We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
The intersection of west and east.
“Do you know this person, meow?”
“Yeah. Nimia, land near that person. Don’t scare them.”
“Meow.”
The water’s surface reflected the crimson sky. It seemed quite shallow, only reaching up to the ankles of the woman standing by the water’s edge.
The woman, with her slender, long, and beautiful black hair swaying in the evening breeze, noticed us approaching from above and quietly returned our gaze.
You’re not intimidated by a giant dragon, even though it’s the first time you’ve seen one.
Speaking of which, when we invaded Teruru-chan’s nest, you were cautious but didn’t show any signs of fear.
“Ada-saaan!”
As I dismounted Nimia, who had just landed, I waved with my free hand holding Oz.
Just then.
For some reason, a presence that evoked nostalgic feelings brushed past my entire body.
The Spirit Tree Wooden Sword at my right hip. The branch that served as its guard and the three cute leaves attached to it, quivered joyfully.
But, it quickly subsided.
I had never experienced such a phenomenon before. It felt mysterious.
Perhaps this is an important place for the Spirit Tree. For some reason, I felt that way intuitively.
My steps faltered for a moment due to the reaction of the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword, but I hurried towards Ada again.
Upon seeing me, Ada’s face broke into a smile.
“Wh-why are you here!? Hah, you don’t mean!”
“There’s no witch. She threw me here and left somewhere.”
“I-I see!”
The sprawling lake in the hollow, covered with a thin film of water, made it hard to believe this was the summit of the sacred mountain. Splashing through the lake, I reached Ada’s side.
Ada stood still, awaiting me.
“Uwah, it’s cold!”
Nimia, after setting me and Oz down, had shrunk and moved to hover above my head, and her wet limbs felt chilly.
However, it cooled my slightly excited head, which was just right.
I never expected to reunite with Ada in a place like this.
“A dragon, huh? You know unusual dragons that can change their size.”
“This child is called Nimia. She’s a member of my family. And this is Oz.”
“Hmph, whoever you are, I shall allow you to greet me.”
“Ada-san. Oz is a rude fellow like this, but please forgive him.”
“Nimia and Oz, huh? Hello.”
“Hello, meow.”
Ada showed no surprise at the giant dragon shrinking before her or at a talking animal. Instead, she reached out without hesitation to pet Nimia and take Oz’s hand for a handshake.
At that moment, Oz exhibited strange behavior.
He sniffed Ada, who was holding his hand, with a “kunka-kunka” sound.
“Hey, hey, it’s rude to sniff a woman’s scent so openly.”
“Oh, my apologies to the lady. It just felt like I caught a whiff of something nostalgic.”
“?”
A nostalgic scent from Ada?
But Oz, perhaps thinking it was his imagination, quickly stopped sniffing.
“So, why are you two here?”
Ada asked with a benevolent smile, showing no displeasure at Oz’s rude behavior.
“Well. I’m more curious as to why *you* are here, Ada-san?”
As I said this, I released Oz, whom I had been holding.
Oz then happily ran around, kicking up water spray.
“Hou hou, hou hou! Wonderful! This is truly the Promised Land I was seeking!”
Ada watched Oz, who was leaping and speaking human words.
“Oz is a magic beast.”
“I am a demon!”
“…He insists he is. He seems to be looking for a sacred place to make a mirror.”
“A mirror?”
“Yes. The mirror enshrined at the Nine-tailed Fox Shrine was broken, so he wants to make a new one.”
Ada murmured, so Oz wouldn’t hear, “What an unusual magic beast.”
“So, you visited this place.”
“Up until just now, we were exploring the lakes to the east.”
“…Speaking of which, I saw a large mansion built to surround two lakes?”
“Th-that’s our new residence… Oh, right. Ada-san, you should come to our place too! I want to introduce you to the rest of the family, and I’m sure it’ll be much more relaxing than spending the night here!”
To my suggestion, Ada showed a slightly troubled expression.
“I am curious to meet your family. However, I must return soon.”
“But you can’t return until the witch comes back, right?”
At my words, Ada shrugged in affirmation.
I suspect her usual living area is a very long way away, just like mine.
We can travel freely because we have family members like Nimia, Revalia, and Lily who can travel long distances, but Ada can’t come or go without the witch.
“Then, let’s go! Oz, we’re going back for today?”
Night was approaching.
Mistral and the others would be waiting, so we’ll stop here for today. If we found a suitable place, we could visit again tomorrow. Or so I thought.
“You all go back. I’m staying here!”
“Staying here? To do what?”
“What do you think, you fool? I’m going to start making the sacred mirror from now on.”
Oz declared with his chest puffed out, a strong determination in his eyes.
I also have my strong will when I’m determined. Oz probably wants to start crafting as soon as possible in this place, which he finally found to be pure.
“Understood. I respect Oz’s enthusiasm. But don’t overdo it, okay? I’ll bring you food again tomorrow.”
Saying this, I asked Nimia, who I thought could finally rest, to grow large again. Then, taking Ada’s slender hand, I guided her onto Nimia’s back.
“See you tomorrow, meow.”
“Oz, see you!”
Nimia and I waved goodbye. Oz, watching us, said imperiously.
“Wait, wait! Is the food tomorrow!? I’m hungry. And… I could even help, you know?”
“No thanks! See you tomorrow!”
“Ngyaaah!”
Oz frantically tried to stick to Nimia, who was already flapping her wings to leave.
“Sigh,” I said, putting Ada on Nimia’s back, only to have to dismount again and face Oz.
“Oz?”
I crossed my arms and looked at Oz. At first, Oz stared back defiantly, but then he began to avert his gaze.
“Um… well… Be my subordinates…”
“Well, I think it’s time to go home.”
“Meow.”
“Wait, wait! My…”
Oz, sitting in the shallow lake, wriggled his hands together as if begging.
“Hmph, I’ll swallow my pride and ask. Cooperate with me!”
I have no idea why asking for cooperation would be embarrassing.
I think it’s incredibly fun to achieve something with someone when you can’t do it alone.
However, it’s not good to tease Oz, who is begging me, any further. And it’s better to start working with ample time.
So, I hugged Oz and moved him onto Nimia’s back.
“I understand Oz’s enthusiasm, but let’s start the work tomorrow. First, you need to find stones to polish, right? It’s definitely better to do that in broad daylight than at dark night.”
Although it was an unconditional decision, Oz agreed with my opinion.
Nimia took off with me, Oz, and Ada on her back and returned to the mansion.
“Elnea-kun!”
“Gya h! Ruiseine, Madrine-sama, please forgive me!”
Upon returning to the mansion, the exploration team had also returned safely and were waiting for us before dinner.
When Ruiseine and Madrine saw Ada, whom we brought back, they suddenly attacked me!
“And who might this lady be?”
“Mmph! Despite having this esteemed miko by your side, you dare to be unfaithful!”
“No, no, Madrine-sama, you’re not my wife, so you’re not in a position to say that! Also, everyone. This woman is Ada, the one I told you about before!”
While being shaken by Ruiseine and Madrine, I introduced Ada.
Ada, slightly flustered by the commotion of the two miko, offered a polite and beautiful greeting.
“I apologize for disturbing your family gathering. I am… Ada. Elnea-kun and I met once before in this forbidden territory.”
Just like before, she hesitated slightly when stating her name. It was probably out of guilt for having to use a false name. She’s a good person, that’s for sure.
Ada bowed deeply. Her long hair slipped down her back, almost touching the floor. Ada’s hair, which reached almost to her knees even when standing, was as beautiful as black silk.
Mistral approached Ada, who was greeting everyone politely.
“My husband was indebted to you on that occasion. I am his wife, Mistral. Please, Ada-san, make yourself at home.”
Mistral and Ada shook hands.
As I felt when I first met Ada, she is tall. Standing face-to-face with the tall Mistral, it was clear that Ada was slightly taller.
Yes, she’s much taller than me, of course!
It’s not like that. This is probably due to the influence of inheriting the Dragon Jewel, or perhaps it’s because my growth stopped around the age of fourteen!
“Meow.”
Nimia moved to Priscilla-chan’s head and finally relaxed comfortably.
Following Mistral, Laira greeted us.
Ruiseine, who usually secured second place, was still clinging to me along with Madrine-sama.
Next, Sefina-san, taking advantage of the confusion, declared, “I am Elnea’s wife,” and was dragged away to a spare room by her older sister Yufilia and Nina, neglecting to introduce herself properly.
Ada seemed surprised by the number of my wives. …Well, that’s understandable. Normally, unless one is royalty, they wouldn’t marry so many women.
Ah, maybe she’s misunderstanding my status, along with this mansion!?
“You know. Priscilla isn’t Older Brother’s wife?”
“That’s not it, that’s not it.”
Ada returned a gentle smile to Priscilla-chan, who greeted her enthusiastically, and Ares-chan, who had manifested.
It was a benevolent smile that gave children a sense of comfort and belonging.
“Ares, you were here before, weren’t you?”
“Yes, she is my spirit.”
Excluding me, Ares-chan is the only one here who met Ada and the witch last time.
Speaking of which, though she hadn’t manifested until now… I see. She was enjoying exploring with Priscilla-chan and the others.
Ares-chan, holding Priscilla-chan’s hand, rushed towards Ada.
Ada crouched down, gently embraced the young girl, and exchanged greetings with both of them.
Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan were happily chattering.
However, Nimia, from atop Priscilla-chan’s head, stared intently at Ada, who was now close by.
“Now, you all properly greet our guest. Madrine, if you can’t greet our guest properly, you’ll have to leave. And Ruiseine, it’s unusual for you to be so flustered?”
Mistral reprimanded Ruiseine and Madrine, who were still clinging to me, even after the little ones had finished their greetings.
Ada looked as if she had seen something unusual at Mistral’s unsparing scolding of Madrine, who appeared to be of noble status, much more so than Ruiseine.
Ruiseine and Madrine, who had been clinging to me, quickly straightened themselves.
Then, suddenly, they knelt and began to greet us formally.
“I am Ruiseine Is, a Battle Priestess belonging to the Great Shrine of the Armēdo Kingdom.”
“I am Madrine Rafal Valitier, Head Miko of the Great Shrine of the Yorttenitos Kingdom.”
“Valitier…”
“Wh-what is it, both of you!?”
We were surprised by this sudden development.
Ada also looked troubled by Ruiseine and Madrine’s formal demeanor.
“You appear to be a person of noble status.”
At Ruiseine’s words, I was struck.
They must have sensed Ada’s true identity at first glance. That’s why they pressed me.
But you know.
I don’t know Ada’s true identity!
I understand she’s probably someone amazing. After all, she’s a disciple of the witch.
Hmm? Wait a minute.
If she’s the witch’s disciple, is she someone so noble that Ruiseine and Madrine would kneel before her?
And Nimia and Oz reacted strangely?
Ada’s true identity has become even more mysterious.
However, Ruiseine and Madrine seem to have some certainty. That’s why these two clergy members, who wouldn’t even kneel before the king, are kneeling and greeting her so courteously.
“Please, stand up. I am not who you imagine me to be.”
Ada looked helpless before the reverent Ruiseine and Madrine.
“If we make our guest feel uneasy, she won’t be comfortable, meow.”
Then, Nimia, uncharacteristically, offered a suggestion.
“That’s right. I asked her to come, and she did. No prying into who Ada is! Let’s all have fun together.”
If we didn’t hurry, the dinner that everyone was preparing would get cold.
When I urged Ruiseine and Madrine, they seemed to agree that further pursuit was forbidden and reluctantly raised themselves. Then, we all headed to the dining room.
Sefina-san, who had been being disciplined in a separate room, had also returned by this time.
Her forehead was slightly red. Perhaps her twin sister hit her.
“Alright, get some good rest today and let’s give it our all again starting tomorrow!”
“Ooh!”
I intended it as a “Let’s eat” greeting, but everyone gave me a blank stare!
Only Priscilla-chan, Ares-chan, and Oz reacted…
“It’s magnificent.”
Ada, who was shown to her seat, was surprised by the variety of dishes before her.
“Our meals are in the style of the Dragon Race, from Mistral’s village. We put out many dishes, and you can take whatever you like and eat as much as you want!”
“Um. If there’s any left over, it will be tomorrow’s meal.”
We don’t waste anything. Leftover dishes from dinner are re-heated and served again in the morning. We also try to eat the leftovers first, making sure there’s no food waste.
Well, there are a few young girls who dislike vegetables, of course.
Once everyone was seated, my “Let’s eat” greeting was disregarded, and we all offered a prayer.
This is due to Ruiseine’s influence.
Even though some of us are not believers in the Temple Religion, before we eat, we all pray to the Goddess.
When I discreetly opened one eye to peek at Ada, she was praying deeply, just like Ruiseine and Madrine.
After the prayer, it was a war zone.
Priscilla-chan snatched the largest piece of meat first. Then, she happily gnawed on it with Ares-chan.
I also began to fill my hungry stomach, eating the dishes that Mistral and Laira had served me.
Yufilia and Nina had already started drinking. In our recent daily life, Madrine-sama would join them, but… Ruiseine and Madrine maintained a formal demeanor even during the meal.
Ada’s presence must be quite significant.
Ada, smiling at the lively dinner table, ate the food with apparent enjoyment.
“You know. Yunyun and Rinrin are here too!”
“Yunyun and Rinrin?”
Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan, with their dirty mouths and clothes, approached Ada, who was wearing fine garments embroidered with gold and silver threads. Mistral hurriedly secured them. Ada kindly asked the cute young girls.
“That’s right. It would be cruel not to call Yunyun and Rinrin here tonight.”
I asked Priscilla-chan to take out the Spirit Tree Jewel from my pocket. By storing power in this, we can temporarily summon Yunyun and Rinrin.
The jewel became sticky after Priscilla-chan’s summoning, but let’s pretend we didn’t see that…
“The Mimicho Race? No, but this looks like a spirit…?”
Ada looked at the two who had manifested with a puzzled expression.
“You know. Ares-chan is a Spirit Tree Spirit! And Priscilla is friends with the Light Spirit, the Wind Spirit, and the Earth Spirit too!”
My and Mistral’s fragmented, child-like explanations supplemented the story.
“…Amazing. Elnea and his family have met many beings and had wonderful experiences.”
It’s perhaps stating the obvious now, but Ada is completely impressed by the variety of races gathered here.
There’s Priscilla-chan, who clearly belongs to the Mimicho Race, Nimia and Oz, whom I mentioned earlier, and even Mistral, who is of the Dragon Race.
As I expected, Ada appears to be human. Furthermore, she said that there are hardly any other races living in her region. Therefore, she was surprised by the lively dinner of mixed races but seemed to be enjoying herself.
“You know. Priscilla is going to sleep with Ada tonight.”
And so, after dinner and a refreshing bath, it was time for sleep.
Priscilla-chan took Ada’s hand and bid us goodnight.
“That’s unusual. Priscilla-chan is actually going to sleep quietly!”
I wonder how she managed that? I wonder how Ada managed to tame Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan?
“I apologize. I’ll take you up on your kind offer and stay here tonight.”
Ignoring our great question, Ada led the young girls to the guest room.
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