第８０９堀：里帰り (Part1)
Chapter 809: Returning Home
Returning Home
Side: Mikos
I was overflowing with happiness.
"Mufufufu..."
"Mikos, you look creepy."
I returned Kagura’s rude remark with a composed smile.
"Oh, sorry. It’s just that I’m finally going back to my parents' house, you know?"
"And what is with that outfit?"
"Well, I’m going home, so I have to dress up properly. Mikos-chan is a girl, after all. Isn’t it cute?"
I spun around on the spot to show it off.
"...That’s the new release that just came out in Weed, isn't it?"
"Yup. It’s like it was made specifically for Mikos-chan. Plus, I had Narjia-san reinforce it, so it’s actually stronger than standard armor. In other words, a cute and strong Mikos-chan is the strongest, right?"
"You’re an idiot. Besides, isn’t your home in the countryside? You’ll just get those fancy clothes dirty in no time."
"It’s fine. I made sure it’s resistant to stains, too!"
"...You’re only going back to report that you’ve become an assistant diplomat, aren't you?"
"Pupu. Are you really sure that’s all there is to it?"
I knew exactly why Kagura was irritated, because...
"It’s my chance to introduce Yuki-sensei to my parents!"
That’s right. This trip home wasn't just a visit; it was a chance to introduce him to Baron Jama—my father—or perhaps, my only chance!
I’d lock Yuki-san down by introducing him to my mother and father, and solidify my position! I’d heard from the other wives that Yuki-sensei needed to have his surroundings firmly secured.
"It’s just an introduction!"
"Exactly. Like Kagura said, I’m just introducing Yuki-sensei. So, why are you so angry?"
"Guh!? I-I’m just worried that you’ll get carried away and cause trouble for Yuki..."
"That’s why I’m dressed like this, to escort Yuki-sensei properly. The Jama estate is in the sticks, after all. I have to dress up. Besides, Kagura, let’s be rational. If I succeed, it’ll be easier for you to make your move too, right?"
"Hmm? I suppose there is that way of looking at it."
"Exactly. So instead of pulling each other down, let’s cooperate... and..."
I started to say that, but I froze when I saw who was approaching the meeting point.
"Oh, just the two of you?"
"Enora, listen to me—wait, what are you wearing?"
For some reason, Enora was also dressed to the nines, wearing the formal attire reserved for the Spirit Priestess during ceremonies.
"Well, I am a priestess, am I not? I’m sure Mikos’s hometown has a church, and I intend to propagate the faith and stabilize the hearts of the people there. Mother and Archbishop Enor told me to be thorough, especially given the recent blunder by the Haire Church."
"Even so, we’re going on a journey where we might have to fight, and that’s a light-armor type of outfit, isn't it?"
Indeed, Enora was wearing an erotic Spirit Priestess outfit that left her tail and ears exposed, complete with a high slit. She was aiming for him in a different way than Mikos-chan, wasn't she?
"It wouldn't do to appear without the symbols of a Spirit Priestess, would it?"
As I felt a twinge of jealousy watching Enora dance lightly in her fluttering robes...
"Oh, you’re all here."
Yuki-sensei and the others arrived.
"Yuki."
"Yuki-sensei."
"Yuki-dono, you’ve come."
Mikos-chan and the others greeted Yuki-sensei, but Solo had a different reaction...
"Huh? Eoid and Amanda are here too?"
Indeed, in addition to Yuki-san’s usual guard wives, Eoid and Amanda from the Lancer Magic Academy were there as well.
"What’s the meaning of this?"
"Eoid and Amanda are representatives of the Lancer Magic Academy. We’ve been on good terms for a while, and I’ve received permission from Princess Carrie. It’s also because I fear missing things if I only look at it from the perspective of Weed. There are things that only people like Popuri can see."
"It’s not that I dislike Eoid and Amanda, but, well, is it safe? Even if we can’t help the battle against the sea monsters, I don’t think Sea-Cypho wants any more foreign intervention than necessary."
As Kagura said, the reason the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho had reached out to the distant nation of Haiden was because there was no merit in attacking them, and because their national power had been sapped by the schemes of Akuenoki, leaving them with no other choice.
"Well, you can just think of them as my companions. They’re from a different continent anyway, so there’s no fear of them invading, and no reason to go out of our way to warn them. As for the sea monsters, you don’t need to worry that much. To you, Kagura, they’re like fellow disciples."
"Fellow disciples?"
"Yes. Like senior disciples from the same school. Right, Deryu?"
"Indeed. I’ve trained Eoid and Amanda myself, so they won't just get gobbled up and die instantly."
"“No, no, no!”"
Eoid and Amanda denied it with all their might, but...
"Why are you being such cowards? You just need to show the results of your training."
"But still, these are monsters we’ve never faced before."
"And I’m not even a Dragon Knight without Wai-chan..."
"I’m bringing Wai-chan, of course. This maritime operation assumes full equipment."
"Yay! I feel safe—wait, isn't it bad that Weed assumes 'full equipment'?"
"Well, it’s just being safe on top of safe. More importantly, first, we pay our respects at Mikos’s place on the way to the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho. If we’re rude, the reputation of the Lancer Magic Academy will be ruined, and Popuri will give us a massive scolding."
"“Yes!!”"
Ah, those two are carrying the banner of the If Continent on their shoulders.
As I was thinking that, Yuki-sensei turned to me...
"So, can you guide us, Mikos?"
"Yes! Mikos-chan will guide you perfectly!"
And so, although the number of companions had increased more than expected, Mikos-chan led Yuki-sensei, his wives, and the rest of the group back to her hometown.
"Oh, I’m home! My hometown!"
With that, I dashed out toward the vast prairie stretching out before me.
Well, using a Gate makes it feel a bit devoid of sentiment, but even so, feeling the wind of my hometown on my senses for the first time in ages made my excitement soar.
"Hey! Never mind us, don't just run off and leave Yuki behind!"
Oh, right. I had been a bit too excited. I realized Kagura was right and immediately came back.
"Yuki-sensei, everyone, I’m sorry. I got a little carried away."
"A little? What kind of guide runs off and leaves their guests behind..."
Kagura started lecturing me, but Yuki-sensei stepped in.
"Well, calm down. It’s been a while since you’ve been home. Our relationship isn't so fragile that a little thing like that would cause offense."
As expected of Yuki-sensei; he has a heart as vast as the sea.