[The Black Oiran]

And so, as everyone split up into groups and went to each of their designated villages, Sinus-sama and I visited the mermaid village Norg by way of her movement magic.

This was the first time I came by to visit again since our first meeting with Tirna.

I remembered that I had purified Seleia-san, Tirna’s mother who had turned into a monster and that things were hectic back then. This was also the first time Sinus-sama returned since she had left the village to stop Phinis-sama.

Maybe that was why.

“Here, have some more, Exa-san.”

“Ah, thank you…”

We received a somewhat grand welcome…

Incidentally, the one who just poured me a drink was none other than Seleia-san.

She had been exiled for a period of time because she had broken the village taboo of going ashore and having a relationship with a human. But after that incident, her exile was revoked and she could now freely come in and go out of the village.

“Still, it’s so lively. Everyone must be glad that Sinus-sama has returned safely.”

“Fufu, there’s that, but tonight’s feast is more of a tribute to you, Exa-san.”

“What? For real?”

“Yes.” Seleia-san nodded to the surprised me with a smile. “We mermaids hold heartfelt respect toward you, who has melted even the heart of the Goddess of the End Phinis-sama. However, Sinus-sama can be said to be the main god of us denizens of water, so with her return, we have to give her precedence…”

“Please don’t worry about it, the feeling alone is enough for me. The dishes are delicious, too. Above all, I even get to have such a beautiful woman like Seleia-san pour drinks for me.”

When I smiled at her, Seleia-san blushed bashfully and said, “Fufu, oh-you. Although it was just flattery, I’m glad to hear it.”

“No, I really mean it… You look so young that I really can’t imagine you already have a daughter like Tirna…”

“My, my. All your compliments are making me blush…”

Ufufu, Seleia-san giggled cutely, her face beet red. Honestly, she was so youthful she looked like an onee-san in her mid-20s to me.

Moreover, the way she carried herself was ever so gentle. She really was as cute as could be.

Wait, no good, no good.

That sounded like I was hitting on her, didn’t it?

Even if she looked like a beautiful onee-san, she was still Tirna’s mother.

Plus, she was a widow. Making advances on her was definitely out of the question.

Well, if it was Porco-san, he would definitely say “This humble Porco will relieve you of your loneliness!” or something along the lines and made a pass at her without hesitation, though…

Anyways, after that, I continued to enjoy the generous hospitality provided by the mermaids, including Seleia-san.

◇ ◇

Meanwhile.

Seleia’s daughter Tirna visited the werewolf village along with Shiva using Terra’s movement magic.

Previously, when the blackdollified Shangarula had attacked the village, they were the ones who had rushed over to help, so it’d be more likely for the villagers to listen to them, hence why they were chosen.

And as expected, Shangarula’s sister and also the chief of the village, Shambhala, warmly welcomed Tirna and the others, though the accompaniment of Terra, a goddess, might also play a part.

“Haa!”

――Swoosh!

“Gh!? I expect no less from the ‘Fist’ Saintess. It’s amazing that you can keep up with my speed.”

“Mm, I’ve still got a lot to work on. And you’re superior when it comes to strength. That’s the chief of the werewolves for you.”

She was so welcoming that she even took the opportunity to ask for a spar.

“Okay, why don’t you give my kin a go next? It’ll be good training for both sides, so I think it isn’t a bad proposal. What do you say?”

“Mm, alright. Shiva, Terra-sama, would you like to participate too?”

Shiva shrugged her shoulders upon receiving Tirna’s question and said, “I’ll sit out. My specialties lie in rear support, to begin with.”

“Fufu, then allow me to be in charge of healing. Please do your best.”

“Mm, I’ve got it.” Tirna nodded and was about to get back to training with Shambhala and the other werewolves.

But at that time.

“—It sure is lively here. Please allow this one to join in on the fun.”

『—!?』

Where did she come from?

At the sudden appearance of the scantily-clad woman, Tirna and the others immediately went alert.