Dad’s back

The next few days passed relatively quietly, though you do end up having to replace Uzume’s bed. The Oni apologizes, claiming that their ‘conversation’ got a little out of hand.

One morning, you’re relaxing with Maya and Hana as a guard comes in. “Sire, you have another visitor…”

You look at the man, who is carefully avoiding staring at Hana, who is in her natural form like she usually is at home, which means she’s naked. Chuckling, you get up and move to spare the poor man. “Another visitor?”

He nods. “Yes, your majesty. Says his name is Daigo…”

Maya bounces up. “Dads here!”

The guard looks over, then looks down after getting an eyeful of naked slime girl. “Y-yes, ma’am.”

You laugh. “It’s ok, Hana isn’t ashamed. If she cared, she’d put on clothes.”

Hana giggles. “Oh, Josh, not everyone is as used to nudity as you.”

The guard, having delivered his message, makes a hasty exit. The three of you laugh, and Maya puts an arm around your waist. “Well, let’s go! Dad is here!”

You wave to Hana, who appears to be settling down for a nap. Putting an arm around Maya, the two of you walk to the entrance, where you see a large man silhouetted by the sunlight. Maya lets go of you, running over to hug her father. “Dad, you’re here!”

He hugs Maya, smiling. “Look at you! I see Josh is taking good care of my little girl.”

You grin, walking up and shaking the transformed dragon’s massive hand. “I try, even though it’s usually her taking care of me.”

Daigo nods. “Either way, you’re both doing well. I’ve come for more than a social call, though.”

“You have word from Ellon, then?”

“I do, and it’s neither good nor bad. They want you to come in person. You and Ruka.”

You sigh. “We don’t have that kind of time. Every day we wait at this point is dangerous.”

Daigo smiles. “I agree. That’s why I’m going to give you and her a ride. I can get you there in a day.”

Maya gasps. “You’re going to let someone ride you?!”

Daigo laughs. “Not just someone. My future son in law and father of my grandchildren, and our best hope for defeating the demon lord.”

He turns to you. “To answer your unspoken question, yes, I will fight alongside you in this war. There can be no neutrality in fighting this evil.”

You nod. “Thank you. When can we leave? Do you need time to rest?”

Daigo thinks for a moment. “Tomorrow morning. We can leave at dawn. I’ll have you there by evening, if we make good time.”

You smile. “Dinner tonight, then?”

He chuckles. “A family dinner with your family is always entertaining. Of course!”