Reincarnated Elf Epilogue 4

 Epilogue 4: 67 Years After Defeating the Demon King

54 years after defeating the Demon King, Jin Fritz passed away.

The death of the "Hero" sent shockwaves not only through the Kingdom but across the entire world. Newspapers delivered by the magical messenger bird, Messeltaope, had been reporting about Jin for a whole year. During this time, foolish youngsters, aspiring to become the next hero, started recklessly venturing into the forest, emboldened by the catchphrase "Like a hero!" Their careless actions only provoked the magical beasts in the forest.

Consequently, my workload increased a bit.

58 years after the Demon King's defeat, Vais Garlanda passed away.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Grilette, who halted the invasion of magical beasts, and Galius, who repelled the Demon King's army, Vais gained fame as a political figure primarily focused on talent development and fostering diplomatic relations within the Kingdom.

Around this time, communication through magical messenger bird Messeltaope, originating from the Kukule Fortress, ceased. However, by then, I had stopped visiting the fortress altogether.

I would extract provisions from the subspace my father provided, eat, gaze at the branches of Yggdrasil for a while, and then go to sleep. Despite having no specific reasons, a hole seemed to have opened in my heart several years ago, and it hadn't closed.

"Everyone seems to leave first, huh..."

Luckily, Yggdrasil's branches had grown significantly, enhancing the barrier's capabilities. Unless something extraordinary happened, it was unlikely that humans would find me. There were no significant threats, no signs of disturbance. I still had plenty of magical tomes brought back from the demon realm. It's not like there was nothing to do, but...

Reincarnated Elf Epilogue 3

 Epilogue 3: 52 Years After Defeating the Demon King

The world entered an era of unprecedented peace. The annual decline in magical beasts and increasing cross-border movement of people between nations were signs of this newfound tranquility.

The Hero Party, the Hopeful Travelers Lagridge, accomplished their mission and disbanded 25 years after the Demon King's defeat. Just before their separation, party members, excluding Lahab, made a special visit to our residence.

During this period, Jin introduced us to a son born to one of the party members. They likely lead a serene life in some quiet village.

38 years post the Demon King's defeat, Galius, the current lord of Kukre Fortress, passed away. Honored for his role in defending the nation alongside his father, Grillet Garlanda, a grand funeral was held.

Upon receiving an invitation from Weiss, Galius's successor, I descended to the fortress. The overwhelming number of attendees surprised me. Eventually, I found solace in having a drink with Weiss, listening to his stories in front of the combined graves of Grillet, Silfa, and Galius, rather than amid the bustling crowd.

Weiss continued to understand and support us, ensuring our lives remained peaceful, with Minori's swordsmanship dojo and the Yggdrasil branch hut.

Over 30 years, Minori, as the head instructor, produced numerous skilled magic swordsmen. Dedicated to a lifelong commitment, she frequented the dojo regardless of the weather.

I promptly healed any minor injuries or illnesses Minori faced. Thanks to my supreme healing magic, she never endured suffering for more than ten minutes.

However, 52 years after defeating the Demon King...

At last, that day was on the verge of arriving.

Reincarnated Elf Epilogue 2

 Epilogue 2: Six Years After Defeating the Demon King

Minori and I couldn't have children.

Despite numerous historical accounts of crossbreeding between different species, none were successful. Additionally, there was no magic in this world capable of determining the life or death of unborn beings at their core.

Reflecting on it, even magical elements like "Reincarnation" and "Isekai Rebirth," which influenced the essence of life, were distinct from regular magic.

Living organisms have an instinct to leave proof of their existence by ensuring the continuation of their lineage. Minori chose to leave her "Living Proof" by spreading the swordsmanship she had developed at the cost of her own life.

"You don't need formal permission, but it's a great idea. I'll support you. Have you already picked a location?"

"Yes! While shopping in the fortress earlier, Lord Garius suggested a vacant piece of land."

Minori indicated a specific area on the fortress map.

"I understand. If you've chosen this place, she'd probably be delighted in heaven."

It was the former site of a popular cafeteria operated by Mrs. Silfa, Mr. Grierret's wife.

"If I pass away, feel free to use the cafeteria as you see fit, Minori. Use it when you've achieved your goals. I'll inform Garius too."

In the past, Mrs. Silfa had left this testament to Minori. Despite the high cost of owning land in the fortress, a crucial defense stronghold and source of interaction with other nations, Garius, following Mrs. Silfa's wishes, preserved the land without alterations.

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Volume 2 Chapter 5

 A small birthday party

The next morning, Father wasn't present at the breakfast table. It seemed he returned early.

Both my brother and I couldn't see Father off, which was a bit disappointing. However, my mood lifted when my brother suggested, 'Let's have Lucienne's birthday party in the afternoon' during breakfast. It wasn't going to be extravagant—just bringing cake and sweets to my room for a slightly luxurious tea time. A larger celebration might make me uncomfortable and feel burdensome, so this seemed just right.

Although my proposal for staying up late and chatting was rejected by Lulu.

"Lucy is forbidden from staying up late~. Proper sleep is essential for growing up and good for your health, you know?"

To this remark from Lulu, my brother surprisingly backed down easily.

Hmm, what's with that?

While I do want to get along well with my brother, he seems to dote on me a lot. Lulu is fond of me, too, treating me like a kitten, but my brother, being an only child until now, may be genuinely happy to have a sister.

"No studying in the afternoon, okay?"

I nodded in agreement to my brother's words.

＊　＊　＊　＊　＊

And in the afternoon, my brother arrived with a few maids. He gave them instructions, and they swiftly set up the room. Adorable curtains hung from the ceiling, and vases with colorful flowers decorated the room. The table was filled with irresistibly cute sweets and cakes.

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Volume 2 Chapter 4

 Family

It's been about three weeks since I arrived at the mansion.

On this particular day, I felt a bit uneasy from the morning.

It appears that the master of the mansion, the new king and my stepfather, is expected to return today.

Though I haven't specifically prepared for this day, I've learned various things from Lulu—writing, table manners, and common etiquette. I feel like I should be fine, even though I can't quite put into words why.

As long as I don't make any major mistakes, I shouldn't be disliked by my new father.

In the morning, Linnea and Melty, who came to my room, briefed me about the day.

While the mansion is meticulously cleaned every day by the servants, there was an extra thorough cleaning today, and dinner was planned to be a bit more luxurious than usual.

...Though it's already quite lavish.

Until now, I had been managing in my own room, but tonight's dinner would be in the dining hall with my older brother and stepfather.

...Stepfather...

I briefly met him during the coup, and he resembled my older brother.

"Now, Princess, today will be busy with preparations," said Linnea, and after taking a short break after lunch, I took a bath for grooming.

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Volume 2 Chapter 3

 Simple happiness

The next day brought a change to my meals. Instead of the usual milk and bread concoctions, breakfast now featured a variety of dishes – a small oval-shaped bread, a handful of finely cut bacon slices, something akin to mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, sliced sausages, a vibrant salad, a soup brimming with diverse ingredients, and warm milk to wash it all down.

It seemed like a daunting task to finish everything, and Linnea and the others appeared to understand.

"You can eat whatever you like. No need to force yourself to finish everything. The head chef will keep an eye on your preferences and portion size," Linnea explained.

Was it acceptable to leave some? I pondered.

"Yes. The head chef will observe your eating habits and preferences," she replied.

Surveying the spread, I noticed forks and spoons neatly placed on either side, with the aroma of warm dishes filling the air.

I started with a few sips of milk. Then, grasping a fork with uncertainty, I attempted to pierce a sausage.

"Eating this might be a bit tricky."

Taking a bite, the sausage's skin crisped satisfyingly, and its juices flooded my mouth.

"Delicious!"

I instinctively turned to Lulu.

Akuyaku no Oujo ni Tensei Shitakedo Volume 2 Chapter 2

Brother and Sister and the Language of Flowers

"Lucienne, huh?"

The next day, my brother arrived for our afternoon tea, and his eyes widened at the sight of me.

"Yes, is something wrong...?"

The dress that had arrived yesterday evening was cute. It was a light pale red one-piece dress, loosely fitted, adorned with frills on the collar, sleeves, and hem. Apart from the ribbons extending from the chest to the waist, it was simple overall.

It seemed slightly oversized, probably to ensure it would fit even if they weren't sure about my body size when they prepared it. A gift from my adoptive father, the former Marquis Fayette, when he decided to take me in.

This room, my nightwear, and this dress—all hastily prepared.

Thinking about it warmed my heart.

...Though I did check myself in the mirror several times just in case.

My brother shook his head in response to my question.

"No, I was just a bit surprised. It suits you well."

He sat on the opposite side of the table, and a soft smile played on his lips.

Seeing that the smile was genuine, I couldn't help but let a faint smile appear on my face as well.