Happy New Year to all my Readers! Hope 2026 brings only good things…. please!!!!
Chapter 424 – Let’s Go Play
“Ugh, seriously? Such a total hassle! They’re soo not little kids anymore — they can, like, go home on their own. Those Empire people are around anyway… Koujiro, you handle the rest, ‘kay?”
“That’s not going to work. The Empire and Demon Realm investigation teams are waiting at yesterday’s village for now. The captured young ladies are there too. We need to explain the current situation in Japone to them and discuss what to do next.”
A day had passed since the fierce battle and the subsequent feast, and a meeting was held in the Tapil Bael settlement to discuss what to do next.
Members of the Imperial and Demon Realm investigation teams, who had been captured by the ogres under Hakuki’s command, and girls who had been abducted in lieu of tax in the Japone Kingdom.
After being freed, they were asked to wait in the old elven village that had been recaptured from Hakuki’s forces.
The reason was that they didn’t want these people learning about Tapil Bael, and there were simply too many of them.
Besides, though it was a bit distant, if anything happened, Mr. Chieftian’s ability would allow him to receive word from the animals, and Larou’iph’s warp could get them there instantly.
“Nooo, I don’t wannaaa! I just got my head back on straight! Now I wanna spend all my time cuddling and doing super naughty stuff with my Hubby! I soo don’t care about Demon Realm government work anymore! I’d rather, like, focus on baby-making full-time!”
And since the Demon Realm investigation team was also there, it was only natural for Norja to get back to that job… Yet she was throwing a tantrum like a child denied a toy, rolling around and refusing to work, leaving Koujiro and the others at their wits’ end.
I mean, “baby-making” is way too explicit… And I haven’t even had a girlfriend yet……
“Even so, as far as Japone is concerned, we’re wanted individuals right now. If we just go to meet with them, won’t they just get suspicious of everything? And we can’t really ask the elves to do it… and besides, even though he is from the Empire, Onii-san is ―――――.”
With a wry smile, Koujiro tried to persuade Norja.
That’s right, even though they were talking about the future with the Empire and the Demon Realm Investigation Team, Koujiro and the others are currently on the side opposing the government.
And I……
“I’ll never let Big brother have anything to do with a rotten country like the Empire ever again! Not even if Hiro, Mamu, and Emperor Solja grovel on their knees! Hmph!”
“Absolutely. There’s no way I’m letting Brother associate with a country full of petty, foolish people. Especially a country that has inflicted such deep wounds on Brother’s heart… Honestly, I feel like destroying it myself.”
Even though I was born in the Empire, it would probably cause some commotion if I showed up after leaving the way I did…… besides, Espie and Slayer both firmly opposed me having anything to do with the Empire, hugging me from both sides while sticking their tongues out at Koujiro.
Come to think of it, they also saw what happened in the Graduation Match……
“So, the only person suitable for the job is Norja, right?”
“Uwaaaah, nooo! I’m, like, quitting too~! I’m totally free now! Why do I gotta look after my old coworkers~!”
“Old coworkers… Weren’t they your colleagues just yesterday?”
“Fngaaaaaaaaaaaah! Hubbyyyyyyyyy!”
And so, today it was decided that Norja, Koujiro, Mikado, and Larou’iph would take care of that job.
On top of that, there were probably some serious discussions about whether or not Mr. Outei and the others could seek asylum, but for the time being, I had nothing to do with that.
“Aha…… Haha, little Norja is truly a troubled soul…… She does the very opposite of what Shinobu dear spoke yesterday.”
“Yes…… Honey certainly is loved by some intense people… Well, the last one to get pregnant will… wait no, the last one laughing will be me! …No, that’s wrong too… Actually, getting pregnant would be more of a first step, so that’s definitely wrong……”
Amicus and Shinobu gave wry smiles at Norja’s antics…… Hey, Shinobu…… That wasn’t an auditory hallucination, I heard you loud and clear… I’ll refrain from pointing that out.
“Well, for now, good Sir Outei and Lady Kagerou, you and yours may tarry here and take your ease this day as well…… On the contrary, should you wander about in great numbers and be espied by the foe, stirring up needless strife—that would prove most vexing unto us as well……”
“Chieftain, we are truly grateful……”
“Honestly, we can only express our deepest thanks.”
So, the days of constant battle have settled down for now, and today feels like a break.
Well, to put it bluntly, the issues with Japone, the Empire, and the Demon Realm Investigation team… none of it really concerns “us”. If we just left now, no one would blame us… but……
“Well then… what about us…?”
If we stay here any longer, we’ll inevitably get involved in Japone’s future problems.
If Shinobu and the others were to fight the kingdom’s people right before my eyes, there’s no way I could just ignore it.
In that sense, I have no choice but to get involved in what happens from now on….
“Big brother.”
“…… Espie?”
“What should we do? I’ll just follow you no matter what you decide.”
As if seeing right through my internal struggle, Espie murmured to me.
Slayer nodded in agreement.
Apparently, both of them knew…… I’ve been overthinking things and haven’t reached a conclusion yet… no, wait… I already have.
―― But Shinobu will ask for help, right? Even if she doesn’t say it out loud, she gives off that kind of vibe, you know?
That’s what Coman said yesterday.
So far, Shinobu hasn’t shown such an attitude…… or rather, she’s just trying not to… but what Coman said was true.
―― Makura has been my classmate, my friend since I was little!
I can’t forget how Shinobu cried out in such sorrow back then.
If Shinobu is in crisis, I’ll help her, no matter what.
That’s why I’ve already made up my mind.
I don’t want to interfere in internal affairs…… but if Shinobu is in danger, I’ll help her… that’s how it is.
“Well, I can’t just leave it like this…… Besides, if we ignore this problem, the elves might be in danger too…… right?”
“Yes!”
“Well, that’s how it is, Brother.”
Even though they respected my decision, both Espie and Slayer seemed to know exactly what I’d do, nodding with smiles.
So, I’m going to be fully involved in this Japone issue.
「…… So, is that alright with you? Tre’ainar?」
『Do as you please. Frankly…… tis a friend in trouble, but seeing as it was an internal matter, I read the situation and did nothing…… you are not one to keep harping on such excuses.』
「Haha, I guess you’re right.」
Tre’ainar nodded without any particular opposition, since it was my decision.
『Nontheless, involvement without comprehension is problematic as well, child…… seeing as you are free today—』
Then, Tre’ainar made another proposal to me.
That sounded really interesting.
Tre’ainar was right, and since I’d come this far anyway……
“Hey, Espie, Slayer!”
“What?”
“What is it?”
That’s why… we……
“Looks like we don’t have much to do today, so why don’t we take this chance and go play in Japone’s royal capital? It’s not like we’re exactly wanted there or anything?
“”Eh!??””
“”””””Huh!!???””””””
First, let’s go there and experience the country of Japone for ourselves.
Not only Espie and Slayer, but Shinobu and the others also turned around in surprise at my suggestion.
Author’s Note
Thank you for your support. I wrote a completely unrelated short story just for fun.
If you have time, please read it. It’s a quick read.
“The Strongest Princess Riding a White Horse Wants the Second Strongest Man as Her Husband.”
Sads Translates 