Chapter 46

Sitting on a chair in the apple orchard, I listened to Dianea and the others.

"So, I see. The armed city and the capital are cooperating, and Anne is their envoy. I get that, but why did Anne and Dianea come out from the forest?"

And they even brought monsters with them. I had never seen those clay figures before. Where did they come from?

"Well, I also saw those figures for the first time. They attacked us as soon as we entered the forest, so I don't know where they came from."

What's that supposed to mean? You know more about the forest than I do, yet you saw them for the first time?

"Yes, Lord Daichi, you haven't encountered them either, have you? Those black clay figures."

"Never. Were they newly created?"

"No, the soil in this Enchanted Forest isn't black. They shouldn't naturally form here..."

Hmm, maybe it's some kind of mutation.

"Does Anne know anything about this?"

"…No, this is my first time in this forest. I asked Lady Dianea to guide me through the exploration."

"Exploration guide? Is that so?"

"Yes… We came to explore to learn about the measures against dragons and the current state of the werewolves. However, I wasn't originally planning to come to Lord Daichi's place."

Well, that makes sense.

They wouldn't bring important people from other cities to someone like me, who just lives in the forest.

"Ah… Well, it's fine to think that way. In fact, it's even better."

What's with that awkward pause?

"Ah, don't mind it. Anyway, Lady Anne, do you understand why the werewolf attacks in the capital have decreased?"

"Yes, I was surprised. I heard that the attacks had drastically decreased, but I didn't expect the werewolves to be so well-integrated into human society, even guiding people and doing business."

Hmm, the werewolves are doing well.

Come to think of it, they seem to be more friendly lately.

Maybe it's the effect of interacting more with humans. If so, it's not a bad thing.

"It also reduces the threat to my city. I'm really grateful. However, what changed their mindset…? They tried to stop us from going deeper into the forest."

"Well, they have their reasons. You shouldn't pry too much, Lady Anne."

"You're right. Regardless of the reason, it's good that we can resolve things through discussion. It's good that goblins and orcs can talk. But monsters that crawl out of dungeons can't be reasoned with."

Hmm, goblins and orcs can talk?

I didn't know that. Actually,

"Do monsters come from dungeons?"

"Yes. Some monsters only spawn in dungeons, and those born outside feed on magic, making them more likely to gather and reproduce."

I see. They gather in places with magic.

I kind of knew that, but dungeons are troublesome.

"By the way, is this area a dungeon?"

"No, with such a high concentration of magic from the dragon veins, it would be difficult for monsters to even be born. Too much magic is harmful to them. Dungeons have a moderate concentration of magic."

...

It feels strange to think that I live in a place that could be harmful to monsters.

But it's fine. I'm comfortable here.

It's quiet because I'm far from the city. I can use magic for self-defense and even use a staff when I want to save energy.

Yeah, it's all good.

"Ah, Lord Daichi? Is that a staff in your belt…?"

"Huh? This? Yeah, it is."

It looks like something other than a staff, though.

"No… It's too thick to be a staff, and it gives off an unusual power."

Anne's eyes were fixed on my belt.

Is it that rare? I only know this shape as a staff.

"Can I see it? I want to know the material."

"Sure, here you go."

Since she wouldn't take her eyes off it, I pulled it out and showed it to her. Then, Anne, who had been staring intently, muttered:

"This… is made from the bones of a Dragon King. I haven't seen a real Dragon King's staff in a long time."

"What! A Dragon King's staff!?"

"What's with the sudden loud voice, Dianea?"

This witch was so excited that she stood up with clenched fists.

"Because it's a Dragon King's staff! It's a treasure, usually stored in a treasury or loaned to the strongest mage during a national crisis!"

So, this staff is such a treasure.

Even though I didn't know, I've been breaking it so many times. I feel really bad for the creator.

"When did you get such a prize…?"

"Well, it was a gift."

"A gift…! —I see, it's not strange for you to have it."

"Huh? Not strange? What do you mean?"

Anne's eyes sparkled.

Why is she so interested?

"It's…."

Then, Dianea hesitated for a few seconds before looking at me.

Why is she looking at me like she needs help?

"Well, I was wondering if it's okay to talk about your housemate…"

"It's fine, it's not like it will decrease anything."

Dianea nodded and said,

"Actually, Lord Daichi has a housemate. And that person is—"

Just as she was about to speak,

"I'm back."

Hestia returned from the forest, walking briskly with a large bag in her hands.

"? Visitors? I smell something familiar…"

"Hey, Hestia. Welcome—"

back, I was about to say when,

"Big Sister—!!!!"

Anne turned around at an incredible speed and ran towards Hestia.

"That voice, it's Big Sister! I've missed you so much!!!"

Then, she hugged Hestia, burying her small head in Anne's large chest.

"Big Sister—!!!"

"Sure enough, it was this child's scent."

Hestia, with her head buried in Anne's chest, had a very displeased look on her face.

"Anne, let go…"

"Ah, more, more of that cold gaze—!!"

The combination of a lolicon and a large chest is quite a sight. But,

"Hey, explain this, Dianea. What did you bring here (………)?"

"Ah, well, if you ask me…"

I don't understand right now, but it seems that a new problem has arisen in our household.