Volume 7 Chapter 34 What Happens to Those Two Now?
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The morning after our stint of playing at being lovers with Cassandra, our final morning together arrived.
”Wake up, Daisuke. It is time for breakfast,” she said.
”Yaaaawn… Morning, Cassandra,” I mumbled.
”Good morning.”
I had her wake me up as usual and started getting ready. Last night, I had been so thrilled by how proactive she was that I’d asked for her again and again; she had been a complete mess by the end. We’d kept at it until the early hours, yet she was up at her usual time.
Her stamina was actually pretty impressive. Since the inn didn’t have a dining hall, I took out the food I’d stocked up on in Eierschecke Village¹ and we ate in the room. It was a cheese dish she particularly liked.
”How is it?” I asked.
”It is delicious,” she replied.
The corners of her mouth twitched into a soft smile; she always seemed to be in a better mood when she had her favorite food. After some light small talk, we finished breakfast and headed to the rendezvous point. We had about half a day of travel ahead of us.
* * *
As expected for a route so close to the Royal Capital, we encountered no trouble and arrived just after noon. We stood before the great gates of the city. Once we reported back to the Guild, this request would officially be over.
”Good work, everyone. I’m glad we could conclude this without incident,” Captain Emily said.
”Agreed. There were a few diversions, but nothing we couldn’t handle,” I replied.
”The ‘diversions’… ah, no, that was a promise, wasn’t it?”
”Hahaha, please, I’ve had enough trouble for one trip.”
Captain Emily had almost let it slip, but I’d officially declined credit for soloing the true boss of the Elements. I have no desire to be in the spotlight.
I’d handed the materials from that boss over to the Knights’ Order as well. Officially, we’re saying the three of us took it down together.
Both Captain Emily and Cassandra had been grumbling about the Order’s pathetic budget, and while A-Rank materials are a bit of a loss, I’ll gladly hand them over if it makes two beautiful women happy.
Emily had given me her usual mischievous smirk, while Cassandra-who hadn’t been quite so friendly back then-looked at me like I was an alien, unable to comprehend why I’d just give such wealth away.
”Captain Emily, I have something to discuss with Cassandra. Do you mind if I borrow her for a moment?” I asked.
”The rest of us are heading back to the barracks to file the report, so keep it short,” Emily replied.
”Understood. Is that all right with you, Cassandra?”
”…Yes. I have the Captain’s permission, so it is no problem.”
”I’ll be there once I’ve seen the other adventurers off. Just wait a moment,” I said.
”I understand.”
I wanted to talk to her about our future. The adventurer groups were essentially disbanded here, each heading to the Guild on their own.
The five members of Her Fünf gave a curt greeting and vanished-a surprisingly brisk farewell.
Golden Dragon’s Breath was down to just Vait and Moritz, the other three having dropped out.
”Daisuke, I owe you one,” Vait said.
”It’s going to be tough from here on, but don’t kill yourself over it,” I told him.
”That’s a tall order. Rising from commoner to noble requires a certain amount of ‘killing oneself’ through work.”
”Maybe so, but if you’re dead, it’s all for nothing. Your health is your only real capital.”
”Point taken. I appreciate the advice.”
”Vait-sama, it’s time…” Moritz interrupted.
”I know. Daisuke, let’s coordinate the training schedule by letter later.”
”Sure, just send word.”
Since Moritz couldn’t enter the capital unaccompanied, Vait had to go with him to vouch for his identity. I’d wondered how that mess would end, but I’m glad I could set him on a better path. Well, mostly. Moritz still gave me a nasty glare before they left.
”Daisuke-sama, thank you for everything. I’m really looking forward to what comes next ♡” Meta said, pulling me into a hug.
I gave her a light kiss. Her soft, curvy body felt incredible. (Damn, I’m actually starting to get a bit of a rise…)
”Look at you two showing off,” Magda chuckled. “I knew that ‘thing’ we did would lead to this… gufufu…”
”Honestly, Magda, you’re a mess right until the very end,” Delia sighed.
”You’re not much better, Delia.”
”True enough.”
The usual chaotic bunch. I was curious about Magda’s delusions, but honestly, I was too afraid to ask.
”We’ll head in first and clear out of the inn,” Meta said.
”Got it. Which one was it?”
”It’s–“
I confirmed the location and said a temporary goodbye to Meta. We’d be seeing each other again soon enough anyway.
”Sorry to keep you waiting, Cassandra.”
”No, it was no trouble.”
”I’m going to block us off from the crowd for a second.”
Using Wind Magic, I created a barrier around us, illuminating the interior with Light Magic. It wasn’t that I had some deep dark secret; I just didn’t feel like being a public spectacle while the other Knights were packing up nearby.
”There you go again with the casual high-tier magic…”
”Hm? Did I do something?” I asked.
”No… nothing.”
”If you say so. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you for the duration of this request. I had a great time, and that’s largely thanks to you.”
”…It is not something you need to thank me for. It was the ‘Reward’ for the duel.”
”Even so, I’m glad I got to spend that time with you.”
”…I see.”
Cassandra looked away, appearing slightly awkward. She was probably remembering how hostile she had been at the start of all this.
”As a token of my gratitude, I have a present for you.”
”Being your slave was the price of my defeat. I cannot accept payment for–“
”It’s not payment for your service; it’s a gift from the heart. It has nothing to do with our ‘Vow.’ Now, come here.”
”You are… truly impossible.”
She stepped closer, and I pulled the gift from my Item Box.
”Is this… a pendant?” she asked.
”Exactly.”
Of course, it wasn’t just jewelry. While not quite as powerful as the ones I gave my lovers, it was a high-spec magic item imbued with Presence Detection² and MP Recovery Speed Increase.
I’d specifically chosen Presence Detection to cover Cassandra’s blind spots. I’d skipped things like Dark Magic Resistance since they’re a bit niche for a Knight, and while I debated adding Evasion or Danger Sense, she already had the former, so I held back.
I didn’t want the item to look too suspicious by cramming it with too many effects.
”Touch it and flow a bit of mana into it.”
”If you insist.”
She looked skeptical, but she complied. Now, the item was locked specifically to her.
”Lean down a bit, I’ll put it on for you.”
”Understood.”
I reached around her neck to fasten the clasp. She’d probably tuck it under her armor immediately, but I wanted her to see it first.
”…? I feel something strange… the presence of everyone nearby?”
”It’s a Presence Detection skill. I picked it up in a dungeon.”
”…What?”
The “Dungeon-sourced” lie-the most convenient excuse in the world. Naturally, I’d made it myself. Since I had to “take matters into my own hands” anyway to keep my power levels up, I’d spent the time after Cassandra fell asleep crafting this.
”This would fetch a fortune if you sold it…”
”Maybe, but I can’t sell it now. Since you flowed your mana into it, it’s yours and yours alone.”
”So that was the reason for that strange request. I should have known.”
She looked exasperated, but she didn’t seem truly bothered. We were a world away from the hostility of our first meeting.
”Very well, I shall accept it. It does indeed cover a weakness of mine. Thank you.”
”I’m just glad you like it,” I said.
Her words were formal, but the gratitude was real. Now, for the real talk. There was no doubt we’d become close, but I wasn’t sure if we could cross the line into being actual lovers.
Last night’s roleplay had been incredible, but it was just roleplay. With someone as serious as her, it was a toss-up. I took her hand and looked her in the eye.
”Cassandra, I want you to be my real lover.”
”…That, I cannot do.”
There was a beat of silence, but the rejection was far firmer than I’d hoped. (Ouch. Was I the only one who thought we were vibing?) She looked pained, though. Knowing her sense of responsibility, there had to be a reason.
”Did you not enjoy our ‘lover play’ last night?” I asked.
”It was not that. Indeed, it made me realize that having a partner wouldn’t be such a bad thing.”
”Then was it something about this past week? Did we just not click?”
”No, that isn’t it either. You are a bit… well, a very strange man, but I felt that you truly respected and cared for me.”
”Was that ‘very’ really necessary?”
”Heh, don’t let it bother you.”
She actually laughed, which was a win, even if she still thought I was a freak.
”When I first became your slave, I feared the worst, but I was moved by how you respected my position during the day. I was confused by being treated like a young girl, but I could tell your compliments weren’t empty flattery. And I am truly grateful you saved me when I was at death’s door.”
”I just did it because I think you’re wonderful and I didn’t want to see you die. You don’t owe me anything for that.”
”…I see. You really are that kind of man.”
She closed her eyes, her lips curling into a soft smile. I could tell her affection for me was through the roof. Now that we were isolated from the world, she was finally being honest.
”I have been a Knight for over ten years, living for nothing but training and missions. This week was the first time I’ve truly lived my life.”
”Did you hate it?” I asked.
”…At first, I loathed it. Even knowing the stakes of the duel, the thought of my ‘first time’ being taken by an adventurer was a humiliation.”
”I’m sorry about that.”
”No, don’t apologize. I said ‘at first,’ didn’t I?”
”Oh.”
”Yes. Even after that, being toyed with so unilaterally was frustrating, but I eventually understood that you had no intention of shaming me. The massages, the hugs… just as you said, they made me move better the next day. And last night… there was a sense of fulfillment in our union that I had never known.”
”So then… if it isn’t me, what’s stopping us?”
”It is not a problem with you. It is my own circumstances.”
She looked genuinely regretful. It sounded like if it weren’t for those “circumstances,” she would have said yes.
”I have something I must do-something I must achieve at all costs. It takes priority over everything else.”
”Your duty as a Knight?”
”That is part of it, but it is more than that. I cherish your gift, and the offer to be your lover is more than a woman as far gone as me deserves. But until I strike that guy down… I cannot afford the distraction of a heart.”
Her eyes burned with a cold, sharp resolve. She was clearly talking about a grudge. Knowing her, she wouldn’t be able to give herself fully to a relationship while that shadow hung over her.
”I get it. It’s a shame, but I’ll step back for now. I don’t want to be the thing that holds you back from your goals,” I said.
”I am sorry,” she said, bowing her head.
”Hey, remember what I said about rest being part of the job? You tend to push yourself too hard. Even if we aren’t lovers, can we still see each other as friends?”
”Well… I suppose that would be alright.”
”Then let’s make it official. To our friendship.”
I held out my hand, and we sealed it with a handshake. It wasn’t the result I wanted, but forcing the issue would only ruin what we had.
”Daisuke… the request period technically lasts until we report to the Guild, correct?”
”Yeah, I guess we should head over.”
”Which means, for a few more minutes, I am still your slave.”
”I guess so.”
”In that case…”
She suddenly yanked me toward her by our joined hands. Her armor was cold and hard, but her face was inches from mine.
”Cassandra?”
”The final service from your slave. Accept it.”
She closed her eyes and pressed her lips to mine. It wasn’t the unconscious, heat-of-the-moment kissing from our nights together; this was the first time a sober Cassandra had ever reached for me.
”Thanks… but wow, you actually surprised me,” I said.
”Heh. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen you look genuinely caught off guard.”
”Has it really been that long?”
”Yes.”
It seemed her competitive streak wouldn’t let me have the last word.
”I think I’ll take a little more of that ‘service,’ then.”
”…I shall serve until you are satisfied, Daisuke,” she replied.
I leaned into her, savoring the kiss. The faint scent of her, the softness of her lips, the way our tongues danced together.
Part of me wanted to drag her straight back to an inn, but I controlled myself. When we finally broke apart, a glistening thread of saliva lingered between us.
”Next time we meet, we’re just friends, then?”
”Yeah. Come to think of it, you’re my first real friend who isn’t a Knight.”
”I’m honored.”
”Don’t be… wait, you’re doing it again.”
”Just work hard, okay? And make sure to call me before your shoulders get too stiff.”
”I will.”
”Then it’s a promise. One last kiss?”
”…A promise.”
We shared one final, lingering kiss before stepping away. We weren’t lovers, not yet. But we had a bond and a reason to see each other again. For now, that was enough.
—
Summary:
Daisuke and his party return to the Royal Capital after successfully completing a dangerous request. He says goodbye to Vait and his other companions, including Meta and Magda. The chapter culminates in a private conversation between Daisuke and Cassandra where he confesses his feelings, only to be gracefully rejected due to her personal quest for vengeance.
—
Trivia:
- Daisuke soloed the true boss of the Elements but gave the credit to the Knights’ Order to stay low-profile.
- Cassandra was technically Daisuke’s slave during this trip due to losing a duel.
- The magic pendant Daisuke gave Cassandra was custom-made during his ‘private time’ while she slept.
- Vait is an adventurer of commoner origin attempting to climb the social ladder to nobility
—
Character Insight:
Cassandra shows significant growth, shifting from extreme hostility to genuine affection and friendship, though her trauma regarding ‘that guy’ prevents a romantic commitment. Daisuke shows a more considerate side, respecting her boundaries while still being his typical pervy self.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The ‘Dungeon-sourced’ excuse is a recurring trope in isekai/fantasy web novels used by protagonists to hide their overpowered crafting or acquisition methods.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Cassandra – 175 cm tall, short brown hair, muscular frame; stoic Krieger heir, daughter of a Knight‑Class father and Housekeeper mother, once ‘The Ogress’ and Royal Knights VP. B‑Rank defense specialist leading the Third Unit, bound by oath to serve Daisuke as a slave. Cold aura hides trauma from her father, hatred of Otto and traitorous adventurers, and a thawing intimacy with Daisuke.
• Daisuke – Mid-40s Japanese B-Rank adventurer with a youthful face due to the Green God’s blessing, he hides his overwhelming strength while mastering Earth/Wind magic, regeneration, stealth, speed, transformation, Item Box, healing, and unique fire magic—plus the rare Ordeal and Foresight skills. Wields a one-handed sword and buckler, excels as a chef, and quietly dominates the adventuring world. Coordinates teams, mentors Rin and Cassandra—whom he’s romantically pursuing with deep empathy for her trauma—while dating Ines, pursuing Regina and Dietlinde, and managing slaves Ilse, Liese, and Camilla. Leads lake investigations and Royal Knight missions, travels toward the Royal Capital, and is revered as the knight-saver who vowed to protect them all.
• Emily – Thirty‑year‑old Captain of the Knights’ Order, B‑rank adventurer‑equivalent, sports wavy purple wolf‑cut hair tied back, a powerful aura and wicked older‑sister‑like smile. Married, leads the Third Unit, chaperones a high‑school girl party, teases Daisuke with disciplined charm. Recently recovered from battle, unconscious and being carried by Cassandra, wielding a segmented great scythe.
• Moritz – Mid‑30s deer‑type beastman, B‑Rank magic swordsman and leader of Golden Dragon’s Breath (formerly Shining Horn). Serves Vait as instructor, guard and sycophantic attendant, proud and resentful. Broke his own horns in a duel with Daisuke, took a hostage, was brutally beaten, and now holds a grudge.
• Vait – Twenty‑year‑old former pseudo‑noble of the Kojimar family, leader of Golden Dragon’s Breath and C‑rank adventurer. He clings to noble pretensions despite his low birth, seeks Daisuke’s mentorship to restore his family’s prestige, and fights “beautifully” with a sword—though he is a Bludgeoneer—driven by entitlement. Recently more level‑headed after sparring with Daisuke.
• Meta – Mature, divorced priestess with long blonde hair and a curvy, well‑endowed figure, she glows with a pink aura of gratitude toward Daisuke, her lover and fellow adventurer. Ally of the Mirage party, she fights beside him but is now held hostage by Moritz, yet acts cute and devoted to Daisuke‑sama, planning to move into his house when she returns to the Capital.
• Magda – A Gnome and aspiring Alchemist. Likely a Gnome adventurer; prone to delusions.
• Delia – Mirage Party member. Tanuki-girl Beastman and Illusionist.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply