We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Back to our daily lives.
At the very last moment, we were toyed with by the Extremely Evil Demon Race as usual.
Nevertheless, we enter a period of rest to prepare for our next move.
Even so, we didn’t return directly to the mansion in the Forbidden Territory. First, we went to the Dragon Forest to report to Sleigsta (Old Man).
Of course, we also had to show our faces to the Spirit Tree Spirit King. Otherwise, the capital would sink into the forest.
And so, in the end, we were caught by the Spirit Tree Spirit King and the Spirits of the forest, and spent two busy days. After that, I finally reported to Sleigsta (Old Man) in person.
“…And that’s how tough it was, Grandpa!”
“Hou hou. You’ve had quite an exciting journey again, haven’t you?”
Sleigsta (Old Man) should have already heard the story from Mistral and everyone else in advance. Still, he listened to my story with apparent enjoyment.
“So, about that. Grandpa, do you know what the Great Forbidden Technique is?”
Perhaps because Mistral and the others were wiping my body, Sleigsta (Old Man) purred with satisfaction. As he did, he closed his eyes as if to consider my question.
However, he quietly shook his head.
“That was before I was born. Hmm. Unfortunately, I’ve never heard such a story from the old men or the witches. It’s probably a topic that they even shun speaking about.”
“So, it really is something that absolutely must not be touched.”
“They hesitate even to speak of it, and it’s a matter that concerns the rulers of the demon race and witches. By rights, we shouldn’t even be allowed to know of its existence.”
“Ah. And I told you about it, Grandpa!?”
“Ka ka ka. Even the old men would have calculated that much. Don’t worry about it.”
That’s right. Sleigsta (Old Man) is the first person I’d consult. The Demon Lords must have anticipated that.
“So, what are your plans for the future?”
Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan are playing on Sleigsta’s (Old Man) back. They sound like they’re having fun, giggling. Sleigsta (Old Man) is also lenient with young girls.
However, he shows strictness to me, his disciple, to Mistral, who takes care of me, and to my wives.
The reason Sleigsta (Old Man) asks “what are you thinking” is, in essence, asking what we intend to do with the arms and armor we have entrusted to him.
“About that…”
I believe we need strength to fight the Divine Race and completely erase the Great Forbidden Technique.
The journey to the Divine Race’s country was as tumultuous as ever.
Maguludo of the Imperial Honored Mansion, who schemes, and Guildia, the Lord, who was manipulated.
Alf (Male) was left with near-fatal injuries, and Amira (Female) went on a rampage. In the end, Alex (Male) and the villagers took up arms, saying Amira (Female) had to be killed.
Nevertheless, we managed to save Amira (Female) and Alf (Male), and chase away Tsuyobushin Teyu and his subordinate Gwen.
Just when I thought it would be a fun trip, we were caught up in another scheme by the people of the Imperial Honored Mansion, and in the end, learned that the paradise of the Heavenly Race had vanished due to the revival of the Great Forbidden Technique.
Can I consider this early summer journey a stroke of good luck?
Or should I think of it as the correct outcome for choosing the option of not seeking strength?
If we were still carrying weapons.
We would undoubtedly have tried to solve problems with force.
We would have swung our swords at Maguludo, who cut down Alf (Male), and at those who raised their weapons.
We might have also relied on the power of weapons against Amira (Female), who had gone berserk.
Because we weren’t carrying weapons at that time, I believe we desperately sought a different path, a different solution, and as a result, were able to protect those dear to us.
Surely, if we had taken up arms, someone would have been sacrificed?
Thinking about it that way, I can nod in agreement that it was the right choice to change course from the path of seeking greater strength and to let go of our weapons.
However, what about it?
If a situation arises where we have to fight the Divine Race in the future.
When the activation of the Great Forbidden Technique is imminent.
Will the outcome change significantly depending on whether we have weapons as a means of solution or not?
Things that can be resolved by having strength.
Solutions derived precisely because strength was let go of.
Which option is more important to choose?
Everyone who was caring for Sleigsta (Old Man) also stopped working and naturally gathered around me, as if pondering what the correct answer was.
“At the time of Amira (Female), there was no need for weapons because the opponent was not an enemy to be fought.”
“When we were being chased by the Imperial Honored Mansion, I was able to escape because I had the ability to toy with the opponent.”
But, Mistral said, unconsciously reaching for the jet-black one-handed club at her waist.
“What if the opponent was a superior enemy?”
“If we didn’t have weapons, and as a result, many people were sacrificed, would we regret it?”
I don’t think the path of not seeking strength is wrong.
However, if we are bound by those restrictions and let precious things slip through our fingers, it would be putting the cart before the horse.
Hmm, I find myself contemplating.
The future cannot be predicted accurately. Moreover, if I start thinking about things that cannot be taken back if the prediction is wrong, there’s just no end to it.
Nevertheless, we must steadily move forward, and if decisions are necessary in each situation…
Sleigsta (Old Man) asks if weapons are needed every time we try to accomplish something.
I believe that through the challenge of whether to take up arms or explore a different path, he is making us think about the importance of decision-making and our own way of being.
So, how should we answer Sleigsta’s (Old Man) question?
“Weapons will definitely be needed eventually.”
Undoubtedly, strength will be required.
Sometimes, there are problems that can only be solved by fighting, rather than by words or feelings.
As for the Great Forbidden Technique, it would be best to persuade the Emperor, but those who are willing to touch upon forbidden things wouldn’t be easily persuaded by others in the first place.
The Emperor has his own justice and beliefs, and as a result, he reached out for the Great Forbidden Technique, wouldn’t you say?
If that’s the case, no matter how much we explain our values and the principles of the world, it’s unlikely he’ll agree.
In such cases, unfortunately, all that’s left is to assert our respective justices through combat.
“But…”
However, we shouldn’t let ourselves become so preoccupied with the future or the intentions of others that we drift away from our present selves.
Things in the future can only be known when they happen.
It’s common to be mistaken even when thinking about others.
Should we, in our present state, be swayed by such uncertainties?
No, it’s not good!
We are who we are.
We have walked our own path with firm convictions.
Therefore, we will continue to believe in and walk our own path from now on.
“Grandpa, I’ve found the answer.”
“Hohou. Then, let me hear it.”
Sleigsta (Old Man) lowered his enormous face before my eyes and gazed at me quietly with his golden pupils.
I looked up at Sleigsta (Old Man) intently, showing my resolve so that everyone could understand.
“After all, we don’t need weapons yet. I suppose there will be times in the future when we will need them. But, even so, I don’t think we need to get them back immediately.”
That’s right.
Preparing for something needed in the future and keeping it because it will be needed in the future are similar but different.
“The journey to the Divine Race’s country made us think and struggle precisely because we didn’t have weapons. However, I believe it became a great source of growth for us. Therefore, until weapons are truly necessary, we will continue to explore various methods without relying on them!”
If we were to pick up weapons, we might use them reflexively. But then, all our past experiences and struggles would be in vain, wouldn’t they?
So, until we confront the Great Forbidden Technique, shouldn’t we continue with our current policy and think of various ways to resolve it without seeking strength?
Madeline (Female) rejoiced at my idea, saying it was a wonderful thought.
As a member of the clergy, and moreover, the Head Miko, Madeline (Female) probably values harmony over violence.
“I, too, agree with Elnea’s opinion. Although we are about to be caught up in a major problem like the Great Forbidden Technique. However, that doesn’t mean we need to disrupt the Ys Family’s policy by being swayed by the disturbance.”
“As Mist (Female) says. Our precious foundation is the Ys Family’s policy centered around Elnea-kun. Therefore, I don’t think we need to change that policy due to external influences.”
“If we don’t live cherishing our current policy, there is no future.”
“If we don’t live respecting our current thoughts, there is no future.”
“Hahahaha. Weapons are not the only source of power. Therefore, the current policy of not relying on weapons is important.”
“Indeed. We can live our daily lives without weapons. In that case, we should cherish our daily lives until that time comes.”
Everyone was smiling.
This decision will be an important policy for the future.
We will continue to get involved in and deal with various problems, won’t we?
But, for such an uncertain future, we will not adopt a policy of “always carrying weapons.”
“Power” that is not necessary for daily life should be kept separate from everyday life.
However, if it becomes necessary, we will explain the situation to Sleigsta (Old Man) and get them back.
But, we must not make the casual thought of “getting them back when we think it’s necessary” our norm. It should be an absolute last resort, and before that, we must all cooperate and make an effort to find a different solution.
“I believe there is meaning in my holding onto your arms and armor, is that not correct?”
“Yes. It is precisely because Grandpa is holding onto them that we cannot easily let go of or retrieve our weapons.”
Sleigsta (Old Man) always shows us strictness.
Therefore, if we fall into wrong or hasty thinking, he will surely scold us properly.
“Ku ku ku. Very well. From now on, I shall entrust your precious belongings and protect your future.”
“Thank you very much!”
We all expressed our gratitude. And then, we discussed what to do from now on once more.
“Well, I was constantly asking Mother to take care of Grandpa, so I intend to fulfill my duties thoroughly during my days off.”
Mistral’s daily life involves taking care of Sleigsta (Old Man), whether busy or on break.
She doesn’t slack off just because it’s a holiday. As expected of Mistral.
“Then, I shall visit Miko (Respectful) and rest my eyes.”
“Did you overuse them during Amira’s (Female) incident? Are you alright now?”
“Elnea-kun, thank you for your concern. However, I am alright. I don’t have the same pain as before.”
Ruiseine still often covers her eyes with a seal, consciously trying to prevent her magic eye from going berserk. However, living with her vision obscured by the seal is not easy. So, it seems she will undergo training under Miko (Respectful).
“Nyan. Then, after seeing Ruiseine Older Sister off, I’ll go home again, nyan.”
“Mumu. Nimia (Female) is leaving?”
Miko (Respectful) is in the Dragon Race’s paradise in the eastern part of the Yorttenitos Kingdom. In the temple built deep in that forest, she is watching over the training of the clergy.
Nimia (Female) seems to be accompanying Ruiseine on her way home. However, Priscilla-chan is unhappy about parting with her best friend.
Priscilla-chan protested, puffing out her cheeks. At that moment, Yunyun (Female) and Rinrin (Female) gently persuaded her.
“Priscilla, you’re going back to the village too. And if you don’t let everyone see your cheerful face, they’ll worry, won’t they?”
“Priscilla, you’re going to be the chief of the Mimicho Race in the Dragon Forest in the future, aren’t you? Then you mustn’t make the villagers and the forest spirits worry.”
“Um, but I want to play more?”
“If you keep saying such selfish things, your mother will scold you.”
“That’s right. If that happens, won’t you be unable to come and play in the Forbidden Territory?”
With the gentle persuasion of Yunyun (Female) and Rinrin (Female), Priscilla-chan reluctantly agreed. By the way, Yunyun (Female) and Rinrin (Female) will return to the Forbidden Territory after their errands are done and go back to their duties. For them, devoting themselves to the spirits is their most important duty and an act of atonement.
“Well then, Ruiseine, while you’re at it, go and check on Istericia (Female), won’t you?”
“Elnea-kun, I’ll leave it to you.”
Istericia (Female), a Mimicho Race member, is also training in the Dragon Race’s paradise. I’m sure she’s still being mischievous with the spirits there and having a tough time.
“Then, I suppose I shall return to the Great Shrine as well. I’m concerned about Rubia (Female)’s condition, and more importantly, I must fulfill my duties.”
“Oh, Madeline (Female), but…?”
It seems Madeline (Female) is also returning to the Yorttenitos Kingdom. Madeline (Female) will eventually pass on her position to her successor and fully join us. However, there were various issues she had to overcome before that. Yes, like the issue of lifespan. Therefore, my wives took care to give Madeline (Female) and Sefina (Female) time so that they could be with me as much as possible.
However, Madeline (Female) is returning to the Yorttenitos Kingdom. Mistral, tilting her head and asking if she’s alright, Madeline (Female) says with her chest puffed out.
“The time spent with Elnea-kun and everyone else is important. However, my true calling is to guide and bring peace to the people of the Yorttenitos Kingdom. The Goddess will never smile upon those who irresponsibly abandon their duties.”
That’s a splendid resolve as the Head Miko of the Great Shrine. However, after saying that herself, she expresses her emotions, “Grr! I really want to be with you!” which spoils everything.
“If Madeline (Female) is returning, perhaps I’ll go back home occasionally too.”
“Sefina, your official duties take priority.”
“Sefina, your royal duties take priority.”
“Oh, if you’re going back, wouldn’t it be nice if my sisters came along too?”
“What are you talking about?”
“This is incomprehensible.”
Sefina (Female), who is free-spirited and tends to go missing, is actually a member of the royal family and has official duties to perform. Before marrying me, Sefina (Female) also had to prioritize her own work. But why are Yufilia and Nina getting involved? Both of them have renounced their claims to the throne by marrying me, and as a result, should be free from official duties.
“That’s simple. If I leave my sisters unattended, Elnea-kun will be in trouble. So, I’ll drag them back by force.”
“You’ve got a lot of nerve.”
“You’re quite bold.”
And so begins the sisterly quarrel. We laugh, watching the three sisters wreak havoc in the Moss Garden, saying, “This is truly what a holiday looks like in everyday life.” Sleigsta (Old Man) also watched the lively three sisters quietly from above.
“…Nea-sama. Elnea-sama.”
Then, someone tugs at my clothes stealthily. Turning around, Laira whispers to me in a small voice.
“Elnea-sama, now’s our chance. Please escape with me.”
“Escape?”
“Let’s ride on Lady Revalia and go to the Yorttenitos Kingdom.”
Laira’s preemptive move! This is also typical of Laira’s daily behavior. However, things don’t proceed that easily.
“Laira-san?”
“Hahahaha!”
Caught by Ruiseine, who has sharp eyes, Laira scrambles to flee. This, too, is a scene from everyday life.
“As expected, it’s days like these that are fun.”
Watching everyone, I sit down on the soft ground of the Moss Garden and relax slowly.
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