As the Demon King, I have married a slave elf. How should I express my love?

"Then let's do this. I'll buy this outfit."

"Thank you for coming!"

As Manila helped Farah remove the tags from his clothes, she asked, as if teasing him:

"So this child... is named Fa'er? Is she your adopted daughter?"

"That's not how it works..."

Sagan then realized that she didn't yet have a way of explaining her existence to people.

For the magician who attacked Sagan's City, Fael's treatment was far too good, but it was a bit strange to call her an adopted daughter without even asking for her consent.

Frustrated, Sagan answered questions with questions.

"Uh... speaking of which, do we look like that?"

"Yes, they look more like a parent and child than siblings... Okay, that's fine then."

After cutting the sign, Manila helped Farah straighten her clothes, then stood up from her squatting position. Farah, as if finally relieved, hid behind Sagan.

"But whatever, I never intended to meddle in other people's business anyway. As long as I know Nefertari is doing well, I'm content."

"Hmph, you're smart to know what's good for you."

I clearly wanted to properly thank her for her help, but these were the words that came out of my mouth.

But Manila seemed to have long been used to his words and actions. Although she had a wry smile on her face, she did not look unhappy.

"Then, please feel free to visit again when you have time."

"Okay, thank you, Miss Manila."

Seeing Nefi bow his head and thank her, Far carefully followed suit.

"...Thank you. I really like this outfit."

That reaction made Manila smile with delight.

"Oh dear, this child is so adorable! Can I take her home? Oh wait, in this situation, it should be the other way around. Can I leave her here?"

"Hey, is this ever going to end?! This kid isn't a commodity; you can't just give him away like that!"

Sagan took Far's hand, and the three of them hurriedly left the shop.

◇

"...I can't stand it. That's why I don't like going to her shop."

Sagan stomped away angrily, while Neferpitou happily remarked:

"However, I think choosing Miss Manila's shop was definitely the right decision."

Sagan turned his gaze to Fael, whom he was holding hands with.

She still walks unsteadily, but she seems to really like her clothes; she doesn't dislike them at all, and even looks quite pleased with them.

Fael looked puzzled as she sensed Sagan's gaze.

"What's up?"

"It's okay... Do you like this outfit?"

"Um."

She surprisingly admitted it honestly.

"Really? That's good."

"Yes. Thank you, Sagan."

She was probably thanking me for the money I spent on clothes. Although she didn't smile while speaking, she seemed quite at ease.

Then, Fael took Nefi's hand with her free hand.

The three walked side by side with Fael at the center, which startled Sagan.

—What exactly is this feeling...?

It was a warm, joyful feeling, not offensive, but one I had never experienced before.

Is this something that can be described as love?

But this is not quite the same as the feelings for Neferpitou—or romantic love.

He remembered what Manila had just said.

—They look more like a parent and child than siblings.

In other words, is this what is called "protective instinct"?

The awareness of her own emotions caused Sagan's mood to fluctuate violently.

--How could this be...? I actually want to protect this little brat?

How could such feelings still linger in his heart? If the likes of Barbarossa knew about this, they would definitely suspect that Sagan had lost his mind.

But Sagan, with his villainous look, really didn't have many opportunities to interact with children in the past.

Just as he was worrying about this indescribable and vague emotion, a young girl appeared in front of him.

A silk top paired with a lace-trimmed skirt. Her graceful approach exudes elegance, and her waist-length hair is quite striking.

The girl seemed lost in thought, her downcast expression making her look sullen.

The face seemed vaguely familiar, but Sagan couldn't quite place who she was. Lately, he'd been interacting more with the residents on the street, so he assumed she was someone he'd met before. But just as they were about to pass each other, the girl looked up at Sagan in surprise.

"Sagan?"

It seems the other person knows Sagan.

—I think I recognize the voice, but who is she?

Just as he was feeling completely confused, the girl looked at Nefi and breathed a sigh of relief, but then she saw Fael holding hands between the two of them and her face turned terrified again.

"W-How is this possible...? Your relationship has progressed to the point of marriage and having children...?"

"Stop, stop saying such filthy things! Neferi and I haven't even progressed to that level yet..."

Glancing at Nefi, she blushed from her face to the tips of her ears. The two locked eyes for a moment, then quickly turned their heads away.

—I wonder what Neferi was thinking.

Sagan wasn't ignorant about how children come to be.

But when Neferpitou invited Sagan to "sleep together" before, he didn't seem to understand what he meant by saying those words.

Is it really morally right to lay a hand on such an innocent and naive girl?

Sagan was troubled by his own thoughts, which made Far, who was out of touch with the situation, turn his head away in confusion.

"Sagan, who is she?"

"Hmm? Oh, I just realized that now that you've asked. By the way, who are you?"

It seems the two do know each other, but Sagan can't recall it.

When Sagan asked the question casually, both the girl and Neferi were stunned.

"W-What's wrong? You don't remember me at all?"

"Mr. Sagan, Mr. Sagan! It's Shestie!"

Seeing tears welling up in the girl's eyes, Nefi quickly informed Sagan of this.

The girl's tearful appearance finally matched Sagan's memory of "Shestia".

She was not wearing armor or carrying her holy sword, and her red-gold hair hung down her back. Sagan couldn't tell at all that she was the same person as the paladin girl.

Well, at least he looks to be in good spirits.

Although it was a little puzzling why she wasn't dressed as a paladin, she seemed perfectly fine.

"Oh, it's you. Fa'er, and this is... let me think... I guess he's Nefie's friend?"

"Yes."

Seeing Neferi nod, the girl, Shestie, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

This girl possesses a title that is unclear, whether it is a Holy Knight Commander or a Holy Sword Maiden.

Just like her title, she usually wore the church's baptismal armor and carried one of the twelve holy swords in the world, looking heroic and radiant.

...But once she takes off those clothes, she's just an ordinary girl.

"So, what's with this outfit?"

When Sagan asked her, Shestie clearly hesitated and stammered.

"Uh, I... I have the day off today."

"What? You got fired?"

"It's not expulsion!"

Sagan's words caught Shestie off guard, causing her to panic.

Although magicians and paladins are mortal enemies, Sagan had previously saved Shester's life. Because of this, Shester sometimes speaks in favor of Sagan within the church.

That was a loss of composure that a paladin should never have made. Even if she were excommunicated, it wouldn't be a surprising outcome.

Shess crossed her arms over her chest and turned her face away.

"My affairs are not important at all. So what's going on with this child? I know you wouldn't kidnap someone else's child, but..."

Sagan looked away and patted Fael's head. The cat-ear hood swayed slightly, but because it was hooked at the corner, it didn't slip off.

"This kid is a magician. As for our relationship, you can use your imagination."

"Uh, eh...?"

She looked confused, seemingly lost in thought, but Sagan didn't seem to care.

As they were talking, they heard other people calling from afar.

"Lady Shestyl! It's too dangerous for you to be wandering around outside alone!"

"Please allow us to protect you!"