Even Though I Defeated the Demon Lord, My Wife and Daughter Treat Me Like Trash ~ I Found Out My Wife's Child Isn't Mine, and When I Confronted Her, She Got Mad and I Was Exiled. The Country's in Trouble Because the Demon Lord Came Back? Sorry, I'm Getting Remarried to a Princess, So I Can't Help. - Chapter 7: A Discussion on Magic

Chapter 7: A Discussion on Magic

The defeat of Galforne was completed much faster than expected. 

She probably thought she had laid the perfect trap. 

To be fair, it would have been a deadly one for anyone without my immunity to curses. 

In other words, it wasn’t so much that I was particularly skilled—just that I happened to have the right resistance for the situation.

Thanks to that, I wrapped up the mission ahead of schedule and returned to the capital in just three days.

Next on my agenda was to report to the castle about the successful defeat of Galforne.

The request had come from Prince Albert, a former member of our party. 

But before that, I decided to stop by the house. 

Since I was back much earlier than planned, there was no need to rush.

“I’m home.”

I entered the house, but the living room was empty. 

Camilla was probably out shopping or running errands.

I checked the other rooms and sensed someone in the kids’ room. 

I knocked, and a voice answered from inside.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Dad. I finished my job and came home.”

“Huh… t-that was fast.”

“Yeah, I finished earlier than expected.”

“Hmm, I see.”

…But there was no sign of her coming out. 

It would be nice if she’d open the door.

I paused to think for a moment, trying to come up with a conversation starter. 

Then, I found just the thing.

“Hey, on this mission, I saw two unusual types of magic. Wouldn’t you like to hear about them?”

At my question, I heard a flurry of hurried movement from inside the room.

After a moment, the door handle clicked, but the door didn’t fully open.

Instead, there was a small gap, just wide enough to keep the inside hidden. I heard a light cough, and then the door creaked open slightly more.

Emilia’s face was a bit flushed, but she seemed to be trying to act calm.

“Hmm, unusual magic? Well, it could be useful for my studies, so I guess I’ll hear you out.”

“Alright, why don’t I come in and—”

“No, wait in the living room. And can you change your clothes? After coming back from a trip, even deodorizing magic won’t be enough to handle the smell. I’ve told you this before, haven’t I?”

“…Yes.”

For the past year, I’ve been ‘banned’ from entering her room. 

To avoid any trouble, I’ve been sticking to that rule.

I did as she asked, changed my clothes, and waited in the living room. Soon, Emilia appeared with a notebook and pencil in hand.

Without saying a word, she cast a deodorizing spell on me.

I guess since I hadn’t washed up yet, even with fresh clothes, she wanted to be sure.

She didn’t comment on it, and neither did I. Emilia sat across from me and got straight to the point.

“So, Dad, tell me about that unusual magic?”

“Sure.”

At least when it comes to magic, we can still communicate like this. 

For that, I’m grateful.

…I guess I can tolerate the deodorizing spell every time I come home.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

“Hmm, so this ‘self-resurrection magic’ isn’t something humans can actually use?”

I had just finished explaining the “Cursed Death Sphere” and then the “self-resurrection magic” to Emilia. 

Even though she kept pretending to be disinterested, I could tell she was genuinely intrigued.

But I knew better than to point that out—doing so would spoil this rare moment of connection.

“No, there’s a possibility it could be replicated.”

“How?”

“Well… oh, look at the time. Dad’s got something he needs to do. Let’s make this your homework.”

“What? Come on, just tell me!”

“Nope, you’ll figure it out on your own. I wouldn’t want to take away the joy of discovery.”

“…Hmph.”

That line was something Old Man Barnes used to tell me often. 

Emilia knew that too, so she didn’t argue.

Honestly, I could just explain it to her, but if I gave away everything now, I’d need to find new topics to talk about next time. 

It’s good to keep a strong card for later.

“But I’ll give you a hint: ‘Let’s make the flowers bloom.'”

“Huh? That’s so vague.”

“Well, give it some thought.”

“Alright. What’s your important errand?”

“I’m off to the castle to report the defeat of Galforne.”

“The castle?”

Emilia’s expression shifted slightly.

“What’s wrong?”

“Eh? Oh… nothing, I understand.”

“No, seriously, what’s wrong?”

“I said it’s nothing. Just go already.”

Ah, I get it. If I push further, I won’t get an answer and will probably just make her more upset.

“Alright then, Dad’s going to report quickly and come right back. If you manage to figure out the homework before I get back, I’ll buy you that staff you’ve been wanting.”

“…Okay.”

Hmm, I thought she’d be a bit more excited about that offer, but her reaction was pretty flat.

Well, I’m sure she’ll be happier once she sees the actual staff. 

I’m not a big fan of using gifts to make her happy, but I guess this much is fine.

Of course, I’ll have to be careful with spending since Camilla keeps a close eye on the budget.

As I was about to leave the house, Emilia did something unusual—she came to see me off at the front door.

“Alright, I’m heading out.”

“…Okay.”

She still seemed a bit down.

But knowing her, asking more questions wouldn’t get me anywhere. 

As I started to walk away…

“Dad!”

I turned back at her call. 

She looked at me with a serious expression and said, 

“I’ll… make sure to finish the homework.”

“Good.”

“alright… goodbye, Dad.”

“Yeah, see you soon.”

She gave a small wave, just at chest height, and I waved back. 

Judging by her behavior, she definitely still wants that staff.

I think I’ll splurge a little this time.