Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

「How was this made?」

Peering into the newly formed bath on the outskirts of the town of Pervert, I observed Kaara drawing water from the river into the stone bath, heating it with flame magic.

Ah, indeed, magic can accomplish such wonders.

「Did Kaara create this?」

「Well, it was actually Are who shattered the massive boulder and carved it into a bath kettle. I wanted nation’s father to rest and recover from battle fatigue, so I decided to create this.」

A fully functional stone bath, steam rising, stood before us. Apparently, Are had hollowed out the colossal rock, channeling water from the Tsurube River and heating it with fire magic to create the warm water.

In simple terms, imagine the cost and time if mere laborers attempted this feat. Truly, advanced mages are remarkable.

「But using river water directly might pose some issues. Has it been filtered?」

「Even demons have purification spells for water. It’s clean and safe.」

Ah, the same method Oracle employs for dungeon management. Magic truly knows no bounds. Of course, Kaara’s genius lies in mastering both human and magical arts.

「I’m grateful. Let me use it.」

「We’ve prepared clothing and soap. The changing area is over there.」

Within the properly enclosed stone bath, its waters flowing, torchlight flickered, illuminating the path to the changing room.

When Kaara’s magic combines with Are’s immense strength, anything becomes possible. As someone who constantly grapples with construction costs and labor expenses, I can’t help but envy them.

Well, I, too, possess the Imagination Sword of Light, capable of similar feats. However, it’s akin to a powerful carpenter’s tool.

Unlike Are, who wields dragon-god strength that defies physical laws, or Kaara’s convenient magic, I fall somewhere in between.

Ah, yes.

「What about Louise?」

「I…」

Suddenly, something nudged between Louise and me.

「Of course I’m joining.」

「I wasn’t asking you…」

Kaara had already entered the changing room ahead of us. Moments later, she emerged, naturally, completely naked. As a demon, she usually wore only swimwear-like undergarments beneath her jet-black robe, making it easy for her to disrobe quickly. It wasn’t surprising she intended to join since she helped create the bath.

「My lord, no, Takeru, I… I’ll join too.」

「S-sure. Louise go ahead with Are.」

Feeling rather unsettled, I watched as they entered the changing room, leaving me alone to sit idly on a stone stool by the outdoor rock bath. The fragrant steam wafted around me. It wasn’t a hot spring, but bathing outdoors under the moonlight had its own charm.

「I should have brought some sake.」

「I have some distilled sake, if that works for you.」

Kaara had overheard my mutterings and brought a bottle of sake, along with glasses produced by the Transylvania glassworks. With the convenience of magic, the drink and the glassware were perfectly chilled, even with ice cubes inside.

As a demon, Kaara felt no need to hide her body from me, her gleaming blue skin looking especially alluring under the torchlight.

「Ah, thank you.」

「Ano… may I have some too?」

Pouring the amber liquid into a sturdy, flat-cut glass, I handed it to Kaara.

She took it with both hands and sipped, letting out a contented sigh.

The glass itself was beautiful. Transylvania’s glassmaking was still young compared to the refined craftsmanship of the southern Ravenna Peninsula. Though lacking in delicate elegance, its rugged cut had its own appeal. I preferred this design.

The ice in the glass tinkled softly. I took a sip of the chilled distilled sake. It was smooth on the palate, yet carried the fiery strength that scorched my throat. Still, I downed it in one go, and a rich, aromatic scent lingered in my nostrils.

Sometimes, strong liquor has its merits. It warms the chest, igniting a fire within.

「Shall we head to the bath? Why don’t you go in now, nation’s father?」

「Ah, right. Wouldn’t want to get too tipsy before the bath.」

I handed the glass back to Kaara and made my way to the changing room. Are and Louise had already undressed and disappeared into the steam-filled bath. Their forms were obscured by the mist.

Without hesitation, I took my clothes off and stepped into the rock pool.

「What’s the fuss? It’s just a bath.」

I’d bathed with Louise and Are before. Now, feeling bashful would be absurd.

The steam enveloped the rocky bath, and there was no bucket for pouring water.

「Well, it’s our private bath anyway.」

To have such a luxurious stone bath at our disposal was extravagant. The touch of the smooth rocks against my skin was soothing. As I submerged myself in the water, I felt gravity release its hold, leaving me weightless.

Looking up, I saw a sky full of stars. The crystal-clear atmosphere of this fantastical realm painted a beautiful scene. If I reached out, it seemed I could touch the stars themselves.

Submerged to my ears, the water muted all sound. It was as if I existed alone in this world. The isolation wasn’t unpleasant; it warmed and filled me. I felt connected to the universe.

「More sake?」

「Yes.」

Kaara appeared beside me, offering the glass.

I accepted, lifting my head from the warm water. The amber liquid flowed down my throat, reviving me.

「Would you like more?」

「No, water will do.」

The glass cold water revived me as it slid down my throat.

It was so quiet here. Why was today so serene?

「Where are Are and Louise?」

「They’re over there.」

Through the steam, I could see a large dragon wing flapping, splashing water all over. It looked like Are and Louise were wrestling in the bath. Those two were always so energetic.

「Hero, aaah!」

「I’ve got her under control, don’t worry!」

Louise was apparently managing to pin Are down. Wrestling in the bath made for an amusing spectacle.

She probably intended to give me some peaceful time to relax, which I appreciated.

「Getting tangled up with Are leaves no room for relaxation.」

「Oh? But if it were me tangling with you, would you still be at ease?」

Kaara said this while leaning her slender shoulder against me. Despite being completely naked, she exuded a calm confidence that made my heart skip a beat. Her pale blonde hair and amethyst-like purple eyes were mesmerizing, and her plush, pink lips contrasted exotically with her blue skin. There was something uniquely alluring about demon women—a certain otherworldly beauty.

In the warm water, Kaara’s blue skin felt slightly cool. Whether it was because demons naturally had lower body temperatures or because she had just used ice magic, I couldn’t tell. Although I wasn’t drunk enough to act on it, holding Kaara’s youthful, firm body in the bath seemed like it would be quite pleasant—a thought I couldn’t entirely suppress.

But, of course, it was just a thought.

I wouldn’t cheat.

「It’s rare for Kaara to joke around like this.」

「Is it? Maybe I’m a bit drunk.」

She said this with a straight face, making it clear she was indeed joking.

Her arm wrapped around mine, and she pressed her soft, firm thigh against my hand. But knowing it was all in jest, I didn’t get angry.

Kaara probably needed to let loose once in a while. And during these rare moments of rest, I wasn’t a narrow-minded master who wouldn’t allow it.

She is a demon and a former enemy of humanity, a sinner. Her true nature will likely never change.

However, she has served me without complaint all this time. She has supported me in every way, saved my life many times, and I believe I can trust her now.

A small cross-shaped mark is visible on Kaara’s forehead. She is bound by a “Demon King’s Slave Contract” to prevent defiance.

I rarely have to command her against her will, to the point I often forget about the contract’s existence.

「Kaara, if there’s anything you want, let me know. You deserve a reward… or at least some form of appreciation. As long as it’s within my power. 」

「Is that so? If I can ask for anything… well, hehe. 」

Her hesitation is so exaggerated.

Watching Kaara’s luscious lips move seductively, I quickly add a condition.

「Nothing like asking me to sleep with you. 」

「Oh my, it’s cruel to preemptively shut me down like that. 」

Kaara is teasing and trying to tempt me. I knew she would say that.

Her true desire is likely to create a safe haven for demons raising the Demon King in hiding. That’s something I, now a human king, cannot provide.

Even now, my hand rests on Kaara’s firm thigh.

A little touch should be fine. The teachings of Asama on chastity allow for some exceptions in bathhouse mishaps, I believe.

「I’ll say it again: I have no intention of cheating. 」

With seven wives already, it may seem absurd to say that, but I must set boundaries.

If I loosen my resolve, I’ll become a man who is unfaithful to any extent.

「But, nation’s father, that’s inefficient. 」

「Inefficient? 」

Unexpected words caught me off guard, so I had to ask again.

Kaara occasionally says amusing things.

「Allow me to explain. The wives of nation’s father won’t be able to accompany us on this journey.」

「Well, that may be true for now…」

My wives are strong. Normally, they would join us even in times of war like sensei, but due to her pregnancy, she is recuperating in the safety of the castle.

Silhouette and Caroline are not pregnant yet. As the queen and duchess, they cannot leave the royal city to participate in the war, so Kaara’s statement holds true.

「In that case, during battle, nation’s father would be free, wouldn’t it?」

「Indeed.」

「Then, it wouldn’t be inappropriate for me to be held by you, would it?」

「No, no, why would that be the case?」

I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

This was Kaara’s playful joke. It was a bit alluring, which made it awkward, but it had a certain charm.

「But you know, if you were the king, having a mistress wouldn’t be a problem. As long as she’s an official concubine, it wouldn’t be considered infidelity.」

「Ah, I see. So, if she were an official concubine, it wouldn’t be considered infidelity. In that case, let’s embrace.」

I gently took Kaara’s hand and pulled her closer. Should I kiss her? I leaned in, and her long eyelashes fluttered unexpectedly. I thought she’d be more accustomed to kisses, but perhaps not.

「Eh? You’re not going to kiss me?」

「Of course not.」

I quickly released Kaara’s hand and moved away in the bath.

I wanted to rattle her a little more, but her skin felt like it clung to mine. If I took it too seriously, this playful moment might turn serious, and that scared me a bit.

「…So, it really was just a joke. I thought you were serious because you seemed interested.」

「No, being serious is out of the question. Kaara should know it was all in jest.」

Kaara is indeed a clever woman.

She recognizes her role as a strategist. Even though she jokes around, she can distinguish between jest and seriousness.

Despite being slightly tipsy, I won’t make reckless moves on the battlefield. If anything, I believe Kaara would caution me if I were to take things too seriously.

「Well, that’s true. I don’t intend to do anything now. I’m not as careless as a human military advisor. We’re in a time of war. If I were to bear a child as well, I wouldn’t be able to serve as nation’s father’s strategist.」

「To call Lyle-sensei ‘careless’ takes some nerve.」

However, Kaara’s words hold merit.

While Lyle-sensei is skilled in military strategy, when it comes to matters of romance, her experience is limited, making her quite lenient. Once she allows physical intimacy, she becomes rather easygoing.

That’s one of Lyle-sensei’s endearing qualities. In that regard, Kaara is more strict and discerning.

Although she playfully tempts me, she’s not a woman who would recklessly engage in thoughtless relationships driven by emotion. Even this playful banter might be a calculated move, laying the groundwork for something deeper.

「If there were to be a reward, it could wait until after the war.」

「A reward, huh…」

I never promised a reward, though.

「Nation’s father, you may appear straightforward, but there are moments when your stubbornness and indecisiveness show. So, by mentioning it beforehand, I give you something to ponder.」

「Hmm, you think you understand me well.」

Her analytical approach seems to account for my tendency to resist when I’m not straightforward. What an intriguing maneuver.

However, Kaara’s observation about my indecisiveness hits harder than being called ‘easy’. Essentially, she’s implying I’m too easy. Perhaps she’s hit the mark.

Reflecting on it, I’ve been somewhat indecisive lately. It’s not ideal to resemble an easy to fool protagonist from a light novel. I used to criticize those easy male characters in shallow romantic plots, but now I find myself in a similar situation.

Well, I mustn’t become that weak-willed man. I’ll need to be more cautious.

「Seriously, not joking, nation’s father.」

「Yes, what is it?」

Kaara gently touched my shoulder as I pondered, whispering near my ear.

「Please consider the future more. Soon, yours and her highness Oracle will give birth to your child.」

「That’s true.」

「Your first child with her will be a half demon, half human. There’s still much tension between demons and humans. Imagine the struggles that child will face.」

「Well…」

I share her concern.

Although my relationship with the Oracle happened somewhat spontaneously, I feel responsible for my actions.

We got married, and I want to create the best environment for our child. But when Kaara points it out, I realize our child’s path won’t be easy.

Even Silhouette, who is half-elf, faced persecution and challenges in noble society. How will my child, burdened with being half-demon, grow up?

Taking my contemplative hand, Kaara intertwined her fingers with mine, gripping tightly.

「Here’s the thing! If we also have a child, he’ll grow up alongside her highness Oracle’s child, sharing the same circumstances. My child and the Oracle’s child can support each other. Isn’t that better than suffering alone?」

「Well… Hmm, it might be.」

Kaara’s deep purple eyes bore into mine, almost piercing. Yet I couldn’t look away. I know she’s not joking about this.

For Kaara, who believes that a child born from the Immortal King Oracle will eventually become the demon king who will become their savior, this is a truly serious matter.

「If you truly dislike the idea, nation’s father, you’re free to have children with someone else. But if possible, I’d prefer me to bear your child.」

「You… You’re quite straightforward.」

Certainly! Here’s the improved and corrected version of your text, suitable for a fantasy novel:

As expected of a strategist.

Even if you’re launching an attack, try something a bit more unexpected. It’s too straightforward, almost embarrassingly so.

「I’ve exhausted all our cunning tricks. But when it comes to the final showdown, I must rely on the righteous path. Otherwise, victory will elude me.」

「Kaara, you truly are a sage.」

At this point, I could only manage a wry smile. Kaara, with her confident smile and rosy lips, held me close, peering into my face.

She was deliberately cornering me, knowing I wouldn’t refuse. By standing before me like this, she had already sealed our fate.

With no escape route left, she had me in her grasp. It was akin to a chess situation where a checkmate was imminent—one move away from victory.

Kaara was quite devious, I must admit. As a strategist, she had always seemed lacking, but her cunning had clearly improved.

「Takeru-sama… Perhaps a taste test wouldn’t hurt.」

「Let’s consider that a jest.」

In this setting, getting more than just a taste would be troublesome. I pushed Kaara’s hands away and sank into the bath. How absurd—I had unwittingly fallen for her playful temptation.

I had wanted to calmly ponder Kaara’s words, but it seemed fate had other plans. Suddenly, a loud splashing sound drew near.

It was Are, wings and arms flapping like a dragon, skimming across the water’s surface in a butterfly stroke.

And just like that, Are leaped into my chest.

‘Next up after Kaara, huh?’ I thought, bracing myself for Are’s intense attack.

As a massive water column erupted, I found myself submerged. Gasping for air, I managed to resurface.

「Are, are you trying to drown me?」

「Oops, I put too much power!」

You always seem to put too much power on things. Sometimes, you should allow yourself to weaken.

As I soaked in the bath, Are, perhaps fearing I might drown, lifted me up with surprising strength. But there was a catch—the awkward position left my back scraping against the tub.

「Ouch! Stop being reckless!」

「Sorry!」

If my body weren’t strengthened, I’d be utterly defenseless. They say men who tangle with dragon maidens meet an early demise, and this natural torment might just be my fate.

Louise, similarly overpowered by Are, surfaced weakly from the water. Her voice trembled as she muttered:

「Puhaa,sorry for not being able to continue stopping her…」

Since their playful sparring sessions began, Louise’s combat skills had improved, but Are’s sheer power remained insurmountable. Even the mightiest knight of Silesie was rendered powerless—a futile struggle against the dragon maiden’s aquatic wrestling.

Exhausted from endless bouts with Are, Louise’s crimson hair clung to her forehead as she floated on her back in the warm water. Her face bore the marks of fatigue and weariness.

She seemed ready to surrender. Well, she’d given it her all. I motioned for her to relax—enough Are for now.

It was pitiful, really, to tire oneself out in a bath meant for relaxation.

Meanwhile, Are, still holding me in that awkward position, was as lively as ever.

「I’ve got an idea! Let’s make Are your concubine!」

「What? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation earlier?」

「Yeah, dragon maidens have ultrasonic ears.」

「No, that’s more like ‘hellish hearing’…」

Why bother emitting ultrasonic waves from your ears?

Are you a bat? Wait, do bats even emit ultrasonic waves from their mouths?

「And besides, if you’re going to eavesdrop, at least listen to the whole conversation! We’re still in the middle of a war, and we were discussing how such actions would be inappropriate… Aaah!」

Interrupting my attempt to reason with her, Are hugged me tightly. Once again, my spine made that unpleasant cracking sound. I am going to die—she needs to ease up!

Her arms, covered in tough scales, and her rocket-like bosom, absurdly elastic, pressed against me, making it hard to breathe. Forget heaven; this was straight-up torture.

「Are can handle pregnancy just fine; she lays eggs.」

「Huh? You guys are oviparous?」

A startling revelation indeed.

Are seemed to lay eggs. Seriously?

「What’s an oviparous?」

「Well, they are creatures that’s born from an egg.」

Simple enough. Despite being dragon maidens, they were still part human. But why lay eggs? Was it because the dragon blood ran stronger in their veins, resulting in dragon-like births?

Despite their ample bosoms, they’d still nurse their offspring. So why lay eggs? Were they platypuses or something?

「Ehto, normally, babies are born as babies. But during times of war or urgency, laying eggs and concealing them becomes an option.」

「What peculiar creatures…」

In every sense, they defied convention.

The dragon maidens, part human and part ‘furuki sha’ should never forget their extraordinary nature. They were beings for whom common sense didn’t apply.

「Hey, hero, if you make a baby, it’s considered infidelity. But with an egg, it’s fine. All you have to do is sprinkle a little on it.」

「Absolutely not! Besides, it’s kind of terrifying. Let go already!」

What does she mean by ‘sprinkle’? I don’t want to know the details. Spare me.

Making a dragon maiden lay an egg would break through not just the infidelity line, but also the boundaries of human norms.

I desperately try to escape from his grasp, as I hate laying eggs.

While swimming away, I catch Louise as she drifts towards me, exhausted.

「Ugh, how frustrating…」

「Are you really alright, Louise?」

The stone bath that Kaara and the others made is quite deep, so I worry she might be drowning.

As I’m tending to Louise, Are clings to me again from behind.

「It’s not fair that you’re only paying attention to Louise! It’s ridiculous that someone weaker than me is a knight protector.」

「Unlike you, Louise is delicate!」

Are always tries to corner Louise, so I have to protect her, or she’ll lose confidence and return to her family.

I’ve been too soft on Louise because she’s older, but she’s human too and has her own weaknesses, so I need to take care of her.

「What’s wrong, Louise? Your body feels unusually hot. Did you get overheated dealing with her?」

「Y-yes…」

Louise’s skin is unusually warm to the touch.

Her cheeks are flushed, and she might have overheated from the physical exertion of water wrestling.

Her skin, taut yet delicately soft, makes me hesitant to touch her.

But if she’s not feeling well, I can’t worry about that. I decided to lift her out of the water in a princess carry.

「Hang on, Louise. I’ll make you feel better soon.」

「…Okay.」

Louise’s glistening, wet body is a sight to behold, but now is not the time for such thoughts.

I need to cool her down quickly.

「Kaara, get a towel, will you?」

I can’t leave her naked. At least she should be wrapped in a towel.

For now, I’ll lay her on the stone pedestal.

「Nation’s father…」

「What is it, Kaara?」

Kaara, who is usually unflappable, stands with her well-shaped lips parted and her purple eyes wide in surprise.

It’s rare for you to be so shocked. What on earth happened?

「…It’s very impressive.」

「Just bring the towel already!」

Blushing and making such comments—it’s all because you provoked me so much!

Even if my mind is trained, there’s nothing I can do about my physiological reactions as a healthy man.

Given the circumstances, I ended up seeing Louise’s naked body too clearly.

Tonight, I doubt I’ll be able to sleep peacefully, tormented by these thoughts.