I collapsed the dome of earth, and a deluge of water came rushing out.
Then, with a heavy thud, the massive body of the Diamond Bear tumbled into view.
The giant bear, having drowned, was completely unmarked. The meat was pristine, and its crystalline fur sparkled brilliantly, entirely intact.
I immediately used magic to freeze the sodden beast, processing it carefully to ensure the meat wouldn't spoil.
"So... what were those guys in the end?"
As much as I valued the haul, I was more concerned about the mysterious presences that had called out to us from the depths of the forest earlier.
Urula had accepted their existence as if it were the most natural thing in the world, but I couldn't help but wonder who exactly "The Black Ones" were.
"Haaah..."
"Don't give me that blissful sigh. Come back to your senses already."
"Mm... What a pity."
Urula had been lost in a daze after being held in my arms, but she finally regained her composure and answered my question.
"Sky-Demon."
"Sky-Demon...?"
"Secret Unit. Lavender."
"............?"
Most of her explanation was hopelessly vague, but by patiently plying her with more questions, I eventually managed to piece together enough information.
"So... they're an organization called 'Sky-Demon,' a secret unit that serves the Margrave Lavender House?"
"Yes."
"And this forest is their base, which is why it's a forbidden land. Anyone who steps foot into the deep woods is killed without question?"
"Yes."
"...And you let me in here? I could've been killed!"
I slumped my shoulders in disbelief.
I was the one who had begged to come here and hunt a Diamond Bear, but if it was really that dangerous, I would've appreciated a warning.
Setting aside Urula, who was a member of the Margrave Lavender House, I could very well have been executed on the spot.
"It's fine. You're wearing... the ring."
"The ring? You mean this one?"
I held up the purple ring Urula had pressed onto me before we entered the forest.
"Yes. Safe."
"So this keeps the 'Sky-Demons' from attacking me? What's the logic there?"
What exactly did this ring signify? Was it really alright for her to just hand something like this over to me?
"No problem. Because..."
『We have witnessed your power.』
"............!"
A voice resonated from the depths of the forest.
Simultaneously, I felt a bizarre presence—a slimy, unsettling sensation that had managed to evade my Life Search.
"You're...!"
『We hereby acknowledge you as our master. We look forward to working with you.』
"Wait, what...?"
『And with that, please call upon us whenever we are required...』
With those parting words, the mysterious presence vanished.
I was left standing there in a daze, while Urula remained as expressionless as ever.
"What on earth was that just now...?"
"Counting on you."
"Hey, don't just say 'counting on you'..."
"You are now the Boss of the Margrave Lavender House. Please be kind to me."
"............Excuse me?"
That was an unusually long sentence for her.
I froze as I processed the absolute bombshell Urula had just dropped on me.
On the way back, I managed to squeeze more details out of her. It turned out the ring I’d received was the proof of authority granted to the commander of the Sky-Demon secret unit.
By accepting it without understanding its meaning, I had effectively been recognized as the leader of the Margrave Lavender House.
"How did this even happen...?"
Before I’d even realized it, the outer moat had been filled.
The proposal from the head of the house, Loser Lavender—his suggestion that I take Urula as my wife—was suddenly looking much more like a reality than a mere suggestion.
"I'm in your hands."
As she spoke, Urula snuggled up close to me.
The physical distance between us was far too intimate for mere acquaintances. It felt like she was trying to fill in the inner moat as well, signaling her affection with her entire body.
"...Please let me think about this for a while."
I found myself lapsing into polite speech as I answered. Then, I turned my focus back to magic, hauling the Diamond Bear’s carcass back toward civilization.