If this were some survival construction game, preparing comfortable living spaces and abundant food would make increasing the population unquestionably a happy thing.
But knowing this is reality, not just game data, Zunzun had mixed feelings.
As days passed, Yuiyui's belly grew bigger and rounder—swollen like a small balloon.
It seemed Hyoizaburoo's farming skills weren't bad at all. He could grow such plump "fruits" faster than the potatoes and corn Zunzun planted, he thought maliciously.
What kind of magic did Hyoizaburoo have to keep Yuiyui by his side and now expecting a second child? If some other guy had such a hard life, Zunzun would have kicked him out long ago... What was that? Yuiyui was a Crimson Demon too? Well, fine then.
The little loli was noticeably happier during this period, smiling much more often.
It really was because her parents were home.
Still, the little girl was a bit nervous, feeling overwhelmed at how to be a good sister and set an example for her soon-to-be brother or sister.
Sister Soketto told her to just take it normally. After all, family was family. Putting on airs would only cause unnecessary misunderstandings. Good or bad, she was still a sister. The little girl wasn't sure if she really listened, but she left feeling somewhat enlightened.
A few days later, her parents returned.
Zunzun didn't complain or blame his own parents — whose names, ages, and even appearances remained a mystery. Of course, with Sister Soketto around, he never felt lonely.
Still, he was genuinely happy to have his parents back.
—Because he could get New Year's money.
Life in the Crimson Demon Village didn't require money, but that didn't mean there was nowhere to spend it. As you grew older, things always came up. Having some money in your pocket made you feel a little more secure.
After receiving the somewhat heavy envelope, his mother pulled out something from her pocket and shook it in front of him.
"Look, Zunzun! I brought you some fun toys. These building blocks are very popular in Elroad recently. There are ten different shapes—they're really interesting!"
"...Mother, I'm not a child anymore."
Zunzun was clearly unimpressed.
"Huh?"
His mother looked at the nearly eight-year-old boy strangely.
Then Sister Soketto told his parents about Zunzun's farming. His parents gasped when they learned the harvest was enough to feed the family all winter. They looked at him with a strange mixture of pride and surprise. Sister Soketto even mentioned his goal of conquering the world through farming—
"You're worthy of being my child! Farming at such a young age? Maybe you really can conquer the world one day."
His mother hugged him excitedly.
Zunzun could only manage a half-hearted chuckle.
His father clapped his hands.
"Oh, right! There's another gift! Zunzun, I bought new clothes for you this year!"
New clothes?
Zunzun and Megumin were alike — they usually only wore hand-me-downs from relatives, with no brand-new outfits at all. Could it be that his father finally heard his silent pleas in this life?
"How is it, Zunzun? Are you happy? Surprised? Excited?"
"Happy! Surprised! Excited!"
Zunzun forced enthusiasm.
"So, where are the clothes?"
"Here! Ding ding ding ding—"
His father pulled out a piece of clothing from his back like a magician's trick and proudly showed it to everyone.
It was a very beautiful piece of clothing. The style and fabric looked high-quality just by sight. It would definitely look good on Zunzun. His parents must have spent a lot on it.
However...
It was a strapless dress!
His father laughed proudly, "Hahaha, how about it! I picked this out myself. It's way better than the toys your mother got you!"
He didn't notice the deadpan look on Zunzun's face.
After a moment of silence, Zunzun picked up the building blocks that had fallen on the floor and said, "I like the building blocks from my mother. Thank you, Mom."
"Zun, Zunzun?"
His father stared dumbfounded at the dress in his hand, muttering, "Isn't this dress beautiful? I picked it carefully. The store said it's the latest model this year and very popular..."
Not popular here, Dad.
His mother seemed to sense why and quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, let's do our annual family divination!"
Being a family of fortune tellers, this was the one thing they always thought of for family activities.
However, their divinations for family members were always inaccurate—or sometimes, they just couldn't tell at all. But for the sake of family harmony, they happily held the event every year.
"Ahem, let me do the divination then."
His father theatrically pulled out a crystal ball.
Obviously, his mother was the better fortune teller, but every year it was his father who performed the divination, pretending to spout obscure, second-year student nonsense.
Well, it didn't matter.
This was just a family activity to promote harmony.
Zunzun didn't believe a word of it anyway.
"Oh oh oh, I see it! Honey, you'll be traveling with me next year to guide new heroes to defeat the Demon King! His name is Mitsurugi... Mitsurugi... Hey, why can't I see the rest of the name?"
Zunzun rolled his eyes.
It wasn't that he couldn't see the name—he just didn't know how to make it up.
Though it was all made up, his mother was very happy, her face bright with a smile.
Zunzun wondered how she ever fell in love with his father. After all, she was the most beautiful woman of her generation in the Crimson Demon Clan. What was that? She was also a Crimson Demon? Fine then.
His elder sister's divination said she would make progress in her studies and was likely to learn advanced magic next year.
It had to be said: she was a genius.
Even among the Crimson Demons born great magicians, she ranked first in school for talent. Studious and beautiful, she was quite popular at school.
Zunzun was proud of her.
Finally, it was Zunzun's turn.
He thought his father might say something polite like "You'll farm better next year," "You'll grow taller and smarter," or something encouraging.
Instead, he heard,
"Zunzun, it seems you'll be entangled by two girls next year... Oh no, you have a deathly look on your face!"
Hard! Hard! Fists hard!
Is this really his father? Couldn't he just say some nice words and enjoy dinner?
"Oh no, Zunzun, I saw it too!"
His elder sister, holding a crystal ball, wore a worried expression.
"As expected of Sister Soketto—your divination skills are amazing! Don't worry, I'll be careful next year. Oh, mother, Sister Soketto, dinner should be ready. Let's eat."
With that, Zunzun pulled them inside.
Only his father remained outside, struck dumb like he'd been hit by lightning, looking lonely and helpless among the fallen leaves.
-End Chapter-
Visit the Patreon!!
Read 30 chapters ahead, more on the way!
P@treon.com/TrashProspector
150 Stone = 1 Bonus Chapter
15 Reviews = 1 Bonus Chapter