Chapter 38

…How did it even end up like this?

I was supposed to be preparing for a literal war against Azi Dahaka, but things had taken a turn into a completely different kind of “trouble.”

That night.

“Ryu… they said I have to stay behind this time too…”

“It can’t be helped. A guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do to protect the girls, right?”

“But considering who the opponent is…”

“Oh, for crying out loud! Don’t worry! If things get dicey, I’ll run away as fast as my legs can carry me! So just wait for me!!”

Ril was so anxious she wouldn’t leave my side. At this rate, there was a real possibility she might try to sneak along. I had to avoid that at all costs.

Ril continued to cling to me, trembling with fear.

“Do I really have to stay behind too?”

“Karin, you too. You were only just born; you wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“But my flames are effective against dragons, aren’t they?”

“Still no. This enemy creates more minions every time you wound it. If you go off with a big flashy attack, you’ll just end up making more enemies for us to deal with.”

Karin was perched on my shoulder, refusing to budge.

What was I supposed to do? This mission was genuinely too dangerous. I wouldn’t have the luxury of protecting anyone else, and these girls cared about me far too much. I hated the thought of them getting hurt because they were worried about me.

Besides, they were females—the ones who would eventually carry on the species. I didn’t want to send them to a battlefield. I tried giving them every excuse I could think of to make them stay, but they wouldn’t listen.

“Ril. And Lady Karin. Do not trouble Ryu so much.”

For some reason, the Pack Leader was standing there. I hadn’t been using “Magic Detection” outside of combat; I really should probably keep it active all the time.

“Father, but—”

“There are no “buts.” This man, weak as he is, is trying his best to protect you. Are you both so foolish that you fail to realize that?”

Ril and Karin fell silent. Deep down, they probably knew, but they still wanted to stop me.

“Then I shall give you both a job. Protect this pack. This man and the rest of us will surely return. That is all.”

Pack Leader…

“…I understand.”

“…I… understand as well.”

“Good.”

The Pack Leader turned to head back to where the Madam was.

“Pack Leader.”

I called out before he could leave.

“What?”

He stopped but didn’t look back. I didn’t mind and spoke anyway.

“Thanks.”

“Hmph. I simply don’t want my daughter going to a battlefield. I have no reason to be thanked by the likes of you.”

With that, he walked off toward his wife.

I guess family men really are strong.

Which meant… the problem was still me. I was the one who had to head into a battlefield crawling with legends.

“Ryu, are you going to sleep already?”

“Hmm? Well, yeah. We’re heading to the Dragon Empire early tomorrow, after all.”

“…I see.”

…Wait, what’s with the look, Ril? She was staring intently at my face.

“Papa, can we sleep with you tonight?”

Karin had shifted back into her human form too. What was going on?

“Sure, I don’t mind. It’s just sleeping together.”

At that, the two of them blushed slightly and pressed closer to me. What was the big deal? We always slept together. Ril and Karin seemed… distant, or rather, hesitant?

Then, both Ril and Karin spoke with expressions as if they had braced themselves for something life-changing.

““Please give us a baby!!””

…Huh?

Wait a minute, isn’t this a bit sudden?

I mean, I knew they both liked me in “that” way. I’m not that dense. But why this timing?!

“Is it… no?”

“Papa…”

“Ah, no, sorry. I was just a bit confused. I don’t dislike the idea myself. You’re both beautiful, your personalities are great, and I feel like we’re a good match… but is it even possible? To have kids?”

Crap, I was still panicking. Why was I asking if it was biologically possible right now?!

““It is!!””

Oh, apparently it is.

Wait, that’s not the point!!

I mean, getting to do “that” with such beauties is a dream come true, but is it okay to just do it so casually?!

“Ryu… please?”

“Papa… I’m begging you…”

“Arg, fine! Alright, I get it!! I’ll steel my resolve too!! But you two better never cheat on me! I’m the possessive type!!”

““We look forward to being in your care!!””

…How did it even end up like this?