Volume 5 Chapter 23 Just as Expected
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Today’s lunch was a social reception, a chance to scout the Hero Party’s movements from Mercedes.
”Daisuke-san, hello!”
”Hello, Daisuke-san.”
”Oh, you’re looking lively today. Hello, Zofie-san.”
As usual, I was waiting at the fountain square, and they arrived a few minutes early. It seemed the trouble sparked by the Otto incident had finally cooled off; their greetings were as energetic as ever. Zofie-san joined us for the meal just like she did in the beginning, likely to subtly probe into Yuko’s current status. (I think Yuko is fine for now, but if she starts acting out or her mental health begins to fray, it’ll be a massive red flag for drama… It’s hard to plan for, but I can at least brace myself.)
I wanted to introduce Camilla and Ilse today, so I brought them both along. I’d introduced Liese to Mercedes last time, but she’d insisted on staying home to train. Camilla was in high spirits about our “date,” but Ilse had been napping, so I’d had to coax her out of bed.
”Thanks to you, everything has settled! I can finally get a good night’s sleep!”
”That’s great to hear. By the way, how did the matchmaking party¹ go?”
”It was a total disaster! The guys in this city wouldn’t know a catch if it hit them in the face!”
”Isn’t that just a realistic evaluation?” said Daisuke.
”How rude! I am a refined, dignified beauty of a knight!”
”Ah, I see you changed your self-pitch,” replied Daisuke.
”Hehe, you two are as close as ever, aren’t you?”
She’d mentioned going to a singles mixer after our last meeting, but as I’d suspected, it was a bust. Maybe that “Fatigue Recovery Set (Provisional)” I gave her was overkill. She used to call herself a “pure and lovely girl-knight,” but as she’d hinted last time, she’d tweaked the branding. (Maybe she’s finally done some soul-searching.)
* * *
We arrived at the cafe-restaurant, so I decided to do the introductions first. (I don’t expect trouble, but if Zofie-san held any prejudice against slaves, things could get ugly.)
”Mercedes, Zofie-san, these are Camilla and Ilse. They’re part of my adventuring group. Go on, girls, say hello.”
”I’m Camilla. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
”I’m Ilse. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
”I am Civil Servant Zofie. A pleasure to meet you both.”
”And I’m Knight Mercedes. Wait… Camilla? You look familiar.”
”Good memory,” said Daisuke. “Remember a year ago at the guild? You mediated for that group of girls who were causing a scene. She was the slave girl with them. A lot happened, and I ended up taking her in.”
”I see. Her skin’s luster, her muscle tone, even her hygiene… she’s in incomparably better shape now. It’s obvious Daisuke-san is taking proper care of her.”
”You bet. I take very good care of them,” replied Daisuke.
Mercedes might be a total disaster of a person, but her specs are undeniably high. She remembered a year-old encounter and gauged Camilla’s health at a single glance. (If she just had a bit more poise, she’d be a top-tier beauty.) While I was thinking that, I patted Camilla’s head, causing her to practically melt into a puddle.
”Ehehe…”
”Oh, how precious,” said Zofie.
Even Zofie-san seemed won over by Camilla’s cuteness. (Looks like we’re in the clear.)
”Zofie-san, is it alright if the four of us eat together?”
”Yes, of course. I don’t mind at all.”
”Thanks. You two, take a seat over here,” said Daisuke.
”Yes, Master!”
”O—okay,” Ilse muttered.
With permission granted, I had them sit. Ilse almost let her guard slip; she still needs more practice on her “proper” behavior. (She didn’t have this problem at Elmer-san’s place, so she’s probably just getting complacent because she’s with me. What a little brat.) Camilla, on the other hand, just looked thrilled to be sitting right next to me.
”So, what’s the word on the Hero Party?”
”After Otto was expelled, they’ve been touring the various kingdoms as planned. Combat-wise, they’re doing fine-better, actually. Their efficiency skyrocketed. With one less troublemaker to worry about, the burden on the knights escorting them has dropped significantly.”
”Hah… of course it did,” replied Daisuke.
Otto used to brag that the Hero Party couldn’t function without him, but the truth was the exact opposite. It was so “as expected” that I couldn’t help but sigh. (Seriously, where did that guy get his ego from?)
”If the cycle follows the previous Demon King appearances, monster activity within the borders will start ramping up soon. I’m probably going to get very busy.”
”That sounds rough,” said Daisuke.
The Demon King is always based on some specific monster type and commands others of its lineage as kin. It’s been three years since we were reincarnated; the awakening happens in two more years, but the damage from their kin will start spreading long before that. (Usually, you can pinpoint the Demon King’s location and base species just by watching which monsters are surging.)
But it’s never that simple. Usually, monster activity spikes across the entire country, making it nearly impossible to identify the core threat. Even if they aren’t directly related to the Demon King, a monster surge is still a disaster the state can’t ignore. For the next two years, everyone will be busy with subjugation quests. (It’ll be a boom time for adventurers, too.)
”Zofie-san, is your work getting stressful?”
”No, I’m quite alright. Thank you for your concern.”
Based on the indirect intel, Yuko isn’t causing trouble yet. (Good. That’s a win for my mental health.)
”Zofie is lucky she has a fiancé. Honestly, Daisuke-san, knowing you’re on the ‘no-lover’ team with me is the only thing that gives me peace of mind.”
”Actually, I have a girlfriend now,” said Daisuke.
”Huh…?”
Mercedes stared at me, her face frozen as if her brain had stopped responding. She knows about my “Ordeal” Skills, so I can’t really blame her for being stunned.
”Daisuke-san? You… you’re joking, right?”
”Dead serious. It’s Ines, the partner from the party that first mentored me. You know her, right?”
”No way! I believed that even if I got married, you’d be alone forever, Daisuke-san!”
”Wow, tell me what you really think,” replied Daisuke.
Talk about a low blow. I wasn’t genuinely angry because I knew where she was coming from, but she really is a piece of work.
”Urgh… fine! If that’s how it’s going to be…!”
”If what’s how it’s going to be?”
”Then you have to introduce me to a good man!”
”You’re asking me!?”
I should have seen that coming! Still, it stung a little. After that, I spent the rest of lunch calming down the squawking Mercedes, and we finished the meal on a high note. However, knowing that next week’s lunch is with Yuko makes me want to crawl into a hole. (I’ll have to ask Regina-san to ‘heal’ me the day before just so I can survive it.)
* * *
The afternoon was my usual library time. I told Ilse she could go home, but she insisted on coming along, saying she “wanted to see what it was like.”
”Hello, Clarissa-san.”
”Hello, Daisuke-san.”
As soon as we walked in, Clarissa-san greeted us with that gorgeous smile of hers. That alone was enough to soothe my soul.
”What can I find for you today?”
”Something on the Demon King, and maybe a picture book for Ilse here. Ilse, Camilla, introduce yourselves.”
”I’m Ilse. A pleasure to meet you.”
”Hello, Clarissa-sama.”
”Hello there. Camilla-chan, you’re as lovely as ever. And Ilse-chan, you’re quite a little cutie, aren’t you?”
Since they’ve met a few times, Camilla was starting to relax. Ilse used her “proper” voice. (Ilse is so energetic and cute; I really want to free her from slavery eventually. Maybe in a few years, I’ll bring it up.)
Clarissa-san led us to a table and set us up with the books. Camilla and Ilse sat on either side of me. Camilla just wanted to be close, but Ilse actually started looking at her book. She’d learned the basics of reading and writing at the merchant guild, so she could just about manage a picture book.
I dug into the Demon King research that had come up at lunch. The Demon King can manifest anywhere in the world, and there’s no real pattern to the location. This is the first time one is expected in Maultasche. Depending on the base monster, they might appear in a forest, a tundra, or a volcano. Since they’re technically monsters, they don’t actually build “Demon King Castles.” (I guess I shouldn’t expect a final boss lair… total letdown.) Apparently, a Demon King once manifested inside a dungeon. They didn’t realize it until it was almost too late, which caused a huge mess.
There were scattered records of a Demon King speaking, but the official historical documents had no such mention. (It’s unclear if those were just legends or if the truth was being suppressed. Is there some reason it would be inconvenient for a Demon King to talk?)
Generally, monsters have no intellect and can’t be reasoned with. However, high-ranking monsters like dragons are supposedly intelligent and capable of speech. There are other A-Rank and above monsters that have been confirmed to “speak,” though since they’re still monsters, it’s rarely a “conversation” in any human sense. They simply act and speak according to their primal instincts.
”You’re very studious today, as well,” said Clarissa.
”Ah, is it that time already?”
”Daisuke… I’m beat…” Ilse groaned.
”Oh, heavens, fufu,” Clarissa giggled.
Ilse, exhausted by the unfamiliar task of reading, was looking pretty sleepy. (Clarissa-san didn’t mind, but I was worried about disturbing the other patrons.)
”Ilse, I’ll carry you home, so just hang on a little longer,” said Daisuke.
”Okay…”
”Well then, Clarissa-san, I’ll take ‘the usual.’ You too, Camilla.”
”Coming right up! ♡”
”Yes, Master!”
I indulged in a sandwich hug—the softness of Clarissa-san on one side and the eager pressure of Camilla on the other. (The fact that Clarissa-san knows exactly what I mean by ‘the usual’ tells me our chemistry is off the charts. That makes me happy, too.)
”Haa… yeah, that’s the stuff. Clarissa-san, your hugs are so peaceful.”
”Hehe ♪ Would you like another one?”
”Absolutely.”
”There you go ♡”
Maybe she’s just gotten used to my antics, but she offered it herself, so I accepted without hesitation.
”Thank you. Getting a hug from a woman as wonderful as you really makes my day. I can’t wait for our next date.”
”Oh, Daisuke-san, stop it! ♪”
”Daisukeee…” Ilse whined.
”I know, I know. Well, we’ll be off. See you next week.”
”Yes, see you next week,” replied Clarissa.
I scooped up Ilse, who had reached her limit, and held hands with Camilla as I walked them home. Once I drop them off, I’ve got to head back out-it’s time for my date with the Gale Party.
—
Summary:
Daisuke meets with Mercedes and Zofie to gather intelligence on the Hero Party, confirming that Otto’s removal actually improved their efficiency. The group then spends a peaceful afternoon at the library, where Daisuke researches Demon King lore while bonding with Camilla and Ilse. The chapter concludes with a moment of ‘healing’ from the librarian Clarissa before Daisuke prepares for another meeting.
—
Trivia:
- Otto’s improved efficiency without him suggests his self-perception was entirely delusional, a common trope subverted here by showing he was a literal anchor.
- The Demon King lore mentions the possibility of speech, which is officially suppressed; this suggests a potential reveal that Demon Kings are more than mindless monsters.
- Daisuke’s dread over the ‘lunch with Yuko’ sets up the next conflict, emphasizing the psychological toll of his relationships
—
Character Insight:
Mercedes and Daisuke maintain a bickering but familiar relationship, which is shaken when Daisuke reveals his romantic success, shattering Mercedes’ assumption that he was her ‘partner in loneliness.’ Meanwhile, Daisuke’s paternal/protective role over his slaves Camilla and Ilse is reinforced through his care for their health and education.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
New information regarding the Demon King’s manifestation reveals that they surge every five years and can appear in any environment, including dungeons. The ‘Demon King’s Kin’ concept explains the nationwide monster activity surges preceding a King’s awakening.
—
TL Notes:
Mercedes’ ‘disappointing beauty’ trope is common in light novels, where high-spec characters are given glaring social flaws for comedy.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Mercedes – Brown semi-long hair, white frilled one-piece, Elegant and Fair Knight—high-ranking noble, Home Secretary of Maultasche Kingdom, mother of Patrizia, and spirited Royal Knight who meditates, teaches shield techniques, leads parties, and views dungeons as divine trials; wields elite combat and destruction magic, despises goblins/orcs, and is a beautiful but disappointing castle acquaintance who feeds Daisuke Hero Party intel while desperately seeking a boyfriend among Reincarnators—often rejected. Friend of Daisuke, energetic yet currently stressed by the Hero Party incident.
• Daisuke – A mid-40s Japanese transferee and B-Rank adventurer (Lv. 69) blessed by the Green God. He excels in Earth/Wind magic, stealth, and high-speed combat while wearing Radiant Iron gear and a vintage watch. Analytical yet prone to spoiling his companions, he manages slaves Ilse, Liese, and Camilla, mentors Rin, dates Ines, and pursues Regina and Dietlinde. He resides in a Beunemünde rental house.
• Zofie – A beastman woman and a Civil Servant. Friend of Mercedes. She is approximately 165cm tall with long indigo hair and a standard build.
• Otto – Heavy Warrior, once the 52‑level tank of the Hero Party and a doctor‑degree holder, now a creepy 50‑year‑old mind trapped in a youthful body. He dons bulky armor and a stern face, is narcissistic, status‑obsessed and manipulative, obedient to Shouta and Takumi but tyrannical toward Ren and staff, pretends to mentor yet is a nuisance. Expelled from the Hero’s Party, he is delusional, sociopathic, and cares only for his own advancement.
• Yuko – 17‑year‑old high‑schooler, reincarnated from a 40‑year‑old Earth civil servant and former tech‑track professional, wears a half‑up hairstyle, thin chest armor, stands 160 cm with a standard build. Polite but low‑motivation, poor etiquette. Apprentice to Lady Xaveria, acquaintance of Daisuke, battling entitlement and stress.
• Camilla – a 14-year-old fox-type beastkin (~140 cm, thin, fluffy tail, twitching ears, wearing accessories), is Daisuke’s devoted Illusion Magic user. Formerly abused by an adventurer before her rescue, her tail thumps when excited. Deeply attached to “Master” Daisuke, she fears abandonment, constantly seeking his scent and approval. Socially anxious yet easily pleased, she clings to him, follows him everywhere, and diligently cleans their home, serving as his loyal subordinate and companion.
• Liese – A 170cm Dragonewt (Level 16) with grey-blue hair, thick horns, and grey scales on her neck and limbs. A former Grünewald guild trainee and spear-user, she serves as Daisuke’s disciplined, loyal vanguard. Despite facing Imperial discrimination, she maintains strict etiquette and acts as a senior guide for the other girls in the household. Her tail thumps to betray her emotions while she serves her master.
• Ilse – A 17-year-old tiger-type beastman archer with pointed ears, a thick tail, and a petite, youthful frame. Once a merchant guild worker turned bandit, she is now under Daisuke’s care as a companion and party member. Headstrong and blunt, yet diligent, she wields her bow skillfully, her Scavenger skill and high Fortitude supporting her growth.
• Elmer – Portly merchant in his 40s, owner of a Royal Capital shop with an Intuition Skill who travels frequently for trade. He employs slaves for labor, serves as Daisuke’s master and grants permission for Ilse’s rewards. Also a Benemünde guild merchant, formerly Ilse’s owner, now her current master; he is friendly, observant, and maintains a sunny disposition.
• Ines – A 170 cm wind-enhanced swordsman (Level 21+, D-Rank) and leader of the Gale Party, with long green hair, blue eyes, and a voluptuous build. She blends heavy armor with a feminine, college-girl style. Despite her goddess-like smile, she is shy, naive, and prone to blushing. Fiercely loyal, she is deeply affectionate toward Daisuke, masking low self-esteem with gentle composure.
• Regina – Late‑twenties Onee‑san with blue‑purple hair, green eyes, marine‑blue thigh‑split dress and thigh‑high socks, large‑breasted figure; runs Daydream (BSS), mentors Nora and Rita, respected senior Beastman and elite courtesan famed for her Masterpiece body. Insecure about her age among younger girls, she’s a target of the protagonist’s revenge and part of Daisuke’s circle hoping she’ll retire to follow him.
• Clarissa – A beautiful Royal Capital librarian, Clarissa is a glamorous merchant’s daughter with blonde shoulder-length hair, soft features, and a curvy figure. Rose-scented and skilled in geography, she radiates a warm, motherly charm. After many failed engagements, she becomes Daisuke’s associate, offering gentle, slightly pressuring smiles about makeup and “anytime hugs.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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