Chapter 43 – Departing Millishion

Chapter 43 – Departing Millishion

— Leon Greyrat —

“Happy birthday, you two!”

Giving both Aisha and Norn a big hug, I watched as their surprised faces turned to ones of happiness.

“Thanks, Brother!” Norn cheered, reciprocating my hug.

“So that’s why you had Ruijerd take us out... I knew there was something fishy going on!” Aisha said with a pout on her face that quickly turned into a smile.

With us preparing to leave in a couple of days to get back on the long road to the Central Continent, and my sisters’ birthdays lining up to be when we were still in the city, I found it important to throw a nice party while we still could.

After all, these two have essentially had their entire childhood stolen from them, so with this... even if our whole family wasn’t here... I hope it made them feel a bit better about everything.

The preparation wasn’t much, with only me having bought a cake, setting up some decorations, collecting food from various restaurants and stalls for a large feast, and of course the presents, but it was a cozy affair.

Much like Rudy and I’s birthday back in Buena Village.

And of course, along with Vierra and Shierra, who Norn and Aisha had grown somewhat close to during our time here, a certain someone came to their daughter’s birthday.

Oh, and there was Ruijerd too.

While the man had not initially planned to get a gift, since I knew of the lack of such customs in demon society from Roxy, I had advised him to get a bracelet for each of them yesterday, which he luckily did.

“H-Hey, you two! Do you, uh, want a hug from me too?” my father said with a smile.

Unfortunately, he only got a pair of glares in response.

“...Thought so.” He slumped his shoulders in defeat.

Well, the path to forgiveness was a long one, but at least we were fine to be in the same room now.

“Why is he here,” Aisha whispered in my ear.

...Maybe not.

“Because he’s your dad. Now come on, do you want to eat first, or do presents?” I asked.

Seeing how their eyes lit up at the word ‘presents’, the answer was already set.

“Alright. Then, these are for you two.”

I then handed each of them my first gift, which was a nice new coat for each of them.

“This coat is a bit big, but you’ll both grow into them,” I said, putting it over Aisha and Norn’s shoulders. “I also made sure to get an enchantment that made it temperature regulating, so it will be useful in all types of weather.”

With both of them wrapped up in their matching coats, looking down at the soft brown fabric with interest, I couldn’t help but smirk at their cuteness.

This might have been as much of a present for me as it was for them.

“Thank you!” they both cheered as they engulfed me in a hug.

“Do you like them?” I asked, patting their backs.

“Of course!” Aisha nodded.

“It’s warm~” Norn hummed, burying her head into my shoulder with her hood covering her hair. “And comfy~”

“Well, don’t fall asleep just yet,” I said, unwrapping my arms from them. “I also got you two something else. So here.”

I then took out a wand and a sheathed short sword from behind me, passing them to Aisha and Norn respectively.

“B-Brother? This is-”

“A sword,” I said, cutting off Norn. “And I got you a belt and equipment for maintaining this, but more importantly... actually, why don’t you tell her, Father.”

Paul, who had been watching the exchange with a gentle smile, stood up as he dumbly pointed to himself. “Me?”

“No, the other Father here,” I said, my eyebrow twitching. “Of course I meant you!”

“Oh! Yeah, right!”

Idiot.

He then quickly went over to kneel beside me, looking into Norn’s face as her smile quickly transformed into a pout.

“So... Norn. I know you don’t like me right now, but I need you to at least listen,” Paul started.

Norn’s pout deepened, but she didn’t look away.

That’s a good girl.

“This... is a sword,” he said, gently taking her gifted weapon. “It’s not a toy. It’s a tool used to kill. It’s not something to take lightly.”

“I know that,” Norn muttered.

“I bet you do, but just know that past being a tool, it is also a symbol,” Paul continued, his eyes resolute. “It’s a symbol of strength, responsibility, and honour. When you take up the sword, it means that you’re carrying the power to protect, defend, and if necessary, take a life to do so. Do not forget that.”

His heartfelt words seemed to resonate with Norn as I found her gaze focusing on her father’s narrowed green eyes.

“Life is precious, and it is life that you will be using this sword to protect, whether it be family, friends, or innocents. But it’s because life is precious that you cannot take killing lightly. Even if it must be done, you must understand the seriousness of the act. So,” he then pushed the sword into Norn’s chest, “more than holding one in your hand, keep a sword firm and strong in your heart, because that is where true strength lies. Never forget your values and what you swear to protect when you wield this, understood?”

Norn widened her eyes before nodding seriously, taking the sword into her hand.

Well... would you look at that?

Honestly, I was shocked.

It seems that his two practice runs with me and Rudy worked out pretty well, considering that speech.

“Nice job, Father,” I nodded.

“Yeah, well, dealing with shitty nobles made me develop quite the glib tongue,” he said, getting up.

I hardened a glare at him.

“Oh. Right,” he said, shivering slightly. “Uhh, ‘crappy’ nobles. Sorry.”

Good. He was learning.

I then looked over to Aisha, who, while listening in on Paul’s speech, was still focused on the wand I had given her.

It was a simple thing, with some white bark from a mana-infused tree as the base and a blue gemstone adorned at the tip.

“Aisha,” I said. “More than a gift, this is also a symbol of you being a Beginner magician. Like Norn, magic is a tool, but I think you’re already smart enough to know how to use it.”

She pumped her fist as she nodded at me. “Got it! I’ll make you proud, Big Brother.”

“I’m already proud of you,” I said, pulling her into another hug. “Now, let’s eat!”

And so, with a few more gifts being given to the two, with Therese getting them both books, Eris getting each of them a new pair of shoes, and Paul getting Aisha a knitting set and Norn a whittling set, the festivities continued into the night, with good food being shared games being played.

With such a joyous atmosphere, as well as some dancing being done, the two now-five-year-olds quickly found themselves tuckered out, and went asleep for the night.

Of course, I was begged to join them. A request that I obviously accepted.

Now that I didn’t have to worry about separating for another year, while I could technically start sleeping with the two of them like before once again, with Eris and I advancing our relationship, I still tried to keep us separate most nights due to her newfound... clinginess.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

But as strong as I was, in the face of the honest pleas of my two cute little sisters, my will was quickly shattered to bits.

Let’s hope they don’t abuse that weakness of mine in the future.

— Leon Greyrat —

With everything packed on the carriage, and a new horse to lend its aid, our little group was ready to depart Millishion after a nice, relaxing month of rest.

“And you’re sure you’re fine?” I asked. “Travelling all the way to Begaritt is no joke. Not to mention getting Mama once you arrive...”

“Haha! I’ll make do, Leon,” my father said, rubbing my head. “I always have, and that was without the motivation of saving my wives.”

...I just temped fate, didn’t I?

Ah, well, whatever.

We then set off to sell our carriage, as we couldn’t exactly take it over the water, before heading into the main checkpoint, where we would hopefully find our transportation across the sea.

As we arrived at the crowded place, many heads turned to our entrance, particularly a few of the male guards, who were looking at Eris... appreciatively.

I could understand. She was a beautiful girl, after all.

But this beautiful girl belonged to yours truly.

Needless to say, I quickly pulled her close with one arm while using the other to move Norn and Aisha closer to me, all while glaring at whoever cast their gaze our way.

My message was clear: Back off.

Luckily, they seemed to understand, as they averted their eyes a moment later.

As we began our way towards one of the receptionists, I noticed that a well-dressed and very... heavy man, likely some sort of officer, was standing behind the counter, glaring at us, or more specifically, Ruijerd.

“Aunt Therese... what’s with him?” I asked.

“That Duke Bakshiel... he’s probably going to make things difficult,” she sighed.

“Why? Because of Ruijerd?” I asked.

Aunt Therese nodded.

“But... why? I know a lot of people don’t like demons here, but in that case, wouldn’t they welcome him leaving?”

I was confused.

“Yeah, well... it’s just like that,” she sighed. “Usually because of their pride. They wouldn’t want to give in to the request of a demon, after all.”

“I see... so what do we do?” I asked.

“You can leave that to me. I’ll make sure to get you five a ship for tonight,” she said, turning to Ruijerd. “You said you had a letter that may help smooth things over?”

“Indeed. I believe Gash mentioned being the Commander of the Missionary Knights,” Ruijerd said. “I hope this helps.”

Therese paused at his words.

“...Commander Galgard?” she said, slightly shocked. “U-Uhh, yes, that should help... a lot.”

Oh?

It seems that Ruijerd’s friend was quite the big shot.

“Okay... do you need us here?” I asked.

“No, my authority should be enough,” she said, shaking her head. “After all, as you said, as long as he’s relenting to me and not the will of a demon, it should be alright.”

“We’ll be getting food near the guild then,” I said. “Thanks for helping us, Aunt Therese.”

“Aww! Anything for my cute nephew!”

I made sure to leave the place before I was smothered again.

— Leon Greyrat —

“Do we have to go on a boat...?” Eris whined.

“Yes. Unless you have some way to fly,” I said.

“Can’t you do that?” she asked.

“No.”

Well, maybe I could.

“I couldn’t fly for long enough while carrying everyone,” I corrected my statement.

“Hmph,” she pouted. “Well, I’m not happy about it!”

I think I know that...

With Eris marching angrily up the gangway to join the other three, I then turned to my aunt, who I would likely not be seeing for quite a while after this.

“Thank you for all your help,” I said, bowing in thanks. “And also for letting me learn some magic.”

“Of course, Leon,” she smiled. “But... say... my mother asked me before I left... if it’s possible... would you allow Norn to stay here?”

My smile dropped as I glared at the woman.

Was that why she was being so nice? Trying to butter me up and get Norn back?

I wasn’t stupid. While Paul had renounced his nobility in name, he could never renounce his bloodline. So he, despite his issues, was still an acceptable father to a noblewoman to have.

And with Therese not planning to have children, it was obvious why my grandmother wanted Norn.

“Never,” I said, my hand lowering to hover over my sword. “I have kept it in so far out of respect, but I loathe this place and the Millis religion. Pretending to be just while they detest all demons for no reason, allow the enslavement of innocents, and keep magic that could save lives sealed behind their pride... If I had the strength and didn’t have to worry about retaliation and harming innocents, I would destroy the entire capital.”

I took a deep breath to calm my wrath as I finished my words.

“So no... I do not want Norn spending her life here in a country with such pretentious and hypocritical beliefs, much less getting involved in the politics and nobility of it.”

While I had expected her to be angry at my outburst, Therese just sighed resignedly, as if she had expected this.

“Well, I cannot ignore that we do have our issues... Ah, but I assume that arguing over the good of Millis would be useless,” she said as she lightly shook her head. “That pretentiousness must be why my sister left and never looked back... she was always quite stubborn like that.”

Therese then stepped forward, pulling me into a hug.

“Regardless, I do hope you visit sometime... Hopefully without destroying the capital.”

Reciprocating her hug, I nodded. “I’ll try.”

“Good.”

Separating, she gave me a final pat on the head. “If Paul isn’t enough, please save my sister. And if you do... tell her I miss her.”

“I will,” I nodded before hearing the ship’s bell ring, signalling its departure.

“Well, I should get going now. Goodbye, Aunt Therese.”

“Safe travels!”

And with that, I leaped onto the ship, quickly finding the other four with my Demon eye as I made my way toward our cabin.

Entering the room, I was met with the sight of Eris curled up in one of the cots, while Norn and Aisha were both organizing their things, mostly pulling out some hobbies to do for tomorrow’s day at sea.

“Well, we’re off to the Central Continent,” I said as I sat next to Eris.

Feeling the boat rock as we presumably began sailing to East Port, I placed my hand on Eris’ forehead and began casting some basic detoxification and healing magic to quell the oncoming nausea.

To think... after two whole years... we were only now getting to our home continent.

That was quite a depressing thought.

But at the same time... it was hopeful too.

“Leon...”

Hearing Ruijerd call for me, I looked up at the man, noticing a conflicted expression clouding his face.

“Yes? Is something wrong?” I asked.

“...No,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s nothing. It can wait.”

“...If you’re sure.”

With that slightly confusing interaction, our group began towards East Port, putting an end to our journey of the Millis Continent and placing us one step closer to our homeland.