Caught-Up-Crafter 69

Chapter 69 O-Old Hag!?


Edited by: Kanaa-senpai


 After the s*x ended and we caught our breath, Senior started to panic.


 ”A-Ah, wait! Now that I think about it, what about my clothes!?”


 I quickly pulled them from Storage¹, targeting them to his body.


 In an instant, he was back in his original outfit.


 Lashara-sama tilted her head, looking at her restored attire.


 ”Is this Ibuki-sama’s doing…?”


 ”Yep. Just a Crafter skill².”


 ”That is entirely too unfair. Ibuki-kun, you really can do anything, can’t you?”


 ”Ahaha, look who’s talking, Hero-sama³ Senior.”


 When I teased him, Senior muttered thoughtfully.


 ”I might be the Hero, but… I guess this is just a case of wanting what you don’t have.”


 Given Senior’s personality, he probably values convenience over raw strength.


 This side of things really would have been better for him.


 That said, if Senior had been the Crafter, things probably wouldn’t have turned out like this.


 He’s a kind person, but he’s way too soft in a lot of ways.


 ”Anyway, with this, we’ve established a connection with the Princess.


 It looks like we can keep getting along well with Karl this way, right?”


 ”Oh my! That is a very delightful thing, both publicly and privately—desuwa!


 If we can build a good relationship, will you… meet with me again?”


 Having switched back into Princess Mode, Lashara-sama clasped her hands elegantly and smiled.


 Her behavior made it impossible to believe she had been naked and going to town on my c**k just a few moments ago.


 ”Yeah. Regardless of the relationship between our countries, I want to see Lashara-sama again.


 Since I live over there, it’s hard to meet frequently, but I want us to meet normally when we can.”


 When I replied, Lashara-sama scooted her butt over, shuffling closer to me.


 ”Hero-samaaa, Sia-chan is here and Sia wants to meet frequently too…”


 Sia-chan, who was already snuggled up close, pulled on the hem of Senior’s clothes and pouted.


 This is the kind of spoiled behavior that Senior has zero resistance against.


 It looks like he won’t be able to refuse.


 Well, it doesn’t matter much to me either way.


 Now then, let’s see how Senior plays this.


 ”Eh, I—I want to meet too, but I have someone waiting for me back home…”


 ”Would it be bad if we welcomed that person as well? I promise them state guest treatment!”


 ”T-That… I don’t know if I can say without asking them first, or rather…


 Ibuki-kun, what should I do?”


 (Seriously? You’re tossing the ball to me now?)


 ”You should decide that for yourself, man.


 Ah, but I do want to know in advance if Kuria and the others would even be accepted.


 They’re like friends to me, after all.”


 ”Lashara-sama, Senior’s partner is a demi-human.


 Even so, can they be accepted without discrimination?”


 ”…If they are a companion of the Hero-sama, it would be possible to issue a decree to that effect.


 But if you ask if it would be complete… honestly, I do not know.”


 (Ah, well, that makes sense.


 Even over there, they struggled quite a bit because humans were considered the enemy.)


 ”In that case, things look difficult, at least until the end of the war.


 It would be fine if you came to our place… but that’s probably impossible for your side.”


 ”Eh? If it is a matter of us going there, would you accept us?”


 Lashara-sama bit onto those words instantly.


 ”Yeah. In my country, there’s no discrimination against humans.


 I can provide a life without any hardships.”


 Without a moment’s hesitation, she shouted, “I—I’ll go!”


 ”No, shouldn’t you ask the King about that first?”


 ”It’s fine! Just the fact that I can create a connection with Kisaragi-sama is reason enough for me to go!”


 ”O-Okay. If you can get permission from the country, I don’t mind,” said Ibuki.


 The moment I said that, she jumped to her feet.


 ”Then, I shall go obtain permission!”


 ”O-Elder Sister! I—I’m coming too!”


 The two of them scurried out of the room.


 In their place, the servant kids returned.


 ”Uh, what should we do?


 They won’t be back immediately, right? Should we move to a guest room?”


 ”Yes. If you wish, we will guide you to where your companions are,” the servant replied.


 We were guided to the castle’s lodging facilities.


 We joined up with the wives and I told them about Lashara-sama and the others.


 When I did, Yui directed a rare, judgmental stare toward us.


 However, following her gaze, it seemed the target was actually Senior.


 ”Yamada-kun~, it’s about time you admitted it, right?”


 ”Eh? Admitted what!?”


 ”I mean, you just did it like it was the most natural thing in the world!”


 ”No, well… but admit what?”


 Apparently, Yui disliked Senior’s “I’m the only one protecting my modern sensibilities” vibe.


 She started lecturing him.


 ”Don’t act like Ibuki-kun and I are just ‘easy’ compared to you.”


 ”Anyway, with this, a connection with Karl has been made.


 Based on the King’s attitude, there’s probably no need to fight this country anymore.”


 ”Ah, that’s right! It was a necessary move to avoid war!”


 Senior, having finally obtained a noble cause, regained his spirit.


 He was desperately telling himself that this was “necessary.”


 He probably just wants an excuse for Kuria and the others.


 They wouldn’t care if it was a situation where they were coming to stay with us.


 Well, there might be some anxiety about personality clashes.


 ”For our part, it would be a relief if Princess Lashara-sama comes here—desuwaaa.


 At the very least, Ibuki-sama’s honor within Karl will be protected,” said Erina.


 At Erina’s voice, the others also showed their agreement.


 (If you look at it that way, they might be strong allies!)


 ”Ibuki-kun, she isn’t… a weird girl, is she?” Yui asked.


 ”Yeah, it’s fine. She was a good girl.


 If she’s the type whose personality flips when I’m not around, I’ll just send her back.”


 ”I see. Then I’m relieved ♡”


 Seeing Yui get into a good mood, Senior looked at me with serious eyes.


 ”Ibuki-kun, will you give me some advice later?”


 He was clearly terrified of breaking the news to Kuria and the others.


 That evening, Lashara-sama and Sia-chan came to report that they had obtained permission.


 They spent time talking with everyone in our group.


 Both of them were accepted quite naturally.


 Well, I figured those two Princesses wouldn’t be disliked.


 But they were being surprisingly harmonious.


 After spending time in that peaceful space, the next day arrived.


 It was time to attend the party.


 Since only Senior didn’t have formal wear, I used my skill to craft him an outfit.


 I essentially semi-copied the design of mine.


 The castle would probably have lent him something.


 But it would be a problem if I was the only one dressed grandly while upstaging the Hero-sama.


 Especially since the fact that I am a King hasn’t been made public knowledge here yet.


 While I was at it, I quickly made outfits for the two Princesses and Kuria’s group as well.


 If Lashara-sama and the others wore them, it would make it easier for people to talk about us.


 It was the perfect way to bring up our relationship.


 I made the ones for Kuria and the others as a “secret weapon” for Senior.


 I told him that if he gave them these, everything would be fine.


 It was an apology of sorts, since I’ve been dragging him into my pace quite forcefully.


 And so, we all changed and made our entrance to the party venue.


 However, everyone’s feet stopped at a single remark from Amelia.


 ”O-Old hag…”


 She suddenly blurted this out toward a strict-looking, elderly woman in a servant’s uniform.


 ”――!? C-Could it be… Amelia?”


 They were definitely more than just acquaintances.


 She was likely Amelia’s superior from back when she worked here.


 I looked back and forth between the trembling Amelia and the woman.


 Since neither was speaking up, I stepped in as her husband.


 ”Amelia, is this someone who took care of you?”


 ”P… Probably.”


 ”Fufu… What do you mean ‘probably’?


 If you can use a nickname like that, she obviously looked after you, right?


 My wife was in your debt. I am her husband, Kisaragi Ibuki.”


 ”W-What on earth is this…”


 While the woman was flustered, Amelia replied bashfully.


 ”I became a slave, but he married me. He’s the best Master.”


 ”I… I thought for sure you had been executed…” the woman said.


 Her eyes were welling up as she touched Amelia’s cheek and smiled.


 ”They said they wouldn’t announce it because just dropping me to slave status wouldn’t be enough.


 To be honest, even now I don’t agree with the nobility laws.


 But I understand now that my methods were wrong…”


 ”Really… you’re so late to realize that! Honestly, what a child!”


 ”Old hag…”


 ”Be quiet!!”


 She was scolded sharply, but at that voice, the corners of Amelia’s mouth loosened into a smirk.


 ”Is everyone doing well?”


 ”Yes. If you have your freedom, show your face to the others later.”


 ”I get it.”


 ”You are going to apologize properly, aren’t you!?”


 ”Why?”


 ”Do you have any idea how much we worried!?”


 ”…It’s not like I was wrong, though.”


 Even as she grumbled, she looked genuinely happy.


 Lashara-sama eventually interjected, “I shall set aside some time for them later.”


 The woman deeply bowed, making way.


 ”Princess Highness!? M-My sincerest apologies…!”


 ”Later then,” Amelia called out.


 The woman had already snapped back into her unmoving work mode.


 We lined up at the entrance to the party again.


 This time, Senior and I would escort the two Princesses.


 This was Erina’s suggestion.


 It was part of the plan to make us the center of attention.


 Erina said that this would broadcast our existence to the entire country.


 ”Since Dole will likely start moving because of this, please be prepared.”


 With that in mind, I passed through the entrance with Lashara-sama and Yui flanking me.


 Next to us were Senior and Sia-chan.


 The rest of the group followed behind.


 Yui had been hesitant to take the spotlight out of consideration for the others.


 But Erina had shut that down.


 She wanted Yui by my side as my “Sage.”


 I really can’t thank everyone enough for how they prioritize my status.


 The venue noticeably buzzed at our entrance.


 It was only natural.


 Our outfits were several ranks higher in design and material than anyone else’s.


 We were two unknown men in overly luxurious attire escorting the Princesses.


 ”Who is that?”


 The question rippled through the crowd as information brokers began scurrying around.


 We went straight to greet the King.


 After some light conversation, the Princesses guided us to a buffet.


 The servants were ready to serve us, but since nothing really grabbed me, I was picky.


 I had them plate a single bite of three different dishes.


 ”As expected of Ibuki-sama.


 For an honored guest, taking nothing is rude.


 But taking too much makes one look like a country bumpkin.


 This is the most elegant approach—desuwa,” said Erina.


 ”Ufufu, if it were Kisaragi-sama, I wouldn’t let anyone say a word even if you behaved as you pleased.


 But you really are impressive—desuwa,” said Lashara-sama.


 Erina and Lashara-sama exchanged smiles over their glasses.


 Meanwhile, the members of the Knight Order had been served massive portions.


 They were now letting their gazes wander restlessly, realizing they might have made a blunder.


 —


 Summary:


 Moving from post-coital negotiations to the high-stakes political stage of a royal ball. Ibuki leverages his crafting abilities to arm his companions with social standing via superior attire. Lashara and Sia-chan finalize their intent to follow Ibuki’s group, while Amelia confronts a figure from her criminal past as the ‘Dole’ faction begins its move


 —


 Trivia:


 - Senior’s deep internal conflict regarding his ‘Japanese sensibilities’ vs. the world’s harsh reality

 - The specific ‘one-bite’ etiquette utilized by Ibuki to signal high-born status

 - Erina’s deliberate orchestration of the party entrance as a psychological operatio


 —


 Character Insight:


 Amelia shows vulnerability and emotional growth when scolded by her former boss, shifting from defensive to quietly joyful. Senior remains stuck in a cycle of seeking external validation (just causes) for his actions.


 —


 Glossary:


1 Storage: An extradimensional inventory skill common to summoned individuals or high-level classes.

2 Crafter Skill: A production-focused ability set that allows for near-instant creation or modification of items.

3 Hero-sama: The honorific title used for those summoned specifically to combat major threats, carrying immense social weight.

4 Sage: A high-tier magic or knowledge-based class often serving as a key advisor or powerful caster.
,


Notes:


• Senior – A summoned Hero, slightly disheveled in a tattered cape, who sides with demi‑humans. Still inexperienced and flustered, he wrestles with modern Japanese morals and the weight of his new world duties. He leans on Ibuki for counsel on navigating relationships with the demi‑humans.

• Lashara – Second Princess of Karl, with long black hair, large slanted eyes, and a regal tiara and dress, presents a refined, elegant public persona—greeting guests with formal curtsies and quiet delight at the Sage’s arrival—while privately revealing a submissive, idol-like demeanor haunted by past kidnapping trauma and feelings of social ruin. Recently, she has committed to following Ibuki to his country to strengthen diplomatic ties, her dual nature now bridging royal duty with personal devotion.

• Ibuki – Kisaragi Ibuki. A young man who serves as the protagonist and possesses a unique Crafter class skill. He maintains a pragmatic yet supportive relationship with his companions and recently established a political and personal connection with the princesses of Karl.

• Hero – Ibuki’s upperclassman from Earth—summoned as the naive Hero with emotional, mentally fragile personality. Empathetic yet reluctant and inadequate-feeling, lacking survival instincts and political skills. Currently in despair and terrified by his situation.

• Sia – Sia‑chan is the younger princess and sister of Lashara. She has a supple build and a bold, proactive nature, often acting with shrewd determination. Known for her spoiled, affectionate demeanor, she dotes on the Hero and Senior, constantly seeking to stay close to them.

• Kuria – A cat‑kin beast‑girl servant in Ibuki’s house, with feline ears, tail, and sleek fur. Bold, affectionate, and flirtatious, she’s a skilled hunter who loyally cleans and wipes down the crew for Senpai, maintaining a close bond with the senior.

• Kisaragi – Ibuki Kisaragi, a summoned otherworlder of the rare Crafter class, appears composed and formally styled, leading his group with pragmatic restraint. His family name anchors his identity and lineage of summoned beings, shaping his cautious navigation of royal politics and marking his rising influence in the new world.

• Yui – An Earth‑born Sage and one of Ibuki’s wives, she appears composed yet bears burning resentment toward humanity and Dole from past enslavement. Gentle, level‑headed with sharp wit, she teases Yamada, fiercely protects Ibuki, and lectures Senior on his hypocrisy. During the princesses’ visit she is ushered to a separate room.

• Yamada – A Japanese‑summoned hero bound as a magically enslaved servant in the Kingdom of Dole, he wears armor and wields a sword, his combat skill matches a Knight Commander after intense training. Known as Senior by his family name, he navigates shifting social and sexual morals. Currently traveling with Ibuki and Yui, he’s the subject of banter about his past and depends on Ibuki for top‑tier gear for his companions.

• Erina – Seventeen‑year‑old swordswoman and former noble, enslaved by Ibuki, sports a drill‑styled elegant look. Calm yet mischievous, she runs the hero’s logistics and social image, fiercely guards Ibuki’s reputation, and employs diplomatic skill—even proposing political marriages—to preserve his standing.

• Amelia – White‑haired, red‑eyed and petite yet strongest, she once served as a falsely accused castle servant, was enslaved, then reclaimed by Ibuki. Now his loyal CQC bodyguard, she battles trauma but thrives in his care, turning affectionate after intimacy and eager to repay his kindness. Formerly robotic, she now sports a rough exterior, married to Ibuki after killing a noble, and reunites with her mentor.


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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.

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