Chapter 4: Jimna Village (Second Half)
Led by Frey-sama, I, Lida, came to the weapon shop.
Even though there wasn't a weapon shop in Jimna Village in the past, it's changed quite a lot recently, hasn't it?
"Welcome... Lida, huh? Long time no see."
"Why is Jozef-ojisan running a weapon shop? It certainly suits you, but..."
Jozef-ojisan is bald and muscular, so he looks like an adventurer or mercenary, but he was originally a proper farmer.
"Hahaha, this is the Hero's hometown! It wouldn't look right if there wasn't at least a weapon shop, would it? I've gathered everything from items you can't even find in the Royal Capital to retro stuff! Go ahead and take a look."
"Heh~ there certainly are a lot of strange things."
"Frey-sama, there certainly are rare weapons here."
"Yeah, there are quite a few rare items, so take a look."
Frey-sama is looking intently from corner to corner.
Indeed, for the countryside, it might be an amazing selection.
But, are there really things of that level?
"Huh, I haven't seen armor like this... pretty..."
Yeah, this is armor I haven't seen before.
"Lida, that is Starfield-made light armor. Beautiful, right?"
"But, is something this thin durable?"
I don't know for sure, but I feel like it would be easily slashed.
"No... that's why they went under, that workshop. In the end, they were selling it off at a fire sale, so I bought it."
"Meaningless, then."
"No, if you don't fight and just want to look cool in front of women, it's the best!"
That's no good. Armor is something to protect the body; armor you can't actually fight in is meaningless.
"This magic sword, why is water magic enchanted on the blade?"
"That is the lethal weapon of the youth living in the modern age, the Water-Cooled Sword."
"What effect does it have?"
"Cool, right? If you fight with that, you'll be popular with women."
Jozef-ojisan has his arms crossed and a smug look, but it's really meaningless. A sword that just sparkles with water magic is a waste of water magic.
"Isn't that just cool-looking but meaningless?"
"We're in a ceasefire with the Demon Race in this world now, you know? Strong equipment isn't necessary... don't you think?"
"That might be true, but..."
Even if we don't fight, such weapons... feel somewhat sad.
"Naturally I don't have Holy Swords, but I have masterpieces (wazamono) and magic swords, so feel free to look around."
"I'll do that."
Probably, the other weapons and armor aren't decent either, right?
In the corner of the shop, many swords are put in barrels and sold cheaply.
Frey-sama was looking at them enthusiastically.
"What are you doing, Frey-sama? Looking into barrels like that."
"In cheap swords like these, sometimes there are unexpected finds. I've found talking swords or prototypes made by Bernd before."
"Heh, is that so?"
However, this shop has quite a lot of barrels; there are ten of them.
"All the weapons there are sale items for five silver coins. They're treated as junk so there's no warranty. Well, there are lucky finds in there too, so if you have a discerning eye, you can make a profitable purchase."
Junk items, meaning treated as trash.
"Hmm. Nothing but rusted or chipped swords."
"That figures... This might have been a good sword originally, but now it's a shadow of its former self."
"The ones in the back look like nothing but garbage."
"It makes me happy when I find a masterpiece among them."
"Does Frey-sama like searching through garbage even though you are a princess?"
"Not princess-like... everyone says that, though."
"I'm also told I'm not Sword Saint-like, so we're the same."
"Right. Since we're here, I think Lida should check the swords in the barrels too."
"I can't fight anymore, and I don't want to fight."
"Is that so... Even though we are fellow former Sword Saints, it's a waste. If you felt like it, you could fight me to a good match."
"Because my heart has already broken..."
"Really? That might be fine for now, but a time might come when you regret it. Let's see, for example, when family or a loved one is dying, a time might come when you regret 'if only I could use a sword.' Whether you like it or not is freedom. But the Goddess chose you as a 'Sword Saint'; it's better to train at least the minimum."
"Is that why you train so much?"
"Yeah, though I can't say anything high and mighty. I'm an unsightly Sword Saint of an unsightly Hero party that lost to the Demon King's army, so I'm the same as Lida. Even if I fight the Demon King's army again... I probably can't win... Even so, I'm a 'Former Sword Saint.' Far stronger than a knight. 'There must be something I can do,' that's what I think. Especially since Lida's job remains 'Sword Saint,' surely there must be something you can do too."
"I wonder if there is something I can do?"
"Definitely! I guarantee it!"
'Your sword is here!'
A voice was heard from somewhere in the shop.
"I felt like I heard a voice just now."
But there are only Frey-sama and Jozef-ojisan in the shop.
"Lida... that's your imagination... You just felt that way because I told that story, right?"
I feel like I definitely heard it from the direction of some barrels.
"But, I feel like I heard it... That's right, from this barrel... Amazing."
The sword I found was a beautiful sword that looked like a Holy Sword at first glance with elaborate decorations.
"Jozef-ojisan, there's an amazing sword in the barrel by mistake..."
"That looks amazing but has issues. Try pulling it from the sheath."
I tried pulling the sword from the sheath.
The blade shining mystically blue-white looks incredibly beautiful.
"I pulled it but..."
"You pulled it?! Even though no one could pull that! Can you put it back in the sheath once more?"
"Okay."
I put it back in the sheath and handed it to Jozef-ojisan.
"As I thought, I can't pull it... is there some trick?"
"Here, let me try."
"Here."
"Lida... I can't pull this either. There shouldn't actually be a sword that I, a former Sword Saint, cannot use. I feel like I've seen the craftsmanship of this sword somewhere... That's right, this is the Magic Sword 'Answerer'!"
"Answerer?"
"A sword that chooses its master; no one except the chosen human can handle it. And this sword fights in place of its master."
"""Fights in place of its master?"""
"Yes, it is the perfect sword for the current Lida. Shall I buy it for you? Here, five silver coins."
"Thank you! You're still in town, right? Come again!"
"Understood, we'll come again."
I received the sword and left the shop.
◆◆◆
Having left the shop, we came to a field near Jimna Village.
"Now Lida, let's do this!"
"Even if you say let's do this, I don't want to fight if possible. I can tolerate a wooden sword, but I hate real swords... Besides."
I'm no good anymore. Since that time.
Since losing to Mamon... and tasting despair, my hands shake whenever I try to use a real sword.
"It's okay, Lida. That sword Answerer will fight on its own just by you wishing 'I want to fight.' ...Lida, as the master, should know the activation word."
"But I... don't know su...!"
A word floated into my mind on its own!
But, do I have to say a line like this...?!
I drew the sword and took a stance.
"I will not flinch before any mighty enemy... together with this sword!"
The shaking of my hands... my body stopped.
Moreover, the sword started moving independently of my will.
It slashed at Frey-sama with swift movements.
"Amazing... I didn't know Answerer was a sword of this level!"
But, it won't stop yet.
Second strike, third strike, it keeps slashing on its own one after another. I just have to hold it so as not to get in the way of the sword.
"I'm just holding the sword!"
"And yet, it's this... too amazing!"
This might be bad.
The sword is trying to unleash some amazing technique.
"This is bad, Frey-sama... The sword is trying to unleash a special move! Please run!"
"Lida... don't underestimate me! I'll take any technique."
'Sonic Blade.' Such a technique name flashed in my head.
I voiced the name of the technique as if guided by the will of the sword.
"Sonic Blade!"
Before I knew it, I was swinging the sword at a speed I had never seen before.
Tremendous blades of wind flew from the tip of the sword.
"Guh... Uwaaaaaah———, haa, haa, dangerous... I thought I'd die..."
Frey-sama managed to receive the wind blades with her sword, but she was blown away along with her sword and her body was slightly embedded in a nearby giant tree. If Frey-sama's sword wasn't a magic sword, she wouldn't have been able to withstand it and might have been seriously injured by now.
If I don't stop here, it's bad!
'Dimensional Blade.' This time that technique name floats in my mind.
"Dimensional Blade! ...Wait, wait, you don't have to fight anymore... Stop, please!"
I screamed the wish from my heart.
Perhaps the wish reached it; the light of the sword subsided, and strength left my arm.
The sword sheathed itself as if nothing had happened.
"That is outrageous. I want to polish my sword skills so I don't need it, but I can't think of how to win against Lida holding that sword."
"Indeed, I can't believe it myself."
"In that case, train me next time. Lida."
I still... cannot escape from the sword, huh.
◆◆◆
I, Maria, am unbearably depressed.
Sigh~ why do I have to go to the church?
I quit being a Saintess, and I thought I wouldn't be involved anymore.
Normally, I was supposed to be having fun shopping today.
"Maria, you are making a dissatisfied face."
Actually, I am very dissatisfied, but I don't have the nerve to say that to Cecilia-sama.
"That isn't the case..."
"Is that so? You look like you dislike it somehow?"
My job is Saintess, but I am terrible with churches.
To tell the truth, I don't want to go.
"That is... I was called a Saintess, but I was just fighting and I'm not very detailed on doctrine. I lived a life unrelated to churches..."
"You, despite being a Saintess, have no faith?"
"Just praying in the village..."
"The power of a Saintess is influenced by faith. It's not my place to say since I lost to the Demon King's army, but it is better to have faith and kindness."
"Um, Cecilia-sama, I am someone who has already thrown away the title of Saintess. I have no business with the church at this point."
"Are you... an idiot? Then I think you should just go wherever you want by yourself."
"Even for Cecilia-sama, that is too much! There shouldn't be a reason to be told that!"
It's true I couldn't perform well, but I tried my best in my own way, you know?
Now that I have returned the position, why is it necessary to be told that much?
I ended up glaring at Cecilia-sama.
Cecilia-sama looked at me with an exasperated face at first, but soon her face became serious.
"There is, you know? Ceres-sama is a 'Hero.' A supreme existence recognized by three countries including the Holy Nation. Depending on the believer, some even call him the 'Proxy of the Goddess.' And you became Ceres-sama's 'retainer,' didn't you? Is it okay for someone like that to deny the church? Is it? You are a 'retainer'! An existence that dedicates loyalty to your master, Ceres-sama, right? If you, a retainer of Ceres-sama who is protected by the 'Hero Protection Law,' deny the church, you do not have the qualification of a retainer. Don't you think so?"
Certainly, now that she mentions it... that might be true.
"I think so..."
"So, what will you do? I am also a former Saintess. Even I... because my party lost to the Demon King's army and I returned alive... the treatment afterward was terrible. Some called me 'Loser Saintess,' and there were even times stones were thrown at me when I walked in the city. Rather than exposing myself to living shame, should I die... I even thought that. But, I told myself I couldn't end it like this and worked hard. As a result, I came to be recognized by the Church and the Holy Nation. Maria, what will you do? Will you stop trying? Because it's pitiful, I won't say 'get out,' but I will only view you as a 'mere servant' for the rest of my life, you know?"
No matter how much I deny it, my job is 'Saintess.'
If 'Healing' as a special skill were taken from me, what would remain?
Surely nothing would remain... Isn't that why I thought to live on this path from the moment I thought I couldn't stay in that place?
I can't do other things at this point.
In that case... I need the resolve to polish my skills as a healer so I won't regret it when Ceres, the 'Hero,' or my companions get hurt.
"Cecilia-sama, I will go to the church! I will do my best so I can help when Ceres or my companions are hurt!"
"I suppose so... But Ceres-sama's companions include me and Shizuko-sama, the 'Black-Haired Healer'... so well, there won't be a turn for you for a while, you understand our ability, right?"
"Ugh... I understand."
"Well, fine. Your expression has changed considerably, so that is sufficient! Then shall we go?"
"Yes!"
In the end, this is the only path for me to live.
So... I have to do my best!
◆◆◆
"The new church is wonderful, isn't it? The air is different!"
It is certainly clean, just like a new house, and it smells nice too.
Seen up close, it is incomparably larger than the churches around here.
"Is that Maria with Cecilia-sama?"
I was called out to by Marble-obasan, an acquaintance of mine.
She used to be just a regular farm auntie, but now that she’s wearing a nun’s habit, she looks—perhaps it’s just my imagination—quite elegant.
"Hello, Marble-obasan."
"Oh, stop that, Maria. In here, I’m called Sister Marble. I’m acting as the person in charge until a priest is decided upon."
"Is that so?"
"It is. Not bad, right?"
"It’s truly wonderful."
Looking to the side, Cecilia-sama looks dignified, like a completely different person.
Even though we are both called Saints, she is completely different from me. So there really is such a gap even between former Saints.
"Now then, Sister Marble. Has the 'White Silver Ceremonial Staff' arrived?"
Cecilia-sama spoke, clad in a dignified aura.
Marble-obasan was also behaving firmly, like a proper nun.
"Yes, if it’s that, it is right here..."
It was quite a magnificent staff... Moreover, I had never seen such a staff outside of holy weapons.
"Maria, this is the highest peak of staves that a non-Saint can wield. Well, it doesn’t reach the level of mine or Shizuko-sama’s, but I intend to have taught you everything I should. If you had completely rejected the church earlier, I did not intend to hand it over. Originally, I planned to give it to you when you became the master of a clinic, but... since that opportunity has disappeared, I give it to you now. I have taught you the techniques; the rest is for you to acquire the heart and power through effort."
"Thank you very much... I will devote myself to it."
"It will be fine! From now on, Shizuko-sama and I will train you! We will definitely make you into a healer who will go down in history. Assuming you don't die, that is!"
Cecilia-sama said this with a gentle smile, but for some reason, I was unbearably terrified.
"Yes... please take care of me."
My body trembled inexplicably; that was the only response I could manage.
I... might have made the wrong choice.
◆◆◆
We received contact from Marianne-san and Sharon-san via the communication crystal...
『Whatever the case, there is even a dress shop... I will go look at it with Sharon-san next time,』 they said, planning to go look at dresses.
That’s amazing... To think that in the past there wasn't a single clothing store, and now there are several. It’s unthinkable for the old Jimna Village.
And to use the originally incredibly valuable communication crystal so casually—this, too, is unbelievable.
Although, because of this, I can't escape from 'requests.' It’s convenient, but inconvenient.
"Now then, what shall we do?"
There was contact from Lida and Frey-san, as well as Maria and Cecilia-san, saying it would still take some time.
"In that case, why don't we go to the tavern attached to the Adventurer's Guild? ...Sayo-san might dislike it, though..."
I proposed this tentatively. I was a little worried that Sayo-san might still be hung up on her ex-husband, Kaito-san. I stole a glance at Sayo-san's profile—
"Sure, I don't particularly mind. I'm extremely happy right now. Kaito took on the role of the hated one on purpose. I can understand that much now."
She didn't seem different from usual. There seemed to be absolutely no ill will toward Kaito-san.
"Ceres-kun, we're getting hungry soon, so isn't that a good idea?"
When Shizuko-san said that, Sayo-san, Nee-san, Misaki-san, and Mel all nodded as if in agreement.
"Then let’s all crash Kaito-san's place."
And so, we decided to barge into the tavern at Kaito-san's Adventurer's Guild.
"Welcome!! Ahh, why are the 'Black Berserk Knight-sama' and the 'Smiling Ripper-sama' here... Eh, no way. Even the 'Teary-eyed Ice Princess-sama' and the 'Black-haired Healer-sama'... Amazing."
What’s this? Eleanor’s face is turning red.
"Eleanor, what’s wrong?"
"What’s wrong, you ask... Everyone here is an adventurer I used to admire back in the day, so of course I’m nervous! Black Berserk Knight Misaki-sama was my particular idol... See, the reason I became a greatsword user was under Misaki-sama’s influence..."
She has the eyes of a boy standing in front of a diva.
"Is that so... Anyway, we came to eat today, so please show us to a table. If you're free, you can join us."
"Really? Then I’ll come right away. Also, this is on me and my husband. I’ll go order some appropriate delicious things."
"I'm counting on you."
"Mom, that person is Dad’s new wife! The age gap is a bit too much, it’s kinda gross to watch."
"Mel, are you saying that watching me and Ceres-san is also gross? Is that what you want to say?"
"Mel-san... are you looking at the fact that I am Ceres-kun's wife... with those eyes as well?"
Mel is being cornered by the two of them. I’d better not get involved.
"No... no... really, no! Mom, everyone, don't look at me like that... It’s scary, really scary... No... Hey, it’s a joke, especially you, Mom!"
"Ufufufu. Of course, it’s a joke, a joke."
"There’s no way we’d get angry for real."
"Yeah, yeah, it’s a joke."
"Yes. A joke."
While saying that, the eyes of those two earlier were a little scary.
It’s natural for Mel to be frightened... For a moment, Mammon looked gentler than them.
After a while, Kaito-san and Eleanor arrived along with enough meat dishes and ale to bury the table.
"Haha, Mel, long time no see. So Sayo is with you today too."
"Yeah, I brought Mom along today... It’s better to meet while we’re here, right?"
"That’s true, but... well... sorry about everything."
"It’s fine, you’re just clumsy with words. I know that. It was out of consideration for my happiness too, wasn't it?"
"Well, yeah. I could make you happy, and I would get a new, young wife. It’s the best."
"Because you say things like that... Mel is looking at you with a terrible face. Well, fine."
"As usual, Kaito-san can’t read the room."
"It’s amazing, really."
"Ehh."
Well, it’s their usual playful banter, so I guess I don’t need to worry...
"Um... Ceres-sama, by any chance, is my husband's previous wife actually... that Sayo-sama?"
"That's right. It's Sayo-san."
"Teary-eyed Ice Princess... My husband sure managed to survive..."
" Was she that amazing?"
I definitely want to hear stories about Sayo-san's past.
"I only know from the legends too, but... freezing thirty bandits while laughing, or freezing the bandit leader who was begging for his life while crying, freezing him down to the last drop of blood and killing him... they say if you anger her, she freezes anything... I personally like that part, though."
Eleanor whispered to me.
"Is that so... Do you know anything else?"
"The Smiling Ripper, Haruka-sama, apparently slashed through many humans while laughing. But my number one bias is definitely the Black Berserk Knight, Misaki-sama. Cutting a mounted knight and his horse in two with a single greatsword, or bandits who took a hit from her sword having their hip bones shattered... solving everything with power... My... Cold!"
Sayo-san had dexterously created a small piece of ice in the air and slipped it down Eleanor's back.
"What are you talking about? I wish you wouldn't talk about the past too much... especially to Ceres-san, okay?"
"Yes... I’ll be careful... I absolutely won't speak of it again."
"Then that’s fine..."
Sayo-san was just smiling, but Eleanor turned pale in an instant.
Amazing...
"Even so, was it okay for everyone not to go shopping?"
"We were living in the Royal Capital, so we have mostly everything we need. I’m only interested in food you can only get here."
"And we can make that too."
"Same for me."
Come to think of it, that’s true.
◆◆◆
"Speaking of which, I found a strange weapon recently."
While we were drinking, Kaito-san brought it up.
"A weapon?"
"Yeah, I didn't think it was a weapon either, but... here it is."
What he took out was... strange. It looked like nothing but a 'book' to me.
"Dad, isn't that just a book?"
"Well Mel, it’s faster to show you. Eleanor... let’s show them."
"Right... here I go."
Kaito-san blocked the greatsword Eleanor swung down with the book... yet there wasn't a single scratch on the book.
"It looks incredibly hard. If it can catch a greatsword, it’s certainly a weapon."
I’ve never seen a book that doesn't get damaged by a greatsword.
"But, Ceres. A book is hard to use. If you're going to hold something like that, a knife would be much better."
It is exactly as Mel says.
"I think so too."
"Indeed, for us that might be true, but perhaps Sayo-sama might know what this is."
Eleanor turned her eyes to Sayo-san.
"Ehh, I know... It’s a Grimoire."
Sayo-san put a finger to her chin and answered smoothly.
"""Grimoire!?"""
Not just me, but everyone raised voices of surprise.
"Yes. It’s extremely rare. You can use it for physical defense like just now, but originally it is a 'book read while fighting'... For the owner accepted by the book, it teaches the necessary spells according to the moment. I’m no good... Mel, why don't you try it?"
"Okay, if it’s just trying. Oh, why is this book glowing?"
"Mel... You have been chosen as the master of that Grimoire. So, what is the Grimoire's name?"
"Mom, 'Grimoire of Falsehood' came to mind..."
"I see... that's rare. I've never heard of such a Grimoire. Well, Grimoires themselves are rare, so it's not unreasonable that I don't know it."
"So... what kind of effect does this have?"
"I don't know that... When the owner needs it, the page for that spell opens."
"I wonder if amazing spells are written in it? What do you think, Mom?"
"About that... I can't really say... It only opens the page of a 'recorded spell.' If it's not recorded, it won't open."
"Then..."
"Yes, until you actually 'encounter such a situation,' you won't know if that book is a wonderful Grimoire or not... Well, even so, it is precious."
It might be a good weapon for Mel, who loves books.
After that, the six who were acting separately joined us, and it turned into a grand drinking party... we drank until morning.
◆◆◆
I, Ceres, find myself thinking. Is there some meaning to this?
Lida obtained the Demon Sword Answerer, a powerful weapon.
Mel has the Grimoire of Falsehood in her hands. Maria’s White Silver Ceremonial Staff might be different, but still.
The former three classes obtained powerful weapons. And I have the power of the Yellow Dragon.
I doubt it, but is this a precursor to something happening?
Because something dangerous is about to happen, weapons were given to the three of them. Is that overthinking it?
Even if I am a Yellow Dragon, I can't see the future.
My luck is good. I don't know the extent of that scope.
No matter how much I think, 'I don't know what I don't know.'
Be vigilant. That's about all I can do right now.
◆◆◆
Jimna Village... no, Jimna Town. There’s nothing left to do here.
I’ve met everyone I wanted to meet, and everyone is doing well.
Staying too long would just make them worry about us.
There are two royals here, and even if we are living harmoniously, there are three pairs of ex-couples and three daughters.
I can't say there's absolutely no awkwardness.
Especially for the three daughters: Lida, Maria, and Mel.
Their father's new wife is almost the same age as them. And the fact that she somewhat resembles them in atmosphere seems to be quite tough on them as daughters.
They are desperately trying to hide it, but we’ve known each other a long time, so I can tell.
Even though it was my doing, I feel a little guilt.
I never thought, back then, that I would return here with everyone like this.
I never thought I would fall for a 'trap that one shouldn't fall for,' and I never thought I would be present at that scene myself.
And so, thinking it was about time to depart, I decided to ask everyone for their opinion.
"Does anyone still have things they want to do or accomplish? We aren't in a rush, but... I’m thinking of setting off for Cohane soon. What do you think?"
"Let’s see, I agree with Ceres-kun. It’s a little sad to leave, but I’m satisfied."
"If Ceres is good with it, I'm good too."
"If Ceres-san is okay with it."
"If Ceres-chan says so, I agree too."
If Shizuko-san and the other four are satisfied, then it's fine.
"I am already satisfied having seen Ceres-sama's hometown."
Frey-san and Cecilia-san nodded at Marianne-san's opinion.
"Is that so? Then shall we inform the Village Head—no, the Town Head—tomorrow and set off on our journey?"
"""Yes."""
Since my seven wives agreed, we decided to leave Jimna Village.
Sharon-san has started thinking about her position as Marianne-san's 'servant,' and Lida and the others their positions as 'retainers,' so they have stopped participating in these kinds of discussions.
Personally, I feel a little lonely, but considering their positions... it can't be helped.
◆◆◆
On our last night in Jimna Village, I was bewildered.
When I returned to the room where I usually spent time with Shizuko-san and the others, Marianne-san, Frey-san, and Cecilia-san were waiting.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be this surprised.
But their attire was different from usual. All of them were wearing sexy lingerie.
Marianne-san is wearing a white lace bra and panties. Over that, she is wearing a camisole with elegant embroidery.
Frey-san is wearing a bright red lace bra and panties. However, the panties have a very small surface area, and the back looks like nothing more than a string.
And Cecilia-san is wearing pure white underwear, with a long, see-through white lace chemise over it.
"What on earth is this..."
When I asked, blushing, Cecilia-san opened her mouth, her own face red.
"Shizuko-sama and the others told us, 'Today we’ll lend you Ceres-kun, so do your best,' and well, it turned out like this."
"I see, so where are Shizuko-san and the others?"
"Since it’s the last night, they said they’re going to drink until morning with everyone in town. And so, regarding the order, according to Shizuko-sama and the others, Marianne absolutely has to be first, and Cecilia and I are to observe at the start."
"For some reason, we were told as such. I do not have a hobby of peeping, but Shizuko-sama emphasized it very strongly."
"I wonder why Shizuko-san said such a thing."
As I was thinking, Marianne-san spoke to me, fidgeting and blushing.
"Um... According to everyone, 'Marianne is experienced like us and has given birth, so she should be able to accept it normally. But for the first-timers, Ceres-sama’s thing is magnificent, and his lovemaking is intense, so do it after Marianne.' ...Also, there was a message: 'Frey and Cecilia are doing this for the first time, so be gentle with them.'"
"Is that so?"
Now that they mention it, maybe I have been extremely intense every night.
But that’s because Shizuko-san and the others demand it; I don't think I'm like a wild beast or anything, right?
"If that's the case, I'll be careful to be as gentle as possible... Is this really okay?"
The three of them are a Princess and a Saint. Is it really okay for me to be their partner?
Especially Frey-san and Cecilia-san, it’s their first time. Is it really alright?
"Why do you ask such a thing, Ceres-sama?"
When Marianne-san said that, the other two nodded beside her.
"No, well, with a Princess and a Saint, um, I can't put it well, but I didn't have that kind of image..."
"Oh my, Ceres-sama, I am a woman who has given birth, you know? I have that kind of experience."
"I don't have experience, but I lived roughly in the Empire, so I don't really feel like a Princess, right? Besides, as part of my education as royalty, I was taught how not to fail, so you can rest assured."
"I'm sorry, I'm a Saint raised in the church, so I don't know much. I leave it to you, Ceres-sama."
I was nervous when I embraced Shizuko-san and the others too, but the partners here are royalty and a Saint. There’s no way I wouldn't be nerv—wait, for some reason, I’m not.
Maybe I’ve survived so many terrible scenes of carnage that I’ve become paralyzed to it.
"Then, it starts with me, right? Truthfully, it is embarrassing, but it is a promise to Shizuko-sama, so please watch from over there, you two."
Saying that, Marianne-san wrapped her arms around my neck.
Her large breasts pressed against me through the white lace bra.
And then... "Nnn... mmhg... puah..." she pressed her lips to mine and entangled her tongue with mine.
"Haa, haa, Marianne-san, nnngh, mm."
"I... love kissing. Don't you think adult kisses feel good? Nnngh."
"Haa, haa, I love kissing too, haa, haa."
Amazing. Usually she is so modest, but now she is incredibly aggressive.
Marianne-san took off her camisole with practiced hands while we kissed.
Then, when she unhooked her bra, her shapely, large breasts bounced out.
Her nipples were a light pink and incredibly beautiful.
I lightly kneaded her right breast while taking her left nipple into my mouth.
"Ah... ahh! Ceres-samaaa—!"
Marianne-san pressed her chest against my face.
As I continued to lick her breasts, I slid my hand into her panties and found that she was already wet.
I quickly took off my clothes as well, and when I removed the last piece, Marianne-san took off her panties too. However, immediately after, Marianne-san's eyes were dyed with shock.
"Ceres-sama... that is..."
She seems surprised looking at my lower body.
"Is something wrong with this?"
"It is fine. I will do my best, so please put it in slowly. Is that okay? Please, really slowly."
"Understood."
I replied and slowly inserted it...
"Haa, haa, it’s so big, it’s tight... but I’m okay. Please move slowly, slowly."
Sweating like beads, Marianne-san accepted me.
It looked somewhat painful.
After moving slowly for a while, her pained voice turned into moans, clearly changing into a voice of pleasure.
"Ah, ah, Ceres-sama, that feels good. Ahh, ahh—"
Before I knew it, Marianne-san was straddling me, devouring the pleasure.
After a while, when we both reached our climax, Marianne-san climbed off me looking satisfied and lay down beside me.
◆◆◆
"Haa, haa... Ceres-sama is too amazing. So, who will partner him next?"
When Marianne-san said that, Frey-san climbed onto the bed.
She was already naked, having taken off all her underwear.
"I discussed it with Cecilia earlier; it’s my turn next. ...So, Ceres-sama, um, please enjoy yourself to the fullest."
Saying that, she hugged me.
However, Marianne-san did not get off the bed.
"Frey, if we leave it like that, it will be a disaster. I will help, so please lie on your back."
What does she mean?
"Um, Marianne? What are you going to do?"
"Listen, okay? Ceres-sama's thing is of a size that cannot be considered normal. For you or Cecilia, who are doing this for the first time, it will be too painful to accept properly. Even for me, who has given birth, it was painful, so I have something entrusted to me by Shizuko-sama. Excuse me."
Saying that, Marianne-san reached for Frey-san's lower body.
Looking closely, she was holding a small bottle in one hand.
"Marianne, wait a minute, what are you doing? Ah, hey, I don't have that kind of hobby with women, no!"
Frey-san protested, but...
"I don't have that kind of hobby either, so relax. It’s just that for a virgin like you, it will be incredibly painful as is, so I’m just applying lotion. That said, I will be inserting my fingers, so please endure the slight pain."
"Understood, if that's the case, it can't be helped. S-Squish... uh, uh, uugh, haa haa... uh, it hurts. Marianne, ow."
Marianne-san's fingers were sucked into Frey-san's pussy.
Frey-san's voice, which initially sounded only like pain, gradually began to mix with moans of pleasure.
"Frey, we will switch here. Now then, Ceres-sama, preparations are complete, so please proceed just like this."
Saying that, Marianne-san spread Frey-san's legs wide and urged me to insert it.
I slowly lowered my hips.
"Ugh, ow, it hurts."
"Frey-san, if it hurts, shall we stop?"
"No, Ceres-sama, don't stop. I'm okay."
Even while sweating profusely, Frey-san started moving her hips on her own partway through.
I could see the red proof of her purity flowing from between her legs.
Before I knew it, she was crying out in ecstasy.
If I think about it properly, it's natural for it to hurt at first.
She accepted a man for the first time, after all. However, Frey-san seems to be in no pain now.
"Ceres-sama, more, more, it feels so good."
Saying that, she firmly accepted all of me.
◆◆◆
Usually, Shizuko-san and the others sleep in this room, so there are multiple beds. Frey-san, having finished, lay on the adjacent bed, while Cecilia-san stared at me with a heated gaze from the side of the bed.
"Now, it is Cecilia's turn. There will be pain at first, so I will assist you. Come."
"I do not need it. I am sufficient on my own."
"But Cecilia, it is your first time too, isn't it? In that case, use the lotion..."
"There is no need to worry. I am a Saint, an expert in healing, so I do not need to borrow anyone's power to heal people."
"If you say so, then I understand."
Saying that, Marianne-san got off the bed and moved to a bed two spots away.
"Um, are you really okay?"
Judging by Frey-san's state earlier, it seemed there was considerable pain.
Is she really going to be okay?
"It will be fine! I am a Saint after all, and since I am a member of the clergy, I am good at service."
Saying that, Cecilia-san let her chemise drop to the floor as she cast it aside, creeping towards me like a panther.
"Ufu, first is step one, right? Aaah-mmh, ish it like thish?"
Cecilia-san used her tongue while taking my cock into her mouth.
It felt incredibly good.
Before I realized it, Cecilia-san had taken off her underwear and was completely naked while still keeping my thing in her mouth.
"...Um, why are you so skilled at this?"
"Ahm, I wonder why? Now then, please lie down just like that, Ceres-sama. I will make you feel good right away."
Saying that, Cecilia-san straddled me.
"Um... are you really okay?"
"I am fine! Please do not worry about it!"
"......"
She lowered her hips just like that...
"Ugh, it is a little... tight... Haa haa, I am fine, just like this... haa haa, it has gone all the way in. Now, I will move."
"Ugh, haa haa, are you really okay?"
Looking at Frey-san earlier, the first time seemed quite painful.
However, although Cecilia-san moves awkwardly, she doesn't seem to be in pain.
But, I feel like her face distorts occasionally.
While being considerate of Cecilia-san, I moved my hips to match her timing.
"It is fine, haa haa, Ceres-sama, please do not worry. Besides, little by little, it has started to feel good."
Saying that, Cecilia-san's face was flushed red, but unlike before, she looked like she was enjoying the pleasure.
Before I knew it, I was ejaculating inside Cecilia-san.
◆◆◆
"Cecilia, you cheated somehow, didn't you?"
When the act with Cecilia-san ended, Frey-san was pressing Cecilia-san for answers.
"I did not cheat. I simply used my skill 'Pain Halving' to suppress the pain of defloration. Also, thinking something like this might happen, I heard about 'these kinds of acts' from Maria beforehand and practiced."
Practiced? Maria shouldn't have any experience either. What does she mean?
"Wait a minute. Maria shouldn't have experience either."
"Indeed, she has no experience, but she was extremely knowledgeable up to the step just before that so she taught me, you know."
I see. Now that she mentions it, they were a Hero party, so while they couldn't go all the way, if it was just up to the step before that... Yeah, let's stop thinking about it.
"That’s cheating! Ceres-sama, do-over! Let’s do it one more time with me! This time I’ll make you satisfied! 『Pain Nullification』! Come on!"
"Um, Frey, Halving is one thing, but if you use Nullification, you won't feel any pleasure either, you know."
Marianne-san looked at Frey-san with an exasperated expression.
"No way?"
"Besides, Frey, Cecilia, the night is long. Let us do our best together, the three of us, from here on out."
""You're right.""
The three of them shimmied closer to me, shaking their hips.
"Alright then, let's do this!"
In the end, cornered by the competitive Frey-san and Cecilia-san, we continued our activities until morning.
◆◆◆
"Town Head Najim... thank you for everything... We plan to head for Cohane soon."
"Is that so? It will be lonely. But think nothing of it, this is Ceres's hometown. You can come back anytime."
"Yes. This is my hometown. That will never change. I probably won't be able to come for a while, but in the future, I will return here. That is what I believe. Until then, please stay healthy, Town Head."
Considering their age, it might be difficult to meet Town Head Najim or the three elders like Kassim-sama again.
To me, they were like grandfathers.
Thinking about that makes me feel a little sad.
"Indeed. I will do my best to stay alive until the next time Ceres comes to this town."
"That's right, Town Head Najim. Is there anything you want me to do, or have me do for you?"
I am like a grandson to him; it should be fine to show a little filial piety.
"I have already received more than enough. You have shown me more filial piety than my real sons or grandsons ever did. Since you were a child, you really worried too much. It might not be necessary for a 'Hero' like Ceres, but everyone who has lived here for a long time considers Ceres like family. If things are painful or sad, you can come crying to us... come back anytime."
"Thank you very much."
I felt like I was about to cry.
"Ceres, you are family. That doesn't change, now or in the past. Even if you are a 'Hero'... That is why we won't hold a farewell party. You can come back anytime, so it's unnecessary, right?"
"That's true... it is unnecessary."
We might not be able to meet again.
We both understand that.
Yet, he says, 'You can come back'...
It’s amazing... I’m glad I was born here.
This place gave me my best friend.
It gave me a gentle wife who was like a mother.
It gave me my childhood friend.
Thinking about it now, this place gave me everything.
I might be a child of Jimna.
Everything I wanted and everything I wished for was right here.
"What's wrong? You suddenly went silent?"
We might not meet again. That is why I decided to convey my feelings to Town Head Najim.
"Grandpa, I'm glad I was born in this village! Jimna is the best village!"
This person is my family, my 'Grandpa.'
"It’s a town now, though... And that is only natural, since the Town Head is wonderful. If you get bored of being a Hero or a Lord, why not try becoming the Town Head of 'Jimna Town'? Well, only if you get bored."
That is surely the highest praise.
It means he would entrust the most important Jimna to me.
"That’s more amazing than being a Hero."
"Hahaha. Of course it is."
"Truly amazing... someday when I come back here..."
"Indeed."
After talking with Town Head Najim, I decided to leave tomorrow.
We won't do anything special... because this is the hometown I can return to anytime.
◆◆◆
Finally, today is the day we depart for Cohane.
"""Thank you for everything."""
All the companions who had come here greeted Town Head Najim.
"This village is a hometown for Ceres, Shizuko-san, and everyone else. It is fine to return anytime. Furthermore, the Princesses, the Young Lady, and all of Ceres's relatives are comrades. Please come visit anytime."
"""Yes."""
The only one seeing us off is the Town Head... I asked for it to be this way.
This isn't a goodbye...
That’s why we don't need a flashy send-off party.
Thinking that, I had everyone live their lives normally.
We are just going out...
We don't know when we'll return, but this is the hometown for me and everyone else.
Town Head Najim waved his hand for a long, long time, seeing us off as we departed.
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