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Chapter 154: Sermon and Clever Strategy

Well, after enjoying the starry night with Leila, it seems I’m about to get scolded by Platy.

“…Can you explain what’s going on?”

Platy questioned me in a calm yet unhappy tone. I shrugged awkwardly and opened my mouth.

“Well, while we were taking a walk, things… got a bit carried away…”

—What more can I say?

“…I got carried away.”

“Isn’t it supposed to be ‘got together’ instead?”

Platy’s eyes were frigid. She snapped her fan shut with a loud clap and leaned forward.

“…Wasn’t it our promise that I wouldn’t fly until a solid trust was established, and I was certain that girl wouldn’t betray us?”

“Yes. However, I thought our trust was already… sufficient?”

As I replied, Platy’s eyes narrowed. Ah, her irritation was intensifying.

“…I admit it was wrong not to consult you beforehand. I’m sorry.”

As I bowed my head, Platy huffed in response.

“—I’ll interrupt.”

With that, the door swung open, and Gorirashia stomped in.

“I heard things have taken an interesting turn, haven’t they?”

“Mother… there’s nothing interesting about this.”

Platy shot Gorirashia an annoyed glance.

“You’re not acting like yourself. Why are you so worked up? It’s not a big deal that you flew a little with your cute girlfriend.”

Gorirashia plopped down next to Platy, leaning back against the sofa, looking at us with amusement.

“It is a big deal! If anything goes wrong, it could be instant death! No matter how strong your magic is, falling from a height means death! Even His Majesty the Demon Lord can’t defy this logic!”

Platy snapped back angrily, glaring at me, still fuming.

“Zilbagias, don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t want to impose unnecessary restrictions on you. But this matter could be life-threatening. No matter how much you train, if you’re thrown into the air without wings, you’re completely powerless. I’m worried about you…”

“I understand… I’m really sorry.”

Ugh, don’t look at me with those sad eyes.

“However… I did mention earlier that we got carried away, but it’s true that I was confident about my trust in Leila. Honestly, she has had countless opportunities to kill me if she wanted.”

I honestly didn’t expect Platy to be this upset. It’s a bit late for that now.

“Furthermore, I must say, I did return safely without falling…”

“I agree with that.”

Gorirashia nodded, arms crossed behind her head.

“I’ve seen that girl Leila, and she looks at Zilbagias with eyes full of sparkle, like a flower garden. She doesn’t seem harmful at all.”

Alright, good job, Gorirashia!! Unexpected backup!!

Platy was making a face like she sucked on a sour lemon. Since the adept of the “Kyougan” vouched for her, it’d be hard to say anything more.

“Well… that’s true.”

“Admit it. You’re just anxious that your son is slipping away from your grasp.”

While poking at Platy’s cheek, Gorirashia wore a mischievous grin.

Stop it, Gorirashia!! Don’t fan the flames!!

“…Grrr”

Platy looked extremely frustrated but then sighed and relaxed into the sofa.

“Well, if you’re saying that, then that girl must be safe… for now.”

However… she continued, casting a dubious glance.

“…The ‘Kyougan’ can only perceive temporary emotions. What if her feelings change in the future?”

“That’s true…”

Gorirashia frowned, resting her chin on her hand.

Well, I guess that makes sense. She sensed my hostility but didn’t harbor animosity toward Platy.

“But if we start thinking like that, nobody would be able to be trusted, right? You never know when a subordinate might stab you in the back.”

“Handling a betrayal from a subordinate is manageable if you’re trained. But falling from a height is lethal, no matter how much training you’ve had. The danger level is completely different, so I’m worried.”

Platy said it as if it’s nothing, but it shouldn’t be considered “manageable” when it comes to betrayal by a subordinate…

That said, I finally understood why Platy had been nagging and complaining like a little kid.

She trusts me and believes in me, but she completely distrusts Leila, and that could lead to a catastrophic situation—that’s where her dissatisfaction lies.

“To add on, the threat isn’t just falling to your death. If she wanted, she could easily take Zilbagias over to the alliance area.”

—Instinctively, I felt a chill. I didn’t want to show any signs of agitation in front of Gorirashia.

“Why would she do something like that?”

“I can’t say for sure, of course. But Zilbagias is the prince of the Demon Lord Kingdom. As an act of revenge for his father’s murder, they could use him as a hostage to inflict greater damage upon the Demon Lord Kingdom.”

“That’s a clever tactic, indeed.”

Gorirashia laughed gleefully, however—

“But that girl seemed to genuinely love Zilbagias, at least for now.”

“…If that love lasts forever, I’d feel relieved.”

Platy sighed deeply.

“I sometimes wish… I had inherited ‘Kyougan’ instead of ‘Void Spear.’”

Wait, saying “instead of.” Isn’t Gorirashia from the Dustrotos tribe looking a bit offended?

“However, it’s good that this woman inherited the less helpful bloodline magic. If you could see emotions, you would’ve been done for.”

Antendo’s words sent chills down my spine.

—That’s right.

I was born as a baby hiding murderous intent.

It’s completely abnormal for a newborn baby to exude hostility. If they noticed that, I would—

“…………”

I was glad Platy couldn’t use “Kyougan,” and I was thankful she kept me distant from my relatives.

That was truly close…! I might have been tiptoeing on thin ice all this time.

Well, even now, I might still be…

“…Well, when it comes to bloodline magic, there’s no point in nitpicking.”

Gorirashia snorted, sounding displeased. Still, since she didn’t explode in anger, it seemed she believed “Kyougan” was more useful than her “Void Spear.”

“If you’re worried about that girl’s change of heart… I have an idea.”

However, the grin Gorirashia wore when she thought of something filled me with bad premonitions.

“Really? Can you tell me what it is, Mother?”

“It’s simple. Changes of heart, no matter how much you try to hide them, will always seep out. Foolish men might deceive with acting, but it’s tricky to fool a woman’s eye. Isn’t that right?”

Gorirashia shot me a significant look—

“So, if you want to confirm the presence of hostility, you just need to have the two of you get cozy in front of me regularly.”

………

“What!?”

“Huh!?”

Our bewildered voices overlapped. What is this old hag saying!!

You want me to cuddle with my girlfriend in front of my mother!? You’ve got to be kidding me!?

“If it’s true love or just a woman adjusting to her man, it’s obvious to a woman at a glance, isn’t it? You wouldn’t need bloodline magic to see through it!”

Also, with a slightly playful smile, she added,

“You’re used to dealing with those nagging women in the Demon Lord Castle, right? I really don’t see that little girl being able to appease a man while simultaneously deceiving your eyes.”

“…Hmm.”

Platy cradled her chin in thought. Wait, are you seriously going to ponder that!?

“…That might be effective.”

Eh…?

“Well, if I feel like it, I’ll come to visit the Demon Lord Castle. Then I’ll hold an interview with Leila; I believe that should cover us for the next several decades.”

“I’m not too keen on this idea, but it seems there’s no other choice.”

………

I was left speechless.

So, in exchange for being able to fly with Leila, I ended up having to regularly prove our “love” in front of Platy…

 

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