Ch.29999. Of course, I would do the same.

“Master. We can substitute nails with the bones of magical beasts. Since the ground is unstable, let’s lay down magical beast hide that I’ve processed for waterproofing. I anticipated this and prepared in advance!”

Following the advice of the being who introduced himself as both disciple and a dragon from the outer continent, Kariel skillfully processes the building materials.

While those two handled the delicate work, the simpler labor tasks had somehow become the responsibility of those called disciples.

“Waterproofing?”

“Seems like that’s a thing.”

When Lutesia tilted her head while chewing on her finger, Delica appeared to be trying to brush it off casually.

“Somehow, their building method seems different from ours.”

Alesia’s question was reasonable.

“Why worry so much? If it doesn’t work out, we can just tear it down.”

When Elehermina snickered and commented, perhaps her voice carried all the way over there.

“Madam! I can hear you clearly, so please don’t say such things even in jest! It’s making me anxious!”

…This was also a problem, if you could call it that.

Madam… huh.

“Why that expression?”

“What?”

“You look like a bird that’s been hit by a slingshot.”

“Have you actually shot birds with a slingshot?”

“Of course I have. You think I’d use such a comparison without knowing what it looks like?”

…She’s definitely changed, and drastically at that.

How can a person transform so completely?

“Weren’t you expecting this when you came here?”

“Expecting what?”

While my thoughts had drifted elsewhere, the princess continued to address me.

“Didn’t you once say you were frustrated about not being able to follow Kariel? Now that he seems settled, aren’t you here to settle down too?”

“You’re planning to settle down here?”

“If not that, why would he be wasting time establishing a foundation? After watching for several days, what’s your real reason for asking?”

Building gardens and structures isn’t ordinary labor to begin with.

Moreover, both take a long time to bear fruit.

“Doesn’t it bother you?”

“What?”

Staying here.

Despite appearances, she was still a princess of a great nation.

And also.

‘Me intruding.’

This was something Alesia couldn’t bring herself to ask directly.

She disliked herself for not being bold enough to mention it.

“Unnecessary worry…”

As if understanding without being told, Elehermina smirked with a dismissive expression.

Her composure made Alesia feel even more pained.

What is this? Despite not having lost, why this sudden feeling of defeat?

“By the way, how did that dragon end up with Kariel?”

“How many days have we been here? He suddenly appeared, challenged him to a duel, then said ‘so the rumors are true,’ and immediately knelt down and bowed, claiming he’d been introduced.”

“Introduced by whom?”

“I can’t say for certain since it wasn’t in our language, but apparently he heard about Kariel from some high-ranking being from the opposite continent.”

“…Is that so?”

I don’t understand at all.

Before that, dragons are supposed to have wings… Anyway, since Alesia had previously encountered a white dragon because of Elehermina, she wasn’t completely ignorant about dragons.

But that dragon… had no wings, resembled a snake, yet somehow flew and floated through the sky effortlessly, which was extremely peculiar.

If Alesia had been prejudiced, she might have first suspected it was a manifestation of Eirenis mentioned in scripture, or perhaps an avatar or the deity itself.

In any case.

Since arriving here, life hadn’t been entirely smooth for Alesia and the others.

They had to spend half of each day establishing their settlement and creating a suitable environment.

But that wasn’t all.

“Um, am I the only one handling the sword?”

“Your situation is different from the others.”

At Kariel’s words, Reymon glanced at his empty left sleeve.

“In other words, that will become your specialty. Whether you excel at it or not depends entirely on your effort.”

“……”

Kariel taught Reymon a new sword technique suitable for training.

For the others, he didn’t insist on the necessity of handling swords or weapons.

After all.

“I’m a mage though?”

“Does that matter?”

“But what I’m learning now is completely different from magical theory…”

“But you can do this.”

From Kariel’s hand, pitch-black crystals surge upward.

They soon transform into jet-black flames.

Then they change into lightning fire, before becoming a visible black whirlwind that sweeps through the surroundings.

“Wow….”

It was certainly a spectacle that left one’s mouth agape.

…Thus, teaching various things to a self-proclaimed mage girl was already, well…

For a self-proclaimed mage, the girl named Ensia had exceptional physical abilities.

She could effortlessly drag a solid tree several times her height without breaking a sweat.

She even split or broke trees without using an axe.

…How surprised everyone was when they first saw that.

“Haa.”

And then.

The man called Duberin and the little one named Beldes were equally extraordinary.

Duberin had extremely sensitive senses.

Because of this, he was somewhat neurotic and frequently had emotional outbursts, making him appear unsuited to living among others in the outside world.

It wouldn’t be strange if he were misunderstood as mentally disturbed, possessed by a devil, or bewitched by a demon.

And his temperament was aggressive on top of that.

He was docile if left alone, but only because he was restraining his true nature.

…This man skillfully chopped wood with an axe, and being familiar with tools and tasks, he competently fulfilled whatever responsibilities he was given.

“It’s natural for a fish to struggle when trying to climb a tree.”

Kariel didn’t criticize Duberin’s characteristics or nature as flaws.

He also assured him they weren’t wrong or inappropriate.

“Your place is in rivers or seas. You struggle because you’re trying to climb trees. After learning to live on land, climbing trees won’t be so delayed even if you take it slowly.”

Kariel seemed to be teaching him ways to control and manage his sensitive senses.

And as for Beldes…

“Suhan.”

“Yes, Master. Leave it to me.”

The dragon from the outer continent seemed to casually take the little one on expeditions to the lowlands.

Though not daily, whenever they left, there would be no news for at least three days.

Upon returning, the child would collapse into sleep for two straight days, as if nearly dead.

When asked about Beldes, Kariel would show a displeased expression.

“That one has a nasty temperament. If his nature isn’t subdued, he’ll become a great source of harm. His innate tendencies lean toward evil.”

Observing him confirmed this.

“You’re my senior? With only one arm?”

Beldes would simply attack anyone who caught his eye.

Especially if they seemed beatable.

“Huk!”

Reymon managed to win a few times, but his condition seemed increasingly precarious.

…It must be nerve-wracking.

After all, Reymon is supposedly the senior, so losing would be humiliating.

On the other hand, with Delica…

“What are you?!”

…Beldes was no match at all.

Even without using a weapon.

…Alesia wasn’t particularly surprised, having witnessed this several times during their journey.

“Trash who doesn’t know his place.”

Perhaps it was because she stomped on Beldes with such hatred and contempt, nearly killing him.

Despite the fire in his eyes, Beldes would startle and avert his gaze whenever Delica glared at him, pretending to be nonchalant.

This meant Reymon was the only one getting beaten up.

Still, he somehow managed not to lose.

However.

Delica seemed quite displeased with his performance.

“You one-armed cripple. Don’t you have any backbone? Letting yourself be looked down on by a brat like that.”

“How is that my fault?!”

“Whose fault would it be if not yours? It’s because you’re too weak! You should crush him properly when you strike!”

“Ah, but that’s a bit…”

I thought he might be soft-hearted, but he had no problem cutting down magical beasts in actual combat.

Thus.

During the past month at this place, Alesia had frequently witnessed many interesting scenes.

But putting that aside.

When she finally had time alone with Kariel, Alesia repeated a question she had asked several times before.

“Are you really planning to stay here? This is beyond seclusion… how should I put it?”

“……”

“I won’t try to dissuade you if that’s what you want.”

It seemed far too late to be saying this after buildings had been constructed and fields were being managed…

But if the intention was to use this as a residence for a few years rather than permanently, that would be understandable.

However.

“This place isn’t for me.”

“Huh? Then for whom?”

“…For those who come after me.”

Kariel spoke calmly.

“I can’t guarantee how long I’ll remain in this world.”

“…What does that mean?”

“……”

Kariel seemed to be contemplating for a moment.

“I can’t live a normal life. The same applies to those around me.”

For instance, if one seeks fulfillment in life, pursues happiness, desires stability and peace…

“If you seek such things, it’s best to have nothing to do with me.”

Those who wish to be associated with him desire change, innovation, upheaval…

Truth, the pursuit of enlightenment, strength.

And freedom.

If they want such things, they must offer a commensurate price.

They must spend their time in constant training and tempering, while others play and rest comfortably.

Even then, they must give their all, sincerely, with true meaning, with all their heart and strength at every moment.

Even if they waste time, if fate connects them, they might reach a certain level…

…But they will never reach the position they desire.

Kariel had been circling around a world as unreal as the dream shown by the Demon King.

In fact, life and journey in that place seemed more real and true than reality itself.

And.

By defeating his father, he had somewhat let go of his attachment to reality.

If he wishes, he can leave this world at any time.

‘……’

Even if that’s an unreasonable temptation that leads to irresponsibility.

Kariel would bear no guilt for making such a choice.

Is it a privilege?

Reaching this realm, this level, means exactly that.

The feeling that the world thoroughly favors and respects you.

…It’s a strange thing.

“So, being around you means one can’t be happy, and might even suffer. That’s basically what you mean, right?”

“……”

It’s not wrong.

Because they cannot defeat me, they will now begin to shake my surroundings to try to bring down me and my successors.

But.

That is precisely the necessary trial for change and upheaval.

The more trials, the more change and growth…

“Your words may not be ill-intentioned, but one thing is clear—you know absolutely nothing about women.”

“……”

“Sometimes, just being together creates meaning. More than enough.”

“……”

“If wealth and glory were more important, why would Princess Elehermina follow you? Had she sincerely involved herself in governance and become empress, she would have elevated her name in history as an unprecedented female emperor. You agree with this, don’t you?”

“……”

Indeed.

Elehermina certainly could have done that.

Though I know she doesn’t have much time left.

But that might be more than enough time by human standards.

In that time, if she wished, she could have conquered half the continent, or achieved outstanding governance and stability.

Such stability and prosperity would somewhat ease the burden on the next ruler.

That would be a great blessing for countless citizens and subjects.

“The same goes for me.”

At Alesia’s words, Kariel looks into her red eyes.

“What matters isn’t being here, but that you are here.”

“……”

“If you… were to drive me away, I’d have no grounds to refuse.”

Despite her words, her face showed confidence that such a thing would never happen.

“……”

It’s a peculiar feeling.

Difficult to describe, hard to express…

Even though I thought my emotions had dried up, even evaporated.

My gratitude toward her, my appreciation…

…still remained firmly in my heart.

“…Thank you.”

“Huh?”

Alesia’s eyes widened as if this was quite unexpected.

“Kariel, I didn’t realize you were so stingy with such expressions.”

“…?”

“To think it would be this difficult to hear those words from you.”

Yet somehow, her eyes were reddening.

Slap!

“So, you’re staying, right?”

Elehermina abruptly joined the conversation, slapping Kariel’s shoulder while asking Alesia.

Alesia reflexively asked in return:

“Are you really okay with this?”

“Foolish question. Didn’t I say something similar before?”

“…You brushed it off vaguely back then.”

“Did I? I don’t remember at all.”

“Oh come on!”

As Alesia smiled with a sigh.

Elehermina shrugged and glared at Kariel again.

“Well, since that’s settled, serve us well, Kariel. Without neglecting anyone.”

“……”

“Why aren’t you answering? Are you unwilling?”

Kariel swallowed quietly.

“Refrain from reducing your words out of formality, face, or shyness in front of us. You’ll cause misunderstandings. Women fret and cry over such things, you bastard.”

“Ahem!”

Alesia made a strange coughing sound.

Somehow it felt like she was subtly agreeing.

“Will you really be alright?”

Elehermina kicked him in the shin.

“Don’t make me repeat myself, you naive, uncouth fellow. Even if you can’t reach out first, you should at least know to be ashamed!”

“……”

Elehermina was exaggerating the situation to prevent Alesia from feeling awkward.

Both Alesia and Kariel were fully aware of her consideration.

“Even so, don’t suddenly push forward consumed by lust. Be mindful of those around you. Do your business in a quiet place after the dwelling is built, and be discreet. Don’t make it obvious.”

“……”

“I’ll do the same, of course.”

At Elehermina’s words, Alesia wasn’t sure whether to laugh or look dumbfounded.

More importantly… is it even possible to do… that… discreetly in a place like this?

Of course, the conversation didn’t continue.

Ensia called out that the meal was ready.

The three walked side by side in silence.

Alesia and Elehermina intentionally fell a step behind.

They exchanged peculiar glances before matching their pace with Kariel’s steps, walking shoulder to shoulder again.