Chapter 117

The youth, mounted on his steed, returned to the heart of the Empire alongside fellow companions met outside.

Some who recognized his face didn’t hold back their admiration and respect.

“Glory to the descendant of the hero!”

“Blessings to the offspring of the savior!”

Of course, being a descendant of the nine heroes is bound to be excessively praised in the Empire.

Naturally. If one were to list the reasons why this happens, even pulling all-nighters wouldn’t suffice—the tales are overflowing.

“I noticed it as soon as we crossed the Empire’s border, but I didn’t expect such a stark difference between the air inside and outside the Empire.”

Meanwhile, a middle-aged knight with an impressively sturdy build despite his heavy armor smirked.

With special materials aside, just having full plate armor made of iron would make him no less than a moving fortress.

Such armor wasn’t cheap—it was practically a fortune, which he obtained by selling his fief and estate to become a wandering knight.

…Though not originally from the Empire.

“That’s nothing new, right?”

On the other hand, a girl riding a humble pony appeared unmistakably as a mage.

Her purple robes and pointed hat declared her profession.

She had short azure hair, sharp eyes, and striking brown irises.

“The title of Great Warrior—or in Imperial terms, Bariel Tamelot’s younger son—isn’t something anyone can claim.”

“Let’s stop, shall we?”

At that moment, the young man leading a white horse turned his head, seemingly embarrassed, and silenced the two.

Though hidden under a black cloak, his armed state was evident—plate armor covering his chest and waist, protective gear adorned with ancient imperial script in gold over black.

Holding the reins with thick leather gloves, his peach-hued eyes scanned the bustling landscape of Rutania.

His navy hair, almost black, reflected a faint blue in the light.

“Daik. Shouldn’t we head to our parents’ place first?”

“We should visit the royal palace first, but His Majesty won’t scold us too much for this.”

Since there’s no urgent matter, arriving leisurely might even be more comfortable.

We sent word ahead, but ended up reaching Rutania two days earlier than expected.

“We could just say ‘we’re back’ during the audience and leave.”

“There’s going to be an audience and a return party combined. The audience will be in the morning, the party starting after sunset and lasting at least three days, possibly a week.”

“…Is this really necessary because it’s the Empire? It’s exaggerated.”

If one doesn’t know how much hosting a single party costs, they might let it slide—but the girl knew better than anyone.

“Siliane, Lurden, are you truly content being part of our house?”

When Daik addressed them by name, the heavily armored knight, Lurden, burst into laughter.

“Are you getting sentimental because we haven’t arrived home yet? Isn’t it already too late to ask?”

“That’s true, but there’s always the possibility of unforeseen circumstances.”

“Another pointless comment.”

The mage girl, Siliane, swatted him playfully.

“Just go greet your father, take a bath, eat something, and rest quietly for a while… Don’t dry up.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard.”

Even with her bold request, Daik chuckled softly.

Then, as if remembering something, Lurden asked,

“Didn’t you say before leaving that you had over five younger brothers?”

“It’s eight now. And probably more when we reach the mansion.”

“So the rumors about your father’s vigor weren’t exaggerated.”

“With multiple mothers…”

“Still, there’s no discord among them?”

For nobles, having numerous heirs, especially wives, often leads to disputes that shake the family foundation.

But…

“Our father is steadfast—no, resolute in that regard.”

While most men might give in to their wives’ demands, not Barie.

Looking at this aspect, he truly was a hero.

…Except for that, he was absurdly foolish.

In reality, upon arriving at the mansion and attempting to greet everyone…

“Isn’t he still asleep?”

Even though the sun is high in the sky?

“You know how he is.”

The old butler shook his head, but this was routine, so there was no sign of reprimand or disapproval—just an attitude of ‘Master is being Master.’

Realizing what this implied, Siliane and Lurden sighed again, confirming the rumors weren’t exaggerated.

“And Mother has conceived another child.”

“…So I’ll have another sibling?”

Daik guessed correctly, and the old butler smiled approvingly.

“…”

Wait, I was just making a comment, and it turned out to be right?!

Eventually, with no choice, Daik personally knocked on his father’s bedroom door to deliver greetings and news of his return.

When the sound of movement came from within, he opened the door.

“Father.”

“Uh… ow, my head. What is it? When did you arrive?”

The bed, meant for a couple, was excessively large.

Even though Barie was colossal, this wasn’t something he could monopolize alone without it being considered extravagant.

However, seeing three different women sprawled across it explained things somewhat.

No, actually, it’s still insufficient.

Insufficient why?

…Because some couldn’t join due to pregnancy.

Despite Barie’s legendary stamina, even he wouldn’t dare involve pregnant women.

‘This room’s bed has grown larger.’

Would you believe there are more than five rooms like this?

One might need to swim in the bed to claim their space.

“Ow, my back.”

Climbing down from the monstrous bed, Barie washed his scarred face with dry hands, then tapped his lower back.

“To be this devoted in marriage is impressive.”

“It’s not a sin, right?”

That’s correct.

…No one was taken against their will, nor were they someone else’s property.

Rather, they admired him.

Some came for his family connections, but eventually became loyal to the household itself—a rare case.

It’s no wonder heads of noble families consult him about family harmony.

“Still, you must maintain basic training, don’t you?”

“If my body slackens, I’m betraying my wives. Might as well look good and feel good to touch, right? Naturally, they should too.”

…Simple but undeniable truth.

Men or women, partners or spouses—ugliness remains ugly.

Moreover, his face’s scars make any wrong expression seem menacing.

His body is riddled with various wounds.

These are marks of glory earned through heroic deeds—even Ermina’s presence couldn’t prevent these scars, showing the trials he endured.

He’s a man who proves results through actions.

And since the Demon King’s defeat, he’s fully dedicated himself to family and personal beliefs.

This kind of happiness.

“Eh, eh?”

Seeing Barie appear in only a cloth covering his lower half, Siliane and Lurden nearly fainted.

“I’ve heard about you two. You’re comrades of my younger son, right?”

“Well, it’s slightly awkward.”

Siliane’s straightforward and honest opinion made Barie straighten up demonstratively.

“What? Never seen a guy’s body before?”

“By the way, when are you two planning your wedding?”

“Wha-? No, it’s not like that…”

“Why? If such a pretty lady followed you here, it means she wants you to take responsibility for her life. What? Wasn’t it that? Or do you both have religious beliefs preventing physical intimacy? Or does thinking about coupling make your chest hurt, your head dizzy, suddenly get goosebumps, and feel nauseous?”

“Why speak… like that?”

“No, unless you’re disabled, a beauty like her should immediately… oh, sorry, was she yours?”

Rarely flustered, Barie cautiously asked Lurden.

The accused Lurden burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! No, Baron Barie. But since the topic came up, might as well confess?”

“L-Lurden, you?!”

“Look. She followed because she has feelings. Besides, this kid isn’t mine, but still…”

“…”

Siliane’s face burned bright red.

Meanwhile, Daik, who hadn’t realized this until now, widened his eyes.

“So, Lurden, tell me. Is this guy impotent outside too?”

“Haha… Plenty of women tried to approach him. He just refused because he has someone else in mind.”

“A fool in another sense. Tsk tsk!”

Barie also seemed to have known Daik’s inner thoughts long ago, sighing regretfully.

“But anyway, fulfill this young lady’s wish first.”

At that, Silane was startled.

“W-WHAT?!”

Her face flushed crimson, yet her wide eyes revealed confusion—and a hint of anticipation.

“Father…”

“I know you have feelings for Princess Highness, but let me make one thing clear.”

That child…

“Would rather die alone than choose anyone but Carriel.”

“…I have many questions about Carriel too.”

“Hmm, do you?”

Then suddenly, attention shifted to Barie himself.

Precisely toward his lower half.

The cloth around his waist bulged suspiciously—its size and height were far from ordinary.

“Guys wake up like this sometimes. Just ignore it.”

“…”

While Silane pretended not to notice and looked away…

“Baron Barie, you’re admirable!”

Lurden gazed at him with extreme reverence.

“…”

Daik could only bang his forehead with a clenched fist.

“Thanks. Anyway… ask someone else for details on this. Not me.”

“Someone else?”

“Go hear it from Earl Eschina.”

“Earl Eschina…”

That stubborn old man?

However, contrary to expectations, the person mentioned by Barie surprised Daik.

“Do you know Sylas? He’s the current head, so go greet him.”

“Sylas is… the head of the House of Earl Eschina?”

“Ask her directly. I’m not good with words.”

“Hmph…”

“Anyway, welcome everyone. You’ve returned safely. Unpack, relax, treat this as your home. Stretch out your legs and rest. And… Silane, right?”

“Yes, yes!”

“You’ll share a room with Daik.”

“Whaaat?!”

“Father…?”

“If you aren’t sharing a bed tomorrow, I’ll kick you both out. You know I don’t lie about this, right?”

Daik showed resistance.

“Father, even so…”

Barie allowed no objections.

“I appreciate your loyalty to Elhermina, but what about this girl who gets hurt by your feelings? Aren’t you carrying the same pain yourself? Understand?”

“…”

“At least have a serious conversation. That’s how a man treats a woman he likes. Got it?”

“B-but…”

At that moment, Silane spoke softly, raising her beet-red face.

“Thank you for your consideration…”

“No big deal. Pushing a woman you love is a good man’s role.”

Though smiling toothily, Barie’s short gray hair and facial scars made him seem…

Well, despite feeling apologetic and grateful, Silane found him slightly intimidating.

Of course, her gratitude quickly overshadowed any tension.

‘He’s not lecherous but simply… an admirable man.’

A hearty hero (?) worthy of respect in another sense.

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