Chapter 85

"Damn it, why do I have to do something like this!"

Leda, who is scrubbing the inn's wall with a brush, is being cheered on by his daughters.

"Go, Dad!"

"Go, Dad!"

Initially, his daughters had offered to help, but Leda refused, not wanting them to get dirty. The girls accepted his consideration and are now fully focused on cheering him on. Encouraged by their voices, Leda swings the brush vigorously, trying to look cool as if he can handle it all on his own.

"Tsk, you're still a strange guy, you know."

"Huh?"

Hearing a familiar voice, Leda stopped his work and turned around.

"It's been a while, Leda. Mina."

There stood a girl with gray hair and pointed ears.

"It's Hilde!"

"Hilde-nee!"

"Who's this girl?"

The girl, who still looked young and wore what seemed to be traditional clothing, was named Hildegarde Ederer. She was an elf and the best warrior in the elf village.

"Hehe, I was trying to surprise you, but it seems to have worked. I'll be living in this town from today on. I hope we can get along, Leda."

***

"So, who is this girl? I can tell she's an elf, but is she Klaus' daughter?"

"No, not really. Actually, Hilde is older than you might think."

Leda and the others were in the dining room with Hildegarde. They were having a welcome party to thank her for using water magic to clean the wall so quickly and to celebrate their reunion. However, Luna's mood was not good. She was shoveling raw vegetables into her mouth and giving Hildegarde a scrutinizing look, which was not very friendly.

"I didn't properly introduce myself. I am Hildegarde Ederer. As you can see, I am an elf."

"I'm Luna Dixon. Mina's older sister and Dad's wife!"

"No, you're not his wife."

Leda tried to correct the self-proclaimed wife, but was ignored. Hildegarde, upon hearing Luna's introduction, tilted her small face in curiosity.

"Hmm... That's strange. Leda's wife should be me."

This unnecessary comment made Luna's cheeks twitch.

"What! What are you saying, you little girl!?"

"Does my appearance bother you? I admit, I might look a bit young, but I'm well over three hundred years old."

"So you're a grandma!"

"--- Hmm. Calling me a grandma, are you? Let me tell you, I'm still young by elf standards. In human years, I'm younger than Leda."

The two girls glared at each other. Leda, who was watching them, was on edge, wondering when the forks in their hands might turn into weapons.

"Even if you are, you're not a dried-up mummy. The idea of a lolita grandma being Dad's wife is just hilarious."

"You, who look like you're only about fifteen? The thought of you being Leda's wife makes me want to laugh. A wife is supposed to support, not just be pampered."

"Are you kidding me? You're challenging me, who cuddles with Dad every night!?"

"We don't cuddle!"

"... Hmm. Is that so? Hmm, Leda has a thing for young girls, I see. But in terms of appearance, I fit his preferences, so no problem, yeah."

"Listen to me!"

"--- Look, Grandma, just back off!"

The two girls stood up and started glaring at each other, with Luna particularly heated up.

"Um, Mina, could you please stop these two, maybe?"

Leda quietly asked for help from Mina, who was continuing to eat without getting involved in the argument. The youngest daughter put mayonnaise on her warm vegetables and took a small bite, smiling.

"Dad, the food is delicious today. I'm happy that Luna-nee and Hilde-nee are getting along!"

"... Sometimes, I think Mina is a really big catch."

The illustration for this book, which will be published by Futabasha M Novels, is being handled by Mr. Dolce (@dolsuke)! We hope you look forward to more information. Thank you very much!