Engineering Captain Nellanella
The Engineering Captain, Nellanella, possessed a voice that was lively and carried a hint of huskiness. Though not exactly melodious, her tone brimmed with strength, and her straightforward, unhesitating manner of speaking gave her a distinctly boyish charm. It evoked the image of a confident child, radiating a pure, innocent appeal. Her hair was cut shorter than most women’s, almost boyish in length, yet it remained sleek and glossy, a healthy dark brown that caught the light with every movement. Her long lashes and bright brown eyes held a magnetic quality that made her androgynous beauty unmistakable; anyone would have to acknowledge her as a true beauty.
She bore the green skin and protruding lower fangs typical of orcs, yet her complexion looked so smooth that one could almost feel its softness without touching it. Her fangs were small and neatly shaped, lending her an unexpectedly cute appearance. Her face was well-proportioned, with a straight nose and slightly drooping, pointed ears that added a charming touch. Every feature was delicately balanced and lovely.
Though short for an orc, she still towered over most demonians at just over two hundred mentols—roughly a head taller than Neromeltia. Her broad shoulders were not merely a racial trait; they were the result of rigorous labor that had forged solid muscle throughout her body. Her entire frame was powerfully built, and the short work tunic she wore left her perfectly defined abs fully exposed, tracing clean lines along her slim, tapered waist.
At first glance, her muscular build might have suggested a masculine woman, but a closer look revealed an undeniable feminine allure so striking that no one would dare call her anything else. Her full, resilient breasts strained against the thick fabric of her tunic and its bulky patch pockets, hinting at a hidden maternal softness. Even the sturdy work belt laden with pouches could not conceal the firm, rounded curve of her hips. Her waist narrowed dramatically, accentuating her feminine silhouette, while her well-trained thighs retained a soft, plush quality that only enhanced her healthy, womanly charm.
Despite the oil-stained, utilitarian gray work clothes covered in countless pockets, the heavy leather boots that reached her ankles, and the old towel draped around her neck instead of any necklace or ribbon, every element only served to highlight her radiant beauty and the subtle androgynous magnetism that surrounded her.
“You… you little rascal!! I distinctly told you to wash up and put on a pretty dress because we had an honored guest!! What on earth are you wearing?!”
“I did wash up, and this is a freshly laundered work uniform! Besides, what honored guest? It’s only Oun, isn’t it?”
Her hair was still damp from a recent bath, droplets occasionally falling from the ends. She casually rubbed her head with the towel around her neck. Her skin, warmed by the bath, glowed with a faint flush, and the heat radiating from her body was almost palpable. With a relaxed, almost careless attitude that showed little regard for formalities, she replied nonchalantly. Aside from Oun, the ogre chieftain from the neighboring village who occasionally dropped by when bored, she could not think of anyone else who qualified as an honored guest. The fuss her brother was making over such an obvious visitor only annoyed her.
She had been about to tousle her wet hair dry and plop down in her usual seat when she suddenly noticed far more chairs than usual in the banquet hall. Puzzled, she pushed back the damp strands hanging over her eyes and scanned the room—then froze in shock.
“You fool!! This is Her Majesty, the Demon Lord Neromeltia di Isis!! Why haven’t you shown proper respect and greeted her yet?!”
“Eek…! Y-yes!!”
Startled by her brother’s fierce roar, she quickly grasped the situation and snatched the wet towel from her neck, hiding it behind her back. She was first astonished by the sight of three women from other races she had never seen before in her life, then shocked again by the demonian woman seated in the place of highest honor, above even the lord of Stony Fortress.
When the elegant demonian woman rose gracefully from her seat and smiled at her with a meaningful gaze, Nellanella stiffened completely, unable to move. The name she had heard countless times from her brother—the Demon Lord Neromeltia di Isis—now stood before her. The woman approached with an air of supreme dignity, yet her face was filled with playful mischief.
“Hehehe.”
Neromeltia let out a meaningful laugh, her smile deepening. To an observer, it might have seemed as though the exalted being was contemplating something far beyond Nellanella’s comprehension. In truth, Neromeltia’s mind was entirely captivated by the green-skinned beauty before her, desire surging within. All she could think about was how to approach her and build an intimate relationship.
“…Y-Your Majesty…”
“What’s your name, dear? Hehehe.”
The Demon Lord’s demeanor was the complete opposite of the stern, majestic figure Nellanella had imagined—gentle, friendly, and so casual that she might have been speaking to a peer. Her warm, soothing manner eased the tension in Nellanella’s heart, making her feel as though she were being comforted by a close older sister.
“…It looks like you’ve gained another rival. You must be quite troubled.”
“Huh? Ah, um. I have no idea what you’re talking about! Haha…”
Lusteria watched her master openly appraising another woman with a heated gaze, her fingers unconsciously gripping the tablecloth. Beatrice’s offhand remark struck straight at her heart, even though it had been delivered in the most casual tone. Lusteria’s eyes wavered, betraying her inner turmoil, yet she could not tear her gaze away from her master. Beatrice, appearing indifferent as she sipped her wine, was also stealing subtle glances at Neromeltia. Unaware of her secretary and maid’s complicated feelings, Neromeltia continued to fix her eyes on Nellanella’s brown irises.
Gradually relaxing under the Demon Lord’s affectionate manner, Veryberry’s younger sister composed herself and offered a formal introduction.
“I am Nellanella, younger sister of Baron Veryberry Beck Begrit, lord of Stony Fortress and Orc Lord, and currently serving as Engineering Captain of Stony Fortress! I offer my congratulations on Your Majesty’s return!!”
Her introduction was impeccably polite and carried the upright dignity of a true soldier. While her brother exemplified noble grace through refined etiquette and benevolent rule, she embodied the ideal warrior with her steadfast, resolute bearing. Knowing she stood before the supreme Demon Lord whom all who lived under Luina revered, she faced Neromeltia with an almost desperate sincerity.
In stark contrast to her grave demeanor, Neromeltia looked visibly flustered, her posture slightly slouched. Veryberry’s name—Veryberry Beck Begrit—had already struck her as bizarre and comical, but Nellanella’s name, Nellanella, pushed her naming sense into outright suspicion. For a moment, Neromeltia closed her eyes and lowered her head in silence, an expression of deep contemplation. Veryberry, Nellanella, and Oun looked bewildered, while Lusteria, Beatrice, and Moka exchanged awkward smiles or pretended not to notice, sipping their wine.
Then, as if reaching a decision, Neromeltia opened her eyes and shouted with fervent conviction.
“She looks adorable, and her name is adorable too!!”
The sudden exclamation left it unclear whether it was directed at Nellanella or meant to convince herself. Yet after voicing it with such heartfelt sincerity, Neromeltia found that the name Nellanella truly did sound cute and lovely to her. Surprised by her own positive shift in perception, she smiled brightly at Nellanella.
Nellanella, on the other hand, looked utterly flustered, her eyes clouding over. The Demon Lord’s unexpected outburst had startled her, but what truly shook her was the content of those words.
“D-Did you just say… I’m adorable…?”