Arc-7 Ch-12
130
Chapter
Tryst
2026
They range from small, single-pilot craft to massive transport ships capable of carrying enormous loads.
As is customary in any territory, floating island airfields are generally divided into two categories.
One is a large airfield where transport ships with massive cargo, regular vessels carrying many passengers, and the grand airships of royalty or high-ranking nobles dock.
The other is a small airfield reserved for privately owned, small airships.
Unless arriving as an official envoy, tourist airships—whose length of stay is uncertain—are rarely permitted to dock, as doing so would interfere with the loading and unloading of cargo.
Following the guidance of tiny figures on the ground, no larger than black ants from this height, our airship slowly maneuvers toward the designated, separate landing area.
The visitor airfield on the floating island housing the elf village appears to have been established by haphazardly clearing a corner of forest. The terrain is uneven, without paving, and weeds grow thickly in patches. It is an airfield in name alone.
It is likely a newly constructed landing zone to accommodate the growing number of tourists. However, in comparison, the airfield in the Bartfort territory, when I first visited, was far better maintained.
To begin with, it has been less than ten years since the elf village, which had previously restricted human visitation to a bare minimum after laws prohibited exclusive demi-human servants, was fully transformed into a tourist destination.
I doubt that elves, who inwardly hold humans in disdain, would willingly invest effort into constructing airship facilities.
As with the cargo airfield, most workers are human. Scanning the area, I count only a handful of elves or demi-humans, few enough to count on one hand.
It is clear they are humans hired for money. Despite the village’s reputation as a tourist destination, the place exudes a subtle alien atmosphere that somehow discourages casual visitors. When our airship lands, men who appear to be entry examiners approach.
I leave negotiations with the examiners to Leon and instruct the children to prepare themselves.
In situations like this, it is far more effective for the highest-ranking individual to speak directly rather than relying on subordinates.
Examiners hired merely for pay are undoubtedly commoners or, at most, lower-ranking nobles with a rudimentary knowledge of the law.
Facing high-ranking nobles who are spending money at a tourist site, they cannot afford to be obstinate.
To present ourselves as upstart nobles visiting a tourist destination with the entire family, we brought the children along and included armor, ostensibly as protection against sky pirates.
Even carrying this many weapons, few law-abiding examiners would dare to do more than verbally warn us about import restrictions if bribed.
We had discussed this thoroughly with Leon beforehand, but I could not help feeling anxious about whether the process would proceed smoothly. To my surprise, our requests were granted with astonishing ease, leaving me bewildered at the lack of resistance.
After the examination, entry was permitted for my husband and me, our six children, and three guards, totaling eleven people.
The three remaining on the airship were instructed by Leon to remain on standby in case of emergencies.
Once the formalities were complete, we disembarked from the airship and proceeded on foot toward the elf village.
In most territories, groups larger than ten people would travel by carriage, yet here no carriages exist. In fact, no horses are raised.
Even if carriages were available, the rough, uneven, and unpaved roads would make them a worse choice than walking, so on foot may actually be more efficient.
High-minded nobles might vocally object, but the children of Earl house, accustomed to the rugged life of a remote territory, remain resilient and make no complaints about the poor road conditions.
The young Dylan, still holding my or Leon’s hand, is an exception, yet even the ladylike Roxanne and Melanie, who often stay indoors, continue walking silently.
Ariel and Leah, by contrast, dash forward at a pace that can scarcely be called walking, disappearing from view in moments.
Perhaps I should have made them carry their own luggage rather than entrusting it to the guards.
The three accompanying us are registered as servant-guards, but in truth, they are soldiers from the feudal army favored by Leon.
Their measured distance behind us inevitably exerts a subtle sense of pressure.
“…Just act as usual.”
Leon speaks without turning his face.
Dylan, walking between us, does not notice his father’s words. Leon, keeping his gaze forward and minimizing his mouth movements for conversation, has shed his usual relaxed demeanor.
“I have felt eyes on us since we reached the airfield. Someone is likely tailing us.”
“…Could they have discovered our purpose?”
I pretend to be engaged in casual conversation, scanning our surroundings.
All I see are overgrown trees and underbrush. Not a single person or animal is visible.
Yet Leon’s instincts, honed from hunting and fishing for sustenance since childhood and further sharpened by his experience as an infantryman, are far keener than mine.
If he senses someone, then someone is indeed present. Whether their interest is benign curiosity or covert surveillance is unknown, but the situation is clearly unfavorable.
“That should not be possible. Only saintess-sama, Jilk, and their attendants know we are coming here. No one else benefits from interfering with us.”
“Then perhaps it is wary villagers?”
“If that were the case, they would hide better or exhibit open hostility. Something is amiss.”
“…Bringing everyone along was a mistake.”
I had thought I could manage, but Leon’s scouting abilities are extraordinary.
Someone like me, lacking combat experience, or the physically immature children might only become liabilities. In my eagerness, I have inadvertently caused difficulty.
“Just act naturally. Appearing as a simple family visiting for leisure is best. Leave the investigation to me and my subordinates. Do not worry.”
“…Understood.”
“What are you discussing?”
“It is a secret between Papa and Mama.”
“Hmm?”
Brushing off Dylan’s suspicious question, we continue walking until a settlement-like area emerges within the forest. Wooden houses stand in rows in a narrow space between dense forest and canyon.
The children, arriving first, gaze at the elves with sparkling eyes, seeing them for the first time. I, however, observe with a more detached perspective.
Memories of my days as a ducal lady in the capital return—the nobles keeping elves and demi-humans as exclusive servants.
Few dared openly rebuke nobles who sought beautiful exclusive servants, even if some privately frowned upon such behavior.
Brokers dealing in slave trading and exploitation under the guise of personnel placement. Exclusive servants who secretly despised humans yet prostituted themselves for money. Nobles engaging in physical relations with exclusive servants without shame.
Most of these corrupt nobles, who eroded the kingdom, were swept away during the postwar disciplinary purge.
Notably, the Redgrave ducal house did not employ exclusive servants, fearing master-servant relationships based on money rather than loyalty, and thoroughly eliminating the possibility of licentious acts due to zero chance of pregnancy.
As education for children, the elf village may seem inappropriate, yet sheltering them entirely from human darkness and denying crisis management experience is equally problematic.
Nobles require eyes capable of discerning truth, minds equipped with rich knowledge and sound judgment, and hearts that resist temptation and confront injustice.
Exposing children to carefully measured adversity, to build immunity, is a form of parental love, I remind myself as we move deeper into the village. As we reach an area slightly removed from the village center, the proportion of humans gradually increases compared to elves.
From the clothing, the division is immediately apparent: some wear expensive, ornate garments, while others are attired simply, yet sturdily.
Ideally, it is undesirable for elves, wealthy tourists seeking leisure, and adventurers aiming to earn income from dungeon exploration to congregate in the same place.
The potential for disputes among tourists increases, and there is always the risk of theft or robbery targeting the affluent.
When Leon and I transformed the hot springs in our territory into a tourist destination, we constructed separate lodging facilities for ordinary guests and for nobles or wealthy visitors. Even that much illustrates the challenge of maintaining public safety in tourist areas.
How attentively a ruler cares for visitors eventually spreads by word of mouth and contributes to the overall reputation of the territory.
Surveying the village, I note that as the human population rises, the presence of elves diminishes in inverse proportion.
I spot officials who seem to be employed for security, yet their numbers appear inadequate to ensure the safety of the entire village.
In proportion to its liveliness, the elf village cannot be considered safe. That is my first impression. The lodging facility for the wealthy, where we arrive, seems to have been built only recently.
The entire structure gleams almost as though it were new construction. Made of iron and concrete, it stands in sharp contrast to the wooden houses that dominate the rest of the village.
Upon entering, we are once again greeted by humans. Even the attendants who receive luggage from our subordinates and guide us to the rooms are human.
Observing them in elegant formal attire, displaying impeccable manners toward nobles, I cannot help but wonder whether we have truly arrived in the elf village.
The rooms allocated for our stay total three: a men’s room centered around Leon, a women’s room for me, and a room for our subordinates.
The room to which we are guided is on an upper floor. The view overlooking the floating island and the village below lifts my spirits slightly. If circumstances allowed, I wish we could have come here as a complete family, free from the obligations of Leon’s mission.
"It is a nice room," I comment.
"Compared to the ducal residence, it is modest," Leon replies.
"I would be troubled if you compared it to the Redgrave house, the leading feudal noble family with succession rights to the throne."
"If you say that, our mansion would feel like a cramped storage shed."
"Madam, will we need to remodel the mansion upon our return?"
"Yes, if you intend to make me bear more children than this."
"...I am sorry. I got carried away."
Brushing aside Leon’s joke, I sink into the provided chair and slowly stretch my body to relieve the stiffness accumulated during the journey. Since arriving, the children have been bustling about, darting between rooms or excitedly gazing out at the village from the window.
Even the eldest, Lionel, fidgets restlessly, clearly stirred by the extraordinary experience.
Should I have created more opportunities for family bonding earlier?
Looking back, it is not only Leon, who often travels to other territories or the capital for work, but also I, strict in matters of territory management, noble etiquette, and basic education, who might have been intimidating to the children.
Accustomed from childhood to the expectations of a ducal lady and prospective queen, I unconsciously demanded the same standards from my own children.
If a child could endure my education, there would be no problem. Yet in worrying about those who lacked such qualities, was I not imposing my own vision of happiness on them?
Upon reflection, the noisiest are the youngest, Dylan, and the eldest daughter, Ariel.
I revise my previous thought. At minimum, I must instill in them manners sufficient to avoid bringing shame upon the house as ladies. Otherwise, their personal happiness and even future prospects for marriage remain uncertain.
I clap my hands sharply enough to echo through the room. The children, startled by the sound, gather around and close their mouths.
For some reason, Leon is intermingled with the children, yet I proceed with my instructions regardless.
"It has become quiet. You are the children inheriting the blood of the Bartfort Earl house. Always be mindful of the eyes around you and act accordingly."
"Yes~~~"
"Good. First, I will instruct you on your conduct within the village. Center your activities around the lodging facility. Visiting each other’s rooms within the facility is permitted, but when moving to other floors or outside, always accompany someone."
"Is that mandatory?"
"Of course. Lionel and Ariel, as the eldest, will properly look after your younger siblings."
"Understood."
"Eh~, what a hassle."
"It is your duty as the elders. When venturing out, always take a guard with you. Villains who kidnap noble children could be lurking anywhere. Never let your guard down, even while traveling."
"Yes," they respond in unison.
"Soon, Father and I will go out. Until we return, refrain from actions that might trouble others."
"Yes."
Compared to usual behavior, the children are remarkably obedient. Though I feel some unease toward the children, who seem ready to dash out despite the instructions, maternal affection prevails. They often complain about minor inconveniences, yet they obediently follow their parents. I can allow a small degree of indulgence during the trip.
"Mother, are we not going out together?"
"As I mentioned earlier, Father and I have plans to go out, just the two of us."
"Where are you going?"
"That is—"
"No, Melanie. When Mother says she has plans to go out with Father, it is obviously a rendezvous."
...Where does my daughter acquire such knowledge?
The eldest daughter, Ariel, is domineering. The third daughter, Melanie, is highly curious yet shows little interest in noble refinement. The second daughter, Roxanne, possesses the most noble qualities among the sisters, yet absorbs unnecessary knowledge beyond her years.
While she understands that noble marriages serve family interests, she is precociously aware of illicit love and affairs.
"Big sister, what is a 'rendezvous'?" Dylan asks innocently.
"Dylan, you do not need to know yet."
"My, big sister. Is it not better to learn such knowledge properly from a young age?"
"...Indecent," I scold.
"Both of you, stop. You lack consideration, no matter what."
"It is pointless, big brother. Roxanne and big sister do not get along," Leah mutters.
With Roxanne’s remark, the children erupt into noise. Like a pebble dropped into a pond, their high-pitched voices ripple across the room.
Lionel desperately attempts to calm the younger siblings. Ariel fumes at the imparted knowledge to the youngest. Leah abandons attempts to mediate. Roxanne teases Ariel. Melanie remains aloof. Dylan innocently asks questions.
With this level of commotion, settling the matter is nearly impossible. Explaining each detail would be effective, but time is scarce.
"That is right! Angie and I are going out to flirt!" Leon declare sharply.
"Leon!?"
"So behave and stay put! Lionel, as the eldest son, you are in command!"
"Y-Yes."
"Everyone else, follow Lionel properly and wait as good children!"
"Yes."
"Then, shall we go, Angie?"
"............"
I am forcibly guided forward. Leon grasps my hand, and we sprint down the hallway.
There are still many things I have not conveyed. No matter how I look at it, this is far too forceful.
Reaching the reception, we inform them of our outing and dash outside the facility. From the moment of that declaration to our departure, less than two hundred seconds have passed.
Leon’s quick decision-making is likely honed from battlefield experience, where even a minor delay can result in catastrophe.
Briefly conveying the objective, designating the person in charge, issuing orders to all, and immediately shifting into action—his skill far surpasses mine. The only issue is that it completely erases any sense of dignity Leon and I hold before the children.
"What is it, Angie? Are you dissatisfied?"
"Very much so. What face should I make when dealing with the children upon our return?"
"Everyone has seen me and Angie flirting, right?"
"The problem is being seen as parents who abandon their children for a rendezvous!"
"It will be fine. My father and mother always flirted in front of us, yet family relations remained strong."
"I acknowledge that a harmonious couple is a joyous sight. However, making it routine within the family is unusual."
"Consider it your misfortune for marrying me and give up."
I restrain the urge to kick Leon’s rear as he smiles and brushes off my complaint.
Though forceful, this method undoubtedly shortened our preparation time.
For beginning the village investigation, it is advantageous to act while our identities remain unknown.
In matters of intelligence or combat, I am a woman far inferior to Leon. From this point, he assumes command.
"Besides, strolling through the destination together is not unpleasant, is it?"
"...This is supposed to be a mission specifically assigned by the capital and the saintess."
"Even so, maintaining tension continuously wears down concentration. The key to doing well is to relax appropriately while sustaining minimum vigilance."
"No matter how much time passes, you remain a man incapable of fully embracing the roles of lord or father."
"Are you dissatisfied with such a husband as I am?"
"...Choosing you as my husband was my decision. If it is the result of my choice, then I have no option but to accept it."
In response to my sharp retort, Leon glares at me with obvious dissatisfaction, as if seeking revenge for earlier.
That expression strikes me as somehow amusing, and the corners of my mouth naturally lift. As expected, in a family with many children, opportunities to act as a mother rather than a wife inevitably increase, fostering a sense of grounding and stability.
I have grown into my role as a mother. The love I give and receive from the children has expanded year by year, yet I still crave the love shared with Leon. Enjoying this brief moment alone together, en route to our destination, should not be cause for punishment.
With a lighthearted step, we walk hand in hand, cherishing the fresh emotions from before our marriage and the births of our children, fully embracing the novelty of the unfamiliar land.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※
In a section slightly removed from the elf-populated areas, at the sparsely trafficked edge of the village, we finally approach our destination. Apparently, because I am unfamiliar with this place in detail; only Leon knows the precise location. Even he must compare a roughly sketched map with a carefully surveyed one, searching for the endpoint.
It feels somewhat like a treasure hunt, a sensation that is oddly enjoyable, but after considerable effort, we finally catch sight of the destination.
"I think this is it. Though I am not entirely confident."
"Could you not at least speak with some assurance?"
Even so, I understand Leon's hesitation.
The wooden dwelling that appears to be our target stands isolated from the other houses, adjacent to a solitary cabin nestled in the forest.
The building itself seems somewhat aged, completely contrasting with the vibrancy of the elf-rich areas or the bustling regions popular with tourists.
The simple, weathered house, resembling a hunter's cabin constructed for practical purposes, clearly stands out from the village scenery we have seen so far.
Yet merely gazing at it accomplishes nothing.
Resolute, Leon knocks firmly on the door several times. There is no response from within.
After a pause, he knocks once more, yet again, there is no reaction.
"Absent?"
"Possibly. Shall we return later, or come another day?"
Just as we are about to give up and retrace our steps, movement catches our attention.
My reaction is delayed, initially mistaking it for the green of the forest, but from the distinctive shape of the ears, I realize the approaching figure is an elf. Long, deep green hair cascades around her shoulders, yellowish eyes bright and alert, with a charm more fitting “cute” than “beautiful.”
Her age appears to be late teens to early twenties, but determining the age of long-lived elves by appearance is notoriously unreliable.
There are cases where elves who resemble children are in fact older than the parents of those children.
"...Um, do you have business with my house?"
It seems she is the resident of this house. The awaited individual has finally appeared.
However, her eyes betray a clear fear.
It is understandable. No matter how magically adept an elf may be, encountering unfamiliar adult men and women outside the home is naturally alarming.
Furthermore, Leon possesses a trained physique and a prominent facial scar. Even families familiar with his appearance might find him intimidating; strangers would surely misunderstand his presence.
"Are you Yumeria-san?"
"...Yes, that is me."
"I am Leon. This is my wife, Angie. We have come because we have something to deliver to you."
Leon attempts a reassuring smile to calm Yumeria, but it ends up resembling a bear or wolf licking its lips at prey, producing the opposite effect. Following his gaze, I notice something peculiar. Beyond him lies Yumeria’s ample chest.
Her bust is conspicuous, disproportionately so for her otherwise cute appearance, even emphasized beneath her plain clothing.
My eyelids and the corners of my mouth twitch involuntarily, and I feel my composure slowly unraveling. Before I realize it, my elbow is thrust into Leon’s side.
"Ugh!"
"A-Are you all right!?"
"N-No need to worry..."
"............"
I glance coldly down at Leon, who groans and crouches. Cheating fool. He touched my chest on the airship on our way to the village.
Leon somehow endures the pain from his own folly, stands upright, and withdraws an envelope from his pocket.
Its design indicates it is used by the temple for official communications. The seal confirms the sender’s high rank within the temple hierarchy.
Forgery of such materials is strictly prohibited by law. Discovery incurs severe penalties, making it a task few would dare attempt.
Reading the sender’s name, Yumeria’s expression softens. She appears to understand that we mean no harm.
"Are you friends of Kyle?"
"Friends, or rather, we share a professional relationship. I had business in the elf village, so we took the opportunity to come by."
"I encountered him many times while attending the royal academy. I also know him from his service to Saintess Olivia-sama."
"Then, you are nobles?"
"Well, nominally, minor nobles."
"T-Then, standing outside and speaking is impolite! Please, come inside! Ah, but inviting you into such a messy home would be disrespectful! Should I guide you to a shop in the village instead!?"
"This is fine. We also have questions we wish to ask."
Calming the flustered Yumeria, who changes expressions rapidly like a skittish animal, we guide her inside the house.
Yumeria enters first, tidying the interior as we wait outside.
I am not narrow-minded enough to be offended by that; any irritation I feel stems from a different source entirely.
"Angie."
"What?"
"That hurt. It really hurt. It hurt so, so much."
"Reflect on your actions. Do you lose control when faced with a woman who has large breasts?"
"That is not true. My eyes simply followed unconsciously."
"I have told you before. Focus on my breasts alone. If you desire a concubine, discuss it with me first."
"I have told you as well. I do not need concubines. And your breasts are the best in the world."
"That is not a compliment."
Though irritation remains, I let the conversation drop for now. After all, Leon’s glances at women other than me or his tactile missteps may stem from frustration built up over months.
Roughly half a month has passed since Leon returned to the territory, yet our bedroom activities remain suspended. Including his stay in the capital, the total amounts to several months.
For a couple married long enough to have six children, such a prolonged halt is abnormal.
It is not unreasonable to suppose that Leon might harbor silent dissatisfaction toward me.
As Dorothea once said, "Beauty fades, love cools."
Unknowingly, I overvalued my position as the primary wife and my own capabilities, neglecting Leon’s feelings. Such thoughts swirl in my mind, leaving me remorseful.
Once this mission concludes, I intend to invite him to the bedroom myself. I will strive to ease Leon’s burdens as swiftly as possible.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, come in."
Ignoring Yumeria’s breathless tidying, we step inside the house.
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Authors Note
┻━━━━━━━━━━┻
The chapter’s illustration was provided by APple T-sama. (Pixiv)
This chapter introduces Yumeria and simultaneously touches on Angie getting carried away during the trip.
Details regarding Yumeria and Kyle’s parent-child relationship will appear in the next chapter. The story draws heavily from the original “sixth capture target” elements. Additional original elf characters are planned to appear.
Addendum: Thanks to the requesters, illustrations were provided by Chikuden-sama, Hogeo-sama, and Shirodou-sama.
Chikuden-sama Pixiv (Caution: adult content)
Hogeo-sama Pixiv (Caution: adult content)
Shirodou-sama Pixiv (Caution: adult content)
Your opinions and impressions are highly appreciated and motivate me greatly.
~~~End~~~