Nemesia, Once More
Everyone had reunited with their families… but there was one more person left.
Nemesia von Zanger, my future second wife.
A girl with pink twin tails.
She even had the nickname “Holy Demon,” captain of the Seventh Unit of Shiranui.
Originally, she was supposed to come to the royal capital with me when I got exiled… but with her older sister Almeria in that state, she felt responsible and stayed behind in the South Territory. Together with Uncle Gulliver, she intercepted the subjugation army that marched on South. And she captured them without much damage, seriously impressive.
Nemesia was also the first to notice the curse affecting the South Territory, and she moved to resolve it.
The fact that we could lift it was thanks to her… She was actually at the age to enroll in the Royal Academy, but instead, she studied the curse and even went alone to study abroad at an academy on the Demon Continent.
That kind of girl, and yet…
“Welcome back, Lord Julius. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Hm? That’s… different than usual.
“I’m back. What’s up, Sia? You seem off… you got a fever?”
I placed my hand on her forehead…
“Geez~ Big Brother! I was holding back because everyone was watching!!”
Yeah, there it is. Same old Sia. Her way of speaking hasn’t changed since she was little, but wow, she’s grown… in certain areas. Yep, definitely sisters. Thank you very much.
“Big Brother, your gaze is indecent.”
Seriously, how do girls always notice that?
“Ahem. Sia, thank you. Thanks to you, the South Territory returned to normal. Including what was on me.”
“Ehehe, you’re welcome. Umm… where is my sister?”
She looked past me, toward Almeria, who was still crying behind me.
Noticing her, Nemesia walked forward slowly, like she was testing each step.
When she got close enough, Almeria noticed her too…
“Nemes…”
“Big Sister… I’m sorry. I can’t love anyone except Big Brother. And I’m sorry for getting engaged without telling you.”
Almeria hadn’t expected to be the one apologized to, and she froze for a moment, but quickly regained herself.
“No… I’m the one who should be sorry. And… I don’t have the right to blame you…”
Then she looked at Nemesia again.
“I only knew the little Nemesia… but you’ve really grown. And your mana… it’s incredible. You worked hard so Julius would acknowledge you, didn’t you? Nemesia… don’t waver, okay? Or the things that truly matter… will slip right through your fingers.”
She glanced at me, then met Nemesia’s eyes directly.
The little sister she remembered… was now a beautiful girl who would make anyone turn their head.
As the two of them silently acknowledged each other’s growth, I walked over.
“Sia, actually, we’re going to train the Hero Party. I want you to handle Almeria… and Milian over there.”
“Big Sister and Lady Milian?”
“Yeah. Milian’s the daughter of Duke Gulf. The Hero Party’s mage. There’s… stuff going on, but she’ll listen, so take care of her.”
“Understood. So how far should I push them?”
“Three months. At least strong enough not to die in a war. If possible, up to the level of a normal Hero.”
“I see… that’s pretty strict…”
“Nemesia, it’s fine even if it’s harsh. I’ll see it through!!”
“... That’s what she says.”
“Understood.”
“Hey, Milian. Come here.”
“… What…?”
“This is Nemesia. She’ll be overseeing your training. Listen to her properly and work hard.”
“… Got it… nice to meet you…”
“Yes. Then first…”
Looks like the three of them started talking. As for Princess Elizabeth, I left her to Elia, same bow user.
The guys… yeah, Giri’s the best fit. They seem to mesh well enough. That should cover the plan, next up…
“Hey, old man. What happened with that?”
“That? Ah, right… Alice, was it?”
“Honestly, you… It’s fine, my little Julius. We’ve received settlement money from most of the nobles. Equipment too. Those who’ve finished paying are being sent home one by one.”
I see.
Out of the thirty thousand captured in the South subjugation army, about a quarter, nobles and knight captains, had already paid settlements and been released.
Leaving behind only the commoners who fought alongside them.
I had already instructed that the prisoners be treated well.
And now, I spoke to them.
“I’m Julius, heir of the South Margrave family. You’re here because you invaded our territory without permission and lost. The nobles and wealthy? They paid their ransom early and left. Some of them are probably relaxing at home right now… after abandoning you. Doesn’t that make you angry?”
Most of them lowered their heads, gritting their teeth.
Some were even crying.
Then one middle-aged man stepped forward, dropped to his knees, and bowed deeply.
“Julius… Lord Julius, please. Old men like me are fine, but please, show mercy to the younger ones…”
Oh, I like guys like this.
But still…
“No can do. I can’t just release you for free. The nobles on the other side would start taking us lightly. You understand, right?”
For a moment, some had hoped, maybe we’ll be freed…
But their shoulders slumped again.
“But you know, keeping you here forever is a hassle too. So…”
Someone gulped.
This might be bad… some even started giving up, “Sorry, Mom… I might not make it home…”
And then…
“So… how about becoming residents of the South Territory? We’re starting development of the Forest of Demons, so we’re recruiting new residents.”
What do you think about this chapter?
