“Fuu, we’re finally here,” Fuuko said.
“You’ve worked hard, Fuuko,” Kent replied.
“Thanks, Mama,” Fuuko said.
Fuuko, accompanied by Kent and Moe, had flown back to the vicinity of the royal capital. Along the way, they had confirmed the retreating Kingdom’s Army fleeing from above, but it seemed it would take a while longer to reach their current location.
Kent untied the ropes binding Fuuko and thanked her for carrying them there. Moe poked her head out of the bag, mirroring Fuuko’s gratitude.
“My job is done here. Now I’m going home to sleep,” Fuuko declared.
“Alright, alright. The job isn’t over until we’re safely home. It’s still a bit of a walk to town, so let’s get moving,” Kent said.
“Indeed. I originally wanted to land directly in front of the house, but Catherine warned me against causing a commotion, so I have no choice. Let’s hurry!” Fuuko urged.
Fuuko had refrained from flying directly to the house to avoid causing a disturbance. Kent guessed that Fuuko would normally fly closer within the duchy without hesitation, but since this matter was requested by Catherine, she was likely following her instructions.
“By the way, they inspect luggage during the entry procedures. Will Moe be alright?” Kent asked.
“Don’t ask me, I don’t know the kingdom’s rules!” Fuuko retorted.
As they approached Tiol, the royal capital, Kent suddenly wondered if Moe could enter the city in her current state.
“Hmm, if I had known beforehand, I could have asked Catherine to do something, but we might as well ask at the gate for now. If it’s no good, you can stay with Fuuko, and I’ll go into the city alone and talk to Catherine,” Kent offered.
“You don’t have to go through all that trouble. It’ll be fine if you just go through,” Fuuko said.
“Huh?” Kent exclaimed.
“Well, try it and see. It might be deceiving, but in this country, people listen to the Country God,” Fuuko explained.
“Understood. I’ll do as you say,” Kent replied.
Kent had intended to ask the soldiers guarding the gate if Moe could enter the city, but Fuuko told him it wasn’t necessary.
“Alright, next. Hmm, to prevent dangerous items from being brought into the city, I’ll need to check your belongings and luggage. Hmm, it seems alright. Okay, you may pass,” a soldier announced.
Kent and his companions lined up to enter the city. When their turn came, their bags and other belongings were inspected. Moe was still inside Kent’s bag, but the soldier showed no signs of concern and allowed them to pass.
“That soldier who inspected us didn’t seem bothered at all by Moe’s appearance. I would have been surprised if I saw a lizard of that size in there,” Kent remarked.
“Papa, that’s mean…” Moe pouted.
“I-I’m so sorry. I was just speaking generally. I know Moe is a good and cute child,” Kent apologized.
“Thanks, Papa,” Moe said.
Kent realized his unintended words had hurt Moe and apologized.
“Master, Moe is in her fairy form, so she’s invisible unless she intentionally reveals herself to people,” Fuuko explained.
“Ah, I remember that setting,” Kent recalled.
Fuuko’s words reminded Kent that fairy forms were typically invisible to anyone without magical power.
“We’re still far from home, so let’s stop with the small talk and keep moving,” Fuuko urged.
“Ah, right,” Kent acknowledged.
The city gate was not far from a lively area, but Kent’s house was located in the suburbs. Relieved to be inside the city, Kent remembered they still had to walk quite a distance.
“We’re finally here!” Kent said.
“Now it really feels like we’re home,” Fuuko added.
Kent and Fuuko had exited the city and were now back in front of their house.
“Master, please wait a moment!” Fuuko said, stopping Kent as he reached for the door. Kent was surprised by Fuuko’s sudden action.
“I’m home! I’m back!” Fuuko called out.
“Welcome home, Fuuko! Oh my, Kent isn’t with you?” Marie’s voice called from inside. It was a holiday, so the shop was closed.
“We came back together. But before that, there’s something I need to confirm. Catherine is here, right? And Al isn’t… good. You can come in now, Master,” Fuuko said.
“I’m home,” Kent said.
“Welcome home, Kent,” Marie replied.
“Kent, I’ve heard the report. It’s good that you completed the mission safely,” Catherine added.
As Kent entered the house, Marie and Catherine came to the entrance to greet them. Catherine had already received reports of the retaliatory unit’s retreat and looked very satisfied.
“By the way, Kent, I’m sensing some tremendous magic from your bag. It’s a strange feeling, as if something has merged with your and Fuuko’s magic,” Marie observed.
“Ah, allow me to introduce her. Fuuko found her in the forest. Her name is Moe,” Kent said.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Moe,” Moe said.
“Kyaaa!” Marie and Catherine shrieked.
Moe poked her head out of the bag Kent was carrying and greeted Marie and Catherine. The two of them shrieked in surprise.
“A lizard fairy! I’ve never seen one before, so I was startled. I apologize for my reaction,” Catherine said, apologizing to Moe once they were inside the house and had settled down.
“So there are fairies who aren’t humanoid. I was surprised when she suddenly appeared, but looking closely, she’s quite cute,” Marie added. Marie had also been surprised by the sudden appearance but found Moe adorable once she calmed down.
“Regarding Moe, you found her in the forest, right? I’m curious why her magic resonates with Fuuko and Kent’s,” Marie asked.
“It’s simple. This child was something else before becoming a fairy. Then, we infused her with our magic and she evolved into a fairy. You could say she’s like a child born between myself and Master,” Fuuko explained.
“C-Child? I’m working hard with Kent every night to have a child, and you beat me to it! That’s so unfair!” Marie exclaimed, feeling that Fuuko, despite being closest to Kent, had gotten ahead of her.
“Mother, please calm down. Moe existed as an individual before she became a fairy. We just infused her with Kent and Fuuko’s magic. So, Moe has her own parents,” Catherine explained to the flustered Marie.
“O-Oh, I see,” Marie replied. Catherine, having grasped the situation, explained to the agitated Marie, who seemed to calm down slightly.
“Well then, now that we’re all calm, allow me to introduce you. This is Marie, who lives with us. And this is Catherine, Marie’s daughter,” Kent said.
“I’m Marie. It’s nice to meet you, Moe,” Marie said.
“I’m Catherine. Nice to meet you,” Catherine replied.
Kent waited for them to calm down before introducing Moe.
“Um, are Marie-sama and Papa married? Then what is Mama’s role? Huh? What?” Moe seemed confused by the introductions.
“Kent, are you letting Moe call you Papa and Mama? Shall we have you explain in detail?” Marie asked sternly.
“M-Marie, your face is scary! P-Please, let’s just talk calmly,” Kent pleaded, facing Marie’s intense questioning.
