I'm Back, Golen

Haku-san told me to write a summary of the Demonlands' culture.

It was ostensibly a trip abroad to study, so I should at least do that much.

"Speaking of which, I completely forgot, but what was the prize for third place, Rokuko?"

"It was a book on magic tools. I also bought various ones."

"… Now that you mention it, I completely forgot to buy souvenirs."

"I knew you would, so I bought some."

… Such a capable wife, really.

 

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Passing through [White Beach], we safely returned to Golen.

We returned secretly this time as well. It's kinda becoming our thing. Hehehe…

"Wow, we're back in Golen! It was a long study abroad!"

"Yes, it was a meaningful training experience."

The familiar village air after such a long time.

The smell feels like home…

…

Ah… I made it back alive…!

"Kehma, what are you standing there so pensively for?"

"It's actually quite a deep feeling. We made it back alive, got the [Divine Pajamas], and even acquired the rights to use two more of the [Divine Bedding] set. It's not just the best outcome; it's beyond the best."

"Well, that's true. You did a great job."

"Plus, we managed to return safely without Haku-san finding out…!"

"I told you it would be fine."

Well, I didn't expect Rokuko to have grown so much. I might even admit that she has surpassed me… especially regarding Haku-san.

"Thanks to Rokuko, we made it back safely… Should I do something to thank you?"

"Oh, really? Then, there's a melon bread with lots of fresh cream, can I eat as much of that as I want?"

"Sure, eat as much as you like."

"Yay!"

…

Somehow, I feel like Rokuko was pushing herself a bit, but it's probably better not to point it out. Yeah.

It wouldn't be right for me to ruin it when Rokuko was trying so hard to restrain herself.

"Rokuko-sama, Rokuko-sama."

"Hm? What is it, Ichika?"

"Will ya sleep with me tonight? We can cuddle."

"… Right, I might have to take you up on that. I feel like hugging someone."

And so we returned to our daily lives in Golen.

It was a truly fruitful trip… Although I wouldn't go so far as to say I want to go again.

I'm grateful to my subordinates who managed to keep things running in the dungeon and the village while we were away for such a long time.

"Goshujin-sama, should I contact Mai?"

"… Ah, Maiodoru, right. Yeah, please do, Niku."

Let's report that we're back safely and about the rights to use the [Divine Pillow].

We'll have to discuss what we'll be asked for in return.

 

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After taking a break for a while, I casually showed my face in the village and people greet me with comments like [Oh, are you back from your honeymoon? Welcome back, village chief] or [I hope you enjoyed your trip!] and [Where are the souvenirs? None? Well, if you were too busy being lovey-dovey and forgot, it can't be helped].

Yeah.

Are you guys assuming that Rokuko and I already got married? Don't let that slip. Haku-san's surveillance is pretty extensive in this village, you know?

"Kehma-san! If you're back, please report properly nya!"

Ah, there she is, the imperial capital adventurer guild leader, who was currently stationed in Golen, Misha.

"Sorry, Misha. I completely forgot."

"Well, it's fine nya. I forgive you since I got to lounge around in a suite every day, eating lots of hamburgers and fish."

Misha put her arm around my shoulder. Hahaha, this catgirl.

"So, did'ya make a move on Rokuko-sama?"

Hahahaha, this catgirl. She was asking directly and her eyes were glowing red, which meant she was using her skill.

"I didn't."

"Nyahahaha, Kehma-san, you're so spineless."

"Misha, can you say that in front of Haku-san too?"

"I'm sorry. Oh, did you go to the human ranch? It's quite the amusement facility, you know."

An amusement facility? The human ranch… I guess it's like a regular ranch?

There might be a battle experience corner instead of horse riding, or a petting area… No, that would be wrong in its own way. Yeah.

"I didn't go. By the way, Misha, have you been to the Demonland?"

"Nya. The Adventurer Guild and the Hunter Guild have a partnership, so I go there quite often because of that."

"Misha… you… you were actually working, huh…?"

"Kehma-san? Despite appearances, I am a competent guild master directly under the White Goddess nya!"

I couldn't help but feel like I was always being punished.

I don't know if Misha read my thoughts or something, but she suddenly hugged my head and rubbed it. It felt like the kind of playful interaction you'd have with another guy friend. She hit the nail on the head, but let's just ignore it.

… Misha must indeed go to the Demonlands quite often. This level of closeness and physical contact was a common sight there. It's like they're more laid back and don't sweat the small stuff, maybe that's a Demonlands thing?

"Well, I'm glad you returned safely. Oh, and I handed over the assassins who targeted you in your absence to Rei-chan."

"Thanks… wait, what?"

"Well then, I'm off to head back to the capital nya. Mmm, I'm not sure if I can sleep properly in my own bed at home anymore."

I stopped Misha as she tried to leave after casually mentioning something outrageous.

"Wait, wait, wait a minute. Assassins?"

"Huh? You know, the extremists from the Church of Holy Light nya? They were targeting Rei-chan. The Church of Holy Light doesn't tolerate other religions, so it's normal that they'd try to assassinate the Saintess."

I didn't know that. Seriously, Rei was being targeted for assassination…

"It was just a bunch of weaklings, so it was no problem. Besides, my main job is to protect the peace of this village as Haku-sama requested, so it's not a big deal."

"Still, I appreciate it. Thanks."

"Oh, then Kehma-san, Kehma-san. As a thank you, I want the bedding from the suite nya! Just kidding!"

"You're so demanding, Misha. That said, if you ask for it and join Beddhism, I wouldn't mind it."

"Yay nya! It was worth asking nya! Oyasumi Nasai!"

Hey. Is it okay for a direct subordinate of the White Goddess herself to join Beddhism? I meant it as a joke… isn't Misha an executive of the White Goddess Faith? Well… as long as I don't mention it, it shouldn't be a problem… right?

"Don't worry. The White Goddess Faith and Beddhism are good friends. I'll advertise it all over the capital, meow!"

Is that okay? Well, Haku-san would probably put an end to it if it turns out to be a problem…

"Ah, and can I buy the the highest-ranked holy seal you have? Do you prefer gold? Or DP?"

"… We're only selling gold holy seals at the moment, but how about trying a different metal?"

"Then use orichalcum! It can also be used as armor nya! Though it'll have holes in it."

"That's expensive… And I don't know how much to sell an orichalcum holy seal for."

"Wait, you can actually prepare it… I was just joking though."

In the end, I sold Misha a mithril holy seal I'd made in advance. She bought it at a high price, so my balance was in the positive.

Now let me ask her a little more about the Rei assassination attempt.

"But it's really not a big deal nya. With the dungeon's functionality, intruders are easily detected and there shouldn't be any issues with defense. Besides, if you were here, they'd be on guard and wouldn't have attacked in the first place nya."

"Is that so?"

"They were just trying to take advantage of the absence of the Dragon-taming Founder of Beddhism to weaken your momentum. From now on, I think you'll be the one targeted by assassins, Kehma-san."

"Wait, I'm going to be targeted by assassins?"

… I guess I should go to the back of the dungeon when I go to sleep.