiled briefly before his expression turned into a frown. His sharp eyes scanned every little detail around him.
The stinking air, the streets littered with horse dung, the utter lack of hygiene and sanitation. Horses crowded the roads, people coughed incessantly. Having memories from the 21st century, Damon couldn't help but feel repulsed by the unhygienic, almost medieval living conditions of this world.
But what stood out to him the most was...
'They all look so thin, almost malnourished.'
"Sigh... this food crisis... it's devastating to see people, especially children, in such a state," Owen muttered beside him, his old eyes heavy with sorrow as he observed the townsfolk.
"Food crisis..." Damon echoed, recalling the events of the novel. During the early days of Souma's rule—the first volume—the kingdom had indeed suffered from a massive shortage of food.
Having shifted focus to cash crops like cotton, people had stopped growing edible plants. The kingdom was forced to import food, worsening its economic strain.
'Incurring losses to secure food, encouraging people to eat unconventional regional produce, and with the help of Poncho—one of the talents he gathered—Souma was able to solve the crisis by the fall harvest.'
As Damon recalled these events, a large screen suddenly lit up in the sky above the fountain. A holographic image hovered in the air, revealing a young man of Asian descent—black-haired, average in height and appearance—dressed simply, far too modestly for someone called a king.
***
"If you have a gift, I will put it to use!"
Through capital, city, town, and village alike, Souma's voice echoed.
In the capital, the cities, and even the larger towns, Souma's image was
projected, as well. The receivers in the larger areas released a mist into the
air, then used the refraction of light to recreate the scene taking place inside
the Jewel Voice Room.
Standing before the Jewel Broadcast's glowing mist, King Souma's calm yet commanding voice echoed across the kingdom.
He spoke of the nation's dire straits—of famine, economic decline, refugees fleeing the Demon Lord's domain, and neighboring powers waiting to strike. The former king, recognizing his own limits, had entrusted the realm to Souma, believing the young hero capable of guiding Elfrieden through chaos.
"In turbulent times," Souma declared, "we do not need saints—we need survivors. Those willing to dirty their hands to protect what matters."
He announced sweeping reforms and a call to the gifted: anyone possessing a unique talent, regardless of birth, age, race, or status, was urged to come forward. Whether one could read, count, fight, or simply do one thing better than anyone else—it didn't matter. "If you have a gift," he vowed, "I will make use of it."
At first, the people were hesitant. Could their humble skills truly serve the kingdom? But Souma's conviction broke through their doubt. His words carried weight, as though reaching directly into their hearts.
When he promised recognition and reward—a "Certificate of Peerlessness" for those unmatched in their craft—the hesitation finally shattered. The dam of uncertainty burst into cheers.
From the capital to the distant towns, the voices of the people rose in unison, echoing across the land as they cheered for their King.
***
The broadcast soon came to an end as the speech concluded. Applause didn't cease as the people of Oakshade Town rejoiced at the king's announcement.
"Even if he seems plain... he's surely a brilliant young man," Owen murmured, wiping the corners of his eyes.
"Really? Not sure about brilliant, but this recruitment announcement—it was executed perfectly."
"Ah, you young ones..." Owen sighed, smiling faintly. "In our time, a broadcast was synonymous with war. To see it used this way, and to watch such a capable mind sit on the throne... I envy you young ones, who get to experience your youth in this era."
Damon just smiled as he looked at Owen, then turned his attention back to the crowd. His eyes narrowed as gears began to turn in his mind.
'So it begins...' — the first big move by Souma, the gathering of talents.
'Juna, Poncho, Aisha, Tomoe, and Hakuya.' These were the five important characters, the main cast who would soon make their appearance to the world.
Juna and Aisha — the harem members of the story, combatants, and crucial to the growth of the MC.
Tomoe — a mystic wolf, capable of communicating with animals and, more importantly, demons, which greatly increased her value.
Poncho — the man capable of solving the food crisis of Elfreiden.
And finally... Hakuya Kyonim, the black-robed prime minister and chief strategist of Souma.
"All five are interesting and capable individuals, but my interest lies only with two of them,' Damon thought, closing his eyes as he began planning.
"It's time... for me to start moving."