Chapter 807 - Chapter 4: Countermeasures in the North (4)
Mukou-kizu, unfortunately, chose the life of living with the boars. He seems to fully understand the sanctuary that humans arbitrarily set up, and he apparently tells his comrades that it's better not to go beyond the mountains to the south. That said, it's vast. There are six feeding grounds alone. In summer and autumn, food doesn't come out of the feeding grounds. Some fellows go on expeditions looking for food. Those fellows become targets for hunting. If they are hunted, they are destined to become dried meat.
Mukou-kizu said that was unavoidable in its own way.
"The winter here is harsh. Many individuals die from scarce food and cold. Now, almost all individuals are wintering like this. To be honest, they've increased too much. So they have to cross the mountains to survive, knowing the danger. They must be prepared to be found and hunted by humans. And not all of them are killed. More than half come back. The ones who didn't die in winter are being hunted in summer and autumn."
Even so, the number of boars in the area is apparently gradually increasing. The ones overflowing are being hunted.
"Well, they're like half-wild livestock. Thanks to that, I'm taking it easy."
He's laughing half-self-deprecatingly, but if he's satisfied, then that's fine.
"Then, are you going to stay here forever?"
Poppy is looking resentful.
"Yeah, I think it's a good story. And you guys apparently took revenge for me on the demon who killed my partner. I'd really like to cooperate. But I have a debt of gratitude for having my life saved. These fellows get injured too. I have to treat them."
Quarrels over territory and females are apparently constant. He is said to be relied upon by the herd as a mediator and recovery role.
"Am I no good? Are these fellows better?"
Looking at her, it's close to love at first sight. She probably didn't think she'd be usurped by a boar. There is a way for Poppy to come here, but she can't possess a boar. In other words, she would have to look for food herself even in midwinter. Poppy likes her current life. It's a difficult point.
"I wouldn't mind mating with you, but I intend to live and die in this land with the boars. Sorry."
"I see..."
Since I have no experience in romance, I don't know what to say at a time like this. I just went to her side and put my arm around her shoulder.
"Thank you."
She grabbed my sleeve tightly, so I just hugged her without saying anything.
"Also, Gwyn-dono."
On the other hand, the talk between the men continues.
"W-What is it?"
"I was truly indebted to you. Even now."
"Ah, don't worry about that kind of thing. It's because of your cooperation that we were able to solve the secret of the Behemoth's birth. It's nothing more than a small token of gratitude, so don't hesitate."
"I'm grateful, but I want to fulfill my obligation."
"Obligation? What is that? You're so stiff."
"Well, don't say that. It's not a bad story."
"Ho ho. Let's hear it."
The reason we came to the boars' sanctuary this time is none other than this: the Finis royal family wants to contract with a low-level demon who can control rats, and by wiping out the rats on ships coming from the continent, they want to reduce entry restrictions. They think that if they can take rat measures and use magic water with insect repellent and insect-attracting water, they can release them in a day or so. Since the royal family monopolizes trade with the continent in Finis, they can process it all at once at the port of the Royal Capital. They mass-produce magic water using beads and also produce strong alcohol, which is a specialty, for auxiliary cleaning. If they can take rat measures, it'll be perfect.
"Actually, I have a connection with a demon in this area. He has a different feeding ground as his territory, but unlike me, he has no attachment to this land. I'll introduce him. Whether you can persuade him is up to you."
"What? Is it true? Please, I beg you. I don't intend to make it a bad story for them."
According to Mukou-kizu, there is one male. He apparently settled here after knowing the comfort of the sanctuary in winter. Unfortunately, that man is not strong enough to possess a boar. He apparently found him trying to possess a normal pig and sneak in, only to be driven away by the boars, and he made arrangements for him.
"In other words, he's not as strong as you, right?"
Gwyn-sama, who heard the story, glanced at Poppy. Poppy should be able to hear the talk, but she doesn't react. That would be true. Just because she was rejected by Mukou-kizu, she can't easily switch to someone of a lower rank. Gwyn-sama also seemed to realize that and stopped looking.
"Well, yeah, but wouldn't he be in time for your convenience?"
That's true. What's needed is the ability to control rats, and boars are irrelevant.
"I think there's no problem with his personality. Though it was only for a short time, he apparently blended into human society several times to get food. I can't go as far as to guarantee it, but I recommend him."
"I see. Then, please introduce him."
Just as the talk was summarized and the two were about to depart.
"Gwyn-sama. Please give us a little time. Poppy, come here. Jeanne Priestess, please come too."
I was called by the old lady.
What could it be?
The old lady's talk was to mate with Mukou-kizu.
"But I can't live here. I want to live with the old lady and the other Priestesses. Is it no good?"
Marriage is only possible if there is a life.
"I want you to stay too."
"Then..."
"Let's rent a room in the village from before. There, make a one-night vow with that man and obtain the seed."
"Ah..."
In other words, she's saying to fulfill her wish and have a child. As expected of someone who told Poppy not to let a good man go if she found one.
"Is it okay?"
"Of course, it's fine. You are like a daughter to me. The young apprentices living in our shrine all treat you as a sister. We live as a family. That man is a son-in-law. That son-in-law's workplace is here, and Poppy is at the shrine with the child; it's just that each lives in a different place. It's the same if you think of it as a long-term business trip. Occasionally, I'll ask Gwyn-sama to bring you here. I'll ask Gwyn-sama too. That man won't be heartless if it's his own child. How about it?"
"I-I understand."
"Then, I'll call that man."
"U-Um. Please."
There is tension in Poppy's eyes. But she's not frightened. She has strength as if she's going into battle.
"If he refuses, I'll illuminate his head with [Light] as much as I want."
I'll make him go bald.
"Ahaha. Thanks!"
Alright, do your best, Poppy!
At the old lady's suggestion, we decided to call Mukou-kizu and have the three of us—Poppy, the old lady, and myself—talk.
After getting Gwyn-sama's leave, we called Mukou-kizu to the shade of a tree and surrounded him.
The old lady explained, and Poppy asked while holding Mukou-kizu's hand with an upward glance. I, to show my intention that I wouldn't let him off easily if he refused, held my shakujo and glared at him a bit while standing at an angle.
"I-I am not unwilling. I am not unwilling, but is it okay? I will not move from here. If we only meet occasionally, I cannot cooperate in child-rearing."
Hah? The old lady and Poppy are telling you it's fine for you to be here. What were you listening to? What?
"This child is like a daughter to me. The child she bears is my grandchild. And the young apprentices living in the shrine where we live all treat this child as a younger sister. For them, it will be a nephew or niece. Even if you do not worry, we will show you that we can raise the child splendidly."
"Old lady... thank you..."
At the old lady's words, Poppy's eyes welled up.
"Please do not do anything that would shame my daughter."
That's right! You'd better understand!
As a result, Poppy's wish reached Mukou-kizu. They agreed to rent a room in the village for one night. I wondered if one night would be enough, but according to Poppy, demons don't have misses, unlike humans. Demons she knows are always saying that humans are wanton and always in heat, and I feel like they might be right.
The old lady explained to Gwyn-sama, and Gwyn-sama had the village chief arrange the room.
That said, the sun is still high. We'll be introduced to the male demon first. Since the feeding ground is different, we move by bowl.
Mukou-kizu is, of course, experiencing flight magic for the first time. He's excited by the experience of flying in the sky and is rejoicing with Poppy, saying "Kyaa-kyaa."
"It's a wedding gift for the two of you. Shall we go a little further?"
Eleanor-sama, who got carried away, flew at ultra-high speed. It was a parade of acrobatic flights, from rapid ascent to rapid descent, rapid turns, and finally a tailspin. My eyes were beyond teary, and even my nose started running.
"Uoooh! This acceleration is going to be addictive."
"Kyaa! Darling, I'm scared!"
They seem to be having quite a lot of fun.
The acrobatic flight as a wedding gift ended safely, and I met the apprentice demon with my head spinning, but the man accepted Gwyn-sama's talk. To be precise, it would be more correct to say he listened to what Mukou-kizu said.
The man was not involved in the Behemoth subjugation battle, but he had heard the story from Mukou-kizu. Why is there such a flashy feeding ground? He'd at least ask that. And he apparently told him about Gwyn-sama and me. After all, Mukou-kizu talked with Difodor during the Behemoth subjugation battle. He apparently taught him that there are humans who make proper contracts with demons and observe them. And he also seems to have said that Poppy was saved from a contract with a spiteful high-level demon. We get along with Fire Dragons and Water Dragons, and we also respect their neutrality. He apparently said we can be trusted.
"Once the contract is made, we will completely guarantee food, clothing, and shelter in the Royal Capital. And we will grant you the qualification of a knight of our country. Of course, the contract is equal. So, even though I say knight, I will not say you must be subservient. It is nothing more than a matter of convenience. Also, adaptation to human society and observance of our country's laws will be mandatory from now on. It will be difficult until you get used to it. However, by granting the qualification of a knight, you can obtain privileges in human society. The inconvenience of living should be somewhat alleviated."
Normally he can be possessing some animal like Poppy, but when he boards ships coming from the continent, he'll become humanoid. Also, there will be times he goes to taverns with Gwyn-sama to eat and drink. The knight qualification should be useful then.
"Humanoid is fine, but I want you to prepare an animal to possess if possible. That would be convenient for various reasons. It's hard to see through the true identity. However, I hate sleeping in a livestock shed."
I feel like I can understand the man's argument because I live with Keira. Basically, they are cautious. Especially toward humans.
"Then, how about a wolf? A dog is fine too, but a wolf is stronger and cooler, isn't it? I'll prepare a dedicated room in the palace and have a bed prepared. I'll also prepare high-quality meat for meals. Maybe it's better to stop with the pigs."
"I don't mind a wolf."
He's smiling at Gwyn-sama's offer. It must be a better treatment than expected.
But a wolf, eh. It's certainly cool. A wolf following beside a prince as he walks briskly. It's like a fairy tale. If Beatrix draws a picture, wouldn't it sell for a high price?
"Can I ask you? Father will want one too, so two copies are necessary."
"What about the Queen and the Crown Princess?"
A wolf protecting the Queen or the Crown Princess, that's even cooler.
"It might be good, but I want you to draw me first."
"Understood. I'll take it as an order."
"Please do."
She's always selling my portraits in the dark. It's okay for me to do a dark transaction once in a while.
In the end, the talk was settled with a wolf, and it became a contract safely.
The contract is for three years, and it seems it's renewed every three years after that. This is a condition from the demon's side. It's probably so he can run away if he hates it. He might even go looking for a girl.
"Hmm. If there are female demons, I wouldn't mind finding and contracting with them."
If there's an existence like Difodor and he likes her, he can have a household.
"How about it? Do you know any?"
"I don't know that much. Why don't you look elsewhere?"
Mukou-kizu is also laughing.
"I see, then shall I rely on another connection?"
It must be the Dullahan. There might be female subordinates besides Difodor.
"Do you have a connection?"
Mukou-kizu is surprised. Come to think of it, that's true. It might be quite rare for a human to have a connection with demons. Since I usually interact with Keira and others normally, I was out of touch with the world.
"I do. Because our country aims for coexistence and co-prosperity."
"I see. That's admirable."
"I'm honored to be praised."
I won't go as far as to say it's the realization of a utopia. But it's wonderful that this kind of thinking comes naturally from the Crown Prince of a country.
The next morning, when I went to the dining hall with the old lady to have breakfast, I met Poppy, whose eyes were lively and who was rubbing her stomach. Poppy had already finished breakfast and was drinking goat's milk.
"Good morning! Old lady, Jeanne."
"Poppy, good morning."
"Good morning."
Mukou-kizu doesn't seem to be there; has he already gone back?
"He's still sleeping. He might not wake up for a while. It's bad to wake him up by force, and I was hungry so I came first."
"You have to eat a lot from now on."
"Yeah! Because it's for two people!"
She's patting her stomach. She's already in a motherly mood. That's fast.