It’s been a week already, much to my surprise.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how time just flies by when you’re busy with various things.
“Hmm, I’m getting used to this,” I murmured.
While somehow managing to secure time with Suella and the others, I used potions to heal the tendinitis in my arm that was threatening to flare up from stamping too much. After finishing my work ahead of schedule, I was preparing to head out to Nordis territory with Evia on the weekend.
All that was left was to change clothes, step into the teleportation circle, and then it would be off to Nordis territory. It was certainly convenient because Evia had already taken care of all the necessary procedures.
I slipped into a uniform that looked like a military one, which I had made when I took on the general’s post, and stood before the full-length mirror. From beside me, Evia, who was dressed not in her usual suit but in a dress befitting a noble lady, peered into the mirror.
“You think so? I can’t quite tell,” I replied.
This was the second time I had worn this outfit.
It was technically a uniform for public, but not ceremonial, occasions.
The primary color was navy blue, adorned with various decorations. It was designed for ease of movement and also incorporated a decent amount of defensive capability, anticipating combat.
It wasn’t exactly cosplay, but still, it felt strange to me because I don’t wear such clothes often.
“Ah, it’s probably the gravitas it gives you,” she said.
“That’s good to hear,” I responded.
She affirmed my words with a rare sincerity that was out of character for her usual demeanor. Could it be that trusting Tatte’s words and spending nights with Evia prioritizing her for the past week had paid off?
Well, apparently, species like demons, angels, and vampires are less likely to conceive, so even giving it our all often doesn’t yield results.
Therefore, I had prepared souvenirs like alcohol and accessories just in case. Instead of carrying them myself, they were placed inside the Magic Bag, which I entrusted to Tatte, who had helped me with my attire.
If only the setting and greetings for the matchmaking session, our main objective, go smoothly.
“Is it about time?”
Lately, I’ve had so many opportunities to operate according to a schedule that my internal clock has become accurate to the second.
So, when I thought it might be time and glanced at my wristwatch, it was precisely the hour for our departure.
Then, as I offered my arm to escort her, Evia intertwined her arm with mine.
I’ve really gotten used to noble customs.
I wouldn’t have been able to do this in the past; when I was first learning, I had to consciously think about every move.
Now, it comes naturally without any thought, ingrained in my body.
“Ah, let’s go,” I said.
We weren’t matching our strides; our walking speed was in sync from the start, a testament to having known each other long enough to understand each other’s rhythm.
Tatte followed behind us as we walked through the mansion’s corridors.
“Sehas, I’m counting on you while we’re away.”
“Understood.”
“Well then, Suella, Memoria, Himik, we’re off.”
“Travel safely.”
“We’re expecting good stories for souvenirs!”
“Take care of yourselves!”
I also bid farewell to Suella and the others who came to see us off. Unfortunately, since it was early in the morning, the children were still in bed, which made me a little sad.
“Ah, understood. Please look after the children too.”
“Yes.”
“Understood.”
“Roar! Leave it to me!”
We then exited the mansion. Sehas, who opened the door for us, guided us, and also opened the door of the carriage prepared in front of the entrance. I helped Evia in by taking her hand, and after I got in, Tatte climbed in last.
There was no coachman.
After all, this carriage was pulled by a mid-level spirit in the form of a horse.
“Depart,” I commanded.
“Heeeee-iiiin!!”
Understanding my words, it set off towards our destination. Furthermore, Wind Magic was activated, and the carriage took flight into the sky.
As we began to circle above the mansion, Evia quietly cast a spell.
She deployed a teleportation circle centered on the carriage.
This was a unique feat, possible only because Evia was the master of her Dungeon.
A direct teleportation from within the Dungeon to another world.
It requires immense magic power and delicate mana control, but once the technique is mastered, it’s a skill that can significantly shorten travel time.
Multiple teleportation circles were deployed. The plan was to first overlap this teleportation circle with the one connecting the Dungeon to the Continent, and then link it to another teleportation circle that would allow direct passage to the Continent.
Evia accomplished this with ease.
She manipulated the mana with a cool expression as the carriage traversed into another realm.
The view outside the window flashed with iridescent colors for a moment, and then we were in a world of night.
The demon race’s continent, illuminated by the moon.
Thinking that I’d been here quite often recently, I quietly gazed out the window.
“Is that large city our destination?”
A city of considerable scale had already appeared below us, and the carriage was heading towards it.
“Yes, it is the capital of Nordis territory, Randerberg. The city ruled by my father,” Evia replied.
As we gradually descended, we could only see the entire city for a brief moment, but even so, I thought it was a remarkably beautiful circular city. The moonlight reflected off the waterways, suggesting it likely had ample water sources.
Considering its scale, the population might also be vast.
Even at my age, going to a new land still makes me a little excited.
Suppressing that feeling, I recalled the characteristics of Randerberg that I had researched beforehand.
“Come to think of it, it’s also a trading city, right?”
“Yes, it has three mines in the mountainous region. The rare metals extracted from them, along with primary metals like iron, copper, and gold, are its main trade goods. To the east, it forms a vast breadbasket region, so it’s also rich in foodstuffs, leading to a high number of merchants coming and going.”
I already had knowledge of its specialties, but seeing it in person changed my impression.
“It’s one of the top five territories in the Demon Lord’s Army, isn’t it? That’s amazing, Evia’s father.”
As the carriage slowly descended, the road where it landed was well-maintained and showed no signs of dilapidation.
The thorough upkeep indicated that the trade routes were highly valued.
“It’s the result of his generous support that allowed the current Demon Lord to ascend to his position. There’s no other way to describe it but foresight.”
As I was genuinely impressed by his actions, which hinted at his talent, Evia smiled with a hint of pride.
I thought it was good that their parent-child relationship was harmonious,
And then, I decided to confirm one matter of concern.
“Speaking of which, Tatte mentioned that your father dotes on you quite a bit, Evia. Is that going to be alright?”
I had also investigated Evia’s parents, as I would be greeting them.
Their reputation as nobles was excellent.
Their reputation as territorial lords was also good, with reports that they cared for their citizens.
However, they were not weak and possessed the combat prowess characteristic of demon races.
In a way, the information about them being perfect nobles kept piling up, so when I happened to ask Tatte what kind of father she had, her reply only added to my unnecessary anxiety.
“It’s been quite some time since I became an adult. I’m aware of his doting, but he’s not someone who would oppose my marriage, given my independence.”
“That’s a relief, but he’s not going to suddenly attack me, is he?”
“What do you think my father is like?”
“No, it’s just a precautionary confirmation. Based on my experience, it’s quite common for greetings to immediately escalate into battles.”
However, Evia, as if to dispel that anxiety, offered a reassuring statement.
Next, even if it was jokingly, I decided to confirm another potential source of worry.
After all, it’s customary in the Demon Lord’s Army for battles to break out at the slightest provocation.
A noble might draw his sword while saying, ‘I won’t give my daughter away,’ and the like.
“Rest assured.”
Although my concern was half in jest, it was still better to have it denied.
Evia let out a slight smile and looked into my eyes as I sat beside her.
“I can meet those expectations.”
“No, please don’t. I didn’t even bring the Ore Tree this time.”
After much deliberation on whether I should bring a weapon for the greeting to Evia’s parents, I even considered the possibility of summoning Valse-san to escape, so my partner this time would be staying behind.
If the opponent is someone I can defeat with my bare hands, fine, but without a weapon against someone else, it’s tough.
“Just kidding.”
“…”
“Don’t glare at me like that. It’s for your sake, as you’re a little tense.”
“Could you try making it a more obvious joke next time?”
Evia’s finger gently rested on my furrowed brow, seeming to smooth out my worry, and she revealed it was a joke. However, the “joke” had been continuing since I joined the organization, so I couldn’t help but take it seriously.
“Are you trying to steal my fun?”
“Teasing is fine, but please do it in moderation.”
“Ku ku ku ku, I’ll do my best. But I am a demon. Don’t get your hopes up too high, alright?”
She declared that teasing people was a demon’s pleasure, and seeing her smile happily at my reaction, I surprisingly didn’t feel annoyed.
I knew she wasn’t belittling me, and perhaps this was the weakness of being in love.
In every gesture of hers, I sensed grace, and I was reminded again that amidst her beauty, there was also cuteness.
“Understood.”
“Don’t pout.”
“I’m not pouting. I just realized how strong the weakness of being in love is.”
Perhaps it was the heavy sigh I let out, but my tension dissipated rather easily.
I felt it was unfair for her to think I was pouting.
This time, she didn’t tease me but spoke with a hint of anxiety in her voice. When I honestly revealed my feelings, the finger that had been playfully toying with me stopped, and Evia turned her gaze to the window.
“Your straightforwardness is a virtue, but it does bad things to my heart.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll only tell Evia and the others.”
“You…”
Evia casually removed her finger, as if to hide her slightly flushed cheeks, and looked out the window. I met her gaze directly with my words. Then, Evia rested her face on my shoulder.
It seemed my words had a greater effect than expected, which was good.
Instead, Tatte-san, who was wiping away tears with a handkerchief with a look of joy, was present, but I decided to ignore her.
“…Well, he’s certainly striking, but my father isn’t ill-natured. As long as you don’t make any egregious mistakes, it won’t come to a fight.”
A moment of silence settled over us. After a while, Evia, with her head still on my shoulder, began to tell me about her father.
This time, her words weren’t a tease but a genuine reassurance, as if to push me forward. However,
“No, well, I’ll mind my manners, but… striking?”
I felt another unsettling word slip into her explanation.
This Demon Lord’s Army seemed to have many individuals with quite striking appearances.
Among those close to me were the two instructors.
Instructor Kio, the Ogre Yakuza, and Instructor Fushio, the Skull Gentleman.
When I first met them, their initial impact was so immense that I almost mistook it for having arrived in hell.
Evia, who had a long acquaintance with those two, had described her father as striking.
It was only natural to imagine what kind of father would emerge.
“More so than the instructors?”
“In a way, yes.”
“In what way? I’d like to hear the specifics of that, if you don’t mind.”
And for confirmation, when I provided a comparison, she replied that her father was, in certain aspects, even more impactful than the instructors.
“Well, that shall be a surprise for when we meet.”
“Seriously?”
“Ah, you don’t expect to get answers to everything, do you?”
And with that, the information was kept secret. Seeing Evia’s words, which clearly indicated she was enjoying herself, I had no choice but to accept it. I cast a hopeful glance at Tatte-san, but she also gave a wry smile and offered no reply.
“That’s right, that’s how it is.”
So, it was going to be a battle of improvisation.
Today’s word:
Building new relationships inevitably involves some tension.
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