"Pfft."

Just what had that old man done? Serves him right.

Considering how he was always teasing Sergei, he felt neither sympathy nor any desire to help him.

If anything, he felt like he might get along well with that child.

"That reminds me. I heard about it when you reported the other day. The proposal to change the mock battle format was yours, was it not? Rohen was talking about it quite enthusiastically."

"Ah, right. What happened with that?"

Qiong Xing lowered his head, apologizing for having said his piece and then leaving, but Sergei praised him for it.

"I do not know about the others, but I have always thought it was pointless and unnecessary. However, with that change, it may actually be worth doing."

Having the captains fight each other to decide who was the best had always seemed utterly foolish to him.

Even without such things, he had believed they should simply grow stronger, yet the idea of showing that strength to the people to bring them reassurance and even gather funds was quite clever.

"The nobles seem very enthusiastic as well. Applications to participate are already coming in."

"That is good to hear. I am glad I suggested it if it can be of even a little help."

It was far more than just a little.

Not only the surrounding people, but more than anything, the morale of the soldiers had risen.

After all, it was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their own strength.

"There is just one warning. It would be best to strictly regulate any gambling."

"Why is that?"

"If the outcome is decided because of that, then it loses its meaning. They must fight and win by their own will."

I see.

If victories and defeats were decided by money, it would be meaningless.

Everything had to be determined by their will and ability.

Taking that advice seriously, Sergei began forming a plan that included personnel to oversee such matters.

...

"Alright, today we will finally catch some real fish!"

"Yeahhh!"

The twins jumped with excitement as if they had been waiting for this, and the adults watching them could not help but feel soothed.

Their children were adorable.

"Then please do your best, Papas."

"So you are just leaving it all to us from here, huh."

Qiong Xing was the type who could clearly say when something was beyond him.

"I can join if you want me to, but—"

"Nooo!"

"No way."

"Right?"

As expected.

At first, Qiong Xing had been motivated to join in, but after the incident where Fenrisúlfr bit him the other day, his injuries had been discovered by Leander and the others as soon as he returned, and he had been thoroughly scolded.

He had washed up before coming back, yet there had still been a faint smell of blood, which caused them great concern as they demanded to know what had happened.

He managed to calm them down by explaining only part of the story and assuring them he was fine.

As for Fenrisúlfr, when he simply said that he had found him injured and formed a familiar contract, they were quite surprised but did not doubt him.

For some reason, it was all brushed off with, "Well, it is Qiong Xing."

It was good that they did not pry too deeply, but it still left him feeling somewhat unconvinced.

"Please catch lots of fish. And some wakame too."

With Joa and the others there, the twins would likely be fine.

Cari who wanted to gather shellfish unusually invited Albe to go along.

Feeling pleased that they were starting to act more like siblings, Qiong Xing stayed behind to take a nap with Fenrisúlfr and Lian.

He had told Lian that he could go if he wanted, but Lian firmly shook her head in refusal.

"I will stay with Mama."

Smiling at how tightly Lian clung to him, Qiong Xing leaned against Fenrisúlfr who let out a big yawn.

"Fenrir, are you not going?"

"...I do not like getting wet."

It seemed he was not fond of water.

In that case, Qiong Xing placed Lian on his lap and looked up at the sky.

"...Ah, that reminds me. The wolf pup has found an owner."

"I see."

Fenrisúlfr responded that it was good news and Qiong Xing smiled before looking down at Lian who was happily humming.

"So let us go check on him together next time. You too, Lian."

"I will go!"

She was happy about going out, but Qiong Xing felt a little apologetic since they were not going for any particular purpose.

"One of Mama’s friends will be there too, so let us greet them properly, alright?"

"Okay!"

With how easygoing he was, she likely would not be intimidated by Sergei.

He did not seem shy around strangers either, which was reassuring.

That only made how disliked Mr. Paulo was stand out even more as something unusual.

"You as well, but that child is also overflowing with magic power."

"You can tell?"

"Indeed. It is not as strong as yours, but it is clear and pleasant."

Qiong Xing could not really tell, but Fenrisúlfr who sustained himself on magic power seemed highly sensitive to it.

"However, you should be careful with that child. When it comes to you, his emotions become unstable. If his heart wavers, it may lead to a loss of control."

When Fenrisúlfr said that child and directed his gaze, Qiong Xing followed it and saw Cari.

Cari?

"What do you mean by losing control?"

"I mean a magical power rampage. It seems it happens among humans as well, but that child is a demon, is he not? If so, his amount of magic power must be quite high. Once it runs wild, it will be very difficult to suppress."

When he asked for more details, Fenrisúlfr explained that for those who possessed magic power, its flow was often influenced by emotions.

When in a good mood, the body would feel better, something so normal that it often went unnoticed.