Night .
　The wood-paneled round table in my living room.
　We were sitting facing each other in front of it.

"Yes. "Daddy. I made the tea.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

　I took the cup of tea from the tray Anna had prepared for me. I offer it to Regina and Elsa who are sitting across from me.

"The tea you make is good, Anna.
"....... I don't care what it tastes like, as long as it tastes good.


　Regina slurped the tea she received from me.
　A peculiar habit had developed in the way she held the cup.
　Her eyebrows knit tightly together, but they loosened.

...... Well, that's not so bad.
I know.

　I think she liked it.

"Hey, Dad. Can you tell me about this man?

　Anna asks as she holds the empty tray in front of her body.

"She's the one who pointed the great sword at me in the Adventurers' Guild. As well as why she's crossing the threshold of my home.

　The look Anna gave Regina was wary.
　It can't be helped.
　No one would be so quick to accept someone suddenly pointing a sword at them.

"That's Regina. She was with me when I was an adventurer. She's been looking for me. We finally ran into each other and had a brief exchange of words. You brought me to this house because you and Regina have a lot to discuss.
"Fmm. ....... You're an old buddy of Dad's. ......

　Anna stared blankly at Regina.

'...... What . . stare.

　Regina looked back at Anna uncomfortably.
　An ordinary person would have been pressured by this intimidating feeling.
　But she didn't seem intimidated by Anna.

'Does Regina like her dad or something?
What?

　Regina spewed out a mouthful of tea with gusto .

.............

　A splash of tea was released and landed on my face when I was face to face with it.

''--what do you think you're going to say?　You think I have feelings for Kaiser?　Don't pull out the right stuff!

　Regina's rebuttal was the most upsetting thing she had ever seen.

'Is it true?　From the way he reacts, it seems like a figurehead.
What... Does this guy like my dad?　No, you can't. Daddy's all mine. You're not allowed to steal from me.

　And Meryl, who was lying on the futon in the bedroom, peeked out.

'What do you know about me? You know what I know?" ...... A girl her age wants to be associated with everything that's going on in the world of romance.

　Regina clicked her tongue.

"Me and Kaiser once belonged to the same party. No more, no less. There's no love lost. That's nonsense.

　He spat that out and folded his arms and fell silent.
　But there was still a hint of redness in his ears.

Well, that's besides the point.

　And I try to get back on topic.

"Regina. I have to ask you something.
What?
Why did you attack Elsa?

　I said the doubt in my mind.

"If you want me, all you have to do is ask Elsa to show you around. I shouldn't have to pick a fight with her.
It's simple. I just wanted to make sure.
You sure?　What?
She's probably the youngest S-ranked adventurer in history. Kaiser. That's why she got there before you did.


Yeah.
So I wanted to make sure. Is your daughter really worthy of being an S-ranked adventurer? Kaiser. Are you worthy of giving up your S-ranked dreams to raise her?

　Regina looked at Elsa with waking eyes.

"But that's not what I expected.
......?

　Elsa's eyes flickered in shock.

'Regina. You're mistaken about one thing.
　I said.
"I raised those girls of my own free will. It didn't matter what they were worth. I just want them to live happily ever after.
If it's ......, that's even more annoying.

　Regina spat bitterly.

'Kaiser. There's no doubt you were the best in King's Landing back then. If we're being honest, you were the youngest S-ranked adventurer in the city.
You're not buying it. I'm not that much of a person.
　I said.
"And then there was the whole incident with the Ancient Dragon debacle. I'm not sure I would've made it to S rank.
'But the whole Ancient Dragon thing wasn't your fault either!　We made you do that!

　Regina yelled at the top of her lungs.

'Let's not talk about that anymore. We can't go back in time.

　When I said that, Regina, who had been standing up, seemed to lose her spirit. A hurt expression appeared on her face as she honestly took her seat.

''...... You are the only adventurer I've ever recognized. I will not allow you to demean yourself. It's an insult to my recognition of you.
Regina: "Regina: ......

　I gulped down the rest of my tea and said in a cheerful voice.

But eighteen years is a hell of a time. I was beaten so badly then, and now no one remembers me.

　In all the years I've been in King's Landing, my identity has never been discovered by the city's inhabitants.
　Even the princess I had met in the past.
　Even though she looks different from those days, I can't help but notice the passage of time.

That's because Etra has manipulated the memories of the city's people.
Etra?

　I was surprised to hear the name of a wizard who was once part of my party.

The warding that now protects our city from evil was created by him 18 years ago. To it he built a magic that made Kaiser's presence fade from the memories of those inside the wards.
'But we've remembered your dad since we came to King's Landing, haven't we?
That's right. I haven't forgotten about you for a single day, okay?
It's not a sustainable spell. It only worked on the people who were in the city when the wards were put up eighteen years ago.

　Regina said.

''A magic that interferes with the memories of every person the size of King's Landing is ...... such an outrageous thing that can be done?
No other wizard could have done it. But Etra could. That's true, Kaiser. You know that as well as I do.

　Etra was a genius.
　At the time - eighteen years ago I was a wizard as well, but I was still nothing compared to Etra.
　She was the one who deserved the title of wise woman.

But he hates getting out in the open and doesn't have a heart for people. People don't know me by name," said Regina.
So you think Etra made people forget all about her for me. I wonder why.
I don't know. Only he can know what he's really thinking. It's also possible it was just a whim. We don't need to keep guessing and guessing.
Is it because the mind of a genius is incomprehensible to ordinary people?

　Regina nodded.

'What was Regina doing all this time?'
I don't think I have to tell you that.
So let's change the question. When did you come back to King's Landing?
I'll use my right to remain silent.
You've become so secretive.
　I chuckle.
'Does it bother you that I want to know about my people?
"...... Hmm. You left King's Landing without telling us," I said as Regina blurted out, "I don't like to hear you say that.



Regina. Are you sulking, by any chance?
What did you say?
Because I left King's Landing on my own.
"......, don't be stupid. Who would do something so childish . I'm just trying to get back at you for what you did to me.
Isn't that what you call childish behavior?

　Anna pointed out.

'From what I hear, you seem to be totally sulking.
d*mn it ......!
Oh. Miss Regina. She's all red in the face. She's right.

　Meryl pointed happily.
　Regina stood up from her seat with a clatter. She tries to turn on her heel.

"--I'm out of shape with you guys.
Regina. Come home for dinner again.
　And I stopped him.
"You're going to stay in King's Landing for a while, aren't you?
...... hmm. I'll think about it.
　Regina said, and opened the door and walked out.

'She's got a lot of personality.'
　Anna shrugged her shoulders and said.
'We're all adventurers. They're a bunch of sociopaths.
I can't deny that.

　I chuckle.

"Just so you know, he's not a bad guy. We were together for a long time, I promise you.