Dual Life ~Hiru wa Yuusha Party, Yoru wa Maou Gun~

Chapter 35 – Reunion at the Capital (3) 

“Far-nii! Far-nii! This bath in this house is amazing! It’s like a grand bathhouse in a palace. I could swim in it!” -Julia 

With excitement in her voice, Julia swam left and right, confirming that the tub in this house was indeed exceptional in size. 

The previous owner of this house, it seemed, had a great fondness for baths. They had commissioned the craftsmen to create the most luxurious bath in the kingdom, dedicating a significant portion of the property to the bathing area. 

As a result, the living space became somewhat cramped compared to the size of the house. However, this was of no concern to Farsa, who used it alone, purchasing it solely for the purpose of enjoying a spacious bath. 

Cleaning and maintenance were handled by professionals, and with the aid of magic and magical tools, preparing the bath was a simple task. Other than the fact that Farsa himself didn’t have time to use it, there were no issues. 

Come to think of it, Zenobia, who would usually scold Julia in this situation, remained silent. Farsa wondered why as he scanned the bathhouse and spotted Zenobia, who had shrunk herself and was soaking in the bath near the wall. She seemed embarrassed as she glanced at Farsa. 

“Fa-Farsa-sama, um, I would prefer if you didn’t look this way. Even though it’s a swimsuit, it’s still a bit embarrassing.” -Zenobia 

Although her swimsuit was clearly less revealing than the backless dress she wore recently, Zenobia felt the need to offer such an excuse. Farsa, not wanting to embarrass her any further, quietly averted his gaze and began to soak in the bath. 

“Phew, baths really are delightful. Someday, I’d like to experience hot springs in the eastern lands.” -Farsa 

Among the books Farsa had read, there were descriptions of natural baths known as hot springs, which utilized naturally heated water in places surrounded by nature. Although he wished to visit such a place, finding the time proved difficult. He had almost resigned himself to the fact that his busy schedule would prevent him from enjoying it. 

“Farsa-kun, you have quite sophisticated tastes. But indeed, I would also like to visit the eastern lands someday. Will you take me along?” Palmina, who had somehow taken a seat on Farsa’s left side, suddenly asked. 

Even though she was wearing a swimsuit, it was impossible to hide her ample bosom, which floated in the water due to buoyancy. The fabric of her swimsuit clung to her skin, accentuating her already impactful twin peaks. The capital’s dressmakers struggled with developing water-repellent treatments for swimsuits, and the improvement of technology was still sought after. It was a situation that led men to collectively agree that there was no need for such measures. 

“…Yes, it’s not possible right away, but someday, I will take Palmina with me,” Farsa calmly and composedly replied, redirecting his gaze forward. 

The devastatingly attractive and alluring weapons of destruction—Palmina’s breasts—possessed an awe-inspiring power that could make men both happy and miserable. Farsa was aware of how easily one could be thrown from heaven to hell, especially in the presence of women. However, as he looked ahead, he noticed Princess Aurelia, the first in line for the succession to the throne, who was known to be the person one should never anger, observing him intently. 

“Ara,ara, Farsa-sama, it’s quite kind of you to treat the Saintess-sama with such gentleness. To my unclouded eyes, it appeared as though your heart had been captivated by a colossal mass of fat. But perhaps that’s just my imagination.” -Aurelia 

“Eh! Far-nii, were you looking at Pal-nee’s breasts again?! We were supposed to bathe together, but you’re thinking inappropriate things! And if we go to the eastern lands, I want to go too!” Julia chimed in. 

“That’s right, Farsa-sama! Going on a trip with a man and a woman alone is enviable, no, it’s outrageous! I shall accompany you as the supervising attendant!” Zenobia added, inching closer, blushing. 

Behind him was the wall of the bathhouse, on his left was Palmina, on his right was Zenobia, who had shamefully drawn near. Blocking his path was Aurelia, restraining his extended leg, and Julia, perched on his other leg, both glaring at him. 

Overall, Farsa had removed his eyesight from Palmina’s chest, being exhausted with how keen Aurelia and Julia’s senses were.  

In reality, Zenobia also had a sizable bosom, but she never made a fuss about it. It was also understandable that Aurelia and Julia, petite women with more modest chests, would be conscious of their own. As a matter of fact, the two had even competed in terms of breast size before, with Aurelia barely emerging as the victor. However, their rivalry only left them emotionally wounded, leading to the Valois Kingdom’s Breast Ceasefire Agreement. (TL note: what the hell am I translating…) 

Now, they had formed an organization called the Chest Union, the most frivolous organization in the world. They embodied the phrase “the more you fight, the closer you are,” as they were inseparable despite their quarrels. In fact, aside from the chest-related disputes, Julia and Aurelia had a comfortable relationship where they could be themselves. 

“I mean, I’m not thinking anything inappropriate, and from the beginning, I intended to bring everyone along. Also, Aura, since you’re the one who set this up, I hope you refrain from making any strange accusations. Sure, as a guy, I appreciate being with attractive and beautiful women like you, but I believe I have enough discretion. Besides, both of you, Julia and Aura, should remember that you’re already at an age where you can get married. Also, even if you’re of the same gender, it’s best to refrain from mentioning Palmina’s chest. She might be sensitive about it, so it’s better not to bring it up repeatedly. Don’t make me say such things as a man,” Farsa said, letting out his customary heavy sigh and speaking faster and more insistently than usual. 

His face had a faint blush, whether from soaking in hot water or for some other reason was unclear. However, it was evident that he was behaving differently than usual, as Aurelia and Julia in front of him exchanged glances and nodded silently to each other. 

“Farsa-sama, it seems you’re a bit flustered. You appear to be lacking your usual composure. Could it be due to the presence of those fatty apparitions over there?” Aura said, approaching Farsa with suspicion in her eyes. 

“You’re trying to brush it off with all these explanations, but it’s definitely different this time, isn’t it? Ahh, well, how l-e-w-d~… Honestly, just admit that you’re excited by Pal-nee’s ripe bosom. Or perhaps you’ve finally noticed my charms?” -Julia 

The two of them closed in on Farsa with suspicious glares, their bodies drawing even nearer. 

The right knee of Julia collided with the left knee of Aurelia within the bath, bringing them within touching distance of Farsa’s body. 

Realizing the precariousness of the situation, Farsa turned his gaze towards Zenobia, silently pleading for her to divert their attention. 

Having always emphasized proper ladylike behavior, even if it was Princess Aurelia she was dealing with, Zenobia would surely voice her disapproval at such close proximity in swimsuits. Farsa had judged as much. 

“Aren’t you just flattering me, Farsa-sama? But, if you insist to that extent, I suppose I have no objections…” -Zenobia 

Oh no, Zenobia was in her usual scatterbrained state. Just as Farsa was beginning to resign himself to that fact, a voice of salvation reached him, emanating from the Holy Maiden blessed by the goddess Fortuna. 

“What on earth do you two think my bosom is for? If you’d like, I’d be more than happy to hear the specifics. Especially you, Princess Aurelia, we need to have a thorough conversation. In the East, there’s a saying about naked intimacy, and it seems that we can have a heart-to-heart talk in the bath.” 

“Eek!” 

“Eep!” 

Palmina threw her words at Aurelia and Julia with a smile, but the two let out trembling screams and clung to each other out of fear. 

“Now, both of you, come over here.” -Palmina 

“Well, taking long baths makes me dizzy, so I’ll take my leave here.” -Aurelia 

“Oh no… um… this is bad! Zenobia seems to be getting dizzy. I have to help her!” -Julia 

“Huh? I’m still fine, but… Hey, Julia, stop pulling on my swimsuit! Alright, alright, I won’t force it.” -Zenobia 

Saying that, Palmina beckoned them with her hand, but Aurelia and Julia stood up swiftly, splashing water around, and bolted out of the bath. 

Zenobia, too, got caught up in Julia’s lie and ended up being left behind in the bath with only Palmina and Farsa. 

“Phew, that was close. Thank you, Palmina.” -Farsa 

“Hehe, you’re welcome,” Palmina replied with her usual smile, but with her hair tied up, revealing her nape, she looked extremely alluring, causing Farsa’s heart to skip a beat. 

The demon race, due to its long lifespan, lacks the same interest in reproductive behaviors as humans do. However, Farsa is a half-human, half-demon hybrid. 

Though driven by desires, he never engaged in peculiar behaviors. Yet, it would be incorrect to say he lacked any interest in women. While he may have regarded figures like Julia or Aurelia as sisters, the presence of Palmina here was altogether different. She possessed an overwhelming feminine allure. 

It extends beyond just having a full bosom. At the age of nineteen, an age considered marriageable in this country, and possessing the empathy, kindness, and above all, intelligence, beauty, and inner strength that men seek in women, it is hard to believe that some form of emotion wouldn’t blossom towards her. 

“By the way, Farsa, Princess Aurelia mentioned earlier that Julia will soon be deployed in combat against the demons. She was called back for the purpose of participating in conferences with various countries.” 

He had anticipated this, but as Farsa swallowed hard, he realized that the moment he had been waiting for had finally arrived. 

The Hero is the ultimate weapon against the demon race, including the Demon Lord. They possess individual combat capabilities honed to their limits. Generally, demons are known by humans to be creatures capable of easily overturning numerical disadvantages due to their long lifespans, resulting in experience, physical strength and endurance specialized for their respective races, and an absolute amount of magical power that is deemed unfair even when compared to knights or wizards. 

In contrast, humans have managed to resist them through sheer numbers and coordination, but only against the forces led by the Four Heavenly Kings, with whom they share borders. Naturally, each country bordering demon territories constantly faces the threat of a full-scale invasion by the Demon King’s army. Among them, the Kingdom of Valois, which shares the largest border with the demon territories, proposed the Hero Project. 

This project derived its name from ancient fairy tales and myths, from a time when humans and demons fought against each other. It took inspiration from the heroes who defeated the Demon Lord and brought peace to the world, aided by the blessings of the goddess Fortuna. 

To stand a chance against demons at the level of the Four Heavenly Kings individually, one needed to possess the ability to single-handedly annihilate enemies, offensive magic capable of easily overcoming numerical disadvantages, and sacred magic that could heal wounds and provide protection. All of these attributes were necessary. 

Among the hero candidates gathered, consisting mainly of orphans with strong grudges against demons, Julia possessed various aptitudes centered around sacred magic. The level of expectation placed on her was such that Farsa and the others were assigned as her exclusive instructors. 

Legend has it that the Hero who supposedly defeated the Demon Lord also employed sacred magic, receiving the blessings of the goddess Fortuna. In that sense, Julia could be considered a newly born hero transcending time. 

“I see… Julia has longed to vanquish the demons, after all. She’ll surely face it with great enthusiasm.” 

With a hint of sadness in his eyes, Farsa stared blankly at the ceiling as he muttered those words. Farsa rarely exposed his inner thoughts, but perhaps it was influenced by the fact that it was only Palmina he was speaking to; clearly, a sense of sorrow was embedded in his voice. 

“But… I don’t want Julia to be consumed by revenge. Demons also have hearts like ours, and I believe that, someday, somehow, we can understand each other.” -Palmina 

“Palmina… does that mean…” -Farsa 

Farsa was about to mention that her statement contradicted the cooperation they provided to the Hero Project, which was strongly supported by the Church of Fortuna. However, he reconsidered, realizing he was in no position to judge others. Despite being a human participating in plans to annihilate the demons, he was simultaneously contributing to the expansion of the Demon Lord’s forces as a demon. 

“Keep what I said a secret, alright? Naughty boy, Farsa-kun. Well, then, I’ll go ahead.” 

Saying so, Palmina pressed her index finger to her lips, winked at Farsa, and promptly left the bathroom. 

――Naughty boy, Farsa-kun―― 

The words she uttered seemed to admonish his own contradictory actions, leaving Farsa lost in a cycle of unanswered self-reflection, unsure of what course of action was truly right. 

I was able to create a decently sized backlog of chapters for this series, so from now on, it will be released on Wednesdays and Fridays.