Watergate City, hot spring inn.
After finishing her bath, Shendu wore a white yukata. Her damp silver hair hung naturally over her shoulders, and paired with her indifferent expression, it made her even more captivating.
The other girls also changed into yukatas of different colors. Like blooming flowers, they stepped into the reception room, filling the space with a unique charm.
"Wow, Lady Shendu, you're getting more and more beautiful."
After finishing his bath, Natsuki Subaru hurried over the moment Shendu appeared, staring at the silver-haired girl with unconcealed admiration.
"Thank you for the compliment, Natsuki Subaru."
Shendu replied politely, but seeing the infatuated look on his face, the corner of her mouth twitched slightly. She clearly had no interest in being adored by him.
After all, her preference was strictly girls.
"Then shall we have dinner brought in now?"
After everyone finished bathing, Joshua Juukulius entered politely and looked at Ana with a questioning expression.
"Of course. Everyone should be hungry by now."
Ana smiled and lightly clapped her hands.
A dozen maids entered from outside, swiftly moving a long table into the open space. One exquisite dish after another was placed upon it.
Most of the girls found the cuisine unfamiliar. Only Shendu and Natsuki Subaru felt a faint sense of recognition.
As transmigrators, how could they possibly not recognize these dishes?
So what was on the menu tonight?
The answer was soon revealed—it was sashimi and tempura, classic dishes from their homeland.
"What kind of food is this? It seems raw."
Crusch looked at the sashimi and tempura before her with slight confusion.
Since this other world resembled Europe in style, people generally did not eat raw food. At the very least, even steaks were cooked medium rare. Completely raw fish was something she had never seen.
"Hehe, this is called sashimi, and this is tempura. As for how to eat it, let me demonstrate!"
Ana had just been about to enjoy the shocked expressions of the others when Natsuki Subaru suddenly grabbed a fork first.
He speared a slice of sashimi, dipped it into some soy sauce, and popped it into his mouth.
"That's how you eat sashimi. Too bad there aren't any chopsticks."
As a fellow transmigrator, Natsuki Subaru proudly demonstrated the proper way to eat it, leaving most people staring in astonishment—except for Shendu.
"Hmph, even Lady Shendu's servant knows how to eat it? What a pity. I wanted to show off our specialty myself."
Seeing Natsuki Subaru steal the spotlight, Ana revealed a trace of dissatisfaction, though she quickly concealed it.
"Wow, there's such a unique way to eat it? Let's dig in, Sister Shendu."
Watching Natsuki Subaru's actions, Emilia's eyes lit up. She picked up a fork, preparing to start.
"No, chopsticks are better."
Hearing the girl beside her, Shendu snapped her fingers. A pile of smooth, rounded chopsticks instantly appeared on the table before everyone.
Then Shendu picked up a pair, lifted a piece of tempura, dipped it lightly into soy sauce, and placed it into her mouth. The fresh, savory flavor immediately spread across her tongue.
"Oh? So these are chopsticks?"
Watching Shendu use them so effortlessly, Ana and Crusch were both startled. They picked up chopsticks as well and followed her example. The meal continued in cheerful harmony. Even Garfiel and Rem ate with great enthusiasm.
Strictly speaking, this world had no oceans, so the fish available were freshwater species. Perhaps due to the nature of a magical world, these freshwater fish carried no parasites.
And even if they did, magic could easily solve the issue. Such were the conveniences of another world.
That night, after dinner, Shendu walked alone through the courtyard in her yukata. She raised her head to gaze at the bright moon, feeling a surge of emotions.
There were no visible guards around the hot spring inn.
If the Witch Cult were foolish enough to attempt a surprise attack here, Shendu could only offer them silent condolences.
No matter how many people tried to storm this inn, they would enter upright and be thrown out horizontally. This place gathered most of the kingdom's top-tier combat power.
Especially with Shendu and Reinhard present—their strength had already reached an extraordinary level. Anyone barging in would simply be courting death.
Afterward, Shendu sat in a quiet corner of the courtyard like a tranquil young beauty, listening to the chirping of insects. She found herself genuinely enjoying the natural atmosphere.
Earlier, after dinner, Emilia and Felt had wanted to pull her back to the room to chat and deepen their bonds.
However, Shendu had refused, claiming she needed some fresh air and choosing to remain outside in the courtyard for a while.
Half an hour later, Shendu stretched lazily and prepared to return, only to see Reinhard about to leave at the gate.
"Reinhard, aren't you resting in the guest room?"
Shendu asked curiously.
"No. There have been issues involving the Witch Cult in Watergate City. I need to report this to the local authorities. With so many Royal Selection candidates gathered here, nothing must go wrong."
Reinhard answered decisively, without the slightest hesitation.
"You truly are an outstanding knight."
Hearing his righteous words, Shendu could not help but praise him.
"I'm only doing what I can. Farewell, Miss Shendu."
Reinhard waved and departed, leaving only his retreating figure behind.
Soon after, Wilhelm stepped out from the room and stared at Reinhard's disappearing back, letting out a sigh.
"In the end, I still couldn't bring myself to speak. I truly am a coward."
Seeing his grandson leave, Wilhelm muttered in a low voice.
"What's wrong, old man? Do you have some fascinating story to tell?"
Shendu asked in surprise, confusion flickering across her face.
"Yes... there is indeed a story. Would you like to hear it?"
Wilhelm sighed again, looking at Shendu as though countless words were pressing against his throat.
"Very well. Let me hear your story."
Shendu nodded, saying nothing more.
The two of them sat in the courtyard as Wilhelm began recounting the story of how he had fallen in love with Theresia van Astrea.
In his youth, Wilhelm had been a fool obsessed with reaching the pinnacle of swordsmanship. He constantly challenged the Sword Saint, Theresia.
Of course, this Sword Saint was the previous generation's Sword Saint, a formidable existence in her own right.
Every time he lost, Wilhelm would challenge her again. Gradually, Theresia began to find the stubborn man interesting.
As they spent more and more time together, Theresia ultimately chose to pursue Wilhelm herself, wishing to develop their relationship further. However, when Wilhelm learned of her feelings, he was utterly incredulous.
Their conversation that day had been rather memorable.
"Theresia, I'm so useless and weak. Are you truly willing to love me?"
"I like the useless and weak you. You make me feel something different."
That was how they met. Their romance deepened afterward, growing increasingly steadfast. Eventually, they had a child and later a grandchild. Everything seemed to move toward a brighter future.
During that time, Theresia accomplished many great feats, even suppressing a civil conflict within the kingdom.
Until the battle against the White Whale, when Pandora, the Witch of Vainglory, stripped her of her Divine Protection. Only then did his beloved die.
After losing his wife, Wilhelm was shattered. His temper grew increasingly volatile. He became harsh and unforgiving toward his grandson. Without a bridge of communication, a rift formed between them.
Now, the relationship between Wilhelm and Reinhard hardly resembled that of family. Instead, they were like the most familiar of strangers.
"Interesting. But I think this is merely a small conflict. If there's an opportunity, I wouldn't mind helping you resolve it."
Shendu said sincerely. She did not wish to see their relationship deteriorate any further.
...
Early the next morning, after waking up, Shendu went to the courtyard with Emilia. Bathed in the morning sun, they enjoyed its gentle warmth.
After learning about the conflict between Wilhelm and Reinhard yesterday, Shendu decided she would find an opportunity later to build a bridge between the two and try to ease their tension.
At present, however, the Witch Cult was the top priority. Shendu had a premonition that it would not be long before the Witch Cult mobilized in full force. When that happened, it would be a clash between true powerhouses. They needed to conserve their strength.
"Phew... The environment here is quite nice. What do you think, Emilia?"
Sitting in the courtyard, Shendu's crimson eyes glimmered faintly as she asked with a light smile.
"It's wonderful. Traveling with Sister Shendu feels just like a date."
Emilia's small face flushed red as she spoke happily.
Today, Emilia had changed her hairstyle, braiding her hair into plaits. It made her look especially cute and obedient—a rare change in appearance for her.
Just as the atmosphere between them began to grow increasingly sweet, footsteps approached from a distance, disrupting the moment.
Turning her head, Shendu saw Rem and Natsuki Subaru walking over. Subaru wore a somewhat helpless expression, as if troubled by something.
"Lady Shendu, are we still going to the talks today?"
Natsuki Subaru asked hesitantly, clearly regretting his earlier recklessness.
"Not for now. Kiritaka's anger hasn't subsided yet. Besides, we have plenty of time. There's no need to rush."
Shendu shook her head. She was not particularly anxious about obtaining the high-purity magic stones. If necessary, she could simply dispatch the Shadowkhan to seize them.
"Alright... I won't act like that again."
Having learned his lesson from yesterday's blunder, which had led to the talks being postponed, Natsuki Subaru felt like a complete idiot.
"Hehe, you're still the same as ever—more likely to ruin things than accomplish them. You've still got a long way to go."
As Natsuki Subaru was busy agonizing over how to make amends, a teasing voice came from afar. Golden hair, crimson eyes, and a lively aura all revealed her identity.
The one who arrived was the Royal Selection candidate—and Shendu's little sister—Felt.
"Huh? It's you?"
Natsuki Subaru looked at her in mild surprise.
"Lady Felt, were you calling for me?"
Sure enough, no sooner had Felt spoken a few words than Reinhard emerged from the shadows like a phantom.
Within seconds of her dramatic entrance, Reinhard was already standing behind her, asking respectfully.
Felt's previously cheerful expression instantly turned frosty.
"I wasn't calling you. Didn't I tell you? As my knight, you should stay in your room or patrol the area. Why are you here?"
Her rapid-fire questioning and glare that seemed ready to devour him left Reinhard looking slightly embarrassed.
"Miss Shendu, Lady Emilia, good morning. You are both as beautiful as ever."
Sensing the danger, Reinhard quickly changed the subject and greeted them with a smile, completely ignoring Natsuki Subaru.
"Hey, what about me?"
Feeling snubbed, Natsuki Subaru protested immediately.
"Ah, of course. Good morning to you as well, Subaru-dono."
Reinhard replied as if just remembering, a trace of surprise on his face.
"Tch. What a slippery man. Sister Shendu is much better."
Felt's attitude toward her knight was lukewarm—not dislike, but not affection either.
Reinhard had been excessively enthusiastic from the start, insisting she possessed royal blood and treating her with utmost reverence.
After spending several months together, Felt had gradually come to respect her knight somewhat. No matter what, he was the one protecting her. That alone made him different.
"Good girl. But after four months, you still haven't grown much."
Looking at Felt clinging to her arm, Shendu stroked her hair and said with a teasing smile.
"That's fine. I'll always be Big Sister's little sister."
Felt grinned adorably, revealing her small canine teeth as youthful energy radiated from her.
Her tone was the same as ever, as was her respectful attitude toward Shendu.
Ever since Shendu had saved her once in the slums, Felt had stuck to her like glue. Even with Reinhard around, that closeness had never changed.
"It's almost time for breakfast. Let's go together."
Shendu looked at Felt, Emilia, and Rem with a gentle smile.
"Okay!"
The three girls agreed readily.
After leaving the courtyard, they headed toward the main hall of the hot spring inn. Before long, they noticed Ana already waiting for them.
It was worth mentioning that she wore a light teal kimono, resembling a fluttering butterfly, perfectly highlighting her delicate charm.
"Wow, is that also a yukata?"
Seeing Ana's outfit, Emilia tilted her head. It looked similar to a yukata, yet subtly different.
"It's a kimono."
Shendu glanced at the garment and answered simply.
"Indeed, Lady Shendu is truly knowledgeable. This is a kimono—part of the cultural heritage passed down through generations by the founder of the Hoshin Company."
Ana introduced the origin of the clothing with confidence.
Only Shendu and Natsuki Subaru understood that there must have been another transmigrator in this world.
"By the way, Rem, it's almost breakfast time. Where's Garfiel?"
Shendu asked curiously.
"My apologies, Master. Garfiel has been entangled by Mimi Pearlbaton, another demi-human girl. He is not currently in his room."
Rem answered respectfully.
"I see. No wonder he's nowhere to be found."
Shendu's expression turned slightly strange, though she did not dwell on it.
Since arriving in Watergate City, the presence of Rem, Garfiel, and Akane had been relatively low-key. They had not drawn much attention.
The only truly high-profile figures were Shendu and Emilia. The rest had deliberately maintained a low profile—at Shendu's arrangement.
After Ana temporarily drew their attention and they chatted for a while about the legacy left behind by that transmigrator, a deep female voice rang out.
"It seems I'm the last to arrive. I hope I haven't kept you waiting."
Crusch approached, dressed in her military uniform, accompanied by the Sword Demon Wilhelm and the cat-eared Felix.
Her aura remained as sharp as ever. Unlike in the original timeline where she had lost her memories, Crusch was now in peak condition.
"Not late at all, Crusch. It's just in time for breakfast."
Emilia greeted her warmly.
Compared to the calculating Ana, Emilia felt more comfortable with someone as straightforward as Crusch. She could truly be considered a friend.
"Then I've arrived at the perfect moment. Good morning, Lady Shendu."
Crusch performed a formal salute and bowed respectfully. It was a gesture typically used by soldiers to show loyalty.
"Good morning, Crusch."
Shendu returned her greeting with a light smile. She held a favorable impression of the green-haired military girl.
Her attitude did not invite disdain from the other factions. Instead, it earned their recognition.
After all, ever since Shendu had mysteriously appeared in this kingdom, every action she had taken had been monumental—eliminating two of the Three Great Witchbeasts in one stroke and even slaying an Archbishop of Sin.
Fully aware of Shendu's terrifying strength, Ana had invited her here precisely for that reason. Whatever danger might arise, relying on Shendu's assistance would undoubtedly resolve many problems.