How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Season 1, Episode 20: Aping the Frown of Beauty

1

First Begin with a Hero

University student Souma is suddenly summoned as a hero to the kingdom of Elfrieden, which is facing a number of crises, both foreign and domestic. Souma confers with the king and prime minister, after which the king makes a stunning announcement.

24 min

2

If You Possess an Aptitude, We'll Make Use of It

Souma is checked for any magical powers, and puts his results to use with the administrative paperwork. Hoping to recruit more competent personnel for his staff, Souma sends out a nationwide broadcast offering prizes to the most talented in the land.

24 min

3

Let Not Me Be a Loyal Minister

The results of the talent search are in, and the kingdom holds a recognition and award ceremony for the winners. Five uniquely talented individuals come before Souma to demonstrate their skills, and find a place for themselves within his royal court.

24 min

4

The Forefinger Twitches

After Souma realizes the true gravity of Tomoe's ability, he ensures that it remains a secret, and that she is kept safe. Juna and Poncho host a program that shows how to prepare readily-available but unconventional ingredients during the food shortage.

24 min

5

Well Fed, Well Regarded

Juna and Poncho close out their cooking show with their take on udon noodles. Marx steps down as prime minister, and as Hakuya fills the vacancy, he insists that Souma get some rest. Souma, Liscia, and Aisha take a tour of the castle town incognito.

24 min

6

The Wise Man Never Forsaketh an Advantage

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.

24 min

7

Thus Saith the Elder

Souma dispatches his magically-controlled mascot warrior to join an adventurer party. After securing funding with his team of accountants, Souma sets out to build a new port city and network of roads, but runs into opposition from the local residents.

24 min

8

The Forest in Labour

Kaede leads an engineering corps, including Halbert, in constructing a road. As the work detail receives a royal inspection from Souma and Liscia, an urgent message from Aisha's father arrives, informing them of a natural disaster in their homeland.

24 min

9

Contrary to Wishes

The Three Dukes meet to discuss what to do about King Souma. In Amidonia, Gaius receives word from Georg accepting his aid, and prepares to invade Elfrieden over the objections of his finance minister. Souma delivers his ultimatum to the Three Dukes.

24 min

10

No Place of Joy Hath a Soldier

Gaius leads an invasion force from Amidonia into the kingdom and lays siege to the city of Altomura. Meanwhile, in Randel, the Forbidden Army constructs a fort from which they engage Georg's forces, while Red Dragon City receives its own surprise attack.

24 min

11

Sacrifice the Plum Tree to Preserve the Peach Tree

Souma and his entourage confront Vargas in his castle before hurrying off to Randel to regroup with the Forbidden Army. A stunning truth about Georg is revealed by Glaive, leading to a dramatic turn of events with Gaius and his forces at Altomura.

24 min

12

When You Surround an Army, Leave an Outlet Free

Under Gaius's command, the Amidonian army launches a full-scale attack to retake Van, but Souma and his forces move to stop them. In the aftermath of the war, there are serious consequences to be faced and plans for reconciliation to be put into action.

24 min

13

To Fight and Conquer in All Our Battles Is Not Supreme Excellence

Jeanne Euphoria of the Gran Chaos Empire is sent to Van to deal with the occupation. Roroa observes the newfound freedom of the citizens of Van. Poncho locates a source of food for the impoverished citizens. Souma, Juna and Tomoe enjoy a day off together.

24 min

14

Amidonia in a Lion's Skin

Julius, the son of Gaius, attempts to reclaim his former territory of Van from Souma, backed by the authority of the Gran Chaos Empire. The power to negotiate is given to Jeanne Euphoria, younger sister of Empress Maria Euphoria.

24 min

15

Becoming Good Friends Who Never Offend

Jeanne's negotiations continue. These negotiations are no longer in the hands of Julius, but wholly a matter for the Gran Chaos Empire and the Kingdom of Elfrieden. Further, Jeanne sees a new future and a new world in Souma.

24 min

16

Tyranny Is More Terrible than Tigers

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

24 min

17

A Warrior Will Die for One Who Understands Him

Souma is victorious in both the Elfrieden civil war and the battle against Amidonia. However, his victory was won as a result of the devotion of a man named Georg. Still, the law is the law, and Souma must pass down a harsh judgment against Georg.

24 min

18

Seeing Snake Shadows in Every Cup

Weathering a number of problems, Souma more or less finishes dealing with the aftermath of the war. However, he was set upon by an inexplicable anxiety, the distress and pressure only felt by those in authority. It was not something he could bear alone.

24 min

19

Strike While the Iron Is Hot

Royal Guard Captain Ludwin's childhood friend, Genia, was a rare breed of mad scientist. Her inventions leave even Souma, who comes from a world of science and technology, in astonishment... In addition to being utterly dumbfounded.

24 min

20

Aping the Frown of Beauty

With Van, the capital of Amidonia, returned to Julius, so too returns the oppressive rule of the government. The people's dissatisfaction increases day by day, until finally they end up revolting. Julius's sister, Roroa, then comes before Souma.

24 min

21

Using Shrimp as Bait to Catch Sea Bream, but Instead Catching a Shark

Roroa's arrival further complicates the situation between Amidonia and the Kingdom of Elfrieden. It was an outcome not even Souma had anticipated. In response, a conference between Grand Chaos Empire Empress Maria Euphoria and Souma must be convened.

24 min

22

Those Without Wisdom Are Fools

An unusual Friedonian slave trader named Ginger Camus gave his slaves clean clothes and enough to eat, as well as providing them with an education, little knowing that this would eventually end up rocking the kingdom.

24 min

23

Gargling and Hand Washing Are the Basis of Disease Prevention

Refugees are one of modern society's great challenges, and the Kingdom of Friedonia is no exception. Refugees who had been driven from their lands by invading monsters have gathered outside the walls of the capital and started an encampment.

24 min

24

Away from My Hometown for So Many Years

Souma and the others visit the refugees, where they help an expectant mother with a difficult delivery. The newborn life provides hope and a foundation for the future to the refugees, but not all of them accept the future Souma presents them.

24 min

25

Know Your Enemy and Know Yourself, and Your Union Shall Not Be Endangered

One evening, Excel whispers to the fiancées Liscia, Aisha, Juna, and Roroa that she will teach them how to please their man, and suddenly commences a "Fiancées' Bridal Course". The secrets of Souma and his fiancées are about to come to light.

24 min

26

Ahead, I See No Ancestors; Behind, I Find No Followers

On New Year's Eve, Souma is summoned by his predecessor, King Albert, to talk with his wife, Elisha. The amazing truth told by Albert's mouth. And what's up in Souma's chest when he knows "everything"...

24 min