The woman standing before me is named Rain Alfeid.
She is Schwartz’s biological mother and also my stepmother. She is in her early thirties.
Rain is an exceptionally beautiful woman with captivating almond-shaped eyes and an incredibly alluring, voluptuous figure. However, her facial expression is so intense that it often gives the illusion that she is constantly glaring at you.
Honestly, Rain exudes the kind of vibe you’d expect from a wicked stepmother in anime or manga. In other words, she comes across as someone who looks like a villain.
“It’s been a while, Stepmother Rain.”
Given her intimidating, villain-like appearance, I greeted her with a slight bow, feeling a bit nervous. But…
“Yes, it has been a while, Seras-kun. Have you been well?”
“Y-yes, I’ve been doing fine.”
“Hmm. That’s good to hear.”
Despite her scary, villain-like appearance, her personality is incredibly kind and gentle.
Rain has always treated me, who is not her biological child, as if I were her own son. She was the only person in the Alfeid household who was genuinely kind to me.
However, after my mother, Ellis Alfeid, passed away, Rain was promoted to the position of the first wife and took on all the diplomatic responsibilities of the Alfeid family that she and Ellis had previously handled together.
As a result, Rain’s diplomatic duties have increased significantly, and she has become so busy that she can only return to the Alfeid household a few times a year.
“Hmm, but still… Seras-kun, are you still living in this little shack? I’ve repeatedly told that person to let you move back into the main house.”
Rain said this with a slightly displeased expression, which made her already intimidating appearance even more frightening.
“N-no, it’s really fine. In fact, living in a small, quiet place like this helps me focus on my studies. So, Stepmother Rain, please don’t worry about it.”
“Is that so? You’ve always been such a hard worker, Seras-kun. Hehe, I’m sure Ellis-san in heaven is very proud of your efforts.”
“Eh? My mother? Haha, I’d be happy if that were the case.”
Rain’s expression softened into a gentle smile as she spoke to me. From her expression, it was clear that she truly is a kind-hearted woman.
In fact, my mother, Ellis, and Rain had been close friends since childhood. Although they were not related by blood, they were said to be as close as real sisters. I’d like to ask Rain about my mother someday.
“Ah, that reminds me. How long do you plan to stay at the Alfeid household this time, Stepmother Rain?”
“Eh? Ah, I’m sorry. I have to attend a meeting in the neighboring territory soon. I only came back today to retrieve some documents needed for that meeting. So, it seems I won’t be able to return for a while…”
“Ah, I see. You’re still as busy as ever with your diplomatic work. But are there really that many meetings happening all over the world?”
“…Yes. Seras-kun, you’re already a mature adult… I suppose it’s fine. Let me tell you what’s happening in the world right now.”
“Eh?”
Suddenly, the tone of Rain’s conversation changed. She looked at me with a very serious expression.
“Actually, for the past few years… there have been signs of the Demon King’s revival.”
“Eh? The Demon King?”
“Yes, that’s right. For the past few years, there have been abnormal occurrences of monsters all over the world, and about a year ago, races believed to be demons have been gradually discovered in various places. This is exactly the same situation as when the Demon King was revived several decades ago.”
Rain explained this to me with a grave expression.
(I see. So, the Demon King is about to be revived soon… and that will lead into the main story of Sword Fantasia.)
For the past few years, I’ve been enjoying the world of Sword Fantasia by defeating monsters and creating items through alchemy… but now that I think about it, I’ve never actually encountered any demons or the Demon King.
But after hearing Rain’s explanation, I understand why. So, the Demon King hasn’t been revived in this world yet.
“That’s why we humans are holding meetings and discussions to prepare for the attacks of the revived Demon King and the demons. And this isn’t just limited to the royalty and nobility; we need to coordinate with the military, the church, and the adventurers’ guild, which is why discussions are happening all over the world every day.”
“I see. So that’s what’s going on.”
(I see, so that’s why Asha and the others haven’t been able to visit this town even once in the past five years.)
A long time ago, I made a promise with Asha and Franz to reunite in this town, but even after five years, I still haven’t been able to meet them again.
But after hearing Rain’s explanation, I understand now. From what she said, it seems that Asha and Franz are also busy with their duties as soldiers and saints, leading very hectic lives.
It’s a bit sad that I still haven’t been able to reunite with Asha and the others, but the situation with the Demon King is pretty serious. After all, in the game’s main story, the Demon King nearly destroys the world.
“And one more thing… there’s a very serious incident happening in this country right now… Ah, no, you don’t need to worry about this, Seras-kun…”
“?”
Suddenly, Rain looked a bit downcast and said something cryptic.
Well, it’s only natural to be curious after hearing something like that… but Rain said I don’t need to worry about it, so I’ll refrain from pressing her further for now.
