Tilea's Worries

“When did you get here, Sister?”

“Sister? Does that mean you’re the Dark God?”

As I approached, the man called Zanza glared at me with hostility.

“Fine. I glared back at Zanza, not wanting to be outdone.”

“Zanza. I’m meeting with you out of old acquaintance, but if you show any disrespect to my sister, I will show no mercy.”

“What? Camilla, are you serious? I’ll take you on. I’d like to see your skills after so long.”

Timu prepared to unleash a magic blast at Zanza, who responded by placing his hand on his sword hilt.

The tension between them caused Zanza’s companions to step in protectively. Meanwhile, Timu’s companions moved to shield her as well.

“Zanza, any more recklessness and I, the Captain of the Guard, will not permit it. The alliance with the Demon King’s army ends here!”

“Nielsen, don’t misunderstand. I’m here to see the Dark God, the cause of Camilla’s betrayal of the Demon King. Diplomacy means nothing to me.”

Hmm, here to see me, huh? That’s my line.

Zanza, I’ll see if you’re the bad influence trying to get close to Timu.

“Stop fighting, you two.”

“But…”

“Stop!”

“Yes, ma’am.”

At my command, Timu and her companions lowered their weapons. Seeing this, Zanza also slowly removed his hand from his sword hilt.

“Zanza, you said you had something to talk to me about, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“What a coincidence. So do I. How about we go somewhere private and talk?”

“Lady Tilea, that’s dangerous. Being alone with an enemy general, one of the Six Demon Generals…”

Chaka, one of the defectors, expressed misplaced concern.

“Dangerous? Don’t be ridiculous. He’s the one who should be worried. If he tries to mess with Timu…”

I clenched my fist and swung it up and down emphatically.

“I’ll make sure he loses something very important.”

“Chaka, you’ve got it wrong. Who’s really in danger here?”

“Oh, our lady is fired up. Zanza might not survive the night.”

“Indeed, it’s a farewell.”

Timu and her companions seemed to bond over imagining Zanza’s grim fate.

It seems that despite the betrothal claim, Timu isn’t very attached to Zanza. They don’t act like lovers.

Or maybe she’s just pretending to be cold out of embarrassment?

I suspect Zanza has a one-sided crush on Timu.

Well, questioning Zanza should reveal the truth.

“So, are you coming or not? Or are you scared to be alone with me?”

“Ha, interesting. I accept your challenge. Dark God, let’s settle this one-on-one!”

With Zanza’s agreement, we moved to a different room. His companions protested, but he ordered them to stand down.

Despite their reluctance, I asked Timu and her companions to ensure Zanza’s entourage didn’t follow us.

We had serious matters to discuss, and we needed privacy.

Oh, I know the perfect place.

We headed to a soundproof shed, specially prepared for me when I wanted to forge swords. It’s reinforced to minimize noise and extremely sturdy. Timu assured me, “I used my greatest magic to code this. It won’t easily break, but I’m still nervous if you use it, Sister.”

It was a nice gesture from Timu. However, the hastily built shed had some stability issues.

During sword forging, the walls nearly collapsed, so I reinforced them with a special coating using my Dark God funds. I also had Miu and Edim further strengthen the walls.

Thus, this shed became the most soundproof facility in the Dark God Army. Perfect for a private conversation.

We entered, and I had Zanza sit in the chair in the center. I took a seat across from him.

“First, I want to know—are you serious about Timu?”

“Who’s Timu? I want to know what you’re plotting by manipulating Camilla with your silver tongue. Camilla is a capable general, it’s hard to believe she would betray the Demon King. What did you tell her?”

That’s his opening line? Sigh.

Does he even know Timu’s real name? Using chuunibyou to introduce himself to the family of his supposed lover... it’s beyond rude; it’s absurd.

If Dad were here, he’d have thrown him out by now. I’m barely managing to keep my cool, thanks to my understanding of chuunibyou.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I heard you’re dating Timu, so as her sister, I wanted to talk to you. But your attitude… I’m not asking you to kneel in apology, but your behavior is seriously questionable. It makes me doubt your maturity as an adult.”

“What are you implying? Are you insulting me?”

“Enough. You’re not suitable for Timu.”

“That’s my line!”

Zanza shouted and reached for his sword, attempting to draw it in one swift motion.

Typical reaction, exactly as expected.

I quickly grabbed the scabbard before he could draw his sword.

“What?”

“I won’t let you draw it.”

I bet this is a real sword, not a mock one. He’s the perfect example of someone who shouldn’t be trusted with a weapon.

“Damn you!”

Zanza struggled to draw his sword, but he couldn’t.

I gripped the scabbard tightly, preventing him from drawing the blade. It’s embarrassing for a man to lose a physical struggle to a woman, even if I’m strong from cooking.

“Unbelievable strength!”

“You’re just weak.”

“Who are you calling weak?”

Zanza strained with all his might, his face turning red from the effort.

Wow, impressive effort!

The sword began to slide out of the scabbard slightly.

He’s stronger than the pervert or Ortissio, maybe on par with Timu in terms of strength.

But still...

I applied reverse force and yanked the sword from him. Zanza, overbalanced, fell to the ground.

“I’m confiscating this until we finish our talk.”

“Damn you!”

Zanza lunged at me in fury.

“Stop this nonsense!”

I hit him on the back of the head with some force.

Zanza fell to the ground again, groaning in pain.

“Zanza, your behavior is atrocious. You used Timu’s alias, resorted to violence. You need to act like a responsible adult.”

“Who are you to judge me? Camilla is my lover’s true name. Timu? That’s just a temporary alias—gah!”

I kicked him mid-sentence.

Zanza had insulted the name Timu, which our parents had given her.

Even chuunibyou has limits.

“Zanza, correct yourself.”

“Who cares about your correction? I won’t call her by some stupid name like Timu—gah!”

I hit him again.

Every time he insulted Timu’s name, I kept hitting him.

I lost count after dozens of hits... Zanza was barely conscious. Maybe I overdid it. This might be considered assault.

I’ll stop here for now.

“Zanza, I’ll ask again. Correct yourself.”

“Tim… I won’t say that name.”

“Anymore stubbornness, and you won’t be able to walk.”

“Shut up. The only name I recognize is Camilla!”

Stubborn fool...

He’s serious, with a conviction that shakes the soul. He’s staking his life on the name Camilla.

Alright, he’s genuinely in love with Timu. This isn’t just a game. He’s been serious from the start.

“My punches must have hurt a lot.”

“Alright, I understand you’re serious. I’ll acknowledge that. Let’s continue our talk. But first, let’s heal you up. I’ll call Timu for healing magic.”

“No need.”

“But you’re badly injured.”

“I’m in enemy territory. I brought a special potion for emergencies.”

Zanza pulled out a potion from his bag and drank it. His wounds began to heal rapidly.

That must be an expensive potion.

Considering the long journey, it makes sense to bring such supplies for potential encounters with bandits or thieves.

But isn’t he drinking too much?

He’s already downed two 1.5-liter potions.

“You’re drinking too much. Moderation is key.”

“Who do you think caused this? I was nearly killed by you. I had to use three top-tier potions that would normally fully heal any demon.”

He seems fine now, judging by his ability to spout chuunibyou phrases.

Fully healed, Zanza took a deep breath and stared at me intently. There was no longer the hostile aggression from before.

“You seem to have the strength to command Camilla.”

“But you’re still not worthy of Timu.”

“Damn it...”

“Got a problem? Want to attack me again out of anger?”

“I concede. Do as you will.”

“I won’t do anything harsh. Now, let’s have a proper conversation.”

“Fine. I want to talk openly too.”

“Alright, I’ll ask again. What do you think of Timu?”

“I love her.”

“Direct, huh?”

“I said I’d speak openly. I’m a man of my word.”

“Alright. So you came here because you love Timu.”

“Yes. I didn’t come for diplomacy. I was worried about my betrothed, Camilla.”

“Betrothed, huh.”

“Yes. When I heard Camilla betrayed the Demon King and joined this new faction, I was stunned. I came here in a rage, ready to kill the Dark God if he had tricked her.”

“I see.”

“I wasn’t bluffing. I planned to kill the Dark God and his followers. But I see your strength. I understand now that Camilla wasn’t tricked but was drawn to someone as powerful as the Demon King.”

Okay, he’s calmed down and is speaking honestly. But the chuunibyou talk is still in full swing. He’s not joking, I get that.

Hmm, what should I do?

Even with my mental chuunibyou translator, I’m not sure of his full meaning. But I understand that his feelings for Timu are genuine.

“Zanza, I have many questions, but I get that you truly care for Timu.”

“I do. Your fists showed me that you genuinely care for Camilla too. When I heard her story, I doubted it, but now I see the real bond between you two.”

Not a bond of sisterhood. She’s my real sister, you idiot! What did Timu tell you?

“Zanza, Timu and I are real sisters.”

“I know. Your bond is real.”

You don’t understand at all!

This is why dealing with chuunibyou patients is so troublesome. The conversation keeps veering off course. If I keep trying to correct it, it’ll never end.

“Let’s get back on track. I want to see if you’re a suitable match for Timu.”

“Very well. Today, I’ll set aside my position. Let’s talk without the titles of Demon King’s Army and Dark God’s Army.”

“Alright, then. How did you and Timu meet? No, never mind. I’ve heard enough. I want to know about your current situation. What are you doing now? Your job?”

“What!? Where did that come from? I am Zanza, the Advancing Demon General. What more do you need to know?”

“Oh, so you’re unemployed?”

“Huh? What does that mean? I don’t understand the question.”

He’s obviously trying to hide it…

It’s clear he’s jobless. This is a red flag. If he’s unemployed, he’s not even worth considering as Timu’s boyfriend.

First, he needs to get a job.

But let’s be fair. I’ve been through tough times myself in my past life. I won’t dismiss him outright. He doesn’t need a job right now if he has some potential for the future. Let’s see if he has that.

“So, what’s your special skill?”

“Didn’t Camilla tell you? I am Zanza, the Advancing Demon General.”

“Sorry, she didn’t. What is it?”

“…Swordsmanship. I’ve carved my path with my sword all my life. It’s my pride.”

Zanza speaks proudly.

Hate to burst his bubble, but can he make a living with that?

Sure, the adventurer guilds make it easier to pursue such paths compared to my past life. But still, only a small percentage can actually make a living with a sword. Only those with exceptional talent can maintain such a status.

Most people use the sword for self-defense, hobby, or health. That’s the majority. Some are part-time swordsmen, running shops or farming to make ends meet and practicing swordsmanship in their free time. Unless they’re high-level bodyguards or top-tier adventurers, it’s not sustainable.

Judging by Zanza’s skill, he’s at best a hobbyist level. I managed to disarm him easily.

“Zanza, your sword skills don’t inspire confidence. I can’t see you protecting Timu with such mediocre abilities.”

“I’m…mediocre!?”

“You couldn’t even stand up to me.”

“That’s because you’re…”

“Is that your excuse? Would you say the same to an enemy threatening Timu? ‘Oh, I can’t match you, you’re too strong, sob sob’.”

“Damn it! I wouldn’t say such a pathetic thing. For Camilla, I would face any giant foe without fear.”

He talks big, but…

He’s not taking any steps to secure a stable future. No plans to get a license like a civil servant or anything. Just swinging a stick around.

“So, you have no income right now. Do you think you can keep living like this?”

“What are you implying? Use your common sense. As a senior member of the Demon King’s Army, I’m not penniless!”

Oh!? Maybe I was too quick to judge. I assumed he was a NEET. Looks like he’s a part-time swordsman after all.

“So, how much do you make annually?”

“What? Are you mocking me? I’m talking to you sincerely about Camilla, and you bring up income? You’re insulting me!”

Zanza is furious.

He’s saying love is what matters, not money or status.

I understand. I don’t judge people by their income or education. It’s the person that matters. Feeling insulted because I asked about his income is understandable.

But he’s naive. Marriage requires more than love.

You need financial stability too.

“Zanza, you’re naive.”

“What!? I’m over three thousand years old. How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

“Seventeen thousand years, huh! Truly a Dark God.”

He’s still talking like this even in serious moments. It’s childish. But I’ll let it slide. Thank my past self for understanding chuunibyou.

“Zanza, let me explain why you’re naive.”

“Alright, explain.”

“If you want to date Timu, yes, love is important. But you also need to earn. If you truly love her, you’ll work hard. Hard-working people earn well. That’s why I asked about your income.”

“Your explanation is unclear. But I think I get it. You’re saying if I love Camilla, I should excel in both martial and administrative duties.”

“Do you get it?”

“Yeah, I understand.”

“So, how much do you make annually?”

“Roughly?”

“Yes, an estimate is fine. There’s no tax deduction here.”

“A little under one hundred twenty.”

Hmm. Annual income of 120,000 gold…

That’s tough. If it’s just him and Timu, it might be manageable. But if they have kids and want to provide proper education, it’s not enough.

But if they both work, it might be fine. Timu, being an elite from the magic academy, should earn well.

Still, Zanza would be relying too much on Timu. I can’t entrust my precious sister to him.

“Honestly, that’s not enough. You need at least 400,000. To be a proper partner for Timu, 800,000 would be ideal.”

“What!? I just awakened. Earning 800,000 is impossible without a lucrative territory.”

“Excuses already? Timu could easily earn that in the future.”

“Damn it! I can’t do it now, but I’ll earn double that one day.”

He said he just awakened, so he must have just started his job. It’s harsh to ask about his income now. Let’s focus on his potential.

“Here’s my conclusion. You’re still a novice. I can’t recognize you as Timu’s partner. But I’ll keep your application pending out of respect for your feelings. Come back when you’ve improved.”

“Interesting. When I conquer the seven continents, I’ll come for Camilla. Remember that.”

“Hope you also outgrow your chuunibyou by then…”

“What’s chuunibyou?”

“Never mind… Anyway, here’s your sword back.”

I returned the sword I took from Zanza. It had impressive decorations, a decent blade for someone who practices swordsmanship.

Oh, an idea!

“Zanza, how about showing me your sword skills?”

“My sword skills?”

“Yes, I’d like to see the sword you’re so proud of.”

“Fine. Watch closely.”

Zanza assumed an iaijutsu stance, looking quite skilled. His strength seemed lacking, but he might be better than an amateur.

Let’s see.

“Zanza, show me your sword skills, and think of Timu while doing it.”

“Very well.”

Zanza’s body trembled as his sword glowed brightly.

Then…

“Take this! Ultimate Magic Sword Slash!”

His sword struck the wall with a thundering noise, leaving a faint mark.

Whoa, it scratched the wall reinforced with Miu and Edim’s magic. Probably hit the weakest spot, but still...

Impressive. His love for Timu gave him the strength to perform beyond his usual capability. I thought he was a weakling, but he has potential. With training, he might thrive in the adventurer’s guild.

“Zanza, that’s amazing. This wall is really tough. And you scratched it.”

“No… This is my ultimate move. It can shatter mountains and split seas… I struck with enough force to blow up this shed. How is it… This shed’s strength is unbelievable…”

Zanza is shocked.

Normally, a sword slash would easily damage the wall. It’s understandable for someone confident in their swordsmanship to be taken aback when it barely leaves a mark. If I reveal that it’s reinforced with the magic of renowned adventurers and vampires, it might be discouraging for him. So he shouldn’t feel too bad.

“Zanza, this shed is exceptionally strong. No need to be disheartened.”

“Still, failing to destroy a mere shed means I need more training.”

“Exactly. Keep training. Now, let me borrow your sword.”

“Sure, but what for?”

“I’ve seen your dedication to Timu. Now, let me show you mine.”

“Interesting. I’d like to see that.”

“Just watch.”

I took Zanza’s sword and assumed a high stance.

Then…

“Hyaaah!”

I swung the sword with all my might, thinking of Timu.

Huh!? Whoa!

I swung too hard.

The sword shattered into pieces, the hilt and blade scattering.

What a flimsy sword!?

It looked impressive, but its strength was a joke. It was a toy.

“This is not a real sword.”

“It is a real sword!”

Zanza yelled, looking shocked.

“Well… It’s quite a fragile sword.”

“You… What have you done…”

“Sorry, was it really that important?”

“Of course! This was the True Demon Steel Sword, made by the legendary blacksmith Ron Bern from the demon realm. It’s irreplaceable in this era.”

“A legendary sword?”

“Yes. The only sword that could withstand my magic… And now… What

 will you do about it!?”

Zanza looked utterly devastated. He must have spent a fortune on that toy.

Poor guy… He got scammed by someone claiming to be a legendary blacksmith.