Dark Continent (1st)
Several days had now passed since I left Kalis and returned to my life as Baron Tanaka in the remote Dragon City.
In all that time I had received no word from the FitzClarence family. Not a single messenger, letter, or any other sign of that family since I left the capital.
If Richard were to take his time dispatching a messenger, that messenger still wouldve reached my city by now. However, Richard is decisive and wouldnt take his time in dealing with me if he had any plans on doing so. This lack of any response must mean that my threat against him was effective.
Ester-chan hasnt shown up either which means Richard must be keeping her away. The fact that she isnt bothering me this moment is proof enough of that. Sophie-chan should also still be in the capital. With Allen there as well, everything should work out nicely. A man who is loved by a good woman is destined to live a long and happy life.
Now is the perfect time for me to reset and toss all the troubles of my past away.
One day after being presented with the unexpected gifts of two blonde lolis, I was quietly enjoying some tea made by my maid while reviewing a few documents in my office of the loligons home. By the way, the aforementioned maid was seated across the desk from me and noticeably fidgety.
Hmm, did you do something different with your tea, Sophia-san?
She freshly brewed it this morning.
After taking a sip from the steaming cup, I noticed a slight change in flavour from what I had grown used to.
Eh?!
The moment I asked this, her shoulders trembled and she jumped a little in her chair. The pen she was writing with hovered motionless over the desk and a loud bang came from below as her knee hit the underside of the desk.
Is something wrong?
N-No, I havent changed anything! Its the same as usual!
I see. I must have just been mistaken.
D-D-D-Dont be absurd!
She looked a little uneasy and I couldnt understand why.
Well, its not unusual for her to be nervous. I suppose its nothing to worry about.
With it being such a beautiful day out, I decided to take my tea over to the couch and enjoy the view out of the nearby window. The rich smell coming from the cup was overwhelming.
My maid was still working nearby. From my position on the couch, I can casually glance over at her and admire her bouncing breasts as she leans over the desk. The further forward she leans, the better view I get of the ample valley between her breasts.
.
What a great way to spend the day.
This view could motivate me to do anything.
this is pure bliss.
Eh? D-Did you say something?
No, nothing in particular. Just thinking out loud.
S-Sure.
The tea I drank while enjoying the sight of Sophia-chans jiggling breasts was quite delicious. Id be happy if this moment could last forever. The fight with Richard and all the problems that came with it are a thing of the past. Bye-bye, Richard. Bye-bye, Ester-chan.
I could feel the built-up stress leaving my body.
Actually, theres still a lot that I need to do, but it should be fine if I just relax for a few days. Ive been so busy recently and I deserve a nice break.
.
.
The only sound in the room was the gentle scratching of Sophia-chans pen.
We only exchanged a few more words while we sat in the peaceful room.
Gulp gulp, scratch scratch.
Gulp gulp, scratch scratch.
I was just starting to be able to see the bottom of my cup.
The door to my office suddenly burst open with a bang.
I-Its finally here!
A wild Edita Sensei has appeared.
Whats here exactly? Nothing would make me happier than to hear its a child of our love, but my son remains woefully untouched. I would only need one chance to shoot my seed out and be the cause of someones happiness.
Its been a while since we met outside your room, Edita-san. Whats the cause of this rare occurrence?
I finished the book! I-I wrote the book we discussed!
I can see why youre so excited.
Edita Sensei looked especially cute due to her excitement.
She was clutching a bundle of papers to her chest. It reminded me of a student receiving her diploma. That must be her manuscript. Im a little surprised at its size, but Edita Sensei makes sure to write everything out in great detail so almost anyone can understand it.
Thanks to this, everything Ive read of hers has been a masterpiece.
I wanted you to be the first person to read it!
Are you sure?
Of course! So, p-please take a look.
She held out the stack of papers with a prominent title at the top of the first page.
It read: My First Joint Research
A title that has nothing to do with the subject matter is best suited to Edita Sensei. It makes the joy she felt about being able to conduct joint research apparent.
The t-title is just temporary.
The blonde loli shyly turned her face away.
If it was going to make her so nervous, she could have just left it blank. She must have been up late last night trying to think of a title before finally deciding on this. Its pretty common for a usually nervous person to panic and make a rash decision they may regret later.
Dont you think it would be all right for it to be permanent?
Eh? Is that okay?
I think it suits you, Edita-san.
But its just something I came up with quickly.
Which is exactly why it fits you so well and should stay.
No, thatsthat isnt.
Sensei worked on this book using some of my ideas so Id be happy to see us united in the title. Id like it if we could write a sequel someday detailing the first time I came inside of her.
For now, I should receive what shes written so far.
Ill read through it tonight.
G-Good, you do that. Ill be happy to hear what you think needs to be fixed.
Of course.
I doubt there will be any mistakes that I can find that she hasnt already fixed herself.
Rather, as someone that aspires to be an alchemist, I really just want to enjoy the book.
By the way, Edita-san, there was something I wanted to ask about.
What is it?
Where exactly in the Dark Continent can I find the Green Sylph you mentioned a while ago? I would be very grateful if you could tell me.
One of the ingredients I need to make the Elixir of Youth are the wings of a Green Sylph. My position as a noble, building my city, and the matters with the FitzClarence family have all finally been settled. Now is the perfect time to refocus on making the elixir.
Wh d-dont tell me are you planning on going!?
Im not sure when Ill have the chance to go, but I want to have the information in case the opportunity arises.
.
I feel bad for asking this question as Edita Sensei already told me about this before. However, Im not sure if Edita Senseis reaction was different than the last time and she seemed a little hesitant to tell me.
Is something wrong?
No, i-its nothing.
If youre against telling me, I wont force you.
Green Sylphs tend to settle in less populated areas and this is no different on the Dark Continent. Just like many creatures that live on the Dark Continent, they are incredibly powerful but they also possess a higher level of intelligence than most other creatures. Theyre basically like any other Sylph and arent dangerous unless you make them your enemy.
I see.
Green Sylphs are intelligent.
It would be nice if we could negotiate.
The Green Sylphs live in several places, but I personally encountered them in a dense forest just off the southern coast of the continent. The adventurers I travelled with called it the Schwinn Forest. Its a large forest that many other creatures aside from the Sylph call home.
The Schwinn Forest. Thank you.
Thats what I needed.
Even if that forest is near the coast, its still on the Dark Continent so.
Edita Senseis words trailed off at the end.
Is she worried about me?
Im overjoyed.
However, a knock on the door kept her from continuing. Knock, knock, knock, the rhythmic tapping on the door followed by a mans voice.
Excuse me, I was told the I could find Baron Tanaka here.
Yes, come in.
Are you sure? I dont wish to intrude.
Please.
Whats with this overly polite introduction? The person on the other side of the door now had everyones attention as the door slowly opened. Then, he appeared. Its someone whose voice I shouldve recognized.
Neumann.
Its been a long time, Neumann-san.
Yes, Baron Tanaka, it has been too long.
Hearing this man in particular refer to me using honorifics made my spine tingle.
That tone of a company slave is all too familiar to me.
When did you get here?
I left the capital shortly after our brief exchange during your audience with the King.
I see.
I had planned on meeting with you earlier, Baron, but you were always away whenever I previously visited. I apologize for the delay.
Its true that I have been flying all over the place in order to complete my important mission. Immediately after arriving back from the capital, I embarked on a sacred quest that involved me clearing a dungeon, defeating a boss, and earning a bag full of gold.
By the way, Neumann-san, theres something Id like to say.
Whats that?
Ester-san may have said something about calling me Baron but you dont need to worry about it. Whenever you refer to me in that way, I just feel like Im going to be sent to the frontlines again.
Thats out of the question. Theres no chance Id ever be so rude to a member of the nobility.
Isnt it fine? You saw how things went in the castle. I may be a baron now but who knows when Viscount FitzClarences opinion of me may change? By this time next year, I could be a commoner again and working under you as an adventurer once more.
.
Just think of it as things returning to how they were before.
Its similar to a junior transferring to a new division before eventually being promoted to the boss then his old boss is transferred to his division under him. Right now Im in the position of boss and its making everything awkward.
well, if that is what you wish, then I have no reason to refuse.
Then I would be grateful if we could speak more casually moving forward.
I understand.
Neumann sighed before continuing in a more casual tone.
What work would you have me do for you? Ive been working in the capital on my own all this time, but His Majesty has assigned me here to aid you in whatever I can, Tanaka. I will fulfill that duty to the best of my ability, at least until the deadline has been met.
In that case, Id appreciate your help in running the city, Neumann-san. Im certain someone like you that has held your position for so long would be more capable than someone like me and Id appreciate you teaching me whatever I may need.
Certainly I have been assigned many different responsibilities that could prove useful to operating a city, but the grander view of what is to be made of the city and the overall territory comes down to what you want as its ruler. A recent trend amongst the nobility is handing all of their responsibilities to several different officials and claiming responsibility for the positives while blaming their officials for any difficulties that may arise.
So the managers of this world are like that.
The type that hides in the office while claiming theyre busy with conferences or meetings.
I will take responsibility for everything, so you may act with that fact in mind.
If that is what you wish.
Neumann most likely views his new position as a punishment. The King one-sidedly decided to station him here, under the rule of a new baron who has been positioned to fail.
Im genuinely sorry for this and want to do everything I can to make this a better experience for him.
I was actually hoping for Neumanns help in investigating whatever the Prime Minister may be planning with the land around Tricklis, but that would be causing him a lot of unnecessary trouble. For now, I think its fine for him to stay here and peacefully run the city.
Feel free to take some time off in order for your mind and body to recover.
Ehn-no, Ive only just arrived. I have no problem getting straight to work.
You look tired and Im sure the work you had to do in the capital was exhausting.
Im certain that someone working directly for the King must be exhausted.
But Neumanns response was not what I expected and I could even detect a hint of desperation.
I may be tired, but I can still do it. No, I must do it!
Really? Are you sure?
Im sorry if I ever made it seem like I dont wish to be here, but I have a family to feed.
Aah, hes just misunderstanding.
Thats my fault.
Im sorry, Neumann-san, there seems to be a small misunderstanding. I really do think you look tired, so I just want you to take around ten days off to recuperate. There are even hot springs here for you to freely use.
are you serious?
Yes.
.
When he finally realized what I was telling him, he seemed to shut down. This is just my own one-sided thoughts, but while I was working as an adventurer, I may have given him the impression that Im a reckless person that doesnt think things through.
You dont have to worry about us lacking manpower. We have the representative of the city, Christina as well as the Twilight Company led by Gonzalez to help run the city while you recover. Sophia-san also plays a major part in keeping everything running smoothly.
Yes, I met with everyone while you were away. I was most surprised to see the Twilight Company working here.
How so?
That Gonzalez you mentioned, the leader of the Twilight Company. I cant say for sure, but I believe he is the legitimate heir to the Aufschnaiter family. I never expected the last surviving member of that family to be working for any nobility related to the Penny Empire. At first, I couldnt believe my eyes.
So thats what you meant.
I wonder if Gon-chan has any issues working for me.
I never thought about it much because he looked so happy with his loli harem. It would probably be best for me to look into this Aufschnaiter family. Gonzalez may be one of the best men Ive met in this world. If my entire city was to crumble to dust, Id still want him to remain by my side.
And I havent met the mayor, Christina I believe. Id like to introduce myself if possible.
Im sorry, but the mayor is currently away.
Is she taking care of some business related to the town?
Not exactly. That woman is a bit of a free spirit, but she is more than capable of protecting the town. Its also important for you to know that she possesses a short temper and it would be best if you act respectfully around her.
Isee.
If things ever seem like theyre getting out of hand with her, come get me straight away.
Im not sure to say until Ive met this person myself, but I understand.
Thank you.
It should be fine. Neumann excelled at his position in the capital where every day he had to act overly respectful to everyone he spoke to. However, for now, I think its best for him to relax and recover so he can do his best.
Im sure everything between you two will go well.
The more you say that the more worried I get, Tanaka.
Im sorry, just be careful.
This type of relationship is nice.
Its no longer an employee and his boss; its more like were colleagues.
I look forward to working together, Neumann-san.
As do I, Tanaka.
It would be nice if we could hold a welcoming party for him.
Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
We should do it soon.
Damn. That means that the Sophia-chans viewing party thats been happening in the office will end. Once Neumann starts working, hell probably need Sophia-chans help on a regular basis and these peaceful days of sitting together in my office will come to an end.
I hoped to enjoy them for a while longer.
All right then, I still have some work of my own to take care of if you all will excuse me.
He bowed to everyone before leaving the room.
***