Arc-7 Ch-11

 In the Holfort Kingdom, there exist beings known as “demi-humans.”

No one knows when the races referred to as “not human, yet resembling humans,” objects of fear and contempt, first came into existence.

After all, even during the era of the kingdom’s founding ancestor, demi-human settlements were already documented in multiple historical records. The fact that the history of demi-humans predates that of the kingdom itself is an inconvenient truth that those in power cannot openly acknowledge.

Demi-humans generally possess bodies almost identical in form to humans, with two arms and two legs, two eyes and two ears, one nose, and one mouth.

However, upon closer observation, some possess sensory organs resembling those of beasts, or tails that humans do not have. Their physical strength and magical power far surpass those of ordinary, untrained humans.

Even spending a short time among demi-humans inevitably leads one to realize that they are clearly a different race from humans.

Why, then, did the demi-humans, who settled this continent earlier than humanity’s founding ancestors and surpassed humans in individual ability, fail to become the rulers of the land?

The answer lies in problems rooted in their ecology. Demi-humans are overwhelmingly few in number. The total demi-human population within the current Holfort Kingdom amounts to less than one percent of the human population.

No matter how superior their individual strength or magical power may be, they have no choice but to submit before the collective force of numbers. Furthermore, demi-humans, confident in their own superiority, tend to disdain tools and live lives that do not rely heavily on culture or technology.

In ancient times, when weapon forging was primitive and tactics were underdeveloped, demi-humans must have posed an immense threat to humans.

However, humans, who lack fangs, claws, or even body hair to protect themselves from the cold, possessed a universal weapon known as intelligence. Through language and writing, they devised methods to transmit information across generations.

As human technology advanced and tactics became more sophisticated, demi-humans were gradually forced into retreat. I have heard that many captured demi-humans were reduced to slavery. At that time, however, the rulers of the kingdom conceived a different idea.

They reasoned that demi-humans, who were physically strong, rich in magical power, and often beautiful, could serve both as protectors of the nobility and as objects of personal indulgence. Because of such base thinking, demi-humans narrowly escaped a history of outright extermination.

For rulers constantly threatened by political strife, capable guards were indispensable. Since many demi-humans were handsome men or beautiful women, few nobles objected to keeping them close.

Moreover, demi-humans possess the ecological trait of being able to reproduce only within their own race. According to biologists, this proves that humans and demi-humans are fundamentally different species, though the true nature of this distinction remains uncertain.

In any case, having beautiful members of the opposite sex constantly at one’s side naturally led to inevitable transgressions. As a result, many nobles of the Holfort Kingdom came to keep demi-humans as personal attendants or exclusive slaves.

Among such exclusive servants who engaged in physical relationships with their noble masters, there were even documented cases in which authority within the household was exercised and the master-servant relationship was effectively reversed.

This corrupt practice continued openly until around twenty years ago, when I was still attending the academy. The turning point came with the outbreak of war between the Holfort Kingdom and the former Principality of Fanoss.

At that time, the kingdom stood on the brink of collapse due to widespread corruption among the nobility and the schemes of the Frampton marquis faction, which had colluded with the enemy nation.

It was not only the nobles who were corrupt. The exclusive servants who served them were equally culpable.

Those servants, who secretly looked down on their masters, were the first to betray them, colluding with opposing factions and even the enemy nation. Confidential information was thoroughly leaked, plunging the kingdom into an unprecedented crisis.

Without the heroic efforts of lower-ranking nobles and the achievements of the saintess of commoner origin, the positions of the Holfort Kingdom and the Principality of Fanoss might very well have been reversed.

Following a truce after the first war and a narrow victory in the second, the Holfort Kingdom was compelled to undertake sweeping institutional reforms.

In the years that followed, measures such as the abolition of exclusive servants and the elimination of demi-human slavery were enacted, leading to the present day.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

“That is the relationship between demi-humans and the Holfort Kingdom. The elf village we are heading to next is one of the most famous among such demi-human settlements.”

After finishing my explanation, I look around the room. All twelve eyes are fixed on me. The children’s reactions vary. Lionel, Roxanne, and Melanie listen with intense interest, while Ariel and Leah appear somewhat bored.

Five-year-old Dylan, perhaps unable to fully grasp the content, looks around at his siblings instead.

They are all my children with Leon, sharing the same blood, yet their reactions could not be more different.

The eldest son, second daughter, and third daughter, brimming with intellectual curiosity, listen attentively. In contrast, the eldest daughter and second son, who favor physical activity, show little interest.

Even sons who will not inherit the house, or daughters likely to marry into other families, must possess a certain level of knowledge if they are born as nobles.

Nobles are fated to require wisdom in times of peace and martial valor in times of crisis.

Even for a daughter who may never step onto a battlefield or manage household affairs, that is no excuse for negligence.

Bravery and boldness are admirable qualities, but the world of political intrigue, thick with schemes, is not so forgiving that one can survive on martial strength alone.

In particular, our eldest daughter Ariel will one day be expected to marry into a family of appropriate standing. Our second son Leah must be prepared to inherit the Bartfort Earl title should the worst happen and both Leon, the head of the house, and Lionel, the eldest son, be lost.

I do not view second or third sons as mere backups for the heir, nor am I an optimist who believes daughters need only minimal education.

I raise all my children not as tools for the prosperity of the Bartfort house, but as individual human beings.

It may seem somewhat overbearing, but it is a parent’s earnest wish for their children to find happiness.

Rebelling against that wish and seeking happiness on one’s own terms is likely another form of parent-child conflict that has persisted throughout history.

“But why are we going to the elf village?”

“I heard Mother was recommended it as a travel destination by Aunt Dorothea.”

“And we were assigned dungeon exploration as a vacation task. There aren’t many tourist destinations that have dungeons.”

“I didn’t have to choose dungeon exploration. It was an elective assignment, so there was no need to deliberately go somewhere dangerous.”

“There you go avoiding trouble again. That’s why everyone says Lionel doesn’t take after Father.”

“…That has nothing to do with you, Ariel.”

Honestly, why do these twins, so different in both gender and personality, always start arguing the moment they speak?

They do not truly dislike each other. To them, it is merely playful banter.

Even so, since enrolling in the royal academy, Lionel has worn a perpetually troubled expression, while Ariel has increasingly avoided the mansion, rejecting marriage talks and lady-like education.

It is easy to dismiss this as puberty or a rebellious phase. However, from the perspective of a parent facing it directly, children’s individual differences are striking. There are moments when I feel relief simply because they react in ways I expect.

At the same time, children who always react exactly as their parents anticipate are concerning in their own way.

If acting within the range predicted by parents is considered correct, the child may eventually become nothing more than a puppet, repeating only what they were taught.

Among the corrupt nobles punished after the war, many committed crimes without any sense of guilt. They all said the same things. “We are not sinners.” “Our parents and grandparents did the same.” “We were told to do so, and we obeyed.”

No matter how capable a person may be, no one is free from making mistakes. At times, one may even break the law to protect something important. However, breaking the law while believing oneself to be an exception undermines the very foundation of the nation and society.

To remain truly noble, one must cherish others and maintain self-discipline.

Surely, from the moment the concepts of parent and child came into being, parents have agonized over how best to raise their children. Thinking that way eases my heart just a little.

“But what exactly is in the elf village? From what I’ve heard, it just sounds like there’s a dungeon.”

“You don’t know? All elves are handsome men or beautiful women. People from all over the country go to see them.”

“Then if I go to the village, will I receive marriage proposals?”

“Ah, that might be impossible.”

“Why?”

“Apparently, elves judge people by magical power. No matter how pretty someone’s face is, if their magical power is low or the attribute is wrong, elves consider them ugly.”

“Eh? Even if they’re beautiful, the face doesn’t matter?”

“That’s what it seems like. It’s strange, considering their eyes, ears, and noses are superior to humans’.”

“But if elves judge by magical power, humans have very little of it, right? It’s odd that elves who look down on humans allow themselves to be treated as attractions.”

“Apparently, some people stay for days at inns just to observe beautiful elves from a distance.”

“What’s fun about that?”

“I don’t know.”

“That topic is still too early for you girls. You can learn the details once you’re older.”

I cannot help but hesitate to teach the children the more explicit truths behind certain enthusiasts.

Keeping elves, or rather demi-humans, as concubines or male prostitutes under the pretense of exclusive servants was outlawed under the postwar legal reforms.

In exchange, a bill was passed granting household registration to all demi-humans, including elves, overturning the long-held notion that “demi-humans are not human, and therefore not citizens of the Holfort Kingdom.”

The passing of the bill itself was commendable. However, problems surfaced almost immediately.

Demi-humans surpass humans in many abilities, yet because they were not human, many of them had previously worked in professions beyond the reach of the law.

Those blessed with beautiful appearances were drawn into the sex industry, while those with exceptional physiques were forced into hard labor. For nobles and figures of the underworld alike, they were exceedingly convenient existences.

Then, almost overnight, individuals who had been deprived of human rights while working in illegal environments were granted household registration and recognized as citizens.

As subjects of the kingdom, they were uniformly burdened with taxation and compulsory labor obligations.

The kingdom began intervening in underground industries that had long been allowed to operate unchecked, demanding taxes while loudly issuing instructions regarding treatment standards and prohibited activities.

Perhaps the true objective of the kingdom’s upper leadership was to improve public security after the war and increase tax revenue. To a certain extent, it could be said that this policy succeeded.

However, because demi-humans possess many superior qualities compared to humans, it was only natural for them to begin demanding higher compensation.

Labor that had once been cheap suddenly became expensive from a certain point onward. Work that had previously been performed under harsh conditions without complaint now required protection and fair treatment, along with tax payments.

It was only a matter of time before demi-humans became targets of resentment, especially considering that exclusive servitude had once been their most profitable occupation.

As a result, demi-humans’ responses largely diverged into two paths. One was to continue operating within illegal underground businesses, eventually being captured by the kingdom.

The other was to band together with their own kind and live collectively. In the case of the elf village, which had existed since ancient times as a closed floating island inhabited solely by elves, they chose to survive by transforming themselves into a tourist destination, selling both the ruins and the elves themselves.

“But if elves are that strong, why did they lose to humans?”

“Mother explained it earlier. They lost because humans outnumbered them and developed superior technology.”

“Then shouldn’t they just increase their numbers? Weapons and ammunition are not exclusive to the kingdom, right?”

“That is…”

Leah’s question struck at the heart of the matter. If he demonstrated this level of intellectual curiosity alongside his usual dedication to physical training, I would have little left to ask for.

As humanity advanced into the floating islands of the sky, built societies, and nations began to form, conflicts between states inevitably followed.

In an era when technological standards were still low, elves must have posed a tremendous threat.

It would not have been strange for a world to emerge in which elves ruled over humans as royalty. Yet in reality, demi-humans, including elves, were treated as minority tribes. It was only around the time my children were born that they began to be recognized as citizens, at least in name.

Why were elves unable to dominate humans?

Because war is not decided by physical superiority alone.

“It is because there was no land, Leah.”

“…Big brother, I do not understand what you mean.”

“What do you think is the most important thing for us?”

“For nobles, it must be the house, right?”

“That is not what I mean. What truly matters to us is the people who work and produce value. More precisely, it is the floating islands that form the foundation of our lives.”

“So the territory is important?”

“Even birds will grow tired and fall if they have no place to rest. For us, who lack wings, the floating islands within our territory are the most precious things we must protect.”

Watching Lionel calmly explain things to Leah, I felt a quiet sense of relief. His manner of teaching his younger siblings is articulate and clever, his words chosen with care.

As expected, the effort I invested since his early childhood, personally educating him so he could enter the upper division of the royal academy, was not wasted.

He never resisted the education expected of an heir and always remained obedient. I had once worried that compared to his siblings, he was somewhat timid and lacking initiative, but perhaps I was mistaken.

“Floating islands have limited area. If the population increases too much, food will run out, and everyone will starve.”

“Then if we cultivate farmland to the limit, wouldn’t that solve the problem?”

“That would reduce the space available for people to live. If population growth and food production fall out of balance, rebellions may occur, or it could even lead to complete collapse.”

“Big brother, then what if we find another floating island?”

“People in the past thought the same way and searched for undiscovered floating islands using airships. But what do you think happened if natives already lived on the discovered island?”

“Conflicts would occur.”

“Exactly. In the past, people discovered new floating islands, formed nations, fought wars over territory, or began trade by exchanging goods they desired.”

“…Why do we live on floating islands?”

“I do not know. Even ancient texts leave that unanswered.”

That primordial truth, absent even from historical records. I know fragments of it, yet I have no intention of telling the children.

Even if they learned it, the world would not change. For those struggling to survive today, the ancient conflict between old humanity and new humanity holds far less value than the food placed before them.

Still, it was unexpected that Lionel, whom I once thought to be rather gloomy, would become so talkative.

It is difficult to determine whether this is a trait he cultivated after enrolling in the royal academy or simply a side of my son he never showed in front of me.

In any case, Lionel appears to possess more aptitude as a lord than Leon.

“Elves have remained isolated since ancient times and rarely traded with humans. They are long-lived, but even if they marry, no children are born, so their numbers do not increase. Without population growth, they cannot pioneer new land or gather enough soldiers to form an army. Without trade, technology stagnates. Developing land, increasing population, and engaging in trade with other territories are all extremely difficult endeavors.”

“Then is Father amazing?”

“Of course. He is our father, after all.”

“Even with support from the Redgrave ducal house, discovering hot springs on an undeveloped floating island and cultivating crops to the point of exporting them to other territories was an accomplishment achieved by Father and Mother.”

“So that is why he was tending the vegetable garden even during vacation?”

“He personally tests various crops.”

I can sense the children’s admiration for Leon. I do feel it. Yet as a mother, I want to affirm Leon’s dedication, while as his wife, it is difficult to fully accept.

When I first met Leon, he was both mentally and physically wounded, having shut himself away alone in a separate residence.

Cultivating the surrounding fields was partly research into viable crops for the territory, but largely a form of escapism, a way to cope with his inner suffering.

By living the same life he had known before the battlefield, when he was poor and had to work the land himself, he unconsciously sought to heal his heart.

I had once planned to use Leon, who continued to behave eccentrically despite his noble status, as a means of revenge against those who had belittled me. Yet before I realized it, I had become bound to him and even bore his children. Life truly is unpredictable.

“Hey, Father, where did he go?”

“Huh?”

Just as the children were beginning to revise their view of their father, the man himself was nowhere to be found in the room.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

『Is this really acceptable?』

"What is?”

『Hiding and resting alone in a place like this.』

“I am not alone. You are here, aren’t you?”

『This body is merely a terminal for the artificial intelligence installed aboard a space battleship. To begin with, recognizing me as an individual life form and evaluating me within the same framework as humanity may cause complications in personal identification.』

“Your explanations are long-winded and difficult to understand.”

『In short, it is strange to treat a machine as a human.』

“Then say that from the start.”

The ball’s speech is always stiff and filled with unfamiliar terminology. Something that could be conveyed in a single sentence is inflated into three. Worse still, the intent to mock me is painfully obvious, making it all the more irritating. This thing truly has an awful personality.

“Dealing with six children is exhausting. The stamina required for combat or desk work is different from that needed for child-rearing. On top of that, the older two are at a particularly troublesome age. Angie handles them better than I do, so leaving it to her should be fine.”

『That Angelica is currently searching the ship for you. It would be wise to decide quickly whether you intend to continue hiding or make contact with her.』

“You remain incomprehensibly capable, as always.”

Even so, what should I do now?

Daydreaming absentmindedly on the deck of the airship has its limits as well. If I go to see Angie right away, the likelihood of being scolded decreases, but everyone has moments when they want to be alone.

I do not dislike interacting with people, but children possess inexhaustible stamina.

Why are they able to keep shouting endlessly despite having far lower physical strength than me?

And even when they finally tire out and fall asleep, they are perfectly fine the next morning. Meanwhile, ever since entering my thirties, I have begun to feel unpleasant creaks in various parts of my body.

“I will stay here until Angie finds me. When I am tired, I do not want to be disturbed.”

『I am by your side.』

“You are not a person, are you? You said so yourself earlier.”

Perhaps offended at having his own words thrown back at him, the ball falls silent.

For a while after that, I continue to gaze blankly at the clouds drifting across the sky from the deck.

Each cloud has a different shape, not a single one identical. Moreover, they slowly transform into entirely different forms as time passes.

When I was a child, I had no money or possessions, but I had an abundance of time. Back then, gazing at the clouds while helping with household chores was genuinely enjoyable.

Now I possess a certain amount of wealth and material goods, yet I have no time at all. My days are spent endlessly working to support my family and protect the territory.

This is apparently the sort of success others envy, but if someone were to live these days filled with ceaseless labor, no time for rest, and fatigue that never fully fades, I wonder whether they would still say the same.

『However, elves seem to be a fascinating race. I eavesdropped on Angelica’s explanation, but a race distinct from both old humanity and new humanity appeared while I was in standby mode. By all means, let us conduct a thorough investigation.』

“My objective is to confirm suspicious activities by elves. Do your part independently when I am not around.”

『Leon fou Bartfort, do you harbor no doubts about elves?』

“I do not harbor doubts. Elves are simply that kind of race. I have worked with elves before, and conversely, imagining a world without elves is difficult.”

The one deeply involved this time is Kyle, the male elf serving as Olivia-sama’s attendant.

I received detailed information from Kyle, who originates from the elf village. Investigating thoroughly and returning safely is my task this time. I leave questions about the existence of elves or historical exploration to scholars who enjoy such pursuits.

『Elves and demi-humans were not confirmed during the era when the conflict between old humanity and new humanity intensified. The emergence of a new race within just a few thousand years is extremely unlikely. I sense intentional design behind this.』

“If it has been thousands of years, even humans might grow large ears or tails.”

『If viewed as adaptive evolution in a special environment, it could be explained. However, Angelica stated that demi-humans cannot interbreed with humanity. In other words, they are biologically a separate species, yet they possess intelligence equal to humans, with no major skeletal differences. A race like that arising naturally is virtually impossible.』

“Stop. I have a bad feeling, so end it there.”

Ever since I became involved with the ball, information I do not want to know keeps reaching me. Old humanity and new humanity. The truth of the Holfort Kingdom. The real reason the sacred tree grew.

Who cares? I have no intention of living while carrying secrets that would cost me my life many times over if exposed.

『I will activate stealth mode. Handle the rest yourself.』

“Did something happen?”

『Angelica is approaching.』

“Tell me sooner!”

Just as the ball turns transparent and vanishes, the door connecting the deck to the interior opens, and Angie appears. That bastard really said only what he wanted and fled. I cautiously gauge Angie’s mood. She certainly looks displeased, but not furiously angry.

For now, I slowly rise to my feet. Angie becomes angry if I lack motivation, but if I claim to feel unwell, she grows worried and restrains her scolding. It is like a child pretending to be sick to avoid unpleasant things, but it cannot be helped. I cannot oppose Angie.

“What is it, Angie?”

“I came to retrieve the head of the house who vanished. Indulging in solitary contemplation without retainers is quite the noble privilege, Earl-sama.”

“Sorry about that. But dealing with six children is impossible even for me.”

“Then you should borrow my hand. Do not hold back in strange places.”

“It is pride. If I show a pathetic father to the children, they will be disillusioned.”

“Then it is fine to show it to me?”

“You already know my pathetic sides from long ago, Angie.”

“The children finally had a chance to reassess you, yet if the person himself is absent, it becomes meaningless.”

“Sorry. I really wanted to be alone.”

“What happened?”

“I am tired of playing the roles of good husband, good father, and good lord.”

Even though it is the path I chose myself, there are moments when I grow weary and want to stop.

In those times, I think of my family and force myself forward, but there have been occasions when even their existence felt like a burden because I was so deeply depressed.

People believe I am a successful man who is eloquent and cunning, but in truth, I am gloomy and hate inconvenience.

On top of that, this time involves a mission from the higher-ups, the ball’s ruin investigation, and my wife and children accompanying me as well.

Because I prepared excessively just in case, I was already exhausted before departure. Since I am frequently absent from the mansion, I must interact with the children when possible, yet I lack the stamina required.

“…Sorry.”

“Hm?”

“I ended up imposing unreasonably due to emotion. I am reflecting on it.”

“It is fine. Usually, I am the one causing trouble for you, Leon.”

“I truly had no intention of forcing you. Please believe me.”

“That is why I said it is fine.”

“I boasted boldly, yet my preparations caused a one-day delay. Next time, I should be able to do better.”

“Ah, you had the adventure outfit remade, correct?”

I recall that some defect had been discovered in the adventure outfit Angie brought from her family home.

In that case, preparing a new one would have been faster, but Angie is the sister of the head of the Redgrave ducal house. One cannot be careless.

The adventure outfit Angie is currently wearing is thin like a dress, and with its materials and magical processing, creating a new one would cost enough to buy a house.

Repairing it is cheaper than making a new one.

No, even so.

“Angie.”

“What?”

“You have gained…”

“I have not gained weight.”

My words are cut off midway.

The air freezes under a gaze and voice filled with killing intent. But it cannot be helped. What is with that adventure outfit?

The chest is open. The arms are exposed down to the shoulders. The legs are barely covered to the knees. What was the Redgrave ducal house thinking, making their daughters wear this generation after generation?

Is that it? To avoid interference with certain purposes during adventures, they shaped it like this?

My wife’s family is far too perverted, and I cannot concentrate on work.

“No, but look. Do you not realize you are wearing an incredible outfit?”

“I have explained many times. This is the historic adventure equipment passed down through generations of the Redgrave ducal house.”

“Angie, look down at yourself. Your breasts look like they could spill out at any moment.”

“That is impossible.”

“That is precisely why I am saying you need to be properly aware…”

Squish♥

…I failed while trying to point.

My right index and middle fingers are swallowed into the valley visible through the open chest of Angie’s adventure outfit. This is bad. What is worse is that it is soft and warm, and I do not want to pull my fingers out. Moreover, when I move them slightly, Angie blushes and lets out a sultry voice.

“Hey, Leon, stop it.”

Please reject me more fiercely, Lady Angelica.

At this rate, my vitality will be completely drained before we even reach our destination.

More than ten days have passed since returning from the capital, yet our marital activities remain interrupted. I am not foolish enough to engage in such acts with children aboard.

Why is my wife so skilled at arousing me?

I desperately mobilize all remaining reason and pull my fingers free. The lingering warmth and sensation clinging to my index and middle fingers is deeply regrettable.

“…I am returning inside.”

Damn it. I missed the chance to reconcile yet again. After confirming that Angie disappears through the door, I let out a full-throated shout.

“Leon fou Bartfort, you are extraordinarily foolish.”

Shut up, you ball. I am not being an idiot on purpose.

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Authors Note

┻━⁠━━━━⁠━━⁠━━━⁠┻

This chapter’s illustration was drawn by Meitei Roppa-sama.

(Pixiv)

Regarding elves, this conforms to the original setting. For policy matters, I referenced the state of the Holfort Kingdom after volume eight of the original novel.

Even when rights are granted to slaves or lower classes, various problems arise despite superficial equality, much like in reality.

From the next chapter onward, we finally arrive at the elf village. Original characters are planned to appear.

Addendum:

Thanks to the requester, an illustration was commissioned from Yamu-sama.

Thank you very much.

Yamu-sama- Pixiv

(Caution: adult content)

I would greatly appreciate your opinions and impressions to motivate me going forward.