Nella's Worry (2)
The reconstruction of the Demon Lord Castle had inevitably led to lax training and comfortable guard duties. As a result, the soldiers' morale had grown slack, but today's training session was tightening it back up with firm resolve.
Under Nella's commands, the mock battle pushed the soldiers to exhaust every tactic they knew and then forced them to invent new ones. Yet not a single soldier's gaze faltered. Instead, they stoked the fire of their fighting spirit, driving themselves to devise fresh countermeasures.
Those not participating in the exercise watched from the sidelines, feeling their own hearts stir with warmth.
"They're truly impressive. At this rate, we should be telling the Black Knights to learn from them."
"You flatter us, Your Majesty. To compare us with the Black Knights, the Demon Lord's personal guard... I must admit the barracks atmosphere has grown rather lax of late. It is quite embarrassing."
"As always, Nella is remarkable. She's completely different from her usual calm and composed self, isn't she? She's boosted the soldiers' morale in an instant. Even with such grueling training, they're all burning with fighting spirit."
"She simply rides the atmosphere well. Even though she's grown, she still acts spoiled whenever we're alone together."
"Hngh!! I want to see that!! Nella acting spoiled!!!"
Neromeltia and Beriberi exchanged warm conversation while overlooking the training grounds from atop the fortress walls, watching the Orc army's drills.
The Demon Lord praised the Orcs, and the lord responded with humble denial. The Demon Lord praised Nella, and the lord gently steered the topic elsewhere. And the Demon Lord, casting aside all decorum, let her imagination run wild with delight.
Upon receiving word of the Demon Lord's visit to Stony Fortress, Beriberi had abandoned all his official duties and rushed out to greet her. Though he had much work to attend to, nothing was more important than the Demon Lord's presence, so he welcomed her without a moment's hesitation—and now he was thoroughly pleased with his choice.
Neromeltia was enjoying her conversation with Beriberi, offering sincere admiration as she observed the mock battle led by Nella.
"Master! I brought it!"
"Well done, Lust. As expected, you're the only secretary I need."
"Ehehe……."
Lusteria had brought the map of Caboni Forest and its surrounding areas. She had merely retrieved the very map Neromeltia had left on her desk, yet the Demon Lord showered her with praise, gently stroking her hair before pulling her into a warm embrace.
Far from finding her master's excessive affection uncomfortable, Lusteria was utterly blissful. She buried her face in Neromeltia's chest and nuzzled her cheek against her. Her heart-tipped tail swayed vigorously from side to side, making her look like an adorable pet dog or cat.
As if determined to make up for all the affection they had been unable to share before, the Demon Lord and the succubus continued whispering sweet words of love to one another.
Beriberi did not find their display of affection distasteful; rather, he found it endearing and satisfying, responding with hearty "Ho ho ho" laughter. Yet the thought that "If she specifically asked for the map, there must have been a main point tied to it" lingered in his mind, giving his smile a strangely complex quality.
"Dismissed! You've all worked hard! Cleanliness leads to health, so make sure to wash up and avoid any hindrance to maintaining full combat readiness!"
Only after every soldier was utterly exhausted—barely able to stand—did the training finally end.
Until the very moment the training concluded, Nella had maintained the stern demeanor of a commander. But the instant the soldiers left the training grounds, she let her imposing presence fade, her eyes softening into a gentle gaze.
Ever meticulous with her equipment, Nella quietly inspected her sword, checking the condition of the blade before sheathing it in its leather scabbard. She then retrieved a handkerchief from one of the pouches on her work belt and wiped the sweat from her face.
"Sweat-drenched Nella!! What a wonderful sight!!!"
"Ugh…!!"
At the sudden familiar voice, Nella turned her head. A woman's voice, high-pitched and filled with admiration, rang out like an exclamation.
She belatedly realized that Neromeltia had approached her without her noticing. Blushing furiously, Nella froze mid-motion.
Still holding the handkerchief to her face, she could only stare at Neromeltia in embarrassment.
"Y-Your Majesty…… My appearance is a mess… I'm ashamed……"
"Not at all! Your damp, glistening look is absolutely adorable!!!"
Nella, who had to lower her gaze to meet the smaller Neromeltia's eyes, appeared as though she were deliberately averting her eyes out of shyness. Though she tried not to show it, being seen in such a disheveled state by the supreme being filled her with intense embarrassment.
The combat uniform Nella wore was identical in design to her usual work clothes, differing only in color. A sleeveless top and short hot pants in dark gray, leaving her thighs fully exposed. The top was so short that it revealed her midriff, while the hot pants barely covered her hips, exposing nearly her entire thighs.
Because of the revealing outfit, most of Nella's skin was bare, with beads of sweat glistening on her surface. Sweat trailed down her neck and collarbone, gathering in the valley between her ample breasts and soaking the collar of her top. Droplets also clung to the tips of her pointed ears like morning dew.
Her unkempt appearance after intense training radiated a vibrant, captivating beauty.
"Hngh…!"
Nella lowered her head, trying to cover her chest and lower body. The more she looked down at herself, the stronger her embarrassment grew, and she turned her face away, cheeks flushed.
"Are you embarrassed?"
"…I… I sweated… far too much……"
"Ah… So that was the issue……"
Neromeltia had assumed Nella was ashamed of her revealing outfit, but to Nella, such attire was perfectly normal. It was simply the sight of herself drenched in sweat that embarrassed her.
Upon reflection, it made perfect sense. If Nella were the type to feel ashamed of revealing clothing, she would never have worn it so openly in the first place.
Of course, there were differences in design between male and female versions, but the combat uniform Nella currently wore was standard everyday attire for the Orc army. The engineering corps, with their high levels of activity and labor, typically wore such short clothing. Long garments would cling to the body when soaked with sweat, hindering movement, and the design also facilitated rapid sweat evaporation to cool the body.
Evidence of this was how Nella's outfit had become even tighter than usual. Already form-fitting to avoid obstruction, the fabric now clung to her sweat-drenched skin, accentuating every curve of her feminine figure.
'This… feels strange…!!'
Nella was deeply puzzled by the turmoil in her emotions. It was unthinkable for a soldier who wielded a sword in battle to feel ashamed of appearing sweat-soaked.
Never once in her life had Nella felt embarrassed about her own appearance. Especially during military training, construction work, or equipment crafting, sweating was an inevitable and natural occurrence.
Yet before the Demon Lord, she desperately did not want to be seen like this.
'Get a hold of yourself… Are you expecting to act like a refined lady despite being a soldier…?'
Nella shook her head vigorously, trying to dispel her embarrassment. Then, to reclaim her composure, she consciously straightened her posture and puffed out her chest. She struggled to steady her trembling voice and regain her calm.
"I apologize for my delayed greeting, Your Majesty. Nella, Captain of the Engineering Corps, has just finished training and now pays her respects to the supreme Demon Lord."
"Even your dignified side is incredibly charming. Hehehe."
"…The training grounds are in disarray. I am ashamed. I did not anticipate Your Majesty's visit and failed to prepare adequately."
"It's fine. This is a training ground, after all—it's only natural. I'm the one who came without notice, aren't I?"
No matter what expression Nella wore or how she reacted, Neromeltia responded with the same gentle smile. It was a pure, affection-filled smile, as if she found Nella so lovely she could hardly contain herself.
The emotions evident on Neromeltia's face were unmistakable. Her heart was filled with nothing but love for Nella's appearance, without the slightest discord.
The Demon Lord's intense affection shook Nella to her core. She felt a profound joy so overwhelming that her chest tightened and her breathing grew shallow.
Nella was frustrated that she could not understand why she was experiencing such emotional upheaval. Previously, she had never allowed her reason to be clouded. All her emotions had been entirely her own, perfectly under her control.
But ever since meeting the Demon Lord, her feelings had become like untamed horses, constantly breaking free of her reins.
The problem was that she did not know the reason or cause behind these strange emotional symptoms.
"Your Majesty has come to discuss the maintenance and facility development of the areas around Caboni Forest. Naturally, that requires consultation with you as the Engineering Corps Captain. While here, she also inspected the Orc army's training process."
"I-I see……"
"She was extremely satisfied. She said you were very reliable and impressive, Nella."
"……"
Nella's face burned hot. This was a different feeling from the embarrassment she had felt earlier, and though her cheeks were flushed, she could hardly suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
This emotion alone was crystal clear.
Joy, delight, pleasure, bliss.
Countless words could describe it, but if she had to summarize it in one, it would be happiness.
"It's true, Nella. Thinking that someone as gallant as you is protecting me makes me feel so happy and excited."
"……"
Nella was so intoxicated with joy that her vision blurred. The happiness was so intense it nearly paralyzed her reason.
As a soldier, it was only natural to feel immense joy when praised by the ruler to whom she pledged loyalty. Yet the emotion she felt now was qualitatively different.
Nella fought to rein in the countless emotions bubbling within her, desperately trying to suppress the urge to smile.
"That aside, I was thinking of staying in the guest room at Stony Fortress tonight. Would that be all right?"
"Simply give the order. That alone is more than enough. Everything in Stony Fortress shall proceed according to Your Majesty's will."
"Hehehe. That makes me happy."
Neromeltia responded to Beriberi's lavish hospitality with a noble smile. Her graceful figure, laughing softly with one hand covering her mouth, exuded an elegant and refined charm.
Lusteria, standing beside Neromeltia, seemed delighted by Beriberi's welcome as well. She nestled into the Demon Lord's embrace with a bashful smile.
Finding her adorable secretary's affectionate display utterly endearing, Neromeltia gently stroked Lusteria's hair and caressed her curled horns.
"The food at Stony Fortress is delicious, and the beds are soft and fluffy—it's wonderful!"
"Then would you like to stay here from now on, Lust?"
"Mm… Being by Master's side is the best! Everything else comes second!"
"Hehe. Then you'll have a wonderful night tonight too, won't you?"
Neromeltia pulled her secretary into her arms. Lusteria buried her face in her master's warm embrace, radiating happiness.
Beriberi watched the scene with a benevolent smile and nodded approvingly.
Nella could feel the heavenly bliss she had experienced just moments ago plummeting sharply. Two women openly displaying their affection without regard for others' eyes. Neromeltia's hand gently stroking Lusteria. Lusteria's smiling face nestled in Neromeltia's arms.
Overcome by an inexplicable mix of impatience, discomfort, and disappointment, Nella felt a bitter taste in her mouth.
These negative emotions had been occurring more frequently lately. Dark feelings whose cause and origin she could not identify.
Feeling a sharp pang in her chest, Nella turned her head away.
And though Neromeltia appeared focused on her adorable secretary, she had been observing every one of Nella's reactions.
A subtle, knowing smile deepened on Neromeltia's lips.