Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 8

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

Chapter 8   Mother-substitute assassin

In front of me stands a vigilant female assassin, to whom I cautiously address.

Above all else, I must first know about her.

“What’s your name?”

“…I am Elsa, young master.”

She answers the initial question without any relaxation, then gazes at me and Ars with a probing look.

She’s probably around four hundred years old, a mature age for an elf.

She likely already senses that I’m not just an ordinary person. Her gaze isn’t that of a nobleman bored with wealth, waiting to be bought, but rather that of an experienced assassin.

Undoubtedly, she must be perplexed by my unknown identity. After all, I’m likely recognized as an opponent whose assassination skills, even for people of this era, are unsurpassable.

Even Sebas, who rarely shows surprise, is astonished by her sharp gaze.

“Don’t give me such a scary look. Ars will get scared.”

“…You jest.”

“Ehehe!”

No, Ars isn’t scared at all.

Yeah, I knew that.

But hey, let’s read the room a bit, Ars.

You understand the situation even though you can’t communicate verbally, right? Are you just playing around?

“Yeah, well, whatever. Let’s get back to the point. I pretty much understand what you are. With that in mind, I’ll ask: are you willing to be purchased?”

“…………”

The issue lies here.

Her abilities are unquestionably outstanding, a real gem of a find.

However, perhaps due to that very strength, the gaze toward me, with its mysterious intensity, carries a strong sense of caution. Whether she’ll accept or not is up in the air.

Fortunately, once this type agrees, she won’t betray you, and she could become a powerful ally.

Ars seems to like her too. This is the moment of truth.

“Hmm… I see. There’s no point in just waiting for you to hesitate in making a decision. Let’s set some conditions. If you pledge your loyalty to me again, I’ll give you the opportunity to seek revenge against the countries and people who betrayed you.”

With those words, Elsa widens her eyes in astonishment.

Sebas, in a manner suggesting he doesn’t understand why I know such things, can’t hide his shocked expression either.

This is truly the whisper of the devil.

By the way, I knew from the first glance that she wasn’t just an ordinary assassin but rather a member of some major nation’s clandestine forces. It’s not just because she’s a high-ranking assassin; it’s the suspicion toward me that hides in her heart, the loyalty that doesn’t completely vanish even after betrayal, the guilt of being bought by me while harboring such feelings, and the desire for revenge directed somewhere other than here. It’s because she’s a devil that I can so easily discern her inner workings.

“So, are you motivated now?”

“…You are a truly terrifying person.”

“Hahaha, I’ve been told that since ancient times.”

After all, in hell, I was known as the most fearsome lower demon. I haven’t survived in the dog-eat-dog world of carnage for two thousand years for nothing.

Whether she understood the situation and found no other course of action or she simply accepted it, Elsa firmly gazes at me and Ars.

“Sigh… Understood, I concede defeat. I will pledge new loyalty to you and your child.”

“Alright! It’s settled! Sebas, handle the procedures for purchasing the slave.”

“Yes, y-yes, just a moment, sir!”

Sebas, visibly shaken by Elsa’s unexpected compliance, hurriedly proceeds with the preparations.

Well, well, Ars, your old man is thrilled to have found such an unexpected gem. With her, she’ll surely take care of you without any issues.

“With this, I can handle changing Ars’s diapers and sudden night cries without knowing the cause with no problem! I was really at a loss for what to do. Thank you, thank you, Elsa! I’ll leave Ars’s care to you!”

“Oh, I understand, sir. I too was tasked with such duties when my children were young… Truly, capable female hands are necessary. I understand…”

Sebas, who probably no longer considers me just a foolish noble son but someone more, offers words of sympathy.

Ah, you understand, comrade. Yes, we’re comrades. I feel like we could share a good drink, knowing the struggles we’ve faced together.

Then Elsa, who had been watching the antics of these comedic men, opens her mouth with a bewildered expression.

It’s a rare sight to see her intellectual cool beauty slip.

“Oh my, this is a rare sight.”

“I can’t tell if you’re a terrifying person or just plain stupid, I’m starting to wonder about you, Elsa.”

“Well, you’re being harsh all of a sudden. It’s quite something for you to adapt to this atmosphere so quickly despite being a slave.”

Well, as long as Ars is laughing, let’s consider it good. With this attitude, it seems our compatibility isn’t bad either.

After that, the purchase is completed swiftly thanks to Sebas efficient procedures, and we leave the slave market and head back to our base in the eastern continent.

I do have bases on each continent, but since I’ve only just begun childcare a week ago, there’s only one place where everything is ready.

Of course, Elsa’s reaction upon returning via teleportation was once again a sight to behold. While she didn’t make the mistake of gaping wide-mouthed like in the beginning, it was clear as day that she was internally unsettled. When I mentioned this, she shot me a mocking glance, though.

However, it seems she’s always considerate of little Ars, saying things like, “Please entrust Ars-sama’s care to me. With this attitude, His Highness Kakyu won’t be of any use,” or something to that effect. Well, well, I admit I lacked the common sense of raising a baby, so it’s fine.

But hey, aren’t you a bit too sharp?

Nevertheless, if things continue like this, she seems like she’ll continue to serve Ars even beyond the two-year term. I truly made a great purchase.

That’s why I must prepare for the opportunity to fulfill my promise with Elsa in the future.