“Unthinkable! It’s perfect. I was just looking at something similar in the store and was troubled over whether to buy it myself. This is great.”
“Oh. Th-Thank goodness.”
Zagan then noticed that Foll was looking up at him from within his arms. It was like she was looking at something adorable, and hugged Zagan’s neck.
“Nephy went out to work in town just to buy this.”
“Huh?! Foll! Why did you tell him?!” Nephy shouted, and Zagan’s eyes shot open once more in astonishment.
Even if she didn’t do so, Nephy was given enough money that she could buy anything she wanted. Nevertheless, the Archdemon wasn’t ignorant enough not to know the meaning behind working secretly to accumulate the money to do so. This was a present that Nephy spent her precious spare time outside of handling household matters to buy, the labor of her own hard work. There was no way he wouldn’t be elated over such a thing.
Hnnngh. A cute outfit and a present. And that embarrassed look at having the hard work she put in for it exposed! How far do you plan on cornering me?!
It was like a four chain combo. Zagan’s heart was already beating so hard that it was approaching its very limits. It was entirely possible that his chest would burst open if he were to receive any more joy. As such, Zagan began his counterattack.
“Hear me Nephy! I have also prepared a present!”
And Nephy stared back at him in wonder.
“Were you aware of Alshiere Imera?”
“No, I simply saw a festival going on in town. And I only found out about it today.”
Zagan had an ongoing promise with Kimaris. If not for Gremory, he would likely not have even prepared a present either. In that sense, he was saved by that granny this time around. The two girls looked truly relieved at his answer.
“Thank goodness, Master Zagan. Were you surprised?”
Judging by their reaction, he could tell that they wanted to surprise him while assuming that he knew nothing of Alshiere Imera.
Hnngh. What’s going on?! I can’t stop smiling!
This was why Kimaris had begged him not to pry further into it. If not for that, Zagan would surely have only been able to taste half the joy he was experiencing now. The sheer happiness of the situation brought him to his knees.
“Of course I’m surprised! And happy! Can I hug you now?!”
“...Master Zagan, that’s embarrassing.”
“I thought you would say that,” Foll quipped.
In contrast to his blushing bride who was now covering her face, his daughter threw up both her arms in joy.
What’s this? I feel like I’m getting a tepid look from my daughter here.
He then realized that he hadn’t yet handed over any presents, and pulled one out of his pocket.
“O-Oh yeah. Nephy. Will you take this?”
“Yes?”
Zagan handed over a white package, and Nephy’s pointy ears turned markedly red right to their tips.
“U-Um, may I open it?”
“Of course.”
Zagan was relieved to see her so plainly excited.
I get it. I must’ve been making the same reaction.
This was her reaction from just one surprise. Just what kind of expression would she make from a four chain combo? Zagan calmly observed her for but a moment, but then remembered that it had just happened to him and lost his composure once more.
Nephy opened the lid of the box and pulled out soft gloves.
“This is...”
“I-It’s gotten cold lately. It’s also woven with sorcery to constantly heal your hands. Once winter comes along, even just touching water can harm your skin, after all.”
Nephy was capable of such sorcery herself, but you couldn’t really say that was a means of caring for one’s skin. That’s why Zagan was in a hurry to weave his sorcery into it while returning to the castle.
“...Th-Thank you very much!”
Zagan was fixated on the looks, so the gloves weren’t all that expensive, but Nephy held them close to her chest affectionately nonetheless.
He then shifted his focus over to Foll.
“And this one’s for you.”
“Me too?”
“Yeah. As thanks for holding a party.”
Foll’s present was a pair of jade earrings carved to look like a dragon’s scales. Shining a light through it revealed a rainbow-like brilliance.
“So pretty... Thanks.”
Zagan then put the earrings on his daughter, who was honestly quite pleased with her gift. And around this time, Nephteros and the others finally approached him.
“Can we join in now, Big Bro?”
“Hm? Oh, my bad. It seems I acted somewhat out of character.”
“...You may be planning on acting all majestic here, but you’ve got a huge smile on your face.”
And his bravado was a complete failure. He then noticed that his sister-in-law was wearing the same outfit as Nephy.
“Mm. It suits you as well. Do people wear such clothing for Alshiere Imera?”
“There’s a fairy called Tonto who hands out presents to children. It’s apparently modeled after him.”
“Oh, I get it now...”
Apparently the waifs in the alleys sympathized with Zagan because he knew nothing of this. Chastille then also approached him from behind Nephteros.
“Aren’t you glad he praised you, Nephteros?”
“...Geez. I’m telling you it’s not really like that or anything.”
The tips of Nephteros’ ears turned red as she writhed about, either out of happiness or embarrassment.
Hmm... I guess it feels like she’s happy about having friends.
His sister-in-law did more or less have a suitor after her, but seeing her reaction toward Chastille, it felt like she treated having a family and friends more preciously than that.
Chastille then picked at her own clothing with a troubled expression.
“Barbatos was a disgrace on the other hand. Well, I guess a sorcerer can’t really understand a church festival or anything.”
“A disgrace? Did he say something again?”
“...For some reason he turned bright red and got super angry.”
“Bright red? Doesn’t that mean...” Zagan was about to guess at what was going on, when Nephy stopped him by crossing her hands in front of her mouth. “Oh, mmm... Anyway, you should probably talk it out properly with him. We had a bit of an incident in town today, so he might have been all worked up.”
“Was he that admirable a man to begin with...?”
What a pain in the ass these two are...
It was amazing how little they understood each other while being attracted at the same time. Zagan was left dumbfounded, and Nephy clapped her hands together to change the topic.
“Um, Chastille, isn’t it about time now?”
“Oh, you’re right. I came here just for that too.”
Chastille thoughtlessly blurted out, then covered her mouth.
“What? There’s more?”
Zagan cocked his head to the side, as Chastille then turned toward the castle and beckoned someone over. Looking over that way, Zagan froze up completely.
“Hey, ahahah. I ended up tagging along.”
“Stella?”
It was his childhood friend with her red hair covering her right eye.
“Are you okay already? Actually, can you even tell who I am?”
“Uhhh, yeah. I’m okay now. My memories from the last few years are still a little fuzzy, but I do remember you, Zagan.”
It appeared that Andrealphus had kept his word and properly saved her.
He gets on my nerves, but he really is the head of the Archdemons, huh?
He was honestly grateful for this.
“...Those robes... you a sorcerer?”
“Just in appearance. Just, you know, girly clothes don’t really suit me anymore, I’m also in debt to my teacher, so these do just fine.”
“Is that ho
w it works...?”
“That’s exactly how it works.”
The fact that they could talk just as they did before was a great relief to Zagan. And yet, Stella lips twisted into a massive grin.
“More importantly, Zagan. You gotta tell me. You got a girlfriend, right? She’s so cute. You gotta introduce her to your big sister properly, you know? And what’s with that kid? You’ve got the look of a dad plastered on your face there.”
“Gaah! Get off my back! Of course I look like a dad! Foll’s my daughter!”
“Waaah? Daughter? You? Huh? She’s so big already... um, isn’t that a little weird?”
Apparently Foll had yet to be introduced to her. Zagan pushed back his self-proclaimed big sister, who was even spitting, such was the vigor of her questions.
Seriously. I’ve gotten so many presents today they won’t all fit in my pockets even if I use sorcery...
And looking over that scene play out, a shady voice rang out from the darkness.
“Hnnngh! Nice love power! This was worth staking my life on...!”
The fact that a pool of blood was forming in the darkness is a story for another day.
◇
The party had started while Zagan and the others were outside exchanging gifts. Barbatos had finally resolved to show himself after milling about in confusion in a corner of the garden, trying to think of a way to talk with Chastille.
“Barbatos, there you are. Tell me if you’re displeased with me in some way. I want to talk about it properly.”
“Hah? The hell are you going on about all of a sudden?”
“I mean, you won’t even look me in the eye today. Even I can tell that something’s up.”
“No, that’s ‘cause...”
“I-Is it because I smell of sweat?”
“What? No, that’s no really it... actually, ain’t that a good point?”
“...Huh?”
The man happened to have a present in his pocket, but judging from the current flow, it would be quite some time before he handed it over.
At another table, Lilith was looking at Selphy in exasperation, who was in terrifically high spirits from all the good food. She then began buttering Lilith up as she knocked back a glass of wine.
“Lilith, where are those totally awesome frozen sweets you were making? I’ve been like, looking forward to it all day!”
“Selphy... isn’t it obvious that dessert comes last? As royalty, you should start by enjoying some wine at such... hic.”
“Lilith?! Why are you having wine when you totally can’t drink at all?!”
The person in question had no resistance to alcohol at all, and had already collapsed.
At yet another table, Stella and Lisette were picking at the giant lineup of food.
“It’s kinda weird,” Lisette muttered before saying, “Everyone’s dressed different and from different races, but they’re all having fun together.”
“You’re right. It looks like Zagan’s managed to stand all on his own even without his big sister around.”
“It’s lonely... when your big sister... is gone...” Lisette replied with a sincere expression as Stella looked at Zagan with a lonely gaze.
“Heheh. You’re such a good girl Lisette. Well, I guess I’ll look over my now grown up little brother for a while longer.”
Love power was building in the air, and at the dead center of the party, a scream broke out.
“Chief! Why is Kuu the only one wearing a swimsuit?!”
“Oh come on, Gremory had them all prepared last time, but you were the only one who didn’t get a chance to wear one, right? Besides, they’ve got sorcery heating up the place, so it’s not even cold!”
“It’s not okay just ‘cause it’s not cold... Kuroka, save meeee!”
Manuela and some Angelic Knights came by before anyone knew it.
“I am satisfied as long as Lady Nephteros is pleased.”
The Angelic Knight Richard also dropped by, but seeing Nephy and Nephteros laughing together, he kept his distance as to not get in their way.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and Gremory, now in the form of a beautiful woman, was gazing over them from the shadow of a tree.
“The world is beautiful, and overflowing with love power.”
“...Miss Gremory. What are you doing all the way over here?” Kimaris said in an exasperated voice.
“Mrr... Kimaris? Do not get in the way of my moment of bliss.”
Gremory turned away in a huff and puffed out her cheeks in anger.
Good grief. Just how much needless worry do you think you caused me?
Gremory was uncharacteristically shaken upon hearing the name Shere Khan. She thought that maybe he would turn back to the way he was back then. Kimaris let out a helpless sigh, then sat down next to her.
“I won’t go off anywhere, I’m here by your side. I just became a little engrossed in my stroll today.”
“...Hmph.”
Well, he did at least deserve praise for properly returning, so Gremory pulled a pendant out from her pocket. It was the fang pendant that she had discovered in the shop that afternoon when she bumped into Nephy’s group, and she just chucked it at Kimaris.
“A stray like you needs to wear something like this.”
“A pendant?”
“It’s a collar fitting for you!”
“Pfft, your present for this year’s Alshiera Imera is certainly cute. Thank you very much.”
“Gaah! I’m telling you that’s not what it is!”
Kimaris strained a smile at their annual exchange, and then began digging into his own pocket.
“Here, this is from me. I do hope it matches your tastes, Miss Gremory.”
His gift was a small bottle of perfume.
Like you could possible make any mistakes with your sense of smell. How shameless... Gremory thought with a smile.
There had never been a scent that didn’t match Gremory’s tastes out of anything Kimaris ever chose for her. Gremory opened the lid to the bottle in a false show of irritation, and fanned it over herself.
“Hmph. How is it?”
“Great. It suits you very well.”
“That’s what you always say.”
Gremory faced away and leaned back against the lion, and Kimaris strained another smile.
◇
“You’re wearing quite the strange outfit today.”
As a butler, Raphael was required to wait on the guests. He only called out to his daughter who came back to the castle with Zagan when it came time to bring out dessert. Upon realizing it was him, Kuroka’s triangular ears twitched.
“Lord Raphael?”
“Mm. Are you enjoying your meal?”
“Yes... Although, I’ve had all sorts of people talking to me today, so I haven’t really eaten much.”
“I thought that would be the case.”
Raphael already had several different foods lined up on a plate for her at the ready. After cutting them up into easy to eat pieces, he held out a fork. Kuroka opened her mouth, completely accustomed to this, and bit down on the food.
“It’s delicious.”
“Mm. The damn cooks of the castle have certainly improved.”
After their brief exchange, Raphael sat down next to her in silence. Kuroka then lifted the hems of her skirt, remembering his original comment.
“Oh yeah. I don’t really know what kind of clothing I’m wearing right now...”
“It’s a black dress. It matches your hair. You look beautiful.”
“...Mom... said the same thing.”
“...I see.”
And once more they were silent.
However, there was no sense of awkwardness between them. It was a silence born from Raphael biting down on the fact that the girl he considered his daughter was growing up.
“Lord Raphael... Actually, there’s something I want to ask...”
“Before that, you there, scoundrel, do you have business with me?
”
Raphael sensed a gaze from somewhere, and spotted a sorcerer staring at them.
My liege’s subordinate who’s stationed at Archdemon Palace...? No... the church.
“Mister Shax?”
Apparently Kuroka knew who this was. Well, they did work at the same church. So it was only obvious in a sense.
The sorcerer, Shax, replied in an awkward tone.
“I just wanna have a chat with the little missy there, do you mind?”
“...Hmm?”
Raphael cocked his head to the side, searching for the meaning behind those words, and for some reason, Shax began trembling violently. Apparently Raphael was making a very overbearing expression. Kuroka then spoke up to hold Raphael back.
“This man is my benefactor. There was a bit of an incident in town today, and I was in his care.”
“I see. Then just say that’s who you are to begin with.”
“I mean, I totally thought you were going to kill me?”
Well, that sort of reaction from people he just met was the same as usual.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard dad make such a scary voice.”
...Apparently people he knew for a while also reacted that way today. Raphael got up from his seat, and Shax let out a sigh of relief and put on an exhausted smile.
“Yo. Long time no see... though I guess you wouldn’t remember.”
“No... I do remember a little. We met five years ago, right?”
Shax scratched the back of his head helplessly.
“Yeah. It’s not really something to talk about at a party, but I don’t really know when we’ll get another chance. Will you hear me out?”
“...Yes.”
Kuroka’s expression stiffed up from the tension as well, and before long, Shax gave in and began explaining.
“I was... at your village five years ago. We were... the ones to burn it down.”
Raphael’s eyes shot open upon hearing this. But, Kuroka looked to have anticipated it already, and didn’t show any signs of being greatly shaken by the news. She tightly gripped her skirt as she replied.
“Why... did you attack us?”
“...Who knows? Maybe we just wanted sacrifices or something?”
“You don’t know?”
“...I don’t. It’s ‘cause I’m an idiot. I just followed him without thinking about it... and that happened.”
An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride: Volume 8 (Premium) Page 19