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476: In the Castle Town, and a Sudden Encounter

 

"Yae-san? Yae-san!"

 

"Huh!? W-What is it, Hilda-dono!?"

 

"Well, uh... your sunny-side-up egg is soaking in soy sauce..."

 

"Huh? Oh no!?"

 

Yae's plate with the sunny-side-up egg was filled with soy sauce from the dispenser. How much did she pour?

 

Even during breakfast, Yae was like this. She seemed lost in thought, sometimes smiling to herself. I knew what she was thinking about, though.

 

"Hey... Yae is becoming more and more of a scatterbrain."

 

"More and more...? It can't be helped given the situation."

 

Leen, who was sitting next to me, spoke with a slightly exasperated tone. Please go easy on her. To be honest, I also feel a bit restless.

 

Knowing my daughter is in this world makes me feel... it's hard to put into words. It's a mix of concern, joy, and other emotions that leave me feeling uneasy. I want to do something, but I don't know what.

 

"Do we have to go through this eight more times...?"

 

I'm going to collapse from the stress...

 

"Not everyone is going to make detours. Some kids will come straight here, I'm sure."

 

"So, if you were in the same situation as the kids, would you come straight to Brunhild, Leen?"

 

When I asked her, Leen, with her fork stuck in her egg, pondered while staring into space.

 

"...I wouldn't. Coming to the past is a rare opportunity. I'd think about sightseeing a bit..."

 

See? Even Leen's kids might think that way. Like parent, like child. And they're my kids too.

 

"But still, Yae's child can use [Gate]. There are parent-child pairs who both have non-attribute magic aptitude, but I've never heard of them having the same magic. Non-attribute magic shouldn't be hereditary."

 

It could just be a coincidence. Since I can use any non-attribute magic, if my daughter has non-attribute magic aptitude, I can use that magic too. As a result, we end up using the same magic.

 

"Fairies are known to have a high aptitude for non-attribute magic, right?"

 

"Yes. As far as I know, there hasn't been a single fairy without it."

 

"So, it's highly likely that a child with you will also have non-attribute magic..."

 

Fairy children, and demon lord children from Sakura's race, are born as fairies or demon lords regardless of the other parent's race. Moreover, nine out of ten children born to fairies with other races are girls. Hence, it's highly likely that my child with Leen will be a daughter.

 

"Leen, how old were you when you could use non-attribute magic?"

 

"I don't remember exactly, but I think I was using [Discovery] by the time I was five."

 

[Discovery], huh? That's the same non-attribute search magic as my [Search]. It won't detect anything if there's the slightest change in the state...

 

Leen using it at five is impressive, but if her daughter could do the same, it wouldn't be surprising.

 

"Hmm..."

 

"Well, regardless of my child, some kids will come straight back. Hilda or Linze's kids seem serious."

 

I don't know about Hilda's child, but Linze's child... Rin, was it? Based on Alice's stories, she seems quite a handful.

 

Maybe it's because I was thinking too much while eating, but I couldn't really taste my breakfast. I feel bad for Claire, our head chef, and Lou.

 

Today, Yae, Hilda, and Elze are going to the adventurer's guild to take on rank-up requests. They're already close to reaching the silver rank. It's only a matter of time before they reach gold rank.

 

It might seem trivial from an outsider's perspective, but protecting a parent's honor is tough...

 

After breakfast, I wrestled with some paperwork and then headed to the castle town with Kohaku. I didn't have any specific errands. I wasn't hoping to meet any kids who came straight to Brunhild. A diligent child might at least make a phone call or send an email.

 

They must be time travelers... According to Tokie Grandma, all of them will arrive in the past within a few months.

 

"Well, meeting my child would be nice."

 

'Indeed. I am looking forward to meeting the prince. After all, it seems we will be assigned as his guards.'

 

"What? First I've heard of it!"

 

Kohaku looked at me as if to say, 'Why didn't you know that?'

 

According to Alice, in the future, Kohaku and the other divine beasts serve as the guards for my son. Why didn't anyone tell me this sooner...?

 

'Alice spoke about it so casually, I assumed the master already knew...'

 

So Alice accidentally spilled the beans again. She's a bit absent-minded, just like Ende's child.

 

But if they're guards, it means my son is still young. Yae's daughter, Yakumo, seems to be acting alone without a guard, so he must be younger than her. It's a tough role for a younger brother if there are one or two sisters before him.

 

As I walked, I saw some small children turning the capsule toy machines in front of Orba's Strand Trading Company.

 

Will my children play like this in the future? I can't quite picture it. I can imagine them destroying goblins or orcs... Wait, what's that?

 

I noticed a familiar child among them.

 

"Huh? It's His Majesty."

 

"Alice!?"

 

Alice turned to me, holding a capsule toy container.

 

"What are you doing here? Where are Ende and the others?"

 

"I got some pocket money, so I came shopping. Dad's at the guild, and Mom and the others are shopping over there."

 

So, she's on her own. But pocket money? Isn't Alice a high-ranking adventurer? Shouldn't she have plenty of money?

 

"Well, all my money is still deposited with the future guild. I can't register as an adventurer here."

 

"Right... Have you had any contact since then? From Yakumo?"

 

"Nope. When Yakumo-neechan gets engrossed in something, she ignores everything else and gets scolded by Frey-neechan."

 

"Frey-neechan?"

 

Alice looked at me with a 'Oops' face. She slipped again... I'm worried about this child.

 

"Just a name is fine, right? Is that child mine too?"

 

"Ahaha... Yes. Her full name is Freygard, but everyone calls her Frey-neechan."

 

"Freygard..."

 

Judging by the name, she's probably Hilda's child. No doubt about it. If Alice calls her 'neechan,' then she's older. How old is she?

 

"That child..."

 

As I was about to ask more, Alice's phone rang. Oh! Could it be from Yakumo? Or another...!

 

"Hello? Okay, I'll be right there."

 

Alice quickly ended the call. Huh?

 

"Mom's calling me. See you later!"

 

With a cheerful "Bye!", Alice ran off.

 

'She has left.'

 

"Well, things don't always go as planned..."

 

Do the kids even know our phone numbers? What if they've changed numbers in the future?

 

The best chance of contact is through Alice, so it remains a concern.

 

With another sigh, I left the Strand Trading Company.

 

"Hey! Your Majesty!"

 

"Hmm? Oh, it's Lantz-kun."

 

I looked up at the voice calling out to me and saw Lantz-kun, one of our knights, standing with a small bouquet. He wasn't in armor, so he must be off duty today.

 

But a bouquet...? Oh, I see.

 

"Are you going to see Mika-san?"

 

"Uh, yes, that's right..."

 

Lantz-kun nodded shyly, his face turning red. He and Mika-san, the manager of the Brunhild branch of the Silver Moon Inn, had recently started officially dating.

 

The catalyst for this was the bouquet toss at my wedding.

 

According to Hana-san's fabricated story, 'A bachelor who catches the bride's bouquet will have his feelings accepted if he confesses to his crush with the flowers.' Lantz-kun, bolstered by this tale, courageously confessed to Mika-san, who accepted his feelings, making them an official couple.

 

Those secretly admiring Mika-san, including some knights and adventurers, were reportedly heartbroken.

 

The biggest hurdle was Mika-san's father, Doran-san, but Lantz-kun somehow got his approval.

 

Well, being from a noble family, a promising knight, good-natured, and handsome, it's hard to object.

 

"I'm glad things are going well. Is marriage the next step?"

 

"No, I'm still not a full-fledged knight. I must improve myself more before I can think of marrying Mika-san..."

 

Still so serious! Are all people from Lestia like this? Hilda is, and her brother, King Reinhardt of Lestia, is also very serious.

 

The previous king, the perverted Garren, wasn't from Lestia.

 

I appreciate the seriousness, but when will he propose?

 

With nowhere specific to go, I decided to accompany him. Not to tease him, of course.

 

As we entered the Silver Moon, Mika-san's cheerful voice came from the counter in the dining area.

 

"Welcome! Oh, you came again today..."

 

"Y-Yes. I'm off duty today. Um, would you like to have these flowers for the inn?"

 

"Oh, thank you."

 

Mika-san took the bouquet from Lantz-kun with a bashful smile. They're completely in their own world. Hey, I'm here too. I'm the king, you know.

 

"Oh, Touya-kun. Didn't see you there."

 

"That's mean."

 

We've known each other for

 

 a long time. Well, she probably focused on Lantz-kun because he was right in front of her.

 

"Yae is out for guild quests today. Lantz-kun and I are on a walk."

 

"I see. Yae is trying hard too. She's come a long way."

 

"She has to be. Her dream is to become a world-renowned alchemist."

 

"That's right."

 

Not just Yae, but Mika-san, Lou, and everyone else from our original world have become strong. We've all grown, even Lantz-kun.

 

"Anyway, why not have a cup of coffee?"

 

"Sure. Let me make some."

 

Mika-san started preparing coffee. The usual taste from our original world, but in this world, coffee beans come from Lestia, which borders Brunhild.

 

Initially, the coffee was so bitter that few people drank it. However, it gained popularity when sugar and milk were added.

 

There's also instant coffee in this world now. My kids might like that, at least.

 

"By the way, Touya-kun, how are things going?"

 

"Not bad. The knights are training hard, and the guild is also doing well. Brunhild is prospering."

 

"That's good to hear. You always work so hard."

 

"Well, I have to."

 

Mika-san placed a cup of coffee in front of me. Lantz-kun was sitting next to me, looking a bit nervous.

 

"Lantz-kun, you don't have to be so stiff. You're off duty today, right?"

 

"Y-Yes, but..."

 

"Take it easy. Enjoy your time with Mika-san."

 

"R-Right..."

 

Lantz-kun relaxed a bit, but still seemed a bit tense. He's really serious.

 

While chatting and drinking coffee with Mika-san and Lantz-kun, I heard the door open and saw three figures entering.

 

"Oh, Touya!"

 

"Hi, Yumina."

 

Yumina, one of my fiancées, entered with Yae and Sue. They seemed to have finished their shopping.

 

"Are you on a date with Mika-san, Lantz-kun?"

 

"U-Um, well..."

 

Lantz-kun blushed and stammered, making Yumina and Sue giggle.

 

"He's so cute, blushing like that. We need more knights like him."

 

"Indeed, very cute."

 

"Um, Sue-sama, you're teasing me..."

 

Sue's teasing made Lantz-kun even more flustered. Poor guy.

 

As we chatted, the door opened again, and I saw a familiar figure.

 

"Ah, Touya-dono!"

 

"Hilda. Back from the guild?"

 

"Yes. I completed the quest."

 

Hilda walked in, looking a bit tired but satisfied.

 

"Good job. Did Yae and Elze also finish?"

 

"Yes. They're at the guild submitting the request forms."

 

"Good to hear."

 

I introduced Lantz-kun to Hilda. They had met before, but they hadn't had much chance to talk.

 

"Hilda-dono, I hope you're doing well."

 

"Yes, thank you. How are things with Mika-san?"

 

"We're doing well, thank you."

 

Hilda and Lantz-kun chatted a bit. Hilda seemed impressed with Lantz-kun's dedication.

 

After a while, Yae and Elze also arrived. We all gathered at the Silver Moon, chatting and enjoying our time together.

 

It was nice to relax with friends and family. Despite the worries about the future and my children, moments like these made everything worthwhile.

 

Since I can't say that I'm wandering around looking for my children from the future, I make up a story to match the situation.

 

This inn, the "Silver Moon" Brunhild Branch, is a bona fide state-run inn. Mika-san is the hired manager.

 

That's why I sometimes come here to eat under the pretext of an inspection, but since getting married, Lu has been enthusiastic about cooking, so I've been coming here less frequently.

 

"It's almost lunchtime, so I can't spend much time with you, but do you want to eat something?"

 

"No, I'll have lunch at the castle, so I'm good. I'm thirsty, so can I have two glasses of fruit water, one for Kohaku?"

 

"Sure thing."

 

With a humming tune, Mika-san happily went off to the kitchen with a bouquet. It's amazing how people can change...

 

Lantz-kun has liked Mika-san ever since he came to this country, but she never noticed his feelings. Well, it's good that things worked out.

 

"Still..."

 

Even though it's still before noon, the dining room is crowded. Business is booming, which is great, but isn't it tough to handle all these customers?

 

"Since your wedding, more people have gathered here. And the food here is superb, so it's only natural!"

 

"Yeah, yeah. You're quite passionate."

 

I chuckled at Lantz-kun's words and we sat at an inconspicuous corner table. I was wearing a hood, but it would be troublesome if my face were recognized. This spot, with its potted plants, should be discreet enough.

 

The dining room was lively with adventurers, merchants, and travelers. There were various races too: humans, beastkin, dwarves, elves, and even dragonkin.

 

A young waitress I didn't recognize was bustling about among the customers. She must be new.

 

Mika-san is in charge of all the operations here, so I don't get involved in hiring the staff. If she deems someone fit for the job, I don't interfere.

 

"Here's your fruit water. This one's for Kohaku-chan."

 

Mika-san brought glasses and a pitcher of chilled fruit water. It looked delicious.

 

"You hired someone new?"

 

"Oh, yes, three days ago. She's on her way to visit family but was short on money, so I hired her temporarily with room and board."

 

I glanced at the busy waitress. She looked about twenty, around Mika-san's age.

 

"Lantz-san, have you decided? Today's special is the teriyaki Spura bird set meal."

 

"I-I'll have that!"

 

"Thank you for your order!"

 

Mika-san turned on her heel and went back to the kitchen. She seems so upbeat. They should just get married already. Not that I'm one to talk...

 

"Hm?"

 

I felt a strange gaze and turned to see the waitress staring at me.

 

Stare...

 

Stare...

 

Stare...

 

Stare...

 

...What is this déjà vu? Why is she staring at me like this?

 

Do I have something on my face? Or did she figure out I'm the king of this country? Did Mika-san tell her about me?

 

I tried to ignore her gaze, but she came over.

 

"Um, are you Mochizuki Touya-sama?"

 

"Yes, I am, but...?"

 

So she does know me. I wonder who told her.

 

As I wondered, the waitress began to giggle.

 

"Don't you recognize me?"

 

"Huh?"

 

What does she mean? Have I met her before? Who is she...? This is bad; I don't remember.

 

《Master, this woman has a strange aura of magic.》

 

"What?!"

 

At Kohaku's telepathic message, I stood up with a start. Upon closer inspection, I saw a faint aura of magic covering her entire body. This is concealment magic...!

 

"Who are you?"

 

"My name is Kuhn. It's not our first meeting, but it's a pleasure to meet you, Father."

 

"........................What?"

 

Like cotton candy dissolving or fog clearing, the magic aura around her dissipated. This is... [Mirage]!?

 

Once all the magic faded, standing before me was a girl about ten years old, wearing a white blouse with black gothic lolita attire. Her long white hair was styled in two side-ups, and her golden eyes sparkled with a mischievous light, making her look like a little devil. Most striking were the thin, translucent butterfly wings on her back.

 

A fairy. There's no doubt. This girl is...

 

"Pfft. Ahahahahaha!"

 

As I stood speechless, the girl who called herself Kuhn burst into laughter, holding her stomach as if she couldn't contain it.

 

"Your face, Father! Pfft! Ahahahahaha! This was a great success! It was worth coming straight here. Ahahahaha!"

 

"Uh, uh..."

 

While I stood there bewildered, Kuhn continued laughing.

 

"Um..."

 

"Wait a moment, let me take a picture."

 

Kuhn pulled out a smartphone from her sleeve and started snapping photos. What the...?

 

"Oh, that was hilarious. I'll have to show this to my other mother when I get back. This will make a great souvenir."

 

"Wait, wait a minute! Kuhn, was it!? Are you saying that you're my...!"

 

"Do I have to formally introduce myself?"

 

Kuhn stepped back, lightly lifted her skirt's hem with both hands, and gave a small curtsey.

 

"Nice to meet you, Father. I am Kuhn, daughter of your wife Lean and the chief court magician of Brunhild. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

 

Her mischievous golden eyes bore into me. So she really is Lean's daughter! Despite being around ten, she had her mother's same playful demeanor.

 

"Your Majesty? What does she mean by father...?"

 

Lantz-kun, who didn't know the situation, blinked at us in confusion.

 

"Uh, well..."

 

"I misspoke. He's my older brother. We're distant relatives."

 

"Is that so? That makes sense. The king does often change his appearance."

 

"Oh my, that is troubling."

 

Kuhn chuckled knowingly. Well, it's true that I often change my appearance with [Mirage], but still!

 

Did she use [Mirage] to disguise herself and work at the "Silver Moon" just to surprise me?

 

While I stood there in shock and amazement, Kuhn laughed happily.

 

"We can talk more after work. See you later, Brother."

 

Once again cloaked in illusion, Kuhn reverted to her waitress guise and disappeared into the kitchen as if nothing had happened.

 

I stood there in stunned silence at the sudden encounter. This wasn't how I imagined our meeting would go at all...