■ A Brief Farewell □
Even after that, Camilla often directly observed Dorothea and me engaging in sexual intercourse right next to her.
Apparently, watching real-life demonstrations was more educational for her than reading dirty books.
Should I say she’s practically become a pro at observing now?
The fact that there was only about a week left before I had to return to the Demon King’s Castle made Dorothea anxious, and she kept asking for sex almost every day. I didn’t refuse her once.
Anyway, knowing that leaving the eastern front meant I wouldn’t be able to enjoy her immature body anymore was equally regrettable for me.
Camilla, who always watched from the side, had started to actively intervene rather than just quietly observing Dorothea and me having sex.
It began with double fellatio, but gradually, she showed interest in Dorothea’s frail body and started molesting her as if caressing her own.
Dorothea, who always pretends to be strong but is actually very sensitive, helplessly endured Camilla’s teasing and collapsed exhausted by the time we finished.
Although Camilla would cut things off at awkward moments, remembering the promise she and I had made before, she never crossed the final line.
I respected her opinion and decided not to push her yet.
Perhaps I will embrace her directly only after all her education is complete.
That last week spent on the eastern front passed incredibly fast.
As planned, I would lead the soldiers returning from the eastern front to the rear lines.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Work? You’ve worked harder.”
We exchanged compliments on what was our last day together.
Then Dorothea smirked and lightly slapped my shoulder while leaning on one leg.
“Don’t give me that. I know my temperamental personality well. You must have suffered trying to accommodate it.”
Instead of agreeing with her, I simply shrugged in response.
A lot happened during the past month.
Looking back, it feels like we were so busy that we barely noticed how time flew by.
Now that the southern area had returned to its original fortress state, I scanned it and turned my gaze toward Eva standing beside Dorothea.
Thinking about it, I owe quite a bit to this person, or rather, this centaur.
“I leave this guy in your care.”
Eva, who seemed to understand something about me, gave a wry smile and nodded.
“It was originally my job anyway. Whatever.”
At that, Dorothea glared at us suspiciously.
“When did you two get so close?”
“Pretty long ago?”
“Yes, we’re carrot-sharing friends.”
Eva said this with a meaningful smile.
Perhaps misinterpreting something, Dorothea grabbed my collar.
“You crazy bastard! You didn’t mess around with Eva too, did you?!”
“Hey, calm down! There’s absolutely nothing between us, so let go and talk sensibly!”
“…Hmph.”
Realizing it was her misunderstanding, Dorothea released my collar with an aloof expression and stepped back.
‘If she misunderstands twice, she might kill someone.’
I thought this while coughing a few times and extended my right hand to Eva, who had been watching our bickering with amusement.
She reciprocated with her right hand and shook it, then whispered into my ear.
“How exactly did you charm our Commander-in-Chief?”
I answered her.
“Technique.”
“Oooh….”
Eva retreated with an oddly impressed look.
Unlike Dorothea, Eva doesn’t seem to be a virgin, judging by the way she occasionally glanced at my pants.
She’s probably curious about the real thing that has excited her superior.
“My horse may be smaller, so don’t expect too much.”
Even if I’m big, words are stronger.
This visibly deflated Eva, and I turned my attention back to Dorothea.
“You said the Commander’s term ends in two months, right? Let’s meet again then, Dorothea.”
Dorothea hesitated, perhaps because she’d just yelled at me, then finally managed to speak after fidgeting her lips.
“If you abandon me, I’ll kill you.”
This is probably the most affectionate thing she can express right now.
I was about to stroke her red hair when something occurred to me.
“This is a present for you.”
What I pulled out of my pocket was the boogie sunglasses I made during the previous snowy mountain expedition. This time, however, I put more effort into crafting them properly.
After placing the sunglasses on Dorothea’s face, I took another pair out of my coat and wore it myself. They were couple sunglasses with identical designs.
“The last time I saw you wearing them, they looked pretty good on you.”
I smiled playfully as I said this, and Dorothea shyly twirled her long hair with her fingers, avoiding eye contact.
She seems embarrassed to show affection openly.
In any case, this concluded our final farewell.
Considering the Demon King’s Army soldiers waiting patiently at the training ground since early morning, we decided to part ways here.
“We’ve worked hard for a month, Caldlasth. May the stars and ancestors guide you safely.”
“To you too, Dorothea. May the blessings of the elements be with you.”
Witches and mages are similar yet different.
However, both ultimately pursue all the world’s wisdom, making them comparable as being in the same industry.
We parted ways, wishing each other safe travels.
We would likely meet again in about two months.
The journey from Hamburg Fortress to the safe rear lines was longer and more perilous than expected.
Since we weren’t riding wyverns and most personnel had to walk, it naturally took much longer.
Fortunately, everyone was from the Demon Tribe, so the march was faster than typical human armies; otherwise, it would have taken even longer.
By repeatedly dropping off soldiers near their hometowns along the way, we hastened our return to the Demon King’s Castle and reached our destination in about two weeks.
Though the group had significantly diminished in size compared to the start of the journey, quite a few people remained until the end.
They were probably residents of the town below the castle.
Before ascending to the Demon King’s Castle, I briefly stopped by the lower village and met Violet happily reuniting with her husband.
Despite the long absence, Violet still boasted glossy purple fur and exchanged a loving embrace with her husband returning from the army. As our eyes met, she sent me a suggestive glance.
Not being completely oblivious to what that glance implied, I promised her a future rendezvous before heading up to the Demon King’s Castle.
“Finally, we’re here.”
The Demon King’s Castle looked as grand and imposing as ever upon seeing it again.
Back in the days when I was part of the Hero Party, I used to sneak in through a small hole, but now I could enter proudly through the main gate without hesitation.
Crossing the familiar moat and passing the guard tower at the entrance, the large castle welcomed us.
“Come to think of it, wasn’t this the first time Camilla had been away from the Demon King’s Castle for so long?”
To which Camilla, standing beside me, replied.
“Yes. Since becoming a maid at the castle, I haven’t had the opportunity for long-term trips.”
“What do you usually do on vacation?”
Given the Demon King’s peculiar concern for work-life balance, he probably didn’t interfere with his subordinates’ vacations.
“During vacations, I usually go to the Grand Library inside the castle to read. I’m not particularly interested in traveling, and I don’t have any living relatives in my hometown.”
“Ah.”
I realized I had unintentionally made a slip of the tongue, but Camilla waved it off, saying she was fine.
“It was a long time ago. At this point, I no longer dwell on it or feel hurt. It’s just a fact.”
Having brushed aside questions about her personal life, Camilla slightly bowed as we arrived at the main hall of the castle.
“Then, I shall excuse myself for a moment as I have some matters to attend to. You must be tired from the long journey, so please rest in your room.”
“Where are you going?”
“I need to inform my colleagues at work that I’ve returned after being away for so long. It might take a while, so please don’t wait for me.”
“Got it. Take your time.”
Since I was indeed quite fatigued from the trip, I decided to rest in my room earlier than usual.
I’ll report to the Demon King after taking a nap.
I glanced at Camilla’s neatly retreating back as she disappeared down the corridor and headed toward my usual guest room.
