Mushoku Tensei (WN) Chapter Volume 11

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It was morning, I opened my eyes.

Sylphy was sleeping using my arm as a pillow.

White hair and a white nape.

If you look closely long eyelashes.

This cute of a girl is sleeping using my arm as a pillow without even a single piece of underwear to be seen.

She's sleeping so peacefully while defenselessly showing her sleeping face.

It's just that much of a situation, but I already feel a hustle coming on this morning.

I flip up the blanket and glance below it and I can see Sylphy's cherry blossoms.

Just a bit above that, a small bruise is remaining.

It's the so-called kiss mark.

It's sothing that I put on her last night.

In my previous life, I always wondered what was so fun about adding a kiss mark though.

Just like this, waking up in the morning and seeing the kiss mark you've created yourself is really enjoyable.

I guess it's the DQN sensation of putting a tattoo or piercing on your own girlfriend. [1]

The feeling of conquest cos rising to the surface.

Sylphy is my woman.

I won't hand her over to anyone.

And while I was thinking such things, my son had started morning radio exercises. [2]

Even though he did that much intense exercise yesterday, he sure is energetic.

In my previous life, it was nothing but solo training, even though he was just a hikikomori these past few years, recently when it cos down to the ti to act he's been quite energetic.

No good, no good, I can't serve it up in the morning.

Sylphy has work today as well.

I'll work it off on my end with my morning routine.

I removed my arm from under Sylphy's head and placed a pillow there.

"Nnn... Rudi, that isn't sothing you drink..."

Sylphy stirred, tightly shrinking her body.

Her sleep talk is cute.

I wonder what I'm drinking in the dream.

I have the feeling that I could drink any amount of Sylphy's Mineral Water. [3]

Sohow or other, I touched Sylphy's chest and stroked them a bit.

If I do it too strong in the morning, she'll wake up. So tenderly, gently.

Almost like touching tofu as you filter it. [4]

It's a modest sensation.

To think that I would get to touch sothing this good in the morning. I might be the happiest person in the world.

This is real sufficiency huh?

"Nn... Rude...?"

Sylphy faintly opened her eyes and looked at .

And then she grabbed my hand, and with an absent-minded face laughed blankly and said,

"...Have a safe trip."

"I'm heading out and I shall be back."

I left the room.

The next ti we'll be able to sleep together is three days later huh?

I'm looking forward to it.

Recently here, I've lived truly peacefully.

There's been no incident-like incident.

If you could say there was one, it would just be about the level that Rinia and Pursena introduced to a first year.

Sohow, this boy is a delinquent of the first years and within two months he had put the squeeze on all of the delinquents in the sa year as him.

After that, he was getting full of himself and thought he'd put his hands on the Bancho Group, it seems he was harshly beaten by the first assassin Zanoba. [5]

As a result of that, it seems a variety of things happened and it was decided he would enter under my group.

That's quite the surprising and unexpected story. [6]

According to the story I heard, it seems our school has an existence like the Four Heavenly Kings, called the [Six Demon Group] ruling over it. [7]

The one ruling over the summit of that is it seems.

It seems if you manage to defeat all of them you can gain the privilege to challenge , the boss.

It's a composition like a delinquent manga.

I better not have so na like Gakuensai Festival or sothing with that kind of feel attached. [8]

Incidentally, those six are Zanoba, Cliff, Rinia, Pursena, Fitts, and Badigadi, these six.

If you're speaking of all of them, I wonder if I'll end up having to face an opponent that can defeat a Demon King.

I don't really like that.

In any case this first year student boss was pitiful, since he was defeated by the first man.

By the ti he had made it to my place, his tail was curled up, his head was rounded, it was truly a ek attitude.

This first year student head, it seems he was able to give a sowhat decent fight thanks to the fact that he kept his distance and fought Zanoba using magic.

Zanoba sohow endured it, then approached when his opponent had exhausted his magic power and sunk him with one punch supposedly.

Nothing can be done about the fact that long ranged fights end up being close for Zanoba.

Next ti I thought about teaching Zanoba the ultimate technique to swing a rock with a golf swing and send the opponent flying to China. [9]

In any case, at so point unknown to people really started to treat as the Bancho.

But you know, thanks to that the delinquents all listen to what I tell them, so it's quite helpful.

The other day at the ti when I found so guys lurking behind the school it was the sa.

If I say one word after readying my stance, their faces suddenly turn pale and they stop.

If I say just a single line to soone bullying, then the bullying stops.

It's not a bad position.

Within my field of vision, I don't forgive guys who harass the weak.

Even if for example, the bullied side was the problem.

One such day.

A letter arrived.

It was from Paul.

It seems to be a letter that was sent a year prior finally making its trip here.

[To Rudeus.

I saw the letter. That you're going to attend the Magic University. Congratulations!

Various things happened, but I feel happy that you're walking down your own path.

I'm sure you've heard from Elinalise, but it seems like we can sohow or other manage things with Zenith.

It's thanks to Roxy, Talhand, and Elinalise's help.

Please tell Elinalise thanks in that regard as well.

Well, I'm sure she'll just make an unpleasant face anyway though.

Well then, right now we're in East Port.

We're getting ready to head towards Begaritto Continent after this.

I've never been to Begaritto Continent before, but it's supposedly the next harshest land after Magic Continent.

Crossing over with children makes a little bit uncomfortable.

Norn and Aisha are still nine years old after all.

So, the idea ca up that we would send just the children up to your place.

Even though I say that, I know that letting the children journey on their own is dangerous.

Ginger said she would act as the escort for them, but I don't know what could happen.

It's dangerous, but if we're going to be separated again and worry about it, then it's better to take them along.

Just about the ti I thought that, we reunited with a certain individual.

It's a person you know as well.

That person said he would take over escorting the children, so I left it to them.

I think you'll be surprised when you et as well.

It's a reliable person.

Honestly, it was a mortifying option.

If sothing happens in the middle of the journey and it becos sothing terrible when my eyes are off them.

When I think that, the feeling that I want to take them together with is large as well.

But, after all I really want the children to stay in a safe place.

Including you as well.

After Norn and Aisha get there, I'd like for you to prepare a place for them to live and to commute to school from, it's fine even if it's small.

I've left money for school fees and life expenses in their possession.

It's a considerably large amount of money.

Don't buy a woman or anything.

...Like that could be the case. Well, I'm sure if it's you then you'll be able to handle it well.

Rather, it's sothing that I really should be doing myself though... sorry I'm a bad father.

I'm sorry, but I'm depending on you.

Thinking about it, you're already 15 years old, by the ti this letter arrives you should be 16 huh.

You're an adult.

I feel bad that I wasn't ever able to congratulate you on your birthday.

I can't congratulate Aisha and Norn for their 10th birthdays as well.

But well, that's sothing grand we can do at the ti when we reunite.

Together with all of our family.

It's alright for you to leave this side to us.

In reality, the Fedoa Region search group has disbanded, all that's left are Lilia, Talhand, Roxy, Vera, Shera, and I.

We should have enough combat potential to return from Begaritto Continent.

If things proceed favorably, with a one or two year delay we'll be able to head over there I'm sure.

In the beginning, I thought about having Lilia go together with the children on the journey, but it seems that Lilia is more worried about than the children.

It's sothing I can't really accept. How pathetic.

Even though I say that, Lilia trusts in Aisha.

She seems to have taught her most things that she has to be taught.

Aisha is a genius.

Between you and Aisha, I'm scared of my own seed.

But, Norn is a normal child.

A bit different from you and Aisha.

That's why I'm sure you might feel impatient at many tis, but please look at it over the long term.

Also, probably because I was spoiling her, I think she has so selfish points.

She also seems to hate you as well, along with that, her relationship with Aisha isn't very good.

Since that's the case, I think there's the possibility that she might end up being isolated, but... as an older brother I'd like for you to look after her without hating it.

Just in case, I've left the sa letter with both of them.

I think it will be fine leaving it to that person, but if six months pass after the ti this letter arrives, I'd like for you to search for them on your side.

For the ti being, sothing along those lines.

It's co down to where I'm leaving every little thing down to you, I do feel apologetic about that.

I leave it in your care.

From Paul Greyrat.]

It was a letter overflowing with apologies.

Paul you... really now.

It seems Norn and Aisha alone are heading here.

I'm a bit worried, but I think it's probably better for them to co here instead of going to the Begaritto Continent as well.

But, I wonder if it would have been fine if they were left in the care of Zenith's parents in Milishion.

No, I think that in itself might have had its own problems associated with it.

Putting aside Norn, Aisha doesn't have Zenith's blood flowing in her after all.

The journey is, well it should be alright.

Comparing the Central Continent to the Magic Continent, the degree of danger is pretty low after all.

If you were to call it a worry, then I am worried that there are many kidnappings in this world, but kidnappers fundantally only target the weak.

If there are two of them and they have an escort with so amount of skill, then I'm sure no one will try to forcefully abduct them.

It was written in the letter that they have an escort with them.

Ginger was a female knight imperial guard belonging to Zanoba.

I don't rember how skilled she was.

It's just that, since the knights of Shirone had learned the Water God style, I'm sure she'll be useful for the duty of escorting.

And then, there's one more.

It's written that it's a person I can trust.

I wonder who. Maybe Gisu?

There's no way it could be Eris right.

Thinking about other reliable people that Paul and I know... ah, maybe it could be that person.

They did say they were going to search the Central Continent after all, it could be that luckily they managed to encounter each other.

If it's that person, then I can leave it to them.[10]

To the point where Ginger is unnecessary.

In any case, I could really feel Paul's trust in from the contents of the letter.

It won't be good if I don't respond to that trust.

I'm the eldest son after all!

However, if that's the case it's really a success that I already bought a house.

We have plenty of leftover rooms as well.

We can receive them without any problems.

If there was going to be any problems, it would be that my two younger sisters are still young.

Sylphy's and my love life might not go very well in regards to their education.

Well, it should be fine as long as we prepare a room for them away from our bedroom.

It's sothing to look forward to.

I wonder when they'll co.

Maybe about two months later.

And before that.

"It's no good if I don't properly discuss these things."

I'll go discuss it with Sylphy.

Around this ti she should be in the kitchen cooking.

After looking into the kitchen, a girl with a small build was chopping vegetables with a [chopchop].

Short height, small shoulders, a slender and well-proportioned body.

After seeing such a figure from behind, I started to feel a bit turned on.

"Sylphy...!"

I embraced Sylphy from behind.

I put my hands inside the hem of her apron and groped her soft chest.

"Ouch!!"

"Ah."

After looking Sylphy cut her finger.

The red blood was creating a glob and dripping down on top of the chopping board.

In the mont I embraced her, she cut her finger.

"...Geez. Rudi, that's dangerous when I'm holding cutlery."

Sylphy said it in an unusually criticizing tone.

The cut on her finger was healed in no ti at all.

She seems to be using chantless healing magic almost subconsciously.

"I'm sorry. I won't cling to you when you're in the middle of cooking."

"Yeah. Please endure it when I'm cooking. It will be done soon after all."

I retreated from the kitchen and waited in the dining room.

I was a bit nervous.

I ended up getting her hurt.

I was getting a bit too ahead of myself.

I sat on the chair and waited.

And then, since Sylphy ca out from the kitchen, I lowered my head.

"I am very sorry for just now."

"I'm not that angry. If you're going to apologize just do it normally."

"Yeah. Sorry."

"Yes. It will fine as long as you're careful next ti."

We sat together on two chairs and started eating.

The distance to Sylphy is close.

It seems she isn't angry.

Recently, I might have been loving her too much, I'm afraid of the recoil from the ti when she gets tired of courtesy.

"So, what is it? It's unusual for Rudi to be that cheerful."

"Yeah, I received a letter from my father."

"Eh!! From Paul-san!?"

I handed Sylphy the letter while she was surprised.

With a tense expression she started reading the letter and then looked a bit disappointed.

"Ah, it seems like the news that we got married still hasn't arrived yet."

It seems she wanted to know my family's reaction to our marriage.

However, after she continued reading it her face turned serious.

In the end she whispered, "I see."

"That's great isn't it, Rudi. Everyone's safe."

"Yeah."

Co to think of it, it was said pretty nonchalantly, but Sylphy already lost her parents.

I might be lacking a bit of delicacy.

After seeing my face, Sylphy made a bitter smile.

"Really, Rudi, don't make that face. Certainly my mother and father died, but now I have Rudi and Elinalise-san here as well, so I'm not lonely."

While saying that, Sylphy grasped my hand and smiled with a "yeah~"

Recently, Sylphy has been getting even more adorable.

Her very short hair has grown a bit and is just short now, it's making her seem even more girlish.

Her white hair is silky and the long ears that extend out from the sides of her hair are cute.

This kind of girl is my wife.

This isn't a dream right.

"Sylphy..."

I want to make a new family with this cute girl.

Such a desire is naturally rising to the surface.

All the more since we're doing it almost every night on the days we're together.

Even though I say that, the one who will be troubled by childbirth is Sylphy.

Her butt is small and cute, but it's far from the easy delivery type.

Since there's healing magic in this world, I think there are few death incidents during childbirth...

However, not dying and the difficulty of it are also different matters.

No, the problem rather than that, is if we can manage to raise a child.

Honestly, Sylphy and I are both still immature as people.

Of course, in terms of age we're already considered adults in this world and we can earn money.

However, as a single human parent, I wonder if we can manage it.

...It's alright, it's sothing all the living beings in the world are doing.

Even I should be able to do it.

Even if I can't, Sylphy is here as well.

It'll be fine if we give it our best together.

Two years later, Paul and the others will return as well.

Lilia has her own personal views on child raising after all, so there's nothing to worry about I'm sure.

The problem is the mother-in-law though.

I had heard that Zenith and Sylphy got along well together, therefore, I want to think that nothing bad will happen.

In Paul's case... well if you just show him sothing like his grandchild, I'm sure he would be simple-mindedly happy about it.

Oh, that's no good.

Putting that aside for now.

"I'm sure you understand after reading the letter, but my two little sisters are coming. I'd like to let them live in this house, but is that alright?"

"Of course it is. This house will beco busy as well."

While saying that Sylphy laughed shyly.

And there's no problem.

After we finished eating dinner we moved to the living room.

It was ti to study magic.

As usual I can't use healing magic chantlessly.

However, I've learned the incantations by heart in preparation and stored the theory as knowledge in case it's needed to survive later.

Chantless isn't the only technique.

There's no need be fixated on it, it's better if I don't try to think about getting skilled at it in a hurry.

I think I'm the type who has talent in regards to this world, but I'm sure I can't reach the peak either way.

Since that's the case, I need to make sure I fortify my foundations and be careful so I don't fall down.

"Fununu...!"

Currently, Sylphy is trying to extinguish the Water Ball I've made with her Disturb Magic.

Her fingertips are facing my hand with her face bright red as she groans.

I maintain the Water Ball I created with magic power in order to try and prevent it from being extinguished.

It feels kind of like load training.

If the Water Ball twists and bends then flies off, it's Sylphy's win.

Then she acquires the privilege to do anything she likes with on top of the bed.

Even without that privilege, if she just says a word about it, then I will go with it.

In reverse, as long as I can maintain it then it's my win.

Then I acquire the privilege to love Sylphy to my heart's content on top of the bed.

Though I possess it even without winning.

Incidentally, I generally win.

Currently, it seems Sylphy can use Advanced level attack magic of everything except fire.

Furthermore her healing is Advanced and Detoxification is Advanced.

It's this sort of feeling.

---

Fire Magic: Interdiate

Water Magic: Advanced

Earth Magic: Advanced

Wind Magic: Advanced

Healing Magic: Advanced

Detoxification Magic: Advanced

---

They're exceedingly high spec.

It's sothing I learned recently, but these six types are called the "Basic Six Types" in the Magic University.

Although they're called basic, they're the types of magic that are used the most frequently.

In regards to the Magic University, in your first two or three years you're supposed to get these six types to Elentary level as your goal.

After you've achieved that, in the remaining few years you decide on your major type, and learn it up to Advanced level.

Or at least that seems to be the standard flow for it.

Even if you devote yourself to a single one of them, without talent you'll reach a dead end at the Interdiate level.

For example not having a high enough aggregate magic power or stumbling on lded magic...

After taking any of the types to Advanced level, there are almost no individuals who make it up to Saint class.

Although, it seems there are outstanding talents like Sylphy and Cliff once every ten years.

Outstanding talents once every ten years.

That ans every 10 years there's one guy like that.

If they're a genius then I guess you could call them a genius, but it's a general category.

They'll never reach the level of the monsters known as Gods.

I wonder about myself.

After putting together the stories I heard from Badigadi and Kishirika, it seems my aggregate amount of magic power is in the realm of God class.

However, that absolutely doesn't an that I myself can be considered God class.

In my case, it's almost like attaching a passenger plane's fuel tank onto an average car.

No matter how long it runs it won't stop, but the speed won't increase.

Along with the fuel tank, if you throw on the jet engine as well, this ti the body of the car won't hold together.

From a design standpoint it would be a piece of junk.

Being able to run as much as it wants without stopping is a great advantage though.

"Co to think of it, Sylphy."

"Wh, what? you know I'm concentrating..."

"It's about our child, but I wonder if they would have talent in magic."

"Faa-!?"

Sylphy's concentration power was disturbed.

The unskilled Disturb Magic scattered and the Water Ball was created to its complete orb form.

I froze that and then sunk it into the cup in front of .

"Th... That is sothing we won't know until it's born..."

Sylphy's face was bright red, she was restlessly squirming with her thighs together.

"In order for it to be born, that is, it's essential for the Danna-sama to give it his best, you know?"

While laughing and trying to cover that up Sylphy ca over and rubbed my thighs.

Sylphy's thin hand tickled.

In exchange, I rubbed the back side of Sylphy's shoulders as well.

These days this kind of contact sohow makes happy.

In an instant, the mood in the living room beca pink colored.

Sylphy buried her face on the top of my shoulder as she embraced .

Cute.

Danna-sama wants to give it his best right now.

Le... let alone talking about when it's born, it's too soon to be talking about it when it's not even made yet isn't it.

An un-captured tanuki or sothing or other. [11]

If I don't capture the tanuki first.

"Yeah. But, since my elf blood is strong, it might be hard to make it... That is, I know that Rudi wants a child, but it seems there are cases where it can take a considerable amount of ti to make it. Grandm... Elinalise-san said it as well, but, that is, the probability that we won't be able to make it soon is higher right..."

Sylphy separated her head from my shoulder and cast her eyes down with a sowhat worried face.

Several months since we were married.

Sylphy's and my sexual relationship has been proceeding favorably.

It's just a bit of naked talk, but in the instant I'm about to pull the trigger on my magnum, I use lines often said in ero gas.

Not with any particularly deep aning, simply because I just wanted to try saying the lines, and while I'm aware that they are considerably disgusting, and sohow or other the interest takes a hold and I suddenly end up blurting them out.

Sylphy might be interpreting those seriously.

It seems she's still not to the point of worrying about infertility, but she might be holding worries about it in her own way.

"Th... That is if I'm unable to have a child, it's fine if you accept a mistress okay?"

"For the ti being, there's no expectation for that at all."

"But Rudi... you want a child right?"

I'll try thinking about it with the positions reversed.

If it were to co to light that I was infertile and Sylphy felt by all ans that she wanted a child.

Sylphy was led away by a different man and made a child.

I might commit suicide.

I can't afford to let Sylphy feel those sorts of things.

"You sure are foolish Sylphy. What I want isn't a child, it's the crystallization of love with the partner that I love."

"Rudi..."

"I love you Sylphy. My princess."

Even for , those are so pretty toothy lines.

The back of my neck is itchy.

However Sylphy... Or more like, the people of this world are weak to these kinds of lines.

The other day as well, as a joke I said, "Cheers to your eyes" and Sylphy's face went bright red.

The effect is outstanding.

If I'm too embarrassed to say it then we can't move forward.

"...I love you as well."

Sylphy's eyes were clouded while she was clinging onto my arm.

Her face was bright red, the area around her mouth was linked like she was extrely embarrassed.

Perfect Communication. [12]

Well then, now that we've gotten a rise we should move up to the second floor.

I picked up Sylphy and carried her princess-like.

Sylphy put her hands around my neck.

In those clouded eyes, I could see my reflected figure trying to appear as attractive as possible, my heart was pounding like an alarm bell.

That she's given in to the arousal as well, is the best of all.

In these cases, the most important thing is that both sides' feelings are in it after all.

Now then, tonight it seems that it's going to be a hot night.

The incident occurred one month after the letter arrived.

---

Early afternoon.

I was helping out with Nanahoshi's experints.

Just, this day, it was proceeding a bit different.

"If this magic circle succeeds, we'll be able to proceed to the next phase."

Nanahoshi declared that and displayed a magic circle much larger than any of the previous ones.

Far more enormous, even though I say that, it's still only about half the size of a tatami mat.

On an unusually large page for this world, delicate patterns were drawn closely packed together.

It was a masterpiece that took over one month to draw.

In regards to Nanahoshi, it's the compilation of two years of work.

"For the ti being, is it alright for to hear what this magic circle is intended to do?"

"...It's to summon an object from the other world."

"The tastasis disaster won't occur again right?"

Because Nanahoshi was summoned, that tastasis disaster occurred.

That would an, it might happen even if it's with just a small object.

Is what I was thinking, but Nanahoshi shook her head.

"It's alright... in theory at least."

"For the ti being would it be alright for to hear that theory?"

"In all of the experints until now, in order to summon sothing more complex and larger, I confird that it requires more magic power. In other words, the magic in this world falls under the category of the laws of energy conservation. This ti what we're summoning is a small and simple object. If we were to use the assumption that the amount of energy used during the ti I was summoned was enough to annihilate an entire region, in theory at most only an area of 1 ter or so around the magic circle would be teleported this ti. And then, honestly I can't imagine it happening though, even if by chance the sa thing happens again, I've prepared a safety within the magic circle. I already know how much magic power it will use after all."

The laws of energy conservation huh.

I see now. What was that again?

"Energy conservation... and, what was that again?"

Was it different from the law of conservation of mass...?

"...I'm not so knowledgeable about it that I can explain it to a person who doesn't know about it, but in other words all of the strange things that happen in this world, generally have magic power as their cause. That thing you use often, Rock Bullet was it? That as well, you're suddenly materializing a rock in mid-air, but the reality of it is that you're changing the magic power into rock."

I guess that would an I was mistaken on the laws I thought of in the past.[13]

I see, Energy Conservation.

I see now, the more magic power you pour into the more it becos, fire magic's temperature rises, the weight of earth magic increases is what that ans.

"And then...?"

After that, Nanahoshi explained it to , but honestly it was too difficult so I didn't understand it.

Since you're applying the usage of so law, the magic circle's size and effect are sothing or other.

Also, after applying the sothing or other law, sothing or other happens.

Honestly, even if there was a hole sowhere in the theory, I wouldn't get it.

All that I understand is that Nanahoshi is full of self-confidence.

If she has self-confidence, then I'm sure the probability of success is high.

Well. Even if it fails and I end up being thrown sowhere as well.

I'm sure I can sohow or other manage to return.

"If it fails and I end up being teleported sowhere, I'm leaving it to you to contact my family."

"That's why I said, there's no chance of that."

After that exchange, I stood in front of the magic circle.

"Well then, I'll start."

"Please do."

I wonder if that wish was sothing made towards .

Or else sothing towards God.

I started to pour magic power into the magic circle.

The ends of the magic circle on the paper started giving off light.

Then the entire magic circle began to release a dim light.

I knew that my magic power was being sucked up continuously from my arm.

However, sothing was a bit strange.

I felt sothing was out of place.

I felt like there was so kind of stagnation in the way the magic circle was shining.

One portion doesn't seem to be shining as well...

Psht!!!

A small sound was let out.

Suddenly the magic power stopped passing over.

The dim light from the magic circle stopped.

"..."

With that it was over.

After that, the magic circle returned no reaction.

After taking a good look, a part of the paper had a fissure made in it.

I guess it would an it short circuited, and the safety or whatever started working.

In any case, this is...

A failure.

"...How about it?"

"It's a failure."

Nanahoshi said it quietly.

And then, fell into the chair, put her elbows on the desk.

She made a deep sigh.

"Fu...."

She just kept staring at the paper placed on the floor.

The paint had disappeared from the paper and all that was remaining was the rough draft of the magic circle.

And the remaining fissure in the paper.

She just kept absent-mindedly looking at those without any movent.

After a short while, she looked this way and said it.

"Thank you for your work. Today is already... fine for you to return."

Roughly two year's worth of compilation.

It ended in just a matter of only a few seconds.

However, failures go along with experints.

"Well, these sorts of things happen."

"..."

Nanahoshi wasn't responding.

...I wonder if it's my fault.

No, I shouldn't be related.

I just kept sending magic power into it.

I didn't do anything different, as long as they have magic power anyone should be able to do it.

If that was no good, then it's Nanahoshi's fault for not explaining it enough.

"..."

Nanahoshi wasn't saying anything.

In any case, for today it goes this far huh.

"Well then, please excuse ."

I stood up.

Just before I left the experint room, I looked at Nanahoshi once more.

She's been in the sa posture as just before, without a single movent.

I passed through the storage-like room filled with a mix of things as I left the research room.

After several steps I stopped my feet.

Nanahoshi has been considerably tense over these past several months.

With this failure, she might actually be considerably shaken I wonder.

That posture, that behavior.

Could it be, rather than thinking about the next experint's failure, she was just staring in a daze?

No, even if she's like that Nanahoshi is reasonably strong it seems.

She should have the capacity to accept a failure as a failure I'm sure.

The instant I thought that,

"Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh......!"

I suddenly heard a screaming voice from the research room.

Simultaneously, I heard the sound of sothing breaking.

The sound of soone raging.

I turned my heels around and quickly returned to the research room.

"Aaaaaaaah!"

There, Nanahoshi was half in a frenzy with her hair disheveled.

She was tearing the books she wrote herself into pieces and scattering them, as her temper was going up, she pulled over the shelves, throwing the contents of jars all over the place.

She took off her mask and threw it on the ground.

While trying to scratch off her face she staggered into the wall.

While beating on the wall she staggered and tripped over the contents of the jar she threw everywhere.

She continued to slam the contents of the jar on the ground, stood up and then tried to tear off her hair.

I panicked and went up behind her and grabbed onto her, constricting her.

"Wai... calm down!"

"I can't return, I can't return, I can't return..."

Nanahoshi was muttering it in a whisper with hollow eyes.

All of her muscles were stiffening, like she was saving up all of her power to start raging about at any ti.

"I can't return, I can't return, I can't retuuuuuuuuuuuuuurn!"

Nanahoshi was struggling.

To the limits of her power, she was struggling to try and release my restraint on her.

However, it was just the level of strength of a hikikomori female high school student.

Feeble.

There's no way she could shake off.

Before long she released her strength and went limp.

When I started to release my hands, she started to bend towards the floor.

"Hey, are you alright?"

After looking at that face, I felt intuitively that it was dangerous.

The color of her face was pure white, her eyes were blank and had a shadow over them, her lips had lost their color, and they dried up and cracked.

This is the face that soone makes during a considerably severe emotional breakdown.

She might try to kill herself.

"...."

I can't deal with this by myself.

What should I do?

Who would help at tis like this...?

Sylphy.

It's Sylphy.

If it's her then she'll lend a hand sohow or other.

That's right, today she has no night shift.

Alright, today I'll return ho with Nanahoshi.

Let's do that.

No, but before that, it would be better to calm her down sowhere.

"Are you alright?"

"..."

"You've been working a bit too hard you know. Rest for today."

"..."

Nanahoshi wasn't responding.

I turned her shoulders around and partly forcibly stood her up.

Just like that, I left the research room while dragging her along.

The lock is... No, I'll do it after.

I'm sure it'll be fine for one day or so. Probably.

Just like that, I was heading towards the place Sylphy was at. The aim is the fifth year students' classroom.

Maybe I should have soone call out to her.

Or else, I can call her myself.

I continued to walk while lending my shoulder to Nanahoshi, the surrounding gazes were gathering on .

Just then I ran into the lot moving between classrooms.

They were talking loudly.

We stand out.

Is it because I'm lending my shoulder to a woman?

Right now Nanahoshi doesn't have her mask on.

It would be better if we don't stand out too much.

But what should I do.

"Shisho!"

I heard a voice from behind.

After turning around. It's Zanoba.

"Shisho... what's wrong!?"

"Zanoba. Nanahoshi's in danger, help out here."

"...Is it illness!?"

"Sothing similar to that."

"Then, we should move her to the infirmary for now."

Yeah, first we should go there.

Infirmary, it's the infirmary. [14]

Alright.

"Shisho, I'll carry her."

"Do it courteously."

"Of course, now, Silent-dono."

Zanoba picked up Nanahoshi and carried her like a princess. [15]

It was a solid and stable holding style. Nanahoshi didn't resist at all.

She was completely limp with an expression like her soul had been drawn out.

"Clear the path!"

We went straight through the crowd while Zanoba was yelling.

The people split like the sea.

I followed along through there.

We arrived at the infirmary.

We laid Nanahoshi on the bed.

She was making a blank face.

It was a terrible face.

It looks like the shadow of death is coming out.

For the ti being, I conveyed the important parts to the healing magician that was on duty.

Emotional conditions can't be cured with healing magic.

After suddenly looking at my feet, Julie was pulling at my cuff.

"Grandmaster, your face looks terrible."

After hearing those words I touched my own face.

Right now, I wonder what kind of face I'm making.

Ah, no, I'm probably considerably disturbed as well.

If I don't calm down a bit.

"Yeah, since I'm ugly after all."

I put my hand on top of Julie's head and patted it.

To think I'd even be making this kind of little girl worried.

"By all ans, Shisho."

Suddenly, I was handed a cup from the side.

It's Zanoba.

"Thank you."

I received it with thanks and drank the contents.

It seems he got it from a pitcher that's reserved in the infirmary.

I felt a sensation like my tongue was coming undone from the top of my mouth.

It seems at so point unnoticed my mouth got completely dry.

"Fu..."

I sat in the chair and took a deep breath.

Zanoba was standing at my side and quietly asked.

"Shisho, what happened? It's the first ti I've seen Shisho panicking this much."

"Ah..."

I explained the things that happened in the experint room.

The experint failed and that Nanahoshi started to act violently.

Since it seed like she might die if I left her alone, I saved her.

After Zanoba heard that, he looked over Nanahoshi with a complicated expression.

"I guess she must not be doing her research because she wants to do it?"

"...That's right I guess."

No-no it's not like she's doing it.

It's not like she's doing it because she wants to do it.

She can't return if she doesn't do it.

If it doesn't go well, it can't be helped that it ends up like this.

It's been six years since the tastasis incident.

She's tripped on the first step.

"..."

I sighed and then reclined on the chair.

Sohow I'm tired.

Zanoba didn't say anything more than that.

We just blankly stared at the ceiling in front of Nanahoshi, just able to do nothing but stand still.

After a short while, Nanahoshi closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Around the sa ti as that Sylphy appeared.

Ariel wasn't around.

"I ca to confirm the story that Rudi and Zanoba-kun brought a female student to the infirmary."

It seems it was becoming a rumor.

I knocked a female student unconscious, brought her to the infirmary, and that I might end up doing sothing terrible to her.

That sure is cruel, why are they so lacking in trust of . Is it because I'm the Bancho?

Though I haven't really done anything to earn their trust.

Well, it's fine.

I told Sylphy about the things that occurred in the research room. [16]

The experint failed and after that Nanahoshi went berserk.

And then, it ended up at the current situation.

"That sort of thing happened??"

Sylphy made a serious face and looked at Nanahoshi.

"Since it would be dangerous to leave her alone, I thought to let her sleep at our house for today."

"Wouldn't it be better to let her sleep in the infirmary I wonder?"

"At the ti when she wakes up, it's better if there's a face she knows."

At the very least, during tis like these it's no good if they're alone.

She'll fall as far as she can fall.

Nanahoshi is young. She doesn't seem like she has any sort of resistance to these sorts of things after all.

It could be that up until now several similar cases of irritability have happened as well.

However, I could feel that the shock was largely different this ti.

The thing known as a person's heart, when it's shaken this violently it will fall as far as it can.

The place it will look to is, in other words, suicide.

"I don't know how long it will take for her to calm down though. I feel we should look after her for a bit and let her sleep over at our house."

"Umm, is it alright if I leave it to you?"

"If it's at the level of als, then it's fine."

It's just keeping her quarantined until she calms down.

It might be good to let her escape from reality a bit as well.

Averting your eyes during painful tis is occasionally important.

It's the so called strategic retreat.

"...It's not like I'm particularly planning to cheat."

"I understand that. Or else, is there sothing you're feeling guilty about?"

"Nothing."

There's absolutely no feeling of guilt.

Even though I say that, I'm bringing a different woman to our ho.

Not only that, but a completely limp girl not putting up any resistance.

But, it seems Sylphy isn't going to doubt .

So this is faith huh.

"I'll leave it to Rudi. Today are you going to return just like this?"

"Yeah. Shopping, I can't go together, but can I leave it to you?"

"Leave it to ."

I greatly nodded to Sylphy's trustworthy response.

As expected of Sylphy.

After leaving the school and hurrying to my house.

Zanoba offered to transport Nanahoshi.

Just now it was carrying like a princess, but this ti he's carrying her over his back.

Zanoba is a prince, but carrying on his back sure suits him. [17]

"I'm sorry about this Zanoba."

"No, since I'm only useful in these sorts of ways."

Zanoba who was effortlessly carrying the limp Nanahoshi.

Behind that, Julie was toddling along.

If you put diving clothes with a drill attached to Zanoba, I'm sure it would be fine to call him Mr. Bubbles. [18]

As a test, I decided to try lifting up Julie.

"Hyaa! Grandmaster, what is it?"

"Nothing."

Zanoba just made a fleeting glance this way.

I walked along while carrying Julie in my arms.

Julie's body was unexpectedly fluffy.

A year prior she was like skin and bones, but it seems she's properly been eating.

She's lacking a bit of muscle, but it's not like I'm going to demand sothing massive from a seven year old child.

"Julie, is Zanoba treating you well?"

"Yes, Master is giving a lot of food."

"I see I see. Master is giving you lots to eat is he?"

"Master is giving a lot of good food to eat."

"Very good."

Co to think of it, I wonder if Nanahoshi is properly eating her als.

During the ti when I was carrying her, I felt she was considerably thin.

I won't say as light as feather, but she was considerably light.

She might not be eating any decent food.

als are an emotional stability drug.

Eating the things you like, eating together with soone.

Just with that, people can beco a bit happier.

I don't think Nanahoshi has done those sorts of things almost at all.

"Fu..."

I let out a sigh.

I wonder what kind of lifestyle Nanahoshi has been living.

Secluding herself alone and not eating anything decent.

Without having conversations with anyone, an everyday life of just drawing magic circles.

"It's not Shisho's fault, don't let it bother you too much."

"Yeah, I get that."

It seems Zanoba was caught by my sigh in a different aning.

He was looking at with an overly serious face.

It seems he's more worried about rather than Nanahoshi.

Well, I'm sure Zanoba hasn't had almost any conversations with Nanahoshi after all, it can't be helped huh.

"..."

For a short while we walked silently.

And then I heard the sound of Julie's heart beating.

Since Julie is a child, her body temperature is higher than mine and warm.

Listening to a heartbeat is strangely relaxing.

Next ti, I'll buy Julie sothing.

After a short while, we arrived at the house.

We went inside the room I prepared for the sake of my little sisters and placed Nanahoshi inside on one side.

She was completely limp stretched out on the bed.

Her eyes were open.

It seems that she woke up at so point.

But, it's still blank. I don't know where she's looking.

It's almost like a corpse.

I wonder if she'll really return to normal...

According to my diagnosis, it's still, just barely alright.

It's a considerably dangerous condition, but she's still alright.

There was a ti where I fell into a similar place, but I was able to return from there.

Acting out is sothing like a spasm.

Those sorts of furious situations don't continue.

But for the ti being, I grope around her clothes, and take anything that seems like it might work as a weapon.

She was holding onto a small knife.

I don't think you would die with this, but for the ti being I'll hold onto it.

Inside the room there's nothing dangerous.

The window is... it's the second floor after all, a bit dangerous.

I guess I should fix it in place with earth magic huh.

Though if she shatters the glass of the window it would end there, but I want to think that right now she doesn't have that much energy.[19]

Since Nanahoshi wasn't moving, I went down to the first floor.

"Is she going to be alright?"

"Well..."

When I went down to the first floor Zanoba asked sowhat worriedly.

This guy seems like he'd be indifferent to gloom after all.

Though you can say he has weaknesses, but he's fundantally positive after all.

"In any case, you helped out there Zanoba."

"No, since I'm always depending on Shisho after all. There's nothing to worry about with this much."

Zanoba declared it with his sa composed face as always.

As expected, he's a reliable man.

"Shisho, you as well, are you alright?"

"? Why?"

"It looked like shisho received so kind of shock when Silent-dono collapsed."

I've received so damage.

I wonder if that's the case.

Yeah.

I guess it is.

Nanahoshi was raging about in insanity.

After I stopped that, she beca sothing like an empty shell.

Seeing that from start to end, I rembered things from the past.

In Nanahoshi's case, the shape is slightly different from , but it's ntal agony.

I'm feeling empathetic.

If the circumstances were a bit different, the one like that might have been .

"Sowhat. I rembered sothing painful from the past."

"Is it fine for to listen?"

"...During the ti when I was small, I beca like that, and just got lethargic and shut myself off."

"It's a sensation that I couldn't understand."

It was a forsaken way of putting it, but I don't want to simply be told that he understands.

"I'm sure."

"In any case, if there's a ti when you need my power again, please ask, since I'm only overflowing in just power after all."

"Yeah, I'll rely on you."

I feel grateful to Zanoba's good will.

This guy as well, even if it doesn't involve dolls he's a good guy after all.

After that, a short while passed and Zanoba returned.

Since I had nothing to do, I spent the ti reading in the room where Nanahoshi was sleeping.

I hesitated a bit whether to leave her alone or not.

In my case, during these sorts of tis, you really want to be alone.

However, she's always been alone up until now.

She was alone.

Until Sylphy returned, I was at Nanahoshi's side.

One week has passed since we started looking after Nanahoshi.

She would just stare blankly throughout the day.

However, it seems the worst period has already passed.

Her appetite is thin, but she's eating and if we press her she even goes into the bath.

She goes in without trying to drown herself.

However, maybe because her stretched tension was cut, but I can't feel the willpower she previously had.

It's a feeling like she would simply break when pushed.

She has no energy as well.

If I were to say it, it's the kind of mood of soone who was deceived by the yakuza and found themself the star of an adult video in no ti at all.

I can't leave her alone.

I need to be cautious not to let her et soone like Luke.

The only thing that I can feel from the current Nanahoshi is resignation.

That experint failed, but it seems she was enduring it to that degree.

She seed so self-confident, it might have been a firm theory.

I wonder if that failure had enough aning in it for the past several years she spent to all be pointless.

I've never experienced a setback that big.

The closest thing I have is when my data from a net ga I continued playing for several years to the point of being an invalid, was deleted.

The instant I got the Bad Login ssage and Account Suspension mail, my heart's pounding got intense, I spent almost a full day unable to think of anything.

After protesting to the administrations, crying out thoroughly, and finally crying myself to sleep.

After that, I couldn't motivate myself to do anything for a month.

That ti, I swore to myself that I would never seriously play net gas again.

Nanahoshi's case is different from a net ga.

She has the objective of returning to the previous world.

If she had to give up on that, I'm sure she wouldn't be able to live.

Thinking that, I looked here and there for ways to help but...

She was just spending everyday blanking out.

I don't even know if she was able to hear my conversation.

Is what I was thinking though.

"I thought I had closed it all up..."

One day, she suddenly said that.

I didn't respond and just listened.

"Magic circles, if I were to put them into words of our previous world, they're sothing like circuit boards. By joining together a number of patterns of circuits you can create a single function. However, no matter what, that one point, the circuit wouldn't connect together. No matter how much I changed the wiring, a certain single point and another single point wouldn't connect. I tried forcefully connecting them together, but then so other place always has a malfunction remaining."

For the sake of connecting together a circuit that isn't connecting together, she enlarged sothing that would normally be half the size.

And then in order to fix a single distortion, she added another circuit.

In the end it was a magic circle with a malfunction remaining in a single part.

Even though it shouldn't seem hopeless at a glance.

Just a single part isn't connecting together.

"It goes against the laws of physics. In other words, it ans I won't be able to return to my ho."

It was a magic circle full of patchwork almost like paper mache.

I'm sure Nanahoshi put quite a bit of effort into it.

At a glance, if she were to put a bit more effort into it, you might think that the circuit that's not connecting, would connect.

However, I'm sure if you were to do that again, a different circuit would stop connecting.

"It's already impossible..."

Nanahoshi said it like that and fell prostrated on the bed.

I proceeded towards Nanahoshi's research laboratory, I decided to gather so plans.

After hearing her story, I rembered a certain thing.

It could be that it can be resolved.

Even though I say that, I don't want to give her false hope.

First I need to think of what I can do and check into it.

Next day. I called Cliff to Zanoba's research room.

If three people et, then they say you'll gain transcendental wisdom after all. [20]

I decided to borrow the intelligence of the Genius-sama.

In the research room, naturally as it was, Elinalise followed along as well.

"To think that Silent would end up in that sort of condition, it's hard to believe."

It seems she stays in Cliff's research laboratory, but I wonder what's going on with classes.

It seems like she's advanced years, but I wonder if she might end up dropping out of school soon.

Well, it's her individual freedom I guess.

"She looked like a bit stronger of a girl to though."

"A truly strong person wouldn't seclude themself alone and worry about things."

"Well, I guess that is true."

Elinalise shrugged her shoulders.

It doesn't seem that Elinalise has had much contact with Nanahoshi as well.

Asking her to help us find so kind of breather might be a good idea as well.

"Well then, you two. First please take a look at this."

I show Zanoba and Cliff the diagram.

In that mont, Cliff made a sullen face.

"What a filthy magic circle."

Saying filthy, what an interesting expression.

"Is there such a thing as filthy and clean?"

"Obviously. When creating magic tools, it won't be settled if you don't create them small and cleanly. If it were I'd draw it cleaner. For example, here, if you were to connect them here, this area would be able to work with more refinent."

"Oh?"

Cliff pointed his finger at the magic circle and boasted fulled of confidence

Well, anyone can criticize sothing that's already completed.

Probably, if we did just as Cliff says, the malfunctions would increase again I'm sure.

"Ah, but, the idea is amazing indeed. To think of making a loop in this part, normally you wouldn't think of that... I see, it's because of this description that this side has beco complicated...?"

Cliff was muttering so things while looking at the magic circle.

This, for example, that for example, or then around here for example.

It was all those kinds of words.

I wonder if it would be better if I study more.

Though it's not specifically guaranteed that I'll understand even if I study it.

"And then, Shisho, what sort of magic circle is this?"

"It's a summoning magic circle that Silent is researching. Since she's reached a bit of an impasse, I'd like to borrow your knowledge."

After saying that, Zanoba tilted his head.

"However shisho, summoning magic is outside of our area of expertise?"

"Well, it's fine even if we can't co to a resolution."

Just, if it's sothing that you can't understand alone, if several people think about it you might figure it out.

In reverse, if the field is different, the ideas that co out might be different as well.

"For the ti being, please look at this part here, it seems that the magic circle cut off around here, but do you get it?"

I pointed my finger at the part where it tore during the experint.

"...Eh? Yeah. So it cut off here, I didn't realize it. This magic circle is incomplete. Ummm, where this should be connected to is... here?"

Cliff was surprised.

It seems even though he calls himself a genius, he couldn't recognize that part right away.

I guess it's that kind of thing.

"In order to connect this circuit, do you have any ideas?"

After asking that, Cliff crossed his arms and gave it so thought.

This and that are and started muttering to himself.

He was writing various things on the mo in his hand.

"This is a difficult problem. If you were to redraw it from scratch... No but... it's impossible."

"Could it work if we went with a multiple structure?"

Around the ti when Cliff arrived at his conclusion, Zanoba interposed.

Cliff made a puzzled expression.

"Multiple structure? What kind of talk is that?"

"In the doll that I'm researching, several magic circles are layered to give birth to a single result. Even though I say that, since I've only just started my research as well, I've never even properly drawn a magic circle before..."

"Wait just a second, doll you an, the one from the other day? Show it to for a bit."

"Shisho, is that fine?"

For so reason after asking for my permission, Zanoba returned with the round slice of the doll's arm.

Cliff looked at the cross-section round slice of the magic circle with great interest.

And then declared it.

"The guy who created this is a genius."

For the excessively self-conscious Cliff to say it, it seems it's that amazing.

"I've never seen a magic circle like this before...ku...I don't get the theory at all. Are there two magic circles overlapping... No, it's different, there's even more. It seems without them all assembled together it wouldn't move properly... But, even though it was broken it was still moving after all... Why? ...Shit, what's going on with this magic circle."

Cliff was grinding his teeth in a mortifying way.

It's almost like the prince-sama of the vegetable country laying his eyes on the legendary superman. [21]

"I don't really understand it in detail yet though. According to the book, it seems to be a magic circle solely for the sake of controlling the movents of the elbow."

After Zanoba nonchalantly said it, Cliff seed like he was about to sob.

I'm sure he's mortified over Zanoba understanding sothing that he doesn't know.

Imdiately, Elinalise rushed over to him.

She pulled his head into her chest and stroked it.

"Yes Yes, I understand that since Cliff is a genius, if you investigate it a bit more you'll understand it in more detail."

"I... I know that!"

Cliff turned bright red and regained his energy.

As expected of Elinalise. She's reliable.

But, since it's a considerably hectic ti right now, I'd like you to do that after you return.

"Cliff-senpai. If you use the technique used in this doll, do you think you can solve the problem in Silent's magic circle?"

"I don't know. But, I think there's a possibility."

It doesn't seem he knows for certain huh.

However, I'm sure it'll beco so kind of clue.

Until now, Nanahoshi has only ever drawn magic circles with a single plane.

If she were to layer them, I guess such upside down ways of thinking never ca to her.

Or else she might not have tried it for so other kind of reason.

I'll be praying that this talk was a blind spot on Nanahoshi's end.

And then, it would be good if she'll regain her motivation.

The next day, I took Nanahoshi out.

The destination was her research room.

The disorderly room was left in the sa arrangent as yesterday's occasion.

It's a room with a mixed feeling still remaining, Zanoba and Cliff were on standby.

What the two were looking at was the research materials that Nanahoshi had investigated until now.

After Nanahoshi saw that she suddenly laughed with her nose.

"What's this!? With three n, do you intend to rape or sothing?"

Rape you say.

Exactly how far in self-abandonnt are you?

After just a single failure...

Well, all it takes to drive soone mad in their life is just a single large mistake.[22]

"What was that! I am a devout Milis adherent! You know!"

Cliff was enraged.

The Milis religion is similar to Christianity on the idea points of chastity.

In one's lifeti, they only love a single woman, and absolutely never resort to adultery.

It sure is abstinent.

"Ah, I see."

Nanahoshi walked with an unreliable stagger and sat on the chair.

And then leaned on it completely limp.

"Cliff-senpai, Zanoba, for the ti being please start with the conversation from yesterday."

I showed Nanahoshi a number of ideas that these two thought up last night.

Nanahoshi listened to the explanation uninterested.

The magic circle revised by Cliff.

Layering the magic circles proposed in regards to Zanoba's research.

It was a three-dinsional magic circle, that I suggested the idea of.

While looking at those uninterested.

Without a single change in her expression.

She looked fixed on them.

Fixed.

There was a point her eyes were focused on.

It was no longer uninteresting.

It was just expressionless as she concentrated.

"Ah."

Suddenly, Nanahoshi raised her voice.

"It might work...?"

And whispered that as such.

From there Nanahoshi suddenly leaped and stood up from the chair.

"I see, I see I see, there was no necessity to be so fixated on a single plane. Well, that's right. I can write multiple papers and then stick them together. If I laminate layer them, I can draw a magic circle of any size. I wonder why I couldn't think up sothing this simple!"

She started pacing around the room three, four tis without composure.

She took the pen and paper on top of the desk in her hand.

And then, started drawing a diagram with a clatter.

She was drawing sothing that looked like a calculation formula, then sloppily erased it and redrew it.

"Ah, it's different, not like this!"

"Hey, isn't it like this?"

Towards that Nanahoshi acting like a bear in the zoo, Cliff suddenly stuck his head in.

At so point he had been using the red ink pen he was holding to add notes to Nanahoshi's mo.

As expected of Cliff-senpai.

Naturally unable to read the suddenly different atmosphere.

"Ah, I see... you are clever."

"Of course, since I'm a genius after all."

"Then what about this? What would you be fine with doing? I've had so doubts about it since before though...?"

"Eh... wait just a second..."

Cliff and Nanahoshi with their shoulders side by side had started getting along together while scribbling on a single paper.

I took a peek at it but I couldn't see it as anything other than a child's scribbling.

"Zanoba, do you get it?"

"At that level, I don't understand it at all..."

We've been left out of the loop.

In any case, Cliff sure is amazing.

I don't think it should have been all that long since he started researching magic circles.

Well it's fine.

It seems like Nanahoshi has regained her energy after all.

...If it's like this, then even if it doesn't succeed, I'm sure she'll get so kind of foothold.

"Zanoba sorry about this, but please look after things here."

"Shisho where are you heading?"

"I'm going to call Elinalise-san. If she knows that her own man is getting along well with another woman I'm sure even that person will find it unpleasant after all."

While saying that I face away from him.

The ti when I was leaving the research room, I could hear Nanahoshi's cheerful voice.

It might be the first ti I've heard Nanahoshi make that kind of voice since we first t.

One week later.

Nanahoshi completed the magic circle.

It was a magic circle almost like cardboard, with five pieces of paper layered together.

Each of those was drawn separately and then they were glued together with so kind of paste.

While Cliff and Zanoba were watching over, I started to pour magic power into it.

My magic power was being sucked out continuously.

The magic circle started to release light.

A radiant light.

The room was illuminated almost like broad daylight.

Inside the light. The shape gradually started to appear.

By the ti the light had settled, sothing from the other world had been summoned to this world.

A PET bottle.

It has no label or cap, it's a PET bottle with a simple shape.

"Oh, this is amazing isn't it."

"What is this?? Glass? It's different?? More..."

Zanoba and Cliff couldn't hide their excitent at seeing a 500 ml PET bottle for the first ti.

Elinalise and Julie as well, were peeking with very interested faces.

Nanahoshi as well, after seeing the thing summoned, she clenched her first, and in a small voice whispered, "good, good."

Looking at the PET bottle.

It's nothing but a PET bottle.

Even so it's a PET bottle.

In that mont we knew with certainty that this world and our previous world were connected.

It was an inorganic substance that's not a living being, an object with an exceedingly simple structure.

However, sothing that doesn't exist in this world was summoned here.

"It's a success isn't it."

I called out to Nanahoshi with those words.

And then she deeply nodded.

Very pleasantly.

"Yeah, it's a success, with this we can finally proceed to the next phase! A magic circle that uses a layered structure, if I continue following through with this, most likely it'll be able to summon anything. If there's more organization put into the magic circle, just by changing the second and third pieces of paper and..."

And then Nanahoshi turned back and looked at .

She avoided my gaze and made a face full of retribution.

"...I'm sorry about that. I... I've depended on you."

"It's give and take right? Next ti, if I'm in trouble please help out as well?"

"...Of ...Of course."

A ek Nanahoshi sure is a good thing.

After suddenly taking a look, Elinalise was staring over here without moving.

"Sohow you seem intimate don't you."

"Elinalise-san, just like that, you always tie things together to love affairs quickly."

"It's between a man and woman after all. But, that isn't very good you know."

Mother-in-law's eyes were shining.

Even though I don't have any intention of cheating.

Even though Sylphy knows about today.

"I guess so, they are newly-weds after all, it would be terrible if his wife misunderstood."

Nanahoshi took one step away.

Elinalise laughed with a smile and put her arm around Nanahoshi's shoulder.

"Ufufu, there's no need to be that bothered by it. That's right! Let's go to a bar today! Of course it's this lady's treat!"

Nanahoshi let out a bitter smile to Elinalise's proposal.

Normally she would have made a bluntly reluctant face as she refused it.

However, well, she can't really refuse today.

"It can't be helped can it. But, with that we'll call it even with you all."

"Of course, right Cliff?"

Cliff who was squeezing and clutching the PET bottle turned around after being called out.

"Eh? Ah, that's right! Yeah, we can call it even. But, since you're considerably excellent, next ti, it would be good if you can lend your power to my research as well!"

With those words, Elinalise giggled with a smile.

We all set forth to the bar in the middle of the day.

For so reason Rinia and Purusena joined up with us within the school building.

They said they didn't want to be left out so we should bring them as well nya.

I wonder where they managed to catch wind of it.

When she noticed such a large group, Ariel ca along asking us what was going on.

After explaining the details, "Then I'll provide you with an overseer." she handed Sylphy over to us.

The overseer was just in na, it was Ariel's form of being considerate.

By the ti we left the school gate, Badigadi was lined up in the back before anyone realized it.

No, really before anyone noticed...

On the way we dropped by the Magic Guild and Nanahoshi withdrew so money.

It seems, she's left a considerably large amount of money in the care of the Magic Guild.

Using it as a substitute for a bank.

Badigadi was a regular of the bar.

It was midday, but for the most part there were regular custors.

However, Nanahoshi wasn't bothered over things like that at all.

On the counter she dropped the bag full of money and left it with a [Don].

"Reserve the bar."

"Eh?? Eh??"

Towards the troubled shopkeeper, Badigadi declared, "Wait wait".

He took the bag of gold coins from his own pocket and placed them down with a [Don]. Doubling it up.

"Today is a celebration. Serve all of the custors that co into the store today for free."

He declared it as such.

What dignity.

As expected of a king. That makes go numb and admire you. [23]

Demon King-sama was making a face like it was only natural and went to occupy the largest table in the bar.

And then declared.

"Bring out all of the food on the nu this store has!"

It's a line that anyone would want to try saying at least once.

It's fine since I'm not the one paying, but I wonder if they can feed these numbers?

Well it's fine.

Around the ti the first cuisine ca out, the Demon King stood up.

And then said it.

"And, what was the celebration today for?"

"Silent's research has succeeded."

"I see now, then Silent, was it. Open things up with a speech."

Nanahoshi was raised up.

With a bit of a reluctant face.

"....Thank you very much for today."

"Alright, let's toast!"

"Cheers!"

It progressed kind of like my marriage ceremony and the banquet started up.

It was a fun banquet.

During tis when good things happen, it's good to make so noise and drink alcohol.

The things these hands now possess are things I never once experienced in my previous life.

In this world, I've experienced it countless tis.

During my Adventurer days I socialized and drank as necessary.

However, I always felt that sohow it was just troubleso.

And that those guys who get drunk, make a racket, and struggle about are fools.

And that they should think a bit about the trouble they're causing to their surroundings.

However, after I've entered into the vortex of that, I finally understand the feeling.

People have a ti when they really need to undo their bindings and let loose.

I think that.

I think that while watching Nanahoshi sing Anison in Japanese as she strokes Rinia's ears.

If you don't act like that and forget about everything occasionally, you can't possibly go on living.

Since life is full of painful things after all.

Even if it's forcibly, if you don't create so good tis then you'll be crushed.

I'm sure, around Elinalise and Badigadi's age they understand that idea very well.

As expected of the so called old-man's wisdom.

Well, there are guys among them that are stuck on the pot they're drinking from though.

Alcohol is the best of dicines. [24]

Occasionally it will cure illnesses of the heart.

Today Sylphy and I drank without reservation.

We don't drink alcohol at ho.

Since we don't have any habits like that.

That's not particularly why though.

For the first ti today I understood how bad Sylphy's drunken behavior was.

No, it's not bad.

It's not so much bad.

Just, she's a bit of a clingy heavy drinker.

"Hey, Rudi, stroke my head."

"Yes yes, alright alright."

"It's fine for you to eat my ears?"

"Thank you for the al."

"Awawa, it tickles."

Since so ti ago, Sylphy has turned into an extraordinarily sweet creature.

Wonderful.

Next ti we should start progressively drinking.

Ah, but if it's like this, then if she started drinking when I'm not around I'd be worried.

I guess I should tell her not to drink outside of the house.

I wonder if those sorts of restrictions are fine.

It's fine, I don't mind.

She's mine, what's wrong with doing as I please.

"Rudi, squeeze tight?"

"Yes Yes, I'll hold your hips."

"Uee~ I sure am happy..."

I felt Sylphy's laughter had beco sowhat slovenly.

Ah, but embracing a drunken girl close sure is that, I can feel the reason why the world is overflowing with love songs.

N ban ba, ra ssa ra ssa. [25]

Alright, for today I'll have this girl as takeout. Our house is nearby after all.

"Rudi umm, you know. I was you know, the other day you know, feeling jealous."

"Eh, seriously? Towards who? I'll never approach them again, I'll cut off ties with them."

"Yeah, Ruijerd-san. That other ti you told stories about him right? During the ti when Rudi was talking about Ruijerd-san it was sohow amazing, you know."

"No, since I really respect that person, please pardon on that."

"No way... only look at ..."

Only look at , you say, it's sowhat different from what she was saying the other day.

I guess this would be Sylphy's real feelings.

I did think that it was going good for my own convenience to the point where it was scary, but it seems that Sylphy might have been exerting herself.

Well, I can think about the difficult matters later, for now I want to enjoy myself with this adorable creature.

After putting Sylphy on top of my lap and flirting together with her, Nanahoshi approached us.

"What's with that, Baka-couple. Stop flirting around. How many years do you think it's been since I last t with Aki."

She ca to pick a fight. She's drunk.

I wonder if she's already done with the song.

If it's a famous one then I might know so I'd be fine with a duet though..

I might end up feeling the generation gap again.

"If you're going to flirt, then do it in a place where people aren't looking.

"Well don't say it like that. Right now this is a place to drink. Let's put it all aside."

"In the first place, I've been wanting to say it since before, from my room, flirting and more flirting. What, marriage? What is that, it's fine, but what is with that, even during the ti when a person is feeling down... The sound was resounding all through the night, really... kya?!"

Badigadi lifted Nanahoshi up onto his shoulder.

"Fuhahahaha! You're over here! Today is the day to listen to your strange song!"

"It's not strange! In my world, these sorts of songs are popular!"

"That's a very interesting story! I don't know what world it is, but I'll offer it up to you! Now, sing to your heart's content!"

"Wait just a bit, before that I have to talk to Rudeus..."

"Fuhahahahaha! Even though you were helped out, if you're going to resort to complaints you're better off just singing! Sing sing!"

"That was just the introduction for the talk??!"

It seems Nanahoshi is shouting about sothing.

I wonder if she wanted to thank or sothing.

Well during tis when we're in trouble it's sothing that goes for the both of us. Thanks are unnecessary.

In any case, being abducted by a Demon King, isn't that a good position.

Almost like a princess from sowhere.

Just, the place that princess was being abducted to wasn't a prison.

It was the stage of a certain bar.

A short while after and Nanahoshi's song ca flowing by again.

It's a bit late, the accompanint started.

Was there a troubadour, is what I was thinking, but the one holding the musical instrunt was Badigadi.

Can that guy really play an instrunt?

Rather, even though he said he was going to offer it to her, he's going to play an instrunt?

After all I don't get that guy.

In any case, it sure is a nostalgic piece.

What was it again...

Yeah, that's right it was gan...ra. [26]

It's not really that generation, I'm surprised she knows it.

No, for the ti being it was famous, it's not all that strange.

However, it sure is being sung lousily.

I guess it's because the accompanint doesn't know the lody.

No, it feels like the accompanint isn't even trying to match up with Nanahoshi's lousy singing.

But, it seems fun.

Well, for today, Nanahoshi is the main attraction.

It's fine isn't it. Being lousy.

It's a lousy song, but the feelings are being transmitted.

So you want to return that much.

It's not a feeling I can't comprehend.

But the country of love, in my regards, is right here and now.

In any case, it was a good banquet.

If a celebration happens, then have a party.

It's a good custom.

I should rember it for next ti.

The party dispersed when the leading actor Nanahoshi was completely smashed.

It seems that Rinia and Purusena were going to carry Nanahoshi to her room in the dorm and sleep over there.

Others scattered in groups of twos and threes.

Also, a certain heavy drinker intended to go drink at a different establishnt it seems.

Sylphy and I decided to return ho.

The drunken Sylphy was laughing with a, dyufufu, and clinging to my arm.

Since her footing was shaky, I was properly keeping her steady around her hips.

Sylphy was completely entrusting her body to .

If I were at a goukon right now, "I can do it!" I understand the feelings of a careless guy full of confidence. [27]

Although, I have no feelings of guilt.

For now that is...

After we return to the house, it will be different.

"...Rudi, doesn't it seem noisy sohow?"

Suddenly, Sylphy said sothing like that.

"Hn?"

After being told that and clearing my ears.

And then, I heard the sound of sothing being pounded and the voices of a dispute.

I wonder if soone is having a fight sowhere.

It seems kind of like the sound made when cats fight as well.

While wondering what it was, we gradually approached our house.

And then it was there.

Soone was striking on the front door of my house.

From a distance, I couldn't see anything but a silhouette. Certainly they're there.

A brat from the neighborhood or else a kind of robber maybe.

While thinking about it with my intoxicated head, I at least made sure to open my Demon Eye.

Sylphy dusted off her face as well and while she was still staggering, stood on her own legs.

"Rudi, I'm going to use detoxification."

"Understood."

I accepted the chantless detoxification cast by Sylphy and all the alcohol remaining in my body was dispersed.

It doesn't completely remove the intoxication, but it's no problem.

In order to keep from being found, we stealthily approached them.

I heard a voice.

"It's because Norn-ane made a mistake with the road that we ended up coming at this ti!"

"...Even Aisha said that there was no mistake going that way."

"In the first place, we don't know if it's really this place! What are we going to do, the inns are all probably closed! We might end up having to camp out in this cold!"

"...I don't want to do that either. But, in the first place, Aisha was the one who said we don't need an inn since we can stay over at his place. Even though I don't particularly want to stay over at his house, I was forced to co along."

"After all, Ginger-san said it would be alright! Even so, if only we were to take an inn we would look like idiots!"

"...Aisha you always end up resorting to that kind of vanity."

A glinting and noisy voice.

It was a child's voice that I had a bit of recollection of.

In the middle of that conversation, there was a na I had heard.

And then.

"You two calm down, this place isn't mistaken. What a nostalgic presence."

A calm man.

The instant I heard that voice.

An unknown feeling ca rising up in the center of my chest.

I breathed a sigh of relief and walked out in front of them.

"...Ah."

"Onii-chan!"

My two young sisters that have grown were there.

They were wrapped in winter clothes with matching colors, almost like Ice Climbers. [28]

Norn Greyrat and Aisha Greyrat.

Norn made a bit of a difficult face after seeing , and Aisha was making a really happy face and sparkling eyes filled with determination.

"Onii-chan! I wanted to see you!"

Aisha ca jumping at .

Almost like the crying old man, she put a solid hold with both her arms and legs on my body. [29]

And then, just like that, she rubbed her cheeks against mine.

They were soft and squishy cheeks that were pressing against .

I wonder if it's because I'm drunk that they seem awfully cold.

"Uhi~ah, onii-chan you're warm! You sll like alcohol!"

"I'm cold... Let go of for a bit."

After peeling Aisha off, I look at Norn.

She was tightly sealing her lips and greeted with her jaw facing down.

"...Were you drinking alcohol?"

"Yeah, there was a bit of a celebration."

It was a pretty displeased face.

It doesn't seem like she's just being shy either.

I did hear I was hated, I guess it can't be helped.

And then, from behind Norn,

"Rudeus, it's a been a while hasn't it."

A bald man with a scar on his face was there.

Holding a three-pronged spear, a proud warrior.

With an appearance that hasn't changed since three years prior.

"Yes, it's been a while. Ruijerd-san."

The feeling overflowing from the center of my chest was nostalgia.

The days we three traveled together.

etings and separation.

"..."

I wonder what would be good to say.

While I was trying to choose my words, Ruijerd suddenly looked behind .

"I had heard the information that you married at the Adventurer's Guild, but... it doesn't seem to be Eris."

The one being reflected in Ruijerd's eyes was Sylphy.

She made a surprised face and lowered her head quickly.

"Umm, Rudi. For the ti being, how about inviting them in?"

"Ah, that's right. Co inside."

I undid the lock on the house and showed the three inside.

I couldn't have imagined that they'd end up coming with this timing.

It's only been a bit over a month since the letter arrived.

They were far faster than I expected.

Currently, I'm sitting on the sofa in my living room.

The one sitting in front of is Ruijerd.

Sylphy is putting Aisha and Norn in the bath.

Sylphy and I have already co down from our intoxication.

I'm sure our breath still slls a bit of alcohol, but Detoxification magic has the power to sober one up from intoxication.

"..."

Looking at Ruijerd's face as the fireplace illuminated it, I rember back to the ti we first t.

Not only that, but the ti when the three of us traveled together including Eris, vividly.

"It's been quite a while hasn't it, really."

"Yeah."

Ruijerd narrowed his eyes as well, and the corners of his mouth rose in a small smile.

How nostalgic.

"For starters, I'll say thank you very much for escorting my little sisters."

"Thanks are unnecessary. It's only obvious to protect children."

That's right. Ruijerd was this sort of person.

In the middle of the journey, I made jokes about his love for children and made him out to be a lolicon, didn't I.

The escort written about in the letter from Paul ended up being Ruijerd after all.

I thought there was the possibility of it being Ghyslaine as well, but speaking of an escort for children, it has to be Ruijerd.

There's no other man as reliable as him.

Almost to the point that I want him to protect my little sisters forever.

However, it's really been a long ti since I last talked to Ruijerd.

Last ti, what kind of things did we talk about?

Since Ruijerd is pretty silent, we never really talked about the world at large.

"By the way Rudeus, what happened to Eris?"

Ruijerd unreservedly ca out asking about the topic I was hesitating over.

It's sothing I don't want to be asked about very much.

However, in regards to Ruijerd, I'm sure it's sothing he wants to know.

"...A variety of things happened. If I talk about them in order then..."

I told Ruijerd about the things in the Refugee Camp after we separated.

That I did it with Eris.

After that, she disappeared, and as a result, I fell into the depths of despair.

The fact that I couldn't get it up.

I spent two years as an Adventurer looking for my mother.

I t with Elinalise and heard about the situation.

Following Hitogami's advice, I decided to attend the Magic University.

There, I t with Sylphy, and she cured .

And then, we ended up getting married.

"I see..."

Ruijerd listened quietly without giving any signs.

And then, in the end, he just said one thing.

"It is sothing that happens often."

"Is it sothing that happens often?"

When I ask it in reverse, Ruijerd nods.

"Most likely, it's an illness warriors catch. I'm sure that Eris by no ans hated you." [30]

"But... she said that we didn't match up and..."

"I don't know what Eris' real intention was. It might have been a aning just as the words said, or else, you might have just misunderstood sothing."

"A misunderstanding?"

"Yeah, Eris was by no ans soone who was good with words after all."

Ruijerd as well is by no ans soone who can be considered good with words.

Since it's him saying it like this, then, it could be that Eris' words might have had so other different kind of aning packed into them.

"However, at the very least, during the journey, she liked you. If a ti cos when you et her once again, you should try to calm down and talk to her."

It could have just been that I simply misunderstood.

The fact that we don't match together, in reverse, could have ant that [Eris can't reach where I am.]

She might have gone off to train in order to even things out before returning.

Therefore, wait for , is the sort of aning it might have had.

"..."

...Even though I say that, even if I hear that sort of thing at this point...

Putting aside what kind of aning it had, I suffered for three years.

There was no letter from Eris for three years.

The one who saved wasn't Eris, it was Sylphy.

Since it's a misunderstanding, throw away Sylphy and start over again with Eris like that.

There's no way I could do that.

It's already at this point.

Besides, honestly, I'm a little afraid to et Eris.

It's not as if I don't believe in Ruijerd's words, but it's a real possibility that she was tired of .

If I approach her with the intention of reconciliation, and she starts beating up without looking at ...

I would, as I thought, feel hurt.

...Already, I want to stop thinking about it.

Regardless of what the truth is, reality is in the present.

It can't be helped even if I idly think about it here.

"Ruijerd-san, what have you been doing?"

"...Ah."

I changed the topic.

I wanted to listen to Ruijerd's story.

He made a face like he still wanted to say sothing, but he deeply nodded.

"For the past two years, I was in the dense forested area of the south."

It seems Ruijerd decided that the place where the Superd race may be hiding on the Central Continent would be in a forest area.

For starters, he decided to move around the dense forest area that spreads out on the southern side of the Dragon King Mountain Range. There, he spent two years searching around scouring the area.

He wasn't able to find any of the Superd race.

However, it seems he discovered articles of the deceased of several individuals believed to have died from the tastasis incident.

Afterwards, he would bring those to the nearby town and collect information there.

In the end, the two years he spent searching in the dense forest area ended with no results.

Ruijerd started following the coast going south and moved until he made it to East Port.

His plan was to collect information from the direction of Milis, and after he finished that, he intended to go north and search the strife zone.

However, he luckily encountered Paul and the others there.

After that, it is just as what was written in Paul's letter.

For Paul who was hesitant to let two children go on a journey, it seems Ruijerd offered to be an escort for the two.

"Co to think of it, I t your Shisho as well."

"You t Roxy-sensei?"

"Yeah..."

Ruijerd made a bitter smile.

"The impression I got from her was a bit different from what I heard from you."

"Is that so, in what way?"

"After telling her my race na and showing her the eye on my forehead, she was openly afraid."

"Ah."

Thinking back to it, the one that taught that the Superd race was a dreadful race was Roxy wasn't it.

Even though Roxy said all of that, she's still of the Demon Race. The ones most afraid of the Superd Race are the Demon Race after all.

It can't really be helped.

Roxy was timid and frightened after seeing Ruijerd...

I also wanted to see that...

"And then, you ca along together with Ginger-san until here."

"Yeah, we arrived in the evening and we went to the Magic University, but we were unable to find you."

The four of them thought I was living in the dorm and would be at the Magic University.

However, by that ti, we had already moved to the bar.

It seems many of the guys they asked didn't know where I went, so it seems they asked for my address.

In order to not pass by each other, they separated with Ginger there, and it seems the three of them went looking for my house.

But, along the way, Aisha or Norn made a mistake with the road, or in the first place, maybe the person who explained it to them was mistaken, but they ended up getting lost.

Around the ti they were aimlessly wandering in a strange place, Ruijerd searched for my presence, and it seems they managed to arrive at my house.

"I see... in any case, once again let say my thanks. Thank you very much."

"Thanks are unnecessary. You and I are close."

Ruijerd who said that grinned.

The fact that I'm recognized by this man is one of the things I'm proud of in my regard.

"In any case, you were considerably fast weren't you."

The letter only just arrived last month.

Even at fastest, I thought they would arrive after another two or three months.

"Your little sister was enthusiastic."

"Which one?"

"Aisha. Thanks to that child, we were able to move very efficiently."

According to the story, following Aisha's suggestion, it seems they made use of a caravan of rchants to move around at night as well.

Just, such caravans of rchants fundantally don't accept outsiders.

It seems in exchange for allowing Aisha to ride along, they offered Ruijerd to be used as an escort.

With Ruijerd and Ginger acting as escorts.

The pay for that was allowing the load of the two young girls.

It was a good purchase, is what it ans.

Although, it seems those negotiations weren't all that simple.

In any case, they would move, and then when the rchant caravan ca to a stop, they would find another rchant caravan to travel to the next location.

By getting on one rchant caravan to the next, they were able to move very efficiently.

Each place's rchant caravan schedule was placed at the top of the list for information collection. Occasionally, they would go back a portion of the way to a previous town and then move to the place where a different rchant caravan was it seems.

After the other three asked why they should return, it seems Aisha responded like this.

"It's because this way is faster."

I see now, a genius.

That sure is amazing.

"But, if that's the case Ruijerd-san, wasn't it difficult? During the night you had to guard the rchant caravan, and in the day, you had to get up in order to move as well."

"No problem. In the past, I would frequently continue on without resting for several days at a ti while moving.. but.."

"But?"

"For the first ti in a while, I felt like I was being worked pretty hard."

After saying that, Ruijerd let out a weak laugh.

I wonder if he's rembering the Human-Demon war period.

Nevertheless, that Aisha...

To think she would work Ruijerd hard so conveniently.

Who does she think she is?

"That is, how do I put it, my little sister has greatly troubled you..."

"It's a funny story."

Ruijerd is as soft on children as always.

Even if he's fine with it, it's no good if she grows up into an adult that works her seniors hard.

Later, I'll make sure to have an intense talk with her.

"But, during the ti when Ruijerd-san was desperately working, my little sister was sleeping peacefully right?"

"She wasn't sleeping. She was always calculating the most efficient route to arrive here."

Hmmm.

It seems that she wasn't just working Ruijerd alone and playing around herself.

I guess that would an she was doing nothing but calculations for days straight.

Writing all throughout the night.

...Then it's fine I guess.

"However, she's still a child."

Aisha was joyfully making plans without any spare ti for rest, but since things like physical strength didn't enter her calculations, on the way, scenes like Norn or both of them ending up unable to go on any longer required them to rest.

According to Aisha's ntal schedule, it seems she planned for them to arrive here before winter.

In other words, it was a plan aid at getting here faster than the letter.

"I'm sure it must have been difficult for Ginger-san as well, what did she say?"

"She was rather delighted. There's nothing she wants more than to quickly reunite with his highness, like that."

It seems many people in this world have muscle for brain.

Rather, Ginger has been following through with the order Zanoba gave out and protecting her until now.

She sure is a devoted person.

I wonder if she has managed to reunite with Zanoba around this ti.

I wonder what kind of reaction she'll have on seeing Julie, I kind of want to see that.

"It seems just like that, she intended to return to being the prince's subordinate."

"I see now. Co to think of it, Ruijerd-san, how long do you intend to stay around here for?"

I nonchalantly asked to hear about it.

About a week maybe.

If I go around introducing him to my friends, it shouldn't take all that much ti.

I'm sure Zanoba will be delighted.

I wonder what the likes of Rinia and Pursena will say.

I don't know how Cliff will feel though.

He might be an acquaintance of Badigadi.

"I'll depart tomorrow."

Those thoughts were quickly drowned out by Ruijerd's words.

"That's considerably sudden isn't it."

"Yeah, the other day, I heard information that a monster was seen deep in the forest of the eastern part of the northern lands. I intend to search and see what that's about."

It seems that Ruijerd has already found his next objective location.

It's a bit gloomy, is what I don't want to make him think.

No, trying to restrain him is unrefined isn't it.

"Besides, I don't have any intention to intrude on you."

"Intrude you say, such a thing."

Sothing like treating Ruijerd as a hindrance, I won't let anyone do that.

"...It's just a bit... painful here after all."

That tone of voice, after all it's a bit lonely.

It seems the fact that Eris and I weren't close together was a bit of a shock to Ruijerd.

"..."

In my own mind, things from three years prior, mories of the journey with Eris and Ruijerd are still strongly remaining.

I don't know about Ruijerd though.

If I was in Ruijerd's position and I saw the figure of Sylphy and I spending ti flirting, it might be a bit of a bitter spectacle.

"That is, I guess it can't be helped..."

I felt kind of like a crack in my friendship with Ruijerd had appeared.

The friendship between Ruijerd and I might have been sothing that Eris held onto.

"Rudeus."

After being called, I raised my face.

It seems before I realized it, I had started looking downward again.

Ruijerd let out a weak laugh.

"Don't make that sort of face. I'll co back again."

I couldn't do anything but return a bitter smile.

I don't regret the fact that I married Sylphy.

I feel kind of like I made so kind of large mistake.

"If I et with Eris, I'll listen to her side of the story as well."

"...Please do."

I looked into Ruijerd's eyes and said that.

There was a kind light in Ruijerd's eyes.

Soon after that, Sylphy ca out of the bath.

It seems Norn fell asleep inside of the bath.

It seems like Aisha was in high spirits in the middle of the bath, but soon after getting out she collapsed into sleep.

As expected of the bath's relaxing effect, is what I'd say.

Warm water works well on a tired body.

"Thanks for your help."

"Yeah, it seems like Aisha-chan still rembered things about . With just a single glance she correctly guessed I was Sylphy. It's a big difference from a certain soone right."

"There are the differences of the color of the hair, the sunglasses, and the cross-dressing, so it doesn't count."

"Though it seems Norn-chan couldn't rember."

"I think it would be rare for soone to rember a neighborhood Onee-san from the ti when you're three or four years old."

"I guess so."

It seems the two are currently getting along and sleeping in the sa bed after being changed into pajamas by Sylphy.

I'll listen to the story of the two tomorrow.

"Umm, it's nice to et you, I'm Sylphiette Greyrat."

"Yeah, I'm Ruijerd Superdia."

Sylphy offered an awkward handshake to Ruijerd.

The two who suffered over their erald green hair.

Now neither of them have it green.

"Ummm... Ruijerd-san what do you intend to do about a room?"

"It's fine with whatever is convenient."

"...Rudi, should we let him use a large room? He's an important visitor in regards to Rudi right?"

In Ruijerd's regard, I don't think the size of the room really matters all that much though.

At any rate, I'm sure he won't use the bed after all.

"Please sleep wherever you like. Think of it as your own house."

"Ah, I'll do just that. Well then, I'll go ahead and rest."

Ruijerd stood while saying that.

"Yes, good night."

Sylphy and I, the two of us just kept staring firmly, listening to the sound of him move.

It seems he entered the room where the two children were sleeping.

That lolicon!

No, during the ti when we were on the journey as well and the ti when we were asleep he never took his eyes off us.

He's that sort of man.

This ti, he especially went out of his way to make it so we could hear his footsteps.

If he had sothing to feel guilty about, he's a man who would have erased his footsteps and presence before invading.

I'm sure he doesn't have anything to feel guilty about.

"I wonder if I did anything rude?"

Suddenly, Sylphy raised her voice with anxiety.

Certainly Ruijerd's attitude just now was a bit cold.

Normally if it was a person seeking a handshake, then he wouldn't have allowed it to turn awkward.

After all, it seems he has so thoughts about the marriage between Sylphy and I.

"No, Sylphy didn't do anything wrong. He's a person who isn't all that familiar with people he ets for the first ti, he's that kind of guy."

"Then it's fine though..."

It seems like Sylphy felt just a bit hurt.

"Let's go to sleep as well."

"Yeah."

We haven't eaten dinner, but I'm not hungry.

Ah, at the very least it would have been good to serve Ruijerd so kind of snack wouldn't it.

Well it's fine.

I put out the fire in the fireplace and confird the front door was locked.

The best and most useful security guy in the world is in the house, but it wouldn't be good if I don't properly lock things up.

After that I put out the lights and went upstairs together with Sylphy.

We slipped into the bed together.

Then, suddenly Sylphy said it.

"Today, that is, I'd like to stop there."

"Eh? Ah, I guess so."

That day I didn't embrace Sylphy.

It was the first ti for a reason other than nstruation.

Next day.

The sa as always I woke up in bed.

Sylphy was still sleeping.

Usually she would be rounded into a small ball using my arm as a pillow to sleep, but today she was normally using a pillow and seed a bit uncomfortable.

Usually then I would unconditionally feel her sweetness, and together with just a bit of sexual desire, touch her slender chest.

Feeling a woman's body from start to finish sure does leave one with a happy mood.

However, mysteriously today I don't get that sort of feeling.

Today the feeling is bad weather.

It's a bad day for the rising dragon.

Even though I should be happy that Ruijerd visited.

After all it seems the things with Eris are bothering the mood.

Sohow I feel a bit gloomy and uneasy.

I guess it might reduce so of it if I do a bit of exercise.

For the ti being, I decided to start my daily training.

But, I'm not feeling all that motivated.

No, even so that will change with just 5 minutes, no 10 minutes, of preparation exercise I'm sure.

While thinking that I go outside.

A scene of chills plunged into my sight.

We had a visitor in front of the entry hall.

Two people.

Two people who are taller than I am.

One of them is a bald warrior.

A man who shaved it in order to hide his green hair and just continued on like that forever.

Without wearing any winter clothes on his body, clad in so kind of casual wear outfit of his race and a three-pronged spear in his hand.

It's Ruijerd.

And then the other one is.

A muscular structure and large build with pitch black skin. Violet hair.

With his six arms crossed, he was standing in front of Ruijerd full of dignity.

"..."

"..."

The atmosphere was extraordinarily bad.

It's dangerous.

Explosive situation. [31]

If the janitor had co by he might have been stabbed.

"..."

There was no smile on Badigadi's face.

His mood was bad.

It's sothing unusual.

The usually laughing Badigadi was completely not laughing.

I wonder what is going on with Ruijerd's face.

I can't tell from just his back.

Rather, these two, are they acquaintances after all.

They were both living since the Laplace Campaign after all.

One of them was the head of the Laplace Imperial Guards and the other side was in a faction on the opposite side of Laplace.

Now Ruijerd hated Laplace completely as well, but at the ti there must have been a variety of things that happened I'm sure.

"...Hmmm."

Badigadi took a glance at .

And then looked at Ruijerd once more.

"So that's how it is huh."

Badigadi ca to a conclusion on his own and nodded.

And then, without saying anything after that, silently turned and left.

Just like that treading on the snow, he disappeared down the path.

"..."

Ruijerd quietly turned around.

It seems that face was sowhat tense.

An unusual cold sweat was being drawn.

"Did sothing happen with His Majesty Badi?"

"...In the past."

I sohow or other guessed it based on those short words.

The Superd Race of that ti would attack enemies and allies alike, without discretion, that entered their sight so to speak.

Most likely, he killed so people from the region Badigadi ruled over as well.

No matter how little he pays attention to the land he rules as a Demon King, he's still a ruler.

If your own territory has been attacked there's no way you can overlook it.

I wonder what happened to their relationship after that.

I really can't imagine that optimistic Badigadi would viciously persecute the Superd Race.

No, it's the opposite.

Precisely because he's optimistic, the probability is high that he wanted to lend his power to the people without power who were trampled.

For example, even if Laplace was involved in it as well.

Ruijerd killed them and Badigadi wanted to return that grudge.

I'm sure that truth isn't a mistake.

No, wait a second.

It could be the probability is high that Badigadi doesn't know that incident with the Superd race was caused by Laplace's hand.

Things in that area, next ti we et I'll ask him about it from my side and see.

...Rather, if I said in the future that I was planning to mass produce Ruijerd dolls and sell them I wonder what kind of face that Demon King would make.

It would be good if he just laughed it off.

Hmmm...

At any rate, I'll be troubled if things between Ruijerd and Badigadi are bad.

"Ruijerd-san, for the ti being, since his majesty ca to this city, I've gotten to know him pretty well, though I can sowhat imagine what might have happened in the past..."

"Don't worry, I don't have any intention of fighting him."

Ruijerd said that while making a bitter smile.

He said it, but since a while ago Ruijerd has been clearly releasing so blood thirst.

Could it be, if I hadn't co out one of them might have made a move?

"However, I couldn't have imagined that guy would be in this kind of place."

"Sohow, it seems he ca to et ."

"Ah, he was that sort of man wasn't he."

Ruijerd made a bitter smile and returned back into the house.

To think that the relationship between Ruijerd and Badigadi was that bad.

It was a blind spot.

I thought that Badigadi could get along together with anyone.

After returning inside of the house, Sylphy was awake and preparing breakfast.

For so reason, Aisha in a maid outfit appearance, was by her side helping out.

It seems like Norn is still sleeping.

I thought to go wake her up and was climbing the stairs.

I knocked and then soon after turned the doorknob, but since I had so kind of bad premonition, I didn't open the door. [32]

"It's almost ti for breakfast, so please co downstairs."

There was no response, but after listening closely I heard the sound of rustling clothes.

After all it seems she was in the middle of changing.

I didn't induce a lucky pervert.

I'm already no longer the insensitive type after all.

"...Yes."

After hearing a voice co out from inside I descended down to the first floor with peace of mind.

We ate breakfast with the five of us.

Aisha's manners were considerably good for her age, she was eating in a neat manner.

Ruijerd was the sa as always, unable to use anything but a fork.

Norn still seed to be half asleep and her style of eating wasn't very skillful.

Well, you could say it's plenty for just using a fork.

If I compare it to stabbing at with a knife just like that and bringing it to your mouth.

"Well then, it's about ti for to leave."

Soon after the al ended Ruijerd decided to depart.

His belongings were as few as ever and his body was light.

The four of us saw him off to the exit of the city.

Ruijerd said it wasn't necessary, but it's not a problem of it being necessary or unnecessary.

It's only natural to see off a friend.

We didn't really talk about much, the five of us were walking through the city.

Eventually, Norn grabbed onto the area around Ruijerd's cuff.

It was a reserved holding thod, it seems to have a compact sound effect attached as well. [33]

Ruijerd's walking got sowhat slower.

Matching his pace, we walked slowly as well.

It seems Norn doesn't want to separate from Ruijerd.

I understand the feeling, I'm the sa.

I wanted to talk to him so more.

I wonder if it would be better to restrain him.

Honestly, even I want to spend more ti with Ruijerd.

It seems like we have things to talk about that couldn't be spoken in just a single night after all.

There are a lot of people I want to introduce him to and things I want to show him.

But, after all we're caught on the things with Eris.

I don't want to leave Ruijerd with any kind of unpleasant feelings.

It's not like it's Sylphy's fault, but...

I have the feeling that he wouldn't be able to talk without the situation with Eris being made clear, almost like it's lurking in the background.

But, I don't even know where Eris is right now.

While I was thinking about that, in no ti at all we reached the exit of the city.

"Then, stay well."

"Ruijerd-san as well, stay well..."

We said our farewells with short words.

Even though there's a lot of things I want to say, when it cos ti sohow the words won't co out.

Well, it's not like it's a separation of a lifeti.

It'll be fine if we talk at a ti when things have cald down more.

Incidentally, it seems that he had already said farewell to Ginger at so point in ti yesterday.

"Thank you very much for your assistance!"

Aisha lowered her head energetically with proper manners.

The thod for moving that she thought up wouldn't have worked if it weren't for Ruijerd.

It seems she properly understands that.

I'm sure, in places where Aisha and Norn weren't aware, Ruijerd was protecting them.

"Aisha. Don't ask anything too unreasonable of Rudeus."

"Yes! I know that!"

Ruijerd made a bitter smile and stroked Aisha's head.

"U...Umm. Ummm, Ruijerd-san..."

Norn wasn't letting go of Ruijerd's sleeve.

She showed him an uneasy face, its clear that she didn't want him to leave.

"Don't worry, we'll et again."

Ruijerd made a small smile and put his hand on her head.

It's a spectacle full of nostalgia.

I had my head stroked like that by Ruijerd when I was making a face full of anxiety.

Norn looked downward then raised her face.

Wanting to say sothing, but she kept silent.

Her expressions were changing with many faces, before long, she decided to say it and opened her mouth. [34]

"I... I want to go together with you...!"

She declared that.

Ruijerd caressed her head with a troubled face.

"..."

Without saying anything, just caressing her head.

However, in Norn's eyes tears were quickly building up.

"After this, rely on Rudeus, not ."

"But, even though! He... towards Oto-san!"

"It's sothing that's passed. He's already reflected on it. Your father as well. You heard about his troubles during the journey. You should understand it as well."

"But, yesterday he was drunk, and the woman who was by his side before is different! I can't believe him!"

The woman who was with him during the last ti that she saw him is different as well.

After hearing that, I thought the atmosphere froze.

However, it seems the only one who thought that was .

Thinking about it, I had already talked to Sylphy about the things with Eris.

It's not like I'm being unfaithful or that I'm putting on airs of a playboy.

However, I guess that's how it looked to Norn.

Ruijerd looked mutually at Sylphy and I and made a bitter smile.

"It's the ti between a man and a woman. Those sorts of things happen. It's by no ans because your older brother is insincere."

"..."

After Ruijerd said that he took his hand off Norn's head.

Norn as well let go of Ruijerd, reluctant to part.

"That person is... please tell your na once more."

"Ah, Yes. I'm Sylphiette."

"Sylphiette. Together with Rudeus I entrust things to you two."

"Wa, Yes!"

In the end Ruijerd exchanged so words with Sylphy.

In regards to her, I wonder what Ruijerd thought.

I just pray that what he felt wasn't any sort of bad feeling.

"Well then, we'll et again."

I saw Ruijerd off until he was out of sight.

Once again, I was filled with the sa feelings of gratitude that I felt the last ti I saw him off.

I'm sure, Aisha and Norn felt the sa as well.

After seeing off Ruijerd, we headed ho.

On the way, we separate from Sylphy.

I want to be with her, but she has work to do.

It's not good to skip work without notice.

To inform Ariel of the situation, she heads off to school.

By the ti we reached ho, it was already noon.

Ti for lunch.

Staying with Norn is a bit awkward right now, so I'll make the al instead.

Aisha offers to help, but I'll cook alone this ti.

The finished food was totally 'bachelor cooking.'

If I am going to na it, it'll be 'Bean Fried Rice,' or sothing like that.

Well, there is no helping it. Unlike Sylphy, I haven't seriously learned cooking.

"Is it good?"

"This is delicious!"

"......"

Aisha is eating cheerfully.

Norn is eating without complaint as well.

It's worlds apart from what Sylphy cooks, but it's not bad.

After finishing lunch, we went to living room.

Norn and Aisha sit beside each other and I in front of them.

I take a breath before I began.

"Well, it's a little late, but first, good job finishing the long trip to here."

"Yes, it's good to see Onii-sama in good health as well."

Aisha said, with a clear expression.

She's dressed in maid outfit.

Though compared to last ti I saw her it's now a perfect fit for her.

It's patched up in so places, but it's probably the remnant of events of that ti.[35]

I guess this room is a new and interesting thing for her, since she is looking around with sparkling eyes.

Her brown ponytail is swaying back and forth.

Her ponytail is decorated with a white ribbon, but it's a bit rugged and turning gray in so places which makes it even more eye-catching.

"......"

Norn is looking down, just like a normal child. [36]

Her clothing is normal children's clothing as well.

It's blue clothing with a cute design.

In Millis Kingdom I saw a lot of children dressed like this, but it might stand out a bit here.

Her blond hair is a little longer than Aisha's.

She has her hair behind her head with a large hairclip, very fashionable.

"It seems Aisha has worked fairly hard during the trip."

"Yes, it was all in order to see Onii-sama. It wasn't hard work at all."

Said Aisha earnestly.

But why is her tone weird today.

I wonder why she is acting so strange?

"We are a family and from today onward this is your ho, so there is no need to refrain from anything, make yourself at ho."

"Yes, but even though we are family, this is Onii-sama's house, so staying without doing anything is troubling, so I was thinking about helping with cleaning and house chores."

Sohow I feel a great distance[37] between us, I wonder why. Did I do sothing. Maybe it's because she is using honorifics?

"Hey, Imouto-sama."[38]

"What is it, Onii-sama?"

"That way of talking, will you please stop it?"

"I don't want to, it's the right way to talk to those older than you, is what you have said before, so why should I quit?"

Is it because of , since I am using honorifics[39] she won't stop using it either?

"I get it, I won't use honorifics."

"I understand, after all honorifics aren't suited between relatives. You will feel the distance, but Onii-chan I'll be using it, since you are older after all."

Oi, isn't that where you go with the flow and say 'I won't use honorifics either'? Well, it's okay. Learning how to use it from a young age ans you know how to converse in the future. It's a good thing.

Hearing the words 'feeling distant' I wonder, maybe Ruijerd and Eris felt like that as well. Though I believe using honorifics is the smoothest way to communicate between humans.

Well, next ti we et, let's talk a bit more relaxed.

[Hey, Ruijerd, HOW'S IT GOING.

You have changed a lot. You were so thin and had no beard. What? That's not your na? Did you even change your na?]

...... sothing like that.[40]

Ruijerd is soone I respect. Talking to soone you respect should be by using honorifics.

That's a given.

If I talked like that to Ruijerd or Roxy in a parallel world I would probably be beaten to death.

"Aisha, Norn, this is our first ti living like this together, there will probably be things that we don't know about each other… well… let's get along well."

"Yes!"

"......"

Aisha nodded cheerfully.

It kind of feels like when I give Pursena at. I can almost see her[41] tail. It feels like she is saying, I'll listen to whatever you say.

In contrast, Norn is grumpy. That's the kind of face that says, she didn't want to co live with at all.

Well, it can't be helped since our reunion wasn't a good one. I was drunk and had a woman along with . I better treat her cautiously for now.

"I never thought Onii-chan would marry Sylphy-ane, I was very surprised, Norn-ane agrees, right?"

Like that, Aisha turns the conversation to Norn.

"I ... I don't really rember much about Sylphy-san."

Said Norn while shaking her head.

No helping it, huh? Since she is unlike Aisha, and didn't take etiquette lessons together with Sylphy and didn't have much contact with her.

"Ne..ne, Onii-chan, did sothing happen? What happened to the Eris-san who was with you before?"

Said Aisha leaning in. Well, I guess everyone is curious about Eris.

"Yeah...."

After that, I explained everything that happened to after returning to Fedoa Region, Eris leaving , and becoming an adventurer.

Then getting sick[42], and to heal myself being referred to Magic University, and then seeing Sylphy here and getting healed.

Well, I did hide the fact that my sickness was ED and how it was treated. After all, it's not sothing for 10-year-old girls to hear.

After that, I explained Sylphy's situation and the fact that she has to hide her gender in public.

Well, as for whether or not I can tell people about this, Ariel gave the right to do so based on my judgnt, though my little sisters might be too young for this.

Since we are living together, they would find out about it sooner or later.

It's not wise to lose their trust by hiding things from them, and this way, getting their cooperation is easier.

"That's how it is."

I finished my monologue.

Norn is looking down with a serious face, and Aisha is looking at worriedly.

"So, is your disease okay now?"

"Oh, it is completely cured. No worries anymore."

Although I still take a treatnt once every 3 days, and Aisha clapped her hands in understanding.

"Oh, I know!"

"N~?"

"Dad gave sothing to pass onto Onii-chan when I see you."

Saying that, Aisha jumped up and went to the second floor and brought a trunk back with her.

"Yes, this is it. Take it please!"

The trunk is tightly locked, with three big locks put on it. Was it caution toward those who would try stealing it? Nah, in this case, it was probably to prevent Aisha and Norn from frivolously opening it.

"Oh, the key ......"

"N? Oh~"

It seems that Aisha has the keys. I get the keys from her and put them in the keyholes.

"Oh."

There was a treasure chest full of silver and gold.

Saying it like that is going too far, but it was a lot of money.

A few dozen of big bars from Millis Kingdom made of precious tals.

It's difficult to guess the value just from looking, but if sold, it would be worth a lot.

This is the lot of money Paul ntioned in his letter, with this much we can live for 10 years, but I have to be careful to not spend it wastefully.

In the other side of the trunk there are 2 letters, let's check them out.

One is the sa one that arrived the other day.

The other one is from Lilia, it's regarding Aisha and Norn's education and personalities.

Aisha is a brilliant kid and won't make any mistakes, but since she is a bit mischievous, I need to be strict with her.

Norn is a common girl, but since she gets compared to Aisha in school a lot, she might have a rotten[43] personality. But it's better to treat her kindly, is what is written in the letter.

Lilia seems to be a bit hard on Aisha. I think it's because she thinks of herself as the lover (mistress), and spoils Norn for that sa reason.

But I think you have to treat both sisters the sa.

However, Aisha's really excellent.

After just a year of study, there is not much to teach her anymore.

She is at a fine level in reading, writing, history and mathematics. Additionally she is skilled with cleaning, laundry, and cooking. Her swordsmanship is at elentary level in Water-God style and she is at the elentary level for all six basic magic.

Although she went to school in Millis, since Roxy arrived and Paul went on the trip to find Zenith she shouldn't have a been there for a long ti.

With just that much Aisha is like this, no wonder Norn lost confidence.

Norn is normal, not so good nor bad. Though she is better than Eris was at the sa age, I think she is average, no, maybe a bit below average.

Norn was caught in the Mana Calamity incident, and from then on she has given it her all. There is no reason to lose her confidence at all [she did do well.]

There is no other letter, I was expecting sothing from Roxy as well but....

Well, this is a letter from family mbers to each other, so she might have refrained because of that.

"Be that as it is, after you have settled in you should attend school."

"Ehh!"

Says Aisha with a displeased voice, does she have a bad mory from school?

"There is nothing more for to learn at school, I just want to serve Onii-chan at ho."

"But you know…"

"But I only want to take care of Onii-chan! Rember the promise from that ti, here, I always held onto it."

Then she lets her hair down and shows the ribbon, it's the headband I gave her when we separated from each other.

Part of the tal has been bent so it could be used as a hairband, though it's kind of unrefined and rugged looking.

Seeing what I have given her being treated preciously, kind of makes feel happy.

Be that as it may, I wonder about her not wanting to go to school.

To be honest I don't think it's that necessary for her to go to school. The important thing is the will to learn. If there is no will, going to school is a waste of ti. Just like back in middle-school.

That said, it is written in Paul's letter to have them both to go to school.

There is no such thing as compulsory education in this world but...

"Then, at least take the Magic University's entrance exam, we will decide based on the result of that."

"Yes... Oh? I understand."

Said Aisha while grinning.

She seems to be confident in getting a high-score. Well, if she can get a high-score before going to school, then not going is fine. I'll say that to Paul as well.

"Norn, how about you take the exam as well?"

"......"

When I turned the conversation to Norn, she avoids looking at and stays silent. I wonder if I am hated… maybe she won't ever talk to again? While I am thinking that, she whispers …

"… but I might fail the exam."

I think it's the first ti she talked to , I might not be hated, well anyway I am happy.

Yes, being ignored is not good after all.

"There is no need to worry. That school, even if you fail, as long as you pay tuition you can get in."

"Erm… It's not like I want to go to school that much!"

I was yelled at, maybe because I ntioned the back door to get into school.

"Eh, Norn-ane, what's with that way of talking to Onii-chan."

"But, you heard it as well, he said he would do sothing about it with money."

"It's Norn-ane's fault for not being able to study!"

"I can do it!"

Norn started yelling and grabbed Aisha's hair.

Aisha grabs Norn's wrist and stretches her hand to Norn's face, scratching, pulling hair.

A cat fight, no it's the way children fight.

Nah, it should be like this, this is good.

Getting punched in the chin and mounted on can't be called a child's fight.

Quarreling in moderation is fine, but this ti my way of putting it was bad.

Let's stop them.

"Please stop."

A voice lower than what I intended ca out, both of them stopped their hands while trembling.

"......"

Norn still wanted say sothing, her downcast eyes were welling with tears …

....Hmmmm.

I guess she has a more severe complex regarding and Aisha's existence than I thought.

"Well, you see Norn, this city's school will accept students who pay tuition regardless of their talent, race, or social standings, so it's not like I was trying to get you in by bribing them."

"......Gusu~tsu"

She tried wiping her tears while sniffing.

"You rember Roxy-sensei, right? She was attending this school as well. It's a very good school. Studying a lot, you might find sothing that you like as well…"

…Sothing that you can beat Aisha in, I refrained from saying that, in these situations it's best not to compare children with each other.

Norn kept looking down for a while and then said.

"…I understand, I'll take the exam."

Eventually, after saying just that, she stood up and left the living room.

Aisha said with an irritated voice to her back.

"Norn-ane, we still haven't finished talking!"

"Shut up!"

Then we heard her running up to the second floor and slamming the door.

I get it.

She is a difficult kid, in a difficult age with a difficult personality.

I wonder if I can get along with her …

"Ah~h she is always like this. I don't like difficult kids. Onii-chan agrees too, right?"

Aisha seeks my agreent while shrugging her shoulders.

Aisha as well, her attitude of looking down on Norn.

It's no good.

"Aisha."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Starting now, stop saying 'you don't study' or stuff like that so highhandedly to Norn."

"Ee~h......"

When I say that Aisha pouts and says with a displeased tone.

"But Norn-ane isn't even trying."

"Well, from your point of view it might look that way, but maybe Norn is giving it her best in her own way…"

"Well.......... If Onii-chan says so, I'll be careful."

She nods unwillingly.

Well, saying it probably has no power to convince her, since I don't know much about these two.

But, how am I going to treat these young girls, it's hard.

Afternoon.

I left my two sisters at ho and went to school. I visited the staff room to talk to vice-principal Jinas regarding the exam for my sisters.

"If they studied at another school before, they should able to catch up with the curriculum, so let's schedule their entrance exams as soon as possible.

That's why, we arranged for them to take the exam in a week's ti.

It's like a pop-quiz, but it's all right I think.

"I bet they are excellent students, since they are Rudeus-san's little sisters."

"One is excellent, but the other one is a normal child."

"Don't be modest, I bet they can even use voiceless incantation?"

"No way."

While chatting like this with Jinas, I suddenly rembered sothing.

"By the way, vice-principal, is Badigadi-sama at school today?"

"His majesty… I haven't seen him today."

"Is that so."

He is an elusive fellow.[44]

However, he causes a ruckus where ever he appears, so I can find him quickly.

"If you have so business with him, I can pass along the ssage if you want?"

"Nah, nothing specific, I just wanted to have a talk with him, just us alone."

"I understand, if I see him, I'll pass on that ssage."

I left vice-principal Jinas with those words.

I planned to go back after that, but since I had a bit of ti, I decided to show up in Nanahoshi's place for a bit.

I knocked and went in, but surprisingly, she is not in the room. That hikikomori is not in the room.

Just to be sure, I take a look at the laboratory as well in vain, since entering the bedroom was forbidden, I just knock there to check.

"N... Ugh"

I heard a groaning sound, she seems to be in pain.

I was hesitating to go in or not, then Nanahoshi opened the door with a pale face.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"...... I feel sick ...... ...... ...... My head hurts ...... A"

Wow, it stinks of alcohol.

Hangover?

Well, it's not surprising, she drank a lot.

Even to the extend of alcohol poisoning, I wouldn't be surprised.

"Sit down a bit, I'll fix you right up."

I said that and took her back to the laboratory and sat her down on a chair, grabbed her head, and chanted detoxification magic. After that, I eased the pain with healing magic.

"Phew..... I'm saved."

Nanahoshi thanked while holding her temples.

Then she puts on the mask on the desk and becos the masked woman, "Silent Seven Star".

"What do you want today? If it's the reward, I haven't prepared it yet."

It's a cool response, but a bit of dere is mixed in.Is this the rumored kuudere?[45]

"The other day, when I went back ho, my little sisters arrived from their trip. Since I have to make preparation for them to enroll in the school, I ca today..."

"... little sisters? Do you an the ones from our world? Did they make the trip[46] as well?"

"No way. They are the little sisters from this world."

"Is that so?"

Nanahoshi stared at my face.

"If they are your sisters from this world, they are probably pretty cute, right?"

"Is it possible that just now, you complinted my face?"

"I ant it as in our senses. I don't know how you looked in our world and in this one you look more like the western side of our world."

"Ohhhh, yeah."

I was praised, damn, she's a dangerous gal.

In my past world, I would definitely misunderstand this as 'maybe this girl loves …'

But the right now, am not a virgin nor am I single, I won't be shaken by a single praise.

"How old are they?"

"If I'm not wrong, they should be 10."

"I see... I have a little brother of the sa age back ho, if the ti flow of that world is the sa as this world, he is probably older than by now."

After saying that Nanahoshi narrowed her eyes nostalgically.

I wonder if she is rembering Japan.

I don't have any fond mories of the word 'Little Brother'.

"I want pudding."

Nanahoshi said abruptly.

Well, the topic just jumped sowhere else.

Why pudding?

"Do you have so special mories from pudding?"

"The one I left in the refrigerator was eaten without permission, it was an expensive one..."

It seems all the little brothers are the sa, but Nanahoshi seems to miss even this kind of mory as well.

She is facing slightly up, maybe she wants to cry. I will look the other way.

"Well, I will co again "

"E~e... the last ti, I caused you trouble. Now I have a better impression of you."

"Fufufu, if you fall for , you'll get burned..."

"What is that, are you trying to act cool?"

Nanahoshi laughed a little after saying that, it's that Generation Gap, well, I'll ask about the experint next ti after she is a bit more settled.

After school.

I am returning ho with Sylphy, I have a lot I want to ask for Sylphy's help in regards to my sisters, since their age is close she probably understands a lot more about them than .

"Oh, Rudi, let's go shopping. Since the number of people increased, we need to buy a bit more."

So I go along with Sylphy to the market.

When we set foot in the market, the first thing we notice is the sweet fragrance of beans being fried.

Market district is in full swing even in the evening.

My image of a Market district was that it would be crowded in the morning. But here, the fresh ingredients are the ats, and it's provided by adventurers and hunters who hunt during the day and return in the evening.

In other words, they stock up during the day to sell during the evening.

Though it's not that there are that many different products, and the prices are comparatively on the high side.

Still, in the [Magic Triumvirate] you can get anything you want with money.

But if you head east to the more impoverished countries, even if you have money you can't find anything to buy.

By the way, freezing the ingredients here is easy, since you can just request it through the guild.

Well, those are the requests of the students who are just learning magic.

I start talking to Sylphy about what to do from now on while we are shopping.

"I see, so their relationship isn't all that good, huh?"

"To be honest, I have no idea what girls of that age are thinking at all…"

"Really."

"Aisha does not want to go to school and insists on being a maid at our house. What do you think?"

"Since I am kind of out of the house mostly, if she says she's gonna help, I am kinda happy about it."

Sylphy said while laughing, it does not seem like she's worried about losing her role in the house.

"That said, Sylphy, we are supposed to be responsible adults."

"Yeah."

"Isn't it our job to at least provide Aisha with the opportunity of attending Magic University?"

"Un, I see. Then having her change her hair color and attend Magic university is a viable solution as well, right?"[47]

Sylphy puts her hand to her chin as if thinking about what to do, but in the end she decided to buy ham for dinner, despite the price being a bit high.

"Sylphy, we are having a serious conversation, please think about it seriously."

"Of course I am thinking, but you know, I think Aisha-chan is way more outstanding than Rudi imagines."

"So what if she's outstanding?"

"I am sure, regardless of going to school or not, she will do well…"

"O~h."

"So, I think it's better to let her do what she wants, instead of just thinking about this and that."

Sylphy seems to have a lot of confidence in Aisha, co to think of it, Sylphy knows Aisha pretty well.

I an, the younger Aisha that is, I heard a lot about how she was an outstanding child.

"The problem is Norn-chan, being separated from Paul-san and Ruijerd-san, she is uneasy. We should look after her properly."

"That's right."

When I saw how calm Sylphy is, I realized how nervous I was behaving.

Sohow, Sylphy looks so reliable, just like Fitts-senpai. Eh, she is Fitts-senpai after all.

"Let Aisha do as she pleases, and put Norn on the right rail, hah?"

"Rail?"

"It ans making a road."

"I think yeah, that sounds good."

But doing that ans treating the sisters differently, is that really okay?

But there is a big difference in their abilities, so treating them the sa forcefully is the bad thing, I shouldn't confuse discrimination with distinction.

"I wonder if I said sothing arrogant?"

"No, you helped a lot. I managed to sort out my thoughts."

"But, I have to guard Ariel-sama, so I can't look after them as much..."

Said Sylphy with a troubled face while scratching behind her ears.

Because she has to guard Ariel-hi, she said that with a troubled face, she might be actually troubled about it, like after getting married I ask her to stop working for Ariel-hi.

Oh, I suddenly decided to ask about this.

"Hey, Sylphiette-san…"

"What is it, Rudeus-san?"

"If I asked you to stop being Ariel-hi's guard so we could get married, what would you have done?"

I asked as lightly as I could, Sylphy stared at with a straight face.

"...I might have refused to marry Rudi."

Eh?

...That's a little shocking. Maybe if I took my ti and asked in a better way, but I see... so she would choose Ariel over ... I see Ariel is more important than ...

"Ah."

Seeing my face, Sylphy suddenly panicked.

"Don't misunderstand, I love Rudi. No, it's more than that. It's a complicated feeling that I, myself, don't understand."

Panicking Sylphy is cute as well.

"Well, I think both of them is love, and I naturally would like to have Rudi's child as well..."

Sylphy stroked her stomach while saying that.

Hearing that, I feel my body getting hot. Today's Sylphy is so bold, saying that in public.

"But I like Ariel-sama as well, it's a different like[48] from Rudi... right, it's in the sense of a friend..."

Said Sylphy, co to think of it, this is the first ti I've heard Sylphy's feelings regarding Ariel.

"Ariel-sama, despite how she looks, has many things she's not good at. If I am not with Rudi, I am sure you could do sothing about life by yourself, but if Luke and I are not around, Ariel-sama will probably die soon, so I don't want to abandon her."

After saying that, Sylphy is scratching behind her ears again.

And she adds to that [But the life I have now is the one I had dread about my whole life, so … if possible I'd like to stick with Rudi.]

Sylphy seems to be thinking that what she is saying is a selfish thing.

She thinks she used my good will to gain sothing that normally would not be possible, and because of that, she's trying her best to beco the woman I love.

Though there is no way that's true.

"......"

Instead of answering that I kiss Sylphy on the cheek, the mont I do that we hear 'Hyu~u, Hyu~u' and so sleazy comnts, without us noticing we had gathered a group of onlookers, Sylphy had her sunglasses on from the get go, Fitts-senpai looks cute as always.

After a few minutes, Sylphy cald down and we resud our shopping, though our conversation went a bit off-track.

Well, the things I wanted to talk about are mostly done, so as long as Sylphy gets along with those two, my hardship will reduce as well.

To be honest, I don't have the slightest idea what these young girls are thinking about.

"Since I don't understand the girls very well, I'll be relying on Sylphy again…"

"Un~… we are married after all, helping each other is a given."

Said Sylphy while laughing coyly.

My wife is so reliable.

But [Rudi will be fine without , but Ariel-sama will die.] Hah, I bet Sylphy would be able to live without just fine, unlike before.

A week later, Aisha got a perfect score on the exam.

Aisha's Ability:

She might not look it, but in truth she has already reached the skill level of a royal maid.

After the end of the exam, leading Aisha and Norn, I returned to our house.

It was a written exam.

It wasn't sothing that corresponds to your age.

It was an orthodox entrance exam that combines general knowledge and the basic six types of magic.

Targeting all ages.

It's different from the ti with .[49]

Naturally, I guess.

Aisha got full points on her exam.

The culture is sowhat different between here and Milis.

In other words, that ans there's a gap between the general knowledge.

Even so, she took full points.

I have nothing to complain about.

Jinas as well was saying if this is how it is when she's 10 years old, then with so conditions attached, she could be a Special Student.

Although, the promise with Aisha wasn't about that.

"Then, just as promised, I'm going to serve Onii-chan, right!?"

After we returned to the house, Aisha declared that triumphantly.

That expression was one full of pride.

"That ans you intend to beco the house maid? Even though we're family?"

"That's wrong. I'm not going to beco the house maid - I'm going to beco Onii-chan's maid!"

Her dream for the future is to beco Onii-chan's maid.

That is... I really wonder about that.

I can't help the feeling that sothing is warped.[50]

However, a promise is a promise.

"Alright. Then make sure you listen to whatever I tell you."

"Yes! Looking forward to serving you, master!"

Master, it has a good sound to it.

If it wasn't my little sister saying it to , I'm sure I'd be getting very excited.

Even though I have a beloved wife.

"Even though I say that, if you think of anything that you want to learn, say it without reservation."

"At that ti, does that an master will teach all about it?"

Aisha put one of her fingers against her lips and made a flirtatious glance.

I wonder if what she wants to be taught is sothing erotic.

If she says sothing like, "Onii-chan... teach how children are made." I'll go ahead and teach her properly all about sex education.

Of course without eroticism.

"Although, what's with 'master'?"

"Since I'm going to be serving you, it's no good if we don't make the distinction."

Oh? It's honorifics.

"Is the usual Onii-chan no good?"

"That would be mixing work and private affairs."

As expected of soone who earned full points.

She sure knows so difficult words.

Well, it's fine I guess.

Though, I might end up being looked at with weird eyes by Sylphy.

She did take full points after all, I'll let her do as she pleases.

"I understand. In regards to the job, please consult with Sylphy, and decide on it."

"Yes. I've learned the jobs of a maid from my mother. Please leave it to ."

After saying that, Aisha stood up and crossed her arms in front of her body, then deeply bowed her head.

It's the birth of the little sister maid. [51]

Little sister maid.

What a moving impression the sound of those words give off.

Well, she will still be taught as well, so in my previous life it would at most be called, "helping with chores."

On Norn's side, they were scores you can't really call good.

According to Jinas, they were average, or maybe even a bit lower for her age, but it seems it's not bad.

Even though I say that, if we were to compare her to Aisha, saying there's no inferiority would just be sugarcoating it.

Well, she did co here after journeying for a year. It was an exam she took soon after settling down, it can't be helped.

I'm sure at least she would have liked a chance to study and review.

Eh, there's no need to rush.

It's fine as long she improves from here on.

Even if she can't beco number one, setting average as the final goal is not a problem.

Human society is made up of compromises like that.

It's fine if you're not superior. It's fine if you're just average.

"Norn, which subject do you want to study?"

"..."

Norn didn't respond.

Just continuing with her eyes cast down, averting her eyes with a sullen face...

It seems she still doesn't like .

I'd like to close the distance a bit more between her and .

However, well, I wonder what can be done about it.

"I'm not all that familiar with the subjects that can be studied though... If I rember correctly, after studying the common knowledge class work for three years, you're allowed to choose. In our school, there's so pretty interesting lessons you can take. For the ti being, try attending for a few years and see if you can find sothing that you would like to do. If there's nothing, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and specialize in healing magic. Mother was a healing magician as well after all. Since there's few healing magicians around this area, you'll be able to find work in a doctor's office or hospital."

"..."

Since there was no reply, I was just going on and on talking myself.

And suddenly, Norn looked this way.

It was sohow a gaze that wanted to say sothing.

I kept silent.

"...I want to try living in the dorm."

Norn quietly said that with a nervous tone of voice.

I started to think over those words.

"Living in the dorms, huh."

That's no good.

Though, it'll be simple to just reject it.

However, I'll try thinking about it seriously.

It seems that Norn went out of her way to gather her courage after all.

First off, it's having a 10 year old young girl living on her own.

Regardless of other things, that's too soon.

However, living in a dorm isn't living alone.

Fundantally, there are two people per room.

Since Norn ca over here, she only has a few acquaintances.

She has no friends as well.

If she were to live in the dorm, she might be able to make friends.

I'm sure there are more or less so problems in regards to her age though.

There are kids in that school who start living in the dorms and attending from a younger age as well.

The dorm has so extent of precise rules and is a safe place.

Even saying she's 10 years old, I'm sure she won't be inconvenienced.

I want to get along a bit better with her, but if things continue in this state... I have the feeling that even if we manage to get closer physically, we'll just remain at the sa distance emotionally.

In my previous life I was always secluded in my parents' house.

Secluded, rejecting everything.

My family tried making plans for this and that in order to try and close the distance between us.

Fishing using expensive items, bringing delicious tasting things, talking about the future with sweet words.

Each ti, I felt like my heart was getting further away from my family.

I got the feeling like I was being treated as an animal.

Rather than living in the sa place, seeing each other's faces everyday, and speaking of each other's complexion, living in a sowhat separated place and watching over her from a distance might be the better option wouldn't it?

Isn't it important for each side to mutually calm down and look over things in regards to the other side?

Aisha took on a natural attitude that looks down on Norn.

I've told her to be careful about it, but since the person herself doesn't seem to be self-conscientious about it, the disposition is a bit bad.

I'm sure there's no other option than to try and fix it over a long period.

Being looked down on by Aisha inside the house, continually unable to face whom she hates...

I don't think I can stand at the top myself, but in this world, I am considered excellent as I go about.

The bitterness of trying to grow up surrounded by superior siblings...

There's no option other than running away from ho.

I already know the fate of a young girl who runs away from ho.

Being pulled in by a bad man in exchange for letting her stay over, requesting these sorts of things and those sorts of things.

If that's the case, then from the start, it's better to have her stay in a place that is safe I'm sure.

Besides, Sylphy is in the dorms as well.

She stays at ho once every three days, but in reverse, that ans she's at the dorm two out of every three days.

If a ti ever cos up where sothing happens, I'm sure she can quickly support her.

Fortunately, it seems Norn doesn't hate Sylphy.

I guess the naked socializing on the first day was having an effect. [52]

Yeah, after thinking about it, I don't think it's a half bad suggestion.

Living in the dorms at 10 years old.

I wonder if she can properly learn to be independent and socialize properly.

"I get it. It's fine for Norn to live in the dorm. I'll submit an application."

"Eh!! Onii-chan!?"

The one who raised her voice in surprise was Aisha.

She was making a face like she couldn't believe it.

"Why! Norn-ane's scores weren't good at all!"

Her maid tone from just before had crumbled.

"Aisha??"

"Even though I put that much effort into it! It's no fair for just Norn-ane!"

It's not that sort of problem.

However, looking at it from Aisha's side, it might look like I'm showing favoritism.

In order for her own wishes to be fulfilled, she took full points on the exam.

It could be that during this past week, she's been reviewing and preparing for it in a place where I wasn't watching.

Norn didn't do anything.

And yet, I'm allowing Norn to do as she wants.

That is unfair. It is favoritism.

During tis like these, I wonder what my parents said in my previous life.

I can't rember.

For example, listen to what I tell you or listen to what I say. I have the feeling I was told sothing like that.

I wonder if I was able to agree with that.

I'm sure I wasn't able to.

I wonder about Aisha.

Would she be able to accept it with that way of talking.

I'm sure she wouldn't be able to.

No, she's a superior child.

I'm sure, if I told her what I was thinking, she would understand it.

That's what I think, but that might just be my arrogance.

In any case, I'll try talking to her and see.

"Aisha. It's not like I'm particularly listening to Norn's selfishness. Just, I thought that living in the dorm would be better for her sake."

"But."

"Norn hasn't made any acquaintances since she ca over here... Well, I can't really say much myself, since things don't really balance up with as well. I'm sure you've seen this past week, but it almost looks like breathing has beco difficult."

"But, Otou-san said... we should live together with Onii-chan."

Hm.

After being told like that, I feel like I have no choice other than to tie Norn to the house.

No, there's no way that's the case.

There's no way it's better to always do as one is told.

Paul is often mistaken after all.

I can't really say that my decision is correct as well though.

"Of course, I have no intention of abandoning my duty of looking after you two. But, if things continue like this, things won't end up well for Norn. By living in the dorm, she might be able to obtain sothing."

"...."

Aisha cast her eyes down.

For so reason, those eyes had tears building up in them.

"...Showing partiality to Norn-ane, is it because my mother is a mistress?"

Abruptly, Aisha said those things.

Mistress.

After hearing those words.

I instinctively felt that this is bad.

"By mistress, you an Lilia-san? Aisha, who told you that? Was it Otou-san? There's no way Norn could have said it right?"

"Mother and also Norn's grandmother..."

Large tears were falling from Aisha's eyes.

Speaking of Lilia and Norn's grandmother, in other words, Zenith's parents' ho.

I can't help that Lilia has said it.

She feels one step drawn back in regards to Zenith and I.

It seems she intends to pass things through completely with the position of a maid.

Therefore, it can't be helped if she makes the request for the position to be one step back in regards to Zenith's daughter.

I'm sure Paul would connect with them equally, but by no ans does that make them equivalent.

Zenith's parents are nobles.

If I rember correctly, it was a house with a considerable pedigree.

My aunt, Therese, was by no ans a bad person.

However, it's not like everyone has a lenient way of thinking about the social position.

In the first place, they have reason to be affectionate towards Zenith's daughter, but if it's Lilia's daughter, then there's no reason to be affectionate.

They're not related by blood after all.

It's not a matter of blaming either side.

It's that sort of culture.

"Is it because I'm only connected half by blood...[sniffle]..."

However, there's no way a child wouldn't be hurt over things like that.

Aisha with her face completely crumpled up started hiccuping.

I might have misunderstood sothing a bit.

Aisha is a difficult child in Aisha's own way.

"I don't think of Lilia-san as a mistress at all. I feel that both you and Norn are equally my little sisters."

"But... I, gusu... worked hard, studied, and took the exam, Norn-ane is??"

Aisha was appealing while crying between pauses.

After all it seems she studied for it.

Even though there was only one week before the exam.

She was able to take a good score...

"Aisha."

"What is it?"

"You might not understand if I put it into words, but I intend to recognize your hard work. Therefore, I permitted the fact that you don't have to go to school."

"But, you said Norn-ane is allowed to stay in the dorm??"

[Sniffle], Aisha's nasal voice is sounding in my heart.

However, this isn't favoritism.

"In regards to everything, I intend to make decisions based on that ti. For example, if you were to say you wanted to go to school starting now or wanted to enter the dorm, I would allow that. But in reverse, if Norn said she doesn't want to go to school, or says she wants to do work around the house, I won't allow that because you got full points on the exam."

After saying that, Aisha bent her lips and kept silent.

And then,

".....I understand."

Having said that, it seems like she still has so dissatisfaction.

However, in the end, she accepted it with a nod.

Norn watched over this situation in a way that she wasn't finding anything amusing.

However, I feel like I can see a bit of the setting.

Zenith's family were looking down on Aisha as an illegitimate child.

And with that, Aisha gave it her best in order to not lose to Norn.

As expected, Paul never made any sort of distinction though... [53]

It seems that in a place I wasn't aware, the relationship between my two little sisters turned into sothing distorted.

There are no longer any nobles nearby.

There's no one to look down on Aisha.

If I properly keep them company, then with ti, things should be resolved.

"For the ti being, I'll add a condition onto that. Norn, at least once every ten days, you need to show your face in this house."

After saying that, Norn lowered her eyebrows.

"...For what reason?"

"Because I'll worry."

Also, I have responsibility as the overseer.

I wouldn't be able to show my face in front of Paul if I left her in the dorm and abandoned her there,

"...I understand."

Norn nodded with an unwilling feeling.

My new lifestyle started to include my two little sisters.

I put in an application at the dorms for Norn's sake and prepared for her to be accepted there.

I talked with Sylphy about it as well, and if anything happens within the dorm, I sincerely requested for her to take care of it.

"Are you going to keep Norn-chan at a distance?"

Sylphy used a bit of a condemning tone of voice.

In her regard, she might think it's best for Norn's sake that she remains in the house and does various things.

Even I think that's a possibility as well.

But, if I think about the things that occurred the other day, I can't think that's the best decision.

I told Sylphy about that matter.

"It might be better not to keep Aisha and Norn together. It seems like a variety of things were said about a mistress and such. It's not like I'm pushing her to a distance. We're just suddenly far too close, so I'm putting a bit of distance between us."

"Hnnn... those sorts of things happened... I get it. As much as possible, I'll try to keep an eye on Norn-chan as well."

Sylphy pleasantly nodded in agreent.

It would be good as long as this continues in a good direction.

Aisha has beco our house maid.

She is superior.

Ever since Aisha has started taking care of things in the house, the burden on Sylphy has largely been reduced.

Aisha is doing all of the cleaning.

The laundry is done by Aisha as well.

My jobs have been taken away by Aisha.

This ans that I can't stroke or rub my cheeks against Sylphy's used panties anymore.

Giving up on it, unable to explain it, I have no choice other than to move on just like before.

There are duties which we couldn't hand over to her though--shopping and cooking are done by Sylphy.

Aisha is a helper.

Other than that, arrangents for cleaning the chimney, greeting the people who live in the neighborhood, and all these other things that I never realized were being done in succession as well.

She's really excellent.

She stands out and makes no mistakes. She has no faults.

I'm sure she's putting in effort in places I can't see as well.

It seems Aisha intends to take being a maid seriously.

Taking off the mask of a little sister, doing her duty with a steel will.

It's the result of Lilia's education.

She would generally take care of various things around the house. When we return, she would help Sylphy with making als, help out with preparing the bath, prepare a change of clothes before Sylphy and I enter the bath, help Sylphy after getting out of the bath, brush and set her hair.

Even on the days of her night shift, she would put on winter clothes and head out saying, [I will now conduct myself to the madam and return.]

It seems Sylphy sohow feels a bit troubled by it.

It's actually quite enjoyable to watch those two.

Also, during tis when visitors co by, she looks after them as well.

Though I say that, the only one that has co these past few days is just Nanahoshi.

The other day she ca to formally say her thanks again.

She said she wanted to prepare sothing as thanks, so I requested so kind of useful magic circle that makes use of summoning magic.

On the occasion that the experint proceeds to the second phase, it seems she'll give an explanation.

In regards to Nanahoshi, Aisha was truly diligent in looking after her.

Preparing the bath and a change of clothes, even up to washing her body...

It seems Nanahoshi was considerably irritated by it.

In response, I was sarcastically told that working my little sister so hard is sothing a fiend would do.

In her regard, the bath might be isolated, rich, and sothing that she can't help but be appeased by.

The next ti Nanahoshi cos to enter the bath, I'll tell her to try and keep her distance.

Later on, when I do sothing in the living room, she goes around doing this and that to take care of .

Confirming the situation of the fire in the fireplace, bringing out so kind of warm drink...

I really do feel that it's a bit odd to be taken care of like this by my little sister.

However, Aisha is doing it so happily.

I'm sure it will be fine to continue like this for a while.

It's not like I'm coercing her into it...

Is what I was thinking, but if you use magic from the ti when you're young, your aggregate amount of magic power will increase.

I rembered such rules.

If she's not going to school, then at the very least, I think it would be good if she just trains her magic power.

After reaching 10 years of age, it won't grow all that much, but even then, it will an her future growth is still positive.

Taking the opportunity as well, I'm sure it would be for the best if she can use attack magic up to the interdiate level.

Though there's no problems living with just elentary level, interdiate is the easiest to use in actual combat.

"Aisha, co over here for a bit. I'm going to teach you magic."

"Onii-chan is going to teach !?"

Aisha was making a face like she was really happy.

When her feelings are greatly moved, her tone tends to get disturbed.

She still hasn't reached Lilia's level it seems.

"It's just in case you ever need it. Even if you say no..."

"There's no way I would say I don't want it!"

Saying that, Aisha jumped on top of my lap.

Oh, cute.

"I'm in your care!"

It beca that Aisha would be taught magic by .

Even though I say that, she's already learned all the basics.

Just because she hasn't learned it yet, if she just reads a magic textbook, she can quickly learn interdiate magic I'm sure.

Incidentally, she was unable to use voiceless incantation.

It seems to be impossible to do by 10 year old after all.

For the ti being, I obligated her to use up almost all of her magic power everyday.

During the night, Aisha would co crawling into my bed.

"Onii-chan, is it fine for to sleep together with you?"

Since that one thing happened just the other day, I'm being a bit too sweet towards Aisha as well.

Well, sothing like sleeping together is fine I'm sure.

"Sure it is, now co."

I didn't make any complaints in particular and invited her into the bed.

Aisha's body is smaller than Sylphy's and she has a high body temperature.

Since this region is cold, she's the best as a hugging pillow.

Of course, nothing on the erotic side goes on.

Honestly, I don't feel like I can get into an erotic mood.

In the first place, she still hasn't finished developing her secondary sexual characteristics.

It seems she does have the knowledge itself though, but the point of sexual desire is still in the future I'm sure.

I have nothing to feel guilty about.

Well, if Aisha ends up holding sexual desires towards , then she'll have to give up on it at that ti.

I have nothing to say about anything in relation to near relatives though.

I just don't want to destroy the relationship with my family.

Well, while the days when Sylphy isn't around are fine, the problem lies on the days when there's no night shift.

My night life together with Sylphy once every three days...

Since my little sister is here as well, I thought we should hold back for a short while.

However, after thinking about how there's a defenseless girl sleeping next to , there's no way I can endure it.

No, in reality, I should be able to endure it though... If I were to take care of things myself.

Nevertheless, inside of the house, Aisha is always hanging around .

There's no way I could take care of it in the toilet at school.

Even though I have a wife, taking care of it myself is sohow a waste.

And in the end, while worrying about things, it ended up saving up.

In this young body with strong sexual desire, if I don't take care of it within a week, it will be on the verge of spontaneous discharge.

Next to such a young body, try putting a cute sleeping girl.

Not to ntion that girl is all okay without NGs. [54]

She's giving it her best to try and make a child. With her saying such lovable things, trying to endure seems stupid.

"Fu..."

As a result, the hustle was overdone to the end.

For the ti being, I did make sure to lock the door, and I enhanced the soundproofing of it with earth magic as well.

...I just have to pray that Aisha doesn't try to peek from her side.

"Rudi, today you were amazing..."

Afterwards, Sylphy was left quite listless.

Soaked in sweat, her slightly disheveled hair was just a bit glossed.

Now that the sweet pillow talk has ended, I begin wiping her body down with a wet towel while sitting on top of the bed in room clothes. [55]

The room clothes were made with a soft material - they're clothes with a bit of a plain feeling to them.

Rather than sweats, they're close to jerseys.

[They aren't very sexy are they?] is what Sylphy said, but that's completely wrong.

For Sylphy's sex appeal rather, these sorts of outfits in specific bring it to life.

It kind of feels like a track & field club girl is sitting down on top of the bed.

Precisely because the sexiness is sparse that in reverse accelerates the arousal.

It's the so-called artistic inclination. [56]

For example, if this was the black negligee that Eris wore, Elinalise were wearing it saying so kind provocative words, or Rinia and Pursena with their voluptuous flesh, it wouldn't end up like this.

It suits Sylphy's lack of sex appeal.

"..."

"Hn? What is it Rudi?"

When I realize it, I'm caressing Sylphy's slender body from behind.

It sure is a good body.

There are few uneven spots, but it's not a plain.

There's so fat, but for so reason, it's soft.

Just by embracing and caressing her like this, my lightning rod faces upwards.

"Umm... Do you still want to do it more?"

"No, Sylphy has work tomorrow as well. I'll endure it. Tomorrow morning, I'll be satisfied with groping them a bit."

"Really... it's fine if you don't endure it though, okay."

Sylphy fell over onto the bed...

And then faced and held out both of her arms towards .

"It's fine, Rudi. Co."

Sylphy said that shyly and full of bashfulness.

My patience turned into a gestalt collapse in an instant.

I already don't know the aning of patience anymore.

I matched both of my hands together, and then while jumping straight out of my clothes, I dived in aiming at Sylphy. [57]

The night has that sort of feeling to it.

Now.

Speaking of Norn, during the ti when all of the preparations for the dorm were being done, she was docile for several days.

She didn't say anything in specific towards .

Even though I say that, it's not like her attitude was specifically bad either.

If I say anything, she would do it, and she honestly listens to what I say.

Just, if you were to ask if we were getting along well, it's a difficult place.

In my regards, I'd like to deepen my friendship with Norn a bit more.

Which is why I tried asking her once, "Do you want to enter the bath together?"

The so-called naked socializing that is.

"...No."

However, Norn refused it with an extrely unpleasant face.

In exchange, Aisha said, "Ah, I'll enter together with you," and then washed my back and even ended up giving a massage.

Aisha can handle everything easily without slipping up.

Even her washing thod is skillful. She will beco a splendid soap lady. [58]

No, I'll be troubled if she becos one though.

The preparations for Norn to enter the dorm were completed after several days.

It seems her roommate is a fourth year student.

In the sa year as Nanahoshi huh.

If it was at least a fifth or sixth year, then I have acquaintances though.

Her roommate had a cap almost like a cockatoo's, it was a girl like a small parrot. [59]

Matching up with that feeling, she moves with a jumpy feel.

She's either a Demon Race or a bird-type Beast Race.

Her na is lissa.

She wasn't a person who had any bad rumors about her.

There are many half and quarter races in this school.

I need to make sure Norn doesn't say any sort of discriminating statents.

For the ti being, it might be better to just leave her with greetings.

Thinking that, I approached her with a smile, but she was frightened.

She couldn't even talk.

That frightened.

It might be better to keep it hidden that I'm related to Norn in the school.

I'm treated as the Bancho in this school after all.

It would be pitiful if she was feared and unable to make any friends because of that.

Well, I want to think things will work out sohow without worrying that much.

If I overlook things from one to ten, then I might end up excessively caring for her after all.

If it cos down to it, she can rely on Sylphy and Luke, or Ariel.

Those three are popular in the school.

If you're together with those three, people gather.

If a person enters into that group, naturally, they'll be associated with its social interactions and make friends as well.

No, in reverse, if it's those three, there's the possibility that she might be jealous.

No-no, just like that, treading through those stormy seas is also sothing that connects into growth isn't it?

Hmm.

How difficult. [60]

Social disposition is really difficult.

In any case, it won't be good if Norn doesn't manage to do sothing about it herself.

I'm sure it would be better to not interfere until sothing happens.

For a short while, I'll wait-and-see.

Even though I say that, yeah, I'm worried.

After all, wouldn't it be better for her to commute from ho.

The day we sent Norn to the dorm, I told Norn, who was holding her bag while wearing a uniform, about various points to be careful on.

In the dorm, you need to abide by the rules.

She needs to give it her best when studying.

Even if she sees a Demon Race, don't be discriminatory.

There were a lot of things I wanted to say, but if I say too much, she won't rember them all.

"Norn. If sothing troubles you at school, please tell or Sylphy."

For the ti being, I'll at least say that much.

"Yes."

Norn responded like that without looking in the eyes.

I wonder if the day will ever co that I can get along with her.

I'm uneasy.

"Also, when you wake up and before you sleep, properly brush your teeth."

"Yes."

I need to say this as well.

"Enter the bath as well."

"Yes."

I need to say that as well.

"Do your howork as well."

"...Yes."

That's right, there's things about illnesses as well.

"Don't catch a cold." [61]

"..."

She was looking at with extrely annoyed eyes.

As I thought, I'm a bit worried.

Around the ti when Nanahoshi was troubled and Zanoba settled it,

He had actually explained one secret of the doll a while back.

This happened about a week earlier, before Nanahoshi went berserk.

"Shishou, take a look at this."

That day.

When he entered the research lab, Zanoba was happily carrying a box.

His expression was many tis more boastful than usual.

"What's this?"

"It's the arm of that doll from the other day."

Zanoba put the box on the table and took out the contents wrapped in cloth.

When the cloth was unwrapped, just like Zanoba said, there was an arm of a doll.

However, it looked as if it was cut into round slices like sweet bean jelly.

"I saw there was a joint on the portion where the paint wore off, so when I split it thinking that was the case, it beca like this."

Zanoba showed the cross-sections of the arm.

A pattern like a QR code was compactly written on there.

It's a magic circle.

It's completely different from what Nanahoshi draws.

It's a mysterious pattern.

That were different patterns on the cross-sectioned parts.

The back and the front.

The patterns were slightly different.

Even though they were part of the sa joint, they were not the sa.

"I see... the magic circle was compacted even at the arm. It's interesting that it differs at the surface joints."

It's like seeing the cross-section of at.

Like a vivid view of a human body cut into round slices.

"Still, I didn't realize there were joints to this."

"Even I wouldn't have realized this if the paint wasn't falling off."

"I see."

Zanoba seed very excited at making such an important discovery.

I am rather calm myself.

I knew that it couldn't move without applying so special craft to it.

"I see, with that many magic inscriptions written, it can only move so little."

"Oh? Shishou, do you understand these magic inscriptions?"

"Nope, not a clue."

These magic circles, they were only ant to move the arm.

Or rather, if those inscriptions weren't written on the arm, it couldn't be controlled?

Or was it sothing else?

I wouldn't know unless we researched it.

In any case, this doll was loitering inside the house in the middle of the night, going around and cleaning.

If it found enemies, it would go and eliminate them.

Once it finished cleaning, it would return to the charging station to recharge.

It had that sort of function.

Even a Roomba didn't have that kind of efficiency.

To have an ability like exterminating enemies, that's already like a Roach Motel.

It's not like the doll was completed rely by scribbling inscriptions on its head and body.

I don't want to make a Roomba.

I want to make a moving doll.

I want to see one in action.

If I can make one that moves, it will sell well.

I can probably sell it for a pretty high price.

No, it's not like I want a large sum of money.

I like money as much as anyone, but even if I have a lot of it, it's wasted on soone like .

Although it's a different story, if I was to make a doll that could restore the honor of the Superd Race...

That was one of my dreams.

Another dream was of having a maid robot.

"There must be a magic circle to control the movent in the head or torso. If you locate it, please 'break' it carefully."

"Yes, Shishou."

Zanoba nodded and wrapped the pieces of the arm and placed it back into the box.

Thus, with that kind of discovery, Zanoba ca up with a theory.

With that theory in mind he helped Nanahoshi complete her layered magic inscription.

Even though she was about to give up, she successfully summoned sothing from another world.

I am sure I can complete my maid robot soon.

That reality is not far away.

When that thought cos to , I beco motivated.

Today, like any other day, I headed to Zanoba's laboratory.

My steps were light.

"Zanoba, I'm coming in."

I knocked once, and then I entered into Zanoba's lab.

There was a girl standing there acting as the gatekeeper.

Although not a beautiful woman, it was a woman that I recognized.

"Ooh, Ginger-san, it's been a while."

She had eyed with suspicion, but when I greeted her, she bowed her head with a straight face.

"If it isn't Sir Rudeus. It's been a while."

A forr knight of Shirone, and a bodyguard of the Third Prince Zanoba:

Ginger York.

How nostalgic.

"I had thought about greeting you at least once, but it's been a little hectic."

"Not a problem. In fact, I apologize. I had not thanked you for guarding my sisters without compensation..."

"Thanks to Aisha-dono, our trip was very quick. That is already my compensation."

Ginger waved in, and I entered the lab.

Zanoba and Julie were working as usual.

Zanoba was transcribing the magic circles, and Julie was chiseling a figurine.

In any case, Julie seed to be nearly finished, so I went to take a look.

"How is it?"

"Yes, it's almost complete, Grandmaster. What do you think?"

"This Zanoba doll is pretty good. But doesn't he look a bit too attractive?"

"Master is cool."

Yup.

She's still unrefined, but she's got good taste.

She has been learning quickly.

Zanoba was taking a bit more ti.

When I looked, Ginger was suddenly looking at .

"...What is it, Ginger-san?"

"No, it's nothing... just that, you seem to have grown a lot."

"The last ti we t was about four years ago I think? Of course I've grown."

Recently, I felt that many people have said that I looked cool.

It could be that my sex appeal was flowing out.

If I hadn't married Sylphy, I would probably have had a harem by now.

No, having a harem would be a disaster in its own way.

It doesn't seem like I can casually raise kids in that scenario.

"Co to think of it, what will you do from now on, Ginger-san?"

"I am thinking of staying by Zanoba's side."

"So you an to go back to being his guard?"

"Yes, since I have completed my mission."

The mission of guarding Lilia and Aisha.

She was loyal in protecting the both of them, for a mission that spanned many years.

What admirable loyalty.

Zanoba should reward this lady more.

A blessing and duty.

"Zanoba, shouldn't you give her so kind of reward?"

"No, Rudeus-dono, I am..."

"Hmm. You're right. Ginger, is there anything that you want?"

Zanoba asked that question.

Ginger stared in puzzlent.

Surely, she had not received anything from Zanoba up till now.

She thought for a mont, then knelt on one knee with her head bowed down.

Then, she spoke.

"In that case, please allow to educate Julie. While she is the disciple of Sir Rudeus, to have her work for Zanoba may be slightly rude."

"Very well, I give you permission."

"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Permission to teach, huh.

Different from what I expected.

In the end, it's all for Zanoba's sake, no?

No, it may be that slaves were not ant to receive higher-quality education.

Humans ate the fruit of wisdom and were chased out from the Garden of Eden.

Before obtaining wisdom, human beings were happy-go-lucky and did not have any doubts.

To a ruler, it's good that people under them remained stupid.

That's why slaves don't receive education.

The risk of rebellion would increase.

Although in exchange, their productivity also increases.

Well, it's fine.

It would be troubling if she were to demand a plot of land.

I don't hate a loyal relationship where one doesn't ask for much.

"Now, let's talk about the research. How's it going?"

"I'm thinking of starting on the feet next."

"I was just thinking that as well, but wouldn't it be better to research the inscriptions on the arms thoroughly before starting the feet? Once you break it apart, you can't put it back together."

"Yeah, you're right."

"If we show this to Cliff-senpai or Nanahoshi, they might know sothing."

Zanoba and I started to disassemble the second arm.

Suddenly, Ginger was standing next to .

Looking at her, she showed an expression of wanting to say sothing.

"What is it?"

"Rudeus-dono... Um, even if Zanoba may be comfortable, he's still Shirone royalty. No matter what kind of master-servant relationship you guys have, isn't it impolite to ask in that manner?"

"Hmm?"

Impolite.

Co to think of it, I've been speaking to Zanoba in a casual manner today.

Normally, I think of speaking using honorifics.

But after speaking with Aisha a few days back, I might have relaxed my awareness a bit.

As a retainer, to hear such impolite words directed at her master, she would probably feel irritated.

It can't be helped, guess I'll use honorifics when I am in front of Ginger.

"You're right, I apologize. I've been careless and spoiled by Zanoba's goodwill..."

When I said that.

Zanoba moved.

"GINGERRRRR!"

Zanoba grabbed Ginger's neck.

She was lifted up and pushed against the wall.

It made a loud thudding noise.

Julie was surprised and stopped moving her hands.

"You bastard! Even though Shisho has opened his heart towards ! What are you saying?! Apologize! Apologize to Shisho right now!"

"Guh... uughh...!"

Ginger was in pain.

...Hey.

Hey, she's seriously being choked.

This is overdoing it!

"Zanoba! Zanoba! Let her go!"

When I shouted, Zanoba released his hands.

Ginger's neck showed Zanoba's grip marks very clearly.

She tried grasping at her neck, and her pale face grimaced at the pain.

She couldn't lift her hands. It seems when she was pushed up against the wall her shoulder bones had broken.

I imdiately chanted healing magic and healed her wounds.

Ginger knelt in front of and bowed her head.

"Cough... Cough... Rudeus-dono, I apologize."

She apologized to .

Even more so, after being strangled...

"..."

I couldn't endure this feeling.

You're apologizing to , isn't this wrong?

Ginger shouldn't be blad for this.

I turned to Zanoba.

"Zanoba! Are you an idiot?!"

"Huh...? B-but Shisho, she selfishly said those things without any regard to our relationship..."

"Even so, just words would have sufficed!"

Ginger had served for a long ti.

She had protected my family for four years in foreign lands.

She ca all the way back here despite suffering hardships during those years.

However, with just one word of impoliteness, her throat was crushed, and her shoulders were broken.

This was too cruel.

I treasure the fact that he and I get along.

It even makes very happy.

However, he shouldn't make light of a woman who has remained faithful all this ti.

"No, Rudeus-dono, it's fine. Although I had not seen him for a while, Zanoba has grown up splendidly. I am not upset at all."

Ginger said that with a straight face.

...Huh?

Was I wrong?

I had thought she should have been rewarded more.

Was I thoughtless in saying that?

"...Zanoba."

"Yes, Shisho."

"I think that you're a great friend."

When I said that, Zanoba's face lit up.

"However, Ginger has protected my family. Ever since we had parted, for the past four years, she has always looked over them. She's soone I am indebted to. Please don't make light of that."

"I understand Shisho. Ginger, I apologize."

Zanoba made a ek face and nodded.

However, Ginger spoke.

"No, Sir Zanoba. Those words are unnecessary. As I've sworn allegiance to you with my entire being, I will not be discontent even if I were to die. I apologize for my impertinence."

With Ginger's formal attitude, I can no longer say anything.

So this is another form of a master-servant relationship.

If Zanoba was wrong, should I give advice properly?

No, it's fine.

It's not sothing I should be worried about.

As I don't know the common sense of Shirone's hierarchy, I would just be making a ss of things if I were to cut into this.

Putting aside Ginger and Zanoba's relationship, the research on the autonomous doll was going well.

"Now, although I said to focus on the arms, you can proceed at your own discretion."

"No, let's go with Shisho's plan. Rather than breaking it apart and reassembling it, it would be safer to recreate the sa arm."

Thus, it was decided that we analyse the arm.

I should get Cliff and Nanahoshi to help out as well.

Otherwise, Zanoba would probably proceed by himself.

Although I wanted to ddle around a bit, it seems like he can handle it himself, so there's no need.

"Please leave it to . It seems that I am becoming quite talented at this."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, even though I surprised myself, recently, I've been enlightened every day."

Doing his favorite research all day long.

Next to him is a doll making specialist.

So to him, it must be his ideal everyday life.

However, what will happen after he graduates?

Will he be settling down here?

Well, that's not for to decide.

Even if one of Zanoba's reasons to do so was .

"Well, keep it up, I'll co by again."

"I'll be waiting for you."

"Please treat Ginger gently."

"Of course."

With that exchange, I left the laboratory.

---

Thus, the research on the doll continued.

That being said, a month has passed by.

Today at Ronoa Magic University the Delinquent Group held a eting.

...In other words.

It's the Special Student Horoom session.

---

Currently, I am worried.

About my sister Norn.

Even since she started living in the dorms, our relationship hasn't gotten any better.

On the contrary, when we see each other in the hallway, she ignores .

At tis she seems to gaze at frankly with scornful eyes.

Well, that might just be my persecution complex taking over...

In any case, we aren't getting along.

Well, that's fine.

It's fine.

Even though I'm a bit lonely, it's fine.

It's not like we absolutely have to get along as siblings.

Even if we don't normally get along, I'll protect Norn if anything happens.

Even if sothing happens I can't beco an over-demanding parent.

Yeah.

Being in position of the leader of misfits sure is convenient.

Aside from bullying horoom teachers, I can do anything.

And since I know Jinas, I can consult with him.

That is to say I can consult with them about many things.

I should probably send so gifts to Jinas this ti.

However, over the span of this month, Norn has not made a single friend.

Even though I see her in the hallways, she's alone most of the ti.

Even though she doesn't seem lonely, seeing that makes worried.

Well, I'll think of sothing even if she doesn't make any friends.

But, is she doing ok in class?

Is she ok living in the dorms?

I am really worried.

Having said that, it would be wrong for to get too involved.

Speaking of first years that I know, it would be that first-year representative delinquent.

If I use her to forcibly help Norn out, she would definitely find out and hate .

Besides, what's that first-year rep's na again?

All I rember was that she looks like a Siberian Husky puppy.

"Boss seems to be down lately nya."

"Yeah nano."

While I was worrying, Rinia and Pursena peeked at with their heads.

The noisy bunch, the two of them.

These girls are the idols to the males of the Beast Race.

Ever since I went and reconciled with Princess Ariel, they've been surrounded by underlings frequently in the hallways.[62]

They definitely don't have to worry about a lack of friends.

"Since you're like this, boss, we've prepared a present for you nya."

"It took us a month to prepare it nano."

Saying that, Rinia placed a bag on top of the desk.

It was pretty big.

I wonder what's inside?

"Oh, don't look inside until you get ho nya."

"Open it when nobody's looking nano."

Hey, that's suspicious.

What is it?

Is it that? That powder?

Happy Turn Powder? [63]

In the northern lands to the east, in one part of the Demon Continent, there was a powder circulating in the markets that brings you happiness.

In this country, there are no laws specifically forbidding drugs.

As far as I know, Milis and Asura have laws regarding that, but there are none in this region.

Of course, I won't go out of my way to get powder.

If it's poisonous or if it makes go into withdrawal, my interdiate detoxification magic won't work.

I heard that Saint level detoxification can suppress those withdrawal symptoms, though.

In the beginning, it's not like I really need to rely on powder.

However, I might need to use for sothing.

I'll keep it for now.

If I run into financial troubles, it'll sell pretty well.

"Thank you very much."

"It's nothing at all nya."

"Boss is having trouble down there as well nano."

Ah.

That's right.

Speaking of which, these two live in the dorms.

Living in the dorms for six years, they should know various things.

I should consult with them a bit.

"Actually, I am worried about my little sister."

"Little sister? Ah, we t her the other ti nya. The girl that's dressed like a maid."

"She was at the marketplace. We knew by her sll. She slled like the boss."

It seems like the two of them had t with Aisha in the city.

The maid sister frequently sleeps together with , which would explain why they could sll my presence on her.

"It's not her, it's my other sister who started living in the dorms last month."

"Eh? There was another nya?"

"She's living in the dorms nano?"

The two of them exchanged glances.

They haven't been introduced to Norn, but it seems they wouldn't have realized it even if they had t.

Since she hasn't been around , they probably couldn't sll my presence from her.

"Yes, but she seems to hate , and recently hasn't been talking. What can I do to get along with her?"

"Eh, ummm... let's see nya. It's a difficult problem nya."

"As long as we advertise Boss's good points it'll be fine nano."

Manipulation of information.

If people speak of Rudeus in the school as a popular super hero,

then would Norn want to speak with ?

Even if Rinia and Pursena did this, there are already stories of [Rudeus the leader of misfits] floating around.

I want to have a more child-friendly story where I rescue a puppy or sothing.

Maybe a story like when I first t Julie would be good.

"Ah, that's right. My sister doesn't seem to have any friends. Even though it has only been a month, and I know I shouldn't be anxious. However, as a transfer student, I am worried that she isn't adapting to the class."

"I, I see nya. But you don't know for sure nya."

"It might just be that she doesn't have a chance to talk nano."

Ever since we started talking, Rinia and Pursena are acting strange.

As if they were flustered about sothing.

When these two are stamring like this, it ans they're hiding sothing.

"...Don't tell you guys laid a hand on my sister when I wasn't looking."

"Th, that's not it at all nya!"

"That's right! Totally unthinkable! Boss's advice to 'Never bully the weak', we take it to heart!"

I see.

Then, why are they flustering?

Sothing's strange.

But, since I've told them now, if Norn happens to get bullied, these two will protect her.

"B, boss's sister, how old is she nya?"

"Is she older than the maid nano? Or younger?"

They asked sothing weird.

Although she's older, she's only older by a couple of hours.

"She's of the sa age, she's ten."

"I, I see nya!"

"Then we're alright, we didn't do anything wrong nano."

It seems they felt guilty.

They probably were acting bossy towards the freshn.

Well, if they're just glaring at them, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Those two were trembling in fear.

Usually when giving other people presents you would be looking with anticipation.

I've got a bad feeling about this.

I feel like I want to open it now.

"Preparing sothing like this for , there's no way I would be angry."

Even if there's a corpse of a rat inside... Well, I'll be shocked at the very least.

Then, I saw Cliff sitting next to us.

"What do you think, Cliff-senpai?"

I decided to ask him on a whim.

"...Hmph, you can survive even if you don't have friends!"

When Cliff says that, it feels kinda heavy.

I don't want you to worry, you're not alone.

Elinalise is also with you.

...Ah, and as well.

But, even if Cliff can't read the atmosphere,

My heart as a brother wants him to know he has at least one person.

Lunch break.

Nanahoshi brought her own lunch to the cafeteria.

She's realized that eating with people is important.

Then again, she's very quiet when she eats.

"What is it...?"

"No, it's nothing."

When I looked at her she stared at .

Even though she prepared her own food, she hasn't eaten much up to now.

Although she doesn't seem to mind the taste, she doesn't act like it's delicious.

"That seems awful."

"Yeah, even though it's a recipe I made myself, it's the worst."

"In this world, there aren't any good ingredients compared to Japan."

"Yeah."

"Do you have anything you like to eat in this world?"

"Well, there's the potato chips I ate at your house. Those were delicious."

Sylphy made those.

Certainly, it's simple to make and the taste isn't very different.

"Should I make so again?"

"...No thanks."

Alrighty, I'll prepare so the next ti you co for a bath.

However, this past month, Badigadi hasn't shown up.

I haven't seen him once in the cafeteria.

I wanted to speak to him about Ruijerd.

Though, thanks to his absence, Julie's table manners have improved.

Ginger taught etiquette to Julie.

When Badigadi was around, this proved difficult.

But, without Badigadi around, sothing felt off.

That laughter was really enjoyable after all.

I think it was written that laughter brings forth the substance of happiness.

"Fuhahahahaha!"

"W, why are you laughing suddenly, did I do sothing?"

"Master?"

"Grandmaster...?"

Though I suddenly laughed,

I just felt embarrassnt swelling up.

I just can't do it like Badigadi.

"What are you laughing about?"

Luke suddenly appeared.

He was good-looking as ever, but he didn't have his followers today.

Sylphy isn't with him either.

"Since the Demon King isn't here, I tried to laugh like him."

"I see... Rudeus. Can you please co to the Student Council Room?"

Luke was putting on a complicated expression.

Did sothing happen?

"Understood."

I quickly gulped down my food and followed Luke.

Luke seed angry.

His footsteps were violent.

When we entered the Student Council room, there were two other people waiting.

Ariel's expression was the sa as usual, although her face was a bit pale.

Sylphy was also looking uneasy.

In front of them on the desk was sothing like a small pouch.

It seems sothing happened shortly after the new school term started.

"Thanks for bringing . Did sothing happen?"

"Yes..."

Ariel nodded.

It was mixed with her sigh.

Seems like it's a difficult subject.

"Recently, the freshn faces in the won's dorm have been pale lately."

"Oh."

Freshn in the won's dorm.

It seems this is related to Norn.

"When I asked them, these students put on a worried expression."

Perhaps Norn was involved?

If that's so, I will cooperate as well.

If I can resolve this problem in a splendid manner,

then as a brother, I can be soone that she can respect.

"Today, among the people I questioned in detail, about Rinia and Pursena, um..."

It seems Rinia and Pursena are related to this as well.

I told them not to bully the weak though.

Maybe they were extorting other students?

Sothing like cornering female students who had at or beef jerky.

"It seems they were coercing freshn into giving up their panties on the spot."

Panties?

"..."

In an instant, my gaze flew over to my bag.

No way.

But, it can't be.

"And when I got more information, those two seems to be talking in the cafeteria saying [Boss will be happy] and such."

"..."

That ans, there are panties in this bag.

Moreover, ones that have not been washed.

Oh My God.

Who was the one that wanted this?

Ah, I hate the that's slightly happy.

"Also, I heard the underwear they collected was put into a bag..."

When Ariel said that, she silently looked at the bag that I was holding.

Everybody in the room also gazed at the bag.

They probably connected the information they just heard to this bag.

They are probably quite certain that it's full of panties.

My dream of a bag filled with panties has co true.

"Rudeus-sama, pardon , but..."

"This bag is sothing I had received from Rinia and Pursena this morning. I was told not to look inside it until I was alone at ho, but now that you said that, the contents inside this bag is most likely what you've guessed."

I took the initiative. If I were to say it later it would be bad.

"I see, then I just want to confirm... did you order them to do this?"

"No, you're mistaken."

I answered flat-out.

Any hesitation in replying is unforgivable.

I must answer firmly.

Otherwise there'll be misunderstandings.

"So you're saying you're not involved in this."

"Correct."

In the first place, why would I hatch such a crazy plan like this?

Especially when my sister is in the dorms.

Damn it, what excuse can I give?

A way to clear this misunderstanding...

"I understand, I'll believe you."

Ariel sighed lightly as she spoke.

She believed in .

Even though I didn't have any proof.

"Thank you very much."

"No, it's just that I thought too that this was strange. Having an intense night with Sylphy yet attacking other girls..."

Did she overhear about our hot night?

In that case, even my embarrassing lines from last night too?

"...Sylphy. Did you talk to the princess? About our lover's talk last night."

"No, not at all. I didn't say anything! Princess Ariel, what's the aning of this!?"

Sylphy was shaking her head in a panic.

Well, even if they got along well together, one wouldn't talk about the details of her and her husband's night life.

Though even if she did talk about it, I wouldn't be bothered by it.

As long as Sylphy wasn't grumbling about being unsatisfied.

"No, I was just teasing. It's good that your married lifestyle is going well."

Ariel said that like nothing happened.

Well, whatever.

However, why did those two do this...

Gathering panties, it's not sothing an ordinary person would co up with.

No, co to think of it, I rember saying sothing like that a long ti ago.

About gathering up girls' panties or sothing...

I had certainly intended that to be a joke, I didn't think they'd carry it out.

Yup, it's not my fault.

I have no part in this.

Let's leave it at that.

"Well, I think they did this rashly but acted out of good faith, so I'll go ahead and scold them. Ah, please give these back to the victims, Princess Ariel. By the way, I did not look inside, nor have I touched any of them."

I said this while giving Ariel the bag.

Rinia and Pursena had not done this out of malice.

I must tell them properly.

That there are other ways of taking them off...

That if they want to be happy they should take it off in front of .

Wait, that's not it.

This is wrong.

"Yes, certainly."

Ariel nodded when she opened the bag.

With this the case is settled.

"However, with only this amount of underwear, aren't you regretting it?"

Ariel said that.

While looking over at Sylphy.

"You're mistaken. I have no interest in underwear and the like."

"...I see, I apologize."

"No, it's all good if this clears up any misunderstanding."

Phew, too close, too close.

If I brought this back ho I would have trouble disposing of it.

Surely, being at the end of my wits, I would've soaked all the panties in alcohol and burned them.

"But, I'm glad. I thought that I wasn't able to satisfy you."

Sylphy said that straightforwardly, making the atmosphere in the room a bit lighter.

Sylphy imdiately realized what she just said, and turned bright red.

Then, the bell signaling the end of the lunch break rang out.

"Oh, that's no good. I'll be late for class."

"I apologize. It was Rinia and Pursena's fault."

"No, things like these happen sotis."

Luke opened the door, urging that I leave.

I went along and left the room.

After that, Ariel and Sylphy followed.

When Luke was the last to leave, he locked the door.

"Let's go."

As I walked out, Ariel was walking next to .

Sylphy and Luke followed behind.

Ah, in this scenario it might have been better if I was in the rear as well.

"Ah."

While I was thinking that, Norn appeared when we turned around a corner.

She was looking around restlessly with an anxious face, then when she saw , let out a small gasp.

"Norn, what's wrong? Classes are about to start."

"..."

Norn turned her face away with a huff.

She was facing towards Ariel.

"Nice to et you. I am this school's student council president. My na is Ariel."

Ariel smiled gently, and Norn's face turned red.

As expected of her charisma.

"My na is N, Norn Greyrat..."

"Okay! Norn-san, what's wrong? It's almost ti for lessons to start."

"Ah, um, I didn't know where the third practice room was..."

"I see..."

It seems Norn was left behind when they were moving between classes.

I feel sorry for her.

That's obviously painful.

So it seems she's been left out in class after all.

"Luke, please guide her."

"Yes. Please co over here."

Luke gave a gentle push on Norn's back, and escorted her.

Norn turned red, and seed to be embarrassed.

Luke is good looking, after all.

But Luke's no good. He's a womanizer.

"..."

Suddenly, Norn turned around and looked at us.

, Ariel, and Sylphy.

She looked at each one of us.

Then, she turned away again with a huff.

What did I do wrong...

After school.

I called Rinia and Pursena behind the school.

After today's debacle there are things I need to say.

Back of the school.

A place that's used as a movie scene for students in their youth.

Rinia and Pursena ca by acting triumphantly.

"What is it Boss, calling us here nya?"

"Making a love confession nano? If you're confessing to us you better talk to Fitts-chan, or she'll get mad."

The two were acting quite boastful, but...

"About the bag from the other day, I gave it to Princess Ariel this afternoon. I told her to return the stuff inside back to their original owners."

When I said that, their expressions quickly changed,

then they started to point fingers at each other.

"See, I told you it was no good nya!"

"It's Rinia's fault nano. You said Boss would definitely be happy!"

"That's because Pursena was so eager nya!"

"I said to first test it out with your panties nano!"

"It's unfair if it's only nya!"

"That's why I got them from the other students nano!"

"I had ant for you to take off your own nya!"

"My breasts are too big so they're no good nano!"

They were starting up an awful cody sketch.

What do you an I have a small breast fetish?

I love big breasts too.

"Shut up!"

In any case, I shut the both of them up.

"Haven't I said this many tis before? Didn't I say not to bully the weak?"

The both of them were trembling.

"W, we didn't bully the weak nya!"

"T, that's right nano, we properly asked to get them..."

'Asked', huh.

When these two are asking, there's no freshn that could have refused.

"The disgrace of taking off soone's clothes, surely you guys of the Beast Race should know best..."

"W, we gave them underwear to replace the ones they wore nya!"

"Weren't there plenty of freshn who weren't happy, though?"

"It must be because the sizes were different nano. We didn't take any underwear from the ones who refused strongly."

Hmm?

There seems to be a difference in stories from what I heard from Ariel.

To be honest, if they had forcibly stripped them, I would have been disgusted.

I would have made them strip naked in public if that was the case.

They need to understand the damage they've done after all.

"I, I told you not to be angry if you weren't satisfied nya."

"This was an unhappy misunderstanding nano. Please forgive us..."

The two were cowering.

However, thinking about it, these two did it for my sake.

I had been looking unhappy, so they gathered the panties thinking that it would make happy.

Though I did not appreciate what they did, the act itself was not evil.

Well, of course, if I were a victim I'd be disgusted as well.

However, Rinia and Pursena had done this with good intentions.

Unlike in my previous life, they were not attempting to disgrace the others with their actions.

To use an analogy, they were like children gathering cicada husks.

It would be overreacting to severely punish them.

"If I find a child who was really hurt by this, I will have you both prostrate naked before her."

"I, I understand nya."

"I'm sorry nano..."

Well, all that's left is to follow-up with Ariel.

For my part, I won't get angry at them.

I wonder if it's because they're my followers?

It seems like I am also showing signs of favoritism as well.

"So, why did you think of giving underwear as a present, anyway?"

When I asked that, the two stared at in puzzlent.

With a face that said [Isn't that obvious?]

"Boss's religion is the God of Panties, right nya?"[64]

"You seem to worship them very seriously nano."

Ahh.

I see, so it's my fault.

The cause of this was because I showed them the [Divine Artifact] so ti ago.

"That's different. It's not like I regard panties as sothing taking the place of God. That particular one was worn by soone who I deify. In other words, it's sacred cloth."

I love panties.

But, this and that are different.

"That's why, I ask that you don't do this again."

"I understand nya."

"We'll be careful nano."

And then, I suddenly added.

"If you really wanted to give underwear, it'd be better if you actually took them off in front of ."

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

Crap, my tongue slipped.

Rinia and Pursena were grinning.

"So you really did fall in love with us nya"

"It can't be helped. Boss is a male beast, he can't be calm when we're around nano."

Tch, shut up.

That reaction saying that I want panties.

These guys, maybe they like ...?

No, that's wrong.

It's sothing different.

It must certainly be sothing like goodwill.

Different than Sylphy getting close to .

Even though I say that, I don't understand the difference.

Since I don't understand, I'll just chalk it up as a sign of friendship.

In any case, we finished talking.

We moved away from the back of the school.

Although so gossip as a result of this incident damaged my reputation a bit.

Well, it's not like it's a big problem.

I'm the type that doesn't particularly care about rumors.

When the three of us left, we saw a group lined up outside of the school building.

It's the freshn.

They're probably lined up to retrieve their panties.

We went around them so they wouldn't notice us..

Walking past the end of the line was Norn.

"...!"

Norn looked at , then at Rinia and Pursena beside .

Then, with an expression like [I don't believe this!], glared at with all her might as she passed by.

"What's with that first year, acting so mighty nya."

"Fakku nano. Let's show her that she needs to respect her elders."

"I'll say this right now, that was my sister."

Just when I said that.

Both their ears drooped.

"W, well, it's good that she's energetic nya."

"She's quite cute nano."

They're so easy to understand.

I pat both of them on the shoulder.

"Well, please get along with her, okay?"

"Of course nya."

"We won't do anything bad nano."

However, though I wanted to talk with Norn, how should I go about that?

Well, even if I can't, I hope there won't be any problems later on.

---

And so, the days passed by without incident.

I hadn't gotten along any better with Norn.

But, she kept her promise to show up at ho every ten days.

Although she hates , she obediently listens to what I say.

I thought she would be more rebellious, but at least she wasn't opposed to eting face-to-face.

Even though she doesn't look like she wants to.

Hmm...

If I think about it, apart from when they were too young to rember, I've t them only once.

It's probably a mistake to think that we could just suddenly get along as brother and sister.

My relationship with Aisha is rather strange.

Just because we're family doesn't an we can get along unconditionally.

I understand that all too well.

Rather, it's because we're family that there are things that couldn't be forgiven.

Like the ti when I beat up Paul in front of Norn.

and Paul have reconciled our differences.

However, from Norn's perspective, that is sothing that still could not be forgiven.

...If.

If she brings up that matter, I'll apologize.

I'd apologize and explain what happened honestly, but bringing sothing up from that long ago is no good.

Well, there's no need to rush.

We'll be together for many years.

Over a year or two, we'll slowly get along.

As siblings it's not like we need to be attached to each other.

We'll get along slowly, while being aware of our distance.

Closing the distance will take ti.

While I was thinking that.

Norn beca a shut-in.

When I went to school with Sylphy,

I learned that Norn beca a shut-in.

The ones who told were Rinia and Pursena.

They waited at the school's front gate first thing in the morning.

They told that ever since yesterday, Norn secluded herself in her own dorm room and wouldn't co out.

"...I'll go see her!"

When she heard that, Sylphy quickly headed towards the female dormitory.

When I heard that, I stopped moving.

Even though I could've gone with Sylphy.

The fact that 'Norn beca a shut-in' made lose my wits.

To , becoming a shut-in has a heavy aning.

"Boss...shouldn't you go nya?"

"Are you going to leave her alone nano?"

I was overco by this turn of events.

What is there to do? What is there that I could do?

I don't know.

During my life, I never ca out when I was a shut-in.

Why?

Because outside was full of enemies.

If I went to school, I would be bullied again.

Yes.

It must be bullying.

Even if a shut-in was to go outside, she'll just suffer.

In that case, I need to get rid of the source.

Instead of eting up with Norn, I need to get rid of the reason why Norn beca a shut-in.

I instantly started thinking.

Reason.

The first and foremost was that she's being bullied.

My mories of that ti were clear as day.

The cafeteria at high school.

Waiting in line for 5 minutes and then, when I thought it was finally my turn, so scary looking delinquents cut in front of .

I told them off with my stupid sense of justice.

The delinquents acted dumb, saying [Huh? Like I care.]

Then I raised my voice, so that other people around could hear , as I spread word of what they did.

People then started looking our way.

I beca proud that my sense of justice was asserted.

Then, I got beaten to a pulp.

I was beaten to the point where I couldn't stand up again.

After that incident everyday life was hell.

If Norn is experiencing that sa kind of hell, I wish to rescue her from there.

I'll beat those misfits down and give her a place to belong.

I'll fight those who would protect the delinquents.

I don't care if they are nobles or royalty.

I'll fight them with all my strength.

I'll make them regret making fight seriously.

Even if Norn's actions or words started it.

In this world there are those who do good and those who do bad.

Norn is my sister.

Even though she hates , even though she hates Aisha, and even though she can't stomach our present situation...

She's my sister.

An elder brother is soone that must protect his younger brothers and sisters.

An elder brother must not abandon them.

I took along Rinia and Pursena, and headed towards the freshman classrooms.

Though it would have sufficed to go alone, I do not have any confidence in my own appearance.

If I am with Rinia and Pursena, no one will make light of .

"Boss..."

"Rinia, stop, he's really angry, it's scary."

The two had so doubts towards my course of action.

It's not like I don't know.

Even I am aware these actions are unbecoming of .

It's not like I don't understand the feelings of concern from those around .

But, right now, I am an overprotective parent.

I will throw away my sha.

In the first-year classrooms, I arrived at the room that Norn attends.

It seems horoom has already begun.

"Excuse ."

I opened the door, and boldly went inside.

"Ru, Rudeus... We're in the middle of class."

"I wish to borrow a bit of your ti. Is that fine?"

"But..."

"I said, is that fine?"

I brushed aside the teacher, and stood in front of the podium.

I surveyed the classroom.

Everybody had puzzled expressions.

Surely among them were those that bullied Norn.

Did they punch her, did they kick her?

They might also have verbally abused her.

I ca here to tear the person who hurt Norn limb from limb.

"Everybody, you may know this already, but there was a person who didn't attend yesterday's class."

"..."

"Everybody, whether or not you are aware of it, she is my sister."

The classroom was murmuring.

"While I have not heard the circumstances from her, there are not many reasons for her to skip school. Like a reason where she doesn't want to co to school. A person here has given her such a reason. That's what I believe."

I looked around the classroom as I said that.

Upon eting my eyes, many of them turned away.

Even though we're wearing the sa uniforms, I'm rather intimidating.

Suspicious. It must be her.

She's the first suspect.

Though I can't rember her na.

Could it be...?

No, it's still too early to tell.

"To those responsible, I am not asking for much. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding. Or perhaps my sister was in the wrong."

I kept a watchful eye on the classroom.

Who was it, who was it that did sothing so cruel?

Is it her? That noble that looks like bonbon?

Or is it her? That Magic Race fellow with an evil face?

No, those normal looking groups of girls are suspicious.

Those who bully look like normal children at a glance after all.

"If possible, please na yourself. I will not be angry. I only want to know why my sister was hurt, and for you to apologize."

Once they na themselves, I'll tear them apart.

There are a few the sa age as Norn here.

However most of the class is older.

So of them are over 15.

Did they pretend they didn't see anything? Or did they participate in the bullying?

Against a ten year old child?

"..."

Nobody said anything.

They were taken aback in astonishnt and just looked at .

"Uh, um..."

A girl nervously raised her hand.

I reflexively wanted to hit her with a rock bullet, but I restrained myself.

It was a very timid looking girl.

She seems to be about 13. A raccoon-type from the Beast Race.

She had a short bob[65], looked sowhat slow-headed, and chubby.

In fact, she seems like a person that would be bullied.

"D, during that ti, I talked with Norn-chan..."

"Did you say sothing bad by mistake?"

If it was just a quarrel, then it can't be helped.

"N, no, um, I, I know about Rudeus-san. But, Norn-chan is a normal girl. That's why, when I said she's totally different from her brother, she got really angry..."

Angry?

When Norn was told she was different from ?

What's up with this?

"Ah."

Suddenly, the teacher next to spoke up.

I looked at her.

She was a middle-aged teacher.

Don't tell , did she say sothing?

Bullying does not only occur between children.

It's possible that the teacher may have been leading it.

"Do you rember anything, teacher?"

"The other day, Norn-san turned in so howork..."

"You gave out a lot of howork, and since she wasn't able to finish it in ti you made her stand in the staff room naked?"

"N, no way! Just that, her grades were sowhat bad, so I told her to be more diligent like her brother."

"..."

"Then, with a face that's about to cry, she said [I'll do my best.]"

Huh?

She wanted to cry?

"Co to think of it. I too..."

After the teacher finished, other people in the classroom also spoke up.

We left the classroom and went to the cafeteria.

Since classes are in session the cafeteria is deserted.

I sat sowhere and buried my face on the table.

I was slightly overwheld.

It was all my fault.

Norn was being compared to and wanted to cry.

The students in that classroom realized that Norn and I were brother and sister.

Of course.

Unlike Aisha, Norn and I co from the sa father and mother.

Our faces are quite similar.

And Norn hates being associated with .

Of course she would also hate being compared to while my na was being praised.

Ah, of course, they were not in the wrong.

At the very least, it wasn't like they were making comparisons with ill intent.

There were those who were close enough to her to say those things.

That she was different from that infamous leader of misfits.

However, I am a celebrity in this school.

And, being famous, it was easy for people to make comparisons.

However, for Norn, that comparison was painful.

Even at their previous school, she was always being compared to Aisha.

She must have built up a lot of stress from constantly being compared to her sister.

Entering a new school, living in the dorms.

She was finally able to separate from Aisha.

Or so she thought, but now she's being compared to .

No matter where she goes, she sees herself as the inferior sibling.

It must be painful for her.

Not to ntion that incident with the panties.

None of the freshman involved in that incident were scarred by it.

Thanks to Ariel's follow up it rely beca a funny story.

Although there were originally rumors that they were coerced into stripping, it was actually a cheerful spectacle of Rinia trading them new panties.

That was what Ariel reported to those watching from the sidelines who thought there was extortion going on.

I left the follow up to Ariel.

She had the ability to do so.

Even so, Norn must have received an indescribable shock.

That such a pervert was above her.

"Haa..."

What am I even doing?

Getting ahead of myself, going to the classroom.

Saying all those things.

What kind of overprotective parent am I?

Wasn't I just a big idiot?

"Thank you, both of you. It seems I am an idiot."

For now, I thanked them.

They were following an idiot.

I had made them do such useless things.

"You're not an idiot for acting on your sister's behalf nya."

"But that was surprising. I've got a better opinion of you now nano."

I made a cup, and poured water into it.

Then drank.

There was no taste.

But it managed to help relax a bit.

"Hey, Boss. What will you do now nya?"

"There's nothing I can do. It's my fault that she beca a shut-in."

She shut herself in.

Yes, she's confined herself.

Although it's only been one day.

She has shut herself in.

"We must make her attend class by force nano."

"That's right nya."

"If she doesn't co out she'll beco a moron nano."

"Right nya, Right nya."

"She'll beco a moron like Rinia."

"It's as Pursena says nya...What!?"

I have no ti for this cody duo.

I understand the difficulties of a shut-in.

It's not like anybody likes to decide that they don't want to leave their room.

To not co out, there's a reason that makes them not co out.

Even if you forced them to co out, nothing will be resolved.

It'll just make the situation worse.

Even so, remaining as a shut-in is no good.

She'll definitely regret it.

After a month or two she'll realize that ti has been permanently lost.

Since I'm the one saying this, I can't be wrong.

But even if I explained it, she won't understand.

The regret that you can't return is sothing you can only see in hindsight.

If she becos a shut in for one year, or ten years, no regrets will form.

And then, when she does begin to regret, it will be too late.

That's why parents are always making their children do their best.

Because they will more or less regret it.

"As siblings, as one with the lowest ability, what can she do when other people say things like that?"

When I asked Rinia and Pursena, they just shrugged.

"...I'm not an idiot so I don't understand nya."

"We do reasonably well nano."

Co to think of it, these guys were idiots and not leadership material, so they were sent here.

The patriarch probably told them to study and be suitable leaders.

Though they are idiots, if they're that optimistic then it's not a problem, I guess.

However, Norn is very naïve.

I'll be troubled to lump her together with them.

"Ah, but, there's one other thing nya."

Rinia proudly boasted that na.

"Aunt Ghyslaine was a violent person that couldn't do anything well, but when she began swordsnship she beca a Sword King nya."

"Ah...I see."

Ghyslaine was a bit of an exception.

However, it was probably an unexpected talent that she had.

To begin with there's no need for her and Aisha to do the sa thing.

If you don't want to be compared, just do things that can't be compared.

Though I can't think of anything for her to do.

However, the world is big.

Be it magic, or swordsmanship, one can discover anything.

Or perhaps she can find a passion for sothing despite having no talent.

Like Zanoba.

Even though Zanoba has no talent in making dolls, he happily appreciates them each day.

Creating dolls, viewing them, loving them, and even collecting them.

That is enough for him to live happily.

Living happily like that is fine.

However if I said that, she wouldn't accept it.

If it was , I wouldn't accept it.

"Be as it may, what can I say?"

"There's no need to think about it so hard nya. Just say it straight out nya."

"That's right. Tell her to co right out and take classes."

You guys can say it so easily.

But, if that's the case...

Is it because I'm overthinking this?

Norn is only ten years old.

She might just be throwing a tantrum.

In the first place, even though she's still shut-in, it's only been a day, and this is only day two.

If it's only to that extent, rather than being a shut-in, isn't she rely secluding herself?

Anybody would seclude themselves when they feel down.

It's not about talking.

It's not about taking action.

Thinking about it, isn't this just running away?

As a brother I should support her and make her life as comfortable as possible.

If this is what she wants to do, then isn't it alright?

Isn't it alright to have so gloomy thoughts?

But Norn isn't old enough to be considered a middle schooler or high schooler, she's still an elentary third grader.

"Alright, let's et with her."

Before I realized, I had already decided.

"Then that's good nya."

"A quick slap to the face is good nano."

Though I said to et, will she listen to what I say?

I was the cause.

I can't think of anything to say.

No, I won't think of it right now, but I should say sothing when I et her.

"How can I et with her?"

Norn was in the female dorms.

Even if I ask at the front of the dorms, I will probably won't be allowed to go in.

"We'll just enter by force nya."

"We'll sneak in nano. Let us guide you."

Rinia and Pursena thumped their big chests.

Infiltrating.

Though, it wasn't all that difficult.

I have a lot of allies on my side.

Sylphy and Princess Ariel were here too.

When I told Ariel about the situation she willingly beca an ally.

Even so, aside from Goriade, the girls' dormitory vigilante patrols were not sympathetic to my cause, so we had snuck in.

The spies were Rinia, Pursena, and Sylphy.

Sylphy was downtrodden.

"Sorry, even though I told you to leave it to with Norn-chan in the dorms...I hadn't asked her anything..."

"No, it's not your fault Sylphy, I am the one to bla."

I explained to Sylphy what happened.

That it was my fault that Norn beca a shut in.

Sylphy had a dark face, and shook her head.

"It's not Rudi's fault."

"But, I..."

I had...

No, I hadn't done anything.

What I should do, I don't know.

But, I must do sothing.

Night ti.

I headed over to the girls' dorm during dinnerti.

Currently, a majority of the female students are at the cafeteria.

Ariel is making a speech there.

In order to hear her, people have gathered there to listen.

However, it wasn't everybody.

The cafeteria can't hold that many people after all.

Even so, as a plan to draw out the vigilante patrols as much as possible, it was successful.

I moved as close as I can to the entry point that we established.

The window fra is decorated with one flower.

I moved towards that window, then threw a small pebble from below.

When the pebble hit the window fra, the window quickly opened.

I used my Earth Magic , lifted myself with it, and quickly went in.

At the sa ti, I released the earth spear, and it returned to the ground.

The mont I entered the room my nose was filled with the sll of an animal.

Though it slls, it's not a sll that I am revolted by.

That is to say, it's the sll of beast girl going through puberty.

As living beings, it's a sll that males are tolerant with.

"Good work."

"Welco nya."

Rinia welcod .

Her eyes were glittering in the darkness.

Those were cat eyes.

I surveyed my surroundings.

Fundantally, it's the sa as any other room.

A double-bunk bed, a desk and chair, a closet.

Although it was dark, I can see things are scattered around.

"Please don't stare at like that nya, it's embarassing."

"Pardon ."

In the darkness, I fumbled around for the exit.

My hand felt sothing.

The material felt quite soft.

"Ah, that's Pursena's bra."

"..."

Pursena wears this size?

It's big.

"Hmm, it's ok if you bring that along, you know?"

"No it isn't."

I threw Pursena's brassiere away.

Normally I would take this chance to sniff it, but I don't have ti for that right now.

Rinia knocked on her door from the inside.

A knock was returned.

"It's okay now."

At the sa ti she said that, she opened the door and I dove into the cart that was prepared for .

It was a cart used to carry laundry.

I slipped into the sheets covering it.

I understood from the sll.

These are sheets that Sylphy uses.

In order to hide completely, it was packed with blankets, shirts, and underwear.

All of them belonged to Sylphy.

However, for so mysterious reason, I wasn't excited at all.

It's about Norn right now.

Currently, Norn must be feeling quite bitter.

Being a shut in, secluding herself, being alone.

I must save her.

As her elder brother I must save her.

"Alright, let's go nya."

The cart began to move.

In the anti, I thought about Norn.

It's fine if it's just a child's temper tantrum.

However, if it was sothing far more deeply rooted...

I wonder if I can do anything.

At the least, before my brothers drove out, I never left the house.

Now, in a position of an elder brother or parent, I could not think of a way to make her co out.

"We've arrived nya."

Before I could collect my thoughts,

the cart already arrived at its destination.

It's Norn's room.

I went inside.

It's dark.

The lights weren't on.

I lit up a candle that was in the corner of the room.

The light dimly illuminated the place, and I saw a girl sitting on the bed hugging her legs.

Within the darkness, a pair of eyes were seen.

Norn just sat there, and stared at .

"..."

I walked cautiously, and sat on a chair.

In tis like this, what should I say?

What can I say that would make her listen?

I do not know.

The things I thought I wanted to say were all blown away.

The only thing I rember was that she'll hate it if I said those words.

It was not sothing that I could easily say.

At the very least, it's forbidden to talk without first listening to her.