***
**Demon Lord’s Castle – Infirmary**
This is a room within the Demon Lord’s Castle, an infirmary equipped with simple beds and medical supplies. After cleansing the lingering attachments, I lightly healed Vegalzelld and Reinhard, and with Sister Sera’s help, managed to transport them here. As expected of a castle inhabited by demons, the beds here are of all sizes. Vegalzelld is in this large, simple bed.
“Why oh why, my art… Why did I lose so easily…”
“Guh! For a doctor, me to be lying down in my own study!”
While physically recovered, their mental state seems unstable. Especially Reinhard; if he has the energy to draw, he can walk himself. Drawing multiple paintings while lying down— ugh, the art has become even more vicious than before.
“Reinhard, you’re as good at drawing as ever! Such precise strokes even while lying down, perhaps you could even rival Rion?”
“What?! That young lady was that famous an artist?! I should have gotten her autograph…”
She’s not famous. And forcing her to give an unfamiliar autograph would just trouble Rion. My experience tells me so.
However, Reinhard’s ability, combined with his skill in drawing, was truly something. When I asked Bel about it on the way to the infirmary, she replied that it was a Unique Skill called “Beast-Human Caricature,” which could materialize his drawings. Apparently, the more he draws, the more convincing the picture becomes, and it can materialize as a temporary subordinate, similar to my Summoning Magic. By the way, his sketchbook is nothing more than a plain drawing book.
“It’s better that they still have the energy to regret it. Both of them have only recently evolved.”
Bel said this while sitting on a chair beside the simple bed, fiddling with her red hair tied in a side ponytail.
“Oh, really?”
“Indeed. I gave these two special training after reviving them, but they haven’t evolved that long ago. The difference is barely more than that of Victor.”
“That was pure hell…”
“Ah, it was hell…”
The demon made a gloomy face. Bel, what did you do?
“Papa took the lead in doing it.”
“Even though they both look like that?”
“Sebas also happily participated.”
“R-really…”
You can make such a bright expression? Putting aside Father-in-law, the fact that Sebastian Del is happy tells me everything. It might be best not to pry too deeply. —Wait? Hold on a moment?
“… Conversely, does that mean these two still have massive room for growth?”
“They do.”
“The more you push them?”
“They will grow.”
“… Hmm, I see.”
Future potential, acquired. Hahaha.
“Kelvin, is something wrong?”
“No, I’m just in a good mood after the fight. Now, I need to check on Shutra’s Golem.”
“Hmph, I’ll help too!”
“That would be helpful.”
“Strike while the iron is hot, I’ll go ahead!”
Sera, who had instantly changed into her white coat and glasses in her usual fashion, went ahead to Shutra. “When inspiration strikes, act on it” must be about Sera. She’s doing it literally.
“Vegalzelld’s work clothes…? Sister Sera, you have so many different outfits.”
“Ah, that’s more like cosplay, or rather, it’s like research attire rather than a medical coat.”
“Cosplay? What’s that?”
“If you get into the role, your motivation mysteriously increases. If you want some too, Bel, ask Efil to make you a custom one. Most of Sera’s private clothes are Efil-made.”
“Hmm. Well, if I feel like it.”
Uninterested, Bel quickly left the infirmary. I need to hurry and follow Sera.
“Well then, you two, thank you for indulging my selfishness today.”
“No need for thanks. I just wanted to see a hero who dared to lay a hand on my dear lady. Well, you’re worthy of drawing with Gustav-sama, aren’t you?”
“Lies! You were bragging about wanting to punch me if possible. Saying ‘Unforgivable!’ about my beloved lady!”
“Oh, you first, Reinhard. I’ll rub alcohol into your wounds.”
“Oh, if you can, try it. Anyway, during that sparring match earlier—”
—Was it my fault? The two of them started arguing. Ah, rather than a verbal fight, it seems to be a debriefing session reflecting on their mistakes during the battle. Their tone is rough, but the points they’re making are not wrong. They seem to care deeply about Sera, and their affection for their children is palpable. Like Victor, everyone cherished Sera and Bel like their own daughters.
“You idiot! What if Sister Sera is shocked and collapses! Lady Bel is also supposed to be in an unstable state as she’s recovering. Is that how a doctor should behave!?”
“Who are you calling an idiot, you damn fool! If something bad happens to the ladies, it’ll be a lifelong wound to the heart! Isn’t it natural for me to diagnose the other party first!?”
… I feel out of place. I should make a move too. But does being overprotective spread? Well, I just hope you both quickly recover and become stronger. That’s my only request.
“Finally.”
“Woah!?”
As I left the infirmary, Bel was leaning against the wall, waiting. I hadn’t sensed her presence at all, so I was quite startled. You were waiting here after leaving the room earlier, weren’t you?
“How rude. To make a face like you’ve seen a monster.”
That’s not something you say with a smug face. You’re clearly trying to surprise me with stealth.
“What are you saying, you deliberate offender… So, what is it? You were waiting, so you must have some business?”
“Yes, just a little. Is Melfina currently acting independently?”
“Mel? She’s apparently out in the town below, proselytizing, or rather, preaching the wonders of food, with Colette.”
“Huh?”
In Doktoria Kingdom, Melfina is now an idol in the food and beverage industry. That Goddess lamented the backwardness of culinary techniques and food culture throughout the Underworld and was advocating for the importance of the ‘Cuisine’ Skill and the improvement of food that follows it. She reportedly assigned Colette as her public relations officer and devised various strategies, such as having people actually experience Efil’s incredibly delicious cooking. The local chefs are also quite cooperative.
Well, yes. Admittedly, in the Underworld, I haven’t seen any decent cooks besides Victor. It’s much better than Silvia’s cooking, but it’s still at a level where you can eat it if you try. There’s no end to looking downwards. If this activity can broadly generate interest in food, it might break the atmosphere of the Underworld, which has been filled with battles and hostility. Perhaps because I helped Bel to escape her Demon King transformation, Father-in-law’s support is also generous. It seems the Rinne Church is also spreading smoothly through this activity. But, even so, I have to say this.
“—What is that Goddess doing…”
“That’s my line. Well, it’s fine. Melfina isn’t nearby, right? Before I go to Sister Sera, lend me your ear for a moment. There’s a room perfectly suited for it over there.”
“Hey, what’s going on?”
“Melfina is an artificial body, and she seemed unable to talk to you. So, this is a replacement. Come with me. I’ll explain about the ‘Black Book’ in detail.”
