Volume 8 - CH 2

Chapter 2: For the Future 

—Beginning of the 10th month, 1,547th year, Continental Calendar— 

There was a little domain in the mountains of the kingdom. It was the former domain of Liscia’s father, the former king, Sir Albert. He had been the petty noble who ruled this domain, but, one day, he’d met Liscia’s mother, Lady Elisha. 

At the time, the royals had been engaged in a succession crisis over who would take the throne after the death of the previous king. Even now, his personality was, in favorable terms, gentle and without a hunger for power; in less favorable terms, banal and unambitious. He avoided creating enemies where he didn’t need them. Thus, by supporting the then-young Lady Elisha with his good-natured personality, Sir Albert had unintentionally created a situation where it was hard for the other royals to turn their hatred toward Lady Elisha. 

Thus, the succession crisis had ended with the elimination of all the royals but Lady Elisha, the throne going to her as the sole survivor. In recognition for his continuous support, Sir Albert had been allowed to marry Lady Elisha, thereby becoming king. 

Now Sir Albert’s former lands had become part of the crown demesne, but since he had chosen to retire to them, he was essentially the lord there again. 

I was now over Sir Albert’s domain, looking down from the back of Naden in her ryuu form. 

The scenery was the embodiment of the countryside, in a way that made it feel like old folk songs would suit it well. There were mountains, streams, fields, and pastures, along with farmhouses dotted around. 

For someone used to dealing with a murderous workload every day in the capital, it felt like time moved slower here. There was no place better for someone who wanted to live the quiet life. 

“If I quit being king, living in a place like this wouldn’t be so bad,” I pondered. 

“You’re way too young to be longing for the countryside.” Naden’s exasperated voice spoke straight into my mind. “I mean, you haven’t even had your coronation yet. Or our wedding. It’s a waste of time to think about what you’ll do when you quit. For one thing, with times being what they are, isn’t it going to be difficult to have an easy retirement? If there were a sudden change in the situation up north, you might not get to live to old age in the first place, you know?” 

Reluctantly, I said, “I guess you have a point there.” 

Naden was right. If the situation in the north—in other words, the Demon Lord’s Domain—were to change, there was no telling when this kingdom may get caught up in it. The kingdom was stable now, but if the Demon Lord’s Domain expanded any further, there would be more refugees, and the chaos from when I’d first taken the throne may well return. 

The west side of the continent had Maria’s Gran Chaos Empire defending it, so I was sure they would be fine, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that the Union of Eastern Nations on the east side of the continent was just a loose gathering of small- to medium-sized nations. If they collapsed, it would affect our country too. That was why I had to dispatch reinforcements. 

I sighed. “It’s not easy retiring, huh.” 

“That’s how it goes. Besides...you have to create a good country for the children, don’t you? ‘Dad.’” 

“Ahaha...” 

Dad...huh. It hasn’t really hit home yet, but that’s what I’m going to be, aren’t I ? 

“Oh, I want to hurry and see Liscia,” I said longingly. 

“You’re going to say that while on my back?” 

“If we have a child together, Naden, I’m confident I’ll feel the same way toward you.” 

“Well, that’s fine then. I’ll carry you there, so just be patient.” 

“Roger that.” 

“That’s my line!” 

Naden twisted her body and swam through the sky even faster. She swam through the wind toward Sir Albert’s mansion where Liscia was staying. 

Today was the day I could finally see Liscia. Even after returning from the Republic of Turgis, my free time had been eaten up by all the accumulated work, preventing me from going. 

That was why being able to see Liscia for the first time in a while made me so happy, but...at the same time, it weighed on me a little. 

I have to tell her we’re going to the Union of Eastern Nations after all... 

Just when I’d thought all my work was taken care of, the Empire had issued a request to send reinforcements to the Union of Eastern Nations. I wouldn’t be able to see her again for a while, and it was painful knowing I would worry her. 

I’d really rather not worry Liscia while she’s pregnant. 

The mansion with the blue roof up on the hill was the former king Sir Albert’s mansion. 

When Naden and I touched down in front of the entrance, the first one to greet us was Carla in her maid dress. While we were away in Turgis, Carla had been serving as Liscia’s personal attendant and bodyguard. There were also people from the Black Cats and National Defense Force dispatched here, protecting Liscia and her family from the shadows as well as out in the sunlight. 

Carla stood in front of us and bowed. “It’s been a while, master.” 

“Long time no see,” I said easily. “Has anything changed with Liscia or her family?” 

“Yes. Madam Hilde says both Liscia and the baby are healthy, but... Well, it would be better for you to hear it from her yourself.” 

“That makes sense... Sorry. I’ve sort of ended up leaving Liscia entirely to you.” 

“No, no. Liscia is my master’s partner, but she is also my irreplaceable friend. If I can help, nothing will make me happier. Besides...” 

“Besides?” 

When I pushed her to say more, Carla gave me a wonderful smile and said, “Unlike the head maid, Lady Elisha doesn’t make me wear embarrassing outfits!” 

“Oh...” 

While she was in the castle, the sadistic head maid, Serina, had been taking “good care” of Carla. Working under Lady Elisha, who always wore a gentle smile, surely was easier on her. 

“You know, there’s a request from the production team on Overman Silvan saying they’d like you to make an appearance as Miss Dran again sometime soon...” I mused. 

“Urgh... I-If you order it, I must obey,” Carla said with a truly displeased look on her face. 

She seemed to have adapted to the short skirt on her maid dress (Serina’s idea), but apparently, she still couldn’t get used to Miss Dran’s sexy costume (also Serina’s idea). 

“They’re apparently getting a lot of letters saying, ‘Bring back Miss Dran.’ The senders...are mostly full-grown men, I hear.” 

“This entire country should fall to ruin...” she moaned. 

“Don’t say that in front of the king!” 

Her eyes looked quite pretty serious, but it would probably be best for Carla if I just laughed it off as a joke. It wasn’t a direct insult to me, so her slave collar hadn’t responded to it, but if anyone overheard, I would have to try her for lèse-majesté, so I hoped she’d cut it out. 

The subject seemed dangerous, so I decided to drop it there. 

“Let’s get straight to the point, Carla. Show me to where Liscia is.” 

“Ah! That’s right. But first, why not go pay your respects to the former king? He’s been waiting in the parlor for you to arrive.” 

“Yeah, that’d be the polite thing to do, huh. Okay then, take me to see Sir Albert first.” 

“Understood. This way please.” 

Carla led the way into the mansion, and Naden and I tailed after her. Then, once we were shown through to the parlor, we were greeted by Sir Albert and Lady Elisha. 

“Why, son-in-law,” greeted Sir Albert. “How good it is of you to come see us.” 

When I gave Carla the sign indicating she’d taken me far enough, she bowed then turned on her heel and returned to the mansion. 

I silently approached the table, taking a seat where I could get a glimpse of her face. The woman turned to me and smiled softly. 

“It feels like it’s been such a long time, Souma.” 

“Yeah, I feel like we haven’t met in forever. I wanted to see you, Liscia.” 

“Hehe! Me too.” Liscia’s smile was like a flower blooming. 

This was my fiancée, who I hadn’t seen in over a month since going to the Republic of Turgis. Seeing her for the first time in a long while, Liscia looked far more like an adult than she had before. 

While my heart was racing at the sight of her, I opened my mouth, feeling like I had to say something. “Your hair... Has it grown?” 

“Yeah. I haven’t cut it recently after all.” 

Liscia’s hair, which she had cut short when issuing the ultimatum to Georg, was now about halfway back to the length it had been when I’d first met her. 

“Will you grow it out to the length it was before?” I asked. 

“I’m still deciding. I’m fond of the shorter hairstyle now. Which do you think looks better on me, Souma?” 

“I like both.” 

“Geez, you’re so indecisive.” 

“So long as you don’t become a skinhead, or do anything else too extreme with your hair, I’m sure I’ll love it.”