GalaxyTL
“So, why were you two arguing?”
When Ludo-sensei asked, the girl clapped her hands as if to say, “Right!” and began explaining.
“Our mom and dad work at Annulus… and we came to deliver something they forgot. But Goot… he left what they forgot at the entrance before we left…”
“Wh-Rune said she was going to bring it! She’s the one who forgot it!”
“What! I told you when we were leaving! That I’d leave it here!”
“You didn’t explain it properly!”
Hmm, I see. So basically, they came to deliver something that was forgotten, but then forgot that item at home. And they’re blaming each other for it. But I totally understand forgetting something at the entrance. I often did that… Since coming here, that hasn’t happened because everything’s in my storage bracelet. It’s so convenient, I might become useless.
“Alright, alright, I understand the situation. But you shouldn’t be fighting here. If you forgot it, you can just go get it. Or do you want to go inside the guild first?”
Ludo-sensei, soothing them, said that we were also planning on having lunch at the Annulus guild. As expected, he’s amazing. Because his tone is so gentle, he’s able to give instructions without upsetting them. And he’s giving them the decision-making power. They’re much more willing to listen when they’re not being told what to do. The way you convey something is important. I’m learning so much!
“Y-Yeah… Alright, let’s split up! Goot, you go get what we forgot! I’ll show these people around Annulus!”
“Wh-Why!? I’ll give the tour, Rune, you go get it!”
Oh, no, is this going to turn into another fight!? As I was panicking, wondering what to do, the girl unexpectedly said, “Well, whatever…” Hmm? Is she giving in?
“But… are you sure? Goot, look at that girl.”
“Eh…? Ah… u…!”
The girl said this, and then turned the boy’s head so he was facing me. And then our eyes met. I smiled reflexively, and then… he froze again. Huhhh? Could it be he’s embarrassed because I’m sparkly? I was also like that with Schlie-san, at first. It feels nostalgic. But it’s okay, you get used to good-looking people. …No, maybe not. They’re always beautiful.
“See? How are you going to give a tour like that? If you don’t want to embarrass yourself, go already!”
Maybe because the girl’s words were convincing, the boy reluctantly agreed and started trudging away from Annulus. There was an aura of gloom around him. I felt sorry for him, so I called out,
“Um… Goot… -kun? We’ll wait for you, so… won’t you eat lunch with us? Um… and Rune-chan too…”
The two of them, hearing me say that, made the same surprised expression. I wonder what’s wrong, was it annoying? Because, well… I want to be friends with kids my own age!
“A-A-A-A-A-Are you sure!?”
“Eh? Yeah, I want to get to know you two. I don’t… really have any friends my own age…”
Though the ones I did have have all surpassed me in age! That’s why I cherish these encounters.
“…I’ll be back in a flash.”
Goot-kun suddenly said that, and then started running. Transforming into a cream-colored, dog-like beast. Eh, so fast!? I was stunned, and then Ludo-sensei and Rune-chan started laughing. Eh, why!? I don’t get it!
“Um, so we’re eating lunch together… right?”
I asked Rune-chan because I wasn’t sure, and she cheerfully replied, “Of course!” Phew, thank goodness.
“I also… wanted to get to know you! So I’m happy!”
Rune-chan, her cream-colored twintails swaying as she smiled, was so cute, my heart skipped a beat! I’m also happy! I held out my hand to introduce myself.
“I’m Meg. Nice to meet you.”
“Meg, huh. Nice to meet you! You can call Goot and me by our names, you know.”
We chuckled and shook hands vigorously. Ow, you’re a bit strong!
“That’s the guild’s restaurant over there. It turns into a bar at night.”
Rune was showing me around Annulus, still holding my hand. Ludo-sensei was following behind with a gentle smile. He’s completely in guardian mode. Even though he’s also the guardian!
“Oh, Rune, who’s that incredibly cute girl?”
“Where’s Goot?”
“Oh, what’s going on, what’s going on?”
As we were walking, the people in Annulus kept calling out to us. It seems Rune and Goot are well known here. It’s the same as when I’m in Ortus. Everyone’s friendly.
“Um… I’m Meg, from Ortus! Nice to meet you…”
I was being stared at, so I bravely introduced myself, and ended up attracting even more attention. I instinctively clung to Ludo-sensei’s white coat. He patted my head reassuringly. Phew, I feel a bit better.
“That’s the elf girl from the rumors! The Demon King’s daughter!”
“Wow, she’s incredibly cute! Like a hundred thousand times cuter than I’d imagined!!”
And then everyone started cheering. Wh-Why!? As I clung to him, peeking up, Ludo-sensei, noticing that, explained.
“On this continent, everyone knows that the Demon King’s daughter is in Ortus. Children aren’t normally allowed to join guilds, so when you said you were from Ortus, it clicked for everyone.”
“Eh, should I not… have said it?”
I honestly introduced myself, but if everyone knows I’m the Demon King’s daughter… won’t it cause problems? I panicked, but Ludo-sensei shook his head, laughing.
“That’s not true. It’s good that you properly introduced yourself. And saying you’re from Ortus is also a deterrent.”
I was relieved when he said that. I panicked, thinking I might have messed up. Whew.
“Meg, you’re… so amazing…”
Rune, however, was staring at me in complete surprise. No, it’s my parents who are amazing, not me! My bloodline might be impressive, but I’m… lacking in other ways. Sniff.
“Ah, but won’t you be targeted by weirdos!? It’s dangerous being in such a public place! Meg, you’re still a child, you know!”
Rune then said this in a worried whisper. Th-That’s true. I might not have been aware of the danger. Uu, time to reflect. As I was looking dejected, Ludo-sensei made an unexpected statement.
“We’re not letting her stay at Ortus just because she’s the Demon King’s daughter. She was under our protection at first… but Meg’s a capable member of Ortus now.”
“Eh, c-capable…? That’s amazing.”
Those words made the people around us murmur, but I was the most surprised. I do think I’ve improved with magic, but I don’t have any real-world experience, and I’m still far from being a “capable” member of Ortus! So that’s an exaggeration. I tugged on Ludo-sensei’s pants to protest.
“If you think I’m lying, try attacking Meg. Well, I’ll retaliate before you can even do anything, though.”
“Isn’t that pointless!?”
Rune was the first to retort at those words, which he said with a smile. No, she’s right. Ah, but in that case… I might actually be the strongest, if my guardians are protecting me. Though I won’t call that my own strength!
“I-I’m back… haa~, haa~.”
Goot-kun came back just then. I could tell he’d rushed over, seeing him out of breath. It wasn’t necessary to hurry that much!
“Amazing, Goot. Isn’t that a new record? You can do it if you try!”
“Shut up. Geez. This much… haa~… is nothing!”
A new record… So he was faster than usual. But it’s kind of cute how he’s trying to act tough. I won’t tell him he’s cute though, because he’s a boy.
“Oh my, coming here after hearing things, you’re with Goot and Rune.”
“”Dad!””
A tall man came from the back of the reception desk and called out to us. I see, so this is their father.
He’s in human form, so I don’t know what kind of demi-human he is, but his cream-colored hair’s the same. Their faces don’t… resemble much, so maybe they look like their mother? The twins have cute features, but he has a different vibe. If their hair color wasn’t the same, I’d doubt they were even related.
In other words! Their father has a very sharp gaze and an intimidating face! Wow, that presence.
“It’s been a while, Diega. I can’t believe you have children now, and didn’t even tell me. How cold.”
“Oh, Ludovic! It’s been a long time! We’ve been busy, I completely forgot to tell you.”
Hmm? They seem to know each other. They’re very friendly. “A while,” he says… but it’s been long enough for the twins to grow this old, so it’s been quite a while. Well, it’s probably a demi-human thing. I still can’t get used to it.
The two of them, happy to be reunited, were shaking hands and talking.
“I heard that the Demon King’s daughter was here. So that’s her?”
“Yeah. This is Meg. We were planning on going to greet you after lunch, but… since you’re here, this is perfect. Meg, let me introduce you.”
It seems the topic had shifted to me. I stepped forward to greet him.
“This intimidating person is Diega, their father, and…”
“Hold on, let me introduce myself, Ludovic. Nice to meet you, Meg. I’m Diega, the Head of Annulus. It’s an honor to meet you, daughter of the Demon King.”
“E-Ehh!? You’re the head of Annulus!? The person in charge!?”
I was so incredibly surprised by his introduction that I exclaimed before I could even greet him. I did shake his hand, but I feel so pathetic! But it can’t be helped, I wasn’t expecting to meet the head right away. Seeing Rune grinning, as if her prank was successful, from the corner of my eye, I felt frustrated. Gnnnuuu.