Volume 10 Chapter 2 (1/2)
I was able to gain information on the [Despair] Demon Lord through Marcho. Thanks to the information I got, I now knew that if he were to become an ally, I could expect great things even in times of [War].
After returning to my estate and finishing extra and unexpected paperwork, I picked up a package and went outside. Finally, I was off the clock.
My next destination was Duke's home. According to the Mythological Fox I sent earlier to notify Duke, he happily agreed to my visit.
”Well, I hope he's going to be happy about this too.”
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Monsters working in the city were provided a house. There were some monsters that preferred to live outside of the city—like in the [Forest] room or in the [Graveyard]—but most were residing in the city.
As for Duke, it was apparently more convenient for him to live in the center of the city. His house was well-built and also a bit bigger compared to the neighboring houses.
I knew Dwarf Smiths were repeatedly remodeling their houses in order to make it more comfortable to live in, but Duke's Dwarf Smith wife might have taken that to a new level. It was a real labor of love.
”Hello, it's me, Procell”
I knocked on the door and said so.
Immediately after, I heard a series of footsteps.
”Welcome, Procell-sama. My husband hasn't returned yet, but please come in.”
Duke's Dwarf Smith wife greeted me so.
When I entered their home, I smelled a gentle and pleasing scent.
I went further in until I reached the living room. The furniture was likely picked in accordance to Duke's tastes. Moreover, the furniture and the other things in the room blended well together, what with having the same soothing hue.
A few moments later, the Dwarf Smith brought out some green tea. Importation from another continent began recently and this green tea was one of the products being imported. It had become so popular that it was already one of Avalon's signature products. More than a few people would even journey all the way here just to buy some.
”Hmm, what good tea.”
”I'm glad you like it. My husband liked it so much that he bought a whole lot of them.”
…wow, hearing her talk like this, they really sound like one happy family.
And then, I heard the door opening.
The Dwarf Smith hurriedly bowed to me so as to excuse herself and then headed to the door.
”I'm home, Sue.”
”Welcome home, Duke-sama.”
I was able to overhear their conversation.
”Has Procell-sama already arrived?”
”He has. I've led him to the living room.”
”I see… Anyway, here's a little present. I was able to get your favorite cream-filled pastry from the Arnold Bakery. Thankfully, they still had some left when I stopped by. Could you please put them in our refrigeration chamber? Let's have it for dessert later.”
”You remembered that this was one of my favorites? Oh, Duke-sama, I'm so happy!”
”I've been so busy lately that I wasn't able to spend time with the family. Let me do this much at least.”
Duke really was amazing.
Not just as a subordinate, but also as a husband.
After their exchange, the couple headed to the living room.
”My lord, thank you for the visit.”
”No, thank you for welcoming me. Also, sorry I wasn't able to talk to you during the party.”
I wanted to spend some time with Duke that night, but my meeting with Marcho became too engrossing. So much so that by the time I remembered, the party was already over.
”There is nothing to apologize for, my lord. You were simply seizing the opportunity to learn from such a great Demon Lord. I think it's only natural you gave that priority. At any rate, I am thrilled just to have you here.”
Duke was truly a capable guy I could rely on anytime.
”Duke, not only have you defended Avalon again, you've also increased our war potential. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
”Your words mean a lot to me, my lord.”
”I also want to say congratulations on becoming a true [Dragon Emperor]. It's not much and it's a bit late, but here's a little gift to celebrate the event.”
I gave him a large box that almost couldn't fit under my arm.