Chapter 4
After sending Ceres-kun off, I went alone to greet the village.
That said, I lived here until just recently, so it was just a quick explanation of the situation... and a bit about Sector.
He was already disliked for not sharing his wealth with the neighbors despite having money, and when I added that he sold me off even though he was well-off, that sealed it.
Even if he comes back from the mines, it won’t just be ostracism—no one will even acknowledge him.
This is enough revenge against Sector.
If I’d ended up miserable, I might’ve hunted him down to kill him, but I’m happy now... so this is plenty.
◆◆◆
After finishing the greetings, we gathered at Misaki’s house to start drinking.
Sayo’s place would’ve worked too, but her husband’s so overbearing that he’d get in the way, so we chose here instead.
Misaki’s husband was considerate enough to head out with friends, it seems.
"Shizuko, it’s been a while."
"That must’ve been tough this time."
"Yeah, but, hehe, what came after made me so happy that it doesn’t feel like such a big deal."
"Amazing~ You remarried that Ceres-chan, right? I’m jealous!"
"Seducing someone like your own kid, Ceres-san—that’s bold!"
The one calling him "Ceres-chan" is Misaki.
She’s Maria’s mother, with long, dark purple hair, big breasts, and a full backside. She wears glasses, giving her a gentle, intellectual vibe, but when she snaps... hehe, her personality flips. She was in our old party as the "Black Mad Knight." A knight by class, she’s usually quiet and kind, but when she loses it, well, the "Mad" part says it all.
The one calling him "Ceres-san" is Sayo.
Mel’s mother, with long brown hair and sharp, almond-shaped eyes. She’s got big breasts and hips too, with a tear-shaped mole under her right eye. She’s serious and a bit soft-spoken, easily swayed. Also from our party, her title was "Tearful Ice Princess." A mage specializing in ice magic, her sad-looking eyes earned her that name... though it’s not like she’s actually always sad; she just has this perpetually unfortunate air about her.
That said, both of them hide their true selves under layers of charm, so no one really knows what they’re like deep down.
"Shizuko, what’re you muttering to yourself about?"
"Hehe, just talking to myself, Misaki."
"If you say so, fine, but Ceres-chan and you getting together? At our age, it’s hard to believe."
"Really? With Ceres-san’s personality, it’s normal. He’s always liked older women, even as a kid."
"Sayo~ I get that Ceres-chan seems into grown women—I’m not blind—but we’re practically the same age as his mom, Milna. Normally, common sense says that doesn’t turn into a romantic thing."
"You think? Ceres-san’s always been a gentleman. Even to an old lady like me, he’d bring grilled fish or roasted sweet potatoes—he was so kind. Compared to other grown men, even as a kid, he stood out. Sure, a five-year-old and a twenty-year-old can’t date, but I knew, ‘Oh, this boy likes me.’ I could tell that much."
"But that’s just a kid’s crush, right? Like ‘I love Mommy’—same thing."
"No, Misaki, that’s not it. Ceres-san’s feelings weren’t like that; he was serious. Of course, with the age gap, I couldn’t reciprocate. But because he liked me so earnestly, I thought, ‘It’d be cruel to treat him like a kid.’ So I called him ‘Ceres-san,’ treating him like a proper adult. I just call the other kids by their names."
"Oh, so that’s why you’ve always called him ‘Ceres-san’?"
"And you’re the same, Shizuko, right? The only one you ever added ‘-kun’ to was Ceres-san."
"Hehe, true, he was a special kid... But I didn’t see him as a man back then. I understood his feelings, but at the time, he was closer to my ideal son."
"Same here—if we’re talking ideal kids. He was way cuter than Maria, who never even says thank you, and he helped out so much."
Sayo’s face flushed as she turned to me.
"He’s definitely a great kid, Ceres-san... So, straight-up, how’s the bedroom stuff?"
"Sayo... Come on, we’re old ladies. A young guy like him wouldn’t be interested in bodies like ours."
Sure, that’s what most people would think. But it’s not true.
"Hehe, you might not believe it, but... he’s a beast. Won’t let me go until morning... I’m truly happy."
"""Really? (Gulp)"""
Both of them leaned forward, faces flushed.
Misaki’s fiddling with her glasses nervously.
"There’s no point in lying about something like this..."
"Shizuko~ You’re not trying to trick me, are you? Even for Ceres-san, that’s a stretch."
"Yeah... Even Ceres-chan couldn’t be that into it. My husband says I’m ‘not worth touching’ anymore."
"Exactly... Ceres-san obsessed with Shizuko’s body? Maybe ten years ago, but now? No way. Same as Misaki—my husband and I haven’t done anything in over a decade either. He says it’s gross when I try to hold his hand. If a thirty-something geezer won’t even bother, there’s no chance a fresh fifteen-year-old like Ceres-san would get excited."
It’s normal not to believe it—a beautiful young boy crazy about an older woman?
"Plus, if it were true, most people would keep Ceres-chan to themselves instead of blabbing."
"I’m not lying. I only mentioned it because of our old promise—‘One for all, and all for one.’ You don’t have to believe me. Even if I’m the only one living in bliss, I’ve reported it, so, hehe, you can’t complain, right?"
I tugged my collar aside, revealing the hickey Ceres-kun left.
Unlike before, they’re staring at it like their lives depend on it.
"Sayo, it looks real."
"Misaki, I can tell... Shizuko’s showing off a hickey on her neck like that."
"That’s why you’re wearing a collared shirt—to hide it."
"So what? Shizuko, are you bragging because you’re happy? Or mocking me because I’m miserable?"
Hehe, they’re hooked.
"Sayo... Shizuko’s not that kind of person. She knows I’d lose it if she tried..."
"Tonight, I sent Ceres-kun to sneak into Haruka’s place."
"Sneaking in?"
"You actually sent him? Why? Isn’t that house all happy and perfect?"
"You both know, don’t you? Kazuma-kun’s kind, but I don’t think he sees Haruka as a woman anymore."
"That might be true."
"Yeah, probably."
"But Ceres-kun really does see us as women. So, how about it—would you two leave your husbands?"
I spread my arms like I did back then, when I said, "Why don’t we form a party together?"
"Are you serious? If I left him... would that be okay?"
"If I left... could I hope to be loved as a woman again?"
"Yes, I’d love for you both to leave them and become Ceres-kun’s wives with me... What do you say?"
"This isn’t a joke or a lie, right? If it’s a lie, I... I don’t know what I’d do. I’d go wild."
"Ceres-san’s wife... It’s embarrassing but sounds fun... That stuff earlier wasn’t a lie, right? You can’t brush it off as a joke now."
"I’m not lying... But in return, if it’s true, ‘Will you come back as adventurers and lend a hand?’"
"""Sure."""
"Then I’ll show you proof later."
"It’s really not a lie, right?"
"Proof? What are you planning...?"
"Hehe, it’s a secret for now."
By dawn, hehe, you’ll see.
◆◆◆
In the end, Misaki and Sayo got so worked up about Ceres-kun that the drinking turned into a tea party.
All three of them—Misaki, Sayo, and even Haruka—stop drinking when it’s time for serious talk.
They seem laid-back, but they’re surprisingly grounded.
"Is Ceres-san really like that? Even if he is, I can’t imagine him loving me or Misaki too."
"Ceres-chan’s grown up now... If it’s true, I’d be happy and could accept it, even if it’s embarrassing... but I can’t believe it."
"Hehe, that hasn’t changed. His feelings from when he was little are still the same... He’s still an amazing, kind kid."
"But why us too? You and Haruka should be enough for him... Ceres-san didn’t say he wants a harem, right?"
"With Ceres-chan’s personality, I doubt he’d say that. Why’d you call us out, Shizuko? Don’t tell me it’s just because of that old oath."
"Well... I’m mad at my son. Because of what we said, Ceres-kun went along with those four. He took on all the housework and chores without a peep, even funding himself to keep up with them."
"""Really?"""
I told them what Zect and the others did to Ceres-kun.
Their eyes and faces shifted—hard.
Maybe it’s my imagination, but I swear I saw black mist rising behind them.
"So... Maria did that? I asked Ceres-chan to look after my daughter, and she made him suffer..."
"Oh my, Mel pulled that kind of stunt...? As her mother, I won’t take her life, but she needs punishment... What should I do with her?"
I know my best friends well. They’re furious.
With this, they’ll definitely go along with my plan.
"So, I thought about what to do. One idea is for us to marry Ceres-kun and leave the village. That way, those kids won’t have a place here anymore. If we’re gone, they won’t enjoy coming back, right?"
"Heh, true. If I’m not around, my husband’ll probably buy a slave to replace me. Maria won’t have a place here then."
"Same for me. Mel’s spot will definitely vanish."
"One punishment for Zect and them is losing their hometown. Even if they return as triumphant heroes, there’ll be no home for them. They’ll be shocked. Though, knowing that kid, he might not even care."
"Yeah, they might be surprised, but I doubt it’ll hit them hard."
"Same here."
Here’s the real kicker...
"Hehe, that’s not all. What if Ceres-kun, after being kicked out, turned out to be stronger and outshone the hero?"
"No way, you’re planning to let Ceres-chan shine... That’s it, huh?"
"Ceres-san outdoing the hero’s party? That’d crush their pride for sure... But can we pull it off? We’re past our prime."
"Hehe, getting cold feet, ‘Tearful Ice Princess’? Won’t you say, ‘Everything freezes before me’?"
"That was youthful bravado... I’m too embarrassed to say it now... But it sounds fun. I’m in."
"What about you, Misaki? Doesn’t the ‘Black Mad Knight’ fear anything? Slicing demons to ribbons?"
"Stop it!! That’s from my reckless youth too... But if it’s for Ceres-chan, I’m game."
"Then both of you ditch your ‘loveless homes’ and join me and Ceres-kun to make a party full of love. Sound good?"
"Got it... Ceres-chan will come propose properly, right?"
"Understood... Ceres-san will come for me, right?"
"Yep. Oh, it’s about time. Let’s go."
"""Where?"""
"Hehe, to show you the proof—I promised, didn’t I?"
◆◆◆
"This is your house, right, Shizuko?"
"Why’re we at Shizuko’s place this late? What’s up?"
"Shh, be quiet. No talking from here."
"""Okay."""
Good, good. There’s a pair of women’s shoes that aren’t mine—looks like things went well with Haruka.
"Really, really walk quietly..."
"Shizuko... no way."
"This is a bit creepy."
"Just come on... You won’t feel at ease until you see it with your own eyes. I’m opening the door... Oh, Ceres-kun and Haruka? Oh my!"
I eased the door open and locked eyes with the two sitting on the bed.
Huh? I figured they’d still be tangled up, sleeping sweetly together by now. Too bad.
"Welcome back, Shizuko-san. And hello, Sayo-san, Misaki-san!"
"Hey, Ceres, it went just like I said, right?"
"But I didn’t think you’d actually show up."
"Why’re you awake!?"
"Shizuko, we were in the same party. I can read you that much."
"True, the fearsome instincts of the ‘Smiling Slasher’ are still sharp."
"No... You know I hate that title."
"Slasher... Nee-san?"
"Ceres! It’s not like that—it’s a misunderstanding!"
"Shizuko, we were having a nice time, so don’t ruin it. Ceres-san’s a man now... Yep, I’m relieved."
"If Haruka works, then I’m definitely in the running... Ceres-chan’s grown up, and I’m happy."
"Sorry to interrupt your suspicions, but... we’re done with that stuff. Ceres and I were just tidying up. Too bad."
"Oh? What’s ‘that stuff,’ Haruka? Tell me."
"Well..."
"Misaki, Sayo, cut it out. So, Ceres-kun, you and Haruka tied the knot successfully, right?"
"...Sorry."
"I’m not mad—I set it up, after all. Congrats. So, Ceres-kun, this is sudden, but could you take Sayo and Misaki too?"
"Hey, Ceres, it went just like I said, huh?"
"Shizuko-san, Nee-san... Sayo-san, Misaki-san... My head’s spinning. I’m happy, sure, but can you explain this in detail?"
"The night’s long—I’ll fill you in."
I started telling Ceres-kun about my plan.
◆◆◆
I heard everything from Shizuko-san.
I’m in a bind...
I don’t hate Zect and the others that much.
Sure, getting kicked out of the party pissed me off, but it felt more like ‘freedom.’
A weight off my shoulders—that’s all I thought about it.
Being with them was physically exhausting and frustrating at times.
But that’s it. Revenge never crossed my mind.
This world doesn’t have labor laws, after all...
If I aimed to be a merchant here, it’d be just as grueling. Apprenticeships for craftsmen pay poorly and are harsh. Cooks learn through yelling and hard knocks.
That’s the kind of world this is—Zect and them weren’t a big deal by comparison.
To begin with, I didn’t like Maria, Rida, or Mel romantically.
Could I sleep with them?
If you asked... I probably couldn’t.
My love for them isn’t romantic or spousal—it’s more like friendship or family.
My role was, ‘I was asked to babysit, so I did. The kids I was watching said they didn’t need me anymore, so I quit.’
That’s all.
Outsiders might pity me, but that’s the truth inside.
"Shizuko-san, I’m really touched by your feelings, but you don’t have to go that far."
"Ceres-kun, aren’t you upset?"
"Sure, a little, but not enough to get revenge."
"You’re kind, Ceres-kun, and I’m glad you say that, but what Zect did was wrong. Think about it."
The more I think, the less I care.
No, actually, being in the hero’s party got me the right to multiple marriages, so it wasn’t all bad.
"I thought it over... I don’t really—no, I barely—hold a grudge."
"Ceres, you don’t have to hold back."
"Ceres-san, are you really not just being polite?"
"Ceres-chan... Is that really okay?"
"But don’t you get it? My type’s women are Shizuko-san, Nee-san, Misaki-san, and Sayo-san—warm, kind, and beautiful. None of them fit that."
"""Ceres(-kun)(-san)(-chan)!"""
"At most, I was overworked and kicked out—that’s it. In hindsight, I’ve already gotten my reward. Without Zect’s party, I wouldn’t have the ‘multiple marriage’ privilege. I couldn’t marry not just Shizuko-san but all of you. When I think of it that way, I can’t stay mad."
"""Ceres(-kun)(-san)(-chan)!"""
"Sure, there were rough patches, but they led to this happiness. Isn’t that enough?"
That should settle it, right?
"You’re so kind, Ceres-kun, but... bad kids need discipline too."
"Ceres, even if you forgive them, I can’t forgive Rida."
Why not?
"Ceres-san, what Mel did was despicable... As her mother, I can’t let it slide."
"Ceres-chan, you can’t just forgive them."
No good... Even if I forgive them, these four won’t.
Guess I’ve got no choice.
"If you insist, I’ll give them some punishment, but going that far feels excessive. Let me think it over."
If I just stayed out of it, that’d be fine—or so I thought. But they won’t let it end there.
I’ll have to come up with something good.
For now, we shelved that discussion and decided to settle things with Misaki-san and Sayo-san first.
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