NOVEL NEXT Chapter 309 - That Age
That Age
It was decided that one of the goals of this tournament is to have them recognize how incredible the Protective Barrier magic spell is. I think they said some important people from this country are coming to see it. Ugh, that makes me nervous. Well, I’m sure they won’t be interested in the children’s division. Come to think of it, I wonder what kind of person the king of the Demon Continent is. I only know Father-sama, the Demon King. And I’ve never heard anything about them from everyone else.
Well, there’s nothing particularly special about being a king on the Demon Continent. Dad said that only the Demon King lives in a castle, everyone else just lives in slightly larger houses. They’re like representatives of their respective countries, and it’s not a hereditary system, like the Demon King. Because their birth rate’s low. I’ve heard they only pass it down to a blood relative if there is one. Like me!
I think it’s more like… a prime minister, than a king. I don’t really know the details, but that’s the impression I have.
Well, they’re still important people, so I’m nervous. But it’ll be fine if I just relax, fight like I usually do, and have fun. And I hope those important people will recognize how incredible the Protective Barrier magic spell is, and it’ll be used here too. I’m sure Mara-san will be the one giving the presentation. And I have a feeling it’ll all go well, because of her convincing presentation and beautiful smile.
“Huh, Urbano, your writing’s gotten faster? I was also thinking your handwriting has gotten much neater lately. You’ve been working hard!”
I’d glanced at Urbano’s notebook, who was quietly practicing writing beside me, and was so surprised by how much he’d improved, that I unintentionally exclaimed. He looked up in surprise, his blue eyes wide behind his long bangs. And then he looked down, embarrassed. I get it, being praised is embarrassing.
“Ah, that’s unfair! I also want to be praised by Meg!”
“Asuka, I know you’re always working hard. You’re amazing.”
“Fufu, that’s right! I’m amazing!”
Asuka’s so honest! I chuckled.
“You’re both good kids, Asuka, Urbano, I’m happy, it’s like having little brothers.”
I want to watch over those two. Those were my true feelings, so they just came out, but maybe because of that, they both suddenly stopped moving.
“Little… brother…”
“A little brother!?”
Huh? Did they dislike that? Urbano looked shocked and depressed, and Asuka puffed up his cheeks. I’m older than them, so it’s not wrong. I wonder if they’d prefer being older brothers, because of their male pride? No, but they’re more like… younger brothers. I’m not going to say that, of course, but eh, why are they so depressed!?
Bewildered by their reactions, I looked at Schlie-san, and he… was laughing. Eh, why!?
“Fufu, sorry, fufu…! It seems like you two still… have a long way to go… fufu.”
He’s even clutching his stomach…! I’ve never seen him laugh this much. I don’t understand what’s so funny.
“Hmm, I’ll definitely… make her fall for me!”
“A younger brother, huh… I’ll work hard…”
So what’s wrong with that!? No one’s telling me, so I decided to sulk and eat my tonjiru. Whatever!
“Father-sama! We’re here!”
After diligently studying, and then practicing my magic control and listening to Urbano talk about Demon Castle, I came to the Demon Kingdom’s base with him. Seeing him properly greet Schlie-san when it was time for him to go back made this onee-san so happy!
I can’t help but feel like a guardian. I’m not going to tell him though! Because I don’t want him to sulk or look shocked or be laughed at, like at lunchtime. Am I the type to hold grudges?
“Ooh, Meg! I’ve been waiting! Urbano, did you have fun at the Ortus base?”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
But it seems like he’s still nervous around Father-sama. Maybe it’s because he’s a demon, one of the Demon King’s subordinates, so he’s in awe. His cheeks are slightly red. Ah, maybe he’s blushing because of my Demon King blood? That seems likely. There’s nothing that can be done, huh? I’ll try to be more mindful from now on.
I was led to the dinner table and sat in the chair next to Father-sama, who was at the edge of the table. Urbano’s next to me, and Kron-san’s across from me. She’s sitting! That’s unusual. Just as I was tilting my head, wondering what was going on, Father-sama said they decided to have dinner together while I’m here. I see.
I subtly grinned at how Licht was sitting next to Kron-san. Even Father-sama was grinning, so he’s doing it on purpose. Haa, I hope it works out! But I guess it’s up to Kron-san.
“Father-sama, I saw the Protective Barrier glow red today. You weren’t overdoing it, were you? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine! Ugh, my daughter’s the cutest in the world, and also the kindest…!”
“Meg-sama, that level of attack is less effective than an insect bite, it’s not even worth mentioning. I’m sure he could have handled more.”
“That’s harsh!? And why are you the one answering, Kron!?”
Ah, it looks like he’s fine. I’m relieved. And I know he’s fine, because there’s no way Kron-san would let him do anything reckless. She might be brutal, but I know she’s the one who cares about him most… though it’s true that she’s brutal.
“I’m glad you’re okay. The opening ceremony’s just around the corner! I’m getting nervous.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Meg. They’ll be handing out the tournament schedule tomorrow morning. You’ll probably be reviewing it in the afternoon.”
“I see, it’s finally…! I’ll make sure to go to bed early tomorrow.”
But there’s always the chance that I won’t be able to sleep because I’m too excited. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
“You’re always sleeping early, though.”
“Th-That’s true!”
Licht just had to tease me! Ugh, he always does this!
…He’s the same as ever. The usual Licht.
“…Hey, Licht. If something’s wrong… tell me, okay?”
“Eh?”
I want you to tell me if you’re struggling. My feelings from when we travelled together on the human continent, my desire to become family with you, haven’t changed. I want to listen to your troubles, and I want to help however I can.
But I’m sure you know that, right? Maybe you’re just being reserved because we don’t see each other very often. I can’t tell you about that future I saw, and that’s all I can say. I don’t even know if I can give you a proper answer if you do talk about it, but I want you to know that I care.
“Meg, I…”
“Licht.”
We stared at each other for a moment. And then Father-sama interrupted Licht, who’d started to speak. He stared at Licht and shook his head slightly. …Does Father-sama also know something? Licht faltered, and then immediately smiled and said this:
“I’ll tell you, definitely. So… could you wait a little longer?”
I see, so that’s all he can say right now. I’m a child who can understand. I gave a big smile and told him that I’ll be waiting. Urbano had a puzzled look on his face, but it’s okay, because I also don’t really understand. I laughed it off, and then we enjoyed our dinner, chatting about random things.
“Nnn, muu… morning?”
I slowly woke up, feeling the sunlight. I rubbed my eyes and mumbled, and then was startled awake by the response that shouldn’t have been there.
“You’re awake? Good morning, Meg.”
“G-Gil-san!”
When I looked, Gil-san was right beside me, smiling, still in the position we’d slept in! To think the first thing I see after waking up is a handsome man, what kind of reward is this? I’m blessed… today’s definitely going to be a good day.
“Have you… always been here?”
That’s right, Gil-san had returned to the Ortus base at around the same time as me, keeping his promise and coming back early. I got ready for bed and then slept with him, so I was surprised to see him still here.
“Yeah, because I finished all my work. I have nothing to do now.”
“B-But even so, won’t you get tired if you stay here the whole time…? Ah, did you sleep, Gil-san?”
I’m sure he hasn’t had time to sleep because he’s been busy, so I’d be relieved if he was able to rest, I asked that, and his response was a bombshell.
“A little. And the rest of the time, I was watching over you, Meg.”
“Eh, s-so the whole time…?”
“The whole time.”
H-H-H-How embarrassing!! So he’s saying he was staring at me while I was sleeping!? Well, it’s not like it’s unusual, but… to be stared at all night, what kind of embarrassing play is this!? He’s saying he slept a little, but it was only a little, right? I know!
My face is hot. This is the most embarrassment I’ve ever felt! My heart’s pounding, I can’t even speak. Gil-san had been chuckling, as if amused, but he then seemed to notice how flustered I was, because he quickly got out of bed and stood up.
“Ah… sorry. Well, you’re also at that age, huh.”
“Eh!”
I sat up and saw Gil-san covering his mouth with his arm, looking away. I was even more surprised because he said that in that state! His ears are red too.
“…I’ll be waiting outside.”
“Ah, okay…”
After seeing him off, I buried my face in the futon. I’ll get up, I’ll properly get up, but just… give me a minute!
Wh-Wh-Wh-What was that, what was that, what was that!? D-Did I just witness… an incredibly rare Gil-san!?
I put my hand over my heart. Wow, it’s beating so fast that I’m sure it’s going to burst out! What is this? My heart rate’s incredibly high because I saw a side of him that I’ve never seen before. And it’s his fault for being so handsome. That’s probably the biggest factor!
“That age, huh…”
But I’m still a child. I’m like… a first or second grader, if I was a human. No, but maybe girls those days are more mature? It is that age when you start to feel embarrassed about a lot of things, start to care about fashion, and start to talk about who’s cool and who you like.
Hmm? Come to think of it, maybe Gil-san and I are actually close? Physically. It’s not just Gil-san though, it’s also Dad, Schlie-san, and even Juma-nii. I’m incredibly affectionate, maybe as a reaction to my Megu life.
“Maybe I should… be mindful…”
I don’t mind, but maybe the others do. Gil-san has also kept his distance before, and it’s true that he’s not a blood relative, even though he’s like a father to me. We’re going to become a man and a woman, as I grow.
…What’s this? It makes me feel uncomfortable. Haa, I hate growing up. Because it would be sad if our skinship decreases.
I let out a huge sigh, crawled out of bed, and then finally got ready and changed. Ugh, this is awkward! It’s going to be awkward to see Gil-san now!