Chapter 84

This content overlaps with chapters 49-50. If you find it unpleasant, please skip it.

To bring Yurii home, I enter the medical unit's stables. Kahlua, my riding beast, was already waiting near the entrance.

Kahlua, an Aural, is a rare bird-type magical beast that is strong at night and can also move during the day. Although it is not good at running, it is one of the top species in terms of flight. It is very useful in emergencies. In exchange, it has a strong sense of vigilance, but once it recognizes its master, it will obey absolutely. It is highly intelligent and very easy to handle. When I gently stroke its feathers, it seems to enjoy it, narrowing its eyes slightly.

When I introduce Kahlua to Yurii, Yurii shows interest in Kahlua. Kahlua responds with a chirp, as if greeting Yurii, and accepts Yurii's approach without any signs of aggression.

When Yurii asks me with her eyes if it's okay to pet Kahlua, I nod, and she gently reaches out to touch the feathers. If she had touched Kahlua's belly right away, she might have been kicked, but she seems to know the proper way to approach. Yurii seems to be thoroughly enjoying the feel of the feathers, and Kahlua doesn't seem to mind either.

When I tell Kahlua that Yurii will ride with her, Kahlua chirps without any sign of refusal. After seeing this reaction, I lead her outside, and she starts walking towards the takeoff platform on her own.

Unlike other riding beasts, Yurii looks slightly puzzled that we aren't mounting immediately. When I explain the existence of the takeoff platform, she nods in understanding. When we reach the platform, I lift Yurii onto Kahlua, and Kahlua fully demonstrates the capabilities of her wings.

Our destination is our home in the first village, where my wife, Rin, is waiting.

At the entrance to the village, I leave Kahlua at the stables, and she obediently follows the self-defense team, who she has come to recognize. Meanwhile, Yurii is greeted by a self-defense team member who seems to have already become familiar with her.

I lead Yurii to our home, and my wife, who had been waiting, comes out to greet us with a small run.

"Welcome back, dear. And welcome, Yurii."

"This is my wife, Rin."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Yurii. Thank you for having me."

Rin hugs Yurii as if she were her own child and kisses her cheek, making Yurii blush. Objectively observing this, it seems Yurii is not very accustomed to interacting with others.

"Make yourself at home, like it's your own house."

"Thank you."

"Come, let's go inside."

After the usual greetings, we proceed inside, and the dining table is already set with a meal. The smell of the food makes Yurii's stomach growl. This makes Yurii blush even more, and Rin and I laugh.

"Yurii, let's wash our hands."

"Okay."

Seeing Rin finishing the last touches on the meal, I take Yurii to the washroom. While the smell of the food intensifies and Yurii's stomach continues to growl, I lift Yurii and help her wash her hands, just as I used to do with my son. While Yurii is drying her hands, I wash mine and return to the dining room, where Rin signals for us to sit.

I had prepared a child's chair from the storage, which my son used to use. The child-sized utensils on the table are all nostalgic, reminding me of my son's growth.

While I am thinking about this, Yurii tries to get up from her chair. As expected, she offers to help Rin.

"That's for tomorrow. Today, Rin has prepared a special meal for you, so focus on eating."

"Mr. Husband is right. You must be tired from work today. Please take it easy."

As I try to convince Yurii, Rin also speaks to her. With both of us telling her, Yurii obediently stays seated.

It seems Yurii only just notices the cutlery in front of her and looks puzzled. When Rin explains that it was my son's, Yurii shows interest in our son, Ludwig.

"That child is looking forward to meeting you."

"Of course. He used to complain about wanting a younger brother or sister."

"He even said to tell us immediately when you plan to come next."

I remember my son, who used to take care of younger children in the neighborhood. For his birthday, he always asked for a younger brother or sister before anything else. Even as an adult, he was excited when I told him a young child would be coming to our home. I'm sure he will take good care of Yurii.

While we are talking, Rin brings the warmed soup to the table and sits down. We all say grace and start eating.

The moment Yurii takes a sip of the hot soup, her expression changes. It's a different expression from when she eats at the Northern Demon King's Castle. It's almost nostalgic, but there's something different. She seems to find it delicious, yet there's a hint of sadness. Has something touched a lost memory?

Unlike me, who can only call her name, Rin gently encourages Yurii to eat. Yurii nods and continues eating, savoring the food as if confirming something. She looks at the warm meal, at us, and at the situation, as if trying to verify it with her own eyes.

"...It's delicious."

This comment evokes a memory of Yurii's lonely meals, which I'm sure Rin also remembers.

"Yurii, this is one of my specialties."

"I love Rin's cooking."

Rin and I both put some of our favorite dishes on Yurii's plate. As we eat together, Yurii's expression gradually brightens with a smile.

After finishing the meal and having some tea, I check the time and realize it's getting late. It's time to give Yurii a bath and put her to bed. When I suggest a bath, Rin informs me that everything is already prepared.

"Yurii, would you like to take a bath with me today?"

"Let's take a bath together tomorrow, okay?"

Yurii nods at Rin's quick promise for tomorrow.

As soon as we enter the bathroom, Yurii shows interest in the towel and toys placed on the basket.

"What's this?"

"It's a bath toy. It's a duck."

"Duck."

Yurii picks up the toy and asks curiously. As Elyes said, this child's world is very narrow. Even common toys and animals are unknown to her.

After quickly undressing and washing, I help Yurii into the bathtub and immediately float the duck in the water. Yurii watches with delight and soon starts maneuvering the duck. She plays with it, making waves with her small hands and shining eyes. I join in, and we both laugh.

After a good soak, we get out of the tub, and Yurii puts on the matching pajamas that Rin made. I add a note to my mental to-do list to have Dillnan teach Yurii how to brush her teeth.

After that, I take Yurii to the bedroom. She is surprised that we will all sleep together. When I tell her we will make a room for her soon, she starts to panic. I try to explain, but Yurii is not convinced.

So, I decide to use this opportunity to help Yurii face her own gender.

This situation cannot continue indefinitely.

Being male is an absolute requirement at the Northern Demon King's Castle. If Yurii remains as she is, this will not change. Therefore, the gender Yurii chooses is male.

If she falls in love with a man and marries him, she will become a woman. I won't allow her to marry just any man, though. The cooking team would not remain silent either.

However, it's not that simple.

As a child of a noble family with a guardian ring, Yurii must be able to handle both genders and control her surroundings. This is necessary to protect herself. If she doesn't learn the etiquette and manners of both genders, she will struggle if she returns to her original home in the future.

For this, Fesil's cooperation is essential.

When I mentioned Yurii to Fesil at a recent drinking party, she showed great interest. I believe Yurii's qualities will meet Fesil's standards.

With Shelifas and Fesil, Yurii will open up new possibilities in the future.

"...Thank you."

"Try to learn a little bit at a time."

Yurii obediently says thank you and finally accepts it. I stroke her hair and lay her down in bed, and she quickly falls asleep.

"Good night, my dear daughter."

I whisper the words I can only say at home and gently kiss her forehead.

In the middle of the night, as we sleep in a cross shape, I wake up to Yurii's sobbing. Rin also wakes up, and we both look at Yurii, who is curled up and trembling, crying in her sleep.

Rin picks her up and comforts her, but the trembling doesn't stop.

"What is she dreaming about?"

"She must be having a very scary dream. It's probably triggered by dinner."

"...Such a cute child. In a childless home, she would be a treasure."

"Nobles are complicated. Even such a cute child grows up without warmth."

"I can't believe it."

I embrace Yurii and Rin.

Yurii's qualities, ignorance, and behavior during dinner highlight her loneliness and isolation even more. How many complex situations has this child been through?

When everything is revealed, will I be able to hold this child in my arms like this? I don't know what kind of power will come into play. I want to protect her, but I can't guarantee that my position as the captain of the Northern Demon King's Castle won't be a barrier. This uncertain situation is frustrating.

After a while, Yurii opens her eyes slightly, seemingly aware of the warmth.

Recognizing us, Rin hugs Yurii tightly, and the trembling in her body gradually subsides. She falls back asleep, looking tired.

I gently wipe away a tear that has fallen from her closed eyes.

"Try not to have scary dreams this time..."

Rin kisses Yurii's forehead, wishing for a peaceful night.