6. Born as a Human, I Apologize

After I found Nieru and persuaded her, she finally put aside her worries and was willing to interact normally with me and Kefier. Naturally, she no longer needed to hide, and instead returned with me to the grand castle of the Rodoma Empire. Although I was the nominal “king” of the Rodoma Empire, it was clear that it was still Nieru’s empire, especially during such an important and perilous time.

Nieru had finally opened up her heart.

Yes, I had finally convinced Nieru, but… Nieru’s problem was solved, but I had created a new, extremely serious issue that night, one that could affect my future and my ability to hold onto Kefier’s leg. The consequences could be severe, and I might not even be able to sleep in a bed, let alone hold onto Kefier’s leg!

This problem threatening me was simple: what had happened that night when I found and persuaded Nieru not to be “afraid”?

I couldn’t use such vague language to explain it to Kefier, so I had to be more direct. A man should be brave and acknowledge his actions.

So, the question was: did Nieru and I “do it” that night?

The next day, Nieru, who was tidying up her clothes, smiled and replied, “What are you saying, Mr. Oukileid? I don’t understand.”

However, even if Nieru tried to downplay it, this was not something that could be laughed off as if nothing had happened. Because…

If something really did happen between Nieru and me, and something did occur, I’d be a man and own up to it, and I’d definitely tell Kefier about it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for being such a scumbag.

But if nothing actually happened that night, and it was just something like “Nieru gazed at my sleeping face all night,” and I mistakenly thought something did happen and confessed the wrong idea to Kefier… wouldn’t that just mean I’m stupid and like to court death?

I want to get to the bottom of the truth, but Nieru just won’t say anything! She must know what really happened! She can’t fool me, because…

Even from the smallest details and actions, I can sense it clearly: when Nieru and I returned to the Rodoma Empire palace the next day, Nieru, who had been at a disadvantage when she wasn’t getting along with Kefier, suddenly became confident and self-assured!

At this moment.

When all the fairies had left for work or gone out to play, the only ones left in the house were me, Kefier, and Nieru.

Although it was lunchtime, and everyone had a sumptuous feast in front of them, the atmosphere, which was already tense, became even more strained after Kefier spoke up.

“Welcome back, Nieru. You did so many things before, and now you’re so cowardly that you had to get Ouqid to come find you? Hmph, are you a child?”

Kefier, who had always been at odds with Nieru, relaxed her gaze slightly when she saw me bring Nieru back, but then resumed her usual sarcastic tone.

Normally, Nieru would immediately come up with a bunch of excuses to retort.

But… today might not be a “normal” situation.

“That’s right, I was cowardly and waited for Mr. Ouqid to come persuade me. Are you satisfied, Kefier?”

As Nieru said this, she gave me a meaningful glance, almost as if she was secretly telling me “you were great last night!”

So, Nieru, what really happened yesterday? Tell me!

When I looked at Nieru with a questioning gaze, she “coincidentally” avoided eye contact.

Kefier, who was sensitive to Nieru’s reactions and even more sensitive to my attitude, couldn’t have missed the “interaction” between Nieru and me! Her eyes immediately became wary, and she didn’t even bother to gloat about her victory in the argument with Nieru.

“… whether you’re cowardly or not has nothing to do with me. It’s just that he went to find you yesterday and didn’t come back! You… didn’t use some disgusting method to force him to stay with you overnight, did you!?”

This kind of suspicion was nothing new for Nieru and Kefier. Normally, Nieru would take this opportunity to provoke Kefier, saying something like “you guess” to annoy her, and then we’d go back and forth until I intervened to stop it.

But today’s Nieru was unusually obedient, yet also unusually “disobedient.”

“Hmm, I did have Mr. Ouqid stay with me overnight.”

Nilu’s action of licking her lips was so reminiscent of “reminiscing” that it immediately put Kephir on edge!

“You… what did you all do yesterday!?”

She instantly stood up and looked at me!

Normally, I would have defended myself with righteous indignation, but… it was precisely because I didn’t know what had happened yesterday that I felt even more nervous than Kephir!

Not getting an answer from me, Kephir quickly burst into laughter.

“Ha, Nilu, you seem in a good mood! Now you’re resorting to alarmist tactics; I won’t fall for your tricks.”

“Having your own judgment is a good thing, Miss, so please continue to hold onto your thoughts~”

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent—silent Kephir, smiling Nilu, and… me, whose back was already soaked with cold sweat.

Then…

In the next moment!

Kephir immediately came to my side, and the first thing she did was grab my collar, leaning in to both look at and sniff my neck! However, Nilu seemed to be fully prepared, not even bothering to respond, just watching!

As she sniffed, Kephir whispered in my ear, her tense demeanor making it seem like she wanted to bite my ear and demand answers.

“What kind of horse were you up to yesterday!?”

How am I supposed to answer that, big shot?

“I… I don’t know.”

“What do you mean you don’t know!?”

I mean the literal meaning! Because I really don’t know! Otherwise, why would I be so guilty!

“Ke, Kephir, can we not talk about this? Let’s eat, haha… eat.”

Kephir was definitely suspicious of something, but without any evidence, she ultimately returned to her seat.

My reminder was certainly effective, and everyone started eating. However, from the very beginning, this meal had me on edge.

“……”

Silent, Ke Feier stabbed a fork into a fried egg, her strength causing the nearby plate to jolt slightly.

Along with the plate, my fragile little heart also jumped. Although Nilu quickly came to my rescue, the “thoughtfulness” was a little too late…

I knew exactly what she was really thinking!

“Miss, could you please refrain from making such rude movements like a mother tiger?”

“Well, Nilu, some people might just enjoy being wild cats who sneak around.”

“Sigh~ If there were better options, no one would wish to be managed by a ‘mother tiger’~”

“Hmph, just letting the wild cat taste a bit of blood; no wild cat would really think it could catch something, right?”

“Hahaha~”

“Bwahahaha~”

…As a human, I’m very sorry.

Any fairy, please come in and save me.

——

This volume ends here.

Regarding the previous content, I ultimately made my decision considering the tone of the book. Some things are better left vague, right? After all, the main female character is quite certain.

So whether it exists or not is up to interpretation. Whatever outcome you prefer, just take it as that; it’s utterly exciting.

Eleven, The Bloody History of the Trade Capital