Lapiz carefully peeked at Takumi, her heart fluttering nervously, wondering if he would accept her invitation. In her mind echoed her father Carol's words:
'If possible, I'd like to see my grandson born soon.'
"Mm!!!"
Just recalling that made Lapiz's pale cheeks bloom with scarlet.
Faced with the dazzling, bashful bunny girl's invitation, Takumi clicked his tongue softly and shifted his gaze toward the others.
The women all immediately turned their heads away—each wearing an expression that screamed "Don't look at me!"
After all, last night's "five-layer pagoda" had been exhausting enough… and they'd hit the road early this morning. They weren't made of iron, and his heavy weapon could only take so much abuse.
Right now, none of them had the energy or jealousy to interfere. In fact, they hoped Takumi would give them a break tonight.
Seeing their faces pale as if they'd seen a ghost, Takumi sighed inwardly and turned back around. It wasn't that bad—he had only slightly adjusted their sensitivity settings, and maybe gone slightly harder than usual. So stingy!
With that thought, he smiled faintly and nodded. "Since Lady Lapiz has so kindly invited me, how could I possibly refuse?"
He reached out, gently holding her slender hand in his, and made a graceful "please" gesture.
Lapiz's heart fluttered with joy. "Then please follow me, Hero-sama~"
She stood up, her steps light and elegant, leading Takumi out of the banquet hall.
The palace built by the Star-Rabbit Tribe wasn't luxurious, but it carried their distinct charm. Bunny-ear motifs adorned the walls and columns—a design Takumi couldn't help but admire.
Still, the real beauty of the night wasn't the architecture—it was the woman walking before him. Even the moonlight seemed dull compared to her silver hair and the sway of her hips.
After touring two halls, Lapiz finally stopped at a secluded bedchamber.
"Hero-sama~ not only did you save me, but you also saved my father from making a terrible mistake. I don't know how I can ever thank you... May I serve you tonight?"
As she gently pushed Takumi down onto the bed, her expression turned alluring, her face glowing crimson. The delicate necklace hanging down her swan-like neck accentuated the soft, full curves beneath.
In that moment—before Takumi could even speak—his actions became the answer.
"Ahh~~ Hero-sama, you're so strong~~!"
Lapiz's lashes trembled, her lips parted, and her long ears drooped as she gave herself over completely.
His gaze traced the elegant lines of her back… and there, above the flawless curve of her hips, was a fluffy white bunny tail—swaying hypnotically with every movement.
Takumi couldn't resist. He reached out and grasped her long, silky ears tightly. They weren't twin tails, but they served just as well as a steering wheel!
As Lapiz surrendered herself fully, the [Master-Servant Contract] activated. A soft pink heart-shaped collar shimmered faintly around her neck, making her look even more captivating.
Her back's flexibility and leg strength were beyond imagination—utterly divine!
That "Soft Technique Eighth Throw" nearly sent him seeing stars.
No doubt about it—Lapiz truly lived up to her title as a Demon Lord Candidate, her full power rivaling Eve's. Fortunately, he'd come out on top—barely.
[Ding! Lapiz Favorability Reached — Defeated Duplicate Entry: Bow-Back (Green)]
[Bow-Back (Green): Exceptional flexibility of the waist and spine, capable of bending beyond normal human limits.]
"Useless entry… yet not completely useless," Takumi muttered inwardly. Useless because I don't need it; priceless because Lapiz uses it so well.
She could bend backward far enough to peek through her own legs—he and his little brother had both been stunned.
As dawn's first light crept through the curtains, Takumi stretched lazily, feeling reborn. Another night, another victory.
How many times did I use Heal again…?
He pushed aside the messy thoughts and rose from bed. Lapiz could rest; she was far more drained than Kureha or the others.
When he stepped back into the main hall, he found Freya and the rest of the girls full of energy.
"Mm~~ finally slept well."
"Setsuna's waist doesn't hurt anymore."
"It's nice to relax once in a while~"
Listening to their cheerful chatter, Takumi's face twitched. The way they say it makes me sound like some kind of monster!
Before he could respond, Carol hurried over with a bright grin—one that widened when he noticed Lapiz wasn't following behind.
"Takumi-sama, please this way! I've gathered the representatives of each race—we're about to discuss the assault on the Demon Lord's castle."
"Understood. Ellen, Eve, you two come with me."
Led by Carol, the three entered the council chamber. Takumi took the main seat, Eve sat beside him, and Ellen stood quietly behind.
At the long table sat three other representatives: Gruka of the Iron Boar Tribe, Izera of the Wind Weasels, and Burn of the Flame Horses.
Carol quickly introduced Takumi and the others. While whispers spread among the delegates, Takumi gave Ellen a small nod and said coolly:
"I'll skip the tedious details. The Demon Lord himself—I'll handle personally. As for the army and the fortress assault, Ellen—handle the briefing."
His casual tone clearly irritated the three envoys. But before they could object, Eve stepped forward.
"I can summon and command the Divine Bird, Karadorius."
Their protests froze in their throats. Everyone knew that name—the being even the Demon Lord feared.
With Takumi capable of facing the Demon Lord alone, the rest of the meeting went swiftly. Ellen mapped out their battle plan on a sand table, detailing routes of attack that would secure the Demon Lord's Castle without destroying it.
After all, if Takumi and Freya unleashed their full power, the entire city would be reduced to ash. And Takumi didn't want rubble—he wanted a domain.
A fortress worthy of becoming his stronghold in this world.
Once the strategy was confirmed, Carol and the other leaders began immediate mobilization. Speed was their greatest weapon—strike before the Demon Lord could react!
Meanwhile, Kureha, Freya, and Setsuna formed a scouting team, heading toward the Jioral Kingdom.
Within three short days, the allied forces stood before the Demon Lord's Castle.
"Phew…"
Feeling the weight of battle in the air, Eve took a deep breath. Her anxiety melted away as Takumi's hand closed reassuringly around hers.
"Yes. I'll begin."
She raised her right hand high. "My soul-bound partner, Kaladorius—Bearer of Wind and Death! Show your true form and answer my call!"
A pillar of radiant light erupted from her body—and with a deafening cry, the majestic Divine Bird Kaladorius tore through space, spreading its holy wings across the sky!
...
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