Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)

"Wow, the guest house is coming along great!" Kaede said, watching as Antari and orcs worked together to construct the grand mansion. Resting atop her head was the ever-lovable Syrup, his weight a familiar comfort.

"Thank you, Lady Kaede."

Standing beside her was Kain, the Grand Artisan of Maple Tree and the first son of Chibari. He was responsible for most of the architecture in the nation, and his keen eye ensured that every structure was built to perfection.

"I estimate completion in four days, five if we account for any unforeseen complications." He smiled as a female Bovoid approached, a red-haired woman with two curved black horns on the sides of her head, effortlessly carrying a large steel beam on her shoulder.

Kain gave her a nod before directing her to a position within the construction site. Once satisfied, he turned back to Kaede.

"Five days, huh?" Kaede mused, placing a hand on her chin. "That gives us plenty of time to prepare for Demon Lord Frey's arrival."

This was the reason the guest house was being built so urgently in the nation's capital, Kyusha City. Originally, the Kingdom of Fulbrosia had planned to send a delegation of diplomats as envoys to establish formal relations with Maple Tree. In return, Kaede was expected to send her own envoys to Fulbrosia.

However, a recent message had changed everything.

Demon Lord Frey herself would be arriving to represent Fulbrosia, accompanied by her personal entourage.

Kaede felt both relieved and uneasy about this turn of events. On one hand, it meant she wouldn’t have to send Ari, who was unfortunately, her best diplomat, into a situation where she might escalate negotiations with threats. Ari’s approach to diplomacy was... effective but often far from subtle. On the other hand, having a Demon Lord within her borders was a risk she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

After facing Demon Lord Milim in battle just a few weeks ago, the last thing Kaede wanted was another immensely powerful figure stepping foot in her kingdom. Yet, she had no choice but to prepare and ensure that Maple Tree was ready for the meeting that could shape its future.

Kaede decided to leave Kain to his work and made her way back to her mansion. As she walked, she glanced at her assistant. "Sera, how's the training with the chefs coming along?"

Sera nodded, her expression pleased. "It's going great. Especially with the recipes you provided from your... infinite wisdom." She smirked playfully. "They're all quick learners and eager to impress you. I’d expect nothing less from those hoping to become Maple Tree’s Royal Chefs."

Kaede chuckled at her tone. "Good to hear. And what about the reception hall staff?"

"They’re ready as well," Sera confirmed. "They’ve been getting extra guidance from Sir Edward."

Kaede raised a brow. "Edward was a noble, wasn’t he? Or was he a knight? Don’t knights usually get a barony or something?" She waved a hand dismissively. "Either way, I suppose he has a good grasp of proper etiquette. I’m glad he’s here."

Sera smiled. "Indeed. His experience has been invaluable."

With the preparations progressing smoothly, Kaede felt a little more at ease, but there was still much to do before Demon Lord Frey’s arrival.

---

And so, the big day arrived.

Kaede stood at the forefront of her group, composed of Ari, Aurina, Sera, Eryn, Hachi, and Darius. They positioned themselves a short distance from the city gates, eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of their guests.

Then, movement.

Kaede's lips curled into a small smile. "Here they come."

Four distant shapes in the sky gradually grew larger, their silhouettes sharpening as they neared. Massive green gryphons, their powerful wings cutting through the air with graceful precision, pulled equally grand carriages behind them.

"So those are gryphons," Kaede murmured, watching their descent with keen interest. "I wonder how they compare to our armored dragonflies."

The lead carriage slowed, coming to a smooth stop just a few feet away. Its doors swung open, and a figure emerged, a striking silver-haired harpy who moved with a poised elegance. She strode toward them, her sharp golden eyes sweeping over the welcoming party.

"I am Claire, member of the Twin Wings and leader of the guard," she announced formally. "Allow me to introduce the ruler of Fulbrosia, Sky Queen, and my mother, Demon Lord Frey."

As if on cue, the carriage doors opened once more.

Kaede's breath hitched.

A tall woman stepped out, her presence utterly commanding. White hair cascaded down her back, a striking contrast to the crimson gem embedded in her forehead. Her attire, a form-fitting red dress reminiscent of a leotard, left little to the imagination, accentuating her toned physique and undeniable beauty.

With an air of effortless authority, Frey advanced toward Kaede, her piercing gaze locking onto her.

For a moment, Kaede remained frozen in place, caught somewhere between awe and wariness, as if trapped in a trance.

"You're so Beautiful." She blurted out.

"W-What?" Frey blinked, blinded by the compliment for some reason. A slight rosy tint, colouring her cheeks. 'What just happened?'

"W-What?" Kaede blinked as well, a small blush on her face.

Kaede forced herself to snap out of it, pushing down the mix of attraction and admiration that welled up inside her. She straightened her posture, stepping forward with quiet confidence.

"Welcome to Maple Tree, Demon Lord Frey," Kaede greeted, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We've prepared accommodations for you and your entourage. I trust the journey was smooth?"

Now calm, Frey studied her for a brief moment before responding, her voice smooth yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "It was acceptable. Your airspace is surprisingly unguarded for a growing nation."

Kaede allowed herself a small, knowing smile. "Only because I knew you were coming. Had you arrived unannounced, it would have been a different experience."

A flicker of something, perhaps amusement, crossed Frey's sharp eyes. "I see."

Claire stepped forward, speaking with crisp professionalism. "My Lady, I will oversee the unloading of our supplies and ensure the security of our lodgings."

Frey gave a small nod before shifting her attention back to Kaede. "Shall we?"

Kaede gestured toward the city gates. "This way."

As the group moved, the streets of Kyusha City came alive with curious onlookers. Citizens lined the roads, some whispering excitedly at the sight of the majestic gryphons, while others stared in awe at the regal presence of Demon Lord Frey.

Kaede stole a glance at her companions. Ari seemed unimpressed, her expression carefully neutral, but Kaede knew her well enough to sense the tension in her stance. Sera, ever composed, carried herself with a respectful elegance, while Aurina and Hachi observed everything with keen, analytical eyes.

They approached the guest mansion, the newly completed structure standing tall against the skyline. The finishing touches had been made just hours before Frey's arrival, ensuring everything was in pristine condition.

Kain was already waiting at the entrance, his usual confident demeanor unwavering. He bowed lightly. "Lady Frey, welcome. I am Kain, Grand Artisan of Maple Tree. I personally oversaw the construction of your lodgings. If anything is unsatisfactory, it will be corrected immediately."

Frey took a moment to survey the building before giving a small nod of approval. "It will do."

Kaede exhaled softly. That was probably the best compliment they were going to get.

"If you’d like, we can begin discussions after you've had time to settle in," Kaede offered. "Or, if you prefer, we can start immediately."

Frey turned her gaze to Kaede, the corners of her lips curling slightly. "You’re eager."

Kaede met her gaze with a slight smile. "Just curious."

'It happened again. What exactly is it?' Frey studied her once more, as if weighing something unseen. Then, she nodded. "Very well. I suppose a tour is adequate before... our talks."

Kaede offered a slight nod, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "A tour it is, then. I’d be happy to show you what Maple Tree has to offer."

---

Later that night, a grand welcome party was held in the newly completed reception hall.

Fulbrosia’s delegates dined lavishly, indulging in a feast that showcased the finest culinary offerings Maple Tree had to offer. Contrary to Kaede’s initial expectations, the harpies had no reservations about eating meat, allowing the chefs to pull out all the stops.

At one end of the hall, Luchia, the younger of the Twin Wings, eyed her sister’s plate with open envy, her own cheeks puffed with food. “Yours looks so good, sister,” she mumbled between bites.

Claire, ever composed, took a deliberate bite of her yakitori, savoring the smoky glaze of grilled chicken. She glanced at Luchia with mild amusement. “You already have your own, Luchia. This… yakitori… is mine. If you want more, ask the chefs for seconds.”

Chibari, seated nearby, leaned in with a knowing grin. “You think that’s good? You should try the desserts. They’re something else.”

Meanwhile, in a private room adjacent to the main hall, Kaede and Frey sat across from each other in a more intimate setting. The atmosphere was quieter, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows across the polished table.

Sera, ever graceful, poured their drinks into finely crafted glass cups, the liquid catching the light in amber hues. Frey picked up her glass, running a finger along its smooth rim before taking a slow sip. She paused mid-drink, her golden eyes widening ever so slightly, betraying a moment of surprise. 'It's cold. How refreshing.'

Then, as if nothing had happened, she resumed drinking, though this time, with noticeably more enthusiasm.

Finished, she dropped the glass on the tray with a soft clack, seemingly satisfied with one glass. Only Frey knew she had to resist a sigh of bliss.

She frowned ever so slightly, before turning to Sera, who graciously poured her another serving.

Frey turned to Kaede, her sharp golden eyes narrowing as she caught sight of the victorious smirk playing on the young ruler’s lips.

"If you're trying to bribe me with this," Frey mused, swirling the amber liquid in her glass, "then, unfortunately…" She took another sip before sighing in satisfaction. "You're on the right path. Your alcohol is exquisite, dare I say, the best I’ve ever had."

Kaede’s smirk softened into a knowing smile. “We owe that to our state-of-the-art brewery and the Tengu’s unmatched expertise in crafting Japanese alcohol. This particular brand, however, is reserved for special occasions… and special guests.”

Frey paused mid-drink, her expression shifting to one of mild concern. “Reserved? So there's not much of it?”

Kaede gave a casual shrug. “Unfortunately so. We depend primarily on the bounty of the forest for our fruits, so our production is limited.”

Of course, that was a complete lie. Thanks to Kaede’s unique skill, [Plant Eater], which had been inherited by Acer and, by extension, every Dryad born from her, Maple Tree would never lack fruits or ingredients for their brews.

Frey, perceptive as ever, seemed to catch the underlying message. She set her glass down thoughtfully before nodding. “I see. In that case, we’ll prepare something of equal value to trade for them.”

Kaede’s smile widened. “That sounds awesome.”

She lifted her own glass, taking a slow sip while discreetly noting that Frey had already moved on to her third glass.