We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Ruilala’s catch.
We ended up talking quite passionately, no, passionately, up in the sky.
Things like this feel good while you’re in the moment, with all your heart, but when you look back on it later, it’s surprisingly embarrassing.
Nevertheless, perhaps it was because I linked it to the Goddess’s trial, but Viletta and Vietta seemed impressed.
Yufilia and Nina, though teasing me by saying, “Elnea-kun is being serious,” showed their agreement with my opinion, and we were able to come together with one accord to overcome this difficult situation.
And so, as we proceeded north while gazing at the Thousand Lakes, the scenery finally began to change. The undulating green land gave way, and the boundless blue ocean began to dominate our vision.
“It’s moving! So this is the sea!”
“It’s amazing. I’ve never seen the sea before.”
The Shooting Star twins, practically bursting out of Nimia’s back, were captivated by the sight of the ocean that had begun to appear in the distance. Priscilla, on the other hand, untied her hair and ran to the top of Nimia’s head. I wonder if she’ll be alright with Ares-chan by her side?
The distant view quickly became close. Nimia gracefully flapped her wings and arrived over the seaside in the blink of an eye.
“Alright, Nimia. Let’s land on that white sandy beach.”
“Understood, meow.”
Nimia slowly descended towards the sandy beach I had indicated. Priscilla, apparently impatient, jumped off using a spatial jump before Nimia’s feet touched the white ground, and ran around gleefully.
“Hey, hey, Priscilla-chan. You mustn’t get too carried away, okay?”
After Nimia landed, we urged Viletta and Vietta to dismount as well. Once she had set us down, Nimia quickly transformed into a small form and began to run around the sandy beach with Priscilla and Ares-chan. Viletta and Vietta were once again surprised by Nimia’s mysterious ability to change forms. We gathered together, including the young girl group who had been running around.
“Well then. We’ve arrived at our destination. I’d like to play a lot from now on, but please adhere to the following important rules. If you can’t, you’ll be scolded by Priscilla-chan’s mother!”
We all laughed as Priscilla-chan flinched.
“Is Priscilla-chan’s mother a scary person?”
“Priscilla, the fact that you’re so scared means you’re always being told off, doesn’t it?”
“You know, Priscilla’s mom is the scariest! She gets really angry when Priscilla and the others do something wrong.”
“Priscilla-chan. Knowing that, why do you always break your promises?”
“Um, I don’t know?”
We all laughed at Priscilla-chan, who tilted her head in earnest. It’s because Priscilla-chan is too free-spirited!
“Now, let’s get back on track. We’ve come to the sea. As for the rules, first, do not go into deep parts of the sea. The waves can easily pull people in, and if you’re not careful, you’ll lose your footing and be dragged into the sea.”
Besides, if the water depth increases, there’s a possibility of monsters and magic fish lurking there. Untamed seas require caution. Also, the northern sea is a domain ruled by Ruilala’s parent, a Primogenitor Race, but they probably won’t come near the sandy beach.
“And you two, Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan! You’re not allowed to take off your clothes. Swimming in the sea is forbidden. It might still be hot, but not today, okay?”
“Mmmph. I want to put my feet in the sea.”
“Priscilla-chan, if you’re only putting your feet in, you don’t need to take off your clothes, okay?”
A troubled young girl. Yufilia and Nina, laughing, restrained Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan, who had started to undress during my explanation.
“Also, there’s a possibility of magic beasts lurking around here, so don’t go too far. Never go to places beyond your sight. Alright, Yufi, Nina?”
“Oh, scolding me is quite inappropriate.”
“Oh, scolding me is off the mark.”
““Because Elnea-kun is always the first one to jump into trouble.””
“That’s ridiculous!”
I can’t deny it. It’s true that I’m always the one who gets caught up in trouble in the family, isn’t it?
“I see. So Elnea-sama is actually the biggest troublemaker?”
“Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan are influenced by Elnea-sama.”
“Viletta has already realized Elnea-kun’s true nature.”
“Vietta has already realized the secret of the Ys Family.”
Everyone laughs. I alone hang my head. But I can’t help but smile.
“And also, yes. Ruilala, who is from the Demon Race, is here, but Viletta-san and Vietta-san, please be on good terms with him. Ruilala, you understand too, right?”
“Hahaha. I’m fine, you know? I’m always the model student.”
“No, no, there’s no such thing as a model student who would attack you if you turn your back to them!?”
“Speaking of which, Elnea-kun hasn’t returned his weapon yet, right? Alright, why don’t you swing your sword to your heart’s content today?”
“Absolutely not! Besides, we came here to fish for the Demon Lord. What are you doing abandoning your mission as a retainer?”
“I wasn’t ordered to. The one who requested the fish was Elnea-kun, and I’m here as a precautionary guard, that’s all.”
“Alright, Ruilala. You go dive into the sea and get the fish!”
“Um, Uncle Ruilala is actually a mermaid.”
“Un-uncle!?”
Oh, Priscilla-chan. What an expression! I never expected you to call Ruilala “Uncle”! Ruilala is stiff with a twitching face. Viletta and Vietta’s eyes widened in surprise at Priscilla-chan’s words, “The truth is, he’s a mermaid.” The two then look at Ruilala, the demon. Their eyes sparkle. Perhaps women, regardless of region, know the legend of mermaids from stories. But, unfortunately! Ruilala’s mermaid form… “Hahaha. You’re staring with no reservations. Well, I’ll forgive you. But unfortunately, I don’t easily reveal my true form.” Viletta and Vietta show their deep disappointment. It seems that whether it’s because of our silly conversation, Ruilala’s noble presence, or the fact that he can’t be identified as a demon by his appearance, the two don’t seem to be particularly wary of him. That’s for the best. However, there are precautions specifically because of that. “You may already know, but I will inform you just in case. Higher demons dislike having their names spoken, so please be careful? Ruilala, as you can see, is a close aide to the Giant Demon Lord and holds the rank of viscount.” Upon hearing this, the relaxed aura of the Shooting Star twins suddenly tensed. “A demon of noble rank…!” “But Elnea-kun and Priscilla-chan…?” I assume they thought Ruilala was a gentle demon. But Viletta and Vietta gasp when they learn of his status. That’s the right reaction. “Hahaha. Elnea-kun calls even the Prime Minister by his name, let alone me.” “But only Priscilla-chan can call the Giant Demon Lord by his name!” “?” Priscilla-chan, perhaps unaware of the pride and customs of demons, tilts her head cutely, as if to say she doesn’t understand. If she did this, even the Demon Lord might forgive her. Or perhaps, she is actually forgiven… Priscilla, a terrifying child. “W-what should I call you then?” “Would it be alright to call you Viscount?” “It’s fine. In the Demon Race’s country, clergy are protected. I wouldn’t lay a hand on you based on how you address me.” “Oh! So that’s why Ruilala maintained his composure in front of experienced people like you?” “Elnea-kun, you’re terrible.” Ruilala must have seen through the fact that the entire Shooting Star entourage, not just Viletta and Vietta, were experienced individuals. Yet, there was a reason he maintained his composure! “Elnea-kun’s important points are over.” “Then, let’s play to our heart’s content!” “Yaaay!” “Let’s play, let’s play.” “Meow.” “Hey! All five of you!” The free-spirited group has been released! “Yunyun, Rinrin, catch them all!” “Honestly, they’re more irrational than demons.” “Priscilla, wait!” Yunyun and Rinrin appear and chase after them. Hmm, hmm. They’re excited too, aren’t they? If they’re just chasing, they don’t need to manifest! Moreover, they’re running without using spatial jumps. Look, you’re barefoot too! Kicking up the white sand, they run around the beach gleefully. “Come on, Viletta-san and Vietta-san, you have to join in, otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy the sea to its fullest!” “But the fish for His Majesty the Demon Lord…?” “Is it alright for us to play…?” “Leave the fishing to me and Ruilala. As I said when we were in the sky, enjoy yourselves to the fullest right now. We’ve overcome countless difficulties by doing just that.” “Just a human, being able to be so close to a higher demon and His Majesty the Demon Lord, Elnea-kun and the others have overcome trials beyond imagination. I think he’s right?” “Ruilala is saying something sensible!?” “Hahaha. It’s my gratitude for saving me when I was imprisoned by the Fairy Demon Lord.” “Did something like that happen…?” “Don’t worry about us forgetting your existence along the way?” “No, no, it’s not that we forgot. It’s just that defeating Kongo no Kirisame was very difficult…” “F-Fairy Demon Lord!? Elnea-sama, have you also confronted a different Demon Lord than the one Viscount serves!?” “K-Kongo no Kirisame!? Have you participated in its subjugation!!” “Ah, I messed up!” I give a wry smile at Viletta and Vietta, who are left speechless. Then, Ruilala, uncharacteristically, adds a helpful clarification. “See. Elnea-kun’s family is a family that has overcome incredible feats that no one else could accomplish. They are telling you to play rather than worry about problems, so you should just go and have fun. Or would you rather play a match of swordsmanship with me?” “Ruilala, no! Including my thanks for your advice this time, I’ll play with you to your heart’s content next time, okay? So, no pointing swords at the Shooting Star entourage, alright?” “Alright, I’ve got a big one. The plan was a success.” “Damn it! It was a trap! You utterly wicked demon!” “Hahahaha! Elnea-kun, that’s a compliment to a demon.” “Guh!” It seems that it was all Ruilala’s scheme! Ruilala was pretending to be kind so he could have a sword fight with me to his heart’s content! “Elnea-sama, are you alright?” “I-I’m so sorry.” “No, no, it’s not your fault. And this is what a demon is like! Please be careful, okay?” Although I’m frustrated at being deceived, I’m also grateful for Ruilala’s consideration towards the Shooting Star entourage. Even though the nominal reason was to have a sword fight with me, I believe there was genuine kindness from Ruilala. “Alright. Viletta-san and Vietta-san’s task for today is to play to your heart’s content! Oh, and if you catch Priscilla-chan during tag, I’ll give you a reward when we return to the mansion.” “Priscilla-chan?” “Is it that difficult?” “Oh ho. You two don’t yet know the true abilities of that fearsome young girl, do you?” “Even I can’t catch that little one unless I go all out.” “Eh?” “A noble of the Demon Race?” “Now, go on! Have lots of fun and satisfy Priscilla-chan, okay?” With a grin, I and Ruilala watch as Viletta and Vietta, with expressions of bewilderment, run off. And they properly took off their shoes! The white, fine sand feels good on bare feet, after all! It can’t be helped! “Shall we go fishing together?” “It can’t be helped. If Elnea-kun doesn’t catch anything and comes back empty-handed, His Majesty will be displeased.” “No, no, Ruilala might be the one who catches nothing.” “In that case, let’s have a match. Whoever catches more fish wins. The loser obeys the winner. Alright?” “I accept the challenge!” I call Ares-chan over and take two fishing rods. By clicking the heart, you can easily convey your support. (Login required.) Support If you have an account, log in. Learn more about the reading experience available on Kakuyomu.
