Character Introduction
Gienel: A Post-Age of Gods Dragon. Mettora’s husband.
Mettora: A Post-Age of Gods Dragon. Also known as Dandaji. The strongest of the Post-Age of Gods Dragons.
Kurokuro: An entity specializing in dungeon construction. A friend of Progenitor-san and Versa.
Ojes: A Post-Age of Gods Dragon. Currently staying in the Royal Capital.
Hyfryguta: A Post-Age of Gods Dragon. Currently staying in the Royal Capital.
Kihatroy: A Post-Age of Gods Dragon. Currently staying in the Royal Capital.
Toshira: A Post-Age of Gods Dragon. Mettora’s younger sister.
Alfred: Lu’s son. Approximately thirteen years old.
Tiselle: Tia’s daughter. Approximately thirteen years old.
Urza: Hakuren’s adopted daughter. True age unknown, but appears to be around fifteen.
Isree: Urza’s schoolmate and adventurer companion. A skilled gambler.
Erika-teze: A former noblewoman from a human kingdom. Urza’s adventurer companion.
Fracia: Frau’s daughter. Approximately nine years old. Formally named Fraciabell.
Sette: Sena’s daughter. Approximately eight years old.
Lananon: Rusty’s daughter. Approximately eight years old.
Lupumirina: Lu’s daughter and Alfred’s younger sister. Approximately seven years old.
Aurora: Tia’s daughter and Tiselle’s younger sister. Approximately seven years old.
Progenitor-san: The Vampire Progenitor. Occupies a role similar to a grandfather for Lu and Flora. The Sovereign of the Korin Religion.
Fouche: A high-ranking official of the Korin Religion. A High Priest. A married woman.
Asa: A member of the Mercury Race from Village Four. Resembles a middle-aged butler.
Earth: Urza’s Soil Doll. Resembles a young butler.
Dorothy: Urza’s adventurer companion. A heavy warrior acting as the shield.
Leonora: Urza’s adventurer companion. A solitary mage.
Rokina: Urza’s adventurer companion. A healing mage.
Torain: Ann’s son. Approximately eleven years old.
Maa: A Mountain Elf. She constructs various items based on Torain’s ideas.
Kierbit: The daughter of Malbit, the leader of the Angel Race.
Gol: A Beastman boy from Howlin Village. Currently married and living in the Royal Capital.
Sil: A Beastman boy from Howlin Village. Currently married and living in the Royal Capital.
Bron: A Beastman boy from Howlin Village. Currently married and living in the Royal Capital.
Versa: An Ancient Devil. Progenitor-san’s wife and a novelist.
The installation of the teleportation gate connecting the Demon Kingdom’s fortress to the Six Dragon God Kingdom was completed in short order.
It was remarkably fast. Then again, it seemed the Six Dragon God Kingdom had been operating under the assumption that a gate would be installed from the very beginning.
"We simply prepared it just in case something like this happened," Ruincia explained upon her return from the Six Dragon God Kingdom.
On the other hand, the teleportation gate connecting the fortress to the Royal Capital—the one General Guiscard had petitioned for—was still being debated. Since it involved the defense of the capital itself, a snap decision was likely impossible. They were currently waiting for the Demon King’s judgment.
"They're certainly taking their time with the decision," someone remarked.
Well, let’s not be too harsh. It was a sudden development, after all. We had originally intended to expand the gate network at a much slower pace.
In the Six Dragon God Kingdom, a large town had already sprung up near Gienel’s castle. I heard that Versa’s friend, Kurokuro, had put an incredible amount of effort—or perhaps enthusiasm—into its construction.
Granted, there weren't many residents yet. Gienel’s friends among the Post-Age of Gods Dragons planned to gradually increase the population by sending their own subordinates in clan units.
From the Demon Kingdom, the Dalfon Company and the Goroun Company had already invested funds to open inns and shops. While their cargo had previously been transported mainly by ship, the new gate from the fortress to the Six Dragon God Kingdom meant that distribution would likely shift to that route.
In that case, having a gate between the fortress and the Royal Capital would certainly be more convenient. I hoped the Demon King and his council would eventually grant their permission.
I also heard that the interior of Gienel’s castle had undergone extensive renovations so that Gienel and Mettora could grant audiences while in their dragon forms. I didn't know what it looked like before, but the new audience chamber was truly magnificent.
There were six gates partitioned by massive doors—or rather, thick curtains—from which the dragons would supposedly make their entrance. When I visited, only Gienel, Mettora, Ojes, Hyfryguta, Kihatroy, and Toshira were present, but they gave me a demonstration.
Being peered down upon by six dragons at once was quite an experience. I imagined anyone coming for a formal audience would feel an immense amount of pressure.
Wait, had two groups already come for an audience? Apparently, their legs had given out, rendering them unable to speak, and they were currently recuperating at an inn in the town. I see.
So now Gienel and the others were starting to think that perhaps paintings of dragons would suffice instead of the real thing? Yes, a little ingenuity was definitely needed to make the experience more approachable.
By the way, the reason Ojes, Hyfryguta, and Kihatroy were there instead of at the Royal Capital was that Gienel’s friends and their wives were taking their time preparing for their stay in the Six Dragon God Kingdom. The trio had been summoned to act as stand-ins during their absence. They were already vocalizing their desire to return to the capital.
Toshira had apparently come to check on Mettora. She had a certain "I wonder if my sister is pregnant yet" air about her.
Ah, if that’s the case, you should really leave them alone. They’re newlyweds, after all. If you start meddling, they’ll definitely hold a grudge. Besides, you did get Raimeiren’s permission to come here, didn't you? You haven't forgotten the scolding you received at the wedding, have you?
And just like that, she bolted. I wouldn't go out of my way to tell Raimeiren, but if she asked me directly, I’d have to answer.
Mettora eventually came over to apologize. I told her not to worry about it, but promised I’d take Toshira back with me. I’d report the situation to Raimeiren as well to make sure Mettora and Gienel wouldn't be disturbed further. I wanted them to be able to relax and take things at their own pace. Putting too much pressure on Gienel wouldn't be good for anyone.
At any rate, the Six Dragon God Kingdom had begun to function on its own. Based on this, Ruincia judged that Tiselle’s work in nation building was complete. After a small celebration in the Six Dragon God Kingdom, Tiselle and her group were officially released from their duties.
Most of the staff who had been assisting Tiselle decided to stay and work in the Six Dragon God Kingdom, attracted by the promise of significant positions in the new government. I wondered if some of them were supposed to be students, but if it was being treated as a study abroad program, I suppose it was fine. If everyone was satisfied with the arrangement, I had no reason to complain. I simply wished them the best.
Now, on to the more important news.
Tiselle set off on a journey. Alfred and Urza didn't go with her, but she wasn't alone—I wouldn't have allowed her to travel by herself. Her companions were Isree and Erika-teze. Isree was Urza’s schoolmate, and Erika-teze was a former noblewoman from a human kingdom. I selected them because they were people I knew personally, though I had only met Erika-teze a handful of times.
Another reason they were chosen was their familiarity with human lands. Indeed, Tiselle’s destination was the human kingdoms.
The trip had been recommended by Ruincia. Her reasoning was that it was time for Tiselle to see more of the wide world. I could understand that logic, but I didn't see why it had to be a human kingdom.
Ruincia argued that because my influence in the Demon Kingdom was too strong, Tiselle wouldn't learn much there. I wasn't so sure about that—even I didn't know everything about this kingdom. If she had to go to a human land, couldn't she have at least gone to the Orthodox Garlet Kingdom? Ruincia countered that she might get sucked into their politics, which would be dangerous.
Then was a human kingdom really safer than the Demon Kingdom? I had heard they were quite aggressive, but apparently, from their perspective, the Demon Kingdom was the one to fear. Well, people tend to speak ill of their enemies during wartime.
Even so, I couldn't say for sure that it was safe. But apparently, Tiselle being part of the Angel Race changed the dynamic. In the Demon Kingdom, angels were often the targets of lingering resentment. From that perspective, a human kingdom might actually be safer... wait, no, I wasn't going to be tricked! The simplest solution was just not to let her go.
I voiced my opposition, but Tia, her mother, used my other daughters in the village to pressure me until I gave in. I hadn't expected Tia to pull a move like that. It must have been Ruincia’s influence—or perhaps Malbit’s. That cunning nature was exactly why people were wary of the Angel Race.
Still, Fracia, Sette, Lananon, Lupumirina, and Aurora were innocent in all this. There, there. I accepted your feelings of concern for Tiselle. I didn't think for a second that you were trying to set a precedent so it would be easier for you to travel later. When your time comes, we’ll have a proper discussion. One-on-one. Thoroughly. And we’ll think it over with great care.
Well, Tiselle was already gone, so there was no point in grumbling. I could only pray for her safety. Zabuton told me that some of her children were secretly acting as escorts, which provided some comfort, but a father’s worry never truly goes away.
And the departures didn't stop there.
Seeing Tiselle leave made Alfred want to set out as well. Ruincia tried to stop him, but Alfred recruited Lu to his side and came to persuade me.
In the end, Alfred went on a trip—an inspection or perhaps a study abroad—to Progenitor-san’s kingdom. I suspected Lu had steered him in that direction. She had likely chosen a place she deemed safe in her own way.
They decided that taking any companions officially associated with the Demon Kingdom would only invite trouble, so he went alone. I worried that Alfred himself might be seen as a representative of the kingdom, but they assured me he would be treated as Progenitor-san’s great-grandson. Fouche was also scheduled to look after him over there. Plus, Alfred could always summon Kuroichi in an emergency, so he should be fine. I had to believe in my son. I just prayed he wouldn't be too much of a burden on Progenitor-san and Fouche.
Finally, there was Urza. She also set off on a journey. She had apparently secured permission from both Hakuren and Zabuton. They had opposed it at first, but she had managed to win them over. Once Hakuren and Zabuton were on board, there was no stopping her. She probably would have gone even if I had tried to block her.
Her companions were Asa and Earth. Additionally, Dorothy, Leonora, and Rokina—the adventurers she worked with—went along as well. However, Urza wasn't heading for the human kingdoms; she was traveling within the Demon Kingdom. She had said something rather ominous about there being "more to fight" over here, which did worry me. I could only pray for her safety.
As for the shop Earth ran in the Royal Capital, an acting manager had been appointed, so business would continue as usual. I promised to keep sending tea leaves and ingredients.
The Ice Monster, who had been completely prepared to follow Urza, was left behind. Since the fire and soil monsters were also staying, I told him he was welcome to stay in the Village of the Great Tree for as long as he liked. He needed to cheer up.
So, the three of them had departed. I hadn't sent them off indefinitely; I told them they had to return at least once within three years. I also requested a report on their well-being once every six months. As long as they contacted the Age of Gods Dragons or the Post-Age of Gods Dragons in various regions, the message should reach me. In Alfred’s case, since Progenitor-san was nearby, he could even return immediately if necessary.
Three years felt like a long time, but considering how long travel took in this world, I suppose it was reasonable. Tia and Lu were the ones who had convinced me of that timeframe. Hakuren was quite dependable, too, promising to go pick them up herself if anything went wrong.
Come to think of it, with Alfred and the others gone, Asa and Earth traveling with Urza, and Mettora in the Six Dragon God Kingdom, that only left Torain, Maa, and Kierbit at the house in the Royal Capital. I wondered if they would be all right.
Since Torain was attending the academy as a student, I couldn't exactly tell him to come home. Well, Kierbit was there, and she was actually quite capable when Tia wasn't around to distract her. Plus, Gol, Sil, and Bron were in the capital as well. With the teleportation gate in the house on the academy premises, I could check on them regularly to make sure no problems arose.
Wait, would I be treated as a nuisance if I, their father, kept checking in on them? Maybe I should ask one of the Civil Official Girls to do it instead. Yes, that sounded like a better plan.
Kurokuro: "..." Interpreter Versa: "He said that since it was his first time building a town on the surface, he got really fired up." Kurokuro: "..." Interpreter Versa: "Next, he'll build a town underground... Eh? Did you get permission? Is it okay?"
Beezel: "Lady Tiselle has departed for the human kingdoms." Demon King: "M-My work..." Civil Official: "I believed that once the nation building was over, she would come back here!"
Beezel: "Alfred-sama has departed for the human kingdoms." Demon King: "It's going to get lonely." Civil Official: "I hope he returns safely."
Beezel: "Urza-sama is within the Demon Kingdom..." Demon King: "...(Clutching his stomach)" Civil Official: "I wish she had at least left Asa-sama behind."
Summary of Actions
Ruincia: Returned to the Village of the Great Tree.
Gienel: Settled in the Six Dragon God Kingdom.
Mettora: Settled in the Six Dragon God Kingdom.
Ojes: Working part-time in the Six Dragon God Kingdom.
Hyfryguta: Working part-time in the Six Dragon God Kingdom.
Kihatroy: Working part-time in the Six Dragon God Kingdom.
Toshira: Being sent back to Raimeiren’s territory.
Tiselle: Traveling in the human kingdoms.
Isree: Accompanying Tiselle.
Erika-teze: Accompanying Tiselle.
Alfred: Studying abroad in a human kingdom (where Progenitor-san resides).
Urza: Traveling in the Demon Kingdom.
Asa: Accompanying Urza.
Earth: Accompanying Urza.
Dorothy: Accompanying Urza.
Leonora: Accompanying Urza.
Rokina: Accompanying Urza.
Torain: Studying at the academy in the Royal Capital.
Maa: Conducting independent research at the academy in the Royal Capital.
Kierbit: Watching over Torain at the academy in the Royal Capital.