Volume 2: Chapter 1 - Part 8Author: Geraint
Several days later, we were camping in the woods during the daytime. I was resting from a long night of driving while everyone else worked together to prepare a meal using the huge mountain boar I had hunted from the wild. They needed to learn how to dismantle monsters themselves—otherwise, surviving in this world would be difficult.
I was speaking to Naamah through the crystal ball, with the other two Disaster Witches listening in as well.
Showing them a map, I pointed to a specific part of the border between the Land of Bestia and Human Territory.
"I want you girls to open a path here, along this part of the border, so we can pass through."
"But Seir-sama, that area is heavily guarded by the Alliance. They're currently at war with the beast tribes," Naamah said, frowning thoughtfully.
"It'll be a pain if we take a long detour. Our route will be much shorter if we go straight through their military defense line."
"Seir-sama, that's..."
"What? Is it impossible for you three? Do you need help?"
"No! That's not it, Seir-sama! The three of us are more than enough to destroy that place—it wouldn't even take long. It's just that..."
"What is it, Naamah?"
"Well, it might not directly affect us, but if we destroy that area, humans will think the beastfolk are conspiring with demons. That would escalate the war, drawing in more human countries into the Alliance. The beast tribes could end up overwhelmed and destroyed, with their refugees flooding into my territory, just like what happened with the elves."
"...I see. I get what you're trying to say. But in the end, I'll be the one who has to destroy that place from behind anyway."
"Ugh... I guess we really have no choice."
It was decided that they'd handle the task. Naamah still looked troubled.
"Uuuuugh..."
"We're talking about Seir-sama here. It always ends up like this. No point delaying the inevitable," Hannya said, patting Naamah's shoulder with a laugh.
"My territory's budget for this month...!" Naamah cried.
"I still have treasures I stole with Lilith from the Demon King's castle. You can use some for your funds."
"Seir-sama, thank you! Please marry me!"
That made me feel awkward.
"I think that's a bit..."
"You should at least say 'yes,' even if it's not possible!"
"After all, like Lilith, we're half-siblings. I should really be calling you my big sister, since we have the same father—the former Demon King. Prince Eligor didn't know that when he invited you to join his concubine selection."
Suddenly, I heard something drop behind me. When I turned around, I saw Yuuka and the other girls staring at me in shock.
"...Huh?"
Yuuka walked up and grabbed me by the collar.
"You and Lilith are half-siblings?! Is that true?"
"Yeah... her mother was human too, taken prisoner just like mine."
She turned to Lilith, who gave a small nod.
Yuuka sighed in relief.
"You should've told me earlier. I could've treated her like a little sister."
"She wouldn't like that. Her pride as my maid won't allow it—she's already sworn an oath to me."
Yuuka pinched Lilith's cheek.
"I almost misunderstood your relationship with him. I thought you liked him, but you're actually his little sister."
"Seir-sama is my master, not my brother. If I let him treat me like a sister, he'd spoil me rotten—and I don't want that."
Lilith winced from the cheek-pinch before Yuuka let go, leaving her with a swollen cheek.
"Yeah. I get it. I've seen how doting he is with Fuyumi too."
A few days later, we finally arrived near the border between human territory and the demon realm. But we hit a dead end—rocky mountains blocked our vehicle's path.
"I guess we'll have to walk from here."
"Eh...!"
Everyone's expressions clearly showed how much they hated the idea.
"Some of you gained weight from overeating! Think of it as hiking! Time to burn those extra calories!"
I snapped at them.
We started walking along the rocky path, trekking through mountains and cliffs.
By the time we reached the top, everyone was panting, but their eyes sparkled at the breathtaking scenery—birds of various species flew over the endless green canopy below.
"Wow!"
"This is amazing!"
Shiina looked like she was about to pass out, leaning on Lilith for support.
"I'm sorry I'm such a dead weight..."
"You should exercise more. Burn some of that extra fat."
"Ugh! I know I'm fat, okay..."
Her face turned red as she sniffled.
"Well, at least all that extra fat went to your chest. I'm jealous," Lilith muttered with a defeated look.
"Lilith!"
Only Kaho-san and I weren't sweating.
"Seir, let's go again. First to the next peak wins!"
"Sure."
The two of us raced ahead.
"Stop! Don't leave us! We're supposed to stay together!" Saeko-sensei shouted angrily.
"Mooo~"
"Okay, okay! Sorry! No more racing," I said.
Kaho just smiled and calmed her down.
Looking around, I noticed Riko sitting on a rock, sweaty and holding her right foot. I approached her.
"Riko, are you okay?"
"Oh—Seir-kun! I'm fine, really."
She forced a smile, but I could tell she was in pain.
"Let me check it."
"Huh?"
I knelt down, took off her shoe and sock, and couldn't help noticing how charming her legs were—until she caught me looking under her skirt.
"Stop staring, you perv!"
Blushing, she quickly covered herself.
"Sorry."
I looked back at her foot and noticed a surgical scar across her ankle.
"This is..."
I gently pressed on a spot—and she winced.
"Ouch!"
"You idiot! Why didn't you tell me about this?!"
I was frustrated—how could she keep something like this from me?
"I didn't want to talk about it."
"If I had known, I wouldn't have let you walk this far and strain yourself!"
"Just because we're old pals doesn't mean I have to tell you everything!"
"Hey, stop arguing, you two!" Yuuka stepped between us.
"Then what kind of relationship would make you tell me everything?"
"Eh?!"
Riko's face turned beet red as I leaned closer, staring into her eyes.
"Y-You're too close!"
She looked away and tried to push me back.
"I just want to make sure you're not lying."
"Don't look at me like that!"
She was completely flustered.
"Onii-sama..."
I felt a chill as I heard Yuuka's voice from behind—she was smiling, but her expression was terrifying.
Riko gulped, sensing the danger.
"Come with me. We're going to have a nice talk with Ayaka."
Yuuka grabbed me from behind and dragged me off.
"Riko!"
Riko stuck out her tongue at me with a smug grin.
"Bheh!"
Her face was still bright red as she looked away.
(To be continued.)