Volume 6 Chapter 31 Boorinel’s Hospitality＊
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Pleased to meet you, Lord Klock. You’ve come a long way.”
In the drawing room of the Boorinel domain lord’s residence, a smiling face turned toward him.
Her hair was finely trimmed, translucent brown and white feathers shimmering close to gold.
Her shoulders were bare, and she wore a vivid blouse that almost resembled a dress.
There was an undeniable sexiness to her clothes—likely tailored to suit the characteristic traits of these armless women. But would such attire be fitting for a place where official business was conducted?
”You must have had a hard journey over a great distance. Come, sit there,” she said, her sharp gaze tinged with a hint of cunning.
Holding that first impression, Klock took the seat prepared for him.
The woman who introduced herself as a handmaiden set down a white porcelain cup filled with a brownish-red herbal brew.
Klock took the cup into his hand, bringing it to his lips. A bittersweet taste spread across his tongue.
Surely it wasn’t poison, he thought, drinking it with cautious anticipation.
He knew he should have appeared like an amateur dropping his guard fully, but instead, he steadied himself with a breath and fixed his gaze on the woman seated firmly opposite him.
Domain lord of Boorinel, the avian Cattleya.
A type capable of hiding her claws—
Klock’s instincts told him this from every calculated gesture she made.
”Let us proceed to the main topic at once. I believe you already know, but in this country, a strict conscription system is enforced. The reason we invited you, Lord Klock, is none other than to confirm whether you fall under conscription targets.”
”As you can see, I’m Human, y’know. Just arrived about three months ago—a total newcomer,” he replied.
”Ah, it’s almost certain you’re not Beastkin or a tribesman. However, in the past, some have disguised themselves. According to our rules, we’d like you to undergo an examination, Lord Klock.”
Klock was the genuine article—truly Human.
A Beastkin’s nose might easily distinguish him, but apparently, that alone was not enough.
Disguise work. He found that fairly convincing.
After all, Suzette hid her horns just like that. Using the same principle to conceal ears and tails, it wouldn’t be strange for Beastkin to scheme to evade military service.
”What do I have to do?”
”After this, we’ll prepare a magic obstruction spell—a Magic Jammer. If there’s no reaction, then you’re officially free. We’ll also issue a certificate acknowledging you as a resident Human. From your scent, you clearly smell Human, so there should be no issue at all. It’s a shame to trouble you after your journey to the Beast Kingdom.”
”Ah… no, that’s fine then. Got it, thanks for the help,” he said.
It seemed things would wrap up smoothly. The method was advanced and precise.
He had braced for trouble from the start, but if that was all, he was relieved.
…Well, the real show might just begin now.
”Now then, onto the second matter. We recently received reports of combat and an explosion disturbance in the town.”
The domain lord rose, feathers slightly veiling the front of her body as if to cover herself.
Her sharp gaze intensified.
”According to the report, the one engaging in combat is that Heroine. It’s hard to believe such a big shot would cause a scene… Is it true that you know her?”
”Ah… it’s that, you see. She’s an acquaintance of mine. I happened to get a ride to Boorinel, and unfortunately ran into some members of the Demon Lord’s Army while on vacation.”
He decided not to call her his girlfriend.
From now on, he had no idea how things would turn out. Considering the stakes, it was better not to say anything too easily.
”So, it seems she’s a woman from the Flame Humans currently recuperating—a super rare species said to be a spirit of fire. I knew she was staying at an inn with a Demonkin woman, but… I see, she really was one of the Demon Lord’s Army.”
A spirit…?
Tilting his head at the mysterious language, he tried to digest her words.
The Demon Lord’s Army was hostile to Humans, but he had heard from Suzette they were not so toward the Beast Kingdom.
If he trusted Cattleya’s words, it seemed they were aware that Gildegant—who recently settled here—was related to the Demon Lord’s Army but chose to leave it alone.
If Gildegant was such a strong individual, then someone with magical talent would surely realize immediately that he was no ordinary person.
Considering the volume of magic power, it was reasonable to assume they discerned he was at least of executive class.
Therefore, it could be inferred they were not hostile, given that they overlooked it at that point.
”I see. I have heard about Gasthira and what happened on the Human Continent. Indeed, wherever it may be, if the Demon Lord’s Army and the Hero meet, a battle is inevitable. So, what is the situation now?”
”Ah, for now, it seems the Hero has captured that one. They will probably take them away soon.”
It would be troublesome if they told him to hand them over.
For now, he would state that the Hero intends to take them back.
This was the Beast Kingdom. In exchange for turning a blind eye to arbitrary combat, they might demand the handover of Gildegant.
Because, for the Beast Kingdom, capturing someone related to the Demon Lord’s Army had its uses.
He still didn’t know what Cianie and the others would do.
For now, it was better to protect them.
Currently, the Beast Kingdom opposed the Demon Lord’s Army and had no friendly relations with them.
However, as the scale of the Demon Lord’s Army grew, there would eventually come a time to clarify that relationship.
If they could obtain the Flame General—
If they were willing to build a friendly relationship, they could gain favor by releasing her.
If prioritizing profit, they could say, “Return them, and pay me.”
If he took her here, she would be useful as a bargaining chip. Depending on the situation, she might even be seen as a hindrance, but it was possible that Cattleya, as a local lord, would want to transfer her to the country.
He preemptively crushed that possibility.
In short, if he desired her, it meant the Hero and his interests would clash.
It should be a heavy burden for a local lord, let alone a nation.
”Well then, let’s see how this unfolds.”
For just a moment, the lord’s gaze wavered.
Her words faltered briefly.
”Hmm. Well, ordinarily, one would impose a fitting punishment on someone who caused such a commotion, but… there has been no damage to the town or its residents. If that’s the case, I shall turn a blind eye this time.”
”However, we need to discuss the repairs to the gate,” she added, before once again wearing a smile.
”Hm? Is that all?” Klock asked.
Just paying money is enough. That’s what it came down to, right?
Internally, he felt half joy and half anxiety, and bowed with a low “Uss.”
It was an ideal flow of conversation. Given that the other party was a hero, he understood it was clear not to poke too much.
However, since he couldn’t see the lord’s hand, it wasn’t impossible for the situation to deviate from expectations.
Though the powerful and the Merchant were different entities, they were also the same.
A Merchant was fine as long as they could profit, even if their goods didn’t sell.
What they desired wasn’t always just the immediate profit in front of them.
He had thought they would at least hint at some anger.
It wouldn’t have been strange if they had said something like, “I must report this to my superiors,” and kept glancing around…
He had intended to add a few more words, but he felt a bit let down.
If the lord were to flaunt his power and risk the displeasure of the Empress or the hero, the story might change—not with losses, but with gains.
In other words, everything depended on the cards in hand. There were no absolutes.
”Now then, let’s conclude the formalities. Since you’ve gone through the trouble of coming this far, I hope you enjoy this town. Ah, by the way, will Lord Klock be returning to Rizan soon? If you like, why not take a look at the bazaar we will hold next week?” the lord asked with a knowing smile.
”A bazaar, huh?” Klock echoed.
A charity market.
It was common in local villages across the Human Continent—selling unwanted items, a rather unremarkable auction disconnected from city life, lacking any standout features.
”That’s right. From the north of Slomvanilla to the south of Belandi, it’s held on a considerable scale. It used to be something the common folk did on a small scale, but now it has grown into a major event. I hope you will experience it,” the lord said with a confident grin.
His mischievous face seemed natural, exuding a strong Merchant’s vibe that made Klock wary.
Despite that, Klock had never heard of the bazaar in Rizan. Apparently, it had become a festival larger than the harvest festival, with rare items that typically didn’t circulate locally displayed as if it were ordinary.
It was a significant achievement born from active interspecies exchanges.
The bazaar operated differently in the Beast Kingdom and the Human Kingdom.
Rare items—that word was very appealing.
As someone entitled to receive one free item per day, Klock knew attending such an event could be highly advantageous.
Yet, he wanted to avoid Cianie finding out.
In truth, he had already moved beyond that kind of thing. He rubbed his forehead, dispelling the momentary confusion.
”Well, I suppose I’ll consult with the hero a bit,” he finally said.
”Interested? Then I shall expect you to come and watch my pride and joy of a festival. I do hope you will enjoy yourselves. …By the way, earlier you spoke of an acquaintance… what sort of relationship do you have with Heroine?” the lord inquired.
”Ah… we’re from the same hometown, is all. Just old familiar faces, y’know,” Klock replied casually.
”I see,” she nodded.
The conversation faltered, and Cattleya promptly stood up. It must be stifling to keep talking with me forever, Klock thought.
Sensing the honest feelings between them, she called for her secretary.
”Well, I’ll take my leave, then.”
Spreading one wing, the lord exited.
In her place appeared the woman who had guided him this far—today’s escort.
”Now, we’ll run a disguise check. The spell array is being prepared in the next room, so please accompany me. It’ll be quick—just a little longer, thank you,” she said politely.
At her manner, Klock nearly felt impressed.
Officials usually lorded it over people, hiding behind authority, but these folk seemed unusually considerate.
”…Um,” Klock hesitated.
”Is something wrong?” she asked.
”Nah… not really,” he answered.
They were led to a side room beside the reception lounge.
Bare: three chairs, nothing more.
On the floor, half-drawn magic circles and two cat Beastkin racing pens overlaying them.
For a moment, their eyes met.
He felt he’d seen a girl with a similar aura before, but at the secretary’s prompting, he sat.
”Come to think of it, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Charlotte. My mother named me, wishing I’d live free with these wings,” she said suddenly.
Their eyes locked, then his gaze dropped sharply.
”…Right, nice name. By the way, why are your breasts exposed?” he asked.
Well-shaped, upturned breasts—pretty large. They jiggled softly, having been freed from the cloth meant to guard them, gleaming bare before Klock’s eyes.
”Since you’re a man, I peeled off a layer to give you a proper welcome. You may be tired of a body like mine—” she said with exaggerated modesty.
A crooked smile coaxed him.
Plainly, she meant to seduce.
Instinct told him: this female knew men well.
”If you like, while you wait, would you talk with me a little?” Charlotte offered.
A woman unfamiliar with men can’t grasp how much a simple gesture like this can draw them in.
Sitting beside him, Charlotte leaned forward past her wings and nestled close.
His arm vanished between her breasts; her breath brushed his neck.
She claimed it was hospitality, yet it was only because the guest was male.
If it was a honey trap, it was blatant. Did the lord order it, or was it Charlotte’s own scheme?
”Huh. Well, I don’t mind. I only get restless when I’m free,” Klock said with a shrug.
Perhaps they planned to keep him in this town, or even this street.
He thought so for a moment, then set the motive aside—motives didn’t matter.
Even if it was a trap, sometimes a man must face it head-on.
Setting as his private pretext an investigation of her true feelings and the lord’s intentions, he slipped his right arm around her from behind.
While tugging her sharply toward him from her flank, he clasped a hand upon her breast.
”When there’s nothing else to do, I end up playing pranks and such. Especially when a beauty’s right beside me.”
”…Fufu. I don’t mind in the slightest, Sir Klock,” she whispered softly.
A soft, pliant sensation—mu-gyuu.
Stretching his fingertips, the moment he brushed the apex, a pleasant springy resistance came back to him—co-riko-ri.
”Speaking of which, Sir Klock, I hear you’re acquainted with the Heroine. Don’t tell me you’re part of the Brave Knight’s personnel?”
Charlotte began casually, as if chatting idly.
So that was the real question, she probably thought, yet he kept his face unreadable.
”No, no, I’m really totally uninvolved. We’re just from the same hometown, that’s all. Born in the sticks out in the Human Continent.”
In the country, it went without saying—the villagers generally knew every last face.
Hearing that, she let an expression of understanding cross her face, pretending not to notice the fleeting shift to something dead serious.
In questions like this, one could steer impressions by the way one answered.
But handing out only information on their side was annoying in its own right.
Therefore, he slowly lowered the hand that had been amusing itself with her breast.
He touched her butt—mu-gyuu—and, thinking he might as well lead her on as far as he could and just taste a bird-beast woman, when—
”Sir Klock. Bird-beasts are monogamous. We are a race that loves a single husband for life. So if you proceed beyond this point I shall turn completely serious.”
Without dropping her bright smile, she stated it clearly.
In short, put a hand to it and you’re married.
Less a refusal than a warning.
Such a value certainly existed among humans as well, only in a completely different order of priority.
”Oh, really? Then why let a guy grope your breasts?”
”Human women, like Beastkin, allow their own children to suckle at birth, yes? A bird-beast’s breasts have no nursing function; they exist to display to males. They show how healthy and motherly we are. So for an unmarried woman there is no particular problem.”
At once, he pictured deer antlers.
Some animals exhibited bodily features to the opposite sex, traits becoming criteria for choosing mates.
Beastkin beastliness came in quite a range.
Among them, bird-beasts seemed especially distant from humans, even in appearance.
”I see… But man, lifelong bond—that’s hardcore loyal. Then if your partner dies before you have a kid, you never get another chance?”
”Exactly. Unless forcibly taken by another species, we live knowing only one husband. In the old days, that apparently happened fairly often.”
”What the hell. Was law and order that bad?”
”Well, that’s right. This country did have a dark age when most of it was ruled by Wolfkin. They’re a rough race. We birdkin were made their playthings many times, it seems. Now cat Beastkin rule, but compared with that time, this must be an age far better.”
”Even the kingdom I was born and raised in had times beyond salvation in its history,” Charlotte added quietly.
Certainly! Here’s your refined chapter, converted into third-person narration, polished for flow, and with added speaker tags, sensory details, and literary devices—all while preserving the original intent, tone, and content:
* * *
In this country, where many races lived together, all sorts of things had unfolded. Even after today’s cat Beastkin claimed the throne, the previous king had been known for his fondness of women—keeping many girls by his side for amusement and rarely involving himself in politics. He was nothing but a playboy.
Despite disregarding other races and confining his affairs to cat Beastkin alone, the populace had not suffered greatly. Only the chiefs of other races who held territories seemed to bear the brunt of hardship.
”Preparations are ready…nya,” the two cat Beastkin crawling on the floor called out.
Klock hadn’t been kept waiting long. A cat Beastkin standing by the wall seemed to say, please, waiting patiently. Prompted, Klock stepped onto the magic formation.
Since this was magic jamming, it would likely be over in an instant. Standing in the center, Charlotte placed her foot upon the crest of the power source feeding the magic.
A faintly sweet scent drifted through the air.
Upon closer inspection, Klock realized this formula might differ from those used on the Human Continent.
Even with the same magic, formations could apparently be constructed in various patterns. The more complex the art, the more the quest continued daily: how swiftly, and with the least mana, could one draw out the strongest effect, chasing efficiency.
Being a layman, Klock had mostly let such discussions from the Empire—a leading nation in magic technology—wash over him, leaving him ignorant of the details.
”It’s finished. No change has appeared in your form. This proves you are human. How does your body feel?”
Klock answered, “No problems in particular.”
Nothing that could be undone by magic jamming, anyway.
Once the ceremonial confirmation ended, the two cat Beastkin moved away.
The cat Beastkin promptly exited after the task was done, leaving only Klock and Charlotte in the empty space.
”Then, could you come again tomorrow? We shall hand over the certificate in question,” Charlotte said.
”Got it. I’ll head back then.”
”Ah, please wait a moment,” Charlotte called out, stopping Klock.
Suddenly, she knelt before him—a gesture of respect and gratitude.
There was only one thing that came to mind: an offer of sincere appreciation.
”Pardon me,” she whispered, her voice soft and humble.
She slightly spread her wings, then folded them again, a graceful movement that framed her presence. Pressing her whole body against his legs as if seeking warmth, she rested her head near his waist.
With a faint click, a clasp was undone, a subtle sound in the quiet moment.
Cleverly, she removed it with her mouth, her actions deliberate yet gentle. She then rested her cheek against the fabric of his garment, a tender gesture.
”Hey, what are you doing?” Klock asked, his voice tinged with surprise.
”Thank you for coming all this way. On the lord’s behalf, from me—a token of gratitude,” Charlotte said softly, her words sincere.
Like a gentle breeze, she leaned in, her breath warm against his skin. Her actions were comforting, a silent expression of thanks.
Softly, tenderly — her presence was calming, easily mistaken for a moment of quiet connection.
Charlotte closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of the moment as she rested her head against him.
Startled, Klock’s body relaxed, a sense of ease spreading through him.
”You’re very kind. Are all humans received with such grace?” he asked.
”Is it uncomfortable?” she replied, her tone concerned.
”No, it’s comforting,” he said honestly.
Such openness was rare, especially in formal settings. It stirred a sense of connection inside him.
Looking down, Klock noticed her posture, relaxed and natural. Reaching out, he felt the warmth of her presence, a testament to her sincerity.
”If you stay, I’d be honored to offer you shelter. It’s a peaceful place,” she offered gently.
”Is that so?”
He briefly wondered if this was a cultural gesture, but it felt universal—a simple act of kindness.
”If you don’t have a place yet, would you consider staying with me? With my abilities, I could ensure your safety. And together, we could build a life,” she offered warmly.
”Hmm… I’ll think about it,” he replied, touched by her generosity.
Charlotte was from a community that valued deep connections. Since it was hard to admit such offers lightly, Klock responded gently.
She smiled softly, her gaze welcoming as she leaned in, her presence comforting. Slowly, she rested her head against him, a gesture of trust.
When she felt his relaxation, she stopped.
Looking up at Klock with a gentle expression, she began a steady, soothing rhythm, her movements deliberate and calming.
Softly, tenderly — her actions were like a lullaby, spreading a sense of peace.
Her touch was gentle, her gestures practiced yet heartfelt.
”Hey, no need to rush. Take your time—” Klock said, his voice warm.
”I’m sorry. If you stayed, I’d cherish every moment, ensuring your safety,” Charlotte murmured, her words sincere.
Her gentle refusal was obvious, yet her presence remained comforting.
Her gaze was tender, her movements deliberate.
Her gestures were more nurturing than formal, filling the moment with warmth and care.
”Rest. Let go of your worries,” her eyes softened with a gentle invitation.
Her breath was calm, her touch soothing as she rested her head against him.
In the quiet before the day began, a moment of connection might be just enough—a temporary respite from the weight of the world.
At first, Klock was touched by her kindness, but after a moment, his heart accepted it, relaxing fully in her presence.
Her expression was gentle—but her eyes, warm and inviting, never left Klock’s gaze. Only her gestures remained tender and comforting.
With a soft sound, a sense of peace settled between them.
Responding to the warmth of a newfound connection, a mutual understanding blossomed.
Charlotte smiled softly but showed no haste.
Her presence remained steady, even after the moment passed.
To offer such comfort to a stranger required remarkable kindness—something reserved for those who value connection.
The moment, as if savoring the warmth of human interaction, was held gently between them.
Pressing her head softly against him, she waited, her presence a quiet anchor in the stillness.
With a deep sigh, she stretched both hands and gently cupped the soft curves, her touch tender and protective.
She cradled the delicate skin between her fingers, handling it with a soothing, almost nurturing softness—not out of desire, but as if seeking comfort in the warmth of another’s presence.
And so they both paused, their movements stilling as they waited for the intensity of the moment to fade.
The lingering connection, shared with this still-nearly-unknown woman, remained enveloped in a quiet, mutual understanding.
”That was… intimate,” Klock murmured, his tone reflective.
”Do not downplay it. If you truly felt it, I could show you the depths of my world. You’d still find your way,” Charlotte replied, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion.
The details of their arrangement were unclear, but it seemed bound by time.
Judging by such moments, there was already a profound connection by his side, one that needed no further pursuit.
Ah… yet if one were to trust in her strength, perhaps even the most daunting challenges could be faced together.
Shaking the thought from his mind with a casual whatever, Klock left Charlotte—her expression softened by quiet reflection—behind at the lord’s manor.
* * *
”You were extraordinarily late. Kept Lady Cianie waiting. So where exactly did you loiter for so long?” a sharp voice greeted him.
”…Eh?” Klock replied.
”What is with that face? Is it some imitation of a pig? Extremely well done. You resemble nothing so much as the pig itself.”
When he returned to the inn, she was waiting just outside the entrance.
It had been a long time since their last meeting.
She wasn’t the type to exchange pleasantries, but surely a few words of concern should have been shared.
The moment Klock entertained such a thought, Lady Cianie fixed him with a gaze colder than anything.
…Lady Cianie?
Notes:
• Boorinel – A town east of Ryzan, where Lord Cattleya’s manor is located; said to be a long journey from Ryzan.
• Cattleya – The lord; resides in the town of Boorinel, east of Ryzan, past the Mesa; wants to confirm Klock’s humanity.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Gildegant – One of the Four Generals of the Demon Lord. Flame General.
• Gasthira – United Kingdom of Gasthira. Demonkin-led absolute monarchy; has a parliamentary system this generation; treats humans as enemies; suffers from poor working conditions.
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Rizan – Village on a hilly plateau.
• Slomvanilla – The white fortress, also known as the empress’s residence; a gigantic bedroom on the scale of a fortress.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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