It has been a while, everyone.
While I have been getting plenty of rest, I’ve decided to post this as a Christmas present.
It might be that my characters are a little out of sorts since I haven’t written anything in a while, but please bear with me.
Also, there are some announcements in the afterword, so please be sure to read until the end.
Now then, Merry Christmas, everyone!!
I sometimes wonder just how much time has passed since that fierce battle ended. It’s a good thing to have enough peace of mind to feel that reminiscing about the past is a luxury, but the reality is that I can see the answer instantly just by looking at my smartphone screen, showing a lack of sentimentality.
Even more time has passed since the wedding, and I am enjoying peace.
“…Quite some time has passed, hasn’t it?”
It’s not like that, though.
In a社長室 (Shachō-shitsu – President’s office) that has become more luxurious and spacious than ever before, I am currently moving my hands at high speed, reading through documents with my eyes, and simultaneously grasping the content displayed on the monitors.
No, I was freed from the days of battle, but in return, the hellish workload of acting as a liaison between Earth and Isal has begun.
Because it’s an unprecedented exchange with another world, most of the trouble stems from differences in culture, race, and roughly, values. And because of these differences, the brunt of the work is falling on me, the liaison.
I can understand Earth’s culture, am familiar with Isal’s circumstances, and hold a corresponding position.
It’s natural they would want to use me.
During the wedding preparations, I thought I would have some free time once it was over, but the more time passes, the more countries are actively engaging in exchanges with the otherworld, and even individuals who approach with malice rather than goodwill appear. As someone who has gained the position of President, I’ve been working to the point of exhaustion, forgetting the passage of time.
“If I didn’t have a family, I would have run away long ago.”
Time flies when you’re working a lot. The period between the end of the war and the wedding was more enjoyable.
Considering my current grueling work, this is not a workload suitable for a newlywed.
It might seem absurd to allocate the power of God, which should be a cheat in itself, to handling company work, but I couldn’t secure time with my family without using that divine power.
“But, thanks to that, I’ve finally, finally managed to snatch it!!”
The time I secured was dedicated entirely to my family, such as having dinner together, spending an hour with the children, and ensuring my marital intimacy.
“Christmas vacation!! I absolutely will not let anyone interfere for these three days before and after!!”
As a result, I’ve received invitations to parties from prominent figures like various companies, presidents, and prime ministers, but I’ve declined them with the force of a one-hit, two-cleave strike.
“Because I want to spend Christmas with my family.”
I refused them all with that one sentence.
Ideally, for AWC, which was established only a few years ago, securing connections should be a priority no matter what. Fortunately, thanks to our unknown technological prowess in magic and the guardianship of the gods who descended upon Earth, I was able to secure this holiday.
“It’s good to be motivated, but don’t slow down your stamping speed.”
“Ah, yes.”
Evia, who has become my wife, quietly brings me new documents as if to gently insert them into my work while I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming vacation. Her skills, having moved from being the Demon Lord’s secretary to my secretary upon my inauguration as President, perfectly complement my own nascent progress as I seriously began studying management. Her beauty, which was expected to fade after giving birth to our only daughter Luna, has instead been further refined by motherhood, contrary to expectations. She has beautiful red hair and a physique that has only improved since before childbirth. Within her sharp gaze lies a warmth that gently watches over me as I strive to secure time for our children and family.
“Honestly, you haven’t changed. You’ve obtained things that ordinary people would drown in: status, honor, financial power, and multiple wives. Yet, you strive harder for us and our children than for your own time.”
“It’s partly because my commoner’s sensibilities haven’t left me, but it’s an annual event with my daughters, you know? If anyone tries to interfere, I’m prepared to pick a fight with God himself.”
“When you say that, it doesn’t sound like a joke.”
I process documents at high speed and send them to each department via teleportation magic. Even in this paperless age, why do paper documents still exist?
“As expected of the God Killer hero.”
“Can’t you do something about that chuunibyou-esque nickname? Sometimes, I get questions from religious groups asking if I’m on good terms with their gods.”
“I did get into a fight with the gods of Indian mythology once.”
“That was troublesome.”
No, they are kept on paper because they are necessary. The problem is the language of these documents. They are not just in Japanese; documents are sent in English, German, French, Russian, Cantonese, Korean, Hindi, and Portuguese. Yes, I learned them. I studied them earnestly with Valse-san’s help, extending my time. Thanks to that, I can now converse and write and read like a native! The enhancement of my physical body has extended to my brain, which is a huge help!
“Instead, Raidou went and handled it, so it was fine.”
“No, Evia, you shouldn’t say that a situation where a part of India was turned upside down was ‘fine’.”
I process dozens of documents in a few seconds and then move on to the next pile, starting to chip away at it, but even more are teleported in.
“Now, that area has become a fertile land blessed by God. So, it was fine, wasn’t it?”
“Even if you say ‘all’s well that ends well,’ you’re mistaken if you think it covers a brute-force approach.”
All of these documents are related to trade with AWC and inter-country exchanges, so I can’t afford to miss a single word.
“Don’t say that. In the end, we concluded a good trade treaty with India. They are a valuable customer for potion sales.”
“A large population also means a large number of buyers. Since God’s stamp of approval made potions the first medicine to be officially recognized by a country, it has led to profit for us.”
“God guarantees something like magic essence, which is imperceptible to us. In a way, it’s the ultimate backing.”
“Thanks to that, their effectiveness has been recognized worldwide. Now, they are seen as having the potential to cure even incurable diseases, and orders are flooding in from all over the world. This has allowed us to procure supplies for the reconstruction of Isal-Nanda and provide reconstruction support on their side.”
Post-war reconstruction cannot be completed in just a year or so. Even with the great Empire and the Demon Lord’s Army working together on reconstruction, many things do not go well due to the lingering grudges. Gradually, reconstruction is progressing, and exchanges between the Demon Race and humankind are becoming more frequent.
The Earth side has its own problems, but the other side has its problems too. It’s at least better that we are resolving those problems one by one.
“…Evia.”
“What is it?”
I found documents that have been increasing in number in my hand recently and sighed deeply, quickly swept them aside, and resumed stamping.
“Lately, aren’t there a lot of matchmaking offers for me? Even after having such a grand wedding. I’m married, you know!”
“We also made it known that polygyny is permitted, remember? If you form connections, it will bring significant advantages to our side as well.”
“I’ve turned them all down, though.”
“From a positional standpoint, it’s reasonable to connect with powerful figures on Earth.”
“As a wife, though?”
What I swept aside were documents that looked like marriage proposals. I’ll hand them over to the PR department later to have them decline with a noncommittal response.
“That’s already decided.”
Evia, seeing my action of unhesitatingly pushing aside the matchmaking proposals, gently placed her hand over mine as I was stamping and stopped my movement. Then, Evia’s face approached mine, and she softly kissed me.
“I don’t like it. You are our man.”
“I’m happy just to hear you say that. Well then, if that’s the case, I have to secure this vacation no matter what.”
“Yes, it’s an important day for everyone to be together for the first time in a while. We must ensure no unnecessary interference occurs.”
She was good at motivating people.
Well, maybe I’m just a simple man, but if a woman I love pushes me from behind and tells me to do my best, I’ll surely get fired up.
I shifted into a higher gear, increased my document processing speed, and harbored a faint hope that I could have dinner together today.
Christmas is five days away.
“Today, we’re inspecting the Dungeon. I believe it’s primarily for the foreign worker facilities, right?”
“Yes, there are many places to visit, so please stick to the schedule. Many people try to use inspections as an excuse to loiter and chat.”
“I understand.”
Today, Keiri and I are visiting the surface of the Dungeon.
We’ve come all the way to the independent island.
This island has become quite lively.
The harbor has been developed, and ships are constantly coming and going from Japan and various other countries, creating a tremendous sense of vitality.
The roads have been improved, cranes are moving around, and businessmen from Earth are widening their eyes at the Beastkin carrying large forklifts on their shoulders, as if they were shouldering containers.
The reason for our visit this time is, as Keiri mentioned, an on-site inspection.
This is the only place on Earth where the Demon Lord’s Army is allowed to establish a base and govern independently.
It is also the production site for Potions sold worldwide.
Students studying medicine and pharmacology from all over the world gather here proclaiming, “I’m the one!” to learn how to make Potions.
Basically, they only hire people from the fields of pharmacology and medicine as workers.
If it’s for the sake of human lives, they open their doors to fields other than secret techniques and teach them basic Potion-making methods and their effects.
However, since Potions cannot be made without Magic Power, they are now developing Magic Tools that can be used by anyone to make them, and further researching methods for cultivating medicinal herbs to enable development.
Although they are referred to as foreign workers, they are essentially a gathering of researchers.
“It’s quite prosperous.”
“It seems that unknown technology piques interest in any world. There were even some staff members who hadn’t bathed and had been confined to the laboratory for days.”
“How is that for hygiene management?”
“We’ve certainly cautioned them about that.”
The research building is constructed slightly isolated from the rest of the island.
Although I sometimes receive startled glances from passing staff members and offer a wry smile, it’s unavoidable given my position.
In a way, I’m aware that I’ve become the most famous person on Earth, and a majority of the people who come to this facility from abroad know me.
Even I, before entering this facility, undergo sterilization and pay the utmost attention to hygiene management, as well as thorough identity verification.
And only those who have a genuine desire to learn are accepted here. Unnecessary elitism is a hindrance, and those who come merely to enhance their prestige are promptly sent away.
As the saying goes, “Familiarity breeds contempt,” but I don’t go so far as to forgo all protocol. I enter stealthily, except for the person in charge.
Because it was a surprise inspection, the staff are surprised and are looking at us, but I tell them to get back to work without minding, and as we walk around, I see researchers debating research results on the efficacy of medicinal herbs, and researchers so engrossed in their lectures that they don’t notice me. I can see their motivation and passion firsthand.
Basically, there seem to be no problems.
“But why am I here for an inspection? No offense, but it doesn’t seem necessary.”
Observing their motivation, and seeing that they are neither decadent nor forming strange factions, I feel there’s no need for a surprise inspection and look at Keiri walking beside me.
“…It’s fine, isn’t it? You’ve been so busy lately. If we don’t do something like this, we won’t have any time alone together. While I’m happy being with the children, I want to spend some time alone with you occasionally.”
With that, she blushed, averted her gaze, and explained the reason she planned this inspection with me.
In other words, this is her way of asking me on a date.
The word “abuse of power” briefly crossed my mind, but confronted with such a cute reason, I found myself accepting it as unavoidable.
“That’s right, it’s good to have some time alone occasionally.”
Because there are other people watching, I can’t hold her hand, but I close the distance between us a little more than usual.
“Yes, consider it a wife’s privilege.”
“In that case, I can’t argue. Next time, I’d like to go out with Mirune.”
“Indeed. I’ve also been so busy with work lately that I haven’t been able to be a proper mother. I’m grateful that Himik helps with childcare, but still…”
“I worry if I’m being forgotten as a father.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. You always try to have meals together and value family time, don’t you?”
“You do the same, don’t you? Even when you’re tired, you come home and hold her, and sleep with her.”
“That’s where I find solace. I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that I’m energized thanks to Mirune.”
“Ah, I strongly agree with that sentiment.”
Mirune, our daughter, born to Keiri and me.
She is a beloved daughter that both she and I can boast that we treasure more than our own eyes.
However, apart from our love for our daughter, neither Keiri nor I have lost our perception of each other as a man and a woman.
Rather, since becoming a couple, the shared topic of our child has broadened our conversations even further.
“Speaking of children, I received a message from Memoria saying that the costumes are ready.”
“Oh, they’re ready?”
While performing the inspection, we occasionally intersperse private conversations.
Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my room approving documents or meeting with dignitaries like presidents, prime ministers, and royalty.
That’s why I appreciate being able to relax like this.
“Well, I’ll meet Memoria tomorrow and pick them up then.”
“Memoria prepared them with that in mind, didn’t she?”
“Just like Memoria.”
As she smiles, my own cheeks loosen, and I can’t help but smile too.
Even though I’m facing a period of intense work, days like these are what keep me going.
Christmas is now four days away.
Now, by sudden impulse, let me tell you about the biggest change in the former headquarters of the organization I belonged to, MAO Corporation.
It’s the building located in Tokyo.
The most significant change has been its use.
Previously, under the guise of creating Dungeons that Heroes couldn’t conquer, the facility was largely designed to enable Dungeon Testers to challenge them in optimal condition.
They prepared a special environment called Evia’s Dungeon, connected it to other Dungeons to shorten travel time, and created a subterranean shopping environment with luxurious rooms called company housing.
Now, six of the Dungeons belonging to the Generals—Oni King, Undead King, Dragon King, Tree King, Giant King, and Machine King—have been disconnected. The dungeons are now used to connect to their respective territories and granted territories to maintain public order in Isal.
The only Dungeon currently connected to the company is my Potion factory-type Dungeon.
Furthermore, after confirming their intentions, the Dungeon Testers were reassigned as trainees to fields where they showed aptitude.
As a company, and as the Demon Lord’s Army, we never expected such a swift conclusion, nor did we anticipate Earth would so readily adopt a welcoming stance.
The paths of the Dungeon Testers vary greatly; those who enjoy fighting have gone to the Otherworld for that purpose, while those interested in manufacturing have been taken in by us.
And there are others as well.
“The performance of our former Testers is remarkable even at the Toris Trading Company. From our perspective, their ideas for things that wouldn’t sell are fresh and would undoubtedly sell to people on Earth.”
“That’s true. While they are under our management, values differ between their side and ours.”
Some people also became interested in commerce.
Today, under the guise of meeting Memoria, who is researching that kind of information, I came to the underground facility, which has been transformed into something akin to the warehouse of a world-famous mail-order company, as a change of pace.
The remnants of the shopping street remain, but adjacent to it, Memoria has been appointed as the manager of the expanded warehouse.
“Still, Memoria, are you getting enough sleep? Your complexion is a little off.”
“I might be pushing myself a bit because I want to take a vacation for Christmas.”
“Shall we have some after a long time?”
I wasn’t in my usual suit, but rather dressed in formal attire as a merchant from my other world, tablet in hand, here to inspect the site.
Around me, workers were diligently and quickly moving goods. Some were food from Earth, while others were shipments from Isal.
This was a place for inspection and management, which naturally meant many people working and a large volume of goods being handled. The regulations, even stricter than during wartime, had increased the workload for the administrators.
As administrators, there was a dedicated room for Memoria, and that’s where we were. Just the two of us in the room.
That’s precisely why I made such a casual proposal.
“Then, with your permission.”
“Ah, go ahead.”
I spread my arms, opening into a posture as if to embrace her. Memoria easily leaped into my arms, burying her face against my neck.
A small “munch” sound and a faint sting shot through my neck.
The sound of sucking lasted for a few seconds.
“It tastes more refined than before.”
“Perhaps it’s because I eat Himik’s homemade cooking every day and stay healthy.”
“It might also be because the compatibility between my magic and divine power has increased.”
“Is that a good thing?”
After finishing, Memoria began to lick my neck to heal the wound. Feeling a slight tickle, I let her continue, and as she spoke about the taste of my blood, I remained still, letting go of her only after she finished.
“For me, it is a good thing.”
We sometimes did this during our nightly intimacy, but after drinking my blood, her complexion always improved significantly.
“My body has already become such that I can no longer drink anyone else’s blood.”
“Is that so?”
Apparently, she had once tried drinking transfusion packs meant for vampires as a tasting, but the quality varied greatly. Moreover, they lacked magic power, making them taste bland. She mentioned that she didn’t want to drink them except in emergencies. My blood, it seemed, was considered the finest kind to her.
I recalled an incident where a vampire noble, having heard about this, offered to buy my blood at any price. Memoria, who had a terrifying aura that would make even a Hannya flee, had repelled him.
Therefore, her unwillingness to drink anyone else’s blood but mine was her way of expressing affection as a vampire.
Knowing this, I gently tightened my embrace, and she happily wrapped her arms around my neck, returning the hug.
“Right. Have the costumes I ordered arrived?”
“Yes, they should be the correct sizes for everyone and are all here without any issues.”
A few seconds, or perhaps a few minutes.
Evia hadn’t contacted me telepathically, so it probably hadn’t been an hour yet.
We stood in silence, embracing, then gently parted. When I asked the reason for her visit today, she turned to me while still in my arms and pointed to a cardboard box in the corner of the room.
“Oh, thank you. I’ll take them home with me when I leave.”
“Yes, well, if you forget, I can just take them back myself.”
“The children will find them.”
“I won’t make such a mistake.”
“I wonder, Sophie’s perceptive, much like Memoria. If it’s something new, she’ll come to check it out, won’t she?”
“If it’s Sophie, that’s plausible. In that case, please don’t forget to take them with you.”
“Ah, you can count on me.”
These were costumes prepared for my daughters. If they were discovered, the surprise element would be diminished.
Even though they were still young and might not fully understand, I was particular about these things.
I glanced at my watch for a moment.
There were just a few more minutes of leeway.
Checking the remaining time, I cherished even this brief moment before returning to work with the packages.
Three days left until Christmas.
In the bustling days leading up to Christmas, amidst paperwork, site inspections, and receiving goods, there were also meetings with people. It was only natural given my position…
“Still, it’s a bit unusual to gather right before Christmas, isn’t it?”
Representatives from world leaders, including the President of the Free Nation and leaders from various European countries, had come. While the heads of the continental nations themselves didn’t attend, their close aides did. Nations that were on bad terms with the Free Nation also sent representatives, all of whom requested an audience with me.
Was it the last opportunity of the year, or a decision made to get a step ahead of other countries?
Each of them, under the guise of “for the future of the world,” presented an atmosphere that suggested they would exploit any admission I made, even if not entirely. I had to be careful about what I said.
Keiri, Evia, and Suella were with me, but they had stepped away to confer with the national delegates for the formal negotiations.
As a result, I found myself having to maintain a practiced, easy-going smile that I had recently become adept at, ensuring I didn’t give away any leverage. The meetings concluded without creating any friction with any of the nations.
“I’m hungry.”
The price for this was that I couldn’t eat properly during work hours, leaving me plagued by hunger. Even with the divine power I possessed, I was, after all, still a biological being.
I wasn’t fatigued, but the hunger was real.
“Should I have something brought in?”
Outside the room, SPs I had brought were on guard. I figured if I asked them, they could arrange for a sandwich, and I started to get up.
“This presence…”
I sensed a familiar presence a little distance away.
The presence rapidly approached, stopped in front of the room, conversed with the SP, and then, mere seconds later, the door opened without a knock.
“Giro, I thought you might be hungry, so I brought dinner.”
“Himik, are you a goddess?”
“I’m a fallen angel. Though, I am happy to be called a goddess by Giro.”
She seemed pleased, her black wings fluttering slightly as she bashfully held up the basket. As if to say, “This is the blessing from heaven,” she gently removed the cloth covering it, revealing a tempting aroma.
“It’s kept warm with magic, so it’s hot. And there’s soup and dessert too.”
“So, Himik, you are a goddess?”
“I’m a fallen angel.”
The contents were a sandwich, salad, and soup in a thermos. A simple menu, but the fact that it was her homemade cooking, combined with my body’s urgent need for nourishment due to hunger, acted as a spice, making it a meal superior to any three-star Michelin course.
She skillfully arranged the two servings on the table. We sat side-by-side, and she sat next to me.
“Itadakimasu.”
“Ah, please enjoy.”
This was the moment that dispelled the loneliness of having a solitary dinner, and the thought of only seeing my children’s sleeping faces.
Wiping my hands with the warm cloth handed to me, I put my hands together and reached for the sandwich.
“…”
“How is it?”
“I’m glad to be alive.”
“That’s a bit exaggerated.”
Savoring the taste intently, I fell silent, and she looked at me with a slightly anxious expression. When I honestly expressed my feelings, Himik gave a wry smile and began to eat as well.
“Are the children alright? Suella and the others must have been busy today too.”
“Ah, Tatte-san came by. Evia relayed that Giro wouldn’t be able to eat properly. She’s taken charge of looking after the children.”
“I’ll have to thank her later.”
The happiness of being able to eat together. Moreover, after the intense, veiled power struggles between adults just moments ago, her homemade meal, prepared with pure concern and without ulterior motives, was deeply comforting.
After eating one sandwich and feeling my hunger subside, my thoughts naturally turned to my daughters.
Himik was the primary caregiver for my children, the entire responsibility for their upbringing falling on her. We had a butler and hired help to maintain the household, but when it came to childcare, Himik was the main pillar.
Of course, when Suella and I weren’t working, we looked after the children, but Himik was undeniably the most present figure at home.
Even my wives, including myself, were likely not at home during this busy period.
That’s precisely why I was a little concerned when she came all the way out here to deliver meals.
The eldest, Yukiera and Sachiera, children of Suella, were only two years old.
Next were Evia’s children, Luna. She had just turned one recently and was starting to stand and walk slowly.
Following them were Memoria’s child, Sophie, and then Keiri’s child, Miln. As you can see, they were still at an age where they became anxious without their mothers.
I had originally thought of bringing Kaede along too, but,
“This area is for inviting outsiders, so it’s not quite time yet.”
“Even though it can’t be helped, I still feel anxious when she’s not by my side.”
Kaede, Himik’s child, was the youngest of the sisters and the most adept at getting her way.
“However, lately Yukiera and Sachiera have been. Perhaps they’ve become more aware of being older sisters, they’ll inform me when Kaede is crying or will try to soothe her.”
“Children grow up so fast.”
That’s probably why she seems to be liked and doted on by her older sisters.
“She’s probably imitating what she sees her mothers do. The other day, she even tried to imitate Giro!”
“Me? What did I do?”
“Well, when Kaede was fussing and crying, you made a silly face to make her laugh, right? She saw that and apparently learned that if she does that, Kaede will be happy.”
“…I’ll be more careful next time.”
While I felt happy about my child’s growth, I thought that even though she was still a child, it wasn’t good for her education to be showing off such strange faces.
Children imitate their parents quickly.
She’s really doing it…
Himik, who found it rather funny, was chuckling as she recalled the memory.
She must have made a very amusing face.
“Isn’t it fine if you don’t? When you do that, the sisters find it funny and laugh, making the room lively.”
“As a father, it’s quite complex.”
“By the way, I like this one myself?”
Even though we were eating, Yukiera showed me photos she must have taken on her phone of them.
They were trying to elicit laughter with childish ingenuity, such as holding their hands to their cheeks energetically, frowning desperately, or widening their eyes.
“I’ve never seen those before?”
“Yukiera and the others are girls too. They probably want to show their cute side to their father, Jiro.”
“Hmm, as a father, it’s complex.”
I sighed, having never seen such faces, and Himik laughed at me again.
We had only been talking about dark matters until now, so this kind of conversation was rather comforting.
By the time we finished our desserts, my feelings had lightened considerably, and my body felt a little lighter as well.
Two days left until Christmas.
Well now, tomorrow is Christmas Eve.
I want to put in my final burst of work today.
“Trouble at a time like this.”
However, it’s often when work is busiest that mistakes happen.
Perhaps the rushed parts when trying to finish quickly have come back to bite me.
“What’s the situation?”
“Three ships scheduled to enter the port offshore have collided. One can navigate on its own, but the other two are listing severely, and if it continues, there’s a high probability of capsizing.”
“What about magical support?”
“It happened outside the island’s magic-permeable range, so our magic won’t reach easily. Rescue teams for the sea have been dispatched, but since we’ve also sent reinforcements to Isal’nanda, we’re short-handed. Furthermore, since both are large ships, human life rescue is at its limit with restricted magic.”
“And so I’ve been requested to deploy.”
“Yes, if Jiro-san deploys, it can be resolved.”
I moved to the port by teleportation and confirmed the situation with Suella, who had already assessed it, then moved my shoulder.
“Haa, an accident on a clear day like this. First, please contact Muil-san and have him gather information covertly.”
“Yes. I don’t think anything is wrong, but please be careful.”
“I’ll save everyone so that this doesn’t spoil such an important time like Christmas.”
It was clearly an intentional accident. I put all my energy into it, not wanting our family vacation to be disrupted by such an ominous atmosphere.
Now that I can generate magic power on my own, I can fly out of the island in one go without any problems.
With Suella’s encouragement, I felt motivated.
If, by any unfortunate chance, something were to happen here…
I wouldn’t be able to enjoy Christmas happily.
“The best thing is to quickly finish troublesome work!!”
I left the island and immediately saw the accident scene after leaving the magic-permeable range.
It’s quite far.
“Well now, whether this is schemed by some anti-otherworld interaction faction, I don’t know.”
But this distance is no problem.
“I’ll resolve this with brute force!!”
With a single step, I accelerated my body and deployed magic in both hands.
I’m using basic magic.
“Lift them all!!”
I haven’t used it in a while, so I hope it hasn’t gotten rusty.
It’s levitation magic, used solely to lift objects.
A total of two ships, considering the combined weight, lifting masses in the tens of thousands of tons, and simultaneously lifting cargo and people that had fallen into the sea.
It’s brute force using magic, something ordinary mages can’t do.
“Gah, just doing desk work is bad. I’m a bit rusty.”
It was the first time in a while that I had used magic over such a wide range, and the reaction was a little delayed.
It was a deceleration of less than 0.001 seconds, but in combat, even this small amount of time can be fatal.
“I should invite the instructor and train again sometime.”
While thinking that only working isn’t good, I confirmed there was no one left to rescue using my presence detection and started moving back to the island.
And once the lifted ships are within the island’s range, it’s up to my subordinates from then on.
I slowly lowered the ships back into the sea and returned to the port.
“Good work.”
“Ah, thank you.”
It took less than ten minutes.
However, considering it was the middle of winter at sea, rescue operations needed to begin as quickly as possible.
I aimed for the fastest action from notification to execution.
“What are the results?”
“Several people have been immersed in seawater and are showing symptoms of hypothermia, but their lives are not in danger as their bodies are being warmed by magic. Three people were injured when the ships tilted, all of whom have been treated with potions. There are no missing persons. Regarding the cause of the accident, we plan to investigate how it happened by confirming with the captain and crew and report to their respective countries.”
“Additionally, please bill me for my deployment fee. If I rescue them for free, some people might take advantage of it.”
“Of course. I will issue a notification so that no corners are cut.”
While there was property damage, there was zero personal injury.
It’s good that the outcome wasn’t a bad one.
With confirmation, I was finally relieved.
“Ah, I’m really glad it ended safely. If anything were to ruin Christmas, I’d curse it.”
“If Jiro-san curses, it really happens, you know?”
“Oops, the power of God is inconvenient at times like these. I can’t even make a joke.”
“Then, even if our time together is ruined, you won’t do anything?”
“That’s a joke. I will take responsibility properly. That’s what society is about, isn’t it?”
Thanks to this, I can even throw a slightly dark joke at Suella.
“Well then, before I go back to work, how about a short break?”
I feel like it was more than a little bit of work, but human life rescue is complete, and damage has been confirmed, so most things have been done.
Investigating the background is the responsibility of another department, so there’s no point in staying here.
If I’m freed from paperwork, I can at least secure time for a cup of coffee.
“You’ll be scolded by Evia-sama!”
“It’s alright, I’ll make sure I can catch up later with a bit of serious effort.”
“I can’t help it.”
Perhaps she felt it was too harsh to go back to work immediately after completing such a large task, Suella accepted with a wry smile.
“That said, it’s only enough time to buy a coffee from the vending machine.”
“But, taking breaks like this is good, isn’t it?”
“Is it because Suella is next to me?”
“If I agree to that, I’ll sound like a narcissist, so no comment.”
I prefer black, and she prefers slightly sweet.
It tastes different from the coffee I usually have brewed.
I suppose you could say it’s a taste I crave sometimes.
Slowly, sip by sip, I drink coffee in front of the vending machine in the cold sky.
“It’s good, isn’t it? The fact is, I’m happy.”
“If you say so, then I am also happy to be with you now.”
“Just being able to be together is happiness… If you think about it calmly, that’s a luxury, isn’t it?”
“Yes. Having experienced war, that’s how I feel.”
For us, who have come to know how cheap life can be, being able to casually drink coffee together.
Even such an unremarkable time feels like a luxury.
Some people are no longer able to do such things.
Considering that, it’s even more so.
The accident just now could have easily led to such a situation if things had gone even a little bit differently.
“…Back then, I didn’t know what I was working for. I just worked to live, earned money, and lived a life where I was told I was simply alive.”
“And now?”
“It’s changed a lot. After changing my job, meeting Suella, and experiencing various things, my values have shifted significantly, and I’ve truly realized the importance of peace. Thanks to that, living for my family feels like the most fitting reason to live. I want to be with someone. That desire is the most acceptable human aspiration.”
“Me too. In the past, I worked for the sake of my country and the world, but when I stop and think about it like this, I realize that living for someone, no, living *with* someone is what’s important.”
Because of this, an atmosphere of slight sentimentality begins to fill the air.
“…”
The conversation falters.
However, I find the silence comforting.
There’s no awkwardness.
She’s here, beside me.
When did it become such a luxury to feel this way?
As I’m pondering this, my phone rings from my pocket.
“It’s time, isn’t it?”
“Ah, yes.”
It’s almost merciful that she didn’t call me telepathically.
I take out my smartphone and look at the screen. A short message from Evia.
“Time for work.”
Seeing her characteristic message, I can’t help but smile.
“Shall we get back to work?”
“Oh, Jiro-san, your tie is crooked!”
“Ah, did that happen when I moved earlier?”
“I’ll fix it, so come here.”
Suella gently stops me as I try to return to work mode.
Perhaps it’s due to my position, but I can’t let myself look sloppy. I accept her help and turn towards her, and Suella’s slender fingers softly reach for my tie.
“…”
Without grasping it, she puts her hand around my neck and we share a gentle kiss.
“Complacency is a grave mistake.”
“This complacency is something I’d like to indulge in. It boosts my motivation.”
“In that case, we shall continue tomorrow.”
“Ah, it’s the final push.”
With our motivation replenished, we return to our respective tasks.
After all, we’re busy only until today. Once you can see the end, work becomes motivating.
Christmas Eve.
After finishing the intensive work, I am no longer General Jiro Tanaka, nor am I President Jiro Tanaka of AWC.
I return to being Jiro Tanaka, the father and husband in the Tanaka family, just an individual.
“Does it suit me?”
“Evia looks good in red, but this time, rather than beautiful, perhaps ‘cute’ is a better description?”
“Hmm, wearing clothes like this once in a while isn’t so bad.”
At the Tanaka family’s mansion, the long-awaited family Christmas party has arrived.
“Ah~?”
“Hmm, what do you think, Luna?”
“Maa!”
“She says it’s cute.”
“Even though she’s my daughter, she seems to have quite the discerning eye.”
The cosplay costumes for the family’s Christmas party were prepared at Memoria’s request.
Somehow, she got the information that having a party dressed as Santa Claus would be fun, so she didn’t opt for cheap mass-produced items but rather arranged for custom-made ones.
The children are dressed as reindeer, not Santa Claus.
Luna, clad in a onesie-like pajama, claps for Evia, who is dressed in a mini-skirt Santa costume.
“Mommy~! Can I eat cake?”
“No, Yukiera, cake is after you eat your meal.”
“Want to eat.”
“Sachiera, please don’t move. There, you’re dressed. And stop staring like that.”
Santa Claus is supposed to appear after children have fallen asleep, but now, a multitude of them are appearing in the mansion’s lobby.
Suella, dressed in the same Santa costume as Evia, admonishes Yukiera, who is reaching for the cake, and helps Sachiera get dressed.
Beside them, the clicking of a camera shutter echoes.
“My daughter is the cutest in the world.”
“Ngh, Kaede isn’t losing either!”
““Ah~?””
Kaede and Sophie, dressed as reindeer, are lying down side-by-side. Memoria aims her smartphone at them and snaps photos.
Inspired by Memoria’s words, Himik, who was carrying dishes, also takes out her smartphone and begins to photograph the two.
“You two, a little restraint. Well, I understand wanting to show off when they’ve become so cute. Right, Mirure?”
“Aw?”
Keiri, who is dressed as Santa and sitting on a chair, hugging her beloved daughter, expresses her empathy while asking Mirure for confirmation. But it’s unlikely she’d understand.
Christmas, which was originally the birthday of a saint, begins in this otherworld as merely an interesting custom.
The family gathers, surrounds a feast, and spends a fun time together.
Looking outside the mansion, a Christmas tree, which was specially arranged for and decorated luxuriously, shines brightly.
In essence, it’s nothing more than a banquet disguised as a Christmas celebration.
There is no solemnity here, only an atmosphere of casual fun.
“Jiro-san, have you prepared the presents properly?”
“Ah, somehow, they’re all in a bag that’s been crammed with unnecessary technological advancements.”
Furthermore, Santa’s gift bag is filled with fantasy.
The Santa bag has been magically modified in the style of a Magic Bag, containing presents for the children and gifts prepared by my wives and myself.
I, too, am no exception, dressed as Santa and carrying the bag on my shoulder.
“Then, shall we begin soon? Here, Yukiera, Sachiera, come over here.”
“Shall we go, Luna?”
“Alright, Mirure, let’s go too. You two, the photoshoot needs to wrap up.”
“Ngh, understood. Kaede.”
“Sophie has grown so much too.”
Here, reindeer and Santa have gathered in full force.
Indeed, a peculiar scene has unfolded where the wives are holding their children.
“Then, Jiro-san, please begin.”
“We’re counting on you, Jiro.”
“Please.”
“Jiro, look cool!”
“No, Himik-san, ‘look cool’… is indeed possible.”
In front of all of them, I smile, internally wondering if this is a suitable way to start, and then, deciding it’s fine, I nod in agreement.
“Alright, on the count of three, ready?”
Tonight will probably become just another ordinary day in the countless days of the future.
“Merry Christmas!!”
“But that’s okay. Because we can welcome a day where we can all smile and enjoy ourselves peacefully like this.”
Today’s word: Merry Christmas!!
Additional Event:
“…We’ve had more children, haven’t we?”
One day, after the year had turned, one of my wives said this, and I was struck by the consequences of having tried too hard for a different kind of holy night.
Thank you for reading!!
I intended to just write a little, but I ended up writing so much that I considered splitting it into two parts, but I couldn’t find a good point to divide it, so it became quite long.
I hope you enjoyed it.
I plan to continue writing these afterstories in a relaxed manner, generally avoiding any unfortunate events. As these are side stories, I hope to be able to focus on various characters.
Now, for a final announcement: tomorrow, December 25th, Christmas Day, I have one more present prepared for you all.
After completing this work, I started fleshing out a plot I’d been thinking about in my free time, and as a result, I’ve written enough for a full novel. So, starting tomorrow, I will be serializing it.
For now, I plan to post daily for about a month, so please read it if you’re interested.
The title is:
I know that even if I’m a mob in this world, I can become the strongest if I become an [Undead]!!
This time, I’ve tried my hand at an isekai reincarnation story.
Someone once told me it was too serious and hard to read, and I agreed. So this time, I’ve toned down the serious parts and imagined it to be as comedic as possible.
I hope you enjoy it.
