It was the fifth day since Claire and Paul parted ways.
We finished our business in the capital and prepared to return to Ladia, arriving at Gate 13 of the capital.
We had prepared quite a few souvenirs, including high heels, and even gifts for Serana and Leona. We figured we'd finished everything in the capital by now.
There was no point in staying any longer, so with a "time to return to my adventurer identity, hehe" attitude, I politely declined the church staff's advice to "stay a little longer" and quickly slipped away.
I gave a brief greeting to the church and guild administration. Although we didn't meet directly, I informed them of our return trip through contact persons such as royal officials… There shouldn't be anyone left to say goodbye to, right?
After confirming this, I arrived at the capital's walls in the style of a Marburgini, carrying my females.
Despite the soldiers and priests saying they didn't need to see us off as saintesses and divine beasts, they still followed.
Just as we were about to depart after receiving their farewells—"Mr. Shimo! Mr. Shimo!"
"Uncle Divine Beast!" I turned back in confusion... and saw Marte, dressed casually, carrying Marcy, running towards us.
"Haa, haa... are you leaving so early?" Marte, panting, looked up at me, who was striking a Mapolchini pose, after putting Marcy down.
"You're such a strong hero, yet you're panting like this. Where did you come from?"
"I've finished what I needed to do. It's time to slowly return to my adventurer's life."
"I... I see... I heard you were leaving today, so I came to say goodbye."
After saying this, Marte cleared his throat and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle before me.
"I owe Mr. Shimo a tremendous debt of gratitude. I'm truly sorry, and very grateful."
"Thank you, Uncle." Marcy, whose face had regained some color, bowed to me along with Marte.
Hmm… Although Malte tricked me, I initially only thought of him as someone who had shown me a little kindness. Receiving such thanks is a bit strange.
However… seeing Malte showing remorse and gratitude has slightly changed my previously less-than-ideal impression of him.
You brat…
"I will never forget this kindness and will definitely repay it. If you ever come to the capital again or need any help, please be sure to come to me." The handsome young man, Malte, looked up and smiled at me with a dignified expression.
As a man, he had remarkably long blond hair, making Malte's face stand out.
Although he was slender like other men from Esendia, this only accentuated his androgynous charm?
He seems like a protagonist from a light novel or manga.
You rascal.
I was being serious.
"Pfft. Okay. See you another day."
Actually, I was a little afraid of the Hero Knight and wanted to avoid him… but, if fate allows, we'll meet again.
"Uncle, thank you for saving my life. Please visit our home next time you come to the capital! My mother and I will prepare a delicious meal for you!"
"Okay. I'll visit when I go. But, Malte, I'm only 29! Being called 'uncle' is hurtful..."
I'm clearly only in my 20s! My 20s! 'Uncle' means starting from my 30s!
When I said this to Malte with a sullen expression, the soldiers and priests around me, even the females I was riding on my back, laughed.
That's too much. Hey, my females? It hurts my heart if even you do this.
"Hehe. Your brother! You must come visit! You must come!"
"Hehe... Okay. Okay. Malte and Marcy, stay healthy. I'll be going now."
"Okay. Please take care on your way back."
Watching Marcy and Malte wave goodbye, I slowly urged my horse forward and left the capital.
As the soldiers and the Mar siblings disappeared from sight, Lisbeth, riding on my back, suddenly wrapped her arms around my neck and giggled.
"Hehe. Brother Shimo~♡ Do you want to hear me call you brother?"
"I am indeed your brother, aren't I? Come to think of it, I'm also your brother to my females, right? You'll have to hear me call you brother more often from now on."
"Ahaha. Yes. Whenever our brother wants, he can call you that♡" Recalling Marcy's face, laughing and waving at me with my females... I felt like Claire clicked her tongue.
"...Hehe...She's quite a good child...♡"
"Yeah. She seems a bit immature, but she should be fine in two or three years. How old is she?"
"She looks about 16 to me...she should have already had her coming-of-age ceremony."
"Eh...should we stay in the capital a little longer and train that child a bit?"
"No, it's alright. The way that child looks at her master is already full of interest. We can wait for the opportunity anytime. Let's prepare in the safety of Radia first."
"Yeah. Let's do that ♡ So, who should we choose next..."
...The way the two of them were whispering was strangely unsettling...What were they talking about?
Hmm...Anyway, they're both females who submit to me.
They probably wouldn't be plotting anything terrible behind my back.
...They probably wouldn't? With this subtle unease, I ran back towards Radia along the path I had come from.
......
"I'm back~"
"I'm home~♡ It's been so long."
After spending the night outdoors, I finally arrived in the beloved Ladia the next morning.
Although I only lived here for about six months before going to the capital, seeing the Ladia city walls felt incredibly familiar—a truly strange feeling.
First, I made a detour to the lord's city, briefly reporting what had happened in the capital, then went to the Ladia Church to inform Clya that she had become a saintess and branch representative. Before I knew it, it was evening.
The formal handover and Paul's absence meant a need to rearrange business assignments… Although Clya had a lot to handle, it was decided that these tasks would be formally addressed starting tomorrow; I'd go home for today.
It was originally a single room similar to Lisbeth's, the room Lisbeth and I had briefly shared.
Compared to the luxurious accommodations of the capital church, it was quite simple and unassuming… but after so long, it still felt familiar. I couldn't help but feel like I was coming home.
"Liz and Master used to live here… Ah. Could this be the place you brought me here?" Claire followed me and Lisbeth into the room, looking around curiously.
"Ah. Speaking of which, my room was the one that initially targeted Claire. That was the room next door. After turning Liz into my female, I merged the rooms."
"I see. Is it alright if I stay here?"
"What are you talking about? Claire is my female too, isn't she? It's fine when I go to church during the day, but we have to be together all night. When I go to church, I tell them I found another place to stay because of adventurer activities."
"Hehe. Okay. I understand. Master♡" If we live separately, it would be pointless to have gone through all that trouble to turn Claire into Ladia. We have to live together.
This. This room, which looks like a private room, is now our home.
...However...
"...But it's really a bit cramped for three people. We need to consider moving..."
It's a manageable size for two, but for three...it really feels cramped coming from this spacious, luxurious place.
Was it really this small?
...Especially the bed...hmm.
Even just Lisbeth and I are a narrow bed...it's barely big enough for three people to stick together.
It'll be very uncomfortable.
"You're right. Since we have money now, let's take this opportunity to buy a super-sized new bed. A super huge one, big enough that even when we're in the 'master's lecturing' position, it won't be a problem." Lisbeth, who had just entered and was flipping through books, seemed to have the same thought, and said this as she walked over with a book in hand.
A bed that can withstand the 'master's lecturing' position...there's no choice but to have it custom-made.
No, can it really be made?
"That size..." As I pondered, Lisbeth murmured to herself, looking at her book. Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the room... the accumulated dust clumped together and fell in a flurry.
Damn. What the hell was that?!
I thought I was used to Esendia's magic. There's this kind of outrageous magic?! ...I still have so much to learn.
"Cleaning complete~ Well then...Master. We'll start looking for a house tomorrow. Rest well today♡"
"Hehe♡ I have to go to church during the day, but please feel free to call me if you need anything. After all, Master is more important than the church♡"
Without realizing it, the two of them naturally removed their clothes, gazing at me with seemingly seductive eyes.
Whether it was my experience in the capital or seeing Lisbeth's magic, I realized I'd been living too carelessly all this time. Now I have a feeling I must immediately learn or train... But well, I just got back today.
I should rest well today.
Find a house. Learn about Esendia. Skill training and leveling up, etc... There's so much to do. I'll be busy starting tomorrow.
I'll think about the specifics tomorrow... Now, should I spend another blissful night with my females?
Seduced by the naked females wearing only collars, I simply stripped off my clothes and pounced on two of them.