In the end, we did not sleep a wink in the morning.
It wasn't because the bed was hard, or because we changed pillows, or anything like that. It was just that the morning sun was shining in while we were trying to figure out what to do. I didn't notice it because I didn't look at the time, but it seems that we were active until quite late at night.
"...... forgive me."
Suddenly I heard such a voice. Startled, I turned to look in the direction of the voice and saw the Elf King looking at us. He looked thoughtful for a moment, and then slowly opened his mouth.
"Here, I will allow you to transfer.
According to Meek, this is the king's private room and only a few close associates are allowed to enter. He is asking us to put up a transfer ward in such a place. He says it's a sign that he can come visit him anytime he wants.
No, even so, you have political duties. I have a feeling that there is a very high possibility that you will not be able to meet him even if you come, but let's not go into that.
The Elf-king nodded slowly, whether he knew what was going through my mind or not. It seems that the warding on me has been completely lifted.
"Shall we leave you now, Master Linos?
Sadie urges me in a small voice. She steps forward and bows to me.
"Thank you very much for your patience.
No, it is we who should thank you. ...... take care of my daughter."
"...... Yes, sir."
The next thing we know, Meek is standing beside us. She looked at the Elf King again and remained in that position for a while. Her eyes were filled with tears.
After a while she nodded her head and rubbed her eyes with her hands. The next moment her face was back to its usual Meek look.
"Come on, let's go back!"
I carefully concentrated my magic power and set up the transfer wards. As soon as the warding was activated, I felt the Elf King bow his head.
"......Oh!"
A sigh escaped me. The garden of the imperial residence was spread out before my eyes, just as it had always been. It was a familiar sight, but for some reason it felt nostalgic. It feels as if it has been several years.
......Maybe many years have passed? There is also the story of Urashima Zero.
Thinking of this, I slowly open the kitchen door of the main house.
It was very quiet. It was so quiet that it seemed as if no one was there. I opened the door of the dining room, thinking it was impossible. There was Rico and the children eating breakfast in silence.
"Ah! Dad! Welcome home!"
It was Eril who found me. She jumped down from her chair and came at me like a hare. She was followed by Alyria and Idea.
"Dad!"
Eryl and Alyria jump into my chest at almost the same time. It's been a long time since I've held both of them together. I hold both girls in my arms as hard as I can, though I don't remember them being this heavy.
"Oneechan, me too! Me too!"
At my feet, my son Idea holds out his hands. I drop my two daughters and take him in my arms.
"Welcome home, son."
I'm home. Did you listen to me while you were gone?"
He nodded his head in agreement. What a sweet boy. I couldn't help but stroke his head.
"...... Welcome home."
Rico greets me from behind the children with a smile. Oh, what a soothing smile!
"I'm home, Rico. I'm so sorry I worried you. I can't see Mei and the kids, but I've got a ......"
He's already gone. We were so worried about you, we had to let you know. ......"
Sidhi looked over and saw Piatrice coming up to her and hugging her. Sadie's face is peaceful as she holds her daughter lovingly in her arms.
After tucking into Rico's breakfast, I transfer to Agartha and report to May, Matkal, and the others that I have returned safely. I had a lot of work to do and wanted to finish it, but for some reason I didn't feel like working today, so I decided to go back to the house early.
When he returned to the house, Miek was gone. He had already moved to his grandmother's house. She is going to stay there for a while and will come to our house from time to time.
"...... Master."
Suddenly, Gon starts talking to me. He was not in humanized form, but in the form of a white fox. Alyria finds him and comes close to play a trick on him, but he shakes her body and she runs out of the house. Behind me was Rico with a serious look on his face.
"I have a message from the great-grandmother..." she said. He says thank you from the bottom of his heart.
He slowly bowed his head toward us. It was clear from his appearance that he had been ordered by his great-grandfather to express his gratitude politely. Apparently, while I was away in Agartha, the Elf King had informed me that he would resume business with the ladies.
"......Well, I wonder what the elves are going to do now."
I sit down at the dining room table across from Rico. She glances in the direction of the garden. From outside I can hear Soleil singing softly. She seems to be singing with her children.
"It may not be right now, but ....... I think we are slowly opening up our country.
"I wish that would happen."
"I'm sure it'll be fine."
"Wow, you really say it like it is."
"It's called a woman's instinct."
Rico chuckles as he says this.
"By the way, Rico, are you okay?"
"What, sir?"
"You didn't sleep last night, did you?"
May told me that Rico had not slept at all last night and had been sitting at the dining room table waiting for me to come home. He must be tired.
"No. I got some sleep."
"Since you're here, why don't you take a nap? I didn't sleep at all last night.
"...... I feel like a child taking a nap."
"It's good to have a break once in a while."
I get up and head away. Rico follows behind me.
"Oh, I took a bath first."
When I went upstairs, I met Sadie, who was scrubbing her head with a towel. She has a sleepy look on her face. Apparently, she had used her brain to the limit. I tell her to get some rest, and then I leave her to her room.
"...... is ah~. I guess a bed at home is the most relaxing."
I lay down on the bed, and Rico was sitting on the bed, looking at me.
"Sadie really saved my life this time. I can't use my magic anymore. The elves are really good at containing my magic. But even more amazing was Sidhi. She showed great deductive reasoning. I'm glad I brought him along. Without Sidhi, I would have never made it back. ...... Rico?"
When I looked, I saw Rico sitting on the bed in a sitting position, cock cocked and starting to doze off. I slowly got up and held her shoulders gently. Rico did not wake up at all. I lay her down on the bed and put my arms around her. She clings to me as if she had been waiting for me, and I slowly close my eyes as I watch her sleeping face. .......