Welcome to the Special-Grade Guild! ~ The Beloved Elf Poster Girl Soothes Everyone’s Hearts ~
Chapter 141

141. Side Story: Eugene 3

200 years. It’s a long, dense time. During that time, I met trustworthy companions and finally created a place I could call home.

And yet, the loneliness raging in my heart and the gaping hole never filled up. …But.

“Ahh, it still feels like a dream. To be reunited with my cute daughter in such a cute form. Of course, she was adorable before too.”

“Mmm, she’s my child. Of course she’s cute.”

“Huh? She’s my daughter too.”

“What are you saying!?”

Just knowing that Meg was Megu, being welcomed back, and embracing each other filled me up in an instant. I can’t believe her soul was really Megu’s. I’d had that thought a few times, but I’d dismissed it as too absurd. That’s why, when I found out it was true, my heart trembled indescribably.

But, Meg is Ash and Yenna’s daughter now. How frustrating… what a strange feeling.

“Now, now, isn’t it fine to say she’s both of your daughters! More importantly, she’s sooo cute. I wonder if she’ll have suitors from all over when she comes of age?”

“I’ll crush them.”

“I’ll turn them to charcoal.”

“…Can you two not synchronize over something so disturbing?”

The hole in my heart had just been filled, and then Saura had to go and say something weird, making my killing intent leak out. The hall was filled with an ominous atmosphere for a moment. I don’t even want to imagine such a future.

“Hmm, but I don’t think you can afford to say that. I think it’s better to find her a partner early on, so no unnecessary bugs will come swarming.”

“You idiot, I won’t approve of just any man!”

“Then what conditions do you have?”

I understand what Kei is saying. I understand, but do we need to discuss this now? But, well, I’m not unreasonable. I don’t even want to think about her future partner, but if I had to say…

“First, they need to be strong.”

“…There are quite a few people who could clear that condition.”

Saying that, Saura’s gaze shifted. To… Gil. Gil!? No, no no no no!

“They have to be devoted!”

“They need to be kind, to be considerate of their partner.”

Ash joined in. Well, that’s necessary too. If they can’t cherish her, I’ll crush them.

“…He’s never had a trace of a woman around him.”

Saura muttered, still looking at Gil. No! That’s not it!

“Come to think of it, he tried to protect her at the cost of his own life, and he’s always looking out for her.”

Hey, Ash! You traitor, stop it!

“They need money, or it’s not even a conversation. And more than anything, if she doesn’t have feelings for them, it’s meaningless!”

I said this while crossing my arms and leaning roughly against the back of my chair. Then, I heard Meg’s voice from a distance.

“Gil-shan, are you going to buy new combat clothes?”

“Yeah, I can’t really use those anymore. You’re going to pick up the stuffed animal, right? I’m planning to place an order then.”

“That’s right, I can’t wait for the stuffed animal! And wow, Gil-shan, you’re amazing for being able to casually buy such expensive combat clothes…”

“Money isn’t really an issue for me.”

He’s replacing his combat clothes… Huh, those could probably buy three or four plots of land. The store that sells them so casually must be something else too.

“…Should I tell you Gil’s account balance? It’s probably more than the Don’s.”

“Not another word.”

I was flying all over the world and I needed to use money frequently, that’s all! I wasn’t being wasteful!

“I’ll replace Meg’s anytime, so don’t worry about using them.”

“They won’t get worn out that easily!”

That’s rare. For Gil to joke and chuckle like that. What’s this? My chest feels… strange.

“If Gil-shan’s always by my side, we’ll be the strongest, so the combat clothes will stay like new!”

“…Is that so? Yeah, I’ll always be by your side.”

W-What’s with that closeness? They’re being all lovey-dovey. Meg, could it be…!?

“I can tell what you’re thinking, but Meg-chan is just most attached to Gil because he was the first person she met in this world and he saved her life.”

“That’s right. Officially, Gilnandio is her father. Not those two over there.”

What!? That’s frustrating in its own way, but if it’s just affection… No, but!

“But who knows what’ll happen when she comes of age? She might start thinking, ‘Could this feeling be…?'”

“If Meg-chan developed feelings for him, even Gilnandio wouldn’t be able to refuse. He might even realize his own feelings, you know?”

“Oh my, that would be wonderful, Kei! I can’t wait to see her grow up!”

Saura and Kei were getting excited together. Meg, with Gil…? I imagined Meg, grown up and beautiful. She’d undoubtedly become a stunning beauty. And that Meg, looking at Gil with eyes of love…!?

“Th-The age gap is too big…!”

“Mmm, there was a several thousand year gap between me and Yenna, you know?”

“Ash, whose side are you on?”

“They’re demi-humans. A 200 year age gap is nothing, right?”

“Aaargh! Shut up! No way! I absolutely won’t allow it!”

I slammed my hands on the table and stood up, shouting. I accidentally broke the table, but it couldn’t be helped.

“Meg-chan’s going to have a tough time…”

“She really is. Ah, I’ll deduct the cost of the table from the Don’s account.”

I’m fine with being a doting parent! And it’s way too early to be talking about this anyway. Why do I have to discuss giving my daughter, who I’ve finally been reunited with, to some other guy? That’s right, that’s right. It’s still hundreds of years in the future. We have long lifespans.

Then I noticed Meg looking this way with a puzzled look.

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

“…Come here, Meg.”

As I beckoned her over, Meg came trotting towards me. …What is this? She’s incredibly cute.

“Let me hold you for a bit.”

“Ehh!? It’s embarrasshing!”

“What are you saying? You beg Gil, Ash, and the others to hold you, but not me!?”

“Well… it’s just that my memories of you as Megu are getting in the way…”

I understand what she’s trying to say. I kind of get how she feels. If she still looked like the adult Megu, I wouldn’t say this either. No matter if I’m her father.

But you know what? Look at her, blushing and fidgeting shyly right in front of me. This is bad. This is really bad. I reaffirmed that I need to prepare to kick away any bad bugs.

“Hup!”

But well, for now I lifted Meg up without letting her protest.

“You’re a young child now. Let me spoil you, Meg.”

“Uu… okay!”

Maybe her mentality was getting used to her body, because as soon as I held her, she broke into a happy smile and hugged my neck tightly. So darn cute. I won’t give her to anyone.

“…By the way, about your naming sense for spirits…”

“That’s off limits, pwomise!”

She hurriedly covered my mouth with her small hands, her face bright red. Irresistible. This is going to be fun to tease her about. Just like old times.

“…I’ve never seen the Don being so affectionate.”

“Well, isn’t it fine? He’s been holding back all this time.”

“I’m so jealous, Eugene!”

Shut up, peanut gallery. Oh well. For now, I’ll just savor this blissful moment.