As we finished rejoicing over our victory in defeating the lower-class demon, we heard the sound of multiple footsteps rapidly approaching.

Turning around, we saw a group of more than ten adventurers, with El and Sheena at the center.

"Ike-san! Once the civilians finished evacuating, we gathered C-rank and above magicians and clerics specializing in support. But... could it be...?"

"There’s no demon left. Seems it’s already been dealt with," I replied.

Apparently, the two had come to our aid.
Although we had already finished the job, their concern made me deeply grateful.

"Thank you, both of you.

This time, we managed to handle it ourselves, but it could have been a much tougher battle.
So once again, thank you for coming. El, Sheena... and to all the other adventurers as well."

To take on a demon was a burden far too heavy even for C-rank adventurers.
Despite that, they had courageously come to help, and I wanted to express my appreciation.

Upon hearing the demon had already been defeated, the adventurers relaxed and began speaking one after another.

"Haha, so it’s already over, huh? Shame I didn’t get a chance to show off!"

"Yeah, yeah. But secretly, you’re relieved, aren’t you?"

"N-no, that’s not true at all!"

"Hah! Well, nothing happened, so it’s all good. Still, from afar, it looked like demons in the sky were getting attacked one after another. Was that really you guys?"

One of the adventurers questioned us.
Apparently, things like Lycia’s jet-black flames and Tetra’s feather barrage were visible even from a distance.

Hmm, why not?
This was a great chance to brag about my incredible comrades.

"Yeah, my amazing companions worked really hard.

Flare, Tetra, Lycia."

"Yep, I did my best!"

"Next time, I’ll crush them even harder."

"I merely fulfilled my master’s wishes."

The adventurers let out a collective "Whoa!" as they watched Flare and the others respond in their own unique ways.

"Incredible! So these young girls took it down? Could it be that your party is actually famous?"

"No, sorry to disappoint, but we’re not even in a party."

"So, you just met, and yet you managed to cooperate perfectly to take down a demon? That’s insane!"

"No, it’s not quite like that..."

I wondered how best to explain.

As I mulled it over, Lycia and Sheena stepped forward, looking inexplicably proud.

What are they planning?

Just as everyone, including me, shared the same question, the two began speaking.

"It’s only natural. My master is the most remarkable person in the world!"

"Let me tell you something. Ike-san is actually the strongest puppeteer there is!"

The two shouted those embarrassing words at the top of their lungs, then exchanged a satisfied smile and a handshake.

Wait. Don’t leave me out of this while you’re having your fun!

Unlike my instinctive reaction to this situation, the adventurers seemed utterly shaken by their declaration.

"Did... did she just say ‘puppeteer’!?"

"What does that mean? A puppeteer defeating demons? Where’s the puppet, anyway?"

"Right here, of course!"

"Take a good look."

"You two are saying... you’re the puppets!?"

All eyes were on Flare and Tetra as they presented themselves.
At this point, the fact that we’d defeated a demon seemed to be a minor detail—the focus had entirely shifted to puppets.

"No way... wasn’t being a puppeteer just a joke class!?"

"Humph, it’s no joke! Ike is the strongest!"

"So, Ike, that guy over there, is really that amazing?"

"Yes. Thanks to Ike, we’re here today."

"Wait, but why can you two even talk?"

"It’s all thanks to my master’s love ♥."

"Whoa, that startled me! Wait, you’re saying you’re a puppet too!?"

"Exactly. And at the same time, I’m also his legal wife."

"W-what’s even happening here...?"

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely.

But we couldn’t just stand around chatting forever. We needed to report the demon's appearance and the details of its defeat to the guild.

Even after I mentioned this, the lively chatter didn’t die down.

"Alright then, let’s all head to the guild and celebrate!

Since I couldn’t join the fight, I’ll treat you to drinks. But in exchange, you’ve got to tell us some great stories, Ike!"

It seemed there was no escaping these people.

Still, I didn’t mind at all.

Until now, being a puppeteer meant facing constant ridicule.

But at least for this moment, everyone here accepted me warmly.

I was certain this connection would become a significant support for us as we continued our work in this town.

With that in mind, we began walking toward the guild.

"By the way, was it Lycia-san? Just now, you said you were Ike’s legal wife?"

"Indeed, I did. Any problem with that?"

"...I see."

"...Hmm."

Unbeknownst to me, a battle between the women was quietly brewing in the background.