Frieren 87

Title: Solitär’s Love

Though Solitär’s expression was convincing, appearing genuinely sad, even if Ash hadn’t interacted with demons for a long time, he wasn’t naïve enough to believe she was truly in love with him based on the situation.

Solitär didn’t feel awkward about being seen through either. Instead, she pressed a fingertip to her lips, showing a puzzled expression: “Of course it’s profound, but isn’t that just how it is?”

“At the very least, you’d need to truly like someone, get rejected, and then feel it, right?”

“Do you have experience?”

“…Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Why?”

“Are you the Ten Thousand Whys?”

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Though Solitär was a thousand-year-old woman, her relentless childlike questioning made Ash feel deeply frustrated.

During this, not only Aura but also Linie, sitting beside her, kept staring at him. They seemed very curious about the topic.

But Ash only felt a stomachache and had no interest in indulging them. He even wanted to pretend to sleep to avoid this weird, boring topic.

However, things proceeded as planned. Using illusion magic, he disguised several people as humans. As the Eist Empire Observation Group, they openly observed the battlefield without protest from other nations fearing the Eist Empire. They also discreetly gathered needed personnel.

Solitär, still like a curious child, kept asking questions, annoying Ash to the point he wanted to ditch her somewhere.

Aura, meanwhile, looked delighted, happily observing the battlefield. She continued her soldier-collection plan… By the end of this large-scale battle, she brought back over a hundred elite soldiers and returned to the Eist Empire’s capital.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

In the autumn with falling leaves, in the capital, vibrant red leaves floated gently. Solitär spun joyfully on the stone path, arms outstretched: “This is truly amazing, Ash. I think I might really fall for you~”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard of such casual love.”

“Coexistence between humans and demons fits perfectly in this capital~”

As she spoke, Solitär leapt into Ash’s arms. Looking up, she squinted with a beautiful smile, genuinely joyful: “My decision to come here was absolutely right.”

“…Then, as a reward for moving you, teach me the magic to create multiple swords?”

“Ugh~ of course. It’s no problem as long as you can learn it. But in return…”

“I’ll teach you magic too.”

“Ah~ it’s a deal~” Solitär nodded to herself, her face full of excitement: “This kind of partnership is amazing~ Why didn’t I think of working with you before? But it’s true—the longer you live, the more likely you meet good things.”

“…You’re happy, that’s better than anything.”

After confirming their temporary collaboration, Ash responded casually, not intending to say much.

Aura, nearby, ignored their conversation. She was still noting the battle’s results in her book, muttering to herself: “Another bountiful harvest. Autumn really is the season for harvesting.”

“Don’t treat humans like wheat! You really… Haa, forget it. I’m too lazy to talk to you.”

Ash glanced at Aura, then at Solitär. His mood naturally grew heavy. He couldn’t help sighing: “You lot, not one of you isn’t troublesome.”

“Ash-sama, what about me?” Linie, obediently at his side, tugged his sleeve expressionlessly upon hearing this.

“…Did you just eat another apple?”

“Yes.”

“With the same hand, unwashed.”

“…Sorry.”

Linie, hoping for praise, sadly lowered her head again.

Every time she was scolded, she acted like this—looking pitiful, stirring a protective urge. But every time Ash corrected her, and she apologized immediately, Linie never changed.

Linie perfectly exemplified actively admitting mistakes but never improving.

“…Why are they all—not just one or two, but all three—so troublesome? Is it because their bodies are small, their brains are small, so the problems pile up?”

“Who’s small-bodied?!” Aura, with a biting expression, turned and glared. But…

“…You.” Ash naturally grabbed her horn, dragging her forward: “It’s time to rest. Don’t make a fuss.”

“I told you, don’t grab my horn for no reason!”

“Sorry, it’s too habitual. I’ll try to be more careful next time.”

“Do you think I’m hearing that for the first time? It’s been five hundred years! Five hundred years ago, you said the same thing!” Ash’s overly nonchalant attitude made Aura, who had no concept of restraint, lift her foot and stomp on his, cursing.

Aura deliberately aimed for his toes, stomping hard. Ash didn’t feel much pain but let go resignedly, reflecting: “Really? Then sorry—”

Before he finished, his gaze unconsciously shifted to Linie, who was watching him.

Ash finally realized why Linie actively admitted mistakes but never changed… Was she learning from him?

“What’s wrong, Ash-sama? Why… keep staring at me?” Linie raised her hand, puzzled, and looked back. She quietly pulled back her hand wiping juice on his sleeve, showing an innocent face: “Is something hurting?”

“No. Just a slight stomachache. But come to think of it, you’re a good kid!”

“Really?”

Ash’s sudden 180-degree shift made Linie tilt her head, clearly confused why she was being praised. Could it be… (Ash-sama said he didn’t want me wiping, but he actually likes my hand touching his?)

Such a thought unconsciously formed in her little head.

But… just as Linie grew convinced, Ash swatted her head: “But even if you’re a good kid, don’t wipe apple juice on my clothes! How many times have I told you??”

“…Yes, sorry. I’ll be more careful next time.”