CH 461

「Koone-chan, cheer up? Myuu and Hina-chan doesn’t care about something like that at all nano!」

「……u」

「Actually, I was feeling a bit nervous to have an audience with a  queen of another world. That is why, I felt greatly relieved instead to  be able to see the actual Koone-san.」

「K-Koone isn’t actually like that though」

The location had changed from the throne room to a lounge.

Koone and the today’s guests, Kouki and others were sitting around a  round table. Other than them there were only the guard Lilin and the  waitress Anneal.

Old Bruitt was currently absent to take care of some works along with  calling the head warrior Donar, the chief of blessing art user Linden,  and the royal guard commander Spenser.

Myuu and Hinata were sitting on Koone’s sides. They even shifted  their chair to a position where they could reach out to Koone. They were  staring on Koone’s dejected face from the sides while smiling  cheerfully.

Kouki, Moana, Aularodde, and Lilin were watching that scene with delight.

In the end, The Take 2 of 「Super cool and amazing queen Koone」 after  that ended immediately after Koone sat back on her throne, put up a  front, and introduced herself.

The reason went without saying.

That was because the gazes from Myuu and others who were lined up orderly in front of the throne were very warm.

There was no way Koone could endure such atmosphere.

Trying to redo it only made the pain even more unbearable……Koone  finally noticed that after too late and quietly got down from her  throne.

And then, her expression turned bright red. With tearful eyes and fading voice she said,

──w-welcome to synclea kingdom. my name is koone

She reintroduced herself with such tone that sounded like the words would only use small alphabet if they were written.

Although, the greeting that was done while both her hands were  clutching tightly on her dress around her stomach while shivering like a  chihuahua, the Take 3 of her greeting in a sense could be said as a  success instead.

After all, the siscon Moana collapsed while nosebleed spurted out  from her nose. Not only that, even Myuu and Hinata reflexively ran and  hugged Koone from how adorable she was acting.

In fact, Hinata was saying the truth that she was feeling nervous before the meeting.

After all this was her first time going to another world. Furthermore  she would have an audience with the ruler of a country even if said  ruler was a girl her age. Everything was a first experience for her.

Even though Moana had told her that she didn’t need to be so formal,  she still thought that she mustn’t acted impolitely and asked around  about the manner of Synclea beforehand. That was just how nervous she  was.

That nervousness had been blown away completely. No, not only that,  seeing the figure of Koone who kept glancing at them even now while  wondering 「Have they gotten disappointed? Is this really okay?」,

「What an adorable queen.」

「Fue!?」

Her positivity level kept rocketing up that Hinata unconsciously blabbed out such words absentmindedly.

The gap between the title of queen from another world and her current  figure that was like a small animal apparently had stolen Hinata’s  heart completely.

Hinata elegantly supported her cheek with one hand while slightly  tilting her head to stare gently at Koone. Koone couldn’t hide her  agitation!

「Myuu also feel relieved nano! After all Myuu heard that the queen is a chaotic schemer type!」

「Who said that!? Koone demand disclosure of information-」

The agitation was speeding up! Though it was an agitation of a  different vector! Koone’s gaze snapped toward Kouki, but Kouki was  shaking his head desperately. He didn’t look like he was lying.  Apparently it was a false accusation.

Myuu dealt an additional blow mercilessly on the considerably agitated Koone with a smile.

「Hey hey, Koone-chan. Can Myuu call you Ku-chan?」

「Eh!? A pet name already!? Even though Koone thought that you should  call without honorific first before getting ascended into best friend so  you can use pet name……your way to shorten the distance is unforeseen!」

「Myuu can’t?」

「O-of course you can! Koone doesn’t mind if that is what Myuu-sama wished for」

「Myu! Ku-chan! You don’t need to add “sama” for calling Myuu nano!」

「That is also unnecessary with me. Please, I ask you to call me as you please, whether with Hinata or even Hina-chan. Ku-chan?」

「T-then……if you two are calling Koone as “Koo” like that, can I also, call you two with “Mi-chan” and “Hi-chan”?」

「「Of course!」」

「Goodness. One of Koone’s dreams for many years suddenly came true in  an instant……Is Koone dreaming? No, this is none other than the power of  the demon king’s daughter and her dear friend–」

Also this “dreams” referred to the “list of things I want to do when I  can make friend of equal standing” that she was hiding under a false  panel of her drawer.

Calling the friend’s name without honorific, getting promoted into  best friend and calling each other with pet name, pajama party, secret  exchange of letters, having matching pair of something, etc.

「Ah, we also brought gifts for you nano!」

「Gifts? You two went out of your way like that for Koone? ……Fuh, Koone is a queen so ordinary gifts are──」

Koone’s bad habit──even though she wanted to make friend of equal  standing, she became more embarrassed the friendlier the other side  became that she put on air as a royalty instead──went into effect, but  of course, it was pointless in front of Myuu-. The communication ability  that was called as cheat even among her cheat and bugged family pounced  on the queen who was hungry for friend.

「──”Open Sesame~”」

The ring that was fashioned into necklace──”Myuu’s exclusive treasure warehouse(prototype)” summoned its content on the table after the activation phrase was said. Also, the activation phrase was provisional.

When the activation phrase was set up, Myuu said 「Open, the abyss  inside mine self! ……Myuu want that one nano!」 while making a  cool-looking pose, so it was rejected for the time being, Kousuke who  happened to be present at that place was writhing around in shame for  the time being, and the classic word was set up for the time being.

Also, it had security that was formed using soul magic, so it  couldn’t be activated by anyone other than Myuu even if they said the  activation phrase. The activation phrase itself could be anything, so it  was still being considered. One that wasn’t cool-sounding or anything.

Getting back on topic.

「Ta-daaa. Other World Commu~nicator~!!」

「What’s with the gravelly voice!?」

Of course, that was for mimicking a certain blue cat robot. Myuu loved the movie series.

Seeing that, a certain treasure storage creator papa imitated 「Papa  Dorae*on~~~」 and bombed it really badly that he received a gentle gaze  from his daughter, to which he writhed around in shame. Such thing also  happened, but it was a secret between only the father and daughter.

「Errr……this is?」

「It’s a tool so you can talk with someone even if they’re far away nano!」

「Secret exchange of letter!!」

It was a light blue plate with texture like crystal that was engraved  with complicated and mysterious magic circles. The size was around an  adult’s palm.

Also, it was created from god crystal so it contained immense amount  of magic power, even so it would only last for several minutes when used  to communicate to other world. Myuu who lived on earth could easily had  her communicator recharged, but such thing wouldn’t be possible at  Koone’s side. And so Koone would only be able to make emergency call  from her side.

However, it would be a different story when it was used within the  same world. It could be used quite easily. And so it could at least be  used for communication between Koone and Kouki who was going to do his  original objective of investigating various things in the desert world.

Also, Hajime had anticipated that Myuu would frequently make a call  from her side, so he intended this to be an endurance test for the  artifact too.

That explanation was given while,

「Myuu will be able to call even after going home nano. Ku-chan, Myuu think you’ll be busy but……can Myuu call you sometimes?」

「Anytime is fine! Koone is always free after all!」

「There’s no way that’s true.」

The retort was sharp like Lilin’s wind blade, however it entered  Koone’s right ear only to come out from her left ear. After all this was  similar to her list number 4──”Secret correspondence with friend”  coming true!

「And then, there’s this new pajama!」

「No way-」

「Myuu heard from Moana-oneesan nano! The things that Ku-chan want to do! We gonna have pajama party tonight! Nano!」

「Koone want to yell just what were you blabbing out as you please  stupid Onee-chan but, Koone will say this just this time! Good job  Onee-chan!」

Koone gave an energetic thumb up to her big sis. Onee-chan was  twisting her body back and forth with an expression that looked like she  had reached the climax of happiness. Aularodde who was sitting beside  her moved her chair away from her with disgust.

By the way, the pajama was the type that was fluffy and modeled after  animal. The one that would look like stuffed animal if the hood was put  on. Myuu’s was rabbit, Hinata’s was fox, and Koone’s was tiger. Desert  tiger……there was no hidden meaning to it. It was Moana Choice.

「There’s still more nano!」

「There’s still more!?」

「This one, is from me……I chose it together with Myuu-chan.」

Hinata said that while looking a bit worried if her gift would be  able to please Koone or not. What she took out was a lapel pin that was  modeled after a lovely flower.

「I also thought to choose an accessory but, Ku-chan is a queen so  there must be a lot of time when you cannot dress up freely. And so, we  tried choosing something that you can wear in place that is out of  sight, like the inside of clothes.」

「It’s proof of us became friends nano!」

After saying that, Myuu and Hinata took out badges that had exactly the same model.

The things were really just goods on the market that the two went to  department store to buy, but an idiot parent transmutation master said  「If it’s something important like proof of friendship……」 and secretly  processed them into artifacts. Now they were installed with automatic  repair function and ability to react to danger to the wearer and  deployed barrier though only once.

But those didn’t matter to Koone even though she didn’t know that.

「K-Koone’s list is getting crossed so fast-」

She looked emotionally moved. Her hand slowly took the badge. She  held it like she was handling a fragile glasswork. And then she pressed  it on her chest as though she had just obtained a treasure that was the  only one of its kind in the world.

「Koone is happy, Koone is, really, reaaaaaaly happy-. Mi-chan! Hi-chan! Thank you……」

Her smile was like the lingering snow that was melting under the spring’s sunlight.

Anneal walked toward Koone with a gaze that was as though she was  watching something precious. 「Good for you, Koone-sama」 She said while  taking the badge and fixing it on Koone’s chest.

Koone looked proud, or perhaps shy. Happiness was overflowing from her whole body and her back straightened up.

Myuu and Hinata also fixed their badge on their chest and showed it  to each other in complete satisfaction. A second later, the three girls  laughed together as though they couldn’t hold it back anymore.

There was no anxiety of “Will we be able to be friend?” there  anymore. The nervousness that was usual for a first meeting had also  vanished completely.

It felt like voices of 「Oh my~♪」 could be heard from the big sister  group, but perhaps nobody wanted to destroy this atmosphere. Everyone  including Kouki stayed quiet to watch over them──

「The usual Koone-tan who is like a storm is also great but, Koone-tan  who is like a borrowed cat, and Koone-tan who is adorably honest are  also really lovely! Because Onee-chan, rarely can see Koone-tan like  this!」

It seemed there was one person who couldn’t keep it down. This is why you can’t see this often,Kouki  and others thought with a stare that stabbed into her. But, of course,  the out of control severe siscon couldn’t suddenly stop herself just  from that much.

「Aa-, Kouki. I can’t believe myself. My head got too full from  Koone-tan’s cuteness! Please lend me that! The photo recording artifact!  When will I preserve this moment right now for eternity if not now?  It’s right now! Now quick! Forgive the incompetence of your Onee-chan  who cannot record this moment from the start Koone-tan. But it’s  alright! Kouki was also given the tool that can record image of the  past! Onee-chan will properly record Koone-tan who is acting like her  usual audacity is just a lie from beginning to end──」

「Lilin」

「Yes, your majesty. With pleasure.」

「AH!? Wait, what’re you doing Lili──guboo!?」

A whirling wind enveloped Monaa. It’s astonishing how she can keep prattling like that without taking a breather. It can’t be helped so I’ll send her air, a super localized gust assaulted Moana’s respiratory organs as though to say that!

Her body then got floated where the former queen got whirled around in the air while being moved to outside the room.

It was like, that. Someone who experienced FlyStation. That facility  where people could have pseudo experience of sky diving from a strong  gust that blew inside a large tube from below.

The precious time where friendship was blooming between the girls from three worlds reached the end due to a siscon.

「……Koone apologize for our Onee-chan.」

「R-right, it’s fine nano. Myuu know that Moana-oneesan really love Ku-chan……」

「Yes. She even talked to us passionately about how wonderful Ku-chan is before we departed to here.」

「Koone is extremely concerned how much Onee-chan spoke. It’s  concerning, so please tell Koone later about everything that she said.」

Koone finally regained her usual composure. She cleared her throat  once. She straightened her sitting posture and turned toward Kouki and  others once more.

「Once again, Mi-chan, Hi-chan, welcome to Synclea Kingdom. We welcome  your visit here. Aularodde-sama, and Kouki-sama, it fills my heart with  joy to be able to meet the two of you once more like this.」

「.……Koone, are you okay?」

「Koone can guess why you ask that but, if Kouki-sama asked any more  than that then a rumor that Kouki-sama is a lolicon will spread. Don’t  underestimate Koone’s authority right now.」

「Thank god! It’s the usual Koone!」

Mischievous, sending the place into chaos right away, and easily  spoke nasty threat in order to have her demand be met. That was Koone!  Kouki smiled with that kind of atmosphere as though he was finally  reunited with her for real.

「Koone is a queen right now you know? Obviously Koone would have  changed a little. It would be strange instead if Koone hasn’t changed,  Koone think. Koone has grown, Kouki-sama.」

Koone stared reproachfully before turning toward Anneal who was serving tea to urge her to agree.

Anneal turned toward Koone with a gaze that was oozing with love and  respect, which was slightly different from her previous gaze that was  like a big sister who was affectionate toward her little sister. She  nodded.

「Fufu, indeed that is true. Koone-sama has put great effort so that  she won’t be ashamed when she met with Kouki-sama and Moana-sama once  more. Kouki-sama, please praise her for that.」

「Anneal!?」

It seemed that Koone had really been changing gradually. Koone  herself was more aware than anyone that she was lacking for a queen.  Because of that she had done her best to rectify that.

「……Yeah. I hardly recognized you right now. Your way of speaking and  behavior have gotten a bit more mature, and most of all, your eyes look  far stronger than before. Those are the eyes of someone who is  shouldering a lot of things.」

「Kouki-sama……」

「You have protected this country splendidly while Moana and I weren’t here. As I thought, you’re an amazing child.」

「……Naturally. Koone is a capable woman after all.」

Koone looked aside and reached toward her cup of tea to hide her  embarrassment. However, she couldn’t completely hide her happiness. Her  cheeks were bright red. For Koone right now, being told by the person  she idolized that he “hardly recognized her” seemed to be the words that  made her happier than anything.

「Kuh, her maiden power is rising up? Even though she still couldn’t  escape this shitty brat feeling before……somehow she feels like a  “woman”-」

「Just now, it feels like I heard a type of violent language that a former goddess shouldn’t ever say from Aula though……」

Miss former goddess was looking at an eight years old girl with  serious wariness even though there was a gap of five thousand years  between their age.

Although, certainly compared to Koone from before, it was a fact that  they could really feel a composure from her core. It was already said  that girl grew up fast, but it seemed certain that her position and  environment were making Koone grew up quickly.

In that case, there was no way Myuu and Hinata didn’t notice the feeling that Koone was harboring toward Kouki.

「So Ku-chan is also a comrade……nano」

「Fufu. We shall support your, Ku-chan.」

「……Thank you.」

As expected from friends who she had just made, they said things like  「Let’s talk all night today」 with a look of understanding as though  they had completely seen through her. Koone must be feeling embarrassed.  She cleared her throat once more to change the atmosphere while,

「Let’s talk about the plan going forward.」

She changed the topic.

「In the previous contact from demon king-sama, Koone is told that the  purpose of the visit this time is for “sightseeing” and “talking with  Foltina-sama”. However, The sightseeing of Mi-chan and Hi-chan will be  for seven days while Kouki-sama’s group will continue to stay even after  that for the “World Tree’s branches revival plan”……is that correct?」

「Yeah. You’re right.」

Myuu smiled and said Take care of us nano~. Koone responded  to that with a smile before her expression immediately turned serious.  That was most likely her face as a statesman.

「We have also mentioned it a little before this but, Koone is  thinking to ask everyone to come to the welcoming ceremony that we will  hold after this.」

「Yep, we’ve heard that too. You also wanted to make it double as the formal victory proclamation aren’t you?」

「Yes. That is exactly why the person who took down the Dark King has to be present no matter what.」

After the “Getting summoned too much incident” and just before they  returned back to Japan, a banquet to celebrate Moana’s departure and  thank Kouki and others was held, but they had to return home in quite  the hurry because of their unexpected long stay in this world before  they got treated as missing again at earth.

With so many “Dark Beings” were still in hiding, a welcoming ceremony  once more to officially greet the savior would be necessary for the  sake of the stability of the mind of this country’s people. Because of  that Kouki too wouldn’t refuse the welcoming.

「I feel bad because this will cut the time of Myuu-chan and  Hinata-chan but, I want to cooperate for Koone’sa sake. What do you two  think?」

「Koone also want to ask about that.」

They wanted to avoid burdening Myuu and Hinata as much as possible  because the two only came here for sightseeing. That was the basic  premise.

And so, if the two said that they wanted to prioritize sightseeing,  the ceremony would be postponed and it would only be held after the two  returned home with only Kouki participating. Or perhaps if Myuu or  Hinata had some kind of condition for their attendance then the kingdom  would respond. Koone explained that while continuing with 「But……」.

「Actually the capital has been preparing so it can hold a parade and  also outdoor party and other events. For myself, Koone really hope that  Mi-chan and Hi-chan can participate too.」

「It’s a welcoming ceremony but it will not be anything stuffy. It’ll  also double as victory celebration but, if I have to describe it then  it’ll be like a festival where everyone can celebrate, have fun, and  make merry together.」

Anneal was adding to the explanation while serving another batch of  snacks and tea to Aularodde who had been staying quiet since some time  ago. It seemed she was really pleased with the tea and snacks.

「There’ll be festival nano!? Myuu can’t wait nano!」

「Koone doesn’t have any intention to make her f-friends who came here  for sightseeing……to get bogged down with government stuff. Koone  guarantee that there won’t be anything like that.」

Koone acted slightly shy and stammered when it came to her friends.

A ceremony to welcome the savior’s return and also to proclaim the  war victory officially was required. Because that would be a milestone  for the future. It would also be for the sake of the change in the  kingdom’s policy that was completely occupied with war before this, and  also for the people’s feeling.

But, it was just as Koone said, it would be pointless if the savior  himself wasn’t present there. That was why they had been waiting for him  all this time.

But, for the two little girls who weren’t involved in it, they must  felt like an outsider somewhat. It would be even more so if the event  was a stiff one where bigshots like the feudal lords from various  territories were gathering.

There Koone made a suggestion that they should just make a festival for the whole capital.

「Surely Mi-chan and Hi-chan will also be able to enjoy your time in  the capital like that. But, both of you are people from Kouki-sama’s  world. Especially Mi-chan who is the daughter of demon king-sama, so……」

Koone looked toward Anneal with a troubled expression. Anneal also nodded with a wry smile in agreement.

After that Aularodde said 「The cookies……run out……」 and stared with  eyes that looked like dog with empty stomach, so Anneal quickly brought  out the next batch. The former goddess’s expression brightened sunnily. A  dog……she was completely a dog that got tamed by food.

「We guarantee that there won’t be any insolent people but, umm……it’s a  festival so, should I say that everyone will get too excited and act  without reservation? I predict that there will be great crowd  everywhere.」

It would be like when a celebrity was surrounded by their fans.  Certainly, people who weren’t good with crowd, and not to mention a  little kid might feel scared if a lot of unfamiliar adults came to talk  to them one after another……furthermore in another world.

That seemed to be the worry in Koone’s side.

「Bring it oon! Nano!」

Of course, such worry was completely unneeded for Myuu. Hinata too  chuckled seeing Myuu’s reaction while nodding and saying 「I also do not  find any problem with that」 without hesitation.

「Then, can Koone take it that Mi-chan and Hi-chan will also join the ceremony?」

It’s all fiiine! Myuu answered with raised hand and  energetic voice. The air of the room was softened by Myuu who was  innocent and genuine all the time.

It was even more so because of the angry voices (?) like 「Looks like  you have gotten a lot more skilled while we hadn’t met for a while! But  I’ll never hand Kouki to you!」「It looks like Moana-sama has gotten a  little bit soft. What a godsend」 and noises from outside that were  filled with violent vibe.

Kouki asked while stubbornly not moving his eyes toward the solid  door to pretend that he wasn’t hearing anything about the scene of  carnage behind it.

「Will the feudal lords of each territory participate too?」

「Yes, of course. After all it will be a historical moment. It’s also  thanks to demon king-sama contacting us quickly that many feudal lords  can already arrive from several days ago.」

As expected it seemed the feudal lords whose territory was too far  away had given up on coming, but almost all of the nearby feudal lords  would participate. The degree of their happiness could be seen from  there.

「Rothko-san from Arquette too? In the end I was unable to have a  satisfactory talk with him, so I hope I’ll be able to greet him by all  means……」

「He will be present. Together with his son. He too is looking forward  to meet Kouki-sama once more. Unfortunately his wife won’t be able to  participate, in exchange she entrusted a message that she’s looking  forward for Kouki-sama to visit their territory.」

「Syla-san can’t come? Is she feeling unwell or something?」

Kouki frowned with worry. Koone shook her head.

「It’s the same with all territories. After all if everyone will  sightsee to various places after the ceremony……Koone heard from the  demon king-sama but, you have been given a high speed transportation  method correct? Then the travelling speed will be different, so the  feudal lords won’t be able to go home in time. If the whole family come  to the capital there won’t be anyone with sufficient rank back home to  entertain the savior’s group during their visit.」

「A-aa~, so it’s like that.」

The high speed vehicle that Koone knew was that gryphon golem. It  could transport two adults at most. It would be impossible for all the  feudal lords of the territories that they would visit to come along on  it.

And most of all,

「It was called, Grim……Pappa was it?」

「NNope, it’s Grim Reaper. Certainly they’re dead gods that are created by the demon king papa though……」

Kouki glanced at Myuu and Hinata who reflexively snorted while correcting the mistake. Koone reddened slightly.

「Anyway! Koone thought that the trip will feel constrained if we have  to bring along the feudal lords too, so our side had informed the  feudal lords about the difference in the traveling speed.」

「I see. That was considerate of you. Thank you, Koone.」

「Ku-chan, thank you nano! Though Myuu won’t mind even if a lot of uncles come with us as long as they’re good people……」

「Amanogawa-sama, we have that with us this time, so I also will not mind that……」

「If you two are fine with it then……err, Koone. I think that perhaps  we can at least bring the feudal lords of the territories that we’re  going to visit with no problem if it’s just them.」

「What do you mean?」

Actually, in regard to the transportation method for the World Tree’s  Branches Revival Plan, Kouki had also been given a pseudo Fernier. It  was smaller than Hajime’s, even so it could easily transport at least  twenty people.

If Myuu and Hinata didn’t dislike other people coming along with  them, it would be possible enough for them to transport the feudal lords  while sightseeing.

Koone’s eyes widened after hearing that explanation.

「Even that kind of vehicle……Koone also plan to come along with the  sightseeing, so it feels a bit thrilling! In any case, surely the feudal  lords also want to entertain Kouki-sama personally, so Koone will talk  to them.」

「Yeah, I’ll leave that to you.」

「Mi-chan and Hi-chan too, thank you for your consideration. Koone  will tell the feudal lords to be thankful like mad to you two!」

「Travelling companion is important for a trip nano! It will be more fun to have fun with a lot of people nano!」

「Though please allow us to refrain from any gratitude like mad, fufufu.」

After the three girls laughed together, Koone suddenly continued with  「Ah, but……」. She pressed her index finger on her lips and stared on  empty air for a little bit.

「Hm? What’s the matter Koone?」

「No, Koone feels slightly sorry.」

「Sorry?」

Just what was in her mind? Kouki felt dubious. Koone returned her gaze toward him.

「If we’re riding on Grim Reaper, Koone would be able to ride alone with Kouki-sama again.」

Putting aside the point where she erased the fact that Lilin was also riding together with them at that time from her memory,

Koone-chan tilted her head and squinted her eyes while smiling.  Combined with her gesture where her hand lightly brushed off her hair,  she was exuding a strange charm that was unbefitting for someone her  age──

「Koone-sama. Apparently you have been gathering reprehensible stories from the maids──」

「Koone also want to ask about the matter of Foltina-sama!」

Anneal was looking at Koone with a reproachful stare while wiping  Aularodde’s mouth. Koone-sama attempted to change the topic by cutting  in her words.

It seemed that she had become able to finally test out her  superficial knowledge about opposite sex in practice. And apparently the  head maid didn’t think well about that.

「Koone-chan just now made Myuu’s heart skipped a beat nano. So mature. What do you think, comrade Hina?」

「Let’s see. I believe that it will be necessary to ask about that in detail during the pajama party, comrade Myuu.」

That whispering conversation that was clearly audible was ignored.

「Myuu-chan and Hinata-chan also plan to come, so even though we  mentioned just now that their sightseeing trip will last for seven days,  actually the sixth day and seventh day will be allotted for that.」

「……If Koone isn’t mistaken, demon king-sama mentioned that the  location of the Blessing Tree is like the reverse side of the world  wasn’t it? Koone remember that he said that.」

「Seems so. But it’s fine. The location has been pinpointed. And we  have also been given with the way to go there quickly. Taking two days  for it is just in case…………you know.」

The plan more or less also included sightseeing the place near the  Blessing Tree. If there was extra time they could also teleport back to  the capital.

By the way, Kouki’s words got caught at the end like that because he  heard the words 「W-what is going on here!?」「Moana-sama!? Why are you in a  fistfight right after going back!」「Lilin, stop! Have you finally gone  mad!?」 from the royal guard commander, head warrior, and the chief of  the blessing art outside the door.

He tried to not think about it deeply.

Also, Aularodde allowed herself to be taken care by Anneal with  reckless abandon, and finally she started to murmur 「Mommaa」, but he  also tried to not think about it deeply.

「Is that so. Actually Koone has a request, which Koone had told to demon king-sama too.」

「Aa, I heard. The one about Koone wanting to come along too right?」

「Yes. The current situation of Foltina-sama and the talk with her  will deeply affect the future. Not to mention the honor of being able to  meet with the goddess, as a queen Koone cannot let this chance escape.」

「Yeah, there’s no problem. But, it’ll be troubling if too many bodyguards come with you……」

「Fufu, naturally. Koone will only bring one or two guards along. After all there will be Kouki-sama there too.」

She smiled, this time with no hidden motive behind it. There was only  wholehearted trust filling that smile. Even Kouki became slightly  embarrassed seeing that and he scratched his cheek.

「Oo, nice one Ku-chan nano. An unintended attack hit mister hero!」

「How is Aula-san reacting to this──she is sleeping. Anneal-san is amazing. To be able to lull that Aula-san to sleep like that」

Myuu and Hinata’s whispering talk, once more.

Also, Aularodde was leaning her head on the arm of Anneal-san who was  standing right beside her. She was snoring quietly. Apparently her  consciousness flew away while Anneal while was patting her head  soothingly.

It was a very rare appearance from the former corporate slave goddess  who couldn’t help but feel extremely guilty if she was the only one  resting while there were people around her doing something. Anneal-san’s  gaze was gentle. Like a mother watching her child. So she was done in  by that motherhood……

Kouki brought his cup to his lips to cover up his embarrassment, then  he asked with a slight worry. It was a question that originally Moana  would want to ask.

「Errr, will it be alright for you to leave the country even if it’ll  be just for two days? Won’t you need to take care things like the Dark  Being remnant, or the devastated territory……」

It was about the aftermath of the country that they left behind. Even  while living in Japan, Moana was constantly concerned about it even  though she had faith for Koone and Bruitt and the others. Today too she  said that she wanted to check out various things before departing to  here.

She was saying that but……

From outside the door, voices like 「This is, this is my last attack!  Try to take it if you think you can-! LI——LII——NNN!!」「Tonight’s bed  belongs to me. Prepare yourself-. MOANA-SAMAAAA—!!」 that sounded like a  climax of a fierce battle could be heard.

At the same time, there were also 「No good-. The place might crumble  down at this rate!」「Linden! Spenser!」「I know! Please match my timing,  both of you!!」 that sounded like the climax of a different battle.

How should he said it, if they went until that far then it would be that.

Should he say that it would be his loss instead if he reacted? Should  he say that he didn’t want to react at any cost because it would make  him felt like he lost? Perhaps it would also be strange if he was the  only one reacting even though everyone else was looking composed?  ──Should he say that there was also that kind of vibe surrounding him?

There was a thunderous sound even with three of Synclea Kingdom’s  strongest combat strength desperately blocking the shockwave. Koone’s  expression was slightly twitching hearing that, even so she put on a  perfect smile of a politician.

「Koone is receiving reports that the mopping up is going well. Our  investigation hasn’t reached until the whole east region that had been  under the control of the “Dark Beings” for long, but we are planning to  dispatch the army to there too as soon as we have finished solidifying  our footing.」

「I see……it’s excellent if there’s no damage.」

「Yes. Right now we are reorganizing the devastated rear territories  and, creating a base──in other words creating a new town for the sake of  the east region’s investigation.」

「At the middle of the desert? Ah, could it be the oasis where I got summoned?」

「No, it is further away. Have you forgotten? About Koone’s blessing art. If Kouki-sama forgot then Koone is enraged!」

「A-aa……”regeneration”. I see, With that making an oasis from nothing is……can you do that?」

「It isn’t easy. That is why, we are doing various experiments. There  is also the factor of the location, whether it is good or bad, so  investigation for that is also needed.」

「I see.」

The difficulty between regenerating a place where nature still  remained and regenerating the middle of desert where there was nothing  was in different dimension.

To put it in simple term, they would either need to do some kind of  measure so the blessing power could stay in that place, or periodically  refill the blessing power.

If not, no matter how much power Koone poured to the surrounding  desert area to regain the nature, the desertification would only occur  again. The difficult would be even higher if it wasn’t done to an oasis  that could support a single town.

There were many obstacles lying ahead. But, Koone’s eyes were filled with strong spirit.

Her family that were already gone from this world and also her big  sister had worked so hard until even their life was wrung out.

Everything was for the sake of winning the war. For protecting human’s dignity and future.

And like that the war ended.

Finally. Finally the time when she could accomplish her part arrived.  Because she was born in order to change, no, return this land of sand  into a world that was overflowing with nature.

「Ku-chan, you’re so cool nano.」

「Yes. As expected you are really a queen. I respect you.」

「Heh? A-ahaha, well, Koone is Koone after all! It’s only natural that Koone is amazing!」

She wasn’t putting on airs. For Koone that determination was  something as natural as breathing. That was exactly why, the heartfelt  praises from her friends seemed to be something unexpected for her. It  made Koone boiled up instead. Her cheeks were red. Her gaze darted  around to anywhere but to her friends.

「A-after that……errr……」

「Koone-sama, don’t you have a request to make to Kouki-sama in regard to the south and north countries?」

「T-that’s right!」

Koone grabbed to the lifeboat that was thrown to her by Anneal who  was watching her smilingly. Koone alluded to the puzzled Kouki about  after the sightseeing.

It was a matter regarding other surviving countries across the south mountain range and across the northern sea.

「Now that you mention it, I heard that there are still other surviving countries……sorry, it never crossed my mind.」

「It cannot be helped considering the situation at that time.」

Koone smiled wryly. According to her, the southern country──Jabalshan  Kingdom was located in mountain district, while the country across the  sea──Siltrayte Kingdom was an island country. Both could be said to be  located in a kind of natural fortress, and that was how they managed to  survive.

Also, they had sent envoys to each other for keeping in touch, but  they never sent reinforcement to each other. One reason for that was  because they had no leeway for such thing, but there was also the  geographical reason of how difficult it would be to move army from their  location. Once they sent out their army, that army wouldn’t be able to  return right away if something happened to their home country.

「The news of the Dark King’s defeat had been sent to them. A congratulation and a request for rescue came back from Jabalshan.」

「Is it emergency?」

「No, there’s no change to their situation where it keep seesawing  between both sides, so they must wish for an insurance. It’s a request  for when we have a breathing room here.」

「I see. Okay. After all I plan to travel around anyway after talking with Foltina-sama. I’ll help out as much as possible.」

「Thank you so much! Koone believes that Kouki-sama would say that!  And so Koone already sent back the reply! Be thankful that we’re going  to send you our valuable fighting power!」

「Fast! It’s really just like you Koone for that kind of thing!」

The tenacity of Koone who was already thinking of the advantage of  postwar period was certainly something that Moana might not have. She  must have been widening her field of vision to take into account too of  the world decades in the future where mankind’s sphere of influence  expanded and there was no more common enemy. As though to say that this  was where her battlefield was.

Koone smiled in satisfaction and clapped her hands.

「Now then, we have finished talking about the most necessary topics.  Mi-chan and Hi-chan have taken the trouble to come this far, so we  should not keep holing up inside the room forever. Let’s go to the  terrace at the highest floor for now! Koone want the two of you to see  Koone’s prided capital!」

It seemed that they had reached a good stopping point.

Myuu and Hinata understood that Koone and Kouki’s conversation was  one between a princess and a hero so they had been listening quietly,  but now their respectful gaze toward Koone changed into sparkling eyes.

「Actually, we had tried to see the scenery from the room where we got  summoned, but Anneal-oneesan stopped us nano. She said that if we’re  going to look anyway we should do it from the best spot!」

「She said that Ku-chan will surely want to show us around by herself,  so we have to hold back after hearing that. I am feeling really excited  right now.」

「As expected from Koone’s Anneal! You really understand! Good job!」

Anneal-san bowed while saying that she was honored by the praise.  Meanwhile a splendid drool was trickling do~wn from the mouth of  Aularodde-san who was reclining and clinging on her arm.

Even though Anneal-san should be aware that a stain was forming on  her clothes from that, not even a little bit of disgust crossed her  face. Certainly, as expected from Anneal-san.

It was then.

「I won! I won, Kouki!」

*BAM* The door was broken through. The door that should open to  outside was opened toward the inside. It was just barely hanging on its  hinge but, that made it even more amazing instead. It felt like they  could hear the voice 「As I thought I can’t win against the royalty……but,  I won’t fall on my knee at least」 from door-kun.

Then, the culprit entered inside the room with a truly refreshed  smile. The outrageous thunderous sound was still continuing but, the  person looked unharmed at least.

「Please don’t utter such falsehood, Moana-sama. It’s a draw.」

「What, you used blessing art in hand-to-hand battle, so in reality it’s Lilin’s defeat right?」

「In the first place there is no rule that it’s hand-to-hand only, and  if you say that then didn’t you use your “divine protection”? Isn’t it  more horrible that you used your heaven’s blessing art?」

「I don’t know what are you talking about. I wonder if you have any proof?」

Lilin also entered while making argument that sounded like children’s  quarrel. This one also looked unharmed appearance-wise. Did they kept  it in moderation?

Behind them, three uncles who looked like salary men who had been  working for three days and three nights while staying overnight in  office to overcome the danger to the company also walked in.

The corridor behind the door didn’t look like it was collapsing. The  wall and ceiling had some cracks, but surely it was thanks to the three  all-out efforts.

But, even that only lasted until they saw Koukio.

「「「Kouki-dono!!」」」

The three worn-out uncles brightened up joyfully. They charged  forward and left behind the two girls who were holding each other in  check from hugging Kouki.

Moana and Lilin went 「「Ah」」 at the same time. Then the three uncles  gave a hug to Kouki who had reflexively stood up from his chair.

「Long time no see! We have been waiting eagerly for the day we can meet once more!」

「We’ll be able to hold the victory celebration with this! As expected we won’t be able to start that without you here!」

「The warriors are also happy! Please come to meet them later on no matter what!」

「Y-yes, long time no see. For now, let’s calm down a little──wait,  please don’t slap my ass! Ouch ouch, Donal-san that hurths! Spenser-san,  your face is close!」

The three uncles looked like little rascals. They surrounded Kouki and heartily slapped his shoulders and buttocks.

Myuu and Hinata watched openmouthed at the uncles energy. Koone secretly whispered into their ears.

「Actually Kouki-sama is highly popular among the males in Synclea,  even more than among the females. Especially among the uncles.」

「T-that seems to be the case isn’t it. It is unexpected.」

「It might be the same like how papa is popular among the “manly woman” or the “femboy”?」

Hinata’s gaze snapped toward Myuu. It seemed to be an information that she didn’t know before.

「Koone is worried. What if one day Kouki-sama become luv-luv with the uncles──」

「I won’t!」

Kouki energetically denied it. There Lilin got ahead of Moana and rushed toward him.

*Zun-zun-zun-* With a momentum that made it felt like her footsteps  were resounding grandly, she charged into the uncles who surrounded  Kouki. She pushed aside her own father and approached right in front of  Kouki with unstoppable momentum.

「Wah, wait Lilin!?」

Kouki reflexively stepped back. Even so Lilin didn’t stop and before long he got cornered to the wall.

And then *Bam*.

Hinata went 「Wawawah, it is a kabedon! Myuu-chan! This is my first  time seeing a kabedon with my own eyes!」 in excitement. But let’s ignore  that for now.

There was height difference, so it was like she thrust up her hand while glaring up, but that was unmistakably a kabedon.

Yes, Lilin did kabedon on Kouki!

「Um, Lilin?」

Kouki was bewildered. He couldn’t hide his bewilderment toward Lilin  who was staring straight into his eyes. Meanwhile Lilin grabbed Kouki’s  collar and pulled it with a jerk toward her.

Hinata let out a shrill scream 「Kyaaah」 and unconsciously grabbed  Koone beside her before jostling her energetically back and forth. Koone  screamed 「Kyaah」 from such treatment.

By the way, Hinata was getting addicted to shoujo manga recently. She  consulted with Myuu that she wanted to study about romance because she  was in love with someone. Myuu who had completely become a shoujo manga  master due to the influence of a certain demon king’s mother. She  recommended and lent a lot of manga to Hinata.

Getting back on topic.

「Lilin, you’re a bit too close──」

「Just shut up──make love to me tonight.」

The only allowed reply was yes or alright. Now, nod──Lilin’s, no,  Lilin-san’s eyes were saying that! This was what it meant by the saying  of not allowing any argument!

Shrilly scream of 「Hyaaa~~h」 rose from Hinata. Koone was screaming  「Gyaaa~~h」 while her eyes were starting to spin. Myuu was raising her  voice 「Hinata-chan calm doo~~wn」.

Moana’s expression was quickly turning demonic. The father Linden was  getting stared by his two colleagues with a gaze that seemed to say  「Your daughter, it feels like she just said something outrageous」. He  unconsciously started to stare at the far away.

And, as for Kouki who was put on the spot like that,

「…………I, I don’t knowww」

He was reacting like a maiden for some reason. His cheeks reddened and he averted his gaze away.

He would be able to endure “a maiden’s coaxing”. But, this was his  first experience facing “a handsome girl’s advance”! And apparently he  unconsciously turned into maiden from that. Just who was he trying to  appeal to?

「Kouki, so cute……no! I mean get a hold of yourself! Why’re you almost surrendering like that!」

It seemed that it was an effective appeal toward Moana. Kouki gasped and returned to his senses.

He somehow tore off Lilin who was on the verge of taking his lips and Moana attacked in that opening.

The common scene of carnage broke out once more.

The three uncles who received SOS gaze from Kouki acted as though to  practice wake not a sleeping lion. They all said 「Oops, we haven’t give  our greeting to the ladies!」 and averted their gazes deliberately.

The surrounding was noisy so the hopeless goddess grumbled and  tightened her hold on Anneal mama’s arm. The mama herself was also  looking troubled.

Hinata became aware of her own excitement and looked down shyly. Myuu became busy with nursing Koone whose eyes were spinning……

So,

「……How did things become like this just from me taking off my eyes for a little?」

Old Bruitt who came to check the situation was trembling three times as much than usual.