Chapter 89

"Did you miss me while I was gone?"

"Yeah, I might have missed you."

"Mmm. That's not very clear. I missed you a lot. After all, husband and wife shouldn't be apart. Yes, we should all be together like the Klaus family."

"I agree that we should all be together, but we're not a married couple."

"Hmm... Since I confessed my love, I thought you would accept it. I can't imagine you taking another woman while I was away, can you?"

The thought of Valerie Rodenwald flashed through his mind for a moment.

Leda wasn't insensitive either. She knew from her words and actions that she had feelings for him.

"Mmm... I can't imagine you really taking another woman, can you?"

"Hahaha, of course not. That's impossible."

"Suspicious."

"That's not true. I'm fine just as I am. Mina and Luna are here. They're my family."

"I want to be included in that family... Do you have some strict rule that I can't be part of your family unless I become your daughter?"

"Of course not. Family isn't about that. It's more like... when you realize you're already a family without even noticing."

To Leda, Mina and Luna were her closest family.

At the same time, she considered the people she met in this town as friends and family.

Hildegarde was also an important family member, having gone through life-threatening situations together.

"That's vague."

"Yeah, it is."

"I'll become part of your family. I'll eventually become your wife, but for now... I'll settle for being Mina and Luna's big sister."

Leda felt defeated by Hildegarde's teasing tone.

"You're already part of my family, Hilde."

"---, You say such nice things. I might be tempted to pounce on you out of impulse."

"Let's not do that."

"Well, I'll enjoy this cozy family for a while. But you should be prepared."

"Prepared?"

"I'll claim you whenever I get the chance."

"...Oh, how manly, no, how womanly."

"Hehehe, let me remind you that you've been charmed by the town's most carnivorous elf. Be prepared."

Despite her clear affection, Leda felt frustrated with her own indecisiveness.

She was disappointed in herself for being so weak-willed.

As if sensing her feelings, Hildegarde stroked his chest and whispered.

"Leda, your family is wonderful. Changes might come eventually, but I think it's fine as it is for now."

"...Hilde."

"Every family has its own pace. The same goes for relationships between men and women. We can take it slow."

"Thank you, Hilde."

"Hehehe, don't worry. Supporting a husband is a wife's duty."

"Ah, so it always comes back to that?"

Thanks to Hildegarde, Leda felt a bit more at ease.

There would come a day when he would have to give an answer to the women who admired him.

But for now, he wished to continue this comfortable relationship.

And the next morning.

"Why am I kicked out of the bed, and you're hugging Papa while sleeping!?"

"I'm sorry. I have bad sleeping habits. But it's a minor issue."

"Hey, I couldn't wake up feeling Papa's warmth, which was the worst!"

"Well, I think there's a problem with Luna, who continued sleeping even after falling out of bed."

"Ugh, once I fall asleep, I don't wake up easily. If you want to wake me up, try sending some killing intent."

"Hehehe, that's good to know. So, as long as I'm asleep, I won't notice anything you do with Leda."

"You... What are you planning to do?"

"Tonight will surely be a fun night, won't it, Leda?"

"No, don't come over here. Don't glare at Luna either. Look, Mina is still sleeping, so be quiet. Besides, you two are so energetic despite just waking up!"

Leda woke up to the argument between Luna, who had been kicked out of the bed, and Hildegarde, who had kicked her out.

He realized that no emergency patients had come during the night.

It was impossible for everyone to be unharmed after being attacked by bandits.

(In other words, the victims haven't been found yet.)

Wishing for the safety of the victims, Leda got out of bed to stop the two girls from potentially getting into a physical fight.