Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 21 Elsa and Kakyu

“Husband. It’s morning.”

“Mm.”

“It’s morning, you know?”

“Mm… huh…”

“Hmph!”

With a disdainful snort, I flip over the whining, spoiled comforter who cries out, “My dear futon-sama!” and continue to insist on waking up and continuing with the cleaning without further ado.

Why are gentlemen so irresponsibly indulgent?

Even now, this stubbornly clinging, spoiled creature pleads, “Have mercy!” or shouts, “Demon Elf!” But it doesn’t matter.

As long as my eyes can see, I will never allow such coddled living.

But still, hehe…

Once upon a time, I belonged to the shadows of a great nation and was feared as part of the [Twilight]. Even I have softened.

If it were in the past, I would have just knocked him out.

Ah, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier.

My name is Elsa.

Now, I am just Elsa, the only wife of this irresponsible, carefree, and somewhat inescapable gentleman.

“Tch, persistent.”

“Harsh!? You’re too harsh, Elsa-san!?”

I’m not being harsh.

It’s just strange that you’re still trying to cling to the comforter.

There’s still a lot of work to be done later, so please hurry and wake up.

And look, there’s evidence of sleepiness on your face.

“Come on, husband. There are traces of drool on your face. Please maintain your appearance properly.”

“Hmm?”

“Oh well. There’s no helping it…”

It seems my husband, Kakyu-sama, is still half asleep.

Since it can’t be helped, I decided to gently wipe his cheeks with a damp handkerchief using water magic until the traces disappeared.

Although my husband doesn’t seem to understand, maintaining such appearance is what upholds the dignity of the lord of this castle.

Even though there aren’t many servants in this castle at the moment, appearances still matter.

“Oh, oh. It’s been a while since Elsa-tan’s dere* came out! This love is precious! With this, I can live for another two thousand years!”

“What nonsense are you talking about? There’s no way people can live for two thousand years.”

“Hahaha! Maybe you’re right!”

“Sigh…”

Seeing my husband laughing heartily at my logical statement, I let out a sigh.

I don’t understand what’s so funny, but if it wakes him up, then so be it.

Besides, we have a lot to do today, so things won’t start until he gets up.

After all, today is the long-awaited fifth birthday of our beloved son, Ars.

To make the birthday party a success, I need to collaborate with Gaius, the unusually enthusiastic servant, and prepare.

And this time, there’s an additional surprise.

“However, Ars is already five years old… I knew it, but it went by so quickly.”

“Yes…”

Five years old.

In the human race, where adulthood is typically reached at fourteen, it could be said that this is still the early stages of childhood for the person themselves.

However, for me, a long-lived species, human time is like the blink of an eye.

If I don’t cherish this moment now, I will surely regret it later.

Of course, reaching adulthood doesn’t mean immediately joining the ranks of respectable adults.

It simply marks the end of the period where parents take care of everything and the beginning of striving for independence.

Adulthood is not yet reached, but at the same time, one cannot be called a child.

It’s that time.

Well, no matter how old they get, children will always be children in their parents’ eyes.

Still, even knowing that, it’s quite poignant.

“Well then, let’s put some effort into it. This year’s surprise present will surely leave him astonished.”

“Yes. After all, it’s our first family trip. For Ars, who used to think that the southern continent and the nearby castles of various bases were the whole world, it’s bound to be an unforgettable memory.”

A family-only first trip.

Because of that, I initially hesitated even to bring Gaius, the most trustworthy servant besides our family.

Well, that’s just my selfishness.

Even if we leave this castle unattended, we have Ballus, the fire dragon, who is my husband’s pet, to fend off external threats, and I’ve given orders to handle things if necessary. When my husband gently persuaded me to take Gaius with us, I couldn’t deny it.

“Now then. Also, Elsa.”

“Yes?”

“I’ve said it many times before, but if you ever feel like seeking revenge against the country that betrayed you, just say the word anytime. As long as I’m here, there’s no need for hesitation. It’s all up to your feelings.”

Those words made my breath catch, but at the same time, they also made me happy.

After all, my husband… Kakyu-sama hadn’t forgotten his promise.

But that’s unnecessary concern.

I’m already fulfilled with you, with Ars, and with the companions of this castle.

Revenge doesn’t matter anymore.

What occupies my heart now is not hatred, nor mere loyalty.

Rather, it’s something warmer───.

“Hehe, let’s remember that”

“Heh. Well, just stay on board the ship!”

Ah, even so, it’s regrettable to lose this bond with you.

As long as this promise exists, I can continue to draw your gaze towards me in the future.

So, for a while.