After Zunzun's identity was exposed, things were mostly the same... but not quite.
Yunyun claimed she didn't care, yet she grew more shy and reserved than before, often avoiding Zunzun's gaze.
Megumin said she was shy but kept treating Zunzun the same. Still, no matter how much Sister Soketto persuaded her, she refused to bathe with him anymore. The dynamics between the three shifted just slightly, and Zunzun felt a small relief.
The trio stayed out of it. Though sensing the awkward atmosphere, they managed to smooth things over with Sister Soketto's help. Speaking of which, the harvest took three full days.
This year's yield was double last year's—thanks to good weather, Yunyun's help, and the use of almost every field.
Zunzun divided the grain in a 5:4:1 ratio.
Of course, he took 50%.
Since Yunyun came to help earlier, she got 10% less.
As for Megumin, she only joined near the end of harvest, often distracting Yunyun and stealing his lunch box. Giving her 10% was already generous.
Because that little loli really worked hard during the harvest.
Zunzun helped Yunyun carry food home.
Though the clan leader didn't care much about the food, it was the first time his daughter had brought anything back from hard work, so he accepted it happily.
Touched, Yunyun treated these as precious gifts and vowed to treasure them forever.
"No, no, no. Eat it. How can food be preserved for a lifetime?"
After much coaxing, Yunyun reluctantly agreed—but her regretful face tugged at everyone's heartstrings.
Then it was time for Megumin's house.
Originally, Megumin should have carried the food herself, but the hard work left her muscles aching and bedridden. She missed the final day and had to admit defeat to Yunyun.
Zunzun hoisted a large bag nearly as tall as himself and strode toward Megumin's home. He realized that even without training, his body grew stronger just from good nutrition—though he still couldn't figure out why his muscles never got impressively big.
He knocked, and Megumin opened the crooked door, pale and weak from harvest exhaustion.
When she saw the food, a faint smile appeared as she tried to take it—but her sore muscles refused to cooperate. Zunzun helped carry it inside.
Hyoizaburoo and Yuiyui were happy to see the generous visitor.
In the living room, Hyoizaburoo crossed his arms, raised his chin proudly, and said, "Even if you give me all this food, I still won't give Megumin to you."
"No, no, no—this isn't a betrothal gift!"
"...Unless it's doubled!"
"You're a money-adding monk now!?"
Zunzun groaned inwardly. Besides, who sells their daughter like this?
Hyoizaburoo was curious about this "money-adding monk" but didn't ask, sticking to the unruly image Zunzun had told him to keep.
Still, he felt a little embarrassed.
"Uncle Hyoizaburoo, don't you feel ashamed always relying on Megumin to support the family? She's only eight! As head of the family, shouldn't you do something? You've been idle too long. Even for Aunt Yuiyui and Komekko, you should work harder."
"Well…"
Zunzun's words left Hyoizaburoo speechless, especially since they came from an eight-year-old. The proud man sighed deeply.
"Yeah. I am the head of the family after all. It's shameful to lean on Megumin. Okay! I'll get back to making magic props! It's been a while. Time to reclaim the name of Hyoizaburoo! My Crimson Demon blood is burning! I'll go now—no dinner for me!"
With that, he jumped up and dashed out.
Zunzun was dumbfounded.
He felt guilty—Hyoizaburoo hadn't been lazy; he'd just been taking care of the family. Now Zunzun had given him a reason to get back to work.
"Hehe, sorry to disappoint you. That's just how he is."
Yuiyui entered, carrying tea, smiling gently. She wasn't angry her husband ignored her to obsess over magic tools.
When Zunzun asked why she liked Hyoizaburoo, she said serious men were most attractive—and that he always made her worry.
Zunzun envied Hyoizaburoo a little.
Yuiyui then insisted Zunzun stay for dinner, and he agreed.
Later, Zunzun found Megumin teasing her baby sister Komekko in the room.
"What are you doing?"
"Zunzun?"
Megumin glanced at him and said, "I'm teaching Komekko to talk."
"Isn't it too early?"
Komekko was born at the end of spring. It was only autumn now—6 or 7 months old. It was exceptional for Zunzun to stand and walk so soon, let alone talk.
"It's getting late. Komekko can speak simple words now."
"Really?"
"Of course! Right, Komekko?"
Megumin proudly teased the baby in her cradle.
"Sis… sis…"
"Yes, sister, Komekko."
Though unclear, Komekko did call out "sister" and seemed to understand Megumin.
This kid will definitely be a big shot in the future!
Zunzun joined in and taught Komekko, "Brother…"
"Ah woo ah woo…"
Maybe because Megumin had no brother, Komekko wasn't familiar with the word.
Just then, Yuiyui's voice came from outside:
"Megumin, can you come here?"
"I'm coming! Zunzun, I'll leave Komekko with you."
Zunzun waved, signaling she didn't need to worry. After Megumin left, he kept teaching Komekko.
"Brother."
"Sister."
"Repeat after me: brother."
"Sister!"
"No, no—brother~ brother~"
"Sister!"
"WTF…"
"What…?"
Zunzun was dumbfounded. He couldn't tell if the problem was his teaching or Komekko's learning.
Then Megumin returned, walked in, pointed at Zunzun, and asked Komekko, "Who is this?"
"What the hell."
"What!? Who taught you that?"
"Brother."
...Ah!?
Zunzun was sure: this child would become a big shot someday!
-End Chapter-
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