“Watch and learn.”
Cornelia focused her will — a windstorm tore through the clearing, and a gigantic magic circle raced across the ground.
The glowing geometric patterns swallowed the entire field, then kept going — surging outward, deep into the forest, at breathtaking speed.
Maria gasped. “Ah—”
“That’s… the Dragon Sovereign’s Blessing…”
“Mm! Correct!”
“But — this is unbelievable! Casting it on the LAND itself… such a thing is utterly unprecedented!”
Maria said it with pure astonishment on her face.
Then she simply stood there, dumbstruck, staring at the luminous geometry crawling across the ground.
“So what IS the Dragon Sovereign’s Blessing, exactly?”
“You’re aware that dragons hoard treasure, yes?”
Well, sure. It’s a staple of every fantasy tradition going.
Half the hero sagas end with slaying the dragon and claiming its hoard.
“I mean, yeah. That much I know.”
“This cabin and its surroundings have been — officially designated a dragon’s treasure vault.”
“A treasure vault?”
“Yes. Lord Tatsuya himself… has been certified as Lady Cornelia’s treasure. Within this barrier’s bounds, it functions as an absolute wall against monsters.”
Cornelia gave a satisfied nod.
“Maria has the broad strokes right. But let me explain in my own words. This is less a blessing… than a MARKING.”
“A marking?”
“Mm. A sign declaring: MY treasure rests here. Cause trouble within this barrier, and it becomes indistinguishable from picking a fight with ME, personally. Beast-type monsters will smell the residue of my mana and refuse to even approach. Any demon-kind fluent in speech will grasp the barrier’s meaning the moment they cross into range, and mind their manners. Unless, of course, they’re the breed of fool who WANTS my undivided anger.”
“So in short — no trouble can happen inside this zone?”
“Flatly put, yes. Humans won’t feel it, mind — though any high-order mage will… take the hint.”
“Well — fewer headaches is always welcome. Thanks.”
At which point Maria cut in, exasperated.
“This is NOT a casual-thank-you tier of event, Lord Tatsuya.”
“Meaning?”
“A dragon may maintain only ONE treasure-vault barrier. Which means Lady Cornelia discarded her existing vault… to raise the barrier HERE.”
Oi oi. Exactly how precious is she planning to make me?
Thinking it, I glanced over at Cornelia.
“You’re sure I should be getting a blessing like this?”
“Mm! Thou art my treasured ally! Why would I pinch pennies with someone I intend to stay close with from here on?! Besides — it doubles as restitution for my subordinate’s misconduct.”
Ahoge standing proud, the twelve-year-old-looking Demon Lord beamed at me.
Yes. An extremely adorable smile.
Still — all this over instant curry made from solid roux blocks…
Well. Being adored by a beautiful girl never exactly feels BAD.
“On which note — I should like my morning curry now?”
“Yeah. With the Dragon Sovereign’s Blessing on the tab… I’ll make it my finest work!”
“HUZZAH! Fufu — thou truly art a good sort, thou art!”
Arms in the air, Cornelia started bouncing on the spot — boing, boing.
Apparently VERY happy.
“Now then, Ouroboros?”
“What is it, Lady Cornelia?”
“Regarding thy punishment…”
At the word, Ouroboros went rigid with dread and dropped to her knees again.
“I will accept any punishment whatsoever.”
“No no, she apologized plenty earlier — really, we’re fine?”
“Nay. This is about accountability. Accountability MATTERS. Leave such things soft and soggy and everything rots.”
Ouroboros, head still bowed, asked with maximum trepidation:
“What is to become of me?”
“Let me think. Thou shalt serve in this house as a maid, assisting with the housework entire.”
”…Understood.”
“Cool thy head that way a while. And… needless to say — thou shalt serve this man with every ounce of sincerity thou possessest. Understood?”
“As you command, Lady Cornelia.”
Oi oi, stop deciding things without me.
…Not that either of them would listen.
So I gave up, smiled wryly, and started on the curry.