The price of the green crown is 'starvation. It will lead to extreme starvation and, if it's not done well, death. But I'm not going to use my abilities to that extent...''

　
　I'm tempted to tell him to hurry up and eat something if he's that hungry, but apparently that's not going to happen.
　The sleeping King Rhea takes one of the apples that was brought to him, and in the blink of an eye, it crumbles like sand and turns to dust. Ew!

'I can't have food in my mouth while I'm paying the price like this........ In this case, roughly twenty days or so....
That much?
'Elves are a race that can survive without much food to begin with, so it's nothing they can't stand. They can only drink water, so they won't die so easily, but the initial hunger is hard...''

　Speaking of which, Nia, the user of the red crown, said before. She said that if you're careful, you won't die from 'compensation' except for the purple crown.
　Well, that purple crown also no longer has the crown ability 《Crown Skill》 due to my 【Cracking】.
　But in addition to starving them, the [Price] of turning the food they touch into dust?
　I read a similar story somewhere a long time ago. When the king was happy to receive the power from God to turn everything he touched into gold, even his food was turned into gold and he was about to starve to death.
　Perhaps this [Price] is the same as the [Curse] I use. It's a 【Curse】 that forcibly takes something away from the other party, that kind of 【Curse】.
　Moreover, unlike a curse, it's a compensation for wanting something, so it's difficult to lift it. Probably not even 【Recovery】 would be impossible. It might be lifted if 【Cracking】 destroyed Grün's ability, but this king doesn't want that.

''Don't worry. It's an ability I've been using for years. "Don't worry, I've used it for years. I know what the line is at the very edge, and I don't want to use an ability that I can't stand.

　According to Kuhn's story, the Green Crown's ability to manipulate plants seems to be a plant manipulation, but its range is quite extensive. However, it also had the same weakness as my [Prison], that the quality of the ability would decline as the range expanded.
　It seems to control not only living trees, but even processed woodwork. It's amazing that in the past, he was able to turn a large fleet of enemy troops that attacked the Rare Kingdom into seaweed all together. No, is it easy to make a hole in the bottom of the ship?

'You didn't let it grow up too fast, did you?　And if you leave it alone, it will grow up...
The spirit tree is the symbol of this country. A spiritual tree is a symbol of this country, and we need to see it in action to ensure our people's well-being. A spirit tree that grows thick and strong will make people feel more secure than a weak sapling, right?

　Well well that's certainly true when you put it that way. In fact, I can see the holy tree from the window of this room, but the people of the castle are willing to pray and so on.
　All of the people knew that the magic element circulating within the tree had dried up and the life of the spiritual tree was already running out. Everyone wanted a new spiritual tree as soon as possible. This king had sacrificed himself for it. It was not an easy thing to do.
　But it's going to be hard to fast for the next twenty days.... They said they're used to it, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy because they're used to it.

''Duke of Brunhild. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me, but as a nation we would like to repay you in kind. There are many remains in Rhea. The ancient magician's machines unearthed and discovered in those ruins are resting in the treasure house. I'd like to give you some of them if you'd like to give them to me.
No, no, don't worry about it. It's just that I've always been
'Thank you for your concern!　The treasures of the Leah Kingdom, if I may, I would like to see them with His Majesty the King!

　Originally, that was a credit to my uncle Kosuke. I tried to refrain from saying anything, but before I could, Kuhn stepped forward and replied with a bang.
　Hey, my daughter," he said. I don't know why you're trying to do this, but you're just trying to do it too hard.

I'm not sure how I feel, but I think you're too desperate. Well then, please escort His Majesty and the others to the Treasury.
Ha!

　An elven young man (apparently) who claims to be the prime minister of this country led us to the Treasure Hall. I heard that King Rhea is going to drink a lot of water and go to sleep quickly afterwards. I heard that's because he doesn't feel hungry that way. After the compensation period, I'll bring you Lou's food.
　Panachez's Robert is still sleeping due to the price of transference, so we decided to go ahead and get the treasure and have some free time.
　I wanted to talk about joining the World Alliance, but I'll talk about it another time.

"This way, sir.

　The place they were led to was in front of a door that was heavily guarded by a number of locks and security golems. The Prime Minister unlocked them one by one.
　When the door was opened, a number of magical machines were stored there, mixed with gold and silver treasures.
　There is also a golem. Perhaps it's an ancient plane 《Legacy》. If it wasn't something very expensive, there is no way they would keep factory-made golems in the treasure hall.
　Not only the golems, but also some parts, machines with unknown uses, and other items that at first glance looked like junk, but Kuhn was the only one who jumped into the treasure hall with a twinkle in his eye.
　He turned around, his face flushed and both fists were raised and lowered in a small way. What is this, it's so cute.

''O, Othusa, he, Your Majesty!　Um, you know what?!
'Oh.... It's okay. Choose what you want.
'Thanks!　I love it!

　Coon squeezes me. I was about to hug him back, but he quickly pulled away and went into the treasure hall... Oh....

'You're too delirious, darling.
'Yes. Even if you were the king of a country, you should be more resolute.
'Oh, hi...'

　Lean and Yumina giggled at me from both sides. I don't know if I was that delirious........ But it can't be helped, in this case!




　Humming, Kuhn skipped through the corridors of Brunhild's castle. In his hands, he held a lump of machinery the size of a basketball that he had acquired from the Treasure Hall of the Kingdom of Rhea.
　It appears to be a bit of an engine, but I can't quite make out what it is. I'm sure it's metal, but it's too light in weight. I was allowed to hold it, but it was as light as if it were made of plastic.

What is that, after all?
'I'm so glad you asked, Mother!　This is probably a 'spirit furnace'!
"The genie's furnace?

　I've never heard of it.... According to Kuhn, the G-Cube on the Golem. It's the power source and heart of Golem, which generates and amplifies magic power from light. And the thing that has the G-Cube built into it is the Golem's magic motive.
　It seems that the genie furnace is the original engine of the demon motive.
　All things have spirits in them. It seems to be an institution that borrows the power of those spirits and amplifies the magic power.
　In the Western Continent........spirits also exist in the former underworld. In ancient times, the people of the underworld borrowed the power of spirits to move the Golems, right?

'I don't know if it's a golem or not. I don't know if it's a golem or not, but I heard that the golems were born during the Great War on the other side of the world.
'Oh, it's from before the advent of the Frays over here...'

　It's pretty neat for that, though. I can't believe it's over 5,000 years old. Maybe it's protective magic?
　Well, we have some frame gear that's that old.

"Analyze this and you'll discover something new...!　Kufufufufu!
Oh, my God, ma'am. I'm afraid of my daughter...
'I can't help it, mister. She's that kind of girl.

　Kuhn let out a wicked chuckle, as if he shouldn't be allowed to show the world as a parent.

'So!　I'm going to Babylon!
You'll be home for dinner, okay?
Yes!

　Stepping over the skip again, Kuhn made his way to the transition room to Babylon. Somehow, when it comes to hobbies, that girl's personality changes completely.
　When we let out a dumbfounded sigh, Yumina, who was next to us, also let out a small sigh.

''He's so cute. I wish my son or daughter could come soon too...''
What are you talking about? She's your daughter, too.　We're all brothers and sisters.

　Yumina scowled for a moment at the words from Lean, but eventually she started to laugh a small laugh, huffing and puffing.

'Right. I guess I'm a mother too.

　Kuhn calls Yumina 'Mother Yumina'. Those children have had nine mothers since they were born.
　I don't think that their own mother and stepmother have anything to do with them. In Kuhn's case, Yumina and the others also make fun of him. Compared to that, though, I still feel like I'm not as reserved with Leanne.
　Well, I know how Yumina feels. It's not clear where in the world the rest of the children will appear, so all we can do is wait and see.
　Although we do secretly dispatch the "eyes" of the birds under Beniyu to major royal capitals and other places.
　However, this is mainly to capture Yakumo, Yae's daughter, if she appears. Yakumo can use [Gate], so it's not easy to find her.......
　Seriously.........if you're going to train, why don't you do it in this country with Yae or your sister Morobane? Father, I don't understand what my daughter is thinking.


　　　　　　　　　　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　It's been about a week since I visited the Rare Kingdom. Kuhn hasn't come down to earth at all. I've heard that he's locked himself away in Babylon's Laboratory, where he and Engineer Elka are continuing to develop something. It seems that she has the makings of a recluse. She's a complete indoor person.
　On the other hand, Hilda's daughter, Frey, is an outdoorsman. I say outdoor, but she plays games with Ende's daughter, Alice, almost every day.

Speaking of matches...when was the martial arts tournament in Mismid?

　I turned to look at Linse, who was sitting next to me. Besides me, Else, Linse, Sakura, and Sue were seated at the lunch table. Everyone else seems to have had a work or schedule conflict. This kind of thing happens often among us.

I'm sure it's the start of the day. Hey, sis.
Yeah, I'm sure. Oh, I wish I could have attended.

　Else mumbles ruefully as she puffs on her lunch omelet at Linse's words. No, because if you leave, we'll be in trouble.
　Already, Else, Yae and Hilda are probably one of the strongest in the world. The only ones who can compete with them are the experts who have spent thousands of years cultivating in races such as the long-lived elves and dwarves, except for Sister Morobane and the other divine races.

It's a good thing that this is a competition within Miss Mideast. It's not a good idea to have a queen from another country competing there.
I know... It's not easy being a queen.

　His Majesty the Beast King of Mismid had always wanted to hold a martial arts tournament, but his vassals were opposed to it. Their reasoning was that they didn't have a budget, but after seeing the martial arts tournament held in Brunhild, they thought that if they could set up a stall with new food and make a profit from the participation fees and such, it would be possible for us to do it too.　They thought it was a good idea.
　From there, they managed to persuade Prime Minister Graz-san and his vassals to hold the event, and they finally brought it to a close.
　In order to make the event safer, I was the one who set up the martial arts arena's defensive barriers, transference of injuries and recovery magic.
　It seems that this year's tournament is only for domestic use, but if magic trains start running, I'm sure that participants from abroad will also come.
　I wonder if His Majesty the Beast King will also participate. As I recall, when we were at home, we ran into General Leon of Belfast and it was a draw, and I heard he was defeated early.
　I didn't watch that one because I was busted in the fight with Gira, but I heard it was a great match. I wish someone had recorded it for me so I could watch it.

'I may not be allowed to attend, but wouldn't it be nice to at least watch the game?
''Hmm........ I'm sure His Majesty the Beast King would probably be happy to give me permission, but.......

　I'm a little troubled by Sue's suggestion. I wonder if I'll end up just watching the match........ Wouldn't they say the winner, or His Majesty the Beast King himself and an exhibition match or something, and then they'd be drawn in and Else would have to fight?
　If the queen of another country beat up the winner or the king of that country in the first martial arts tournament held in Miss Mid, it wouldn't be a bad idea.
　I think it's best to just let it slide this time.
　Having come to that conclusion, I received a telepathic message from Beniyu.

''I'm sorry to interrupt your meal. We have received important information from the "eye" that was dispatched to you. Please take a look first.''
Yes, take me home.

　I linked my optic nerves with the birds under the Red Ball's control that I was dispatching to various locations.
　After just a short pause, a clear image appeared in my mind. The visual information of the bird must have been replaced with human visual information.
　Where is this place.......so many people. Is this some kind of venue?　There are a lot of beastmen and mismid?
　Ah, I knew it was a mismid. The Prime Minister Graz-san is at the guest section, and that martial arts arena is the one to which I gave the defensive wards. A venue for a martial arts tournament.
　The auditoriums in the shape of stairs are filled with beastmen and subhumans. It's a big crowd.
　The birds' gaze is directed to the center of the martial arts arena. Someone is fighting. Is a martial arts tournament in progress?
　One of them is a big bearded man with a big wooden sword. A bear ... a beastman, I think. And the other one is.........

''Huh?''

　Pow!　And I involuntarily got up from my chair. Everyone looks at me in amazement, but my gaze turns to Linse, one of them, because even now, in the images that are playing in my mind, there is a child who looks just like her.
　Because the image that's still playing in my mind is a child that looks exactly like her.

''W-what's wrong, Fuyao-san?''
"No, no, I just received a telepathic message from Red ball...!　Let's see ... oh, I'd better show it to you!

　I hurriedly activate 【Mirage】 and project what I'm seeing in the air of the dining table. There's no sound . Only images.

''........Eh?''
What is this martial arts...?
You got kids fighting?
Linse?

　A girl, about six or seven years old, who looks just like Linse, with a disproportionate gauntlet equipped in both hands, is charging toward the big bear-beast man in a single step.
　At the girl's lightning-like lunge, the bear-man tries to defend himself by pointing his big sword belly at the girl.
　The girl saw it and thought she jumped unexpectedly, and then continued to zigzag through the empty air towards the bear man. Bouncing through the air!
　Then a single fist from the girl, released as it was, shattered the great sword and the bear man was blown out of the field with a flourish. After bouncing a few times, he rolled to a stop.

''Nah!''

　Our voices hummed as we watched the video. What the hell was that?
　With her eyes wide open, Else compares the girl on the screen with her sister next to her.

''Hey, wait a minute!　Even if this girl is not...!
Linse's daughter I think it's Lynne.
They look so much alike. There's no doubt about it.

　Both Sakura and Suu were comparing the girl on the screen with Linse. It's really similar........ No, it's not surprising.
　Silver hair cropped around her shoulders and a hair band, and her eyes are a bit more than Else?　Even the clothes he's wearing look alike. It's like a mini-Linse.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha!　I'm coming, I'm coming!　It's coming!
Why the interrogative...?
Well, uh, duh, duh, duh, what to do, what to do, when to do it, what to do?
Linse, let's just relax for a minute.

　I call out to Linse, who is freaking out. I know what you're thinking. I'm not that upset, though, since it's already the third time I've been there.

'Oh?'
What?

　When I turned my gaze back to Else's voice, which suddenly shouted, I saw Lynne on the screen, waving her hand towards the audience. In that direction, a girl of about the same age in the front row gave a small wave of her hand back.

''You look just like Else...''
I think it's Else's daughter, Erna.
'What?　Wow, my!　Khih, khih!　You're here!

　Else scurried to look at Su and Sakura around her. Her hands wandered through the air with awkwardness and dismay, as if she was here to dismay Zhou Shou wolf.

''Well, um, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo, dodo!
Else, let's calm down. Repeat.

　Just like Linse before... Even though they are twins, they don't have to be that synchronized.
　The girl in the audience in the screen was also a girl with long silver hair and looked exactly like Else. However, her eyes are somewhat softer and she looks more mature. This one is also wearing clothes similar to Else's, but I wonder if it was made by future Linse?

''Took, Fuyao-san!　Let's go to Mismid now!
Yes, I do!　If you're looking at this stuff, you'd better go directly here!
Okay, okay, okay, okay.

　There's no way I'm going to be able to go against the two approaching wives. As if rushed, I opened the 【gate】 and stepped into the mismid from the back of the spectator seat of the martial arts arena, out of sight of people.
　As if to push me away, Else and Linse jump out from behind. Sakura and Suu continued to come to this side as well.
　Linne, who got off the martial arts arena, returned to the back waiting room.
　Seeing this, Linse tried to chase after her daughter, but I grabbed her arm and stopped her in her tracks.

'Wait!'　In case you're wondering, she's a contestant in the match. If you go to see her without permission, you might disturb the other contestants in the waiting room.
But...
We could put Lynne on the back burner and hold her from Erna in the audience. That way, she'll come to us anyway.

　Linze was reluctant, but eventually nodded her head as if she understood Sue's words.

''Uh... uh... ah!　There!

　Else points to her daughter, Erna, and I can see her daughter, Erna. She is just in the front row on the opposite side from where we are.
　From here, at the back of the auditorium, which is in the shape of steps, we can see the people in the front row somehow, but I'm amazed that they found her in such a crowded place. Is it a mother's intuition?
　Do I have to go around in a circle in that position? As I was about to run, Else's voice echoed in my ears.

'Sakura!　[Teleportation] Please!
"Ridiculous.

　In an instant, my vision changes. Wait.........!
　The people around us who had 【Teleported】 us were surprised as if they were sitting on their backs. Due to the influence of the dependency, if there are this many people, Sakura can also [teleport] together. .........but as expected, it would be noticeable......!
　What the hell are these guys?　Where did they come from?　In the midst of all the confusion and doubt, there was only one look of confusion and doubt in our eyes.

'Mommy, sir?'

　Erna froze, glued to Else's sudden appearance.

'Er, um, Erna... right?'
''Ah......... Ugh...........!

　In the face of Else, who tends to be hesitant about what to say to her, Elna's expression, which had been a blank stare, gradually fell apart. Large tears were flowing from both of her eyes.

''Mommy........!　Okaasan!　Eeeee..........oops, it's my mother!　I've missed you...!　I missed you so much...!

　Shaking out her long silver hair, Elna clung to Else and sobbed.
　Else, who was suddenly hugged, was rattled and flustered, but eventually she smiled a small smile and gently squeezed her daughter, who was crying out in a rambunctious hug.