NOVEL NEXT Chapter 306 - A Mental Stabilizer
A Mental Stabilizer
“Wow, what a huge procession.”
When we returned to the Ortus base, Dad, who’d already returned, said this, looking exasperated. A procession… it’s true that it’s similar, considering the Demon King, who should be the one being protected, is being led by me, hand in hand.
“I walked here, hand in hand with Meg! Meg and I, holding hands!!”
“You’re annoying, Ash.”
Father-sama, who’d happily reported that, his face beaming, was bluntly cut down by Dad’s words. The chaos continues.
“U-Um! I think you should all go to your base at least once, Father-sama! You must be tired, right?”
I’m trying my best to salvage this situation. Aren’t I amazing? The only reason I brought them here is because the Demon Kingdom’s base is nearby, and it would be a nuisance if we all just stayed here. I’m also sure everyone’s tired because they just arrived here! …Sorry, the truth is that I want to escape from being the center of attention as soon as possible.
“You’re right. It’s getting late, let’s meet again tomorrow.”
“Oi, Ash, you have that tournament meeting tomorrow, don’t you?”
“Hmm? Th-Then when will I be able to spend time with Meg!?”
Everyone’s busy while we’re here. Father-sama especially, because he is the Demon King, and I’m sure he has the final checks for the tournament and all kinds of other work to do.
“You have that meeting early tomorrow morning. And then you’re inspecting the venue and checking the magic tools, and then…”
“W-Wait, Kron! Does that mean I’m going to be busy all day tomorrow!?”
“All day? That’s absurd. You’ll be busy until the tournament ends. I even brought those documents that were supposed to be handled at the castle, so you’ll be busy at night too.”
“This is brutal!?”
Heh~, that’s brutal! But I’m sure he really does have a mountain of things to do… I couldn’t help but to look at him with sympathy.
“You’re just reaping what you’ve sown. You wouldn’t have all this extra work if you’d properly handled your duties every day, Zahariash-sama.”
“Ugh.”
Ah, it’s self-inflicted. It can’t be helped, can it? Ah, but… maybe it’s because I told him to rest. I remember telling him to make sure he gets enough rest. I feel so guilty!
“Um! Then, how about… having dinner together? It wouldn’t take up that much time, and…!”
I suggested that as a small act of filial piety, but I wonder if he even has time for that? I glanced at Kron-san, and noticed Father-sama also staring at her. His gaze was full of expectation…! Kron-san, faltering, coughed and said,
“I understand. We’ll invite Meg-sama for dinner tomorrow. Eugene-sama, is that okay with you?”
“It’s fine with me, if that’s what Meg wants, but… are you sure?”
“Yes, it’ll improve Zahariash-sama’s work efficiency.”
Hah! So basically, having dinner with me is his incentive! If they dangle me before him, then Father-sama will probably…
“Thank you, Kron! I’ll finish all my work, without fail! Now then, let’s head for the base, everyone!”
The power of a daughter is incredible. Or rather, my power. Kron-san and Licht were exasperatedly holding their foreheads. Even Rune, Goot, and Ashley-san, who were still here, were staring at him, dumbfounded.
“He’s such a doting parent.”
Asuka said that, sounding impressed. Ah, yeah, that’s true. I’m sorry about him. But he’s capable when he tries, probably.
After saying goodbye to Rune, Goot, and the others, I returned to the tent with Asuka and Kei-san. We’d eaten dinner at the food stalls, so all that’s left is to go to sleep. Gil-san, who’s sharing a tent with me, isn’t back yet… I’ll go have a bath. I want to wait for him, but sleepiness, please, behave.
However, I always get sleepy after a bath. Yep, I already knew that. But it’ll be even later if I wait for Gil-san to return. Uu~, I’m definitely going to stay awake and wait!
These fluffy pajamas, with the bunny ears, feel so good, so soft and warm. Ran-chan does such good work… hah! That was close! I almost fell asleep! M-Maybe it’s best to just go to bed. But I slept on my own last night, and I’m a bit lonely. …Sleeping on my own should be normal, but am I more spoiled than I was before?
The silent room bothered me. It makes me realize that I’m alone. Well, I’m sure there are still some adults who are awake, and Asuka’s in the next tent, so I’m not really alone, but still.
My magic power fluctuated. Deep inside me. It was faint, but I could feel the signs of it going out of control. Ah, no, no, I can’t be negative. But, but…
“…Gil-saaan…”
I’m lonely. My emotions are so uncontrollable. This overflowing magic power really is no good. I’m not like those protagonists in stories who can freely use their power, who can save the world, who can help people, who have a special role to fulfill.
To me, magic power is just something that causes trouble, something that inconveniences everyone when it goes out of control, a hindrance—
“Meg!!”
I was startled by Gil-san’s voice, calling my name. And that made me realize that my thoughts were turning negative.
“Ah… Gil-san.”
I somehow managed to function, turning to face him, and Gil-san hugged me tightly. I let out a sigh, at that familiar warmth and scent. I feel so incredibly safe.
“Was my magic power leaking?”
I asked this, now that I was a bit calmer, and Gil-san shook his head. I see, so it wasn’t leaking. I was relieved to hear that. Because everyone’s nearby, and it would be incredibly troublesome and worrying if it was.
…Huh? But in that case, why did Gil-san rush over, looking so frantic?
“Gil-san, why did you come? My magic power wasn’t leaking.”
I asked this, slightly pulling away from him, looking up. “…You called out, didn’t you?” he said, faltering. I wonder what he means?
“…I did call out… but… you heard that!?”
It was just a small whisper!? He heard that? Ah, maybe he’d already returned? I’m sure he’d hear me if he was inside the tent. Maybe he was there, and I just didn’t notice. But Gil-san said that’s not the case. Huhhh?
“I stopped working and came straight here, because you called out to me.”
“Eh? Then you’re not done working yet…? And more importantly, I still don’t understand how you heard me!?”
I’m so confused. Maybe they’ve installed a listening device? Just as I was looking around, Gil-san burst out laughing. Eh? Did I say something funny?
“It’s nothing, I just… I can tell when you need help, Meg. I kind of just know.”
“Eh, really? Eh, why? And, what about your work?”
His answer’s not an answer at all! Just as I was asking all these questions, tilting my head, he suddenly picked me up. Wah! I was startled.
“You’re asking a lot of questions, aren’t you?”
He said that, smiling mischievously. That’s unfair! You handsome devil! You’re so handsome!!
“Geez, stop teasing and tell me!”
“My bad, my bad. My work, was it? It’s fine, I was almost done.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
We continued talking as we slowly walked towards the bedroom. He opened the door, gently placed me on the bed, and then tucked me in. Then used a purification spell on himself and lay down beside me. We’re sleeping together! Yay!
“Why did you call out to me, Meg?”
“Eh, um… well…”
I wanted to ask him how he was able to hear me, but I was the one being questioned instead. Why did I call out for help, huh? Well, it wasn’t really… help. Because, the reason I called out…
“…I was just… a bit lonely… I-I’m sorry.”
It’s even more embarrassing to say it out loud! What is this? Am I really this kind of character? Spoiled and selfish and helpless! Uwaah, he rushed back, and that’s my reason, he’s probably exasperated. He’s definitely staring at me, disappointed. Thinking this, I timidly looked up at him.
“…I see.”
“…………”
But it wasn’t what I’d expected. He wasn’t exasperated, he was staring at me with those gentle eyes, looking happy, and that made me speechless. Eh, is he happy?
“There’s no need to apologize. I’m… happy to be relied upon.”
“I-Is that so…”
What’s this? It’s strangely embarrassing. Maybe it’s because he has such a sweet expression? Or maybe it’s because I’m staring at his handsome face, at close range. Yep, that’s it, there’s no doubt about it.
But I see, he’s happy to be relied upon. That’s a relief… No, I’ll keep my selfishness in check!
“You were awake and waiting for me, weren’t you? You can rest now. I’ll make sure to get back earlier from now on.”
“Really…? But, what about your work…”
My eyelids were starting to feel heavy, because he was gently stroking my head.
“I’ll finish everything as quickly as possible. Don’t worry. And besides, I’ll be looking after the children the day after tomorrow.”
“I see… ehehe, thank… you.”
He really is my mental stabilizer. I feel safe just from him being by my side, and with his gentle words and touch, I don’t even feel my magic power stirring deep inside anymore.
My heart and body were now warm, and I quietly surrendered to sleep, no longer anxious.