MC POV
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"Have you gotten used to your body yet, Altair?" (Arthur)
"Yeah, it's no longer a problem now." (Altair)
Right now, I was in the colosseum together with Altair and Alfia. Since Altair wanted to move her body around, I suggested that she spar with Alfia.
"Hah… haahhh… hahh… my body feels extremely heavy…" (Alfia)
Alfia lay exhausted on the floor.
Well, that wasn't surprising… considering that she had fought with all her strength…
"Are you alright, Alfia?" (Arthur)
"Haahhh… it's fine… hah… hahh… I just need to… rest for a moment…" (Alfia)
Alfia answered me while panting, her breathing clearly uneven.
I crouched down and briefly told her.
"You can use healing magic, can't you…" (Arthur)
"No… I want to get used to it…" (Alfia)
Alfia slowly shook her head as she replied.
What a tough woman…
"You're quite impressive, Alfia… especially your agility is very good… you managed to last quite a long time against me…" (Altair)
Altair said while folding her arms.
But you weren't fighting seriously either, were you…
I added inwardly.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Alfia. You will naturally grow stronger, even if you don't try excessively…" (Arthur)
I stood up and gave her a small piece of advice.
"… This isn't because I'm obsessed with training… this is simply repayment to my former self… the weak and defective version of me…" (Alfia)
Alfia replied in a flat tone as she slowly began to stand up, swaying slightly.
"I want to become the strongest… for my own sake…" (Alfia)
Alfia looked at me with her mismatched eyes shining brightly.
"What an impressive resolve~ you truly fit the role of a heroine, Alfia~" (Altair)
Altair smirked slightly as she praised Alfia.
"Sigh… do as you wish. Just remember my words; don't overdo it… take things slowly…" (Arthur)
I shook my head as I told her that, then I offered a bottle of cold mineral water that I had manifested.
Alfia took it while showing a faint smile.
"Thank you, Arthur-sama…" (Alfia)
I nodded slightly.
After that, Alfia rested for a while before eventually continuing her sparring match with Altair.
Since I began to feel bored, I decided to leave the colosseum.
As I walked slowly, my eyes landed on a bar by the side of the road.
So I decided to stop by for a moment.
When I opened the door, the creaking sound of the door echoed softly throughout the room.
As I entered, what appeared before my eyes was… a luxurious lounge bar… an exclusive place designed for relaxation within an intimate, expensive, and modern atmosphere… featuring soft sofas, charming dim lighting, decorations made from dark wood and velvet materials, and gentle music.
I walked behind the counter, took a bottle of sake, poured it into a small glass, and drank it.
"Hm… not bad…" (Arthur)
I walked toward the seat in front of the counter and sat comfortably before starting to play some music.
I leaned against the counter while listening to the Nisekoi soundtrack "Summer Wind" that I played.
I really like this soundtrack… it feels incredibly soothing…
"Excuse me…"
While I was enjoying the quiet atmosphere, a moment later the sound of the door opening could be heard from the entrance.
I turned toward the door and saw two women walking in.
"Eh! Arthur-san, you're here! Etto– sorry for disturbing you…" (Setsuna)
Setsuna spoke with a slightly panicked tone while apologizing.
"Arthur-sama… excuse me, I didn't know you were here…" (Grayfia)
Grayfia slightly bowed her head toward me.
"Don't worry about it. I'm just passing time… why did you come here?" (Arthur)
I waved my hand casually and asked.
"Grayfia-san invited me to go outside to get some fresh air. While we were walking around, we heard music from this place… so we decided to take a look." (Setsuna)
Setsuna explained slowly. I then saw Grayfia nod to confirm it.
"Well then, since you're already here, take a seat… both of you should try the drinks here… well, even though this place uses self-service. Setsuna, you can enjoy a non-alcoholic drink." (Arthur)
I told them while lighting a cigarette.
"Leave it to me, Arthur-sama. I can be the bartender. I've already practiced in the palace ever since I obtained books from Shalltear-sama." (Grayfia)
Grayfia offered confidently while slightly puffing out her chest, then she walked behind the counter.
"Ho~ you're quite confident, huh. Alright, try making me a cold Pink Lady." (Arthur)
"… Please recommend a non-alcoholic drink for me." (Setsuna)
"Right away." (Grayfia)
A moment later, Grayfia served a glass of Pink Lady in front of me.
How nostalgic… in the past I used to enjoy this cocktail with my friends at a local bar… I remember we eventually got so drunk that we passed out in a park… truly a crazy experience.
I lifted the glass and took a sip. When my mouth touched the foam, I could feel the smooth sensation against my lips.
"Nn… You're skilled, Grayfia~ it tastes really good. The sour taste mixed with a slight sweetness from the fruit blends perfectly, and the cold sensation is refreshing as well…" (Arthur)
I smiled slightly as I praised Grayfia. She looked satisfied when I complimented her.
"I'm glad it suits your taste~" (Grayfia)
Grayfia then served a drink to Setsuna.
"This one is for you, Setsuna. Garden Collins, based on green tea… I hope it suits your taste." (Grayfia)
"Thank you, Grayfia-san." (Setsuna)
Setsuna took the glass and drank a little.
"… I don't really understand cocktails, but this taste is truly calming…" (Setsuna)
Setsuna nodded slightly while looking around.
"This place, the atmosphere, and the music are all very fitting… what's the title, Arthur-san?" (Setsuna)
The soundtrack I was playing was actually short, but since I extended its length, it felt quite long…
"I'm glad you're enjoying it~ it's 'Summer Wind'... this is a soundtrack from an anime…" (Arthur)
I chuckled as I answered.
"Oh, really… such a gentle soundtrack… what's the name of the anime?" (Setsuna)
"A rom-com anime… Nisekoi. You can watch it in the Cinema, there are many other anime listed there as well." (Arthur)
"Nisekoi… is that from another world? I don't think I've ever heard of it in my world…" (Setsuna)
Setsuna made a puzzled expression.
"That's correct. All the movies and ACGN in Delsgade come from other worlds." (Arthur)
I nodded in response.
I saw Grayfia pour wine into a glass before drinking it.
We chatted while enjoying our drinks accompanied by the calming music.
"… Have you gotten used to living here, Setsuna?" (Arthur)
"Yes. Everyone has been very kind to me. Although at first I felt like out of place here… gradually, I began to feel comfortable." (Setsuna)
Setsuna smiled happily as she answered.
"That's good…" (Arthur)
I felt glad for her.
"Delsgade has plenty of entertainment similar to other worlds… at the very least, you won't get bored here." (Arthur)
I lifted the glass in front of me while looking at the pink color glowing from the light behind the counter.
By the way… when will Kuro attack the God Realm…
Because of the butterfly effect caused by my involvement… I'm not sure how everything will unfold anymore.
Well, whatever… it's not like I'm going to change my actions.
"… Grayfia, can you make some fries for me?" (Arthur)
"Of course, Arthur-sama." (Grayfia)
Grayfia nodded before walking toward the kitchen in the back.
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3rd POV
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Meanwhile…
Shalltear had assigned several of her subordinates to deliver invitations for the announcement event of the Seven Kings' establishment.
Because the Demon Realm's territory was extremely vast, the number of subordinates mobilized by Shalltear was also enormous.
"Sigh… this is extremely troublesome." (Shalltear)
Inside the room of her mansion, Shalltear sighed tiredly while leaning back in her chair. On her desk, there were piles of documents large enough to completely cover Shalltear if viewed from the front.
"Arthur-san must be lazing around somewhere right now… why do I have to work while he enjoys himself relaxing!" (Shalltear)
Shalltear grumbled irritably.
"This is truly unfair… damn it… I'll pay him back for this later…" (Shalltear)
Shalltear took a deep breath to calm herself.
'Two more days before the event…' (Shalltear)
Shalltear picked up a cup of tea from the table and drank it.
'After this, the Demon Realm will enter a period of development. Some idiots might still try to cause trouble… but after some time, the number of people like them will decrease significantly…' (Shalltear)
Shalltear nodded to herself with satisfaction.
After some time dealing with all the documents, Shalltear rested by lying down on the sofa.
"Haaah… finally finished. If I didn't use my clones, this would have taken a very long time…" (Shalltear)
Shalltear lay lazily while eating snacks.
She picked up a report document from the table and read it while relaxing.
"Nom-nom~ the initial stage of development is almost finished, I suppose it's fine to begin the next phase…" (Shalltear)
…
"… Kuromueina, what has Shalltear been doing lately? There hasn't been any news about her recently." (Lillywood)
"Shalltear is busy preparing for the event… on top of that, she is also developing technology for this world. Please understand, she is truly extremely busy." (Kuro)
"Mm… Shalltear must be very tired… I feel bad for her…" (Isis)
Kuro, Isis, and Lillywood were casually chatting at Lillywood's residence.
"You don't need to feel that way, Isis. Shalltear is doing it because she wants to… even though she looks reluctant, she actually enjoys doing it." (Kuro)
"Well… if you say so…" (Isis)
Isis nodded slightly.
"What about Arthur? It seems like he spends all his time in his place without going out at all…" (Lillywood)
"Ah… Arthur-kun is far too comfortable in his place. There is an incredible amount of entertainment in Arthur-kun's residence… he probably won't go outside anytime soon, I'm not really sure…" (Kuro)
Kuro smiled wryly while scratching her cheek.
"After the event, maybe I can invite you all to visit there… whenever we have free time of course." (Kuro)
"Nn… I want to go…" (Isis)
Hearing Kuro's invitation, Isis nodded happily.
"Hmm… well, I'm curious as well. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to come along." (Lillywood)
"Great~ I'll let you know the time later~" (Kuro)
Kuro smiled cheerfully.
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