Chapter 54: I'm home
"...So, I remember that my husband had undertaken a dangerous mission of infiltrating Esperanza Fortress alone."
"That's right, Celestina. It was a difficult and perilous mission..."
With a refreshing smile, I respond, filled with the joy of a safe reunion.
"Hmm... So, who is that woman clinging to your husband?"
...Uh-oh, I can't really deceive her. Sonia, why are you suddenly clinging to me?
"Milord... That's not important. The robe that woman is wearing... I was targeting it..."
Chloe seems to be frustrated as she lets out a groan. Wait, she was actually targeting it... for real?
"W-Well, Chloe, I can buy you something else if you want. And if you wanted it, you should have just said so, no need to hold back."
"I refuse! I wanted that one... So, give me the underwear you're currently wearing!!"
Chloe... is she a scent fetishist?
"What are you saying!? No, underwear is out of the question! I'll give you a regular shirt, so just bear with it."
"Really? Hehehe, it's worth a shot."
Chloe becomes quite cheerful, smiling brightly.
"Um, my lord? Um, is there something for me too?"
Celestina, who had been giving me icy glares earlier, now looks cute. But I still don't have that many clothes, to be honest.
"I'm sorry, Celestina. All I have left is my pajamas..."
"What!? Th-That's fine! No, that's great, my lord. Come on, quickly! Demand the exchange now! Hehehe."
Why am I getting so excited? It's getting a bit weird, isn't it?
Oh well, I take out my pajamas from my backpack and hand them to Celestina. Seriously, what am I even doing?
Chloe is silently tugging at my sleeve.
(I know, Chloe... Don't worry.)
I hand Chloe the shirt without saying anything.
"My lord, it's not that we can't have more people, but I believe everyone should be treated equally."
Silphy and Sara extend their hands. Oh no, I don't have anything else to give anymore.
"Darling, I desire a shirt stained with your blood!"
Eva, you're scary?!
"Kakeru-kun... I apologize for interrupting, but wouldn't it be better to introduce the demon girl to everyone before we reach Primera?"
Katarina, you're right. As expected of an older sister, always practical...
"...I'm fine with Kakeru's sheets!"
Katarina, those belong to Carlos' house... Please, don't give me that sweet smile.
"Hahaha, Kakeru, you must be in quite a situation! How about treating me to a delicious meal?"
Cecilia... She seems so kind even though she's pretty normal. I got that (Extreme) Cooking Skill, so I'll make you a delicious meal!
"...Prince, you haven't forgotten about me, have you?"
"Sakura, of course not. I could never forget you. In fact, I can't forget you."
"Hehehe, don't worry, Prince. I never intended to receive anything."
Oh, Sakura looks like an angel. When she says that, my heart melts and I want to give her anything she wants.
"I want the prince's child! Our child, so I'm sure it will be a twin boy and girl with black hair~"
"W-Well, eventually, maybe..."
I want to point out the twin part, but looking at Sakura's happy expression, I can't say anything.
"Hehe, Sakura! I've already reserved five children from the Prince (in my mind). We can't compete with the prolific beastfolk, you know."
"Kuh, quality over quantity, Chloe..."
...I have no idea about these reservations... And wait, Chloe, aren't you supposed to be my little sister? Well, it's all just part of the setting, so I guess it's fine.
"For now, I'd like to give something to Sakura too, so keep that in mind."
"Oh, Prince... What are you planning to do by letting your affection run wild? Very well, I will—"
"Sakura, we should be leaving soon. My lord, until we meet again in Primera."
"Prince, take care! And whenever you feel like it, please summon me, Sakura~"
Sakura and Celestina depart, leading the knights. Esperanza Fortress is now guarded by Vice-Captain Leon.
Since I have the Earth Dragon and Cyclops acting as summoned creatures, I believe they'll be fine.
Well, regardless of anything, it's not fair to leave out those who didn't receive anything. I promised to make it up to them later. As for how this situation developed in the first place, I'll just decide not to think about it. Fun things don't need reasons, after all.
Now then, on the way back, since we couldn't obtain a flying-type monster, we'll have to rely on Flugel's performance.
Flugel can hold five people, but Mizuha solidified water to create extra seats, allowing for fifteen people to ride. It's like having a private jet.
It takes half a day by horse to reach Primera, but with Flugel, it'll only take about thirty minutes.
Unlike the rushed journey here, there's no need to hurry now. I leisurely enjoy the aerial view, and Sonia, who seems to be experiencing her first flight, is quite delighted.
If there's one miscalculation, it's that we caught up to Alfred-sama just before arriving in Primera.
Though he found it ridiculous, I was able to quickly convey the success of our plan. So, all's well that ends well.
Once we reach Primera, we head straight to the guild.
As we enter the guild, everyone inside stands up, eagerly awaiting our news. Of course, no one knows the outcome yet.
"Everyone!! We did it! We've reclaimed Esperanza Fortress! The knight order, including the commander, is safe."
Prompted by everyone, I announce the results in a loud voice.
After a moment of silence, the guild erupts into cheers, as if the air itself had exploded.
In the midst of the cheers, Claudia rushes out from behind the reception counter and embraces me.
"I'm so relieved you're safe... Both you and Celestina... Thank you, Lord Kakeru... Thank you."
Claudia is in tears, hugging me tightly. I hold her firmly as if to conceal her. It must have been tough waiting. In difficult times, the mind tends to gravitate towards the worst outcomes. Honestly, it was a close call.
But everyone returned safely. To Primera. So...
"...I'm back, Claudia."
I say it casually.
"...Welcome home, Lord Kakeru."
She responds as if it's no big deal.
"...Welcome back, Lord Kakeru."
And the welcome home is completed.
Oh... I forgot to explain about Sonia to everyone!