Chapter 76: Safe Return
Whooooosh—
The waves rode the wind as they surged forward, crashing into the land and exploding outward in every direction.
The morning sun rose beyond the horizon, and every time the waves shattered, it was as if countless gemstones were being scattered across the sea.
A group of thirty people sat along the shoreline, silently watching the spectacle.
Every single one of their faces was heavy with grief.
It was all for the sake of one hero who had remained behind in the deep abyss, unable to return, in order to save their lives.
“Princess Reina. Wouldn’t it be better for you to return to your quarters? I will stand watch here.”
“Nay, that I cannot do. Kael is the first person who came to me when I had nothing… I shall wait here for him.”
Tanya let out a light sigh.
She knew it too. No words would persuade the princess.
Even she, who had known him for barely a week, felt this ache in her chest. How much deeper must it cut for the princess, who had spent the longest time by his side?
She turned to look at another woman.
A beauty with red hair bound in twin tails.
Known as the Empire’s Madwoman, she had amassed countless dark reputations, yet last night she had stood at the forefront against the vile elves, displaying overwhelming martial might and raising the honor of a knight. Bella, eldest daughter of House Hardrens.
Unlike her usual self, she sat with her eyes gently closed, legs crossed in meditation as she faced the shore.
It looked almost as if she were offering a devout prayer to the gods.
Princess Reina, Bella, Tanya, and every single person there.
They were waiting.
For the hero who had stayed behind alone to save them.
Yet at the same time, they knew. That he would not return.
That was why the atmosphere remained so quiet and heavy.
As they lowered their heads one by one, offering silent condolences from the depths of their hearts, someone suddenly shouted.
“Th-there! Something is approaching!”
All heads turned toward the man’s pointing finger.
Bathed in the bright morning sunlight, something was drawing near.
From the silhouette, it appeared to be two figures.
A large shell, and someone sitting atop it…
“H-he’s back…!”
Everyone rose at once and rushed into the sea.
“The hero has returned!!”
Their faces overflowed with joy.
To think he would return safely!
Cheers rang out, and the hero’s name burst endlessly from their lips.
“Kael!”
“Sir Kael!”
What am I going to do with this bitch?
I sat atop the hard shell and glanced sideways.
Audrey, who had now become my surrogate, knelt demurely.
She was rubbing beneath her eyes with both hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
Why?
Because my comrades aren’t going to let this slide.
Still, if you told them, they might listen?
The princess and the duchess probably would… but I’m not so sure about Tanya.
After she even got pissed on, would she really keep her sword sheathed?
Sigh. One mountain after another.
“Sniff… sob sob…”
Anyway, it’s noisy.
“Stop crying, Audrey. It’s distracting.”
“Y-yes… hic… hic…”
She obeys well, at least.
I glanced at her, sighed, and removed my outer coat and shirt, handing them over.
After all, Audrey was completely naked right now.
Yet she simply stared at them blankly.
She really does require a lot of care.
“Stand up for a moment.”
I tied the shirt around her waist to cover her lower body and draped the coat over her upper half, concealing those alluring breasts.
Originally I had planned to strip her naked and make her crawl on all fours through the streets of Florian, but since she had become the surrogate for me and Themis, I decided to show a little consideration.
“…Thank you, Master.”
“Yeah.”
Once Audrey was dressed and seated again, our destination slowly came into view.
The elves’ ancient weapon, Yordan, anchored near the shore, and beyond it on the sandy beach a crowd of people appeared.
They must have spotted us too, because they leapt to their feet and began rushing into the sea.
This should be far enough.
I gave the dragon turtle that had carried us this far a few light pats on its back.
The creature lifted its head above the water.
“Thank you. I’ll head the rest of the way myself, so you can go back now.”
Kiiiik!
It didn’t leave immediately, though.
Whether it was simply being faithful to its task or not, the turtle only sank slowly beneath the waves after confirming that I had used magic to float into the air.
How cute.
I lowered my gaze and quietly stared at the sea where the turtle had vanished.
Only deep blue waves rippled there; nothing else could be seen.
Yet somehow, unlike yesterday, the sea felt familiar now.
Until now it had been an unknown realm that vaguely stirred fear, but today it felt like greeting a close friend.
Must be because of Themis.
It was probably the effect of having inherited part of her power.
Did that mean I had made considerable progress with water magic as well?
I hadn’t tested it directly, but a strange conviction told me it was true.
Not only had familiarity surged, but my understanding had skyrocketed along with it.
Well, I could check the details later.
More important matters awaited.
As I drew closer to shore, I first placed the elf onto Yordan.
From here on, I would have to negotiate about her.
Inside her were the children of me and Themis. I needed to handle this carefully so my comrades’ feelings wouldn’t be hurt.
I was about to speak to those who had approached when…
“Kael!!!”
Two people leapt forward and threw themselves into my arms.
“Princess? Duchess?”
“Y-you fool…! What took you so long…! Sob…”
“Kael! Kael Kael Kael~!!”
Really… to be welcomed and loved this much, I have no words.
I suddenly felt guilty for thinking up excuses about Audrey right before we met.
It seemed they had been worried only about me.
So I embraced the two women and gently stroked their heads.
Pouring all my apology and joy into the touch.
“Sorry. I took a little longer than expected, didn’t I?”
“Sob sob…”
“Hic… hic…”
Seeing them cling to me and cry without answering, I continued stroking their heads in silence.
They’re still… both so young.
Suddenly, memories from the battlefield rose up.
A land where death and parting were constant companions.
The countless comrades who had died there,
The master who had helped me,
And from the seniors to the disciples I myself had raised.
In the beginning, I had cried like this too.
After thirty years of hardship, my tear ducts had long since run dry.
I hope this parting and reunion becomes good growth for these two.
Still… they are going to let go of me today, right?
With so many eyes watching, the embrace with the princess and duchess ended after ten minutes.
After that, I had to share passionate hugs one by one with the knights and soldiers as well.
They gazed at me with eyes full of reverence, as if I were a hero from legend.
Hmm. Now that I think about it, one person seems to be missing…
That thought lasted only a moment before a massive vibration suddenly rang out.
I turned my gaze.
Yordan was trembling.
No way…
The runes engraved across the hull glowed, and hundreds of spirits poured forth.
“Brothers! Aid me! (in Elvish)”
Wow. Our livestock is trying to stage a rebellion at a time like this?
Damn it. I had destroyed the mana stone.
I had already subdued Audrey, and the stone had been on the verge of breaking anyway, so I smashed it because carrying it was annoying. Yet this insolent elf bitch was attempting mutiny again.
She stood at the bow, looking down at me with arrogance.
When I glanced over, I could sense that the slave tattoo had weakened.
It seems safe to assume this ship is linked to Sielin’s power.
That aside… normally I would have used magic to crush her without mercy, but since she had become a surrogate, I decided to give Audrey a chance.
I gestured at her.
“Come down quietly. Before you get thoroughly beaten.”
“Shut your mouth! When I remember the humiliation you inflicted on me… even dismemberment would not be enough…! But if you beg for forgiveness right now, I will specially use you as my exclusive livestock! (in Elvish)”
What the hell is she saying?
Exclusive livestock?
Elves really are honest, huh. Can’t even lie. After getting a taste of cock, she wants to use you as a sex toy. That’s what it is.
No way…
Still, I asked once.
“So you intend to use me as a replacement for your water spirit? (in Elvish)”
“Ahem… C-consider it an honor! I am personally granting you this opportunity… (in Elvish)”
While saying that—no, wait a second…
Why is she sniffing my coat?
Fuck. This bitch is seriously something else. Heh heh heh.
When I firmly refused the former elf shaman who had somehow turned into a pervert, she flew into a rage and commanded the hundreds of spirits surrounding me and my comrades.
“Eliminate them, my brothers! Keep that man alive for now! (in Elvish)”
Tsk. What a pain.
I immediately prepared for battle, but the spirits refused her orders.
『Now that the maiden has stripped away the shaman’s power, you no longer hold the right to command us. We shall return to our homeland. (in Elvish)』
They hurled her into the sea and swiftly vanished toward the horizon where the sun was rising.
She stared after them with a hollow expression that said this could not be happening.
It was a truly pitiful sight, but I could not simply let it pass.
“Audrey?”
“Ehh? M-Master… this is, um…”
“Looks like you need to be punished, don’t you?”
“I-I was wrong! Please, just this once, forgive me! (in Elvish)”
In water that came up to her knees, the elf lay flat on the ground, pressing her forehead to the sand.
Her head repeatedly dipped into the water and emerged again in rapid succession.
The princess, Bella, Tanya, and the other knights who witnessed this desperate display all wore expressions of utter bewilderment.
Her complete change in attitude had been first-rate.
Thus, the elf’s mutiny was suppressed in less than a minute.
The rest of the party did not utter a single word about how to deal with her.
They had probably entrusted me with the punishment of the elf who had threatened everyone’s lives, in recognition of my sacrifice and heroic conduct.
“Then shall we head home now?”
“Yes. Let us do so. Everyone worked hard! I shall treat you all to a lavish breakfast, so come to my villa!”
Waaaaah—
The monster subjugation mission. With the soldiers’ thunderous cheers, the expedition to aid the elves came to a safe and successful end.
The thesis on elf magic was also naturally completed thanks to their active cooperation (?).