Published: September 10, 2025
※2018/4/16 Typo corrections made.
※This chapter is not from Satou’s perspective. It is a “third-person” perspective.
“Oh? I thought it was unusual for Sera to rely on me, but was this your doing?”
In the room of Lady Merryest, the younger sister of the Saga Empire’s royal family, located in a detached palace of the Royal Castle, the guest was greeted by her friend, “Witch of Heavenly Rupture” Lady Ringlande, granddaughter of Duke Oyugok.
“I apologize for the ambush-like approach.”
“Mr. Satou, you don’t need to apologize. It’s certain that my sister had noticed as soon as I requested this meeting.”
Next to the apologetic “Demon King Slayer” Count Satou Pendragon, Sera, Ringlande’s younger sister and former Divine Oracle Shrine Maiden of Tenion Temple, spat out irritably.
As always, Sera seemed to have a strong complex toward her elder sister.
“So, does Satou coming to see Merry mean you’ve decided to marry either Merry or me?”
“No—”
“That’s not it!”
Cutting off Satou’s words, Sera dismissed her sister’s joke with a strong denial.
Ringlande, far from showing displeasure at her sister’s attitude, appeared calm and indifferent. This further fueled Sera’s irritation.
However, deep down, Ringlande was smirking as if to say, “Jealous Sera is so cute.”
“So, Count Pendragon, what business do you have?”
Lady Merryest, who had been watching the sisters’ quarrel with an exasperated look, called to Satou to move the conversation forward.
“I would like to ask about the heroes of the Saga Empire who were summoned after Lord Hayato.”
“You, who were supposed to be in the western continent, came back secretly just to inquire about such things?”
Merryest asked Satou as if trying to gauge his true intentions.
“Yes. I met hero Seigi in the country I visited, and he mentioned that there are other heroes. So, I would like to hear from Lady Merryest about them.”
“Didn’t you ask Seigi about that?”
“Of course, I did. But his information was somewhat too subjective…”
“Well, that figures. What about their attendants?”
“It seems the attendants were wary of me.”
Satou scratched his head sheepishly.
Merryest thought that such a gesture made the otherwise mature-looking Satou appear appropriately youthful.
“As a royal of the Saga Empire, I have a duty of confidentiality. Are you aware of that?”
“Yes, of course. I am not asking for details like their unique skills. I just want to know about their personalities and the impressions Lady Merryest has of them.”
Merryest fell silent for a moment, contemplating Satou’s reply.
“Very well. Since this is a request from a possible future husband, I will share what I can, so long as it doesn’t conflict with the interests of the Saga Empire.”
“Thank you very much, Lady Merryest.”
Merryest offered Satou a seat.
The quarreling sisters standing nearby were seemingly left alone.
“Where shall I begin?”
“Then, impressions of the heroes.”
“That’s quite an abstract request. Well, alright.”
Merryest crossed her shapely legs again.
Unfortunately, no one in the room seemed to be admiring the beauty of her ankles.
“They still show immaturity due to their youth, but overall, my impression of the four heroes is that they are ‘good beings who love justice.’”
Satou gazed into Merryest’s eyes as if searching for the true meaning behind her words, perhaps surprised.
Noticing this, Sera, who had been quarreling with her sister, seemed wary and sat down beside Satou, ignoring her sister.
Though strangely close to Satou, he seemed completely unaware of it.
“Unbelievable?”
“No, hero Seigi, whom I met, was indeed a boy worthy of Lady Merryest’s evaluation.”
At Satou’s earnest reply, Merryest burst out laughing.
Probably because Satou and hero Seigi were only about two years apart in age, yet Satou made such mature remarks, which seemed amusing.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to disparage Count Pendragon.”
Merryest quickly apologized to the visibly upset Sera.