Prologue ◆ Being spoiled by Ceres-kun
I, Ceres, have memories of my previous life.
That’s why I know. Probably the most thankless job in this world is being a Hero.
I mean, isn’t it obvious?
Unlike other professions, a Hero can’t change jobs.
You’re fated to fight until you either defeat the Demon King or can no longer fight.
And that’s not all.
It gets even more miserable as time goes on.
To reach the Demon King’s castle, you have to enter the Demon Nation, the territory of the demon race.
In that land, the Demon King is justice, and the Hero is evil.
No one will give a Hero food or supplies. So, what’s left to do is obvious.
Robbery, plundering, and killing demons.
Even if they’re demons, you live like a criminal, killing and stealing.
In that gray existence—neither good nor evil, with no escape from the fighting—the path leads to a final showdown with the Demon King. The odds of winning? Fifty-fifty.
There’s no sadder life than that.
I never wanted to be involved in such a life.
But I owe the people of my village.
After losing my father, my mother and I struggled to survive. The people of Jimna Village helped us.
And after my mother passed, it was the people of Jimna Village who took me in and cared for me.
Sectol, who went mad with money after his son became a Hero… back when I was a kid, he was like a rough-around-the-edges dad, teaching me bad habits like womanizing and gambling.
Shizuko-san, my first love, who felt like a mother to me.
Kazuma, who was like an older brother.
Haruka, who was like an older sister.
Shoot, who wasn’t great with people but taught me how to study.
Misaki-san, who was as kind as a mother.
Kaito, who was like a stubborn old man.
Sayo-san, who showered me with maternal love.
And Village Chief Najim, who doted on me like a grandfather.
When those people said, “Please take care of our son, our daughter,” I couldn’t run away.
Even though I’m not one of the Chosen Four, I have to fight the Demon King.
The more I trained as a Magic Warrior, the more despair I felt.
Right now, I’m probably pretty strong. I trained my body to the brink of death every day, hunting big game relentlessly… At the moment I parted ways with them, I might’ve been stronger than Zect. Maybe even strong enough to hold my own against all four of them combined.
But that’s probably my limit.
To put it simply, I’m the kind of talent who studies sixteen hours a day to get into the top university.
They, on the other hand, are geniuses who can breeze into that same university with minimal effort.
Sure, the way it happened wasn’t exactly praiseworthy, but I was relieved to be expelled.
That’s why I…
“When we meet again, let’s talk with smiles… Thanks for everything. All four of you, live happily!”
Those were the words I left them with.
If I ever meet Zect and the others again, it’ll be after the battle with the Demon King.
If they’re dead or broken beyond recovery by then, we won’t be able to laugh together.
Even if our paths diverge… I don’t want them to end up unhappy.
“I want to talk with them, laughing, after they’ve defeated the Demon King.”
That’s all I want.
◆◆◆
“Ceres-kun, you’ve got a awfully serious look on your face.”
Shizuko-san was gazing at me with concern.
I didn’t want to worry Shizuko-san and the others, so I decided to stop thinking about Zect and the others for now.
“Really? It’s nothing like that. I was just thinking that once we reach the next town and complete the paperwork, I’ll be able to officially make all three of you my wives. I’m getting a bit nervous, that’s all.”
I brushed it off with that excuse.
“Ceres, you’re not the type to get nervous over something like that, are you?” Harukanee-san teased, giving my back a light pat as usual.
“Speaking of which, we’re going to be Ceres-san’s official wives, aren’t we?” Sayo-san said, her eyes sparkling as she looked at me.
“I can’t believe I’m going to be Ceres-chan’s wife,” Misaki-san said, stepping in front of me to peer into my face.
“The one who can’t believe it is me… To think I’d get to marry the four women I’ve always loved.”
*“Go back to the village quietly, live a relaxed rural life while continuing as an adventurer, or find some weaker party to join.”*
Zect, you said that to mock me, but that life sounds way more fun to me than being in the Hero’s party. Well, I’m heading to the capital, though.
*“You guys can go save the world or whatever.”*
That’s what I told them, right?
Work hard, get stronger, and save the world. That’s the only path you have.
If you manage to defeat the Demon King, I’ll surprise you by showing up as your “father-in-law.”
◆◆◆
The moment we arrived in the capital, we stopped at a café to rest. “Have another drink and relax,” Ceres-kun said before slipping out. Next thing I knew, he’d rented a place for the five of us to live.
And it’s absolutely incredible.
It’s not just any room—it’s like something a noble would live in.
There are three huge beds, a luxurious white table with six chairs, and a fluffy carpet.
For us, who came from a village, it feels almost too extravagant.
“My, what a lovely room,” Misaki said, trying to act composed, but her face was flushed.
Haruka was practically giddy. “Let’s push the beds together! Misaki, grab that side!” she said, and the two of them started moving the beds.
Pushing *all* the beds together? That’s a bit too obvious.
“There, our love nest for five is complete!” Misaki said. That phrasing… way too blatant.
“Well, it’s getting late. Shall we take turns bathing and head to bed?”
“Ceres-kun, it’s been a while since we’ve had a break from all this traveling. I… I want you,” Shizuko-san said.
“Shizuko-san…”
“Hey, are you two slipping into your own little world already?”
Haruka, at the center of the group, started grumbling along with the other two, looking at me and Ceres-kun.
“Wait a second! Shizuko and Haruka have already had their proper moments with Ceres-san, haven’t they? Misaki and I haven’t yet… That’s not fair!”
“Ceres-chan, don’t you think so too?”
“Uh, well…”
“She’s right. We should keep things equal,” Shizuko-san said. “Haruka, we should step back here.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Alright, Shizuko and I will make ourselves scarce for a couple of days. Sayo, Misaki… Ceres, you better do your best!”
Sayo and Misaki nodded, their faces turning red.
It’s a bit lonely to be away from Ceres-kun, but we made a promise: *“One for four, and four for one.”* No helping it.
◆◆◆
“I’m first. Ceres-san, I’m counting on you.”
I’ve never been so serious about rock-paper-scissors in my life.
Misaki, who lost, left looking frustrated. She’s probably off to join Shizuko and the others for a drink.
But never mind that—Ceres-san is what matters now.
“Sayo-san… Shall we take a shower together?”
It’s my first night with Ceres-san, and I want to make it special.
What should I do…
I glanced out the window and saw the moon shining beautifully. That’s it…
“Ceres-san… Want to take a stroll in the sky?”
“A stroll in the sky?”
“Yes, look, Ceres-san. The moon is so beautiful tonight. *‘Yuuho’*!”
“Wait, Sayo-san… You’re floating!”
“Ceres-san, I’m a mage, so I can manage this much. Come on, let’s take a walk in the night sky.”
“That’s amazing! My *‘Sky Step’* skill isn’t nearly this stable!”
I held Ceres-san’s hand, and we floated gently through the night sky.
“Ceres-san, *Yuuho* can fly high and is stable, but it’s slow, so it’s not useful in combat… Still, it’s nice for enjoying moments like this together, don’t you think?”
“It’s incredible! Even Meru, the Sage, can’t float like this!”
“It’s more about balance than power, so it’s hard to master…”
“Then that makes you even more amazing, Sayo-san.”
“Amazing? Thank you… But until recently, I’d lost all confidence as a woman. I raised Meru, lived half my life, and thought the rest would just be spent following that person until I died. I told myself I had nowhere else to go, so I had no choice.”
“Sayo-san…”
“When Shizuko told me about you, I thought, *‘Finally, I can be free from that person.’* If we don’t need each other, it’s better to part ways. And now, there’s you, Ceres-san, who needs me as a woman… You won’t abandon me, right?”
“Never. I’d never do that.”
“That’s… such a relief. Oh, we’re here.”
“A lake? A forest?”
A place with a forest and a lake… This is where I wanted to come.
“Yes, the moonlight is beautiful. Places like this feel so mystical, don’t they?”
We gently descended to the ground together.
“Sayo-san? Why did you bring us here?”
“Ceres-san, I love places like this… The lake and forest, illuminated by moonlight, are so beautiful and mysterious, don’t you think?”
“They really are. Not as beautiful as you, though, Sayo-san.”
“Hehe… You’ve said you’ve liked me since we were kids, but what exactly do you like about me? Can you tell me?”
“You’re kind, beautiful, an amazing cook… Everything.”
“Thank you… *Magic Barrier*! Now no one will interrupt us… Ceres-san.”
“Sayo-san…”
Ceres-san gazed at me.
He slid my clothes aside and touched my chest.
His hands, treating my body like a precious treasure, felt so good.
I glanced down and noticed his pants were bulging.
“Ceres-san, this looks like it’s struggling.”
Knowing he got like this because of me made it feel so precious.
I pulled down his pants and took his penis into my mouth.
Ceres-san’s expression turned to one of longing.
“Sayo-san… I…”
As I took him deeper, he grew even larger, and Ceres-san sank to the ground.
“Ceres-san, does it feel good?” I asked, still holding him in my mouth.
“It feels amazing… I want to…”
He shifted positions and buried his face in my lower body.
“Ceres-san, you don’t have to do that…”
It’s fine to do it to him, but having it done to me is so embarrassing.
“I want to do this for you.”
His earnest gaze and the sensation of his tongue sent shivers through me.
It felt so good.
I sucked on him even harder.
“I… I want you, Ceres-san… Come to me.”
He entered me.
“Sayo-san…”
“Ceres-san… Hah, hah…”
We moved together, consumed by each other.
◆◆◆
Before I knew it, it was dawn.
I must’ve fallen asleep in Ceres-san’s arms.
When I opened my eyes, his face was right beside mine.
“Now that I think about it, you haven’t properly confessed to me, Ceres-san.”
The words slipped out.
I know how he feels, but I want to hear it clearly.
“I love you. Please stay with me forever.”
“Yes.”
We only have a little time left together…
“Ceres-san, I’m out of magic power. Let’s walk back.”
“No helping it, then.”
As he took my hand, I felt an overwhelming love for him.
◆◆◆
“Ceres-chan, welcome back!”
“Misaki, don’t tell me you’ve been awake this whole time?”
When we returned to the room, Misaki-san was waiting, dark circles under her eyes.
“Y-Yeah, I couldn’t sleep…”
“Good morning, Misaki-san. By the way, Shizuko-san and Nee-san haven’t come back yet?”
“They took another inn since today is reserved for me and Sayo.”
“Is that so?”
“That’s right! So now it’s my turn! Ceres-chan, let’s go!”
“Wait, Misaki, right now?”
“Sayo?”
“I had Ceres-san to myself from night till morning. If we’re keeping things equal, you should get the same, right?”
“So what should I do?”
“If you take the day, you get him until night. If you take the night, you get him until morning. That’s only fair.”
“You’re right… Ceres-chan, get some rest now, and we’ll meet again tonight.”
“Yawn… Alright, I’m gonna sleep.”
“Ceres-chan, come here tonight, okay?”
“Got it.”
I’m exhausted… Time to sleep.
◆◆◆
“Ceres-chan, did I keep you waiting?”
“Not at all. But are you sure about this place?”
It’s no wonder Ceres-chan looks confused.
This is an abandoned church on the outskirts of the capital, now just a ruin.
“Yes, this is perfect. Let’s go inside.”
“Okay…”
I was in high spirits, pulling Ceres-chan’s hand, and he looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Wait here a sec.”
Without waiting for his reply, I slipped into a small room in the church.
*I hope Ceres-chan doesn’t get weirded out!* I thought as I quickly changed into the dress I’d prepared.
“Ceres-chan, what do you think?”
I twirled in front of him.
None of us other three have shown Ceres-chan our dresses yet.
I know I’m getting old, but I was sure Ceres-chan would call me “beautiful.”
I never had a wedding with my previous husband, Shoot.
He had no interest in such things and just sent a letter to the village chief to make it official.
That’s why I really wanted to wear a dress, so I bought one during the day.
“Misaki-san… You’re stunning.”
“Hehe, I knew you’d say that, Ceres-chan.”
It’s always been like that, hasn’t it? Those eyes…
They haven’t changed since you were a kid.
Whether I was working at the shop or we were cleaning together, you’d look at me and say you liked me.
That’s why I wanted to wear this dress for you.
“Hehe, thank you.”
“But, ugh, I’m sorry! If I’d known, I would’ve bought a necklace as a betrothal gift.”
“That’s okay. It was my surprise, after all. But…”
Ceres-chan knelt before me and extended his right hand.
“Misaki-san, I’ve loved you since I was a kid! Please marry me!”
Ceres-chan always gives me the words I want to hear.
“Yes… Here!”
I gently took his hand, then pulled him toward me with a tug.
“Misaki-san…”
He ended up pinning me down.
“Want to touch? You were always staring at my chest when you were little, weren’t you?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course. Here.”
I pulled down the top of my dress, letting my chest spill out. It was a little embarrassing.
“Misaki…san…”
Ceres-chan reached out and gently touched my chest.
“Your nose is practically stretching… Can you not look at my face? It’s embarrassing.”
“Misaki-san… You’re beautiful.”
He kept kneading my chest, not looking away.
It’s so embarrassing, but… fine.
“Mmm, hah, hah!”
I pulled him close and kissed him.
This way, he can’t see my face.
I’m so embarrassed, but… my body feels like it’s on fire.
So this is what it means to feel ignited.
I could never have imagined this in my previous marriage.
“Ceres-chan, now it’s my turn to please you.”
I stepped back, shed my dress completely, and stood in nothing but my skin.
“Misaki-san… I…”
“No need to rush. Lie down, and I’ll make you feel good.”
“Hah, hah… Okay.”
I was ready, so I straddled him.
“Ugh… It’s tight.”
I thought I was prepared, but it’s been so long it feels intense.
“Misaki-san, are you okay?”
“Yes… It’s just been a while… But I’m fine now. Hah, hah, look, it’s in. I’m going to move now.”
I started moving my hips slowly.
Once I got going, I couldn’t stop, and the tightness faded.
It felt so good.
“Misaki-san, it feels amazing…”
“Good… Then…”
While moving my hips, I slid my tongue into his mouth for a hungry kiss.
“Mmm, hah, hah!”
“Misaki-san… I… hah, hah…”
When our lips parted, a thread of saliva stretched between us.
The only sound was our bodies meeting.
“Ah… ah, hah, Ceres-chan, I love you! I love you so much!”
“I love you too… But, Misaki-san, I…”
“It’s okay… Just like this.”
It’s incredible. I’ve never wanted or been wanted like this before.
◆◆◆
“Misaki-san, I can’t anymore…”
“Me neither… Ceres-chan…”
I don’t know how much time passed, but the birds chirping outside mean it’s definitely morning.
We spent the whole night consumed by each other.
“Will people come here?”
“It’s fine! No one comes to a ruined church like this. Can we stay like this a bit longer?”
“Of course.”
Right now, I’m resting in Ceres-chan’s arms.
“Hey, Ceres-chan… There’s something I want.”
“Sure, I’ll buy it for you.”
I haven’t even said what it is yet…
“I want a sword.”
“A sword!?”
“I’m a Heavy Knight, so I need to stand in front and protect everyone!”
“Then we’ll have to get the best one possible.”
“Thank you.”
I’ve never asked anyone for a sword before.
For a knight, receiving a sword is a symbol of loyalty.
But from Ceres-chan, I want to accept it.
◆◆◆
A few days after arriving in the capital, we’re at a high-end spa with a rock bath.
Ceres-kun is so thoughtful.
He booked this place without us even asking.
“Happiness is having nothing to do…”
Haruka suddenly sighed and said that.
“Haruka, only a woman with a kind, hardworking husband can say something like that,”
“I get that, Shizuko. But I want to do something for Ceres, and he won’t let me do anything!”
I understand what Haruka means, but that’s a luxurious problem.
Right now, Ceres-kun does almost all the housework.
When we try to help, he smiles and says, *“Just being with me makes me happy,”* and takes care of cooking, laundry, everything.
He also handles all the hunting and subjugation quests alone.
If we try to go with him, he says, *“I’d be heartbroken if Shizuko-san and the others got hurt,”* and refuses.
In other words… aside from our nightly activities, we do nothing.
“That’s just how Ceres-kun is…”
“Right, it’s Ceres-san.”
“That’s Ceres-chan for you…”
Sayo and Misaki are getting used to it, but Haruka, being the big-sister type, can’t accept it.
I get why she’s saying this.
Right after renting the room, we went to the nearby Adventurer’s Guild and officially registered Haruka, Misaki, and Sayo as his wives. Since then, we’ve been living like pampered noblewomen.
“Is this really okay?”
Haruka tilted her head as she spoke.
“It can’t be helped… This is how Ceres-san loves us.”
“I want to hunt with Ceres!”
“Haruka, give it up… Ceres-san will just look at you with those teary eyes and say, *‘I’m worried about you, Nee-san.’*”
When Ceres-kun looks at us with those glistening eyes and says, *“I’m worried,”* it’s… impossible to argue.
“Ceres-chan’s stubborn about that.”
When we suggested hunting together, he said, *“I can’t let Shizuko-san and the others do something so dangerous. If you want to help, just take care of the housework.”* Then he goes off alone.
With four of us, housework is done in no time.
And if we’re not careful, Ceres-kun does that too, so we really have nothing to do.
*“I’m bored, Ceres, let me help!”*
Haruka said that once, and he replied, *“There’s this new thing called a spa that’s popular. Why don’t you try it?”*
He made a reservation, handed us ten gold coins, and here we are.
“Isn’t it great? He’s the ideal husband, no matter how you look at it.”
“Shizuko’s right… You can’t live like this without being loved. Let’s just indulge in Ceres-san’s affection.”
“Exactly. Let’s bask in Ceres-chan’s love.”
“But… ugh, fine, I’ll enjoy it too!”
And so, housework is done quickly, and we’re drowning in spa visits.
Doing this every day feels like we’re just playing, and it makes me feel guilty.
Especially Haruka, who always says she wants to help Ceres.
But when she does, he says, *“Sorry, this is my selfishness, so don’t worry about it. I don’t want the people I love to get hurt, and I’m happiest when you’re safe and beautiful.”*
Said with a straight face, it shuts her down.
Even Haruka turns red and can’t say a word.
We’re living better than most nobles.
Every day, we have lunch at high-end restaurants because Ceres-kun reserves them the day before, saying, *“This place is delicious.”*
“But why does Ceres-san hunt so often?”
“He’s taking down big game, so it’s not like we’re short on money. He even bought that fancy room outright.”
“Well, Haruka, Ceres-kun says he has to work five days a week because if he drowns in love, it’ll be trouble.”
I wouldn’t mind if he drowned in it…
“My, my. That’s true. Ceres-san is intense in that department.”
“Once you’ve experienced that, you can’t think of Ceres-chan as a kid anymore.”
“Ceres… I’m practically an old lady!”
“Haruka, we agreed not to say that.”
“I won’t say it in front of Ceres. But it’s a bit embarrassing. I’ve never worn stuff like that.”
“It’s fine, isn’t it? Ceres-san loves it.”
“Right. If it makes Ceres-chan happy, I’ll wear it, even if it’s embarrassing!”
We don’t say it because it upsets him, but we’re getting on in years.
Yet Ceres-kun wants us every day.
When we asked if there was anything he wanted, he said, *“I’d love for you to wear high-end lingerie.”*
Noble-quality underwear, sheer or skimpy, per his taste.
It was embarrassing at first, but we’re used to it now.
Like Haruka said, we often wonder if this is really okay.
But to Ceres-kun, we’re his “treasures,” so what can we do?
All we can do is keep polishing ourselves as women, like today, to make him happy.
◆◆◆
Two months after arriving in the capital.
“Ceres, enough already! Let us work too!”
I really don’t want them hunting or doing subjugations… but knowing Nee-san’s personality, she’s probably at her limit.
She’s been saying, *“I want to hunt together,”* for a while now.
“Fine by me. Let’s go pick up your gear today, and we can start hunting together tomorrow.”
The preparations are done, so it’s probably time.
The other three seem eager to hunt too, and expecting hardworking women like them to laze around forever might be asking too much.
We all went to the weapon shop.
I had the shopkeeper lay out each person’s equipment on the counter.
“Impressive. Exactly as ordered.”
“We rarely craft with materials this fine. As requested, we had the capital’s finest smith make them.”
As expected of a capital weapon shop.
You can tell the quality just by looking.
“Everyone, try picking them up.”
The four of them took their weapons without hesitation, as if they instinctively knew which was theirs.
“Ceres-kun, this equipment… What is it?”
“Shizuko-san’s gear is a replica of the *‘Goddess’s Healing Staff’* and a *‘Spring Breeze Kimono Dress’* crafted with Kohane’s special techniques. I wanted the real staff, but it was impossible to get, so I had a mithril version made as close to the original as possible. The capital’s best smith crafted it, so it should be pretty authentic. The *‘Spring Breeze Kimono Dress’* is a masterpiece from Kohane’s artisans, imbued with magical defense.”
“It’s incredible. The moment I held it, it felt like it was made for me. I’ll go try on the kimono dress too.”
With that, she disappeared into the changing room.
“Ceres, this… It can’t be real, can it?”
“Nee-san’s weapon is the *‘Black Rose Rapier.’* The original was lost to history, so it doesn’t exist anymore. I had the capital’s finest smith recreate it based on records. The outfit is the *‘Black Rose Dirndl,’* enchanted with agility magic to keep it from hindering your movements. Perfect, right?”
“This rapier is so light, it’s like it has no weight—like a feather. I’ll go try on the dirndl too.”
In front of the changing room, Shizuko-san, who’d finished changing, was posing in front of a mirror.
“Ceres-san… This staff… What is it?”
“Sayo-san’s weapon is the *‘Crescent of Ice.’* It’s the highest-quality staff for ice mages, but since the original vanished into legend, this is a replica. Still, the capital’s best smith made it, so it’s very close to the real thing. The dress is the *‘Spirit Magic Dress,’* imbued with magic-enhancing power. What do you think? Pretty cool, right?”
“I can feel immense magical power from both the staff and dress the moment I hold them… Incredible… I’ll go try on the dress too.”
Sayo-san headed to the changing room, looking delighted.
“Mine looks pretty amazing too.”
“Misaki-san’s is the *‘Emperor’s Flame Greatsword.’* It’s mithril infused with fire magic runes. A replica, of course. The armor is the *‘Valkyrie Dress.’* It can’t block magic, but it’ll deflect most physical attacks, so you’re safe.”
“A magic sword! Perfect for someone like me who can’t use magic. And this dress is so light compared to armor. I’ll go try it on.”
Even if they were once S-rank, they’ve been living as villagers after marriage, so they’re out of practice. It’ll take time to get back in form.
Starting with goblins might invite gossip, though.
At the very least, we should start with orcs or ogres.
To avoid any missteps, I needed equipment to bridge that gap and time to have it made.
Nee-san, especially, is the type who needs to stay active, so I’m glad it was ready before she hit her breaking point.
You can tell how thrilled she is just by looking at her.
Plus, I promised Misaki-san a sword, so this worked out perfectly.
“Ceres-kun, you’re not planning to fight the Demon King with this gear, are you?”
“Ceres, this equipment is amazing, but what are we hunting? Dragons, maybe?”
“Ceres-chan… What’s the target?”
“Wyverns, perhaps?”
“There’s a bit of a gap since you’ve been out of practice, so let’s not overdo it. How about starting with orcs? We’ve got plenty of money, so we can take it slow. Personally, I don’t need big goals. I just want to ‘live happily’ as our goal.”
I could feel the tension drain from their faces.
Their sharp, adventurer-like aura is great, but I think their usual bright, cheerful vibe is even more charming.
“‘Live happily’… Ceres-kun, I love that!”
“Now that you mention it, Ceres, you’re right. Living happily is the best.”
“That’s such a great idea.”
“Sounds fun!”
“Alright, let’s start hunting together tomorrow.”
The four of them nodded happily.
With the equipment ready and safety ensured, we can hunt together without any issues.
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