The little birds chirped like sparrows, clearly heralding the arrival of morning.
The small window covered with curtains brightened with the morning sun, informing me that night had long passed.
Though I had crossed, in a sense, the first night with Lily, my heart was not filled with satisfactory love but rather a complex mix of emotions.
“…Here we go again.”
Lily fainted the moment she accepted me. Her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed completely, a repeat of Fiona’s earlier misfortune.
Beside me lay Lily, sprawled out on her back, breathing softly, and there was nothing about the night that felt wonderful. Only the remnants of our intimacy stained the white sheets… What is this, from an outsider’s perspective, it looks like I forcefully toyed with a fairy girl.
“Damn, I should have been more careful.”
I wasn’t unaware of this outcome. I had my worries.
However, last night, everything felt perfectly set up by Lily, and driven by momentum, I went for it, leading to this situation.
No, it wasn’t that I did anything reckless or perverse. It was Lily’s first time, and I had experience, so everything should have gone smoothly by common standards.
However, because I hold the fourth blessing ‘Demon King of Love,’ it seemed that when it comes to women, various influences come into play. Even when I’m not triggering it, it feels like this.
So, even if I do it normally, I guess there’s some sort of heightened sexual stimulation or pleasure. I should have understood this from my relationship with Fiona… Perhaps I foolishly held on to the hope that Lily would be fine.
However, judging by the result this time, I should learn that my combat ability and eroticism do not correlate. While Lily displayed strength on par with an Apostle, regarding such matters, she was just a mere maiden.
“Maybe I should have started with something softer.”
A massage, perhaps? As I find myself gradually becoming burdened by the troubles caused by the ‘Demon King of Love,’ if I don’t get accustomed to intimate interactions in a lewd sense, such tragic first experiences are inevitable.
But then again, if I just cuddled after that atmosphere last night, it would shock Lily, and it would be painful for me in various ways.
“Ha…”
If Lily wakes up, will she cry? If she starts sobbing, feeling exposed as a woman, would I be able to comfort her properly?
Ugh, that might be a bit tough… If I had that kind of conversation skills, I wouldn’t be struggling so much with women.
But Lily should understand my feelings through telepathy. If she cries, I should just remain a man and quietly hug her; that would be fine. Let’s decide it will be fine.
While I was pondering such things, I suddenly got out of bed, when Lily’s body started to glow.
“Whoa, what’s going on!?”
Sudden lights startled me. I thought perhaps the Fairy Barrier that had been off was returning to normal—once the flickering light subsided, there lay Lily, reverted to her youthful form.
Ah, I see; with the full moon night over, she naturally returns to her child form by morning.
“No, this appearance is definitely bad…”
Even though the bed had already given off the vibe of having been with a beautiful girl, now it was filled with Lily, a real young girl. From an outsider’s perspective, the aura of crime deepened, and if accused, it would definitely be a serious offense.
Well, no one is here, so there’s no need to worry too much.
However, emotionally, this scene was extremely undesirable, so I wanted to quickly wake Lily and tidy up my appearance and the disheveled bed—
“Good morning, Chrono-san. Are you awake?”
“!?”
With a loud knock and a very familiar voice echoing, Fiona’s voice rang out.
“Fiona! What are you doing here!?”
“It seems you’re awake. Well then, I’ll intrude.”
With Fiona’s sudden appearance, I couldn’t keep up at all.
I mean, the situation where young girl Lily is sprawled on the bed is too bad to witness. It’s not infidelity or anything; it’s that Lily is a young girl, so it’s problematic.
My spine froze, yet there was nothing I could do. After all, this hut, faithfully recreated from Lily’s home, has no lock.
Fiona opened the door without any hesitation, the helpless door creaking as she did.
Now, at this point, the only thing left for me to do is one thing: to assert my innocence with convincing words.
So, I shouted with all my might.
“Wait, Fiona! No, this is a misunderstanding—”
Why was Fiona, who should have been in Spada, here at Lily’s secret hut in Avalon?
There were no suspicions of infidelity or fetishes involved; she simply had business in Avalon and came to visit.
And that business was,
“An invitation from Avalon Palace?”
“Yes, it was written in long scrolls that the King wanted to personally thank you for defeating Chaosgrim.”
Come to think of it, I vaguely remembered hearing about that. The fierce battle with Lily felt like a distant past, but it was actually quite recent. Just like I witnessed the restoration of Selene’s Coliseum.
That invitation was delivered to my mansion in Spada, where Sariel received it, which Fiona later read. Apparently, Lily had contacted Fiona about dropping by Avalon, and to simplify matters, she joined this way.
It’s surprising that we didn’t cross paths.
“But it feels a bit late for that.”
“Well, Princess Nel was missing for a while too, so they must have had other things on their minds.”
I see, it’s mostly all Lily’s fault…
“Anyway, it’s good that Nel has returned safely and got in touch with me, so we’re at that point now.”
“Sounds about right. What shall we do? If it’s a hassle, we can send a refusal. Sariel will handle it.”
Although as a maid she should handle everything, it doesn’t feel right to push everything onto Sariel. However, in this case, that worry isn’t necessary.
“I’ll simply accept the invitation.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah, those important people care about their reputations, so I have to make sure they’re honored, or it’ll be troublesome.”
I recently learned that from Lily in Parthia.
True enough, while it does feel a bit troublesome, it’s not like I’m uninterested in Avalon Royal Castle. In addition, regarding the Chaosgrim incident, I’d likely meet with Nel and Celis again.
However, the main reason is that considering the future, ‘Element Master’ gaining fame will become necessary. The more famous I become, the more influence I will have and achievements will naturally lead to trust.
“Then we should prepare quickly.”
“Prepare?”
“Since I graduated from the School of the Gods, I can’t just wear my uniform anymore.”
Now that I think about it, that’s true. I still hadn’t shed my student vibe, and I’m not quite familiar with formal attire for public settings.
I’ve now officially graduated from the Royal Spada Academy, so I must dress appropriately.
Ugh, it’s too troublesome. I think I prefer the adventurer lifestyle of battling monsters in a robe or armor. However, at this point, I won’t complain.
“Understood, then I’ll go shopping in Avalon.”
“Okay. By the way, what about Lily?”
“I’ll leave Lily behind. She won’t be able to keep up today.”
This may sound cold, but it seems Lily is in a dazed state, as if the effects from last night haven’t worn off. She’s still lying in bed and shows no signs of waking up.
Well, there are quite a few loyal followers here to take care of young girl Lily, so leaving her alone for half a day should be fine. By the time I come back from shopping, she’ll surely have regained her senses.
“Are you really okay with that? You don’t have to hesitate.”
“Hesitate about what?”
“I never expected your true love would be the young girl Lily. You can rest assured, seeing Chrono-san seriously flirting with such a small child doesn’t disillusion me.”
“No, it’s a misunderstanding. I really wish you would believe me already, seriously.”
—
On the 25th of the Crimson Flame Moon.
That day, I would finally meet Chrono at Avalon Royal Castle.
“Hmm, he certainly dressed up a lot.”
From the balcony, I looked down at Chrono walking through the main gate with confidence into the entrance, accompanied by members of the ‘Element Master.’
Chrono was dressed in a blazer resembling a school uniform typical of Avalon, with a large black cloak billowing behind him. The Chrono I had seen had either been in a school uniform or bloodied in a black robe.
It was apparent he wasn’t used to this shiny new attire, and it appeared somewhat comical to see him with neatly styled hair. While I thought it was in poor taste to mock a country noble called to the royal castle, it was only natural to find his out-of-place appearance amusing.
However, I couldn’t simply laugh at him, considering he was a man who was just an adventurer, donned in his best attire.
Right now, he resembled a dragon that had transformed into a human. Forcing himself to behave like a human, concealing his originally majestic and terrifying form… it was an odd feeling.
Nevertheless, in public, he’s viewed as the hero who saved the king, nobles, and commoners. Appropriately for the hero’s welcome, he was greeted by a multitude of people. Striding through the crowd, he sported his usual frown, glaring at everyone.
The sight of a crazed berserker who could make hell’s demons flee being surrounded by smiling people felt eerily chilling. How many among them know his true nature…?
“Well, whatever, he can at least enjoy his time being pampered.”
After all, it’s a party being held to commemorate the defeat of Chaosgrim. Thus, while Chrono is the main character, Nel and Celis, who fought alongside him, are the next.
These three, who bravely challenged Chaosgrim in the Selene Coliseum, are now the stars of the party.
And so, beside Chrono, beaming with delight, stood Nel in her dazzling white dress and Celis with a refreshing smile.
Nel wore an incredibly elaborately designed pure white dress, lavishly adorned with dazzling jewelry. Normally she’d never go all out, especially not willingly for a celebration, but possibly to save face in front of Chrono.
Even among nobles, that dress was somewhat garish, but with Nel’s beauty and, more than anything, her striking white wings, her elaborate outfit suited her perfectly. I can’t help but think she’s incredible, even as my sister. Especially from little girls’ perspectives, Nel’s princess-like appearance drew envious gazes.
On the other hand, Celis wore an outfit similar in design to Chrono’s, a white attire typically referred to as ‘White Uniform,’ which only a few can pull off perfectly. In fact, she might be the most invested among the three.
The way she flawlessly wore the white uniform was godly for Celis. To be honest, she looked more like a prince than I did. The girls around were captivated by the sight of the pure white nobleman, lightly fluttering her blue cloak.
Oh dear, what a lively scene. Were Chrono here alone, it would certainly induce a slightly awkward atmosphere, but with enthusiastic Nel and Celis by his side, today’s banquet would undoubtedly be a success.
Finally, as Chrono disappeared into the castle, I returned to my room from the balcony.
“Are you done?”
“Yeah. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my sister in her best attire.”
Settling into a plush sofa in one of the guest rooms of the royal castle, I looked across to the person opposite me.
That person was Duke Heine An Arclight, Celis’s father, who was being cheered on from below.
“Are you not going yet, Duke?”
“There’s still time until the medal presentation ceremony.”
“Even though it’s your beloved daughter’s big day, you don’t look too happy.”
“Celis’s merit should be wholeheartedly praised… but if I consider that a demon stands beside her, as a father, I cannot remain calm.”
His clear disdain for Chrono doesn’t solely stem from the classist perception of an ordinary adventurer.
I already know that Duke Heine has strong connections with the Aria Monastery. Therefore, there’s no need for him to hide his true feelings with me. Of course, the reverse holds true as well.
“However, knowing that even Prince Nero shares my sense of crisis, I feel a glimmer of hope.”
“No, I too feel reassured to be able to cooperate with the duke.”
Although I’m labeled a prince, my power is still limited. In contrast, Heine is the active head of the duke house and a significant authority in Avalon.
From both our perspectives, meeting like this within the royal castle feels entirely natural. It would be suspicious for me to visit the Arclight mansion too frequently.
However, we don’t have much time to chat casually either. After brief pleasantries, it was time to get to the main topic.
“I hear that the man’s aim is the ‘Monolith.’”
The name is only known to a select few. In Avalon, only the royals, the twelve nobles, the high officials of the Pandora Temple, and a handful of related individuals know about it. While there might be a Monolith in Spada, I suspect there are others in different countries, yet the existence of the Monolith is generally kept secret.
“Ah, I heard he was messing with a small Monolith in Parthia, but… what’s so special about such a slab?”
Even if it’s treated as a secret, the Monolith isn’t much different from the stone tablet titled ‘Beginning of History’ found in various squares or parks.
If I had to point out a difference, it’s that the Monolith always emanates a certain amount of black magic. The secrecy surrounding it is due only to the Pandora Temple’s reverence; unlike ancient relics that function even now, it’s essentially a powerless antique.
“Have you heard any tales about the functions hidden within the Monolith?”
“I’ve only heard the ridiculous legends that say it wields the power of ancient ruins or resurrects the Demon King.”
He knows nothing about the Monolith. Because he knows nothing, wild speculations spread, and since it’s revered as an ancient relic, people believe there must be something special about it.
“Indeed, we don’t understand the truth of the Monolith, but… at the very least, Chrono is convinced there’s something to it.”
“Yeah, it doesn’t seem like he’s just a relic enthusiast.”
Could it be he actually believes he could gain the Demon King’s power using the Monolith, having heard such fanciful legends somewhere?
I don’t think he’s that foolish… However, if the god giving him blessings whispered such things…
If it’s a divine message, people would have to believe it. Usually, people can’t hear the voice of a god, or divine revelations unless they are hallucinations, but it seems like he possesses an exceptionally powerful blessing. He should be seen as being on close terms with the High Priest, at least.
“If he’s just being fooled by the god, that’s fine, but if he knows some sort of secret…”
“Indeed, if he has obtained information from the evil god that we are unaware of, it would be extremely dangerous.”
We view the Monolith as just a slab of stone. However, if he alone knows how to utilize the true function hidden within the Monolith… And if it truly holds immense power—
“Is he trying to rise legitimately as an adventurer while secretly acquiring knowledge of an undisclosed power? Is that…?”
—
“Ahh, I’m so tired…”
The early morning of the 26th of the Crimson Flame Moon, the sunlight stung my eyes.
As soon as I returned to the second Lily hut, I collapsed into bed still in my formal attire.
The victory celebration held at Avalon Royal Castle the previous day concluded without a hitch. I had an audience with His Majesty King Miliald Julius Elroad, receiving compliments and, casually, a medal.
Speaking of which, it was my first time seeing the King of Avalon, Nel’s father, in person. To be honest… he seemed like a very normal uncle.
I’m not trying to insult him or demean him, but I suspect the imposing visual of Leonhart, King of Spada, contributes to this impression. Compared to that person, most nobles appear quite ordinary.
In fact, King Miliald doesn’t seem particularly brave or skilled in martial arts. It seems he merely inherited a bit of dark magic from the ancient Demon King Mia. He represents a typical bureaucratic type. Well, that’s probably normal. Most likely, the strongest kings are only those in Spada.
In appearance, he looks his age, with slightly thinning black hair and a robust build. He oddly resembled Tokugawa Ieyasu from a historical drama I once saw. Perhaps it’s because his features are a bit Japanese-looking and shallow in contrast. Frankly, he bears no resemblance to Nel and isn’t as handsome as Nero. Though she wasn’t around, I can only assume the queen must be an absolute beauty.
Having met such an ordinary king, I somehow ended up feeling nervous, but I successfully made it through the medal ceremony. This was certainly thanks to my experiences in Spada.
Well, that part went fine, but the problem lay in the grand victory party that followed. It’s fine to celebrate. Naturally, with so many nobles and officials flooding in to greet me, I struggled to remember names and faces.
But I never imagined the festivities would extend until morning… I thought as night deepened, the event would naturally wind down, yet it seemed Avalon nobles loved to chatter, and with glasses in hand, they showed no signs of stopping.
To be honest, for someone like me with questionable social skills, conversing with unfamiliar adults for an entire night felt practically torturous. Moreover, these aren’t merely drunks, but calculating members of the aristocracy whose thoughts remain hidden even when intoxicated. I had to remain cautious about every careless remark.
If it weren’t for Nel and Celis standing by my side the whole time, I might have fared poorly. Honestly, I’m somewhat done with noble banquets, and it’s a real hassle.
“You seem quite tired, Chrono-san.”
As I lay in a state of mental exhaustion, Fiona stated it as if it were none of her business.
“Well, of course I’m tired… where were you anyway?”
She had started off next to me, but I noticed before long that Fiona had disappeared.
“I took Lily, who fell asleep, to a different room, but other than that, I was at the venue all night.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the court cuisine of Avalon until morning.”
How dare she enjoy herself alone… I could hardly eat anything after being surrounded the whole time.
“Sorry, let me rest a bit.”
“Of course.”
“I’ll get back to Spada immediately when I wake up.”
I need to prepare for the journey to Karamala, but right now, I just want to get some peaceful sleep…