Shun didn't bother finding a nearby city or village. Using a map taken from the bandits, he made his decision. "The Shirone Kingdom is closest. We'll head there first."
Under the surprised eyes of Hilda and Ghislaine, he conjured his signature paw-bubble, expanding it to a comfortable size complete with simple furnishings. "Get in," he said, guiding Hilda inside by the arm before Ghislaine followed.
The translucent sphere lifted smoothly into the air, gliding silently toward their destination. "W-What is this thing?" Hilda asked, steadying herself against the curved, soft interior.
"A transportation magic I created. Just sit tight and relax. We'll be at your home—no, our home—in no time," Shun said with a smile, the reminder of their deal hanging between them.
As the bubble traveled, Shun materialized a sofa, a table, and a chair for Ghislaine, then produced an array of food from his storage ring. Each act of creation widened the eyes of his companions.
"Is this what real magic is?" "Magic of the Mage God…" they murmured in awe.
"Help yourselves," Shun offered generously. He and Hilda settled on the sofa while Ghislaine took the chair, her posture rigid.
"Are you truly a Mage God?" Hilda ventured, seeking to understand the man who wielded power that seemed to surpass even the title.
"I am. I spent years studying magic in seclusion. Now that my study is complete, I've returned to settle some old debts." His answer was casual, but it spoke volumes.
"Since you're my woman now, it's fine for you to know such things," he added, noting her look of surprise. Ghislaine's presence is a bit of a nuisance. If she weren't here… An idea came to him.
He created two beds, placing one at a slight distance for Ghislaine, then conjured a thick curtain around the other. Without a word, he scooped a startled Hilda into his arms and laid her down.
"I know everything is sudden. Let me help you relax," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her. Hilda was stiff at first, but gathering her resolve—for her daughter's future—she began to respond.
She's a strong woman, Shun thought, and let the hours slip away.
——
Half a day later, Shun awoke to darkness, the paw-bubble floating beneath a canopy of stars on its way to the Shirone Kingdom. Hilda slept peacefully against his chest, her breathing even.
Sometimes, all a man needs is a good nap… He sighed inwardly, his mind drifting back to the bandits, and to Hilda.
I wouldn't normally go so far… Is the past I remembered affecting me, making me unhinged toward this world? What I did with Hilda, so soon after her husband's death… He pushed the thought aside. It was a deal after all.
Also after the first time, she started fighting back.
[I'd say it's both! Your past and your recent… experiences have left their mark.]
A long-absent, androgynous voice echoed in his mind.
'Huh? I thought you died or something, when those demons invaded your planet.'
[I couldn't reconnect because you left me behind, you bastard!]
'Is that how it works? You've developed quite a personality.'
[I used most of my energy to restore your memories and abilities last time. I needed time to recover, or to be physically near you.]
I see. Shun's thoughts turned practical. Now that I've calmed down… What next? Help them reunite and go back? Or stay awhile…
Ding!
[Mission: Kill Sword God, North God, Fighting God.]
[Difficulty: A+]
[Reward: Peace of Mind]
…What is this? Crap mission?
[I'm helping you find a goal. And at this point, I have nothing else of value to give you.]
Killing the three strongest in this world is only A+?
[With your current power, that's an overestimation.]
Fine. I accept. I've got nothing better to do.
[Mission Accepted.]
"Mmh~"
A soft sound drew his attention. Hilda stirred, still half-asleep. Seeing a fluffy paw before her, she instinctively nuzzled into it, rubbing her cheek against the soft pink paw.
…I'd forgotten how much the Boreas family loves beastfolk.
"Good morning… or rather, good evening," Shun said, his voice pulling her fully awake.
Reality rushed back—the trip, the teleportation, Philip's death, the bandits, and the man who called himself Mage God. He had been brutally ruthless to their enemies, yet surprisingly gentle with her… and his paws were… adorable.
While saddened by her loss, Hilda was a noblewoman first. Her priority was finding her daughter and securing her family's future. In her eyes, Shun was no longer just a figure of terror.
Seeing her softened expression, Shun smiled inwardly. Seems my efforts to overwrite her grief last night worked.
"Let's get up and eat. Ghislaine's patience must be wearing thin," he said, kissing her softly.
"Mmph~"
After a long moment, he pulled back. "We'll continue later."
"Yes…"
He dispelled the curtain. A short distance away, Ghislaine sat on her bed, face impassive. As a beastfolk, her hearing was exceptional, but she gave no sign of having heard anything.
A true professional. Or just very disciplined. Shun glanced downward through the bubble's translucent floor. "Oh. We've arrived at the Shirone Kingdom."
——
The kingdom was a small, historic vassal state of the Dragon King Kingdom, its capital, Ratakia, bustling with winding streets and architecture that reminded Shun of Southeast Asia. Zanoba and Pax's homeland. It's been a long time since I read about this place… Pax left quite an impression.
Hilda hurriedly dressed in a sleek white dress and feathered boa Shun conjured—a design he remembered from another world.
"We can bathe properly once we're inside," Shun said, lowering the bubble to the ground. Upon landing, the temporary furniture shimmered and dissolved.
As they approached the city gate, two guards watched nervously—they had seen the trio descend from the sky.
"W-What is your business here?" the braver one asked, spear trembling slightly.
"We're looking for anyone connected to the Grayrat family. Know anything?"
"N-No, sir!"
"Idiot, why are you so submissive?" the other guard whispered. Shun ignored them.
"I don't believe you. We'll check ourselves." He began walking forward.
"W-We can't allow that! It's our duty to—" The guard leveled his spear.
Shun sighed. "You're just doing your job. But so am I."
A pulse of crimson energy—Conqueror's Haki—washed over the two men. Their eyes rolled back, and they crumpled to the ground without a sound.
Thud. Thud.
"Let's go." Shun stepped over them as if he were simply entering a public garden. Hilda and Ghislaine exchanged a look, then followed.
It didn't take long for soldiers to swarm the streets, led by a man named Hanzo. "Halt! You've entered unlawfully! Surrender!"
Knocking them out would just cause more commotion…
Shun willed the earth itself to respond. Pebbles, blades of grass, and dust coalesced into dozens of small, translucent paws that skittered toward the soldiers. One by one, upon contact, the men vanished with a soft pop.
To the onlookers, it was a scene of silent, existential horror.
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Soon, only Hanzo remained, pale and shaking.
"I'll ask again: Has anyone connected to the Grayrat family arrived recently?"
"W-We haven't seen anyone like that!"
A paw tapped his shoulder, and he too vanished into the sky.
The street fell silent. The trio continued unimpeded all the way to the royal palace.
If I remember right, they should be in the prison, suspected of being spies…
"Your paws…" Hilda's voice was hesitant. "They make people disappear?"
"Hm? They repel whatever they touch. The ones who 'disappeared' are just taking a brief flight. They'll land safely in a few hours." He offered the explanation to ease her mind. Following someone who erases people would unsettle anyone.
They entered the throne room. On the seat sat an old king with white hair and a beard, his expression one of poorly concealed fear.
"T-There is a mother and daughter who recently appeared in our kingdom. They are currently detained on suspicion of espionage," the king said hurriedly.
'As expected of a King, He knows how to survive.'
"Good. Bring them here. Unharmed."
"Y-Yes! You heard him!" The king snapped at a servant, who scurried away.
Silence returned to the hall.
"By the way…" Shun's voice cut through the quiet. He focused his Observation Haki to its peak, sensing emotions and intent. "Are you familiar with the name Hitogami?"
The king flinched. "N-No. I've never heard that name."
'Acting suspicious but it's just out of fear.'
"I see."
"M-May I ask your name?" the king ventured.
"I am Shun." He paused, seeing the king's blank look. "Though 'Mage God' might be a better introduction."
"Mage God?!" The title alone was enough to deepen the king's pallor.
"I am Pacoba Shirone," the king offered.
"The detainees… they are unharmed?"
"Of course! The mother insisted they were allies of our former court mage, Roxy."
"Good."
The doors opened. The servant returned with two figures: a red-haired woman in a maid's dress, glasses perched on her nose, and a small, keen-eyed girl with matching hair.
The mother, Lilia, bowed nervously. The daughter, Aisha, scanned the room with bright curiosity.
"Are you two of the Grayrat family?" Shun asked.
Only now they noticed the pale white young man, who had white hair and white eyebrow and was dressed in complete white clothes.
"Y-Yes," Lilia replied. "I am Lilia Grayrat. This is my daughter, Aisha…"
Shun nudged Hilda gently.
"Do you know them?" Shun asked, stepping forward.
"No…"
"What is your husband's name?"
Lilia flushed slightly. "I… am a concubine. The head of the house is Paul Grayrat. His wife is Zenith."
"Paul! Then you're from Rudeus's household!" Hilda's posture relaxed in recognition.
While the women spoke, Shun approached Aisha. Though only four, her gaze held a perceptive sharpness.
"You're Aisha? How old are you?"
"Yes! I'm four!" she chirped.
Shun patted her head. "Were you two also caught in the teleportation incident?"
"Yes…" Lilia answered in her place, while mature and smart she was only four.
He then turned back to the king. "Prepare rooms for them to rest tonight, and a bath."
"At once!" The king responded
To Lilia and Aisha's surprise the white young man started ordering the king!
Aisha tugged at Shun's sleeve. "Big brother, are you more important than the king?"
He grinned. "Yes. I am Shun, the Mage God, after all." Her delighted smile was a small, unexpected reward.
The king, Pacoba, simply bowed his head, wisely choosing not to contest the point.
"Those who bear the title of a 'God' are not bound by mortal rules," Shun continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "The Dragon God, for instance, once killed the King of the King Dragon Kingdom. The world's order is shaped by strength, not crowns."
The revelation hung in the air, its weight immediate. Hilda and Ghislaine exchanged a stunned glance, while King Pacoba's composure broke entirely, a bead of sweat tracing a path down his temple.
"W-Well… enough of that for now," Shun said, deliberately lightening the mood. "Go, take your baths and rest. Tomorrow, we'll decide our next destination."
With that, he gently took the still-blushing Hilda by the hand. "Come," he said, leading her not toward the guest quarters, but toward the promise of steam and warm water, leaving the silent throne room and its unsettled king behind.