――About a month had elapsed since I arrived at Reiju territory. We decided to return to the Demon King Castle before the snow got deeper. After sunset, in the training grounds where powdery snow gently drifted down, the servants were busily stuffing supplies into the skeleton carriage, preparing for our departure. There was the option of staying in Reiju Territory until the snow melted, but given the rather precarious circumstances, leaving the Demon King Castle unattended for too long could lead to unpredictable consequences. Besides, I had already done more than enough training here… to the point where I’m sick of it. I really am sick of it… At the entrance of the patriarch’s mansion, I absentmindedly gazed at the now-familiar streets of Reiju territory’s capital… Just when I started to get used to this place, now it was time to leave. That’s just how life was. They held a farewell party for me yesterday, but the atmosphere in the banquet hall was not really good. I mean, the banquet inevitably reminded everyone of my duel with "Ge"-something on the first day of my arrival. Everyone treated me like I was some kind of dangerous material. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one wondering, "Was this banquet really necessary?" However, being tricked by a 13-year-old girl and then beaten up by a 5-year-old――losing his horn in the process――meant that, in demon society, he was as good as dead. There was a rumor saying that he remained single for a long time, hoping to win Rumiafia's heart, but now people whispered that finding a wife might be impossible for him. Poor guy. 『Thy muttering be most insincere~ put more heart into it, more heart, I say!』 There’s bound to be a day . Actually, you're the one speaking in a monotone voice here, Ante. …Speaking of Rumiafia, she was seated next to me during yesterday's banquet. It was a display to emphasize that there was no bad blood between the prince and Rumiafia. At the very least, it was clear to everyone in the venue that Rumiafia had no trace of rebellion left in her—she was completely fawning over me during that party… It was striking how she was eating her meal bit by bit, only using a fork. Despite her tearful efforts in training, she still couldn’t bring herself to hold a knife… The patriarch, Jijiwald, lamented sorrowfully, saying, 『At this rate, I can't even send her to marry another clan.』 Hey, Ante. Don’t laugh, this is no joking matter. 『Mayhap 'tis best for the leftovers to marry? Thus shall all be settled in harmony.』 In a way, they might be a good match. But I felt sorry for any kids they’d have, so let’s stop talking about this. Well… the younger generation of demons born from now on might end up unhappy sooner or later. Then, from behind me, I heard a familiar voice. A rough, almost unnaturally sturdy hand—one that didn’t feel like a woman’s—patted my shoulder. Gorillasia, who had stepped up beside me, gazed at the line of skeleton carriages with a deeply contemplative expression. 「I've taught you as much as I can.」 This battle-hardened old hag, who seems to have muscles for brains, was also going to return to the Dothrotos territory after seeing me off. 「Man, he was a completely hassle-free grandson, sis!」 Her little brother, Regolius, also popped his head out, laughing heartily. 「Yeah. If anything, those three brats are more of a handful.」 ――Their gaze was fixed on the three idiots, who were receiving an enthusiastic send-off from the townspeople. 「Go and make a name for yourse~lf!」 「I'm so jealous of them!」 The Night siblings, Okke and Seyrey, were being jostled around by young men of the same age. It was a rough farewell, tinged with jealousy. 「Ouch, ouch, ouch! If you're so jealous, why didn't you guys volunteer too?!」 「I mean… You know, right?」 Hey? That's not the point. And stop looking at me. 「… Big bro! I picked this in the forest!」 Alvar was crouching near the Night siblings, talking to a scruffy-looking demon child. 「Just in case! If you get hungry, go ahead and eat it!」 「Are you sure about giving so much to me?」 The kid was holding out a bulging leather pouch. It seemed to be filled with some kind of nuts or berries. 「Big bro has treated me to so much… so I just wanted to give a little something back.」 The way he shyly scratched under his nose with a giggle was just like Alvar. Alvar grabbed the child in a firm embrace, expressing his deep gratitude. In reality, he probably didn’t need the nuts at all. After all, as a prince’s retainer, he had access to ample supplies—but still… However, he chose to honor the child's heartfelt gesture, recognizing the effort it must have taken to gather those nuts despite his poverty. Furthermore, a middle-aged female demon and a young female demon with a blindfold approached Alvar and spoke to him. 「Mother and I made this together. We've imbued it with multiple layers of protective magic.」 The woman gently took Alvar's hand and gave him something like a handkerchief. …Even from a distance, the intricate embroidery was clearly visible, exuding a powerful wave of magical power. That must be——Alvar's maternal lineage magic, the ability to imbue thread with magic. At Gorillacia's request, the laces of our boots had also been enchanted with protective magic. Those demons must be his mother and sister. Come to think of it, I remember hearing that his big sister was… born with congenital blindness. 「I'm sure that this will protect you.」 Follow current novels on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝙣𝙚𝙩 「Alvar, do your best.」 「Big sister, mother… Thank you!」 Alvar embraced both his big sister and mother. His big sister seemed to be whispering something into his ear, but it was too quiet to hear. I started to feel uncomfortable and instinctively averted my gaze. It felt as if the protective magic attached to my boots was accusing me. 「It seems we're ready to depart.」 At that moment, Lyla came to call me. In front of the carriage, patriarch Jijiwald and Platy were exchanging their farewells. 「…Well, you guys do your best too. Lyla, take care of my dear grandson.」 Gorillacia, in an unexpectedly gentle tone, gave a pat on Lyla's shoulder… Come to think of it, this might be the first time this old hag had ever called Lyla by name. Lyla stared into Gorillacia's eyes without hesitation, straightened her expression, and bowed to the latter. Thus, we boarded the carriage. Unlike when we came here, I'm relieved to be with familiar faces like Garounya, Liliana, and Lyla. At this point, any gossip like 『Leaving your mother behind to flirt with women in a carriage~~』 was nothing new to me. 「However, Vigne is with us too, eh?」 「Yes… I'm sorry for the intrusion…」 「Well, it's not something you need to feel sorry for.」 I couldn't help but smile wryly at the night elf maid, who seemingly felt uncomfortable. Don't worry, I had no intention of starting something shady inside. Through the crystal window, I waved to Gorillacia and the rest of the Dothrotos group while murmuring softly. 「… So many things happened during this homecoming.」 Liliana, who had settled into the seat next to me, let out a sound as if nodding in agreement while lazily lying down. ――The carriage started moving smoothly as if sliding along the ground. We were heading back to the Demon King castle… There were so many things to do. I needed to greet the night elves and the undead while reporting my return to the Demon King. In addition, now that I was allowed to fly with Lyla, I wanted to revise our future plans.―― 『You’re even flirting in front of your mother.』 Well… yeah, there was that too… But—oh, right. It was risky to ride Lyla bareback without any saddle, so I wanted to at least get a saddle. Something portable would be ideal. The question was whether the dwarves could make a suitable saddle for me if I asked them… 「…See ya, everyone! I'll get a promotion and return!」 I ignored the voice of Alvar Auril echoing from the rear of the convoy―― I stared at the scenery outside the window, lost in thoughts about the future. The spring felt so far. And once it arrived, it would be the signal for the start of the capture of the royal capital of the Defteros Kingdom. Alvar, riding in the night elves' carriage, leaned out of the window and waved his hand to his acquaintances. His acquaintances waved back in response, and some even ran after the carriage. With a smile slipping across his face upon seeing his younger brothers' antics, he raised his voice and shouted, "I'm off!" Alvar's shout resounded far into the distance―― Even his blind sister turned toward him and waved her hand. Although she normally stayed in the house, today she went out of her way to see him off. 『――You don’t have to get a promotion.』 The whisper from earlier echoed in Alvar's mind. 『My only wish is for you―― to return safely.』 The charm tucked in his chest pocket warmed his chest. The magic infused within it conveyed his sister’s wish so strongly it almost hurt. （But still, big sis…） ――I have something I want to do. The younger brothers, desperately trying to chase after the carriage, were gradually being left behind. （I'll get promoted――） To save those weak kids. 「……I'll come back bigger and better!!」 Alvar shouted back at his brothers. He burned their figures into his eyes, determination held close to his heart. My first CN project, why waifu though? Well, coz the main heroine's job is buying soy sauce till the end of act 1 Harem, Hero, Demon King, Seven Deadly Sin, Seven Virtue, Sacred Beast, Sword and Magic, Dystopian Future, DESTINY PROJECT HAD IT REALIZED!, Dungeon, Dragon, 72 Demons, Reincarnations More and Cheaper(10/$10) Advance Chapter : (~’.’)~Support Me With Ko-Fi~(‘.’~)