The living room of Kelvin’s Mansion.
“Is everyone here?”
“Everyone is here, Older Kel!”
A few days later, we returned from Delamis and were at the mansion. The companions who had returned from each country had also gathered in the living room. “What about the story that you wouldn’t be able to gather for a while?” you ask. Well, that was just an excuse to get Kuromel recognized quickly. The desire to mourn Rio and Maou was real, and since there was a transfer gate, moving was instantaneous— In any case, we had gathered.
“So then, we will begin the report. First, from me and Mel, who were in charge of Delamis.”
This meeting was to report the results of secret negotiations with the leaders of each country and organization regarding whether to recognize Kuromel’s existence. Mel’s and my achievements were as described a few days ago.
“In the Divine Emperor’s Kingdom Delamis, we were able to win over Colette Delamilus, who is number two, as well as Cardinal Sai Dil, the officially recognized Hero of Delamis, and Serge Floa. Only Pope Philip Delamilus maintained a cautious stance, but we have perfectly paved the way, so it will only be a matter of time before he agrees.”
“Colette’s enthusiasm was particularly intense. You can rest assured about Delamis.”
“Please rest assured, everyone! I, Colette, am determined to see this through, even at the cost of my life!”
“…King, is Colette beside you? Or am I mistaken?”
It wasn’t a mistake. Her morale was simply so high that she flew out of Delamis to participate in this report meeting. She said she would return immediately via the transfer gate after this.
“Next, I will report on my role in the Water Country Traase. I was granted an audience with King Traage, and he agreed surprisingly easily. The presence of Silvia and Emma, who spoke to me and accompanied me, was likely a significant factor. They seemed to be in good spirits the whole time. Ah, this is a souvenir.”
“Oh, what magnificent vegetables! We shall use them for dinner tonight.”
Perhaps she was thinking of Mel, Lady Tsubaki handed Gerard a large pile of vegetables. The maids, led by Efil, worked hard to carry them away. Speaking of which, I heard Silvia and the others would be staying in Traage for a while. It made sense that Lady Tsubaki, a connoisseur of talent, would be in good spirits. While our past interactions likely played a role, the timing seems to have been particularly good. I must properly thank Silvia and Emma for their cooperation later.
“Whew, transport complete.”
“Good work, Older Sister Efil. Shall we proceed with our report now?”
“Understood. Rion-sama and I were in charge of affairs in the Beast Kingdom Gaun and the Elf Village. To put it in conclusion, the Beast King and Elder Nelras have acknowledged Kuromel-sama.”
“Initially, the Beast King was opposed, but Elder Nelras, who came to support us after hearing Efil-nee’s explanation, along with Sabato-san, Goma-chan, and the other princes, persuaded him. Even Kilt-san, whom he had barely any acquaintance with, supported us as fervently as Sabato-san and the others.”
“In the end, he seemed deeply moved, saying, ‘To think you have grown to say so much without fearing your father.'”
“Hah, Leonhart himself?”
It’s difficult to fathom Leonhart’s inner thoughts, given his drastically different educational approach from my father-in-law and me. All I can do is speculate, but their actions must have touched something within him. Well, knowing that Beast King, there’s always a possibility he was feigning his reluctance to agree while aiming for something specific…
In addition, I wish to express my deep gratitude not only to Sabato and his companions, with whom I had many opportunities to act together, but also to my soulmate, Kilt. Perhaps he wanted to impress his beloved younger sister, Goma, or felt compelled to defy his fearsome father out of love for Rion’s cuteness— I can speculate on various reasons. It’s strangely easy to do so. But regardless of those factors, Kilt’s spirit is truly admirable. I would definitely like to share drinks with him and Azgrad one day.
“How did Shutra and the dragon duo’s Trisen group fare?”
“As if there was any doubt. *Ehem!*”
“If Shutra, whom Azgrad puts his complete trust in, says so, then our response was basically, ‘Well, that’s good enough, isn’t it?'”
“I didn’t even get a chance to appear…”
“I was convinced from the start that I wouldn’t have a role. It was very easy work.”
“Ah, but, Azgrad-onii-sama had a message for Kelvin-onii-chan: he wants to speak with you later at Trisen. He seems to want to talk to you privately.”
“Azgrad?”
Hmm, is this that? Should I bring comrade Kilt along immediately? Azgrad, you’re reading the room well.
“Well then, next is me! The Grellverelka Empire—”
“—Agreed with a single word, right?”
“Ehh!? How did you know, Kelvin!? Did you newly acquire precognitive abilities!?”
“That’s more like Sera’s kind of power.”
Sera seems incredibly surprised by my words, but there’s no guesswork here. I can picture my father-in-law blindly following Sera’s lead, without even needing to bring Bel along. Yes, just like me now.
“Mmm, I wanted to surprise you~!”
“Sera-san is amazing. I respect you as much as Papa and Mama.”
“Oh, such a perceptive remark! You, Kelvin, Mel, and Kuromel all seem destined for great things in the future!”
Sera, soothed by Kuromel, completely regained her good mood and offered an auspicious prophecy. Yes, please say those kinds of things more often. When said by the reliable Sera, most things seem likely to come true.
“Also, I have a message from Father.”
“This time from Father-in-law?”
“While I would like to see the faces of your grandchildren, what he most wants to see is a direct bloodline descendant.”
“I… I’ll do my best…”
Father-in-law, that’s an unbelievably explosive statement…! For a moment, this peaceful atmosphere became tense!
“The last report is from Older Sister Ange! She even went all the way to the Adventurer Guild Headquarters on the far Western Continent, so even Ange-san must be tired.”
“Indeed, you really worked hard. The Guild Headquarters is located at the westernmost tip of the Western Continent, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. But don’t worry, it was worth going all that way.”
Ange gave a decisive thumbs-up. Even without that, I could tell the negotiations had been successful just by looking at Ange’s smile.
“Well, I was able to meet with the Guild President, but to get straight to the conclusion— it was a no. Oops.”
“You said no with that smile and gesture!?”
“Kelvin-kun, good retort! But please hear me out until the end. The President said this: As the leader of the Guild, I cannot overlook that Kuromel is the same person as Kuromel, who was the mastermind. Originally, this is a matter that should be crushed as a negative possibility. However, that doesn’t mean I want to antagonize Delamis or the officially recognized S-Rank Adventurers of the Guild. Those who stand above others must discern the reason and flow of the world. That is the duty of a pioneer. Therefore, I have not heard this story and had no opportunity to know it! ‘Death’ Kelvin and ‘Smile’ Mel had a child? Wow, what a happy occasion! I won’t give you celebratory money, but I offer my heartfelt congratulations! Oh, you named her Kuromel. Naming your child after an enemy is quite punk rock!… That’s what he said.”
“I… I see. Thank you for the impersonation.”
I was a little stunned by Ange’s excellent performance, but in the end, it means they are indirectly acknowledging her. Well, you could call it turning a blind eye. The Guild President, though I’ve never met him, is an adult in both good and bad ways.
“So, from those who likely know about Kuromel, we have received a general approval, albeit a verbal one. For complicated diplomatic matters, I will likely need to rely on Shutra and Colette in the future…”
“Leave it to us. Shutra-chan and I are invincible. Right!”
“Right!”
Ah, there probably isn’t anyone who could win against them in a straightforward negotiation. Alright, no matter what—
“—Kuromel, please continue to take care of us!”
“Yes, Papa!”
Everyone raised their hands in celebration of Kuromel.