“Looks like we’re heading to the sea this time.”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?”
Millia, who was lounging with her knees as a pillow while reading a book, looked at me with curiosity. I playfully pinched her cheek.
“I’ve got something to take care of at the sea.”
“But it’s winter?”
“I’m not going for a vacation.”
“Oh, then can we go see the sea together?”
“Hmm…there’s probably not much to see at the winter sea.”
At my words, Millia shook her head as if deep in thought.
“It doesn’t matter what season it is. What’s important is going with Johann.”
“Still, it sounds dangerous and tough.”
“If Johann says that, there’s not much I can do. Then how about we go see the sea later together? We can splash around and leave footprints on the beach…”
Millia’s eyes sparkled as she spoke her wishes.
Now that we were lovers, she seemed to be dreaming of a romantic date. It wasn’t strange, considering we barely had any real dates together.
“Sure, I’ll take you there as much as you want.”
“Hehe, is that a promise?”
“Yes, a promise.”
“Oh my, am I also going to be included?”
“Of course! It wouldn’t make sense if it were just us.”
“That’s right.”
“Should I buy a swimsuit…?”
“Viola, are you planning to freeze to death?”
“No, I mean it hypothetically!”
What a commotion.
“What is the sea?”
…Ah.
We all turned to Rue, who was tilting her head. She genuinely seemed confused about what the word sea meant.
“It’s a place with a ton of water.”
“A place bigger than the Academy filled with salty water!”
“How interesting!”
“You’ll have to tag along, and then you can see for yourself.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Yay!”
Could you not bounce around so much? I can’t find a place to look. You’re shaking like a madman.
“Does Johann like that kind of thing?”
Millia, there’s no need to feel jealous while touching your own chest. You’re fine being cute.
On the other hand, seeing Karina and Elisa wearing victorious smiles seemed to indicate that breast size was quite an important issue among the girls.
“Looks like the uncle likes the big ones, huh…”
“Whether big or small doesn’t matter, so let’s just skip this topic.”
“Hehe.”
“So, are we really going to the sea this time?”
“That seems likely. I think we might need to build a boat this time.”
“Can’t you just buy one?”
“I don’t think a normal boat will hold against the outsiders rampaging around.”
I was seriously considering using the World Tree to craft a boat. It seems I’m going to use its divine protection quite well. It’s the best material available on this continent, after all.
Mithril isn’t exactly common either, supposedly being one tier above that.
“Johann can make anything, huh?”
“If you see him in the workshop, he makes all sorts of things, you know.”
Viola gave a subtly smug smile. Since it’s usually just the two of us in the workshop, maybe she thinks she has some sort of advantage.
How cute.
“That said, I’m thinking of going alone this time.”
“I’m so excited! Sea sightseeing!”
“Huh?”
“Johann, are you…”
What, why?
Are they thinking I’m going to pick up another girl while I’m down there?
It’s a bit hard to argue against that, considering my track record.
I felt the suspicious gazes directed at me, and I spoke up.
“That’s a misunderstanding. Do I look like someone who flirts with anyone?”
“Well… but there are six of us.”
“There are six of us, so adding one more wouldn’t be too odd, right?”
“Uh-huh. I think Johann will come back with one more!”
“Not just one, but a book… um…”
“Seven marriage documents? That sounds terrifying. I can imagine it costing a fortune. Is that even lawful in the Empire…?”
When did Sif arrive?
I sat on the floor and started scratching Sif’s ears, who was curled up with her face resting on my knees. She seemed to enjoy it, letting out a soft purring sound and closing her eyes.
“Yeah, right there. Just don’t go too deep…”
“I’m not planning to add anyone else, so don’t worry.”
Six is already tough enough; adding a seventh? I fear I might end up with a split personality at this rate. I couldn’t even consider doing something like that anymore if it wasn’t Renny.
“I don’t know whether to feel reassured or not. There are already six of us…”
“I wouldn’t think it odd if the uncle brought back one more.”
“What a sinful man…”
“You don’t necessarily have to choose just one.”
It’s a fantasy world where polygamy is allowed! Plus, the original work had a harem ending, so I’m innocent. Yup.
By the way, are Lewis and Shuri dating again today?
I worried they might end up getting pregnant before graduation. From what I hear about Ashley, it sounds like they’re having quite the wild time.
Well, kids at that age can be like that.
…Actually, it’s absurd for me to be putting up walls when I’m with six girls already.
If I were to suggest it, I don’t think anyone would say no. I need to finish off those outsiders and get to enjoying myself, so I can settle down with peace of mind.
“You wouldn’t have survived without Johann!”
“Ah, I agree with Millia.”
“Me too!”
“I cannot deny that.”
“Nyaa.”
Why are you meowing? I glanced down at Sif, whose face was half-melted from pleasure. Is scratching her ears really that enjoyable? If I had my phone, I could take a screenshot and tease her about it.
“I don’t know whether I should be happy or not.”
“Doesn’t that mean we all love Johann, so you should be happy?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Thanks.”
“Honestly, I was quite flustered when you suddenly wanted to embrace us all, but… it was a choice Johann made for us.”
Is that really how it works? I just acted on the one option I had to survive. Although everything got resolved in the end.
“…To be honest, I didn’t think you would accept it.”
“I don’t want to fight.”
“Right, right. I don’t want to bicker like in a romance novel. I like Karina.”
“I wouldn’t want to fight with Elisa either.”
“Me neither!”
“I’m just grateful you accepted it…”
“…I’m glad.”
That’s why I can roam freely now, hunting outsiders.
“Anyway, it looks like I won’t be seeing your faces for a while.”
“That means we’ll spend today together!”
“That’s right.”
“I want to take a break from research today.”
“I have to work… nya…”
“Hehe, same here.”
“I’m still supposed to guard Lady Karina!”
“If I’m around, doesn’t that mean you are?”
At Renny’s words, she quietly closed her mouth.
“So, where is Johann going?”
“I think I’ll be heading to Lorelei.”
Since we were talking about the southern sea, it was necessary to go through Lorelei. It’s also the easiest city to cooperate with.
That’s where Archbishop Pierre resides.
“Lorelei, huh… it’s been a while.”
“It’s been a year and a half!”
“That’s the port city at the southern tip, right?”
“Johann, is it okay if I just follow you to the city?”
“…Yeah, just come along to the city.”
Since the fights will happen in the sea, I just need to leave on my own.
I smiled warmly while watching the excited kids.
—————————-
“Sir Quartz! Welcome to our city!”
“Hooray for the Saint!”
“Hooray!”
“This is amazing.”
“Johann is incredible!”
“The uncle is pretty amazing too.”
“Th-there are too many people!”
Who would have thought I’d come back here?
Lorelei, after two years, hadn’t changed much at all.
The only thing that was different was us. I waved back at the crowd that rushed to see me, like a singer would to fans.
What am I doing?
Tell me I’m not going to have to go through all this to get to the Grand Temple.
At least the path to the Grand Temple was clear. In such a grand welcome from the citizens, we entered the Grand Temple.
Once inside, Archbishop Pierre welcomed us with open arms.
“Welcome back to Lorelei! Sir Quartz! And you’ve returned safely, Karina!”
“It’s been a while, Archbishop.”
“It’s been a while, Archbishop Pierre. Have you been well?”
“Ah, I’ve been just fine. We are now in the final stages of rooting out the wicked ones. Sigh. It seems there’s so much to clean up.”
Does that mean the cleaning of the Kalon Church is also nearly done?
“I’ll assign rooms for you to rest. I’ve also heard you have some important matters to discuss…”
“Yes, indeed, very important matters. A threat far greater than any demon is approaching.”
Upon my words, Archbishop Pierre’s expression turned sharp.
“That’s news I don’t want to hear.”
“I’ll explain the details in the conference room.”
“I understand. For now, you should rest until dinner time.”
I nodded at his words.
