While Naohara and the others were on their way to the royal capital, over in Carne Village…
"What a beautiful day!"
Enri looked up at the sky and stretched lazily.
The sky was as blue and clear as ever, no different from usual.
Ever since Sephis arrived in Carne Village, the weather here had practically been under his control, shifting according to the villagers' needs.
"Sis, what are we having for breakfast?"
It was Enri's younger sister, Nemu, a lively and energetic child.
"Meat soup. There's still plenty of dragon meat that Sephis-sama brought before."
"I'll do my best to make it delicious!"
Enri rolled up her sleeves and made a small gesture to pump herself up, full of energy.
"Hehe, I'm kind of looking forward to it!"
Nemu gave a big thumbs-up, her face brimming with anticipation.
"Then I'm going to find Sephis-nii-san. You go ahead and get started, Sis."
After saying that, Nemu dashed off toward the center of the village. A large tree stood there, and Sephis usually sat on one of its thick branches.
"Slow down! What if you trip and fall!"
Watching Nemu bounce around, Enri called out helplessly.
"Got it!"
Nemu's voice drifted back from afar, but judging by her unchanged speed, she clearly hadn't taken the warning to heart.
Enri shook her head with a small sigh. Kids were supposed to be lively like that.
"Alright. I'll do my best and make something that impresses Sephis-sama."
After giving herself another bit of encouragement, Enri began preparing breakfast.
In the kitchen, she carefully took out a piece of meat that gave off a faint, pleasant aroma.
It was dragon meat. More precisely, it was meat from the Platinum Dragon Lord. Sephis had specially brought it from Nazarick to help Enri supplement her nutrition.
Of course, it had been specially processed. The magical power within had been completely removed, leaving only the most basic nutrients. Otherwise, with Enri's current strength, one bite would have been enough to make her body explode.
"Good morning, Enri."
The village chief of Carne Village walked over and greeted her while she was handling the dragon meat.
His once thin and frail body had grown much sturdier, and the unhealthy yellow tint of his skin had been replaced by a healthy wheat tone. He looked as though he had regained his youth.
"Ah, good morning!"
Enri responded a little awkwardly.
Previously, the village chief had suggested stepping down and handing the position to her. Enri had declined, saying she was still too young and that it would be better to wait a few more years.
"Are you making breakfast for Sephis-sama?"
Relieved that he didn't bring up the matter of succession, Enri nodded.
"Yes. Even though Sephis-sama says he doesn't need to eat, I still feel like I should do something. Even if it's insignificant, I want to do my part."
Enri deeply respected Sephis. He was not only her master in name, but also the one who protected the entire village.
Even if it was just a small gesture, she wanted to contribute something for him.
"We truly owe Sephis-sama far too much. You're doing well, Enri."
The village chief shook his head with emotion. Ever since Sephis arrived, the village had never suffered another monster attack. The weather had been favorable, and life had become peaceful. It was almost like paradise.
Though no one said it outright, everyone knew it was thanks to Sephis-sama. On the surface he appeared cold, but in truth he was very gentle.
After offering a few more words of encouragement, the village chief left. He still had his patrol to do. Even if danger was unlikely, responsibilities remained.
After all, Sephis-sama could not stay in Carne Village forever…
Time passed quietly, and before long, half an hour had gone by.
Inside the house, a steaming pot of meat soup sat on the table. Three figures sat quietly around it.
"Enri, I've told you before. I don't need to eat."
Sephis looked at the dragon meat soup in front of him and spoke helplessly.
Enri and Nemu said nothing. They simply stared at him intently.
Under the unwavering gaze of the older and younger sisters, Sephis let out a soft sigh and finally gave in.
With the sisters watching happily, Sephis lifted the wooden bowl and began drinking the rich soup one mouthful at a time.
Soon, the bowl was empty.
"How is it?"
Enri asked nervously. It was obvious she cared a lot about what Sephis thought.
"Mmm… it's good."
"Another bowl, please."
Seeing how excited Enri looked, Sephis fell silent for a moment, then handed the bowl back to her.
Just one "good" and she was this happy. Humans really were a strange species, Sephis thought.
"Okay!"
Enri beamed as she filled the bowl to the brim again. Sephis accepted it, then looked at her.
"Eat with me. This dragon meat was prepared for you in the first place."
He took two fresh bowls from the side, served portions for Enri and Nemu, and then resumed eating at an unhurried pace.
Nemu, who had been waiting impatiently, started gulping down the soup in big mouthfuls. Enri, meanwhile, glanced at the wooden bowl in front of her, then at Sephis, who was calmly eating as if he had all the time in the world.
"Sephis-sama…"
Enri stared at him, and a strange feeling rose up from deep inside her.
She didn't really understand emotions, so she couldn't put a name to what she was feeling. She only knew she wanted him to stay by her side forever.
What am I even thinking?
Enri covered her cheeks. They were warm and flushed, and the embarrassment was so intense she didn't know what to do with herself.
"Sis, your face is really red."
Nemu tilted her head, genuinely confused by Enri's reaction.
Sephis also glanced over.
"Nemu!!"
Enri's face turned even redder. And with Sephis looking at her, it felt like her brain was about to overheat.
She took a deep breath and, little by little, managed to calm herself down.
The three of them finished breakfast in near silence.
After the meal, Sephis watched Enri tidy up the dishes. He hesitated briefly, then spoke.
"Enri, I'm leaving."
Enri froze mid-motion. It was as if she'd been struck. The bowl and utensils slipped from her hands.
With a thought, Sephis stopped them in midair and gently set them back onto the table in neat order.
"I'm sorry, Sephis-sama."
Enri came back to herself and hurriedly apologized, then asked cautiously.
"Sephis-sama… will you come back?"
She was uneasy. She had always known Sephis could not stay in Carne Village forever, and she had told herself to be ready for the day he left.
But living like this with him, day after day, she had unconsciously forgotten that truth.
"Yes. When I have time, I'll return."
Sephis thought for a moment, then nodded.
Honestly, he should have left long ago. It was only because he stayed to train Enri that he kept postponing it until now.
"Then… I wish you a safe journey, Sephis-sama!"
Hearing the answer she wanted, Enri finally relaxed and smiled as she said goodbye.
She wasn't the type to cling or beg.
"With your strength, you're already capable of protecting Carne Village."
"Farewell, Enri. I look forward to the next time we meet."
After a brief pause, Sephis reached out and gently patted both Enri's and Nemu's heads.
It was something Father-sama often did, and Sephis felt there had to be some deeper meaning to it.
He withdrew his hand, then turned into a streak of lightning and vanished before their eyes.
"Sephis-sama… I'll work hard and become stronger."
Enri clenched her fists, silently making that vow.
Enri
Level: 40