To Become a King and a Magician 796-800

Title: Tsundere Dog and Witch Who Doesn’t Understand Human Hearts

Naoki would become a comrade to everyone present.

Upon Aesc’s words, the three there—Totorot, Hector, and Wryneck—showed different reactions.

“Hmmph! Got it. Then let’s get along better, Natsukawa!” Totorot laughed. “Well, to me, you falling from the sky looks super suspicious, but if Aesc trusts you, I’ll trust you halfway.”

“…”

The black-armored knight Hector showed no reaction. His heavy armor hid his expression. But from his neutral stance—neither opposing nor accepting—he seemed to be observing.

As for Wryneck…

“I disagree!”

Stepping two or three paces forward toward Aesc and Naoki, Wryneck glared at Naoki. “Accepting someone with unclear origins like this, Aesc! This is your first meeting with him! You’re giving him your trust right away? Haven’t you suffered enough from betrayal until now!?”

“Think carefully about how many times you’ve been betrayed, Aesc!”

Betrayal.

This was what Aesc experienced most.

Since starting her pilgrimage and acting to save Britain, she had been betrayed repeatedly. Though she saved the fairies from century-long and millennium-long calamities time and again, they never thanked her—instead, they betrayed her trust over and over.

In such circumstances, it would be natural for her to trust no one. On the contrary, her current willingness to trust others was unusual.

“I know you’re worried about me, Wryneck.” Aesc said with a smile. “But I can assure you—he is someone who absolutely won’t betray me.”

“!”

Absolutely.

Aesc’s words were firm. She truly regarded Naoki as the most trustworthy person.

“Hey.”

Wryneck bumped his forehead against Naoki’s. “What did you do to her, you bastard? There’s no way she’d trust someone she just met this much. What did you do to her?”

“I didn’t do anything.” Naoki stepped back twice, away from Wryneck. “As you said, this is my first meeting with everyone here. Though it sounds like bragging, I can generally be classified as a Good Person. I won’t hurt someone I just met without reason.”

“Aesc hopes I’ll be her helper. I agreed. That’s all we talked about in the tent. Nothing else.”

Helper? This scrawny guy in front of him?

Wryneck clenched his fists. “Aesc doesn’t need a weakling like you by her side. Know your place and leave. Don’t make me kick you out.”

(Kicking… just kicking. Considering the Fang Clan’s nature, this is already very polite.)

On the British mainland, fairies were divided into six clans.

Wind, Wing, Earth, Mirror, King, Fang.

Wryneck was from the Fang Clan—the strongest race in Britain. He was also the Fang Clan Chief. It wasn’t wrong to call him the strongest in all Britain—though he lost to Aesc after meeting her, he only dropped from first to second at most. Since Aesc occasionally slept deeply, he was effectively still first.

Thus, he had the qualifications to call anyone weak. His own power was enough to back that confidence.

Naoki was a fairy, a planetary terminal—similar to a child of Earth.

Wryneck was an A-Rei, a later-born special individual very close to the six primordial fairies, considered the planet’s own waste-heat organ.

In a sense, the two could be said to share a fraternal, blood-related bond.

“Fight Wryneck, Naoki.” Aesc suddenly said. “At first, Wryneck and I didn’t get along either, but after fighting, we became friends.”

“Friends… Don’t say whatever you want, Aesc! I’m not your friend!” Wryneck snapped irritably. “I just barely accept you because you’ve saved Britain so many times! Don’t act all familiar with me!”

“Is that so? I thought we were friends…”

Aesc showed a slightly lost expression, and seeing it, Wryneck grew even more irritated.

Watching the two, Naoki couldn’t help feeling helpless.

(Haaah, one’s a tsundere, the other doesn’t understand human hearts…)

“So, Aesc, you mean if I fight Wryneck, we’ll acknowledge each other and become comrades fighting side by side, right?”

“Exactly.”

Aesc’s answer made Totorot and Hector nearby sigh. Both had followed Aesc for over a thousand years, so they weren’t too surprised by her actions.

No—it should be said that acting like this was Aesc’s style.

“I don’t mind.”

Naoki walked to the nearby meadow and stretched his arms and legs. “If this can close the distance between us, I’m happy to do it. Though it’s not my style, there’s a good saying: Men’s problems can be solved with fists.”

“I quite like that line.”

Wryneck stood opposite Naoki, baring his claws.

“But unfortunately, I don’t have fists. If we fight, prepare to be beaten half to death, weakling.”

“Say that after you can actually hit me—By the way, as a spoiler for a future comrade, let me use this from the start.”

Golden light gathered in Naoki’s hand. The shining Holy Sword appeared before the four.

This was the Star’s Holy Sword that didn’t exist in this world.

Wryneck frowned. “A really flashy weapon. The humans in Londinium would love to see it, but in front of me—”

Wryneck’s figure vanished from Naoki’s sight in an instant.

(Insanely fast—worthy of the Fang Clan. But to me, still too slow.)

Almost simultaneously with Wryneck’s movement, Naoki had already swung the Holy Sword.

*SWOOSH!*

The exploding golden crescent landed right in front of Wryneck’s reappearing face! The unexpected attack left Wryneck no time to dodge—especially since it was launched from zero distance!

*BANG!*

Wryneck was sent flying by that single golden crescent! The entire wide forest area in front of Naoki was also flattened by the strike!

Naoki lowered the Holy Sword. “That’s why I said—say those words after you can actually hit me.”

-

Title: This British Social Circle Is Truly Messed Up

One hour later.

On a horse-drawn carriage.

“Ouch… that hurts so bad. It’s been a while since I’ve been this sore.”

Wryneck, his face covered in bruises, clutched the swollen parts, folded his legs, and glared at Naoki sitting in front pulling the horse.

The fight with Naoki lasted over fifty minutes, ending in Wryneck’s defeat.

It was a shocking result for everyone. Even Aesc, who believed in Naoki’s strength, was surprised—not just a normal victory, but Naoki hadn’t been touched by Wryneck even once throughout the entire fight.

He stood like a wooden post, kicking Wryneck away again and again until Wryneck surrendered.

Aesc and the others knew Wryneck’s power, and to defeat him like that…

“How strong are you exactly? Natsukawa Naoki.”

Wryneck couldn’t help asking.

Sitting in front pulling the horse, Naoki thought for a moment. “I don’t know.”

“Hah?”

“My strength changes.” Naoki laughed. “I’m not human—I’m a fairy, a planetary terminal. My power shifts with the enemy’s strength. Normally, it stabilizes at a level just right for suppressing the opponent.”

Aesc asked, “So earlier, your power adjusted to Wryneck?”

Naoki shook his head. “No, no, no. That wasn’t it yet… Uh, I don’t mean to underestimate Wryneck—it’s just that Wryneck hasn’t reached the level to trigger that state.”

“Ugh! You picking a fight? That was just practice. If you dare, let’s fight to the death next time!”

“I don’t think Aesc wants our relationship to be like that.” Naoki laughed. “Honestly, I don’t hate you, Wryneck. I’d really like to get along if possible.”

“I have zero interest in getting along with you.”

Wryneck turned his face away. “So you’re saying you beat me with just your base power? That easily?”

“No way it was easy. I used the full power I can access in normal conditions.”

Pseudo-Clairvoyance achieved through fairy perception, and the Holy Sword’s maximum output without True Name Release.

Aside from Summoning Magecraft and Imaginary Manifestation, Naoki used his full strength. Summoning Magecraft might be useless against Wryneck anyway, and Imaginary Manifestation isn’t suited for one-on-one fights.

It’s for crushing trash fairies.

“Besides, our fight was just practice. I didn’t feel the need to unleash power that could fully kill you here.”

“Talking like you’re sure you could kill me completely.”

“No—I am sure.”

“Tch!”

Snorting, Wryneck jumped off the carriage. “I’m done here. I’ll head back to the Fang Clan alone. See you later, Aesc, tin can, and shorty.”

“Who’re you calling shorty! I’ll smack you!”

Totorot snapped back irritably.

Aesc looked at Wryneck. “True—you’re the Fang Clan Chief. Associating with me too much would make your position difficult. You snuck out this time too, right? You must be tired.”

“Tch, just out for a walk. I’m patrolling all of Britain to exterminate Mors—who’d question that excuse?”

Fairies exist for a specific purpose. They’ll do anything for it. When a fairy loses their purpose, they become Mors.

Mors are the natural enemies of fairies. Upon contact, they latch onto a fairy and eventually turn the host into Mors too.

The Fang Clan is the only one that can fight Mors.

Wryneck came out this time to exterminate proliferating Mors. Meeting Aesc and the others was just coincidence—he wasn’t chasing Aesc.

“Besides, I’m not suited for Londinium. Those kids you’re raising are terrified of me. Official meetings with them can wait until the war you mentioned starts.”

With that, Wryneck dashed away at full speed, vanishing in a few blinks.

Naoki asked Aesc, “So we’re heading to Londinium now? That war… the war between humans and fairies?”

Aesc nodded. “Yes—you really know everything.”

The war between humans and fairies.

It was a rebellion sparked by humans long oppressed by fairies, fueled by recent human societal growth. Though human power was negligible against fairies, scattered human groups achieved victories.

Londinium was one such human stronghold.

From Naoki’s knowledge, the war would eventually escalate into total war with Aesc’s intervention. Humans would win under a Londinium knight named Uther, building a kingdom where humans and fairies coexisted peacefully.

But due to the fairies’ Unique Tradition, Uther would be poisoned at his coronation, and Aesc would truly despair.

But now…

“The war hasn’t started—there are just signs. It’ll take years to fully begin, at least until that child grows up.”

“That child?”

“Uther.”

Totorot explained, “A young man Aesc has her eye on. He’s currently her disciple, learning combat under her guidance. In appearance, he’s supposed to look a lot like you when you were young.”

(Arthur in this world, huh… Arthur’s looks, Uther’s name, and his teacher is Morgan…)

What a combination that leaves one speechless. Some in Pan-Human History might find it incredibly complicated.

But Merry and Merlin would probably laugh their heads off.

“So we’re returning to Londinium to continue building human forces there?”

“Yes, and… if possible, I’d like to ask you to teach Uther.” Aesc said somewhat shyly. “I’m a Magus. I can only teach Uther Magecraft, but he… seems more talented with swordsmanship than Magecraft. So, may I ask this of you?”

“Uh…”

Naoki hadn’t expected this request.

After Arthur’s appearance, Uther’s name, and Morgan as teacher… now a new teacher who’s Arthur?

(Hmm… Using the curriculum from my Clock Tower days… Should work, right?)

-

Title: You Can Call Me Merlin

Londinium.

It was a city—or more accurately, a castle, a fortress—located at the southeastern tip of the Isle of Britain.

Of course, it was still too early to call it that. For now, it was just a camp. Though there were walls made of piled stones, everything was still in its early stages.

Amid the escalating war between humans and fairies, Londinium was one of the few human groups capable of facing fairies head-on.

People who wanted to fight the fairies’ long oppression of humans.

People who wanted to live peacefully alongside fairies.

People who sought revenge after their lives were toyed with by fairies.

All sorts of humans gathered here, united by the idea of resisting fairies, defeating them, and changing humanity’s status quo.

And among these many people was a rather special young man.

“Nine hundred ninety-six… nine hundred ninety-six…”

In the open field inside Londinium, a boy with hair as bright as the sun gripped a wooden sword with both hands, swinging relentlessly.

The boy’s name was Uther. In Londinium, he was known to all as the Disciple of the Savior.

Aesc had saved Britain countless times. Unlike the ungrateful fairies, humans remembered her kindness. Moreover, in recent years since awakening from her slumber, she had repeatedly aided humans. Everyone here was deeply grateful to Aesc from the bottom of their hearts.

Thus, Aesc was beloved in Londinium. As her disciple, Uther was seen by the people as the Savior’s heir. They looked forward to him growing up and leading them to defeat the fairies.

“Nine hundred ninety-nine… one thousand—!”

After completing a thousand swings, Uther—drenched in sweat—couldn’t help but gasp for breath.

He was only twelve. Still a child. Training at this level was quite a heavy burden for him. He’d only managed because he was used to it; otherwise, he’d have collapsed by now.

“Good work, Uther.” A man in armor approached and handed him a waterskin. “Drink some water and rest.”

“Thank you, Uncle Ector.”

Taking the waterskin and sipping, Uther glanced toward the city gate.

The knight called Ector laughed and asked, “What’s wrong? You seem a bit distracted today. No—you’ve been distracted for the past two days… Thinking about the Savior?”

“Yes. Master’s been gone for days. I’m worried something happened to her.” Uther admitted openly.

True, Aesc was the Savior who had rescued Britain countless times—her power immense—but even so, Uther still worried slightly about his teacher.

Ector ruffled the boy’s head. “The Savior will be fine. Her level is beyond our concern. Besides, aren’t the Fairy Knight and Black Knight with her? They’ll surely help the Savior.”

“You’re right.”

With that thought, Uther’s worry eased.

And just as he was about to raise his sword and resume training—

“Hey! Uther!”

A young man suddenly burst into the training ground, shouting with a wide grin. “The Savior and the others are back!”

(Master!)

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

At the same time, at Londinium’s entrance.

“You’ve finally returned, Savior!”

“Here are freshly baked potatoes. Please try them!”

“Here’s a stack of paperwork. If possible, please review it!”

“…”

Upon seeing Aesc return in the horse-drawn carriage, many humans who had been scattered around immediately gathered. There were ordinary civilians and armored guards. Each welcomed her return with genuine smiles and enthusiasm.

Aesc was clearly used to this. She skillfully spoke and responded to them one by one. Her adept handling made Naoki wonder: How many times has she gone through this?

“Aesc is amazing, huh?”

Totorot hopped beside Naoki, laughing.

“Don’t let her looks fool you—she was super awkward at first. For thousands of years, she was almost never greeted with this kind of enthusiasm.”

“I know.”

Aesc had fought relentlessly for thousands of years to save Britain, but the fairies never welcomed her. One could imagine her reaction to human enthusiasm.

(The issue is… it’s fine now, but situations like this can easily turn—Well, I don’t need to worry about that yet, right? Aesc has Fairy Eyes. She’ll sense changes before I do.)

Fairy Eyes were the fairies’ outward eyes, capable of seeing through all lies and reflecting truth.

Disguises were useless before Aesc. The humans crowding her now might be cursing her inwardly.

But since Aesc showed no rejection, at least for now, the humans genuinely loved her, right?

“Alright, that’s enough for now. I’m truly grateful for your welcome, but I have matters to attend to. Let’s hold a feast tonight instead.”

Ending with that, Aesc slipped out of the crowd and stood with Naoki, Totorot, and Hector, then walked deeper into Londinium.

The Savior must be tired from the long carriage journey. She needs rest now—such thoughts crossed people’s minds, and they quickly dispersed.

Watching them scatter, Aesc—now farther away—let out a soft sigh. “Phew~~~~ Finally handled for now.”

“Not used to it?” Naoki asked. “Totorot said you were.”

“Still a little. Habits from thousands of years aren’t easy to break.” Aesc gave a wry smile. “Anyway, I’ll take you to your resting place first. I think there are still empty rooms—”

“Master!”

As Aesc spoke, a shout from nearby drew everyone’s eyes. On the other side of the street, Uther ran toward them, waving. He stopped right in front of Aesc.

“Long time no see, Master! You’re finally back!”

“Long time no see, Uther.” Aesc said, patting his head. “There was more to handle this time, and some unexpected things happened. Sorry for the delay.”

Uther shook his head vigorously. “It’s fine—as long as Master’s back. Big Sister Totorot and Uncle Hector, long time no see—welcome back!”

“Yes.” Hector nodded briefly.

“Still as energetic as ever, Uther.” Totorot said, clearly fond of him.

Finally, Uther looked at Naoki standing beside them.

Seeing the man who looked almost exactly like an adult version of himself, Uther hesitated, unsure how to start. “Master, who’s this big brother?”

“I’ll introduce you, Uther. He is—”

“Merlin.”

Naoki crouched with a laugh.

“Nice to meet you, Uther. I’m Merlin. I’ve just joined Aesc’s team as a comrade. From now on, I’ll be your teacher alongside Aesc, teaching you how to become a great knight.”

“Please take care of me.”

-

Title: A Three-Person Family in Britain

Merlin.

This was the alias Naoki chose on the spot. Since Aesc wanted him to teach Uther, this name fit better. Later, if he disguised his golden hair as white with illusion, he’d look even more the part.

(Well… I’ll pay Merlin the copyright fee later.)

Hearing Naoki say this, Uther couldn’t help glancing at Aesc. “This big brother is my teacher… Master, don’t you want me anymore?”

“No, it’s not like that, Uther.” Aesc said, stroking his hair. “I’m a Magus. Teaching you Magecraft is fine, but I’m not skilled at teaching combat. Merlin is far better than me at this, so letting him teach you is best.”

Naoki’s reputation at the Clock Tower had spread for years. In a way, he was indeed exceptional. Even now, stories circulated about his time as a self-defense instructor—destroying classrooms during practice or beating students daily…

“Uther, my beloved disciple, you need to become a knight who can lead humans to defeat fairies, not a Magus. That’s something I can’t teach you. From now on, learn well from Merlin, understood?”

“Hmm… If Master says so, then…”

Though still a bit confused, Uther wouldn’t refuse his teacher’s request. He bowed politely to Naoki. “From now on, please teach me how to fight, Teacher Merlin.”

“Just call me Brother Merlin or Merlin.” Naoki said, following Aesc’s example and ruffling Uther’s golden hair into a mess. Then he pulled a lollipop from nowhere. “Want this? It’s sweet.”

“Merlin, what’s that?”

“Candy. Aesc, want one too? Here.”

With that, Naoki produced another and handed it to Aesc.

Watching the three—meeting for the first time—get along peacefully, Totorot blinked, hopped to Hector’s side, and nudged him. “Hector, am I imagining it? Why do these three feel like they’ve instantly formed some weird vibe?”

“Really? I don’t feel it.” Hector said in his deep voice. “But… Aesc must be happy with this. At least she’s showing an expression she doesn’t outside.”

“True. Aesc is prettiest when she smiles. Out traveling, she always looks serious. Her smiles aren’t genuine.”

Seeing Aesc smile so beautifully now, Totorot truly felt it was wonderful.

“Oh, right.”

Aesc curiously tried her lollipop, then paused. “I said I’d find you a place to stay, Merlin. I almost forgot. We’ll discuss it later. Uther, I’ll escort Merlin to settle in first.”

“Okay, then I’ll head back to training. Master, and Brother… Merlin!”

“Yes, yes, be careful on the way.”

Waving as Uther ran off, Naoki laughed. “He’s a good kid. I somewhat understand why you chose him as your disciple… His Magic Circuits are excellent.”

“Not entirely for that reason. At first, I accidentally saved his life, and he made me his idol. I taught him some minor Magecraft, and somehow it spread that he was my disciple…” Aesc sighed softly. “Anyway, forget that. I’ll take you to find a place.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Though she said she’d find him a place, Aesc didn’t know Londinium’s housing situation well.

She wasn’t the manager here, and she often traveled to handle calamities… In fact, with humans gradually gathering, housing in Londinium was tight.

In the end, the place found for Naoki was—

“Sorry, Naoki. I’ll have to trouble you to stay with us.”

The residence of Aesc, Totorot, and Hector.

Though called a trio’s home, Hector usually stayed in the workshop, forging iron weapons for human battles. Normally, only Aesc and Totorot lived here. Given Totorot’s size, she slept with Aesc.

Meaning, there were plenty of empty rooms.

Naoki chose the empty room next to Aesc’s as his residence in this world.

Of course, it had no furniture. But such a small issue was no problem for Naoki. Through Imaginary Manifestation, he instantly materialized plenty of furnishings. While at it, he renovated Aesc and Totorot’s rooms—and the entire house.

Specifically, he upgraded the village wooden house into an urban luxury villa.

“This is direct world-modification permission, Imaginary Manifestation?”

Though she knew from Morgan’s memories, seeing it firsthand, Aesc still sighed in awe. “Truly a convenient, almost omnipotent ability.”

[T/N: Turns out the MC’s race isn’t Fairy, but Elemental Spirit. 🙏🏻]

“I think Aesc could do it too, right?” Naoki said. “Fairies and elementals are similar. The difference is just scale. Fairies generally exist on a smaller scale, invisible to ordinary people, while Elemental Spirits are fairies large enough to be seen.”

“Both are very close species. So it wouldn’t make sense if I can use Imaginary Manifestation but Aesc can’t?”

“Yes, I can’t.” Aesc nodded. “Other fairies seem able to, but I’m a Paradise Fairy. There must have been adjustments since my birth. In short, I can’t use Imaginary Manifestation. Even if I could, the scale I could affect is far below yours.”

Not all Elemental Spirits can use Imaginary Manifestation like Naoki. The difference stems from permission levels. The fairies now in Britain have reproduced for over ten thousand years, countless generations. Naoki is first-generation, rivaling—even ranking above—the six primordial fairies.

Their usable power and permissions naturally differ.

“But whether I can or not doesn’t matter. As long as Naoki is my comrade, it’s as if I can use Imaginary Manifestation too. For me, that’s enough.”

“True… At least I’ll always be by your side to help.” Naoki smiled, extending his hand to Aesc. “Then, consider this the start of our future life together…”

“I am Naoki, also Merlin—your comrade who will stay by your side until this world’s end.”

“Please take care of me, Aesc.”

-

Title: Useless Human Printing Machine

The next morning.

Aesc’s eyes fluttered open to a soft, gentle touch. Reflected in her gaze was a ceiling adorned with luxurious patterns and a chandelier that looked like solid gold.

This wasn’t her original room.

“Oh, right… I remember. Naoki did this…”

Her room had been completely renovated by Naoki yesterday. Honestly, the change made it a bit hard for Aesc to adjust.

Sitting up from the incredibly soft mattress beneath her, Aesc held her slightly dizzy head. Her fingers brushed against a small body.

“Totorot?”

Beside her, Totorot was sleeping soundly, drool dripping from her mouth.

She hadn’t woken up yet.

No wonder—after camping in the wild, she was finally sleeping on a real bed, and one this soft. It was only natural she’d sleep deeply. In fact, Aesc herself had slept incredibly well last night.

A deep sleep she hadn’t experienced in who-knows-how-many years.

Since receiving memories from her Pan-Human History self, Aesc had constantly worried about future crises. Even in sleep, those thoughts never stopped.

Thus, she hadn’t slept soundly in thousands of years.

And yesterday, with the arrival of Naoki—the one she’d awaited for millennia—Aesc had slightly let down her guard and vigilance…

(I let my guard down… I can’t be this relaxed again, Aesc.)

Controlling her expression and mood, Aesc got out of bed, changed clothes, and tidied herself in front of the mirror.

(The crisis in Britain never ends—it only worsens. This isn’t the time to relax, Aesc. Stay focused.)

Last night’s rest was enough. Now, she had to pour her full attention back into work.

Of course, breakfast came first. Aesc remembered a communal dining area across from their house.

(Today I’ll eat there, then talk to people on the street to gather info from while I was away. After understanding the situation, I’ll meet the managers and plan human-side policies. Plus Uther’s Magecraft training… So much to do. One step at a time.)

Thinking this, as soon as Aesc opened the bedroom door—she froze.

Outside, like inside, Naoki’s Imaginary Manifestation had transformed everything into something utterly unfamiliar. Though she could see the stairs to the first floor, the visual shock—like stepping into a palace hallway—left her stunned.

(Naoki… I’ll ask him to change it back later.)

Though comfortable, Aesc felt a bit out of place in a house like this.

Following the stairs down, fortunately, the front door was right across from them. She could head straight out.

But…

“Hmm? This smell…”

Descending the stairs, a delicious aroma wafted into Aesc’s nose. It came from the left.

Naoki had only changed the exterior appearance, not the overall layout. Aesc recalled that direction led to the kitchen.

“Is someone using the kitchen?”

Curious, Aesc went to the kitchen and saw Naoki busy at work.

From Morgan’s memories, Aesc knew Naoki always cooked for her whenever she visited a place called Glastonbury—and his skills were excellent. But seeing it firsthand…

“Hmm? Aesc, good morning.”

Naoki seemed to hear her footsteps. He glanced back slightly. “You look refreshed. Sleep well? Last night’s welcome party was lively. I thought you’d sleep in.”

Last night’s party?

(Oh, right. I did hold a party last night—to welcome Naoki… I finally remember…)

“Thank you for escorting me home last night.” Aesc said. “I think I accidentally drank too much.”

“No big deal. Sit at the table for a bit. Breakfast is almost ready. There aren’t many ingredients here, so I could only make something simple. This Fairy Nation really has no culture at all.”

The core of the Fairy Nation was fairies—and fairies created no culture of their own because they didn’t understand it. Though they made humans and gradually built cities through human reproduction, culture here remained barren.

Take food, for example.

“I woke up hungry and wanted something to eat. I went to that communal dining spot and found it wasn’t human food at all. Livestock feed? Well, I can imagine why humans eat it.”

Humans were originally created by fairies as tools for amusement—or rather, livestock. Naturally, their food was feed. Fairies didn’t need to eat, so human food was understandably terrible.

Over the years, humans grew used to it. Even after rebelling against fairies, their eating habits stayed the same.

When they returned yesterday, some still considered plain roasted potatoes a rare delicacy—though it could be seen as a unique treat.

So—

“You decided to cook yourself because you couldn’t eat the feed fairies gave humans?”

“Yes. Since you all want to defeat fairies… or coexist with them, this aspect needs improvement too—Here, try this.”

Naoki poured the pot’s contents into a bowl and served it to Aesc.

“Just simple white rice porridge and a few side dishes. This is all I could make with what’s available. I’ll figure out how to vary it later.”

“Thank you. I’ll eat.”

Though she planned to eat outside with everyone, since Naoki prepared it, Aesc had no intention of refusing.

Sitting at the table and taking a spoonful…

“This is delicious.”

“Good.” Naoki said, sitting across from her with his own bowl. “If you said it wasn’t, that’d be bad. As thanks, I can’t let you eat bad food.”

“Thanks?”

“Yes. As gratitude for letting me stay, from now on I’ll handle meals for you, Totorot, and Hector. You can’t cook, right? Eating feed isn’t fitting.”

(This is too much trouble for you.)

—Aesc wanted to say that, but the unfamiliar taste stopped her.

(So good. Just porridge, but such a delicious breakfast.)

Compared to this, Aesc suddenly found her previous breakfasts unpalatable. Though in truth, they were unpalatable feed.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Naoki. Sorry.”

“Why apologize? Are you Sigfried?” Naoki laughed. “I don’t want to stay for free. Cooking for you all is my rent—There’s more in the pot. Help yourself if you finish.”

“…”

After a brief silence, like Artoria, Aesc quickly and gracefully finished her bowl—and immediately refilled it.