Ep 2. If You Possess an Aptitude, We'll Make Use of It

In How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom season 1 episode 2, titled "If You Possess an Aptitude, We'll Make Use of It," viewers are introduced to a new character named Souma Kazuya. Souma is a talented individual who possesses a vast array of knowledge and specialized skills that he attained from his previous life on Earth. Being summoned to another world, Souma has been tasked with rebuilding the Kingdom of Elfrieden with his unique abilities and traits as the new king.

As the episode begins, Souma discusses his knowledge of agriculture with the head of agriculture in Elfrieden, Poncho. While Poncho initially questions Souma's credentials, Souma demonstrates his knowledge by identifying different crops, the necessary rainfall, and soil quality to grow them. Souma goes on to discuss his ideas for increasing the Kingdom's food production, such as implementing crop rotation and irrigation systems that would maximize the productivity of the available farmland.

Later on, Souma meets with the head of the military, Hakuya Kwonmin, to discuss his ideas for building up and reorganizing the army. Souma recognizes the need for a larger and stronger army for the kingdom's defense, but he is also aware of its current lack of resources. To save costs, Souma proposes the idea of using part-time soldiers. This would allow farmers and other citizens to join the ranks of the military when necessary while still tending to their daily duties. Souma also notes that the previous king already maintained longstanding alliances with neighboring countries and suggests reinforcing these alliances rather than hiring mercenaries to fight alongside their troops.

The episode also introduces a new character, Liscia Elfrieden, the daughter of the previous king. Despite his apprehensions about being thrust into a world where he has to lead entirely, Souma shows an eagerness to learn about the Kingdom's history regarding how it once survived famine and what were the reasons for its fall. Liscia can't help but express her gratitude and admiration for Souma's efforts to rebuild the kingdom and become a true leader; but she also suspects there may be more behind his intentions.

Towards the end of the episode, an emergency meeting is called as news arrives that two large armies are approaching the borders of Elfrieden. The armies are those of two countries that had made an alliance to overthrow Elfrieden. The kingdom doesn't have enough time to hire mercenaries or prepare themselves for face-to-face combat. Souma proposes an intelligent and strategic plan that is non-violent but still wins them the war.

The episode ends with Souma getting his foot in as a leader, taking steps towards changing the kingdom for the better, and ultimately saving their land through non-violent measures. The episode highlights Souma's ideas on rebuilding the Kingdom with limited resources, showcasing his well-thought-out plans, and his ability to think on the feet in times of crisis. It also sets up the next steps for the series, with the continued development of Souma's leadership skills and the continued growth of the Kingdom under his guidance.