Interulde 1
"Heh, you're adorable, Jin-san," Yūri said as she gently ran her fingers through Jin's hair.
Though he was wrapped in bandages from head to toe, he wasn't in a permanent slumber. He had simply been caught up in a bit of magic, sustaining some injuries in the process.
After Rika, who isn’t particularly skilled in [Recovery Magic], insisted on helping, her overzealous bandaging resulted in Jin being wrapped head to toe—his face was the only part not fully bandaged. Despite his appearance, he slept peacefully, breathing steadily.
"Ah, even though he’s so gallant usually, when he sleeps, he looks almost childlike."
"Yeah, it’s like he’s a child… a child…"
"Hm? Is something wrong?"
"All of a sudden, I feel this overwhelming maternal instinct. Should I feed him…?"
"Are you in heat year-round or something?"
I can’t help but worry about my comrades' antics after saving the world.
To anyone who sees Yūri, she looks like the epitome of a pure, delicate girl—her hair, down to the very tips, is beautifully smooth, and her translucent eyes can captivate even other women.
Yet, every time she speaks, this happens.
I’d really like to know what part of Yūri the goddess found so appealing to grant her the blessing of [Saintess].
"Rude. Only Jin-san."
"Can we stop calling it ‘constant heat’? I’ve been with Jin for three years now."
"Well, I guess I’ll just have to release this overflowing maternal instinct through some ‘babying’ play later…"
"Go back to the church and get purged once, you heat-magnet."
(Oh, my bad.)
(I slipped into dirty language there. I can’t say that in front of Jin; he’d be turned off for sure. I need to be careful.)
"Hm? What were you two talking about?"
As Yūri engaged in a playful verbal sparring match, Rika returned from picking flowers.
"Oh, Yūri being a pervert again," Rika said nonchalantly.
"Pfft, like that’s news," Yūri responded dismissively.
"You’re just as guilty, Rika-chan, with your reactions towards me," Yūri added, puffing up her cheeks in mock indignation.
Trying to regain her usual cuteness, Yūri failed miserably. It was too late for that now. Besides, trying to be manipulative when Jin isn’t watching wouldn’t work anymore.
"Ugh…! It can’t be helped. I’ve been burdened with the confessions of adults’ bizarre, grotesque acts since I was a child. It’s only natural my tastes have become twisted."
"Can we not turn this into some tragic monster origin story…?"
"Exactly. It doesn’t faze me."
"Now, now! You’re all being so cruel! The only one who can comfort me is, of course, Jin-san—ugh…!"
"Not gonna happen."
Before Yūri could latch onto Jin, Rika grabbed her firmly by the collar and seated her beside herself with her unmatched strength. Even Yūri couldn’t resist Rika’s sheer force.
Choking slightly, Yūri glared at us resentfully, her throat constrained by Rika’s grip.
"Come on, just a little bit?"
"No. Not even a little."
"Come on, come on, come on!"
"Yūri, you weren’t this crazy when you first joined the party."
"…You’re right. I’ve been corrupted. By Jin-san."
"Suddenly rational, huh? But I understand."
Meeting Jin reignited her long-forgotten hopes of marriage, ultimately leading her to the path of tying the knot. Her days became more fulfilling with each passing moment spent with Jin, discovering new joys together.
Thinking about it, there are three people here whose lives Jin has completely transformed.
"I just thought… Jin, you must have other women wrapped around your finger too."
"The ones we traveled with partway were Floria, a dragonkin, and Ruti, a beastkin. Also… Lilithna from the undead tribe."
"Hmm… now that I think about it, it's strange that Jin managed to turn some of the Demon King’s lieutenants."
"Jin-san has a natural talent for charming people. It’s not just women, you know—men are probably included too."
"…Well, there’s one troublesome guy who’s been sticking around. You know who I’m talking about."
I’m sure we were thinking of the same person.
A knowing expression crossed my face.
"Especially since Jin-san gets along so well with him, it’s hard to shake him off."
"…He’s not a bad guy, but still…"
"The one who would probably oppose our marriage the most is…"
"Haha, yeah. I can easily picture that."
"When that happens, I’ll shut him up with my fist, so don’t worry."
"Right, but you’re the root cause of it, Rika-chan? Don’t do that."
Yūri’s words were completely valid. How many times has she used violence already?
If not for her [Hero] status, she’d probably have been executed by now.
Even though the other party holds a high position.
"…Regardless, once we receive the news that the Demon King has been defeated, everyone will come visiting for celebrations, under various pretexts."
"Most of them are tribe leaders or hold significant responsibilities. Without a doubt."
"So, Jin will get their attention too."
"…But I won’t let them interfere with the wedding."
"I’ll protect it with everything I’ve got."
"Yes, Jin’s first time will be ours."
"‘…………’"
"You know what I mean, right? Jin’s first wedding. If he accepts, I won’t stop anyone from becoming his wife later. So please, stop giving us those condescending looks."
There was a slight hesitation at first, but in the end, we all nodded in agreement.
Bound together, we each snuggled into Jin’s bed peacefully.
——.
T/N: Forgot there were 2 Interuldes before chapter 3.