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Chapter 477: The Fairy Mother and Daughter, and the Young Talent

 

"I am speechless."

 

"Oh, really? I thought it was quite an interesting idea. Mother like this sort of thing too, don't you?"

 

"…Well, I won't deny it."

 

Hey, you should deny that.

 

Lean and Kuhn are facing each other, having a conversation. They look like sisters. Paula, at their feet, is anxiously looking back and forth between them. Yeah, she looks panicked.

 

"I didn't expect Lean-san's child to be the first…"

 

"Well, they look just like each other..."

 

"Ugh... Where is my child...?"

 

While Yuminna and Lou talk as they gaze at Kuhn, Yae is the only one who seems depressed. I understand the feeling.

 

"Even so, I didn't think I'd be the first. Hasn't anyone else come from the past yet?"

 

"No, Alice and Yakumo are here. However, Yakumo is traveling the world for training, so she's currently unaccounted for..."

 

"That's so like Yakumo-oneesama. I should greet Alice later then."

 

Yakumo-oneesama... It feels a bit weird, but Yae's child and Lean's child are sisters through me. Ah, right. I forgot to ask.

 

"Kuhn, how old are you? Which child are you of mine?"

 

"I am ten years old, Father. I am the third child from the top."

 

"The third daughter... So the eldest is Yakumo, and the second is someone named Frey?"

 

"Oh, you even know about Frey-oneesama? ...I see, it's Alice. That girl can't keep her mouth shut..."

 

It's not so much that she can't keep her mouth shut, but more that she's a bit of an airhead. She's our precious source of information.

 

"Who is Frey?"

 

Sakura, who seems to be puzzled by our conversation, tilts her head and asks. 'Who' as in 'Who is she?' or 'Whose child is she?'

 

"Freygald-oneesama is Father's second child. She is the daughter of Mother Hilda."

 

"My daughter!?"

 

Hilda, raising her voice in surprise, approaches Kuhn.

 

So, the eldest is Yakumo, the second is Frey, and the third is Kuhn.

 

"My daughter is a splendid knight, Kuhn-san?"

 

Hilda, still excited, gets closer to Kuhn, who seems a bit taken aback. Calm down, calm down.

 

"Well, since she's family, it's hard to judge whether she's splendid or not, but she's certainly a serious knight. Though she's a bit unusual as a knight."

 

"…Unusual? In what way?"

 

"That is… No, let's stop here. It's more interesting to meet her in person."

 

Come on… It's always like this. You all put too much effort into surprising us.

 

Seeing our disappointed faces, Kuhn chuckles again. This girl has an S-side, doesn't she?

 

"By the way, Kuhn. You can use 【Mirage】, right?"

 

"Yes, Mother. I can also use three other non-attribute magics."

 

Four in total, huh. That's the same number as Lean, that's impressive. It seems that the fairy race and non-attribute magic have a high compatibility.

 

"Actually, all of us siblings have at least one non-attribute magic."

 

"What!? Really!?"

 

Every one of them has non-attribute magic...! Yakumo, Yae's daughter, has 【Gate】, but to think all the other children do too.

 

"Is this because of Darling's lineage?"

 

"Hmm... I wonder..."

 

According to the World God, my children are considered 'demigods'. However, they can't control divine power, and their bodies are still human. They just have a slightly longer lifespan, and I haven't heard of any special abilities...

 

However... Since birth, they've been surrounded by gods like Karen-nee-san and Moroha-nee-san. If they've been loved and raised by those gods, they might have a ridiculous number of divine blessings.

 

Even if they haven't gone as far as Yuminna and the others becoming familiars, it wouldn't be surprising if they have abilities on par with their mothers.

 

As I ponder this, Kuhn approaches me.

 

"More importantly, Father. I want to go up."

 

"Up?"

 

"To 'Babylon'. Since I don't have permission in this era yet, I can't use the castle's transfer room."

 

She knows about 'Babylon'. Well, it's not strange since she's family.

 

In one of the castle's rooms, there is a transfer room that leads to 'Babylon'. Anyone can transfer to 'Babylon' using it, but only those I've permitted can use it.

 

Naturally, Kuhn, who just arrived, can't use it.

 

But why 'Babylon'?

 

"I specialize in magic engineering. 'Babylon' has the equipment for that, doesn't it? It would be very helpful if I could use those facilities."

 

"Eh!?"

 

I was surprised. I thought she was in the magic field like Lean, but she's into magic engineering.

 

For someone who creates artifacts or golems, 'Babylon' would indeed be a dream environment. Maybe that's why she came straight to Brunhild.

 

"My other non-attribute magics besides 【Mirage】 are 【Modeling】, 【Enchant】, and 【Program】. Don't you think these are very suited for magic engineering?"

 

What is that combination? Those are almost all the magics I use to make magic tools. I understand the urge to create with those magics.

 

"Oh, right. I need to show you my work."

 

Kuhn takes out a card from her kimono sleeve. Is that a 'Storage Card'?

 

When Kuhn swings the card, something large falls out with a clatter.

 

"【Activate Awaken】"

 

"What...!"

 

Along with Kuhn's words, something about fifty centimeters tall stands up. Its metal body has a round shape and shines. Is it a golem...? But that's not what surprised me.

 

Round face, round ears, small limbs, bright eyes, and a ribbon on its neck.

 

I couldn't help but look back at the teddy bear at Lean's feet. The bear itself also froze in a pose of sheer surprise.

 

Yes. The golem looked just like Paula.

 

"A mechanical Paula..."

 

"Her name is 'Parla'. Now, say hello."

 

The golem, called Parla, raised one hand high in the air as if to say 'Hi!'. It made small operating noises, but moved smoothly as if it were alive.

 

"This is a golem, right?"

 

"Yes. The base is the G-Cube and Q-Crystal of a broken ancient machine legacy. So it doesn't have any golem skills, but it can do some simple tasks."

 

Paula and Parla stood face to face like mirror images. When Paula raised her left hand, Parla raised her right. When Paula jumped, Parla jumped too. Finally, they started moonwalking side by side. Hey, where did they learn that?

 

"How is it, Mother?"

 

"It's amazing. It took me two hundred years to make Paula like this. It's remarkable, even as a golem."

 

"…Hehe."

 

When Lean praises her, Kuhn smiles with an age-appropriate expression. So, she can smile like that too.

 

Lean also smiles softly and pats Kuhn's head. They really do look like sisters, but it's a heartwarming scene.

 

Although the two figures starting a dance battle at their feet kind of ruins the mood.

 

"Did you learn about golems from Engineer Elka?"

 

"Yes. Also from Doctor Babylon. I was like an assistant over there. I'm still only halfway there though."

 

Well, I think that's impressive enough. I can use the same magic, but I can't create a golem like this.

 

"Hey, hey? So, it's fine, right, Father? You'll take me to 'Babylon'?"

 

"Hmm..."

 

Kuhn takes my arm and begs me. Damn, she's cute.

 

To be honest, I'm conflicted about throwing this child into the mix with those two engineers. It seems like it would be terrible for her education.

 

But if she's already studying under them in the future, it's too late... What are you doing, future me?

 

"Well, okay. Fine. I'll take you."

 

"Thank you, Father!"

 

Kuhn hugs me with a smile. Oh no, my daughter is so cute.

 

I totally understand Ende's feelings now. This is bad. I can't resist. It's an unconditional surrender.

 

I can feel my cheeks loosening. When I lift my gaze from Kuhn, I see Lean looking annoyed. Oops.

 

"...Darling, you're spoiling her too much."

 

"Oh, Mother, are you jealous?"

 

"...Stop being silly and let go. Otherwise, I'll ban you from going to 'Babylon'."

 

"Yes~"

 

Kuhn sticks her tongue out slightly and steps away from me. I get a sense of the relationship between this mother and daughter.

 

It's strange. Even though we haven't really gotten to know each other, it feels like it's always been this way.

 

"It's like I'm watching a warm family scene..."

 

"Hmph... I feel oddly left out..."

 

Oops, Lu and Suu's gazes are piercing. I need to be more restrained.

 

                        ◇　◇　◇

 

"I see. So, you're Touya-kun and Lean-kun's daughter. And you're a disciple of me and Elka-kun."

 

"I'm not officially a disciple, but I did receive their teachings. I also helped with the maintenance of the Knight Golem."

 

"Knight Golem?"

 

Lean reacts to the unfamiliar term. I haven't heard of that golem either. I know about military golems like the Soldat and knight-type guard golems.

 

"It's a golem deployed in future Brunhild. It's part of the knights' sub-organization, led by Mother Yumina's Albus."

 

Albus? The white "crown," [Illuminati Albus], which Yumina is temporarily mastering, apparently leads these Knight Golems.

 

"I see. A patrol unit made up of golems. We did think about that here too. Regina-chan and I were talking about creating new golems."

 

"If it’s already being used in the future, it means various issues will be resolved eventually. In that case, we should proceed. Maybe we can use that thing we were talking about?"

 

"Hmm... First, we'll need to replicate the G-Cube from the material..."

 

In one of the labs in Babylon's "Laboratory," the two of them start discussing, leaving us behind. Why do I feel uneasy seeing them grinning and chatting? You two look like you're plotting something evil.

 

"They’re the same as usual here."

 

"Not much different in the future, huh..."

 

Well, I didn't expect them to change anyway.

 

I wonder if they're causing some kind of trouble in the future too...

 

"Master, master, master! Can I hug that adorable girl tightly!?"

 

"Rejected, you idiot."

 

"Do you want to be burned?"

 

Lean and I respond simultaneously.

 

Beside us, the head of the "Laboratory," Atlantica, is breathing heavily and looks like she's about to pounce on Kuhn. Stop it, you lolicon. You'll scare Kuhn.

 

But Kuhn just glanced at her and sighed, without being too perturbed.

 

"Not much change here either, I see."

 

"Is that so..."

 

It seems Kuhn has been coming and going from Babylon in the future, so she might have some resistance. As a parent, I don't want her to get too used to it, though...

 

While I'm troubled by the future, Kuhn tugs on the sleeve of my coat.

 

"More importantly, Father. I want to go to the 'Hangar'! The Frame Gears are stored there, right!?"

 

"Huh? Oh, yeah. They're there."

 

With eyes shining differently from before, Kuhn looks excited. She's cute again.

 

So, she's interested in Frame Gears too. Indeed, everyone's machines are currently being maintained and are housed in the "Hangar." Rosetta and Monica should be doing the maintenance.

 

Pulled along by an eager Kuhn, Lean and I head to the "Hangar." Her excitement is infectious.

 

We cross the "Workshop" from the "Laboratory" and head to the "Hangar." Kuhn is in high spirits the whole time. She seems so childlike, which is endearing.

 

"Wow..."

 

Kuhn's eyes sparkle as she steps into the "Hangar" and looks at the lined-up Frame Gears. It's that impressive.

 

She looks around, checking each Frame Gear. Along with my Reginleif, all the Valkyrie machines are lined up in the hangar. Of course, Lean's Grimgerde is also there.

 

"Oh? Master and Lean-dono. Oh? Is that child the one from the future?"

 

"Whoa, she looks just like Lean. Interesting."

 

The elevator crane attached to the Frame Gear lowers, carrying Rosetta and Monica down.

 

The Babylon Numbers sisters share information with each other. They probably heard about Kuhn from Tika at the "Laboratory."

 

"It's not the first time we've met, but nice to meet you. I'm Kuhn."

 

Kuhn greets Rosetta and Monica. Yes, a child who can greet properly is a good child, I can't help but think from a parental perspective. Lean nods slightly next to me, so she must feel the same.

 

"I'm so happy to see so many Frame Gears. I'm a little excited."

 

"Aren't there Frame Gears in the future? Didn't you get to see them?"

 

"No, only a few. They seem to be in the process of mass production. There were some machines under development, but I couldn't see much of the actual machines."

 

"I see."

 

Kuhn looks around the hangar with sparkling eyes. It seems she is genuinely thrilled to see so many Frame Gears.

 

Monica tilted her head at Kuhn's remark. If she had been visiting Babylon's "Laboratory," she should have been to the "Hangar" as well.

 

"Some of the machines have been remodeled since I was born. I never thought I'd see the initial versions of the Valkyrie custom machines with my own eyes. It's moving."

 

"I see. I understand very well."

 

You understand? I don't quite get it. Isn't newer better?

 

"You don't understand, Father. If you love something, you want to know everything about it, right? Mother was super excited when she discovered the 'Library,' according to future-you."

 

"What are you telling our daughter?"

 

"No, that's not...! Ouch, ouch, ouch!"

 

Lean, with a scary smile, pulls my ear. No, I mean, it's me, but this is just unreasonable!

 

"Oh dear, you two are quite the pair. While you lovebirds enjoy yourselves, Rosetta-san, Monica-san, can I look around?"

 

"Sure, hop on."

 

With an excited step, Kuhn gets on the crane with Parla. Um, Lean-san? My ear hurts, so could you please let go?

 

"Honestly... What kind of education makes a child tease their parents like this?"

 

Lean lets go of my ear, muttering with a frown. Ow, that hurt.

 

Well, we are the ones who raised her, but she probably got influenced by others too.

 

I really think she resembles Lean. Her uncompromising curiosity and tendency to tease people on a whim.

 

Isn't there any part of her that resembles me?

 

"Maybe the part where she does whatever she wants?"

 

"Didn't expect that from you."

 

You can't talk. So, does that mean our child is the ultimate free spirit?

 

I looked up at Kuhn on the crane, happily chatting with Rosetta and the others about the Frame Gear. She really seems to be having fun.

 

"Well, originally, fairies have strong curiosity, so they suit being scholars or researchers... Oh right, that girl is also a gold/silver rank adventurer. Maybe she registered as an adventurer to gather materials for magic tools."

 

Oh right. I had completely forgotten.

 

So Kuhn is quite strong too. I don't know if it's magic or magic tools, but her non-attribute magic isn't suited for combat.

 

We stayed silent for a while, just looking up at our daughter enjoying herself on the crane.

 

"Meeting our daughter before I've even gotten pregnant or given birth... even after living for over six hundred years, life is unpredictable."

 

...Oh, right. Lean and Sakura's children are fairies and demon lords. Their lifespans are longer than their other siblings. If they're not in a hurry to marry, they might stay in Brunhild for a long time, supporting this country. Not that I'm wishing for them to remain unmarried, you know?

 

In about a hundred years, I'll retire to "Babylon," then move to the divine realm. Of course, I'll bring my wives, but the children will stay on Earth.

 

I don't plan to make my children my dependents. I want them to find people they love, build families, and live happy lives.

 

Even after they pass away, I can meet them if I descend from the heavens. I might look younger than them, though.

 

"...What's up?"

 

"Nothing. I was just thinking I'd like Lean to stay by my side forever."

 

"What are you saying now? Whether you're a god or whatever, I'll always be with you. I won't ever leave you."

 

"Thank you."

 

I pulled the dependable, smiling Lean into an embrace and lightly kissed her lips. At that moment, there was a flash and a shutter sound from above.

 

"Oh my, how bold of Mother. It's reassuring to see such a harmonious couple. As your daughter, I'm relieved."

 

"...As a mother, I find it a bit worrisome. Darling, I think you're definitely raising her the wrong way."

 

Well, I feel like we raised her correctly and that's why she's like this. She resembles a certain someone, after all.

 

Of course, I didn't say any of this out loud and just put on a polite smile.

 

Sigh. The future looks tough.