In a corner of the guest living room of my mansion, gathered around the sunken hearth set into the floorboards, the Previous Generation Four Heavenly King with a Long Name and Beezel were deep in a serious conversation.
"Things that remained a mystery despite endless investigation are suddenly revealed the moment one arrives in this village. What do you make of this?"
"It is a path I have walked myself. What exactly was revealed this time?"
"The identity of the Shrine Maiden of the Garlet Kingdom. I’d never heard her name, so I looked into it... only to find her true identity is that Chief over there, currently snuggled in the kotatsu."
"Ah, the matter of the pseudonym. My apologies; I should have been the one to tell you."
"And how did you come to know?"
"I heard about the succession of the Shrine Maiden and sent a letter. I recognized the handwriting in her reply."
"That’s a lie, isn't it? Letters from the Shrine Maiden are always penned by the Chief Assistant."
"Fufu. You caught me. The truth is, I went to meet her directly."
"Teleportation magic, eh? That’s playing dirty."
"I’m a feeble man, so please allow me at least that much."
"If someone of your caliber can be considered feeble, then the Demon Kingdom is truly secure."
"No, I really am feeble. I’ve felt that more than ever since coming to this village."
"I see. That is certainly true. Back in my prime, I believed no one could ever equal the Demon King."
"Nowadays, he’s beaten by a cat."
Following their gaze, I saw the Demon King fast asleep with the kitten Samael curled up on his stomach.
"Is that... isn't it a bit problematic to leave him like that?"
"He works quite diligently back at the Royal Castle."
"I hope so. ...How is the front line?"
"I’m managing to keep it at a stalemate. Have you heard about the Heroes?"
"The rumors have reached me. It serves them right."
"They are also somewhat pitiful figures."
"Hmph. While the Heroes are out of commission, couldn't we crush the Fullhart Kingdom easily if we sent the Demon King to the front?"
"We could. However, we would be in trouble once they were crushed."
"I see. We cannot exactly massacre the entire population of the Fullhart Kingdom."
"Exactly. Therefore, even if we were to annex the current Fullhart Kingdom, there wouldn't be a shred of merit for the Demon Kingdom. On the contrary, it would likely cripple our economy."
"Is that why you’ve been providing aid to the Fullhart royal family?"
"That is supposed to be top-secret... you certainly have good ears."
"I may have missed the truth about the Shrine Maiden, but I hear plenty. You’re playing a dangerous game, Beezel. If the nobles on the front lines heard of this, they’d turn their spears toward you."
"I’ve already laid the groundwork. Besides, the royal family over there isn't stupid. They will work hard enough to earn the aid I’ve provided."
"The nobles are nothing but fools, though."
"I wouldn't call them fools, exactly... they were likely just yielding to the pressure from the Church that controls the Heroes. I’m making moves on that side as well. There should be some progress soon."
"Finally? You are a cautious one."
"Yes. But with this, the war should begin to scale down."
"So it won't end?"
"Regrettably not. As you know, the Fullhart Kingdom survives on support from other countries by claiming they are at war with us. That person over there believes they will likely rebuild their economy and food production while keeping the war on life support for the time being."
Beezel’s gaze shifted to Malbit, who was contentedly eating mandarins while tucked into the kotatsu.
"If the Shrine Maiden of Garlet says so, then that is likely how it will be."
"Formal ceasefire negotiations will begin in earnest three years from now. I was told that the Garlet Kingdom would take the lead in coordinating the talks at that time, and she asked for my cooperation."
"As usual, Garlet makes sure to take the best slice of the pie for itself."
"I’d like to follow their example someday. Oh, these are almost done."
Beezel pulled a fish skewer that had been roasting over the hearth fire and handed it to the Previous Generation Four Heavenly King with a Long Name.
"Hot, huff... mm. The salt seasoning is exquisite."
"It is, isn't it? Please, have some sake as well."
"Mm."
Beside Beezel as he poured the sake, the Sake Slime appeared out of nowhere and began drinking from its own personal cup. Next to it, Aegis, the phoenix chick, was deftly gripping a fish skewer with one foot and pecking away at it.
It was a strange gathering.
With those thoughts in mind, I tried to hand Lupumirina, whom I’d been holding, over to Progenitor-san.
Hm? You don’t want Progenitor-san? You’d rather stay with me? Hahaha. I’m flattered, but please go to Progenitor-san. If you make it too obvious that you don't like him, he’s going to start crying.
I had Aurora in my other arm. I’ve been a father for a while now, but I haven't had much experience actually carrying the little ones. I wondered if it was really okay for me to hold two toddlers at once. Two High Ogre Maids were standing by behind me just in case I needed support, though.
Before I knew it, Ruincia was standing there, watching me. Right, right. I handed Aurora over to Ruincia. My daughter didn't seem to mind being held by her. I felt a little lonely seeing her go.
But at least my arms were free now. Mothers really do have it tough.
The two High Ogre Maids who had been watching to make sure I didn't drop the children followed after Lupumirina and Aurora. Now I felt even lonelier.
But it was fine. I had plans to play with Lilius and the others after this. Now that I thought about it, it had been a while. I wondered what we should play. They were around five years old. Hmm. Well, we're father and children. It would work out somehow. I’d do my best.
...
The children treated me with incredible politeness. They must have practiced. It was impressive, really. Their greetings were perfectly formal.
There, there. They had even decided on what games we were going to play. All right. We’ll do exactly as you’ve planned.
But wait a minute.
You mothers of the children hiding in the shadow of that pillar over there—come here. We need to have a talk later. Specifically, about the education policy for the children. Let’s set aside a good amount of time for this.
No, it’s not a difficult topic. But as an urgent matter, I have one request.
Stop instructing the children to address their father as "Village Head." Until just recently, they were calling me "Papa" and "Daddy."
I realized then that I must never slack off on my communication with my children. I carved that lesson deep into my heart.