Chapter 542 - Bear-san, Returns To The Royal Capital

Bear-san, Returns To The Royal Capital

After leaving the city of Euphalia, Noa and I arrived at the royal capital later that day and were relaxing at Eleanora-san’s house.

“Swaying Bear-chan, does it feel good?” (Noa)

`Ku~u ~ n’

“I’ll do Hugging Bear-chan next, so please wait a moment.” (Noa)

`Ku~u ~ n’

Noa is grooming Swaying Bear cub with a hand brush.

“Okay, it’s done. Your turn, Hugging Bear-chan.” (Noa)

Noa happily started brushing Hugging Bear. While I was relaxing watching Noa like that, Shia came back.

“Welcome back, Oneesama.” (Noa)

“Welcome back.” (Yuna)

“Why are you both in the house!?” (Shia)

“It’s because we overtook you guys and came back first.” (Yuna)

That’s right, Noa and I pa.s.sed the carriage the students were riding in on the way. Of course, we moved off the road to avoid being noticed.

“If you caught up, you could have just called out to us.” (Shia)

“Together with Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear?” (Yuna)

Above all, I’m not ‘Yuuna’, but Yuna. I am dressed as a bear, after all. If it were only Shia, I would have called out to her, but since there were other students, I wouldn’t call out to them because it would be troublesome.

“But I also wanted to come home riding on Swaying Bear-chan and Hugging Bear-chan, not on a horse-drawn carriage.” (Shia)

Shia said and held Swaying Bear in her arms as Noa finished brushing him.

“Oh, it’s so nice and fluffy.” (Shia)

Noa did a great job of brushing him.

After that, Shia changed her clothes and started playing with Swaying Bear. While I was relaxing on the sofa watching the sisters, Eleanora-san came home.

“Oh my, I thought it was lively in here, and then I saw that my three daughters had arrived home.” (Eleanora)

You have two daughters. Not three. It’s too much trouble, so I’m not going to say anything.

“Mother, welcome back.” (Noa)

“I’m back.” (Eleanora)

Eleanora-san gently pats Noa’s head as she runs up to her.

“So Shia, how was the exchange meeting?” (Eleanora)

“I did my best. But Yuna-san got the top place?” (Shia)

“Yuna-chan?” (Eleanora)

“Yuna-san also partic.i.p.ated in the exchange meeting.” (Noa)

Noa added where Shia’s explanation fell short.

“Oh, did you perhaps enroll in the academy? If you had told me, I would have done the formalities.” (Eleanora)

“No, I didn’t. One of the students from the royal capital was unable to partic.i.p.ate in the compet.i.tion due to mana exhaustion, so I only partic.i.p.ated as a temporary helper.” (Yuna)

“Ara~, is that so~” (Eleanora)

She looked a bit disappointed.

After listening to her daughters, Eleanora-san returned to her room. I left the living room to follow her and called out to her.

“Eleanora-san, can I have a moment later?” (Yuna)

I thought I would tell Eleanora-san about Euphalia’s incident.

In case you are wondering, Eleanora-san knows about the 10,000 monsters gathered at the capital, and she also knows that I am involved in wiping it out. I thought explaining this to Eleanora-san would be more credible before Cerraille’s father came to report it.

I tried to have a serious conversation with her, but she started talking nonsense.

“Ara~, is this a confession of love? But I have a husband and daughters, so I’ll be in trouble.” (Eleanora)

She puts her hand on her cheek and strikes a troubled pose.

“No, it’s not.” (Yuna)

“Just kidding. Let’s talk about it now, rather than later.” (Eleanora)

We moved to Eleanora-san’s room to talk.

“So what is it that you want to talk about? Something you don’t want my daughters to hear?” (Eleanora)

“Noa knows a little of it, but Shia doesn’t know anything. It’s not something to talk about in front of them.” (Yuna)

“So, what is it you want to talk about?” (Eleanora)

I told her what happened in the city of Euphalia.

“Such a thing…” (Eleanora)

“So when Cerraille’s father comes to report, you have to believe it.” (Yuna)

“Fufu. I understand. And His Majesty the King is not stupid. After what happened, I’m sure he’ll believe it. By the way, Yuna-chan, you are still helping people, I see.” (Eleanora)

“I don’t do it because I like it. It’s just that there happens to be someone in need right in front of me.” (Yuna)

“Just because they’re in trouble doesn’t mean you have to fight hordes of monsters alone, engage a Kraken, dig tunnels, or go out and take down the black viper that attacked the village by yourself. Well, the golem in the mines was a request from me. And then there’s that incident in the desert. Now, I wonder how many people have been saved by Yuna-chan in the past few months?” (Eleanora)

“It’s just a coincidence. I’m sure there are many more people in this world who are in trouble and dying more unreasonably somewhere I don’t know.” (Yuna)

“No one can save every single person.” (Eleanora)

“So, at least I’m helping the ones I can see.” (Yuna)

Even if I have the cheat power, I’m not omnipotent. If an evil person attacked Fina at this very moment, I would not be able to help her without realizing it. I can only protect her from the dangers when I can see her.

“Fufu, that’s so cool. If I were a man, I’d fall in love with you.” (Eleanora)

“Even in this outfit?” (Yuna)

“You’re cute in it.” (Eleanora)

I wasn’t expecting that response, but I didn’t pursue it.

Then, during the meal, Noa and Shia talked about the exchange meet.

The next day, Eleanora-san took some time off for Noa, whom she had not seen in a long time, to go out with her.

“Yuna-chan, you could have joined us, you know.” (Eleanora)

“That’s right.” (Noa)

“It’s been a while since you’ve seen each other. You two should have fun together.” (Yuna)

Since the parent and child were together, I did not need to be there. Besides, it would be conspicuous if I was dressed as a bear with them.

“I’m off to see Princess Flora.” (Yuna)

“In that case, I’m sure Flora-sama will be happy to hear that. She was a little sad because she couldn’t see Yuna-chan for quite a while.” (Eleanora)

That reminds me, the last time I came here was when I brought the souvenirs from the Land of Harmony. It may seem like time has pa.s.sed, but it hasn’t. Still, a day would feel longer for a child. So it may have felt longer than I thought.

By the way, Shia went to school looking lonely. She’s a student, after all. So she can’t help it.

I headed to the castle alone, greeted the gatekeeper briefly, and entered the castle.

And then there’s the usual sight of one of the gatekeepers running inside.

I arrived at Princess Flora’s room and knocked. Anju-san opened the door and let me in.

“Flora-sama, Yuna-san has come to see you.” (Anju)

“Bear-san!” (Flora)

Princess Flora is holding a Hugging Bear plushie. When Princess Flora noticed me, she ran up to me. She jumped into my belly, and I caught her.

I’m glad I came to see her happy like this. If I didn’t come today, I don’t know when I will come to the capital next time.

Well, I can come here any time using the bear gate, but there’s such a thing as timing.

First, I summoned the regular-sized Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear to play with her.

Princess Flora is riding on the back of Swaying Bear and looks happy. If Tilia had been here, she would have rushed into this room, but since Shia is at the school, Tilia should also be at the school. Timing is challenging, isn’t it?

After playing with Princess Flora for a while, the queen came alone.

“Etto, are you alone?” (Yuna)

“If it’s Fol you’re looking for, he just got word that Eleanora is coming to work this afternoon, so he’s making sure Eleanora doesn’t get away.” (Queen)

Apparently, the king was unable to escape because Eleanora-san went out with Noa.

“Fufu, so what are we having today?” (Queen)

The queen sat happily in a chair.

Lately, even the queen seems to think that whenever I come, I’m bringing something.

She’s smiling.

Please don’t look forward to it so much.

Zeref should have been making the cakes and puddings, and I have some candy arts in stock, but I just brought some before, so then that one?

Princess Flora came to her as the queen sat in her chair, Princess Flora also came to her.

“Are we going to eat something?” (Flora)

Perhaps Princess Flora is the same?

I took out a basket of bread from the bear box. Then I arranged the bread on a plate.

“Ara~, how cute.” (Queen)

“Bear-san!” (Flora)

What I served was bear bread. It’s the most popular bread in my store.

The Queen and Princess Flora reach for the bear bread.

“Fufu, such a cute bread. Where should I start?” (Queen)

“Are we going to eat, Bear-san?” (Flora)

“It’s bread, and it’s delicious. If you don’t eat it, the bread will be sad.” (Yuna)

Princess Flora nibbles on the bear’s ears with her tiny mouth.

“Delicious!” (Flora)

Once you start taking a bite, you can’t stop.

Both of them were enjoying the bread.

I also eat bear bread while drinking tea prepared by Anju-san. It’s not cannibalism, you know.

I also gave bear bread to Anju-san, her daughter, and one for Tilia. I don’t want her to complain the next time I see her.

When I returned to Eleanora-san’s house, I swapped places with Eleanora-san, who was going to work in the afternoon.

“Noa, did you have fun?” (Yuna)

“Yes, it was fun.” (Noa)

Noa’s expression suggested that she had a good time.

I went around the royal capital in the afternoon with Noa, but I was very conspicuous.

While relaxing with Noa in her room, Eleanora-san comes over.

“Noa, can I have a minute?” (Eleanora)

“Yes, what is it?” (Noa)

Noa went to Eleanora-san.

“You’re leaving tomorrow, right?” (Eleanora)

“Yes. Father will get angry if I stay here for too long.” (Noa)

“Well then, I know it’s a little early, but here’s your birthday present.” (Eleanora)

Eleanora gave Noa a beautiful small box.

“Thank you, mother.” (Noa)

Noa happily accepted the small box.

“Can I open it?” (Noa)

“Yes, of course.” (Eleanora)

“Is this a necklace?” (Noa)

“Yes, but it’s not an ordinary necklace. It’s meant to be a medium for magic. Noa, you will be eleven years old. You will be learning magic, so this is my gift to you.” (Eleanora)

“Thank you, mother!” (Noa)

Noa put the necklace around her neck, turned to me, and happily came over to show me.

“Yuna-san, please take a look.” (Noa)

It’s a silver necklace with a beautiful colorless gemstone.

“It looks good on you.” (Yuna)

“Normally, you can keep it inside your clothes, so it’s less noticeable, but I think it will look good on your dress.” (Eleanora)

Noa is a n.o.blewoman; even if she could use magic, it would probably be for self-defense. There would be no need for a wand, so a fashionable necklace would be better.

“Noa, I’m sorry. I don’t know if I’ll be able to return to Crimonia on your birthday.” (Eleanora)

“I know you’re busy, mother. So, it’s okay. We can meet like this. Besides, you made time for me today even though you’re busy.” (Noa)

“Aw, my daughter is so adorable!” (Eleanora)

Eleanora-san hugs Noa.

“But, Mother. Does this mean I can practice my magic now?” (Noa)

“Yes, but only after going back to Crimonia and getting Cliff’s permission.” (Eleanora)

“Yes!” (Noa)

That evening, Noa looks at the necklace with glee.

“Quite happy, aren’t you?” (Yuna)

“Of course. Having seen Oneesama and Yuna-san, I have always wanted to try my hand at magic.” (Noa)

“But with this, you can use magic too.” (Yuna)

“Yes. But I need practice, so I have to work hard. Besides, I don’t know if I have enough magic power to use magic.” (Noa)

“I’m sure it’ll work. Both Eleanora-san and Shia can use it, so I’m sure you can too.” (Yuna)

“Yes!” (Noa)

Noa replied happily.

The next day, on our way home, Eleanora-san gave me a picture book.

“Yuna-chan, I was going to give it to you yesterday, but I forgot because of Noa’s present.” (Eleanora)

After saying that, what Eleanora-san handed out to me was the 4th volume of the “Bear-san and the Girl” picture book.

“Oh, you have made it into a picture book? Mother, please give me one too.” (Noa)

“Sure, here you go.” (Eleanora)

Eleanora-san gave a picture book to Noa. Noa happily accepted it. Noa flipped it open and looked at the picture in which she was featured happily.

As usual, I received ten copies of picture books and put them away in the bear box.

“Well then, say h.e.l.lo to Cliff for me.” (Eleanora)

“Yuna-san, please take good care of Noa.” (Shia)

Noa and I were seen off by Eleanora and Shia and departed from the royal capital.

Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear, who were carrying us, started running towards Crimonia.

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Author’s Note:

I had to put this separately, but you could also say that this story is the end of the Euphalia arc.

I think it will be an everyday life story for a while from the next chapter.

[Announcement]

In the activity report, we are soliciting requests for the store bonus for volume 13 and for a newly written SS. The scope will be the desert arc.