Chapter 122

“Second…marriage.” To whom? Elefas’s brain doesn’t seem to want to work, so for now, he simply repeats what he heard. Sighing, Neifa goes on. “No doubt you’re reluctant, but you can hardly refuse an order, can you? I don’t like doing things this way, either.” “……” “However, this is a part of life. If you don’t believe me, here.” Taking two neatly folded pieces of parchment out of her bodice, Neifa holds them out to him. “Marriage licenses from both His Majesty the emperor of Ellmeyer and His Majesty the holy king of Ash—” Before she’s finished speaking, Elefas has teleported away. Naturally, his destination is the demon king whom he’s just left. The word restraint has vanished from Elefas’s vocabulary. The demon king is right in front of him. The holy king is there as well, facing him from across a chessboard. If he cuts loose here with all his power, will it pose a problem? No, it will not. It wouldn’t have been unusual for the recreation room to explode, but the windowpanes only rattle a bit. Even though a blast of wind roars through the room, not one of the cups on the table tips over. Claude and Baal both look completely calm, sitting there with their game of chess. Only his colleagues are flustered. “Elefas, what’s going on?! Didn’t you leave on vacation? Was it a trap after all?!” “Y-you know we’ll be forced to deal with you if you attack Master Claude, so please calm yourself. If you have a complaint, I’ll listen.” “Thank you, Walt and Kyle. However, first, I have something very important to discuss with you, Master Claude…!” He glares at the demon king, but Claude plays innocent. “You’re back early. Were you really that worried about me?” “You know that isn’t what this is about!! What’s this ‘marriage’ business?!” “Surprised you, didn’t it?” He could swear he hears a vein burst in his temple. In that same moment, Elefas’s magic levitates the game board and pieces. However, Baal snaps his fingers, and in the blink of an eye, they’re all back in place. “This mage is pretty strong.” “Yes, he can even fill in for me.” “That is not what we’re talking about! Explain the situation! What’s going on?! I returned to my family home to take my vacation, and a wife I’ve never met was waiting there! Why?!” Walt and Kyle give Claude disbelieving looks. “Elefas, you’ve got a wife? When did you get married?” “No one told us. Don’t we owe you a present or—?” “No one told me, either! I just heard!” Elefas bellows. Putting his chess match on hold, Claude turns to face him. “I wanted you to be happy.” “Look! Me! In! The! Eye! When you say that!” “Quiet, you. What don’t you like about Neifa? She was one of the top five beauties in our harem,” Baal chimes in from the side. “The girl was brought to us by slave traders, but she was educated in preparation for joining the harem. She’s well read, she knows her etiquette, and she’s worked in the kitchen, so she can cook. She’s still young; twenty-three this year. That’s a year older than you, isn’t it? She should be a more than decent match.” “…Was she really in the harem?” “Hmm? Rest assured: She’s a virgin. We never laid a hand on her.” “That isn’t what I’m asking! Why did you do this?!” “I had your happiness in mind,” Claude says again, brazenly. Coming to stand beside him, Elefas looks down at the demon king. “Look me in the eye and say that again.” “……” “I haven’t forgotten that you shot down the floating palace while we were still in it.” “…………” “Why did you do this? What are you plotting?” “…I thought you’d be mad if I told you.” “I’d obviously be madder if you didn’t!!” Elefas shouts, and Claude shrugs. “Even the way Elefas gets angry is starting to resemble Sir Keith,” Walt murmurs behind him. “It’s probably because their duties frequently overlap…” “…I’m told she can make sacred items,” Claude says reluctantly. Elefas frowns, but all at once, the wheels in his head start turning. Imperial Ellmeyer can’t make magic items from demon stones. Since Claude is the demon king, there has been a tendency to detest magic itself, and with the subjugation of the Levi tribe, both research and the development of new technologies has stalled completely. Ashmael, on the other hand, has a long history of mining sacred stones and using them to create sacred items. Holy power and magic are opposing forces, yet the Queendom of Hausel combines demon stones and sacred stones to make divine items. With this proving certain theories correct, Elefas has been thinking that sacred-stone technologies could be applied to demon stones. He also thought that bringing this knowledge to the Levi tribe would give them a future. “So she’s the first step toward turning the grand duchy of Levi into a nation of demon-stone technology—a nation that makes magic items.” “If we don’t, we’ll never move forward. Even people with no magic can use magic items. I thought that it would be best if you ensured your survival by providing that value.” Elefas has no complaints about this. In fact, the prospect has his wholehearted approval. However… “Why does that mean I must marry? We could just summon artisans from Ashmael, couldn’t we?!” “The Levi tribe is very wary. If we were to do that, they wouldn’t even try to learn; it would just result in more friction. It might also cause trouble with neighboring areas. That is where you, my favorite retainer, come in.” Having this said clearly, right to his face, takes the edge off Elefas’s temper. “It wouldn’t be inappropriate for you to take a woman who had been in the holy king’s harem as your wife.” “…In other words, you’re using her as a buffer. Did she consent to that?” “She did indeed. In the first place, dismissing the consorts from our harem was essentially an act of selfishness on our part. As far as the consorts themselves are concerned, they’ve been summarily fired. We’ve made sure we understand her wishes.” “Her wishes? Unfortunately, I have no rank, property, or authority,” Elefas reminds him. There’s self-deprecation in his tone, and it earns him a fed-up look from Baal. “Neifa likes making sacred items and magic items. That’s how she caught our eye, and it is why we made her a high-ranking consort and let her continue her research. We wanted power that could oppose the fiend dragon.” Elefas has heard that Baal added women with holy power to his harem in order to fight the dragon. However, he’s currently emptying his harem of consorts. Apparently, those who can’t return to their family homes or who help care for the Holy Dragon Consort will remain, but since he’s now favoring his principal consort, Roxane, he’s doing his best to grant his other consorts’ wishes and give them the freedom to choose. Of the young women who entered the harem due to their parents’ circumstances, if the men they love render a service of some sort to the crown, they will be allowed to leave the harem and marry their beloved as a reward. Several consorts are waiting to be reclaimed in this fashion. Conversely, he’s also heard of some men who have their eyes set on a woman in the harem working for the crown in the hopes that the holy king will free their beloved and allow them to marry. Putting all of that information together— “…You mean that, by becoming my wife, she’s secured a position where she can do new research?” Grasping the situation, Elefas heaves a long sigh. “You should have just told me that was the case. I had no idea what was going on.” “If I’d explained it to you, you would have found a way to get yourself out of it. You’re extremely fast at manipulating situations behind the scenes.” “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Elefas says, fixing the demon king with a cold stare. Claude falls silent, looking sullen. “This is a political marriage, then. In which case, if there’s no political meaning to it, we’re free to divorce, are we not?” “You’d reject our consort? You, a lowly mage?” “I’d feel sorry for her if I didn’t. Not only is the Levi tribe staunchly isolationist, but my position in it is delicate. Surely she’d find it easier to maneuver if she visited with a group of technicians from Ashmael. I’ll explain the situation to her and secure a divorce.” “But just the other day, you were saying you’d like to marry.” Even though Claude shot him down, he still has the nerve to remember that. Elefas sighs. “That’s because I thought I was about to die. I’ll find my own marriage partner.” “You…?” “What’s that look for? Do you think I can’t? If it’s likely to affect our relationship with Ashmael, I’ll time the divorce with that in mind.” “…Hmph. Fine then. If you want to divorce, you may do so.” Claude blinks dramatically, looking at Baal. “He can?” “Yes. We promise not to make it a diplomatic issue. Only if he has Neifa’s consent, though.” “I’ll explain everything properly.” Good grief. The first day of my precious vacation, and I’ve wasted it. Elefas will explain the situation to Neifa, and then if she likes, she can observe the Levi tribe before she leaves. Once he confirms with Baal that she’ll be sent back to Ashmael without issue if he brings her to Alucato, Elefas teleports back. “…Shouldn’t you have told Elefas about her feelings?” “How could we? She told us not to.” “Well, I’m against it. I didn’t want to make him marry. He’s my mage.” “Give it up. The woman worked her way up to become a high-ranking consort in our harem. If she’s fallen for a man, he won’t get away.” Shocked, Walt and Kyle start yelling. “Huh?! You mean it’s not a political marriage?!” “She’s in love with Elefas? Since when?!” His guards liven up instantly, and Claude holds up a finger, shushing them. “That’s a secret. Don’t you tell him, either. This is entertaining.” It’s quiet when Elefas returns to the living room of his family home. The bag he’d left there has been moved over against the wall, out of the way, but it doesn’t seem to have been meddled with otherwise. First, they’ll talk things out. He’ll tell her she doesn’t have to marry him, that they already have permission to divorce, and that it won’t have any negative effects on her future. With that in mind, he leaves the living room. There’s no dust in the hall, either. People had been cleaning the place once a month before, but it must have been Neifa who’s gotten it this clean. She’s taking care of it because she was marrying Elefas, and it was going to be her house—a thought that makes him feel bad. At the very least, she’s cleaned this house for the past three days, and it’ll be his fault that her hard work and feelings come to nothing. If she stays on as a technician, maybe I’ll ask her to live here. The house has plenty of extra rooms anyway. Deciding this to be a fine idea, Elefas checks room after room, but the woman he’s looking for isn’t in any of them. He goes outside, thinking that she may have done the same. The town belonging to the Levi tribe is small enough that perhaps village would be a better word for it. They have territory, but no people to occupy it. That should also gradually change, though. Hoping that will be the case, Elefas keeps walking until he spots a small crowd up ahead. As he’s wondering what’s going on, he starts to hear angry shouts. “What are you playing at, girl?!” “I’ll say it again: That method is inefficient.” The cold, cutting voice carries well. It’s her. As Elefas hurries over, familiar faces clear a path for him. In the meantime, the clamor keeps getting louder. “We have our own ways of—” “Those ways don’t work, which is why the Levi tribe’s fallen so far.” “What was that?!” “Just shut up and listen, outsider!” “I am Elefas Levi’s wife. The wife of the future grand duke. Do you know what it means not to follow my instructions?” Where did she get off saying something like that? In spite of himself, Elefas tsks in irritation. That was the worst way to brandish authority, and even a little thought would have shown her as much. At last, Elefas breaks through the wall of people. So she’s the type who’s only good at making things and can’t handle politics, hmm? That’s a problem. He will ask her to leave as soon as possible. However, this unfamiliar wife of his stands very straight, her head held high. “If you won’t listen, then you should be the ones who leave. The Levi tribe doesn’t need you. You must understand that it’s people like you who have impoverished the tribe.” “How dare you…!” “Aren’t you ashamed? Ashamed to be called senile old fools? Ashamed to have grown too weak to adapt to change?” She’s facing off against a group of artisans who’ve just barely managed to keep demon-stone technology alive in the Levi tribe. However, even these demon-stone artisans possess magic. Elefas looks up with a start—one person has already converted their anger into a spell. A roaring wind swirls, turning into flames that make straight for the woman. But her eyebrows merely twitch. Turning the ring she’s wearing, she thrusts her hand out in front of her, and immediately the spell disperses. “Wha…?!” “Have you forgotten where I’m from already? I belonged to the harem of Holy King Baal Shah Ashmael, where I developed sacred items. I explained all this when we first met.” Magic vanishes in the face of holy power, meaning that there was no point trying to use it to drive her out. “King Baal thought something like this might happen, so he gave me a sacred stone. Are you embarrassed that the holy king foresaw your narrow-mindedness? You should be.” A look of triumph flashes across her face, and Elefas grimaces. She’s proud. On top of that, she adores the holy king… This is going to be trouble. If she came here enthusiastically because the holy king had ordered it, she’s probably burning with a sense of purpose. In which case, he couldn’t expect anything resembling cooperation from her. It seems very likely that she’ll cause nothing but trouble. I told them so, Elefas thinks, and steps forward. “That’s enough.” “Elefas.” Everyone looks at him as if they only just now noticed he’s back. He gives them all a smile, and then Neifa abruptly glares at him. “What is that expression supposed to be?” “Hmm?” “That lax, foolish smile. Look sharp, would you? Or are you a simpleton?” Lived experience has told him he’s particularly good at smiling. His smile managed to last through all of Dowager Empress Lara’s abuse, after all, so he should be able to let anything this unknown woman says to him roll right off. But his smile seems to develop a slight crack. The shock that he’s married is probably still lingering in the depths of Elefas’s heart, which is why he finds himself wondering, Is that the attitude you take with a husband you’ve barely even met? “Where did you go anyway? You simply disappeared.” “…To the imperial capital.” “Oh, did you run crying to the demon king to complain that no one said anything about you being married?” She scoffs at him, which hurts. “So? What will you do? This man tried to harm me; will you punish him?” “…He was the first to strike, but the way you spoke to him was also problematic.” “The way I spoke to him? Words won’t kill anyone, although turning magic on them will.” “Wounded dignity can be fatal,” Elefas retorts, and Neifa’s eyes narrow. Then she sighs. “Dignity that drives the tribe into decline? I don’t believe that’s ‘dignity,’ just selfishness.” “Have you come to insult my tribe? …Good timing; there’s something I want to discuss with you. I have secured firm promises from both Master Baal and Master Claude that you will suffer no negative consequences if we divorce. There’s no need for you to be here.” “You’re saying you’d divorce me? I am one of the top five technicians in Ashmael.” “This exchange should have been enough to show you: You aren’t suited to this place, and it won’t be able to accept you.” The people behind Elefas nod in emphatic agreement. They certainly don’t support Elefas, but now there’s a common enemy to band against. Elefas is half filled with exasperation, but he focuses on what’s in front of him. “Please go… I’ll compensate you later for cleaning my house.” Neifa’s eyes bulge. She abruptly starts to chuckle deep in her throat and, before long, bursts out laughing. Elefas and the others stand there stunned as she laughs. After a little while, she looks up at him, a bewitching smile across her face. “…Let me give you my views on this tribe. Those in control are fools—behind the times, incapable of differentiating ‘tradition’ from ‘bad habit.’ They can’t comprehend their current situation and can’t accept the fact that they’re incompetent. They’re a pack of losers, whose only use is to be used as pawns. All they’re capable of are the little tricks known as ‘spells.’ I almost wonder whether they’re monkeys shaped like humans.” “Why, you—!” “What need is there for me to listen to the leader of this little troupe?” In the center of the enraged group, Elefas’s cheeks go taut. He’s used to not being treated as human, but this is the first time anyone has ever called him a monkey right to his face. He starts to feel as if being treated like garbage might even be preferable. What’s more, hearing it from a beautiful stranger who should be his equal cuts quite deep. “Oh, how funny. A monkey, asking me for a divorce.” “…In that case, isn’t it funny for a human and a monkey to be married in the first place?” “If you want something from me, then at least become human before you ask,” Neifa tells him flatly. She starts to turn away, then turns back. “That work you were doing. Finish it by tomorrow. If you don’t, I’ll assume the entire workshop is useless.” She glares at the group behind Elefas, then turns her back on them. And yet the dignity in her receding form makes her look genuinely impressive. …Yes, that divorce needs to happen soon, Elefas vows firmly, for the sake of his own self-esteem. The smile is still on his face. Elefas belatedly greets the tribe, then listens as they describe—or rather, complain about—the situation. By the time that’s over, the sun is down. Pacifying the demon-stone artisans, particularly the bosses, took a lot of time. They seem to have a lot of pent-up resentment, and they told him the same story over and over. She’s arrogant, constantly giving orders, and she even blew up a workshop that wasn’t needed as “an example”…? The woman’s even fiercer than he’d thought. My stomach hurts. He isn’t looking forward to going home, but running away would make him feel just as bad, so Elefas peeks cautiously into the living room. Neifa seems to be writing something, and she raises her head. “Welcome home.” “Uh, yeah…” “At least give me a proper response. How rude.” Would this be a good time to reiterate that he wants her to go? While he hesitates, Neifa moves the conversation right along. “Dinner is already made. Or would you prefer to bathe first?” Is this that newlywed cliché of asking “Which would you like first, dinner or a bath?” She’s looking at him as if she thinks he’s a complete dunce, but he guesses that’s something he’s used to. “…May I bathe first?” “While you do, then, I’ll get dinner on the table. There’s a change of clothes in the bathroom cupboard. Towels, too.” “Why would I have a change of clothes there?” He hasn’t unpacked his travel bag yet. As Elefas is wondering whether she went into his bag without asking, Neifa responds mockingly, “You’ll figure it out when you see it. No doubt you already know how to use it.” Then she rises and heads toward the kitchen. Unconvinced, Elefas walks in the direction of the bathroom. As he does, he remembers that the fire the arsonists set happened near that part of the house. Is the bath even usable? But when he fearfully peeks into the bathroom, it’s been completely transformed. “…What is this?” The structure of the house hasn’t changed, of course, but… For starters, a changing area has been built. A new cupboard has been installed and stocked with towels and spare clothes. Beside the cupboard is a laundry basket for the clothes he’ll take off. She was right: It’s clear at a glance. Not only that, but everything is also in the most efficient location… Taking off his dusty clothes, he opens the frosted glass door that separates the changing area from the bath itself. A steaming bathtub he’s never seen before comes into view. When he tests the water with his hand, it’s the perfect temperature. Below the water’s surface, the new tub has been set with something unfamiliar—a demon stone. It’s being used to keep the water warm. Similar devices are used in Ellmeyer, but many of them are sustained by the demon king’s prodigious magic. The idea of something like this being used in an ordinary home… “…So this is technology, is it?” “If you turn it to the right, you’ll get hot water. Turn to the left for cold.” “Agh!” Neifa’s sudden explanation makes him reflexively dive into the bath. The figure on the other side of the frosted glass door goes on without seeming the least bit flustered. “I’m reheating the stew. Is there anything you can’t eat? And I’m not talking about things you just don’t like.” “…Nuts make me itch sometimes.” “Tell me that sort of thing sooner.” She scolded him. But we only just met… He wants to point this out, but now doesn’t seem like the right mood for it. “Is there anything else?” “…No, nothing.” “All right. Be careful not to overheat,” she tells him, then leaves. Dazed, Elefas just sits in the tub for a while. Then, he twists the faucet, just like she’d explained. Right for hot, left for cold. “…Incredible. I can use this to adjust the temperature of the bath.” This really is technology. He finds himself idly thinking that if Denis knew about this, he’d get swept up in conversation. No, but we’re divorcing… And there’s that personality of hers… The warm water seems to relax all his nerves. Tired of thinking, Elefas sinks down into the water until it’s up to his nose. Baal said that Neifa could cook, and he is right about that. A little while after Elefas gets out of the bath, she brings dinner to him. It’s nothing grand, just a perfectly normal household meal: reheated stew and bread that looks like it’s had a few holes poked in it. Perhaps there was some kind of nut in it, like a walnut, that she’s taken out? He steals a glance at Neifa, who’s eating in silence. Somehow I thought she’d treat me worse than this. He’d had the feeling she might tell him to eat on his hands and knees on the floor. What sort of sketchy adult game would that have been? They hardly talk at all during the meal. When they’ve finished, Elefas volunteers to clean up. “I’ll take my bath, then,” Neifa says, and heads briskly for the bathroom. The sight of the kitchen startles him all over again. The fire now lights on its own, and most surprisingly of all, there’s a cooled box—a container that keeps foodstuffs chilled, a necessity in Ashmael. Did she bring it from the kingdom or make it herself? He washes the dishes, then returns to the living room. For no particular reason, he crosses to the sofa where Neifa was sitting earlier. There’s a long, narrow table in front of the sofa. It’s covered in maps—no, blueprints—that show where various things are located in the Levi tribe’s village and give suggestions for improvements. There’s also a new design for the workshop people say she blew up. …These are really brilliant. Her claim to be among the top five technicians was apparently not an exaggeration. Taking a seat on the sofa, Elefas tips his head back, gazing up at the ceiling. Neifa has a bad reputation. She’s particularly unpopular with the artisans who’ve been in charge of demon-stone processing. However, earlier in the day, Elefas heard some of the younger artisans whispering that she was incredible. The women especially seem to think highly of her. Neifa had given prototypes of magic and sacred items she’d made to the women, asking them to use the new technologies for their chores. It’s winter right now, so items like the one that’s keeping his bath warm are incredibly useful. When an elderly woman complained of being cold all the time, Neifa gave her a blanket that grew warm when infused with magic. Demon stones have always been difficult to mine, and the Levi tribe use them for war, first and foremost. Their artisans strive to create fantastic tools meant to bring Ellmeyer to its knees, such as enormous magical teleportation devices and communication equipment that can connect to anywhere. However, the things Neifa makes are meant for everyday life. The women are pleased with them, but the majority of the artisans are unable to give up their grand ambitions and accept her creations. On top of that, there’s her personality and attitude… There’s no way this can go well. He really will have to divorce her, then have Ashmael send technicians who are as personable as possible. But at the very least, part of the Levi tribe has sensed that Neifa’s technologies have value. That’s a good enough first step. “What do you think of those designs?” She came up behind him before he noticed, and he nearly screams. “Pretty good, aren’t they?” “Y-yes…” “If I blow up two or three more space-wasting workshops, it should be even better.” “Can’t you refrain from blowing them up?!” “If you demonstrate that there’s value in keeping them.” Elefas is just about to complain that this attitude of hers is a problem, when she leans over his shoulder, and his nose catches a sweet fragrance. Glancing back, he sees her bosom is right in front of him, veiled only by a thin piece of fabric, and he hurriedly faces forward again. It isn’t clear whether Neifa noticed this, and she reaches over his shoulder, pointing at one of the blueprints. “We’ll start with everyday tools that aren’t yet common in Ellmeyer. Unless we do that, we’ll lose out to imports from Ashmael. They can mass-produce them, but they’ll also be subject to tariffs, so we should be able to compete with them on price.” “……” “Mining demon stones comes first. Then, if the Levi tribe begins working on everything magic-related in general— Excuse me, are you listening?” “Yes, I’m…listening, but…” None of it is sinking in. As Elefas hesitates, Neifa speaks over him. “Ah. You’re looking at my breasts.” “I am not! I’m looking straight at these diagrams!” “I’m not angry. You are my husband. And really, it’s time I showed them to you.” “Huh?” Elefas involuntarily turns to look, and Neifa has seated herself on the back of the sofa and is deliberately toying with the laces of her bodice. She tilts her head. “Don’t tell me you intend to embarrass me.” “…Huh? But, I mean, we’re divorcing.” “I refused that.” Oh, right. In that case…was he really doing this? Huh? Is this really okay? No, no, no, that’s not the point! “No, none of—that! Not without feeling behind it, never again! I don’t do that sort of thing anymore!” “I’ll thank you not to talk like a virgin.” She’s balled up consideration and dignity and thrown them in the rubbish bin. As Elefas gapes, speechless, she sets a lovely finger on his chin. “Don’t worry. I have no illusions that a bosom alone will be enough to conquer you.” “…Wha, what sort of trap is this?” “Listen, husband.” She looks as if she’s just out of the bath, but when she puts her face near his, he can tell that she’s wearing light makeup. Her curved lips are a vivid crimson, and just as they close in on him, Elefas squeezes his eyes shut, and— “…What are you doing here, guy?” “…………” As one would expect, teleporting to and from the capital four times in a day is tiring, Elefas thinks. He’s on his hands and knees on the floor. Granted, he does get the feeling this isn’t the actual cause of his weariness. That’s no good. It’s impossible. I can’t fight them on my own…! And so Elefas raises his head. He’s looking at the only person he can think of who’s likely to be capable of doing something about the demon king and the holy king. “I heard you’d gone back to your hometown on vacation.” “Help me, please. I’ll be crushed to death by a bosom.” “Huhn?” “If you won’t help, I’ll do everything in my power to seduce Rachel right now!!” Hit with that merciless threat right off the bat, Isaac—who’s been working from home—frowns. Since he’s arrived at night, their discussion will have to wait until the following morning. Elefas’s threat seems to have worked, though: Isaac doesn’t run him out with orders to go home. Instead, he puts him up for the night in an apartment he rents. The next morning, after skillfully shuffling his work around to make some time, he calls in reinforcements. Elefas senses that Isaac’s fierce determination to not to let his wife be seduced by him the primary motivation. Rachel is a force to be reckoned with. “A royal consort from Ashmael, hmm? I’d heard a rumor that one of them might marry a commoner, but I had no idea you’d been singled out.” Lester had come to Isaac’s apartment, complaining “This is so outmoded,” and “Why me?” the whole time. These two had once teamed up to take out the demon king, and they are still in regular contact. —Although this isn’t news to Elefas, the demon king’s spy. “It’s probably a preparatory step for making you Grand Duke Levi. He’s convinced that no one but you can control the tribe.” “The problem’s grown bigger than that. What should I do?!” Elefas brings his fists down hard on the square table they’re seated around, rattling their mugs. “The demon king and the holy king set this up, right? There’s probably not much to be done.” “Make the impossible possible, please. I’ll fight this with everything I have, appearances be damned.” “You can’t destroy yourself in the process. That’s not even a plan.” “Then what am I supposed to do?! At this rate, she’s sure to devour me! With her bosom!” Elefas’s virtue is in crisis, but both Isaac and Lester look unamused. “I wouldn’t say I envy you, but it can’t be worth all this desperation. If she was in Ashmael’s harem, she must be quite the beauty.” “I prefer cute girls, like Rachel! She’s the complete opposite! Although her bosom does fit my preferences!” “Quit casually sending stray bullets my way. How to get divorced, huh…? If she’s being like that, I bet you’ll have to get her to suggest it if it’s going to happen.” “She told me I needed to ‘become human’ before I made any requests.” Has there ever been provocation like that? It’s even starting to make him smile, in a weird way. “Oh yes, I’m used to that sort of treatment. However, that’s because I was in a unique environment; it’s never happened right to my face before. What must I do to become human?” “Don’t turn your darkness on us. Well…you could try that. Rather than talking about divorce, why not point her toward a better match than you? Like this guy, maybe.” Isaac glances at Lester. Lester frowns. “Don’t tell me that’s why you called me… Not that I’d be entirely against it.” “Really?! Are you insane?!” “I’d gladly welcome a mistress. Granted, if she was given to you by His Imperial Majesty as a reward, that won’t do,” Lester says, sounding like a typical noble. “The woman would prove useful to my family. However, I can’t imagine the emperor allowing it. The d’Autriche duchy, either.” “…Even though she’d only be a mistress?” “She’s an artisan, you know. His Majesty isn’t generous enough to let my house take the initiative in developing demon-stone technologies.” Ah, I see. That made sense to Elefas. In a word, she is Ashmael’s technology incarnate, making this a technological exchange in the shape of a marriage. “I do think it’s a good proposal as far as the Levi tribe is concerned. However, with that attitude of hers, I can’t imagine that it will go well… Oh, honestly, why did they send her to me, of all people?” “Good point… James would have done just as well,” Isaac murmurs. Elefas looks up, and Lester puts a hand to his chin. “The cambion duke, hmm? That’s quite true… His Majesty probably doesn’t want to let the Levi tribe to monopolize the technology. Besides, if the duke of Mirchetta had the support of the holy king, it would make it easier to control any resistance based on the fact that he is half demon. The Levi tribe is skilled with spells, but that’s all; Mirchetta is doubtless richer in capital.” “Now that you mention it… I haven’t heard of Master James being betrothed. Master Claude merely wants to attend his retainers’ weddings; he’s not actually in favor of them getting married.” “Right. James would have been able to hold a wedding ceremony,” Isaac murmurs. As the other two frown, Lester looks mystified. “The demon king won’t allow his retainers to marry? Whyever not?” “That’s the sort of man he is. Don’t think about it; just feel it.” “I wouldn’t know how to begin to ‘feel it.’” “I wonder why the demon king didn’t marry her to James. The holy king would have gotten a better deal that way, too.” Isaac gazes into the distance, thinking. Lester takes a sip of coffee, then grimaces. It must be bitter. “If you think about it logically, it was probably her own decision.” “Yeah, that.” They both look at Elefas, and he blinks. “You mean she chose us? …Because she thought she’d be able to control us?” James is brilliant. He’s scheduled to return to the duchy of Mirchetta in the spring, and Mirchetta is fundamentally different from the Levi tribe, even if it’s currently being rebuilt. The idea that she chose the Levi tribe because she wouldn’t have been able to throw her weight around in Mirchetta makes Elefas scowl. Resting his elbows on the table, Isaac sloshes more bitter coffee into their mugs from the pot. “I’m not denying that possibility. From what you’ve said, though, she doesn’t sound like the type who can change her attitude depending on who she’s with, so I bet that’s not it.” “That’s… Well, all right. Then why?” “If I recall, you were involved in the joint demolition work on Hausel’s floating palace with Ashmael, correct?” Lester opens his bag. As Elefas nods, the man takes out a thick sheaf of materials and begins flipping through it. “What is the woman’s name?” “…Miss Neifa.” “Neifa. Going by Ashmael’s spelling system, that would be… Ah, here she is.” With a heavy thump, Lester sends the documents his way. The header reads List of Participants in the Floating Palace Demolition and Survey. “…Materials on the demolition? Why do you have these?” “Don’t concern yourself with that.” “You heard him. Don’t worry about it.” “I hear the divine items and some of the other valuables are going to be put up for auction…” They’re planning on rigging the bids. Realizing what Lester and Isaac wanted to discuss, Elefas is already starting to feel tired. It seemed just like Isaac not to talk about this with James. “…Well, that’s fine. I’m on vacation, so we’ll say I didn’t see this. What was it we were talking about?” “You’ve met her before, haven’t you? During the survey?” “I have? I don’t remember,” Elefas says, so Isaac rephrases. “It might be more accurate to say that there’s a possibility she knows you. That could be why she came to marry you.” “Hmm… Yes, I suppose she would prefer someone whose face she knew, at least.” “Are you an idiot? Or have you suddenly developed a fondness for masochism? She could have met Duke Mirchetta, too, you know; the holy king would have given her all the opportunities she wanted.” “That’s true.” Elefas nods awkwardly. He’s getting a vague inkling of what they’re telling him, but his mind can’t seem to process it. Or rather, he doesn’t want to recognize it. “So you’re saying she targeted me? …Do I seem that easy to control?” “I’m not denying that either as a possibility, but…” “What we’re trying to say is that maybe marrying you was the goal, and the technology and logic behind it were just the means. Quit playing dumb.” Isaac gives it to him straight, and Elefas’s face tenses up. In other words, he’s saying— “…No way, it sounded like she adores the holy king.” “If she adored him, she would have stayed in the harem. As far as Ashmael’s concerned, she’s valuable.” “That’s… Uh, huh…?” “Why not ask her if she’s there because she fell in love with you?” Isaac congratulates him, looking triumphant. Elefas gets the feeling he’s been indirectly ordered not to cause any more pointless trouble. “What sort of person is Lady Neifa?” Aileen asks. Roxane, who’s spreading jam on a scone, blinks at her. As always, the holy king’s principal consort is as quiet and beautiful as the stars. If Neifa was in competition with her in the harem, she must also be quite stunning. Setting her scone on her plate in an elegant motion, Roxane falls to thinking. “Let me see… She’s a very beautiful woman, and strong as well. Back when my position was still weak, she didn’t attempt to curry favor with Lady Sahra, nor with Master Baal. She simply threw herself into her work. That said, she did once wear an outfit completely in red, a color forbidden to all but the principal consort, and perpetrate other trivial forms of harassment.” Aileen had seen that one happen. “She wouldn’t listen to anyone and wore her work clothes all the time.” “…So she didn’t defend you, Lady Roxane?” “No, she didn’t. Her eyes seemed to say that if I needed that sort of thing, I should resign from the position of principal consort.” The woman sounds quite insolent. However, Aileen doesn’t dislike women like that. Roxane takes a sip of tea, then lowers her eyes. “I did think that she might become Master Baal’s favorite. As a matter of fact, Master Baal came to appreciate her quick wits and technologies, and both her pride and that harsh yet clear way of speaking she has pleased him. On top of that, her figure… She has something neither I nor Lady Sahra possess. What must one do to become like that…?” “L-Lady Roxane?” “It’s nothing… She is strict, but she also has a warm heart. During the Hausel incident, she was among those who gave false testimony so that Master Baal could go to take care of the floating palace. She alone gained nothing by doing so. Which is why, this being a favor she asked for, neither I nor Master Baal could refuse.” It does seem like a favorable arrangement, but the fact that it involves Elefas matters to Aileen. “I do hope it goes well, but…Master Claude is restless with worry. He fears his favorite mage may be devoured by a wicked woman. Do you not think he’s being a bit too overprotective?” “Master Baal is concerned as well. Every time he mentions it, I think to myself, Thank goodness.” Aileen’s eyes widen, and Roxane gives her a quiet smile. “She told me that if I failed to bear Master Baal an heir with strong sacred power, then she would be next. I didn’t deny it. If that had happened, no doubt Master Baal would have asked for my consent. I thought she would be better than the alternatives—you see, in terms of rank, she would be no threat to me, and she understood that.” “………” “With full knowledge of my intentions, she made a proposal to me: She would leave the harem, but in exchange, she wanted to be married off to the man she loved… I’m glad it was not a difficult match to achieve.” Roxane gives Aileen a sudden smile. She’s grown noticeably more expressive. It’s probably thanks to Baal. “Do you scorn me?” “No, I like that sort of thing. I’m hardly unrelated in this affair, as well.” “We both have our hardships, don’t we.” “We really do.” “Miss Roxane! We made reservations at the parfait shop! …Oh.” Sahra has burst in on the two of them giggling together, and she looks puzzled. Rachel, who’s waiting on the table, feigns ignorance and refills their teacups. Women have fallen for Elefas before. Unlike a certain demon king, he doesn’t have the sort of looks that would let him skate through life on appearance alone; however, he does have rather sweet features, and apparently, he looks kind when he smiles. As a result, he’s had quite a bit of experience: from dominatrix types who wanted to treat him as a pet, to starry-eyed young girls. Although, in most cases, the relationships were far from equal. Come to think of it, I get the feeling I’ve never been the object of a decent woman’s affections. The only women he’s fallen for were Lilia and Aileen. Both times, his feelings started out as vague and fuzzy, and it was over before he knew it. He thinks Rachel is cute, but she is simply his type. And besides, there is no man employed at the old castle who isn’t attracted to Rachel. All in all, doesn’t that mean he has no proper romantic experience whatsoever? “Come on, no, that can’t be true.” Having been chased out of Isaac’s apartment, Elefas sits on a bench in a park in the capital shaking his head. But the next moment he slumps over. “Here I finally get a vacation, and it’s no vacation at all…” “Oh, I thought that was you, Elefas.” A face abruptly peeks into his. Elefas recoils, clinging to the bench. Ever since last night, it’s been one scream-inducing event after another. “L-L-L-Lady Lilia? Wh-what are you doing here?!” “Hee-hee-hee! Taking a stroll.” “B-b-but you’re currently under guard— I mean, I’m on vacation now, so it’s fine, but…” He decides to pretend this never happened. The demon king definitely knows anyway. No doubt he only thinks of it as material to use to bully his younger brother. Lilia straightens up. There’s no telling where she got it, but she’s holding a paper-wrapped pie. She’s wearing a simple dress that looks right at home in these surroundings; she must have procured that from who knows where as well. Even so, her sweet face naturally attracts glances from passersby. “It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? How have you been? I’ve seen you several times, but I don’t think we’ve spoken alone since… Yes, it must be when we spoke about the Levi tribe’s rebellion.” Lilia gives an adorable little chuckle. That’s right, she told him about a prophetic dream she’d had. Thanks to that, Elefas halted the Levi tribe’s rebellion and came up with a strategy to steal the demon king’s magic and memories. “I’m sorry about that. Do you hate me for it?” “No… I think it was probably just fortune being fickle.” She almost certainly tricked him, but strangely, he isn’t angry about it. He doesn’t feel bitter, either. If he has to say, what he feels is shame. He ended up getting himself extremely carried away—no, emotionally cornered might be a better way to put it. No doubt I was intoxicated. Drunk on a love that could never be. Once that realization had set in, he felt genuinely embarrassed. “So is it true that you got married?” “…Where did you hear that?” “Lady Aileen. She told me not to meddle. That was rude, wasn’t it. I’m already a married woman myself,” Lilia says sulkily. Elefas gives her an apathetic response but inwardly grinds his teeth. So Lady Aileen’s in on it, too. That leaves Master Claude with no weaknesses… I’m pretty much out of moves. He sighs. Lilia sits down next to him. “Say, is it true that your wife was in Ashmael’s harem? Is she beautiful?” “Ah… Well, yes, she is that.” “Hmm. A beautiful mob character… Oh—does she have black hair? A sharp-edged personality and a bombshell figure? She laughed at Sahra for being flat!” He can imagine her scoffing and saying that, but he doesn’t know if it was really her or not. However, Lilia seems to have read Elefas’s response in his expression. Swinging her dangling feet, she peeks at him from the side. “Do you think you’ll end up falling for her?” Averting his gaze from hers, he gives a dry, evasive smile. She returns his smile with a suggestive one of her own. “That’s right. You always fall for girls who are absorbed in other things or interested in other people.” “—What?” “Hadn’t you noticed? Goodness, don’t make me talk like I’m in the game now, after all this time. ‘The truth is that you’re scared of being loved,’ and whatnot.” For just a moment, he feels as if he’s gone back in time to when he was giddy over her, following her with his eyes as she toyed with him. However, the smile she’s wearing in the dappled light under the trees is a cruel one. …Oh, I see. I’m— She seemed to see everything yet took no notice of him, which was a relief. He was also relieved when Aileen offered up an enviable amount of love to another man. Elefas was reassured by the fact that strength, that love, those lovely fragments of the world, were in a place with no connection to him. “Am I…a pessimist?” “I’d say so. You were definitely that sort of character, at least.” “Erm… I mean, I’m aware that I have a tendency to be self-deprecating, but…I did that consciously, so it’s…” He’s apparently been harboring a fundamental misunderstanding, though. “…No, come on, even before that, how could I deal with a partner who doesn’t treat me as human?! Being told out of nowhere that she loves me— What am I supposed to do with that?! Anyone would be bewildered!!” “Really? If someone told me they liked me, I’d fall for them.” Is it okay to be that casual about it? Elefas is astounded. Beside him, Lilia is busily munching on her pie. Somehow, the pie reminds him of himself and other men this woman has snacked on, and his feelings start becoming very complicated. “No, I did have a vague inkling of it. Thinking She’d never notice someone like me is just easier, and… Agh, I’m practically a caricature of a worthless man.” “In the game, you said hilarious stuff like, ‘I don’t have the right to be happy.’” “Who exactly are you talking about? I mean, I am a little like that, but I do want to be happy.” “Then you’ll need stop thinking so little of yourself, won’t you.” “But it’s complicated, you know. There’s my hometown’s situation, for example. Plus, we’re just not compatible; we’d never get along.” “It’s unusual for you to avoid things for petty reasons like that. You tend to just let everything roll right off you as if it doesn’t matter.” She’s right. Elefas feels as if he’s been confronted with his own insincerity, and his tone grows weaker. “…But I’m not broad-minded enough to be able to respond with nothing more than ‘Yes, I understand’ when I’m suddenly told I’ve got a wife.” “Well, that’s good, isn’t it? The you in the game might just have shrugged and accepted it.” “Just shrugged and— It’s a marriage!! Is it all right to be casual about marriages?!” “Oh, if it doesn’t work out, you can just divorce. I wonder if there’s such a thing as a divorce event.” Lilia laughs out loud; she couldn’t sound more casual if she tried, and Elefas begins to feel as if he’s the one who’s wrong here. Why is he talking about this with Lilia, of all people, in the first place? Elefas hangs his head. “Still, you’ve got a point. I think I’d be happy if you kept defending the ‘All Ages’ rating, too. Want me to support you?” “I have an extremely bad feeling about that, so no thank you!” he says, rejecting her with all his might, and Lilia laughs again. Instinct born of long years of experience tells Elefas that any more of this would be dangerous. For now, I’ll just have to try talking it over with her. Why has she married into the Levi tribe? There are things he can concede and things he can’t, but unless they talk, they won’t be able to move forward, divorce or otherwise. “Thank you for listening to my grievances. I’ll be going now.” “You’re sure you don’t need to arrest me?” “As I said earlier, I’m on vacation, so I’d rather not get involved— Huh?!” As soon as Elefas rises to his feet, Lilia embraces him from behind. He freezes up, suspecting some sort of trap, and can feel her sigh near his neck. She must be standing on her tiptoes to reach so far. “You showed me something entertaining, so I’m thanking you.” “Huh?” “You aren’t rubbish. Nothing like it. You’re a proper human being.” The remark sounds significant, and it makes him wonder what’s coming next. He braces himself, but Lilia simply releases him, and as Elefas turns fearfully around, she takes a step back. “You didn’t react. I didn’t think you would; everyone gets like that once Lady Aileen’s tamed them.” “Someone told me to become human just the other day, so I did think that was kind of you.” “I see. That’s a good thing, though. It means they’re really looking at you.” Smiling at him in a way that seems a bit lonely, Lilia waves. “What was the mob character’s name? Neifa? Tell her I said hello, and that if she entertains me, I’ll give you to her.” “Um, give me to her? Since when do I belong to you?!” “In my mind, I inherited you from Dowager Empress Lara, avenger Elefas Levi.” He freezes up, unable to argue with that. However, Lilia’s said as much as she wants to, and she walks softly away to continue her stroll through the park without a backward glance. Rubbing the back of his prickling neck, Elefas watches her go. “What was that about…?” Feeling rather deflated, he moves to a different location. Having someone see him teleport could get tiresome. He figures he’ll return home before night falls, worried that he’d be at a disadvantage once it gets dark. …But what will I do? Should I ask her? To her face? If he asks Neifa whether she’s in love with him, Elefas gets the distinct impression she may punch him. On its own, getting punched wouldn’t be so bad, but he also thinks she might look at him as if he’s garbage, then step on him…with those lovely feet. “No-no-no, not that!! I need to stop tormenting myself and fix this habit. Now, while I still can.” Elefas draws a deep breath. It’s the second day of his vacation—he doesn’t have much time left. Elefas hesitates for quite a while before deciding to buy a single flower, and by the time he teleports, it’s evening. He doesn’t even teleport into the house, but to a spot outside the front door. “I’m more of a wuss than I imagined…” The setting sun stings his eyes, and even he thinks it’s funny. That said, he’s tired of stressing out about this, so he goes inside at once; he seems to get desperate when cornered. Elefas opens the front door, careful not to lose his momentum. The house is silent. “…Is she not here?” The sun’s just begun to set. Wondering if she’s gone out, he steps into the living room—the room he hasn’t had the courage to teleport into directly. Immediately, he realizes that something’s wrong. The carpet has been trampled. There are shards from a shattered vase of flowers and water soaking into the floor. A chair is knocked over; one of table legs is broken. The curtains have been slashed, and the wallpaper has scorch marks—the residue of magic. The ash-filled fireplace holds the burned remnants of Neifa’s designs. The flower falls from his fingers. “Ne— Miss Neifa?! Where are you?!” Turning on his heel, Elefas berates himself. She has a sacred item, she’s intelligent, and she can make things, but that’s it: In all other respects, she’s an ordinary human. The advantage of tools is that they can be used by anyone, but in exchange, they’re eventually used up. On top of that, this is the Levi tribe’s village. Magic-users are common here. From what he saw of the uproar yesterday, Neifa incurred quite a lot of ill will. Even with her sacred item, if the others used their resources to restrain her, she wouldn’t have had a chance on her own. The tribe’s vision has been so narrow, and their future so nonexistent, that they tried to launch what would have amounted to a suicide attack on the demon king. Even now that Claude is emperor, there are many who are still wary of him. They can’t trust those in power. Their trauma runs deep. He understands that. However, if something happens to Neifa and they incur the holy king’s wrath, the resulting situation might be too much even for Elefas to handle. Blast that overbearing personality of hers…! This was a situation he could have seen coming. He should have warned Neifa more firmly not to put too much confidence in her sacred item, and not to underestimate the Levi tribe. “Big Brother Elefas! Oh, good, you’re here!” The moment he steps outside, a child he knows comes running up to him. The boy’s pallor confirms Elefas’s fears. “Was it the artisans?!” “Y-yeah. They said they were going to drive your wife off, and they took her away…!” “Where?!” “To an unused workshop! The one on the outskirts of the village over there, the biggest one.” Just as Elefas looks in that direction, there’s an explosion. Wind whips up, sending dust and dead leaves into the sky. Then there’s a second, even larger blast, and a mushroom cloud rises into the air. The boy stares up at it, mouth hanging open. Maybe he should have worried about Neifa. However, Elefas has been trained by the likes of Aileen and Lilia, and his perspective is different. “—The villagers may be in danger!!” “…Y-yeah. I get that feeling, too…” The boy, who had once seen Aileen wield the sacred sword and subjugate the village, nods in agreement. Neifa had first seen Elefas above the desert. The technologies of the Queendom of Hausel were shrouded in mystery, and the floating palace was packed with information about them. Since the work was taking place near the kingdom’s national border with Ellmeyer, and since Ellmeyer had had war declared upon it, the demolition work—which was really a hunt for treasure—was being conducted jointly by the two nations. “We’ll let you participate; just don’t cheat on us. We’d have to try you for adultery.” Baal laughed. Even though Neifa was a harem consort, he arranged for her to help with the investigation. The ruined interior of Hausel’s palace was fraught with danger. Sacred power was specifically designed to protect against magic, and it wasn’t all that useful otherwise. Minor collapses happened all the time, and when they did, Elefas was the one they roped in to help. He was the demon king’s favored retainer, and the highest official present on the Ellmeyer side—someone the Ashmael team had to be nervous around. Elefas was gentle with others, though, and oddly timid on top of that. Fights broke out easily on a work site that lasted several months, and whenever Elefas stepped in to mediate, he seemed to have no presence. While he did gradually open up to everyone, they came to underestimate him. Right about then, a large number of articles they had excavated began to go missing. Technological artifacts from the Queendom were likely to sell for a good price, and countless people in power would want them. This was not an unforeseen situation; Neifa knew that Baal had had it in mind and sent her as a spy of sorts. There were many people who were less careful about what they said when they were dealing with a woman. Neifa had been on the alert for theft all along, and she had an idea of who the culprits were, but there were problems. First, those culprits were from both Ashmael and Ellmeyer. Depending on how she reported it, it might cause an international incident. And no matter how she thought about it, the one who was giving instructions and coordinating things among those culprits was Elefas. She thought the situation might be too much for her to handle, but just as she began to think she should ask for Baal’s decision, it happened. One day out of nowhere, guards from Ashmael and Ellmeyer showed up together and arrested the culprits as they worked, giving them no time to argue. As everyone stood there, stunned, the culprits denounced Elefas, saying he was one of them. Elefas had dismissed this with a laugh, saying they had no proof. “I am the demon king’s mage. Have you forgotten?” The cold, mocking smile he’d worn then is still branded onto Neifa’s retinas. In other words, that man had played the part of a subservient, timid, easily led manager, infiltrated the group of culprits, and then rounded up the lot of them. Impressively enough, he’d even been the one with custody of all the stolen items. She’d thought she’d like to talk to him. At that point, though, something occurred to her: She was acutely aware of her position as a consort—even if the harem was scheduled to be dissolved—yet here she was, taking an interest in a man who wasn’t Baal. Wasn’t that cheating? As soon as the doubt occurred to her, she realized it was probably true. It’s human nature that forbidding a desire makes it grow. The next thing she knew, her eyes had naturally begun to follow Elefas, and she’d become able to pick out his voice from others. In particular, the self-deprecating way he spoke stood out. She’d frequently considered complaining to him: Here she was, attracted to him, and yet the man persisted in having such a low opinion of himself. He didn’t even notice her. It was so humiliating. She’d wanted to lecture him on the spot many, many times, and is proud of herself for fighting the urge. Once she returned to the harem, Neifa petitioned Baal to let her leave. Now that the Holy Dragon Consort had moved in and Roxane had Baal’s favor, she knew the harem would have no use for her. If there was any at all, it would be as Roxane’s backup if she proved unable to bear children. Baal was a good man, and a fine king as well. Even if she didn’t love him, she’d thought that bearing his child and raising the next king wouldn’t be a bad life. However, she’d found a man she wanted to hold more than she wanted to be held, so that was that. The world calls that sort of absurdity “love.” Which was why it had depressed her a bit when her husband fled from her on their first night together—a night she’d long been looking forward to. Neifa began to plan out her next course of action, but failed to keep a watchful eye on her surroundings, and those imbecile demon-stone artisans had stolen the march on her. Even I think that was foolish of me. Neifa sighs. She’s been tied up. The chains wrapped around both her arms are infused with magic, and her wrists have been bound tightly in front of her. She’s trussed up so thoroughly that even sitting takes a lot of effort and feels uncomfortable, and they’ve taken the precaution of chaining her to the railing in front of the workshop’s smelting furnace. The artisans must have realized that Neifa’s ring is what enables her to use the sacred stone; the first thing they did was take it away from her. However, they didn’t strip her naked and conduct a thorough search. Is that idiotic of them or endearing? When she bends over and searches her bodice, a small demon stone rolls out. “—which is why I’m telling you, we’ve taken this too far! She’s from Ashmael, remember?!” “She married Elefas, so she’s one of us now! If we punish her, they’ve got no right to complain!” What’s more, this is apparently the work of a single faction that has gotten out of control, and now they are having a belated argument over what to do with their captive. Are they stupid? Neifa thinks, unamused. At the same time, she thinks of the trouble her husband’s been through. Stupidity isn’t a crime, though. As long as they learn, they’ll be fine. With humans, what’s important is their environment. In the first place, it was Imperial Ellmeyer that had made the Levi tribe this dumb. Claude Jean Ellmeyer is currently trying to take responsibility for that. Now is their chance. She’s sure she and her husband are the only ones who understand that. The idea is rather pleasant. Keeping an eye on her surroundings, Neifa uses her fingertips to hitch up her skirt, bit by bit. She chose her outfit with the intent of being modest—at least initially—and it’s made of heavy fabric. She chastises herself for thinking something so unlike her. “They’re planning to take our demon-stone technologies from us! Just how hard do they think we worked to complete that teleportation device?” “I hear they’re already widely in use within the Queendom, though.” “How could anybody know that?!” “It’s true,” Neifa says, cutting in. They only realize that Neifa has regained consciousness when she speaks up. “The Queendom’s technology is phenomenal. If things like that were popularized, it would change the world.” “…Then we should be the ones to do it!” “That’s why the demon king is trying to give you the power to do so, and why he’s simultaneously wary of you. Why don’t you understand that?” Silence falls. They howl, “We can do it,” “We’ve got this,” and “Don’t sell us short,” but not a single one of them has managed to comprehend their own value. Neifa can scarcely believe it. “You have a future in which you can change the world. Why don’t you believe that? My husband tends to be like that as well, but still…” “Wh-what now? You’ve told us up and down that Ashmael’s technology is more advanced…” “Of course it is; the kingdom’s put a lot of effort into it. I’ve also done a lot of study. And so, starting now, we’ll overtake them. Oh… I see. Is that what you don’t like? Competition?” That’s how inveterate losers think. It’s basically in their nature, so there’s no sense in complaining about it. With a derisive snort, Neifa puts one knee up, exposing her snow-white leg. The entire group looks shocked. They’re all so naive. They haven’t even noticed the device in her garter. “However, even people like you will stand up and take action if you lose everything, won’t you?” What they’ve been making in this worn-out workshop is their lifelong dream. The whole time they were building their teleportation device, they thought, Someday, we’ll strike back for sure. Even if it destroys the tribe, we’ll be satisfied. They’re still thinking that now, when there’s no longer any need for the tribe to be destroyed. “I thought we wouldn’t need this shop anymore, so it’s rigged to explode.” “Huh?” “Just so you know, this here is the detonator.” Go on, burn. Do that and their eyes and bodies might finally realize that a new age has dawned. Although Neifa is still bound, her fingertips push the demon stone in without hesitation. Even with explosions, there’s a proper sequence that should be followed if one wants to wipe something off the map completely. As Neifa had planned, the detached studio blows up first, and the group screams. “If you want me to stop, return my ri—” There’s a second explosion behind her, and the group of kidnappers take to their heels at once. Neifa tilts her head, puzzled. Did I get the order wrong? That can’t be… Can it have set off some sort of chain reaction with the teleportation device? My, my. If so, they must have been making something pretty impressive. She planned for this building to blow up last, so this is awkward. Unsure whether to be impressed or to panic, Neifa briefly considers her own situation. She clearly won’t be able to run for it. There’s already no one else around. Left with no choice, she shakes her leg, kicking off her sandal, and flips it over. There’s a stone embedded in the sole. It’s a sacred stone that can summon the holy king. She remembers the appalled look on Baal’s face: Where do you think you’re putting that? She didn’t want to use it, as it would make them look down on her husband. At this point, though, her only option is to have Baal save her. “Nei— Miss Neifa!!” Just as her fingertips are about to touch the sacred stone, a voice echoes above her head, and Neifa freezes, startled. It’s Elefas. He must have teleported in. Flustered, he drops down in front of her. “Thank goodness! You’re all right!” There’s a light crack, and Neifa’s chains fall apart and vanish. That’s the demon king’s favorite retainer, all right. The demon king’s mage. Meanwhile, the building on the right blows up, rocking the workshop. Elefas looks anxious, so Neifa tells him, “This one will explode last, so we’re still all right.” “Nothing about this is ‘all right’! So you really were planning on blowing this one up as well?! I swear—come on, we’re going.” “Ah, wai—” Before she can grab her sandal, he’s pulled her into his arms. “What? We’ll talk later!” If she leaves her sandal, the sacred stone Baal gave her will be ruined. However, Elefas seems angry, and when she sees that, Neifa wraps her arms around his neck. “Impatient, aren’t you? This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t been late coming to my rescue.” “Listen, it was you who set up these explosions, remember?!” It’s the first time she’s been teleported by magic. Smiling, Neifa shuts her eyes and leaves everything to her husband. In the end, Neifa doesn’t ask for anyone to be punished over the incident, and it’s tidied away as a sort of family dispute among the tribe. Many are deeply impressed by her stance, and the artisans who had been stubbornly hostile toward Neifa are rebuked harshly by the others—in a way that is very familial indeed—and so the incident comes to a close. No one will try to lay a hand on Neifa after this. It’s all thanks to the power of that destroyed workshop, which is now just an empty plot of land. Neifa has threatened that group of artisans, saying that if she feels like it, she can just do the same thing all over again, which paralyzes them with fear. Elefas’s job is to be plied with the carrot and the stick at the same time: He’s watching her place the flower he bought for her in a vase, all the while needling him about the fact that she was about to call the holy king. “I had no idea the Levi tribe was this foolish. I was impressed.” “I really am sorry…” “What are you apologizing for? They’re your tribe. That makes them my tribe. Honestly, it’s such a headache.” Neifa sighs. Elefas is massaging her shoulders. When he pauses for a moment, she promptly glares at him. “You aren’t finished yet. Keep going until the hourglass is empty.” “Oh yes, excuse me, Nei…Miss Neifa.” “What is that wishy-washy way of addressing me?” “Um… How should I address you, then?” “You can’t even make that decision on your own? I don’t recall having a husband who was so indecisive.” Groaning inwardly, Elefas thinks. In the living room fireplace, a piece of firewood breaks with a snap. His hesitation lasts only as long as that sound. “In that case… ‘Miss Neifa.’” She snorts at him derisively. She can’t be implying she’d prefer it if he simply used her name, can she? No, if he had, he suspects she would have mocked him for getting ahead of himself. Neifa has just finished reapplying her makeup after her bath, and she checks it in the mirror. Suddenly, her brows draw together into a frown. “What is that pathetically foolish expression supposed to be? Is that how your face normally looks? If it is, then fix it.” “If it were, I imagine it can’t be fixed…” “Try, please. It would be a shame to let a handsome face go to waste… And now we trade places.” Huh? he thinks, but Neifa’s already risen from the sofa. She shoos him out of his spot, making him move to the place she’s just vacated. Neifa turns the hourglass over on the table. The stream of sand begins to sift down again. “What? Don’t tell me you’re going to massage my shoulders now.” “Consider yourself fortunate.” Her slim fingers stroke the back of his neck, and he sits up straighter. However, almost as soon as she begins to knead his shoulders, Neifa’s eyes narrow. “You’re far too stiff. I can’t press in at all.” “A-am I? I can’t tell.” “I see. That’s quite like you. You don’t pay attention to yourself.” There’s a hint of a smile in her response, and for some reason, it makes the depths of his stomach stir restlessly. The fire illuminates them from behind, accompanied by a soft light from the candelabra on the table. Is he getting caught up in the atmosphere? The words he’d been trying to find the right time to say slip out before he even thinks about it. “…Um, have I met you somewhere before?” Unusually, Neifa doesn’t answer immediately. An odd anxiety spurs him on. “I mean, why has a woman like you come to marry into… To be my wife? Surely you would have been allowed to remain in the holy king’s harem. In fact, you had a sacred stone that would have summoned him. That shows how much King Baal favors you, doesn’t it?” Neifa doesn’t respond. She simply keeps massaging his shoulders. “Making sacred items would have been easier in the harem than it will be with us. Even if you meant to marry out anyway, there must have been other, better matches for you to choose from.” “……” “…What I mean to say is that it seems as if you intentionally chose me. It isn’t as if I’m particularly eligible, though. I don’t intend to become grand duke, and even if I did, neither my rank nor my authority would compare to the holy king’s.” “…………” “On top of that… Um, please don’t be angry. Someone has presented me with the frightful notion that, taken all together, this may mean you’re in love with me…” “………………” “I’m sorry, but would you please say something?! This is extremely awkward!!” Elefas pleads, giving up. Neifa gives him a merciless, mocking smile. “It was an amusing story, so I was doing you the favor of listening quietly.” “So it’s amusing, yes, I see!! I’m glad to hear it… No, that’s enough. What is going on?” “It serves you right. At first, you said you didn’t need me and that I wouldn’t be of use to the tribe, and you wouldn’t even look at me. That was only yesterday.” It as if she’s calling him a pushover, and he starts to feel even more depressed. However, her hands fall still, and then she slips them over his shoulders, twining them around his arms. He feels something soft against the back of his head, but he doesn’t dare think about what it is. “I don’t suppose you’d refrain from running away tonight?” “Oh no, wait just one moment! I haven’t fallen for you yet, you see, and—” “That doesn’t matter one bit. Don’t be so stubborn.” “I think it does matter!! Listen, even I would like to have a proper romance!!” He said it, and he’s proud of himself for saying it. However, the shame that wells up inside him makes him turn red. Covering his face with his hands, Elefas continues, “And so, if you’d give me a little time…! I’ll assume that it will be with you!” “How tedious.” “Quit balling up my dreams and tossing them away! …I really haven’t done anything decent so far.” That’s why he’s only ever watched. Couples who love each other so intensely, in such a straightforward way. People who are able to live like that. “…Which is why it’s something I’ve always dreamed of having. Is that not allowed? Is it not all right for me to want to build a proper relationship with you, and you alone?” Sighing, Neifa whispers in his ear, “How old are you again?” “Please stop. What I’m saying is already so embarrassing, I want to die…” “As far as I’m concerned, marrying the man I love and becoming one with him is the most proper way there is.” His eyes widen. Forgetting his embarrassment, Elefas raises his face from his hands. Neifa smiles at him. “Very well. I’ll allow you to court me. I’d intended to make you human, but it wouldn’t be bad to wait until you are one.” “……” “There will be no cheating. Is that clear?” “…Oh yes.” “Once your vacation ends, I assume you’ll go back to the capital. You’ll return home on the weekends?” Ngh. A different sort of embarrassment works its way up inside him. He can’t look Neifa in the eyes, and yet he finds himself wanting to touch the hands she’s set on his shoulders. “Yes… I’ll return on weekdays as well, as often as I’m able. I can teleport, after all.” “Please do.” “…O-or would you rather come to the capital? I’m currently staying at the demon king’s old castle, but…I could rent an apartment.” “What are you planning to do if we live together? If I respect your wishes, we’ll be sleeping separately.” “……Please don’t say things that will undermine my reasoning like that.” “You said it yourself. I had nothing to do with it.” She’s entirely correct. As he’s writhing in the space between his ideals and his worldly desires, he hears Neifa laugh. Slightly irked by that, Elefas pulls on the hands still resting on his shoulders. “I am a man, technically, so being dominated from start to finish is rather…” “My, my.” The fact that she doesn’t even flinch is because there’s love and forgiveness there. When he thinks that, he feels strangely sure of himself. He doesn’t even think it’s fast. Not even in terms of trying to build a proper relationship. But if I try something with her, I might not be able to stop. Even as the thought occurs to him, his eyes close…but just as their sighs mingle, something abruptly yanks him back by the scruff of his neck. Startled, Elefas opens his eyes. Given the nice atmosphere they were just enjoying, he was sure this was going to work. “…What is this?” “Huh? Just a—” She’s pulling on the collar of his shirt so hard that she’s practically choking him. The light in Neifa’s eyes is sharp, and one look at her face makes him shut his mouth. From experience, he’s well aware that an ill-chosen remark at this point could end his life. Neifa murmurs in a low voice that’s almost a growl, “…Lip rouge.” Don’t tell me—Lilia’s? From that time in the park? Before he can make excuses, Neifa grabs the front of his shirt. “And whose might that be?” “I…I think it may have been some sort of prank…” “For a prank, the outline of the lips is very clear, isn’t it.” “……” Lilia is the Maid of the Sacred Sword, but she’s also a criminal and the wife of the second prince of Ellmeyer. She’s a difficult person to even try to explain. So Elefas just smiles. “It’s nothing you need to worry about.” “My, what a fine smile. May I ask the rest of your body, husband?” Neifa slips in close to him and sets her fingers on the top button of his shirt. It’s the second night of his vacation. With his virtue in crisis once again, Elefas doesn’t run, but focuses all of his middle management skills on placating his wife. When Elefas returns to his room in the old castle in the afternoon of his fourth day off, he looks haggard, even though he’s still on vacation. “Listen, whatever you do, don’t start any trouble. The holy king may be one thing, but the demon king is here as well!” “I wouldn’t cause problems for you at your workplace, husband. Never mind that, hurry and show me around.” “I swear, I have nothing but bad feelings about this…” It’s better than having her barge in on him while he’s working, though. Now that the workshops for making magic and sacred items are firmly under her control, Neifa has decided that their long-term research will be conducted on the development of teleportation devices. For the veteran artisans who were left completely despondent by the demolitions, this is a delightful decision. They still haven’t fully accepted her, but their resistance has dwindled to merely stubbornness and discontent. From flat denial to acceptance. The carrot and the stick, huh…, Elefas thinks, but he refrains from saying it aloud. “Huh? Elefas? You’re back alre— Whoa, who’s the knockout?!” As they round a corner in the corridor, they run into Walt and Kyle. Guessing this means the demon king is off playing with either the holy king or Aileen, Elefas checks with them. “I’m sorry, I’m in a hurry. Where is King Baal?” “With Master Claude, in his office. They’re just having lunch, so Sir Ares relieved us.” “Hey, don’t tell me… Is this that rumored wife of yours?” “W-we’ll talk about that later— Ow!” Behind him, Neifa has pulled his hair. “Why are you being evasive, husband?” “I, I’m sorry. Um, this is Nei— Miss Neifa. She’s agreed to come and marry me.” “…Elefas, guy, c’mere a minute.” “Wh-what?” Grabbing his shoulder, Walt drags him into a corner of the corridor. “What’s going on here? What’s the story with that beauty?” “Sh-she was in the holy king’s harem, so of course she’s beautiful…” “What the heck?! Color me jealous! And check out that chest!” “Where exactly are you looking?!” “Excuse me. You, over there.” Ignoring their completely audible conversation, Neifa speaks to Kyle. “I have a matter to discuss with King Baal. Where might I find him?” “I’m sorry, but King Baal is an honored guest. For security reasons, I must not reveal his whereabouts to anyone I’m not familiar with. Please understand, madam,” Kyle responds properly. He’s expecting her to get angry, but Neifa nods to him. “Quite so. I apologize. Are you my husband’s colleague? May I ask your name?” “Kyle Elford. Indeed, Elefas and I work together. Are you his wife?” “Yes. I’m Neifa. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “The pleasure’s mine. Elefas’s situation is difficult in many ways, but he’s a good fellow.” This proper greeting leaves Elefas deeply moved. Neifa smiles. “I’m relieved to know he has a colleague like you. —You over there as well.” “Uh, yes?! Oh… I’m Walt Lizanis.” “If you’re going to look, at least be furtive about it. It’s only polite.” Laying a hand on the generous cleavage exposed by her dress, Neifa gives him a gentle smile. Walt seems as if he has experience with women, yet even he stands there slack-jawed and stunned. “Now then, husband, let us go.” “Uh, yes. Excuse me, we’ll talk later.” Summoned, Elefas slips free of Walt’s arm, which has gone limp. Once they’ve rounded the corner, they hear shouting behind them. “Did you see her?! Gorgeous! Think he’d trade places with me?! I want a wife like that!!” “Didn’t she just warn you about that attitude?” “Yes, and the way she did it was phenomenal!! I’m way too jealous! I’m definitely going to strangle Elefas later!” What did I do to deserve that? he thinks, but Neifa, the cause of the commotion, remains cool and composed. “They’re adorable.” “Hmm… You’re quite mature about it, Miss Neifa.” “You can’t possibly be jealous.” “……” “You’re the one who made an ascetic monk of yourself, you know.” “Yes, that’s absolutely true!!” He agrees with her rather desperately, but it doesn’t help one bit. Still, the bosom Neifa has so liberally exposed and her bewitching limbs all belong to him. He has to think like that; otherwise, he won’t last long. Especially now that she’s told him to let her see her former husband. “Neifa. What, you miss us already?” “Goodness, Master Baal, listen to you.” The moment the office door opens, the holy king gives an easy smile, which Neifa returns with a very soft one of her own. Elefas’s eyes skate away from the two of them, and he bows to his liege lord instead. “Master Claude, I apologize for interrupting your conversation.” “That’s fine. What’s the matter, though? Your vacation isn’t over yet.” “Ah, well, my wife asked a favor of me…” “The sacred stone we gave you broke. What happened?” “So you did know about that. It’s been an eventful few days.” The conversation behind him seems oddly loud, and the smile freezes on Elefas’s face. Claude grins at him. “I see. So you’re sweet on your wife, too, hmm?” “It isn’t like that at all. I was just thinking there was a decision I might rethink.” “I’m on your side.” “Please don’t, Master Claude. I almost felt my heart skip a beat there, which is depressing.” “It’s all right. My mage won’t lose to the holy king.” When Elefas hears that, he gulps just a little. Recrossing his legs, Claude props his chin on his hand and looks at Baal. Or maybe he’s looking at Neifa. “Do you feel like becoming grand duke now?” “…I’ve begun to feel as if I probably won’t have a choice.” “In that case, as far as wives for you go, she’s a success.” “A success…? She subjected me to a storm of abuse, saying things like, ‘You’d refuse? That’s so irresponsible! Are you a fool?! How much of an eternal underdog can you possibly be?’” “Who besides you could fill that position?” He couldn’t deny that, when she’d said those words to him full of confidence, he’d thought she was probably right. “There could be no Grand Duke Levi other than you. As long as you’ve realized that, there’s no longer any need for her.” Claude’s mischievous eyes turn back to him. Elefas thinks for a little while, then sighs. “Having the holy king as her former husband makes life very hard…” “It’s all right; you’ll win this. Mostly by doing something shady.” “That definitely wasn’t a compliment! —And don’t you think you’re getting too close over there?! Miss Neifa, why are you on his lap?!” He’d turned around without thinking, which put Neifa and Baal in his line of sight. Neifa toys with Baal’s necklace, and she lets out a quiet laugh. “My, you finally noticed, husband?” “You’re far too slow. Come and stop Neifa before she seats herself on our lap.” “Very well, I’ll go call your principal consort.” “Hmph. Don’t imagine Roxane would get jealous over something like this!!” Baal declares firmly, before burying his face in the sofa’s armrest, apparently having managed to wound himself with his own words. Leaving his lap, Neifa giggles. “You’re always such an innocent babe when it comes to the principal consort. It makes my heart ache.” “Don’t give us that. You’re the one who asked for a divorce. We favored you.” “Gracious, don’t tell me you miss me?” “You’re a good woman.” “Wha—? Why are you getting closer again? Surely that’s not necessary!” “In that case, Master Baal, sell the Levi tribe sacred stones at bargain prices.” Drawing a document from her bodice, Neifa dangles it in front of Baal’s face. The holy king freezes up. “Give me a set of old equipment as well. Enough to outfit a magic item workshop.” “…Woman… This contract— You’re practically asking to buy it at cost…” “I’m in distress, you see. Please consider it my dowry. You simply need to sign here. If you don’t, I may end up discussing all sorts of things with Lady Roxane…including that one night.” Neifa’s suggestive remark makes Baal’s face stiffen. Rising to her feet, she looks down at him, slowly waving the document. “…We’ll sign. We’ll sign, so wipe that from your memory. Understand?” “You’ve made me very happy.” “Wait a second, ‘that one night’? What’s that about?!” Elefas shouts. “Once you’ve finished your ascetic training, I shall tell you.” “Argh, enough, I want to quit!!” “Wait one moment, Master Baal!” The office door suddenly opens to reveal Roxane. Out in the hall, Ares sighs, looking exasperated; he restrained Sahra when she tried to follow Roxane in, and he seems to be telling her not to get involved. Roxane strides toward them. Unusually, she’s smiling. “It’s been a long time, Lady Neifa. I’m pleased to see you in good health.” “My, Lady Roxane. This is a delicate time for you. Shouldn’t you be resting quietly?” “Thank you for your concern. What are you attempting to make Master Baal sign?” “A contract. In his kindness, His Majesty has agreed to sell us sacred stones very cheaply. I’ve just been exiled from the harem, you see, and I have no money.” Roxane picks up the contract Baal is about to sign, and Baal hastily makes excuses. “Uh, Roxane. This isn’t just because she blackmailed us.” “…The term will be two years. If this is meant to last until the Levi tribe has found its feet again, then that seems appropriate. However, we can’t agree to the contract as it stands.” “Goodness. What about it dissatisfies you, Principal Consort?” “For the same two-year term, you will also sell us the demon stones you excavate at a price close to cost.” Invisible sparks fly between Neifa and Roxane. Baal quietly moves to the edge of the sofa; Elefas knows how he feels. Just to be sure, Elefas asks Claude, “Um, Master Claude… How should we mediate this?” “It’s nothing to do with me. The Levi tribe is a grand duchy at this point. You have the right to govern yourselves, so you’ll just have to roll up your sleeves here.” “Did you just shove all this onto me?! Technically, we’re a vassal state of Ellmeyer, remember?! Honestly… Miss Neifa, that’s quite enough.” She glares at him, and Elefas gives her a thin smile in return. “Your consideration makes me happy, but it’s all right. I’ll handle it.” Neifa’s eyes widen. Then, she gives a meaningful smile. “I see. In that case, husband, I’ll leave it to you. Let’s say this entire conversation never happened.” “Master Baal, let’s sign this at once. Their next attempt will put us at an even greater disadvantage.” “Wha—? Roxane, if you pull on us like that, we can’t sign—” “What happened ‘that one night’?” “Listen to— Ow, ow-ow-ow-ow, are you trying to break our fingers?!” The contract is hardly even a factor at this point; the holy king and his principal consort are simply fooling around. Granted, it does look pretty painful… Claude seems to have gotten lonely, since he asks Keith—who’s finishing clearing the remains of their lunch away—where Aileen is. Sensing that it’s time to take their leave, Elefas turns to Neifa. “Is that enough?” “Yes. Now Master Baal won’t worry anymore, either.” Neifa wraps her arms around one of Elefas’s, as if it’s the natural thing to do. She doesn’t look the slightest bit ashamed of herself, and it makes him feel like sulking just a little. “Are you sure? It’s not too late. You could still return to Ashm— Ouch! Ow, ow, you’re treading on my foot!” “Don’t talk nonsense. Let’s hurry to the next item on the agenda, please.” “Um, of course…” “Neifa.” Baal has reclaimed his fingers from the principal consort, and he signs the contract without looking their way. “We’re sorry. We caused you nothing but trouble. Make sure you find happiness.” “Lady Roxane is behind you, glaring. Oh, I’m scared.” Naturally, he’s the one who should really be scared. They can collect the contract later. Elefas doesn’t actually mind if it vanishes. The most important thing is to leave before any more trouble breaks out, so he puts an arm around Neifa’s waist and promptly teleports them away. At the end of his vacation, Neifa made two requests of Elefas. The first was to let her say hello to Baal and give him a report. This was the second. “Seriously, enough. Give me a break… My stomach hurts.” “My, how awful. I’ll make tonight’s dinner something that’s good for digestion.” “Urgh, thank you very much…,” Elefas responds weakly. He’s leaning against the castle wall a short distance from the imperial castle. The weather is clear and sunny, but it’s midwinter. When the wind blows, it makes him shiver. Elefas is wearing an insulated cloak, so it could be worse, but Neifa’s clothes look very chilly indeed. …And yet Neifa seems unfazed as she looks beyond the castle wall. Is she carrying some sort of magic item that keeps her warm? He doesn’t ask. Instead, he quietly opens his cloak wider and embraces her in it from behind. “I’m not cold.” “…I’m cold just looking at you.” “What about your ascetic training? Or were you quitting?” His hand has gone and traced the line of her slim waist, most likely what she’s referring to. Elefas mumbles what sounds like an excuse. “It’s basically in men’s nature, you know… I mean… How could I not touch this?!” “Are you sure you just haven’t trained enough?” “That’s it exactly, yes.” He slumps, burying his face in her shoulder, and she laughs at him. Pathetic. “I want to stop training…and I hate that I’m thinking that. I’m such a pushover.” “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’ve had me right in front of you for four days; I’m impressed you’ve lasted this long.” “Would you not say things that’ll make me start going in circles again?!” “You’re just having guilty fantasies all on your own.” “Dammit, I haven’t trained enough…and yet I want to stop… Why was I training in the first place anyway?” “Many gentlemen mistake denying themselves for sincerity.” Oh, I see, Elefas thinks, convinced. At the same time, he starts to feel as if he’s doing something incredibly pointless. “Just do what you like until you’re satisfied; I’m fine either way. You’ll return to work tomorrow, and it would be kinder on your body if you refrained from doing things that would make it too difficult to part.” “You really are good at scrambling my reasoning, aren’t you?!” “I was a harem consort, you know.” So these are feminine wiles, hmm? Nuzzling the back of Neifa’s neck with his forehead, Elefas confesses with a groan, “…I got a bit jealous.” “A bit?” “I’m sorry, quite jealous! …And yes, it startled me. The other man is the holy king. Generally, he’s not the type I could even begin to match, so I’m rather appalled that I managed to be jealous.” “I see. I think it’s quite human. Isn’t that a good thing?” “…Would it be human of me to end my training this evening, for example?” Abruptly, Neifa looks as if she understands. “You’re touching my leg.” “I’m sorry, my hand just— My inexperienced hand just acted on its own!” “Do as you please. This is your problem, after all… Are those two Lady Lilia and Lady Aileen?”