Ms. Diane has a daughter.

Her name is Janet, and of course she's as beautiful as her mother. She’s adopted the long braided hairstyle around her ears, influenced by someone.

She looks like such a gentle girl... but she can be quite difficult at times.

“Father.”

“What is it, Janet? Do you want to play with me today?”

“No, I’d rather have someone else do that for me. I just want to clear up a simple question.”

“…………”

Is it normal for a seven-year-old child to speak like this to their father?

“I’ve read various documents and they say that Father was involved in battles quite frequently as an experienced warrior. So why aren’t you using those skills now?”

“Well, the truth is... those documents tend to exaggerate things. They probably just say you defeated dragons or demons.”

"You've defeated the holy beasts, pirates, and ogre mafia, haven't you?"

"Didn't it feel a bit too good to be true at that point?"

"Is it all lies then?"

Janet looks up at me with innocent eyes. It pains my heart to tell this child who thinks her father is a great hero about reality, but there's no use in pretending.

If asked to fight something myself, I'd have to rely on others around me. I haven't even touched a crossbow in years.

"It's not entirely false, but it was often more like a draw or that I just happened to be at the scene."

"Hmm. Why would you write it this way?"

"...Because everyone believes it was your doing," I say.

"I don't understand. Why? Was my father once as fierce as an ogre when he was young?"

"Several times, I've had incredible luck and won against opponents who seemed unbeatable... Well, the dragons and Mom were involved too, but everyone said they only helped Dad. So that's how Dad became famous for being such a person behind the scenes."

"So that's where the story of my dad being a hero started?"

"Well, something like that. But you can see just how amazing Mom is even Janet knows it, right?"

"I won't argue that Mom’s a monster,"

"Don’t say it like that..."

That said, Janet was quite talented.
Even at this age, she could control shockwaves without using any tools and had physical abilities surpassing those of adults. She clearly demonstrated her mother's lineage through her talent.

So I suppose she truly felt the endless strength of Diāne-san as well.

But she wasn't a rough person; rather, when she was free, she would spend all her time in the study at Baronial Manor or in Polka Academy’s library.
Even at this age, being able to read so much must be thanks to Diāne-san's intelligence. I was just an idiot who caused trouble and peeked everywhere until I was ten years old.

...Where is my bloodline?

"I thought that if you had such great military achievements, you would be in a position to command an army like your grandfather. Even Sieg Becker must be the same."

"Becker-san is truly a great hero..."

After leaving the front lines, Becker-san has apparently been training new recruits and working behind the scenes as a staff officer for the intelligence corps.

He said, "I've lived in this rough world since I was young; I'm just not cut out for a settled life."

Sometimes he comes to Polka through Onyx's connections, where he serves the wives or participates in the peeping squad and gets chased around.

Though he must be well over fifty, his appearance hasn't changed much since we first met him, perhaps due to his frequent visits to Polka or his natural disposition.

"But the dragons all say that my father is a great hero who will be remembered in history. Yet being an iron smith in the countryside doesn’t sit well with me as his daughter."

"Dad wanted to be an iron smith here more than any general or nobleman could offer. My grandpa was like that too."

"Why? Was your grandfather so distinguished?"

“…Yeah. He was a generous and cheerful father…”

With a slightly somber expression, she nods while thinking of her father, whose face she could no longer clearly remember.

However,

“I hear from my grandmother and the neighbors that he was careless and pathetic though…”

“…Well, there were times when he wasn’t exactly the best.”

“He’s the opposite of how people see him. The reality is quite different from his reputation,” Janet says as she turns away, shaking her head in confusion.

“No, he really did have a good job. I’m sure that part was well recognized by his colleagues and Mr. Jackie in the capital.”

“It’s tough to know someone completely, isn’t it?”

Janet twists her neck before turning around.

Just looking at her back, she's definitely seven years old. But when you talk to her, it’s hard to believe that.

Still, the mix of wisdom in her speech and occasional naivety or selfishness is rather endearing.

"I'm not a bad kid."

Muttering this as I watch her leave, Diane appears beside me and smiles wryly.

"Right now she's enjoying learning all sorts of things. Let her do what she wants. She might seem unsatisfied when you're with Elenia or Frena, but that doesn't mean she thinks poorly of you."

"No, I don’t have any complaints."

"Do you feel lonely because she’s not leaning on you?"

"Well, a little… though I definitely don’t want her to be like Elenia and the others."

"Haha. Well, if she suddenly gets interested in your lower half, don't be surprised."

"Hey, Diane, that's something we shouldn't let our daughters do."

"I want to be a fair mother. If Elenia and Frena are allowed, then Janet shouldn't get scolded if she decides to do the same thing."

"But I have to make sure that she doesn’t even think about it..."

"Then you’ll get mad if Janet brings her boyfriend over?"

"That’s an unfair question so don’t ask me that!"

How many fathers would be able to just laugh and brush off their daughter, whom they’ve been doting on since she was a baby, saying "I’m going to have sex with this guy," while bringing some random man home?

W-wait, I might have gone too far.

But in the end, that’s what it comes down to, isn’t it?

Eventually, you have to face up to that pain. But there’s no point in denying your feelings.

"W-Well...I’m just a father who loves his daughter very much...I don’t go as far as wanting to be her sex partner myself if she has one..."

"I get it, I get it. Anyway, Janet is still too young for all this."

"Ugh, I wish she could stay this way forever..."

"Don't worry, that girl has a long life ahead of her."

"That's not what I meant... well, it is kind of what I mean though..."

I hope she can find someone to love after I'm gone and be happy... That would minimize the damage.

No, that wish is pretty low too. She should want to fall in love when she’s young...

By the way, Janet basically lives outside the palace most of the time. Diane doesn’t have an overly strict policy on cleanliness, but Janet prefers staying at the Smisson residence outside the palace and rarely wants to play with other kids. She mostly reads books either at the baron's mansion or school, so there’s no real need for her to enter the palace right now.

I'm a little worried she might end up being bad at making friends like this... but I guess it can wait until she grows up more.

As for my daughter, things have been going badly lately. At least with just my son around, it's somewhat easier.

"I mean, all I hear is laughter when I listen in on those kinds of situations."

"Hey, Beatrice would be upset if her daughter was turned on by her father too!"

"I don't know since I haven’t had any daughters yet."

"Well, you can just imagine what it would be like."

Beatrix leaned her elbow on the counter with a sly smile.

She ran a shop along Polka’s main street. A sign above read “Trezia’s General Store.” It originally sold things such as stuffed animals and tote bags, but Beatrix kept adding items she found interesting to their inventory, resulting in an eclectic mix of foreign spices, soaps, art supplies, books, perfumes, weapons, furniture, and more. She even had her own supply chain for erotic scrolls, occasionally bringing in stuff I didn’t know about, which was really helpful.

Well, if I asked Onyx or someone like that, I could get whatever I wanted, but it’s not easy to keep track of things regularly. Plus, when I go to contact them, I usually end up having massive orgies with maids and prostitutes from the brothel.

"I’ve had three boys in a row now. Well, I’m not really complaining since they’re all boys, but I’d like to have a girl soon."

"...I wouldn’t mind getting pregnant again, but it might be another boy."

"Well then, we’ll just look forward to the next one."

Beatrix smiles seductively in a dress that shows off her shoulders. She’s got guts to try and attract customers with her looks.

She has grown up quite a bit as a woman since she started selling goods while working on handiwork, not just physically (though when we first met, she was so skinny), but mentally too. Now she can handle herself easily against people like Cosmos-san or Lady Swallow as the owner of this shop.

“By the way, what about the kids?”

“They’re probably at the hot springs right now? Sharon said they were going to take a bath around this time, so all the brats went with her.”

“…Sharon’s in the men’s baths again, huh…”

“She gets half-official approval when she takes the kids for a bath. Not just them though.”

“Yeah, I know there’s no one here worth attacking, but still…”

Sharon often helps out at the church temple.

During the high season, I fight monsters in Fanagas, but otherwise, I just hang around Polka. Surprisingly, some of the kids there hate baths and can go days without one if left alone. Sharon or Laurel apparently take them to church after classes and make them bathe.

Of course, they don't give boys excessive service; they simply escort them to the bath and wash them. But since Sharon doesn’t hide anything from them during that time, many boys and a few men gather in the bathroom just to watch her. It’s an annoying habit of hers, but she also teases them with things like "This body everyone's obsessed with is only felt by your little dick." So even showing herself off naked to others is part of her play.

By the way, Laurel doesn’t have such a weird hobby and wraps herself up before entering. She apparently complains that it’s disappointing when people don't react strongly to seeing her like this.

"Staying in Polka is really helpful because just taking baths heals injuries. The kid in the middle broke his arm playing Annet Hammer on the roof, but now he's fine."

"...Do you know what Annet Hammer is?"

"Somehow I do. Maybe someone started it and others copied them? It’s dangerous, so I wish it would die out."

Annet Knight-Marshal has already retired for a long time... Do they think she’s some kind of fictional hero or something?

I return to the palace, take off my shoes at the entrance, and hand them over to the naked-on-the-waist apron clad Onyx maids. I strip as I walk, handing everything over to the maids until I’m completely nude by the time I reach the great bath.

I was so tired today that I wanted to take a break and soak my whole body in the hot spring, but there were too many girls bathing, and no place to stretch out.

"Why are all of you soaking in the hot springs...?"

"Since Master hasn't been doing anything dirty since morning, everyone thinks he's going to start a gangbang when he gets back," said one of the maids nearby as the naked beauties and pretty girls around me raised their fists enthusiastically.

"...Alright then. Let’s do it. You first."

"Eeeek! I'm going to get pregnant!"

I tore off the maid's apron, grabbed her waist, and started fucking her.

...I noticed Elenia and Frena watching from very close by and hesitated for a moment.

"...Why are you just standing there?"

"We're going to be treated like dogs anyway, right?"

"They fit perfectly..."

They whispered and smiled at each other, their naked shoulders touching.

"It's just the collars now♪"

"I want a black one♪"

Ah, there aren't any new black ones available.

No, not even other colors. Putting collars on kids and sticking dicks in them is really terrible.

Diane has a daughter too.
Her name is Janet. Naturally, she is a beautiful child, just like Diane. Influenced by someone—I'm not sure who—she has made it her signature style to wear her long hair in a braid behind her ear.
She looks like a truly graceful child, but... she’s become a bit of a handful.

"Father."

"What is it, Janet? Are you going to play with Papa today?"

"No. I would prefer you settle that with someone else. I merely wish to resolve a simple question."

"......"

Does a seven-year-old ever approach her father with such a tone?

"According to various chronicles, you appear to be a veteran soldier who fought with considerable frequency. Why, then, are you not utilizing those skills now?"

"I hate to say it, but those 'various chronicles' tend to exaggerate quite a bit... It's probably just a list of people who supposedly defeated dragons or demon gods, right?"

"It also claims you destroyed Holy Beasts, pirates, and the Ogre Mafia."

"Didn't you think it sounded a little too much like a lie once it got to that point?"

"Is it a lie?"

Janet looked up at me with innocent eyes.

It pains my heart to teach reality to a child who views her father as a great hero, but there is no point in pretending. In truth, even if someone asked me to fight, the best I could do is ask around for help. I haven't even touched a crossbow in years.

"It's not a complete lie, but in reality, there are many cases where it was a draw, or I was simply present at the scene."

"Hmm. Why would it be written that way, then?"

"...I suppose it's because everyone finds it easier to believe if they credit it to Papa."

"I do not understand. Why? Was your younger self as formidable as an ogre?"

"Well, there were a few times where I got incredibly lucky and won against opponents who seemed impossible to beat... Though, the dragons and Mama were heavily involved too. They all just insisted they were merely helping me out. So, behind the scenes, I became famous as 'that kind of person.'"

"And so, the tales of your heroism began."

"Something like that. Even Janet can see that Mama is much more impressive, right?"

"I do not dispute that my mother is a monster."

"Don't talk about Mama like that..."

That said, Janet possesses considerable martial talent.
At her age, she can manipulate unarmed shockwaves at will, and her physical abilities are well beyond those of an adult. She clearly demonstrates her talent as Diane's daughter.
That is likely why she can truly grasp the sheer magnitude of Diane's strength.
However, she isn't a brute; on the contrary, she is a bookworm who spends all her free time sequestered in the Baron's study or the Polka Academy library.
I think her ability to read so much at such a young age is also a sign of the intelligence she inherited from Diane. I was just a bratty kid, causing mischief and peeking into things even at ten.
...Where did my genes go?

"If you possessed such military achievements, I believe you should be in a position to command armies, much like my grandfather. I assume the same applies to Sieg Becker."

"Well, Mr. Becker is a true great hero..."

After retiring from the front lines, Mr. Becker apparently continues to train the next generation and operate from the shadows as a staff officer for the Intelligence Brigade.

"In the end, I've lived in the world of violence since I was a brat. I can't stand being idle," he once told me.

Occasionally, through connections via Onyx, he visits Polka, where he dotes on the wives or gets chased around after participating in the 'peeping squad.'

He should be well past fifty, but perhaps because of his frequent visits to Polka or simply because of his natural constitution, my impression of him hasn't changed since the first time we met.

"And yet, the dragons all say in unison that you are a great hero destined for the history books. Therefore, as your daughter, I find the notion of you being a mere country blacksmith difficult to accept."

"Papa wanted to be a blacksmith here more than being any general or noble. Because that's what Papa's father was, too."

"Why? Was he such a magnificent grandfather?"

"...Yeah. He was easygoing, bright... a good man."

I nodded, feeling a slight pang of melancholy.

I was thinking of my father, whose face I could no longer clearly recall.

However—

"My grandmother and the neighbors tell me nothing but stories of his carelessness and shame..."

"...Well, I suppose there was a bit of that, too."

"The opposite of your father, then. It seems his true self and his reputation were far apart."

"No, his work was truly impressive. His fellow craftsmen in the Royal Capital and Jackie-san definitely respected him for that."

"How difficult it is, truly knowing a person."

Janet turned her back to me, tilting her head in thought.

Looking at her back, she really is only seven years old. But talking to her, it's hard to believe.

That said, while her speech is intelligent, there's something endearing about the way her lack of perceptiveness or her overwhelming desires occasionally slip through her pure nature.

"She's not a bad kid, though..."

As I muttered, watching her retreating back, Diane-san appeared from out of nowhere and stood beside me with a wry smile.

"Right now is a time when learning various things is fun. Let her do as she pleases. It might feel insufficient while you're looking after Elenia and Frena, but even so, she doesn't hold anything against you."

"No, it's not that I'm dissatisfied or anything."

"Aren't you just lonely because she doesn't lean on you as much?"

"Well, a little... no, I certainly don't want her to become like El and the others."

"Fufu. Well, just don't be surprised if she suddenly develops an interest in Papa's lower body."

"No, we have to guard against that, Diane-san. You shouldn't give a daughter permission for something like that."

"I wish to be a fair mother. As long as Elenia and Frena are permitted, I will have no words to stop Janet if she decides she's interested."

"I'll have to make sure she doesn't get that idea..."

"But you would be angry if Janet brought home a boyfriend, wouldn't you?"

"Don't ask that! That's a cheap question, seriously!"

How many fathers could laugh this off if the daughter they had loved since she was a baby brought home a stranger and said, "I'm going to have sex with this man"?

Ugh, that was vulgar of me.

But that's basically the point, isn't it?

Someday, I'll have to face that pain honestly. But for now, it's understandable that I can't quite admit my emotions.

"I... I'm just a father who dotes on his daughter... I'm not so insane that I'd want to be my daughter's sexual partner instead of letting her give herself to a boyfriend..."

"I get it, I get it. Anyway, it's far too early for her."

"Ugh, I want her to stay 'too early' forever..."

"Don't worry, she has a long lifespan."

"That's not what I meant... well, I mean, that is what I meant, but..."

Ideally, I want her to find a boyfriend and be happy after I've died... because the damage would be lower.

Actually, that's a pretty low blow. I suppose young people are meant to fall in love.

...By the way, Janet's life is basically spent outside the palace. It's not that Diane-san has an especially strict educational policy, but since Janet lives at the Sympson residence outside the palace, doesn't want to play with the other children, and spends her time either with Diane-san or lost in books at the Baron's mansion or the academy, there's currently little need for her to enter the palace.

I'm a little worried she might end up becoming a child who struggles to make friends... but well, perhaps that's something I can address once she's grown more.

Regarding my daughter, I've been on the losing side of every argument lately, but having only a son would be much more relaxing.

"It's funny to listen to when I'm just a bystander, though."

"No, even for you, Beatrice, you wouldn't want your own daughter to be in heat for her father!?"

"I don't have any daughters yet, so I wouldn't know."

"You could at least try to use your imagination."

Beatrice leaned her elbows on the counter with a smirk.

She had established her shop along Polka's main thoroughfare. A sign hung above, reading "Everything Store Trezia."

Initially, it was a shop that sold handicrafts like stuffed animals and tote bags, but as Beatrice continuously found things that piqued her interest and added them to her inventory, the stock became a disjointed mix of foreign spices, soaps, art supplies, books, perfumes, weaponry, and furnishings—eventually turning it into a true "everything store."

Incidentally, she also maintains her own private supply route for erotic scrolls, and she frequently brings in items even I haven't heard of, which is a huge help.

Well, I could get as much as I wanted if I just relied on someone like Onyx, but it's hard to check in on him regularly. Most of the time, when I do go to make contact, it ends in a massive orgy with the maid corps or the prostitutes from the main house.

"I've had three boys in a row. I mean, I'm not complaining about having boys, but I'm starting to want to try for a girl."

"...I'm not averse to getting you pregnant, but it might be another boy."

"Then I'll just have to look forward to the next one."

Beatrice smiled, wearing an alluring, off-the-shoulder top.

She possessed a formidable business spirit, intending to use her looks as the shopkeeper to attract customers.

Since she set aside her sword to pursue a trade through manual labor, Beatrice had grown significantly as a woman.

Her physique had certainly changed (mainly because she was far too scrawny when we first met), but she had also gained emotional stability. Now, as the proprietor of the shop, she could hold her own against people like Cosmos or Lady Swallow with plenty of composure.

"By the way, what about the kids?"

"They're probably at the hot springs right now. Sharon says she's bathing at this hour, so all the brats go along."

"...Sharon is intentionally going to the men's bath again...?"

"Since the kids are so willing to bathe, that nymphomaniac is practically officially permitted. Not just the kids, either."

"Well, even if there's no one there she can actually attack, still..."

Sharon often helps out at the church temple.

During the high season, she fights monsters in Renfangs, but the rest of the time she stays put in Polka. Surprisingly, some of Polka's children are quite averse to bathing; if left alone, they'll skip it for days, so Sharon or Laurie ends up taking them after their lessons at the church.

Of course, they aren't providing any "excessive service" to the young boys—they are strictly there to take them to the bath and wash them—but because Sharon is the type of woman who hides nothing, the bathhouse ends up congested with a large number of young boys and a small number of grown men, all trying to etch the sight into their memories.

It is a problematic fetish of hers, but since she provokes them by saying things like, "This body that the whole town is obsessed with... only you can make my pussy feel it...♪," exposing her vulnerability to others is ultimately just part of her "play."

For what it's worth, Laurie doesn't share such tastes and apparently bathes wrapped in cloth. Even so, she complained that it's unpleasant when he makes an overtly disappointed face, saying, "This one is a letdown..."

"Being in Polka is such a help, since even injuries heal just from bathing. The middle kid broke his arm the other day playing 'Annette Hammer' off a roof, but he's perfectly fine now."

"...Do the kids nowadays even know what 'Annette Hammer' is?"

"For some reason, they do. I wonder if someone's imitation has been passed down through the generations. It's dangerous, so I wish the legend would die out."

But Grand Knight Annette retired a long time ago... I wonder if she's already become some kind of fictional hero to them.

---

Returning to the Palace, I removed my footwear at the entrance and handed them to the Onyx maids, who emerged wearing nothing but waist aprons.

As I walked, I stripped off my top and then my bottoms, handing those to the maids as well, until I was stark naked by the time I reached the large communal bath.

"Man, I'm exhausted today," I thought, looking around, wanting to soak my entire body and take a break.

But the density of girls bathing was so high that I couldn't find a single spot where I could sprawl out.

"Why is everyone bathing in the hot springs so much...?"

"Since Master hasn't had any sex since this morning, we're all thinking that once Master returns, it'll be an orgy party!♪"

As a nearby maid said this, the sea of naked beauties and young girls before my eyes raised their fists in excitement, shouting, "Yee-haw!"

"...Fine, then I'll do that. You first."

"Kyaa!♪ I'm being impregnated!♪"

I tore the apron off the reporting maid, threw it aside, grabbed her by the waist, and began to take her.

...I hesitated for a moment, noticing that Elenia and Frena were watching from quite close by.

"...What are you worried about?"

"We're going to commit it anyway, right?"

"They look so... natural together..."

As they muttered, the two pressed their naked shoulders together and smiled at one another.

"Now all we need is the collar, right? ♪"

"I want a black one! ♪"

Ah—we haven't issued any black ones yet.

Actually, nothing but black is allowed. Putting a collar on a child and thrusting a dick into them is seriously the worst.

Diane also has a daughter. Her name is Janet. Of course, she’s as beautiful as Diane, inheriting her mother’s looks. For some reason, she’s made it her style to have only the tips of her long hair braided.

She looks like such a proper young lady… but she’s become a bit of a handful.

"Father."

"What is it, Janet? Are you going to play with Papa today?"

"No, I’d rather leave that to someone else. I just want to clear up a simple question."

"…………"

Does a seven-year-old ever talk to their father like that?

"According to various historical texts, Father seems to have been a battle-hardened veteran who fought quite frequently. Why isn’t he utilizing that experience now?"

"Honestly, those texts are probably exaggerating… they’re just saying you defeated dragons and demon lords or something, right?"

"She also eradicated holy beasts, pirates, and the Ogre Mafia."

"Didn’t you think it sounded a little fishy when it got to that point?"

"A lie?"

Janet looks up at him with innocent eyes.

It pains him to shatter the image of his daughter who thinks of him as a great hero, but there’s no point in pretending. The truth is, even if she asked him to fight something, he’d just have to rely on others. He hasn’t touched a crossbow in years.

"It’s not completely false, but there are quite a few cases where it was actually a draw or I was just present at the scene."

"Hmm… why would such descriptions arise?"

"…Well, everyone just accepts it if they say it was Papa’s doing."

"I don’t understand. Why? Was Father some kind of ogre-like brute in his youth?"

"Well, there were a few times when he accidentally won against opponents who seemed impossible to beat… mostly thanks to luck. And yeah, the dragons and Mom helped out too, but everyone insisted it was all Papa’s doing. That’s how he became secretly famous for being that kind of guy."

"So that’s how the story of Father being a hero began?"

"Something like that. And Mom’s even more amazing, you can see that yourself, Janet."

"I don’t dispute that Mother is a monster."

"Don’t talk about Mom like that…"

Still, Janet herself has quite the talent for combat. At her age, she can freely manipulate shockwaves with her bare hands, and her physical abilities are beyond those of an adult. She clearly demonstrates her lineage through her talent alone.

That’s probably why she also realizes just how infinitely strong Diane is.

But she’s not a brute by any means—in fact, she’s such a bookworm that she spends all her free time holed up in the Baron’s study or the Polka Academy library.

The fact that she can read so much at this age must be thanks to Diane’s inherited intelligence. I was just a foolish kid who could get away with mischief and snooping even at ten.

…Where did my blood go?

"If you had such military achievements, wouldn’t you be in a position to command an army like Grandfather? And that Sieg Becker too."

"Becker-san is a true hero…"

After retiring from the field, Becker-san apparently still trains successors and works behind the scenes as a staff officer for the Intelligence Brigade.

"I’ve been living in the world of rough-and-tumble since I was a kid. Laziness just doesn’t suit me," he used to say.

"Sometimes, through Onyx's connections, I come to Polka and either service the wives or join the peeping squad and get chased around."

"I should be well past fifty, but whether it's because I still come to Polka sometimes, or just his own nature, he hasn't changed much since we first met."

"But the dragons all say your father was a great hero worthy of history. Yet, as his daughter, I find it hard to accept that he was just a country blacksmith."

"Dad wanted to be a blacksmith here more than any general or noble. Just like his own father before him."

"Why? Was he such an impressive grandfather?"

"…Yeah. He was easygoing and cheerful… a good dad."

He nodded, thinking wistfully of his father, whose face he could barely remember anymore.

"But the grandmother and neighbors only ever told me stories about how careless and pathetic he was…"

"…Well, yeah, there were those things about him too, I guess."

"He's the opposite of your father. The reality and reputation are worlds apart."

"Nah, Dad was a great worker too. All the craftsmen in the royal capital and even Jackie always said so."

"It's hard to know people, isn't it?"

Janet twisted her head and turned away with a sigh.

Looking at her back, she still looks like a seven-year-old. But when she talks, you wouldn’t think so.

Even so, the way her sharpness in conversation contrasts with her occasional cluelessness or how her desires sometimes outweigh her judgment—there’s something endearing about it.

"She's not a bad kid."

As I muttered that and watched her go, Diane appeared out of nowhere and walked beside me with a wry smile.

"This is an exciting time for her to learn things. Let her do as she pleases. She might find it lacking when she’s just with Elenia and Frena, but they don’t dislike you for it."

"No, I’m not complaining or anything."

"Maybe you’re sad because she doesn’t dote on you?"

"Well… a little… no, I don’t want her to be like Elenia and the others, never!"

"Hehe. Well, try not to be surprised if she suddenly develops an interest in your lower half."

"No way, Diane! I’ll guard against that!"

"I want to be a fair mother. If Elenia and Frena are allowed it, then I can’t say no if Janet feels like it."

"I have to make sure she doesn’t feel like it…"

"But would you get angry if Janet brought home a boyfriend?"

"Don’t ask that question—it’s unfair!"

How many fathers could laugh off their daughter bringing home a stranger and saying, "I’m going to have sex with this man"?

W-well, that was crude.

But yeah, that’s the reality of it.

I’ll have to face that pain honestly someday. But it’s only natural not to acknowledge my own feelings now.

"I… I’m just a father who dotes on his daughter… it’s not like I’m so twisted that I’d rather be her sex partner than give it to her boyfriend…"

"Alright, alright. It’s still too early for her anyway."

"Ugh, I wish she could just stay this way forever…"

"Don't worry, she's got a long lifespan."

"It's not that… well, it is that…"

Ideally, I want her to find a boyfriend after I'm gone and be happy… It’d be less painful that way.

No, even that’s a pretty awful wish. Young people should be in love when they're young.

…By the way, Janet basically lives outside the Palace these days. Diane isn’t particularly strict with her education, but Janet lives with the Smisson family outside the Palace, doesn’t want to play with the other kids, and unless Diane’s entertaining her, she’s always buried in books at the Baron’s mansion or the academy, so there’s really no need for her to be in the Palace right now.

I’m a little worried she’ll just become someone who struggles to make friends… but I guess we can worry about that when she’s older.

As for my daughter, things haven’t been looking great lately, but it’s a bit easier since I only have one son.

"Hearing you talk like that makes me laugh, though," Beatrice said.

"Beatrice, you’d hate it if your daughter was getting all worked up over her father, right?!"

"I don't have any daughters yet, so I can't say."

"You can probably imagine it, though."

Beatrice leaned on the counter with a smirk.

Her shop was located along Polka’s main street, with a sign that read "Treasure Trove."

It started as a store selling handicrafts like stuffed animals and tote bags, but Beatrice kept finding things she was interested in and adding them to the inventory—foreign spices, soaps, art supplies, books, perfume, weapons, furniture… it became a hodgepodge of items, turning it into a "treasure trove."

She also has her own exclusive supply route for erotic picture scrolls, which is great because she occasionally gets stuff I’ve never even heard of.

I mean, I could get them from Onyx all day long, but it’s hard to check in with them regularly. Plus, if I go to contact them, I usually end up in some wild orgy with the maidens or the brothel whores.

"We've had three boys in a row, you know. Well, I’m not exactly unhappy about being a man, but I’d like to try having a girl sometime."

"I wouldn’t mind getting pregnant, but it might just be another boy."

"Then we’ll just have to look forward to the next one."

Beatrice smiled, wearing something that showed off her shoulders.

She’s got a gutsy business sense—using her looks to attract customers.

Since she stopped wielding swords and started working with her hands in business, Beatrice has grown into a woman in more ways than one.

Not just physically (though she was so scrawny when I first met her), but mentally too—she’s become much more stable. Now, she can hold her own against Cosmos and Lady Swallow with complete confidence as the shop owner.

"Speaking of kids, where are they?"

"They’re probably at the hot springs by now? Sharon takes a bath around this time, so all the brats go with her."

"…Sharon’s going to the men’s bath again, huh…"

"The kids are happy to take baths, so she’s semi-officially allowed. Not just the kids, though."

"Well, there aren’t many people she can actually attack, but still…"

Sharon often helps out at the church.

She fights monsters in Renfanger during the high season, but otherwise, she sticks around Polka. Surprisingly, some of the kids here hate baths and will skip them for days if left to their own devices, so Sharon or Lauree takes them after church classes.

Of course, she doesn’t give the boys any special treatment—she just takes them to the bath and washes them. But Sharon is the type of woman who doesn’t hide anything, so a bunch of young boys and a few older guys end up stuck in traffic outside the bathhouse, trying to memorize every detail.

That’s another one of her troublesome fetishes—she’ll taunt them by saying, "This body everyone's obsessed with? Only your dicks can make me feel it…♪" So even showing off her vulnerable side is just part of her game.

Lauree doesn’t really share that interest, so she wraps herself in a cloth when she goes to the bath. But even then, she complained about how disappointed people look at her.

"Just being in the bath in Polka is amazing—wounds heal and everything. The middle kid broke her arm playing Annette Hammer from the roof the other day, but she’s already back to normal."

“…Does the current generation even know about Annette Hammer?”

“They somehow do. I guess someone copied her and it’s been passed down through the ages. I wish it would just disappear—it’s dangerous.”

Annette, the Great Knight Commander, retired a long time ago… I wonder if she’s already considered some kind of fictional hero now.

I return to the palace, take off my shoes at the entrance, and hand them over to the naked, aproned Onyx maids who greet me.

As I walk, I shed my upper clothes, then my lower, entrusting those too to the maids. By the time I reach the bathhouse, I’m completely nude.

“Tired again today…” I think, wanting a rest and a soak, but…

The density of bathing girls is so high that there’s nowhere to lie down in the fetal position.

“Why are so many people taking baths right now…?”

“Master hasn’t been getting any action since this morning, so everyone thinks it’s gonna be a group sex party when he gets back!”

A nearby maid says this, and the naked beauties surrounding me cheerfully raise their fists in agreement.

“…Alright, let’s do it then. You first.”

“Kyaa! I’m gonna get pregnant!”

I tear off the reporting maid’s apron and toss it aside before grabbing her hips and going to work on her.

…Then I notice Elenia and Frena watching from close by, which makes me hesitate for a second.

“…What are you two looking at?”

“We’re getting screwed too, right?”

“They’re so used to this…”

They murmur, then lean their naked shoulders together and smile at each other.

“Just need the collars now, yeah?”

“I want the black ones!”

Ugh, I haven’t issued any new black ones.
No, not just black’s a problem. Putting collars on kids and shoving dicks in their mouths is seriously the worst.

Diane also has a daughter.
Her name is Janet. Of course, she's as beautiful as her mother. For some reason, she's made her long hair with only the ends braided into her signature style.

She truly looks like a gentle and refined child... but somehow, she's become quite difficult to deal with.

"Father."

"What is it, Janet? Are you going to play with Papa today?"

"No, I'd prefer someone else handle that. I just want to resolve a simple question."

"…………"

Is it normal for a seven-year-old child to speak to their father in such a tone?

"Papa seems to have been a seasoned veteran who fought quite frequently according to various documents, but why aren't you putting that experience to use now?"

"I can't say this without sounding rude, but those documents are exaggerating quite a bit... You're probably just talking about some guy who defeated dragons or demon gods, right?"

"He also destroyed holy beasts, pirates, and ogre mafias."

"Didn't you think it started getting a bit unbelievable when it reached that point?"

"Is it all lies then?"

Janet looks up at him with innocent eyes.
It hurts his heart to teach the child who sees her father as a great hero the harsh reality, but pretending would be pointless anyway.
In truth, even if someone challenged him to fight, he could only rely on others for help. He hasn't touched his crossbow in years.

"It's not entirely false, but there are quite a few cases where it ended in a draw or I was just present at the scene."

"Hmm. Why would such descriptions be written?"

"...Probably because people accept it more easily if they think it was all Papa's doing."

"I don't understand. Why? Was Father really as fierce as an ogre back in his youth?"

"Well, there were a few times I managed to defeat opponents who seemed impossible to beat just by sheer luck... Besides, dragons and Mom were involved quite a bit too, but everyone insisted they were only helping Papa. So, Papa became famous behind the scenes for being such a person."

"So that's how Father became known as a hero?"

"Well, something like that. You can see for yourself that Mom is far more impressive than him, can't you, Janet?"

"There's no denying Mom was monstrous."

"Don't speak of Mom in that way..."

Still, Janet possesses considerable martial talent.
For her age, she freely manipulates shockwaves without any weapons and has physical abilities surpassing adults, clearly demonstrating the Diane bloodline through her innate gifts.
That's probably why she also feels the boundless strength of her mother firsthand.

However, she's not a reckless brute. On the contrary, she's an avid bookworm who spends almost all her free time hiding away in the study at the Baron's estate or the library at Polka Academy.
The fact that she can read so much at this age is undoubtedly inherited from Diane's intellect. I was still a foolish kid up to ten years old, running wild and prying into everything without restraint.

...Where did my blood go?

"If such great feats were accomplished, he should have been placed in a position commanding armies like Grandfather, shouldn't he? That applies to Siegfried Becker as well."

"Mr. Becker is a true great hero, after all..."

After retiring from the front lines, Mr. Becker apparently continues to train younger generations and operate behind the scenes as a staff officer of the Intelligence Corps.
"In the end, I've lived in the world of violence since childhood," he once said. "I can't just sit around doing nothing."

Sometimes I come to Polka through an Onyx contact, where I serve the ladies or join the voyeur squad and get chased around.
I should be well past fifty by now, but perhaps because I visit Polka occasionally, or maybe due to my own nature, my impression of you hasn't changed much since we first met.

"Yet all the dragons say your father was a great hero destined for history. But as a daughter, I can't quite accept that he was just a country blacksmith."

"Your dad wanted to be a blacksmith here more than becoming any general or noble. Your grandfather did too."

"Why? Was your grandfather so remarkable?"

"...Yeah. He was open-minded, cheerful... a really good father."

With a slightly somber tone.

Thinking of the father whose face I can no longer clearly recall, I nod.

But—

"Everyone from my grandmother and neighbors only hears stories about him being clumsy and pathetic..."

"...Well, there were some aspects like that, I suppose."

"He's the opposite of his father. His true self seems far removed from his reputation."

"No, your dad was truly excellent at his work. Even the craftsmen in the capital city and Jackie-san have always praised that part of him."

"It's hard to truly know people, isn't it?"

Janet turns her back while tilting her head.

From behind, she still looks seven years old, yet when we talk, she doesn't seem like a child at all.

Still, there's something endearing about how her sharp and intelligent speech is occasionally clouded by poor judgment or overwhelming desires, with traces of innocence peeking through everywhere.

"She's not a bad kid, though," I mutter as I watch her back.

From somewhere, Diane appears beside me with a wry smile.

"Now is a fun time to learn many things. Let her be herself. Even if dealing with Elenia and Frena feels unsatisfying, they don't think poorly of you."

"I'm not complaining or anything..."

"Don't you feel lonely because she won't cling to you?"

"Well, a little... but I certainly don't want her to become like them."

"Fufu. And don't be surprised if suddenly your interest shifts to your daughter's lower half."

"No, let's guard against that, Diane. That's something only daughters should be allowed to consider."

"I wish to be a fair mother. Since Elenia and Frena are permitted, if Janet ever gets the urge, I won't know what words to say."

"I must make sure she never gets such urges..."

"But if she brings a boyfriend, you'll get angry, right?"

"Don't ask such underhanded questions, really!"

How many fathers can laugh it off when their beloved daughter, whom they've cherished since infancy, says, "I'm going to have sex with this man," and brings an unknown guy along?

N-no, that was crude.

But that's essentially what it comes down to.

That pain will eventually force me to admit defeat honestly. Yet, having my emotions denied is unavoidable.

"I... I'm just a father who dotes openly on his daughter... It's not like I'm so crazy that I'd want to be her sex partner instead of letting her date someone..."

"Got it, got it. Anyway, she's still too young for all this."

"Uuuu, I want her to stay young forever..."

"Don't worry; that girl has a long lifespan."

"Not what I meant... well, sort of..."

Ideally, I'd like her to find a boyfriend and live happily after I die. It would be less painful for everyone.

No, that's pretty pathetic too. Young people should fall in love when they're young.

...By the way, Janet mostly lives outside the palace. While Deanne isn't particularly strict about cleanliness education, Janet resides with the Smithsons outside the palace, refuses to play with other children, and spends her days reading books at either the Baron's estate or the academy under Deanne's supervision. For now, there's little need for her to enter the palace.
I'm a bit worried she might grow up unable to make friends... but maybe it's better to address that when she matures further.

As for my daughter, things haven't been going well lately, but having only a son makes it slightly easier.

"If you just listen from the side, all I do is laugh at those things."

"No way! Beatrice, wouldn't you hate it if your own daughter was infatuated with her father!?"

"I don't have a daughter yet, so I can't say for sure."

"But even imagining it sounds like something that would happen."

Beatrice grinned and rested her elbows on the counter.

She runs a shop along Polka's main street called "General Store Trezia." Originally, it sold crafts like plush toys and handbags, but Beatrice kept adding items she found interesting—foreign spices, soap, art supplies, books, perfumes, weapons, household goods, and more. The eclectic assortment eventually turned it into a true general store.
By the way, she also has her own supply chain for erotic illustrations. Sometimes she stocks items I don't even know about, which is incredibly helpful.
Well, I could ask Onyx or others to get them anytime, but checking regularly is troublesome. Most of the time, when I try to contact suppliers, I end up in a wild orgy with maid groups and brothel workers from the main house.

"I've had three boys in a row now. Having only men isn't a problem for me, but maybe it's time I tried having a girl."

"...I'm not opposed to getting pregnant again, but there's no guarantee it'll be a girl this time."

"Then we can just look forward to the next one."

Beatrice smiled seductively, her shoulder-baring outfit accentuating her charm.

It's a shrewd business instinct to attract customers with her appearance.

Through wielding swords and running her shop, Beatrice has grown significantly as a woman over the years. Not only in physique—though she was far too frail when we first met—but also mentally. She now handles interactions with people like Cosmos or Lady Swallow with complete composure as the store owner.

"Oh, by the way, what about the children?"

"Probably at the hot springs right now? Sharon said it's bath time for them around this hour, so all the kids are heading there."

"...Sharon went to the men's bath again on purpose..."

"The kids bathe willingly only because she half-sanctioned that pervert. It's not just the children, though."

"Well, even if no one can attack her, still... you know..."

Sharon often helps at the church temple. She fights monsters in Renfanggas during peak season but stays in Polka otherwise. Surprisingly, many of Polka's children hate bathing; if left alone, they skip it for days. After church lessons, Sharon and Loryie seem to give them baths.
Of course, she doesn't provide excessive services to the boys—she simply takes them to bathe and washes them—but since Sharon is a woman who reveals nothing while doing so, numerous young boys and a few older men crowd the bathing area just to catch a glimpse of her.

That's also part of her troublesome fetish. She teases them with lines like, "This body that captivates the whole town can only be touched by your little member...♪" So, exposing herself vulnerably to others has become one of her playful acts for her.
By the way, Loryie doesn't share such interests and usually wraps herself in cloth while bathing. Still, she complains bitterly about being blatantly disappointed whenever someone stares at her like that.

"Being in Polka really helps with healing injuries just by taking a bath. The middle child broke his arm playing with an Annet hammer from the roof last time, but he's already back to full strength."

"...Do the kids these days know about Annette Hammer?"

"Seems like they do. It's probably because someone copied it, and the imitation has been passed down through generations. I wish it would disappear—it's too dangerous."

Even though Grand Knight Annette retired long ago... Maybe people already think of her as some kind of fictional hero now.

Returning to the palace, I removed my footwear at the entrance and handed them over to the fully nude, apron-wearing Onyx maids who had just emerged. Walking forward, I took off my top first, then my bottom, handing those over as well. By the time I reached the large bathhouse, I was completely naked.

Today has been exhausting—I wanted to take a break and soak in the hot spring, but when I looked around...

The density of girls bathing here is so high that there's no space left to lie down flat.

"Why are everyone taking baths like this..."

"Since your master hasn't had any intimate time with you since morning, we all think he'll come back and start a group orgy! ♪"

A nearby maid said this, and the sea of fully nude beauties and young girls around me cheered enthusiastically, raising their fists in agreement.

"...Then let's do it. You go first."

"Aaaah! ♪ I'm gonna get pregnant! ♪"

I tore off the apron of the reporting maid and discarded it, grabbing her waist and preparing to make my move.

...Noticing that Elenia and Frena were watching from just a few feet away made me hesitate for a moment.

"...What are you two doing?"

"We're going to get used anyway, right?"

"They're already so comfortable with each other..."

I muttered this, and the two of them leaned their bare shoulders together, smiling at one another.

"All that's left is the collar! ♪"

"I want a black one! ♪"

Ah, we haven't issued any new black collars yet.
No, actually, no other colors are allowed either. Putting a collar on a child and thrusting a penis into them... That's just absolutely terrible.