When we return to Zenobia, we receive an enthusiastic welcome from the people at the port.
　Confetti danced in the air, and orchestras and other musicians played merrily to welcome them.

　The people of Zenobia seem to welcome with enthusiasm the heroes who had sunk numerous Federation ships and defeated the monsters who were trying to rob Zenobia of its prosperity.

　The surviving sailors are surrounded by young girls and receiving kisses all over their bodies.

　At the sight of them, Eltria.

Now, if I tell you that you're the one who put the brakes on that monster here, the young girl might rip you to pieces.

　He made a statement that could not be considered a joke or serious.

'That's troubling. I'd like to get into the carriage quickly and run back to Mr. Eltria's mansion.''

'It would be better. I won't feel sorry for my daughter if she rips my son-in-law off.

　When we and the group returned to Eltria's mansion, we decided to do as she suggested and relax in our own room for a while.


　I expected to receive an enthusiastic welcome from Julia when we returned to the mansion, but she weighed in.

'Thank you for your help, Ike-sama.

　But she doesn't hug me as usual.

　After all, it seems that Eltria has nailed her to the wall that if she is to become the wife of her son-in-law, it is the duty of a wife to take care of her husband after he has finished his hard work.

　Apparently she is following that advice, but in a few days she will be back to her usual self.
　I was sure of that, so until then, I would indulge in a brief moment of freedom.
　Eltria was right, the long boat ride and monster slaying had caused a considerable amount of fatigue to build up in her body and mind.
　I returned to the room given to me by Etria and cozied up until noon the next day.


　As soon as I woke up the next morning, Satie brought me breakfast and tea in a silver wagon.

　Normally she was a guest, and there was no need for such a thing, but apparently she had settled into her position as a sort of quasi-maid of the Octave family while I was on the boat trip.

　According to Hans, the butler, if you are not Lord Ike's maid, he would like to hire you as the head maid of our Octave family.

　I've been told that this would be a problem for me, and that Satie herself adamantly refused, but she is now in charge of taking care of me in Zenobia.

　It's also helpful for us to have someone we know well. Satie's thoughtful service is always a great comfort to me after a hard day's work.

　I munch on a roast chicken and cheese sandwich that Satie has prepared for me and pour it down my stomach with a cup of tea.

　Zenobia is a coffee-producing region, but I don't like to drink coffee with my meals.
　It interferes with the taste of the ingredients.
　I prefer to drink white water or tea with my meals.
　Satie is well aware of this, so she serves tea with meals without sugar.
　After all, she's the kind of girl who was born to be a maid.
　Once again I confirmed that, I reported to her.
　She opens her mouth as soon as she finishes eating her roast chicken sandwich while lying on the bed.

'We managed to win this time, too,'
　And--.

　Hearing the report, Sati smiled like a spring sunshine.

Congratulations to you, Master.

　He congratulated me.

'Thank goodness. It's almost like we won again, thanks to Satie.

Satie didn't do anything to you, sir?

No, they would have given me a flintlock for the experience before I left.

'Yes. But I do it every time, so it's unclear if that will have any effect.

'Well, I suppose I'd like to try one. What would happen if we didn't do that ritual?

'I'm fine!　I know my master will be able to overcome any challenge.

I hope you're right.

　I blurted out, and I gave Sati another report.

It's too big to say, but we've managed to get some food aid from the Trade Federation.

'What?　Is it true?

'It's true. Mr. Eltria has graciously agreed to it. Now, I've asked him to go gather the top brass of the Zenobian Council and inform them of our decision to end our support for the League of Lords. Zenobia's side will mostly agree with Ertoria-san.

What do you mean?

'I'm confident I can convince the rest of the trade coalition,' he said, showing his white teeth.

That's encouraging, isn't it?

And if you can't convince her, Zenobia will help the Demon King's army on her own.

Is it okay to do such a thing?

He laughed and said that if he did that, Zenobia might be forced out of the trade union.

..........

　Sati heard those words and gave him a look that said, 'I don't think it's a laughing matter....

'It's not really a laughing matter, actually. But, it's Eltria-san. He'll manage to screw you over with his powerful arms.''

　I laughed, as did Eltria, and continued.

'Well, that pretty much solves the food problem, congratulations indeed, but it does create one problem.

...a problem?

　Satie frowned formally.
　She was staring at me anxiously.
　Maybe she sensed my shadowy expression.
　I mention the issue.

'Now, about that problem, are you a good dancer, Satie?'

...Dancing?　Is it?

'Oh, I actually have to attend the ball again. This is one of the terms of exchange for Eltria to run around. He wants to treat us as heroes for saving Zenobia. And they also want to make sure that all of Zenobia knows that they are joining forces with the Demon King's Army.

What do you mean?

I mean, that Lilith guy doesn't have to be in disguise to participate. Well, I'll be joining in my human form, but--

　So he broke off his words and concluded.

'Well, you know what........... I'd like Sati to be my dance partner and chaperone for Lilith.

　I said this shyly, emphasizing that my main role was the latter.
　I found myself blushing, but Sati didn't mention it, but smiled back at me and said

'It's nice to be dressed like a princess again.

　She smiled at me when she said that.