We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
A tea party at the detached palace.
“Elnea-kun!”
“Friel!”
Friel and his three attendants, riding on Yugra, flew towards me as soon as we crossed the Great Forest.
“I was looking for you. When I returned to the fort after subjugating monsters, I heard Elnea-kun had gone out looking for me.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. Something urgent came up.”
“Hahaha. That sounds like you, Elnea-kun. So, where are you headed this time?”
“Um. A bit to the east.”
Revalia and Yugra flew parallel to us, so even though it was loud, I could talk with Friel in the sky.
“If Elnea-kun is coming this way, Mother is…?”
“I imagine she’s enjoying herself with Lyra at the detached palace right now? They promised to see each other again, and knowing her, she’ll probably come to see us again soon.”
“Is that so? Then, Mother is alright?”
“Yes. She seemed to be enjoying her travels. So, Friel, you keep working hard too.”
“Yes!”
That day, I stayed at the fort at Friel’s suggestion.
I was able to talk with Friel properly for the first time in a while.
At night, as we were snuggled in bed and talking, I realized Friel seemed to want to settle down. However, he seemed to be held back because there was no word of marriage from above.
When you have siblings, you have to consider the order of marriage, don’t you? This is something that someone who is an only child like me, or a hero like Listea, wouldn’t understand. Or so I thought, but when I put myself in the shoes of the Twin Princesses or Cerise-chan, I could somehow understand.
Cerise-chan also had marriage talks progressing with Yufilia and Nina, so she was able to connect with Listea first without feeling any hesitation.
Prince Grave, please find a good person soon!
For Friel’s sake!
The next morning, I was slowly getting ready to go pick up Lyra.
What, you want me to hurry?
I want to buy as much time as possible and prolong that pair’s happy time together, don’t I?
“Run, run.”
“Ares-chan, I’m not trying to buy time because I’m afraid of being punished, you know?”
“No, no.”
“Sniffle, sniffle.”
When I asked Ares-chan, who was disturbing my preparations, if she didn’t want to monopolize me forever, she said something scary, like she’d become an adult if she went all out.
“Well then, Friel. I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“Yes?”
“Tell me about your monster subjugation stories next time!”
“Y-Yes! Elnea-kun, until next time?”
And so, I departed, seen off with puzzled looks by Friel and everyone at the fort. Revalia took flight towards the detached palace. I waved goodbye to Friel and the others with a big wave.
I’m sorry, Friel.
I didn’t tell you last night, but I’ve left the Mother’s Federation in your care.
Please deliver them safely to the capital of the Armēdo Kingdom!
“Elnea-kun, what were you doing this time!”
“Oh, Ruiseine. Welcome back.”
“It’s not a ‘welcome back’!”
“Elnea-sama, I’m glad to have met you again.”
“Lyra, welcome home. Did you have a fun time with Renneira-sama?”
“Yes. Thank you for your consideration.”
As expected of my wife, Ruiseine.
Apparently, the Mother’s Federation was entrusted to the kings at the royal capital of the Yorttenitos Kingdom.
When I returned to the detached palace, Ruiseine and Nimia had already joined us, and as expected, I was scolded. I spoke about Charlotte and the Nine-tailed Fox Shrine.
At first, Ruiseine puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, but as I petted her head and gave her an update on recent circumstances, she seemed to have calmed down, her cheeks flushing a cherry blossom pink, and she became quite cheerful. Now, Ares-chan and Nimia, who are engrossed in eating sweets, have puffed-out cheeks.
“Souvenirs, souvenirs.”
“I’ll bring some back for Priscilla too, *nyan*.”
“They’re delicious. But Ares-chan, you can’t take sweets you’ve already put in your mouth as souvenirs?”
“Storage, storage.”
As if to say “It’s alright,” Ares-chan stored the sweets into a mysterious space. As the sweets disappeared one after another, the confectioners at the detached palace kept making and bringing new ones. And then, they disappeared again. Ares-chan, you have to moderate yourself, or the craftsmen will collapse!
“So, how about Ruiseine’s side?”
In place of Ruiseine, I then asked about the Mother’s Federation while cherishing Lyra.
“It was very difficult. However, I think the people at the royal palace had a harder time than I did.”
“They’re probably still having a difficult time right now.”
When the Mother’s Federation heard that the labyrinth created in the Royal Castle Ruins was open to students and novice adventurers, they eagerly tried to tackle it. Apparently, their adventurer spirit had been ignited by their journey to Dragon Peak.
The labyrinths of the Armēdo Kingdom are highly difficult. In fact, no one has ever cleared them, so they can’t be easily challenged. However, these have been explored from end to end. Furthermore, traps have been set, and useful items and arms and armor for adventures have been hidden for students and beginner adventurers to gain experience.
The Mother’s Federation, or rather, the Queen’s Federation, apparently tried to tackle the labyrinth, neglecting diplomacy. Grave-sama and the Royal Knights were desperately trying to stop them. Incidentally. The King also apparently said, “Well then, I shall too,” and was full of enthusiasm. The royals of both countries are formidable.
“Did Madrine-sama return to the Great Shrine obediently?”
“Yes. After returning to the capital, she was unexpectedly obedient. I believe meeting Ada-san became a good guideline for her.”
Although Madrine-sama said with her mouth, “I don’t want to go back,” she apparently changed her mind. She was admonished by Ada-san in the forbidden territory, saying, “Training can be done anywhere. What matters is your state of mind.”
Madrine-sama used to adventure with Yufilia and Nina in the past. Therefore, she already possesses knowledge and experience as an adventurer. She also possesses thorough knowledge as the Head Miko of the Yorttenitos Kingdom. So, all that’s left is training to improve herself. Madrine-sama initially thought that she could improve herself by placing herself in a new environment or a harsh environment. However, she seems to have realized that everything for clergy is contained within their daily duties.
“So, from now on, you will train while performing your duties at the Great Shrine.”
“Yes. She also said she would try harder with reading, which she disliked. And she asked to be invited next time you go to the Demon Lord’s Castle.”
“I have to get the ceremonial staff back, after all. Well then, I’ll invite you when I go on a male journey.”
Ruiseine also said that she was glad to have gone to the royal capital of the Yorttenitos Kingdom. Apparently, at Madrine-sama’s arrangement, she was able to see some legal codes that only a limited number of people could access. It seems that the magic spell that miko can use varies depending on their status and Hōryoku. Legal codes that should normally only be seen by those in positions like Head Miko contain more advanced magic spells. Ruiseine was able to see them.
“It’s quite an interesting story, isn’t it? We can’t see this in Armēdo, but you can see it in Yorttenitos, where you don’t belong.”
“Elnea-kun, please don’t say such things so bluntly. In the Armēdo Kingdom, it’s just that we haven’t had the opportunity because Elnea-kun drags me around?”
“That’s right. Ruiseine, why don’t you try the trial for an upper-level Battle Priestess when you get back?”
Is it my fault? I believe Ruiseine has the ability and experience to become an upper-level Battle Priestess. After all, Kiri and Inea have already become upper-level Priestesses. However, as Ruiseine says, perhaps because I drag her around, she is still in the position of a general Battle Priestess. When I suggested that she try challenging for upper-level Battle Priestess as part of her training, she nodded.
“I wasn’t good at healing magic, so I thought I wouldn’t be able to qualify for a higher job. But, anything is a form of training, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. And with your current abilities, Ruiseine, I’m sure you’ll be fine!”
“Elnea-kun, you say it so easily. It’s not easy to obtain the qualifications for an upper-level Battle Priestess, you know?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Even as a Battle Priestess, you need to be able to use a certain amount of healing magic. You also need knowledge of pharmacology, law, etiquette, rituals, and various other things. Furthermore, for an upper-level Battle Priestess, knowledge and ability regarding combat are also important.”
As a miko, I think Ruiseine is studying these things daily. But it means she has to work even harder.
“Wow… There’s so much to study. I’m not good at it. But when it comes to combat, Ruiseine, it’s easy for you, right? You’re stronger than me.”
“That’s because Elnea-kun uses Dragon Energy. If we’re facing ordinary people, I’m still not quite there yet.”
I see, Dragon Eye. But even putting aside the Dragon Eye, I think Ruiseine is strong. I know that because I’ve watched her fight all this time.
“That’s right. Since we’re on the topic, why doesn’t Elnea-kun study to become a priest as well?”
Hahahahahahaha…
I laughed a hollow laugh and shifted my gaze from Ruiseine to Lyra’s chest. Ruiseine-san, I told you, didn’t I? I’m not good at studying. Remembering the lectures at school gave me a headache.
“Elnea-sama, your eyes are spinning around. Are you alright?”
“Lyra, I don’t think I can take it anymore…”
“Hahahaha!”
Lyra caught my swaying head and enveloped it with her chest. Ah, this is my Shangri-La. Rubia-san’s chest felt wonderful, but this is it, isn’t it!
“Are Lyra-onee-chan’s boobs the best compared to Rubia-san’s boobs, *nyan*?”
“I’m in trouble!”
“Elnea-kun? That was an element not mentioned in the previous report. We’ll have you explain it fully!”
“Elnea-sama, this is bad! Ruiseine-sama!”
“Lyra, if you think so, then release me!”
Enveloped by her chest, my vision went black. However, I could sense the dangerous presence sneaking up behind me.
“Now, Elnea-kun. Are you prepared!”
“Kyaa!”
“Ahun!”
When I thrashed around while being squeezed by her chest, Lyra let out a strange sound. As expected, Lyra’s chest is wonderful, both in feel and reaction… No, no, I shouldn’t be thinking such things right now. Danger is upon me!
“Lyra-onee-chan’s boobs are wonderful, *nyan*.”
“Boobs, boobs.”
“Hey! Don’t translate that?”
My screams were absorbed by Lyra’s firm chest and didn’t echo. And no matter how much I tried to escape, Lyra wouldn’t let go. Could this possibly be…! Lyra-san, have you perhaps become Ruiseine’s Elnea?
“Elnea-kun, prepare yourself!”
“Kyaa!”
A killing intent comparable to Mistral’s from behind! My physical and mental peace vanished with Nimia’s arrival. Farewell, freedom of mind. Farewell, peaceful days. I, sandwiched between Ruiseine, Lyra, and Ares, who had somehow transformed into an adult, screamed. But this is also fun. Or rather, I’m happy?
“He’s enjoying himself, *nyan*.”
“N-Hey! Nimia!”
“Elnea-kun!”
“Elnea-sama!”
“Kyaa!”
Renneira-sama and the people of the detached palace watched our married couple’s playful interactions with amusement. And Revalia snorted and curled up.
