> Ellie PoV

““Good day, Your Lordship.”” (Ellie + Kira)

“Good Day, Mrs & Mrs Quasse.” (Baron Luron)

The baron called me and Kira back to his house again.

He has another personal commission.

I hope this meeting won’t take long.

We have important things to do today.

The maid comes by and brings us tea and biscuits again.

“First of all, allow me to congratulate you on your marriage.” (Baron Luron)

“Thank you, Your Lordship.” (Kira)

Kira’s face seems to go full bloom whenever people say that.

I’m the same, though the mask hides it.

“Allow me to get right to the point. I want to hire [Black Flame] to help construct a paved road through the Eagle Forest to the south.

The highway leading south out of the city has to go around it, but if we can build a road through that forest it can reduce travel time to and from the Capital by a week.” (Baron Luron)

“Forgive me for saying this, but isn’t such a route going to be dangerous?” (Kira)

“Normally yes, but thankfully your efforts have greatly thinned out the monster population inside that forest.” (Baron Luron)

That’s mostly Nano’s drones though.

The first few weeks when we landed the monsters kept throwing themselves at our house.

Constructions drones weren’t meant for combat like that, so me and Kira had to help them out.

We can’t let them break our precious drones, after all.

“The forest is still far from safe. There are still nests of goblins and trolls throughout the area.”

“This is so, but I’ve already spoken with the Guild about this and they have assured me that Rank C adventurers can safely escort travelers and merchants. This will make the trip more expensive, but it will still halve the travel time. Many merchants would leap at this opportunity.

So with this road established, the merchants can secure profit faster, the city gets more tax, adventurers get more work and the forest will become even safer as the monsters are culled by patrols.” (Baron Luron)

Is this guy a genius?

What sort of “everybody wins” situation is this?

I thought he was just a nosy pervert, but is this guy actually good at his job?

Don't be mistaken though.

His thoughts are definitely nosy and perverted.

He just happens to be a good statesman.

This and that are unrelated.

“I see Your Lordship has given this a lot of thought. Then are we to guard Your Lordship’s people?” (Kira)

“Not exactly. The city’s engineers are busy reconstructing the west quarter, so I want [Black Flame] to oversee the road construction directly. The city will provide the materials and manpower.” (Baron Luron)

“But Your Lordship, surely this falls outside our area of expertise?” (Kira)

“Does Lady Quasse not have excellent engineers under her employ? I seem to recall an incident where an impressive two-story townhouse sprung up literally overnight on your property.” (Baron Luron)

He must mean when Nano and Kelly rebuilt the house we had in town.

It’s because Sophie and Lara can’t use the [Gateway] by themselves.

So whenever we’re away on a job they’ll live in the city.

That way they can make lots of friends to play around with and won’t feel as lonely.

Kira objected at first, she wanted to stay home with them and never work again.

I had to sternly remind her not to ignore her responsibility as a provider for our family.

That sort of behavior is something I cannot allow.

Since I’m the wife.

Kira has no reason to worry since Nano is there.

The all-purpose androids we got during our box hunt will be taking care of them.

They even wear fancy black butler uniforms, it’s something Nano insisted on.

Also, Esteemed Father can drop in every now and then to check how they're doing.

“Then, the reward?” (Kira)

Kira’s eyes instantly turned sharp.

“Officially it will be treated as a standard Rank B escort commission with appropriate compensation. However, since it is a special case I am willing to listen to any reasonable request [Black Flame] might have.” (Baron Luron)

“Then-” (Kira)

“As long as it’s not about money. The city is a bit strapped for coin at the moment.” (Baron Luron)

The baron instantly cuts off Kira.

He shot her down before her suggestion could even be heard!

“Understood, however I must insist we consult with our engineers before accepting this job.” (Kira)

“I see, I do not mind. But since this is an important matter, I will expect your reply within the week.” (Baron Luron)

“Of course, Your Lordship.” (Kira)

We get up and exit the room so the baron can worry about his next meeting.

I make sure to leave an autograph with the maid from earlier.

She’s really happy about it since she’s part of my fan club.

Clara from the guild somehow ended up making such a thing.

It has over 200 members by now.

Although, somehow I’m under the impression they’re all women.

They look out for me and Kira from afar, it’s really nice of them.

Therefore, something like an autograph is no big deal as thanks.

The maid wanted to ask for one earlier, but couldn’t.

Something like that would be unprofessional and rude to the baron.

* * *

As soon as we left the baron’s mansion, Kira called Kelly on the Nanophone and explained the request.

“So, what do you think?” (Kira)

{“I dunno Red. I’m a military engineer, not a civil one. That house was all Nano’s doing.”} (Kelly)

{I do know several methods of road construction, so it’s possible.}

“How does Nano know so much about everything?” (Ellie)

I mean, Nano has always been really smart.

But ever since we came here, Nano is really showing off a lot of skills.

They weren’t necessary before we met Kira so Nano didn’t have a chance to use them until now.

“Eh? Even Ellie doesn’t know? I just assumed it’s because Nano has lived long and seen much.” (Kira)

{Unfortunately it’s not so simple. Let’s just say I have a forbidden tome of knowledge with me.}

{“Hey! Don’t go around saying ominous things like ‘forbidden knowledge’!”} (Kelly)

{No no no, the [Tome] is forbidden. The knowledge inside is vast, but it’s perfectly fine.}

“What sort of distinction is that… forget it. Just tell the girls to get ready, we’re on our way to pick them up.” (Kira)

That's right, today is special.

It’s about Sophie and Lara.

Since their father was still alive, we had to send a letter to the town of Pororoca.

Something about the Guard there verifying the girls were indeed mistreated.

We sent that letter through the guild about three weeks ago.

Today we finally got a reply from them, but got dragged into the baron’s office when we went to pick it up.

Now that the meeting is over, we opened the reply - it said the claims were true.

So today we’re going to officially adopt Sophie and Lara.

We have to do some paperwork and then a small ceremony at the Church of Enuri.

They handle matters of orphans and adoption, after all.

* * *

“-I hereby proclaim that Sophie and Lara have joined the household of Quasse. Henceforth, they shall be known as Sophie mil Quasse and Lara mil Quasse. May this household be blessed by the light and warmth of Enuri.” (Esteemed Father)

It was a quick ceremony, it barely lasted a few minutes.

All four of us just stood in the middle while some words were said and some arms were flailed about.

*CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP*

Most of my fan club was in attendance and they all started clapping in approval.

Clara brought them when she found out about the event.

Sophie and Lara were surprised that so many people were here at first.

They were worried because they didn’t dress up properly and came in their everyday clothes.

Sophie was wearing a simple, beige one-piece that could be seen anywhere.

She looked just like any other six-year old girl you'd see on the street.

Well, I think her brown pigtails made her look way cuter than the rest of them though.

Her big sister on the other hand wore a shirt and trousers.

She likes wearing her hair short and gives strangers mean looks.

The way she behaves doesn’t help either.

Her outbursts and general atmosphere make her seem completely like a rowdy young boy.

And then she gets offended, despite insisting we cut her brown hair short.

Honestly, how come she’s three whole years older than Sophie, but still comes off as the more immature one?

I honestly think both of them are the best girls in town, though.

Clara agrees with me, so it’s not just me saying that, either!

When the kids understood that Clara and her friends were here to cheer us on, they got really happy.

Clara is a really kind person after all, I’ll need to properly thank her later.

Oh good, the applause is finally dying down a bit!

I gently nudge Lara and Sophie’s shoulders.

They look up at me, nod in response and move closer to Esteemed Father.

““Thank you grandpa!”” (Sophie and Lara)

The girls give their thanks in a cheerful voice while raising their arms towards Esteemed Father.

It’s a special surprise I helped them train for over the last few days.

Esteemed Father is deeply moved as expected.

He already met them weeks ago, but the “grandpa” was super effective.

As usual, preparation was important to success.

He wants to play with them right away, but his keep him from doing that.

“Ah, my little Kiressara finally has children of her own!” (Esteemed Father)

Tears well up on the corners of his eyes.

I guess he’s way too excited and can’t help it.

“Father, please contain yourself. We’ll all celebrate later so be patient.” (Kira)

Kira sternly reprimands him to behave himself.

He still has work to do and can't play with us right now.

I wonder if he’ll be fine with that sorrowful expression he’s wearing.

The rest of us exit the church and head back to our house.

We calmly walk down the street.

Somehow the tension from earlier seems to be a lie.

It feels exactly the same as yesterday, it’s strange.

No, perhaps it’s as expected, these two are already a part of-

“Ah!” (Sophie)

“Oops!” (Ellie)

Sophie trips on something and starts to fall, but I instantly catch her with [Telekinesis].

Good, looks like she wasn’t hurt.

I gently float her up to me so our eyes meet and reprimand her.

“Sophie, that was dangerous. Be more careful, okay?” (Ellie)

Her surprised face turns serious.

“Okay! I promise!” (Sophie)

Such a good girl.

“Thank you for catching me mommy!” (Sophie)

“Guh!” (Ellie)

“Mommy, can you make me fly too!?” (Lara)

An attack on two fronts!

Critical damage sustained, communications are out!

We have no chance of victory, surrender immediately!

“Weee!” (Sophie)

“Yaaaay!” (Lara)

Ah, I’m already giving them both an air-ride with [Telekenisis].

Well, it’s fine.

I float and spin them around me as they giggle pleasantly.

“Ellie! What are you doing!?” (Kira)

Kira’ s looking at me with a pout, but I don’t know why.

“I’m playing with our daughters. I’m being careful, so don’t worry.” (Ellie)

“That’s not the point here!” (Kira)

I see, I see, it’s like that.

“Wait wha- Stop that!” (Kira)

She was jealous because she was missing out.

So I give her a ride too.

“Noooo! Hahaha! Ellieee! Put me dooown!” (Kira)

Kira has such a wide smile on her face despite her complaints.

That’s how I know she’s having a lot of fun right now.

Obviously, I’m being extra careful with all of them.

I’m handling them more delicately than the time with the radioactive material, you know?

This much is only natural.

Since I’m the mom.

No matter how pleasant something is, I won’t allow it if there’s any danger.

Since I'm the mom.

I said it twice.

Because it's important.