Akatsuki Translations

A lone girl walked through the town below the Illusion Castle, the stronghold of the Four Heavenly Kings’ Mirage.

Despite her small stature, she wielded a giant scythe that seemed too large for her, moving her legs while scanning the area with sharp eyes.

Dressed crisply in a military uniform and walking with a straight back, her posture mirrored her serious personality.

Much like the many residents walking around her, she had two silver horns sprouting from her head, and her silver hair, as smooth as silk, reflected the sun’s light.

She was Astarte, the deputy, who had come for an inspection.

“Oh, Tart-chan, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

A woman in a white apron called out to Astarte with the easy familiarity of an aunt to her niece.

In her hand was a broom, and behind her was a store bearing a sign that read “The Silver Cricket Inn.”

She seemed to be cleaning the eaves, holding a well-worn bamboo broom in her hand.

The woman’s plump figure and demeanor perfectly encapsulated the image of a pub landlady.

“Hello, it has been a while, Madame Flora.” -Astarte

Astarte stopped in her tracks, bowed slightly to the woman, and greeted her.

Her actions were practiced and composed, as if she were a lady of some refined household.

“Why so formal? Just call me Aunt Flora like you used to.” -Flora

Flora, raising both hands in an exaggerated gesture of exasperation, wore a genuinely kind smile.

She and Astarte were old acquaintances, and her easygoing demeanor made sense.

As the deputy to one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Astarte held the second-highest position in the East, after Mirage.

Most people would naturally be intimidated by her.

“No, I am no longer a child… By the way, has anything unusual or troubling happened recently?” -Astarte

Inquiring about the living conditions of the residents—a part of her inspection duty—Astarte personally checked the situation in the easily accessible town below the castle.

Disruptions in public order, market turmoil, disease outbreaks—detecting these and other issues early required this kind of painstaking work.

“Well, you’re still a kid to me. But yes… the price of salt has been rising recently. It’s already expensive, so this is quite a problem.” -Flora

Salt was a necessity even for the demon race, and in the eastern lands, which were not near the sea, it was traded at a high price.

“I see, there might have been some issue with the imports. Thank you, I’ll have it investigated immediately.” -Astarte

The salt was imported from the northern lands, which bordered the sea.

Given that there were no reports of a significant decrease in production that could affect the price, the cause must be something else.

Astarte was about to leave the place when…

“Wait a minute.” -Flora

She stopped and turned around at Flora’s call.

“What is it?” -Astarte

“There’s no need to rush off like that. Since you’re here, why not take a break at my place?” -Flora

“No, I still have work to do.” -Astarte

As Astarte refused flatly and tried to leave, Flora grinned knowingly.

“I actually have a new cake.” -Flora

“…!” -Astarte

Astarte’s steps halted at Flora’s words.

“It’s a mixed berry tart, using plenty of fruits. It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.” -Flora

“That’s not unusual. There are plenty of fruit-based items. And as I mentioned, I am working, so either way, it’s not feasible.” -Astarte

Despite her words, Astarte’s feet remained rooted in place.

“Recently, Mirage-sama taught me how to make “custard cream,” and I’ve used that too. And besides salt, there are many other problems, but it seems there’s no one high-ranking who would listen.” -Flora

“…Listening to the voices of the townspeople is also the duty of the deputy. But just a little bit.” -Astarte

Later, when Astarte returned to the castle with traces of custard cream on her lips, she wore an unusually blissful expression. Everyone thought they were hallucinating and decided not to comment.

-END–

Thanks for reading “Dual Life ~Hiru wa Yuusha Party, Yoru wa Maou Gun~” all the way to the end! I hope you enjoyed your time with this series, and be sure to check out the other series being translated by Akatsuki Translations!