"Put up a fence..."
Higashino Makoto murmured those words, the corners of his mouth curling slightly upward.
He had long set his sights on this world, intending to make it his own.
Not "occupation" like the Great Tomb of Nazarick, nor "rule" like the dragons, but something more casual, more selfish—a "back garden."
He was the master of this back garden.
And the flowers, grass, and trees he cherished—the human race.
They did not need to know of his existence, did not need to thank him for his protection, and did not even need to acknowledge his authority.
They only needed to grow well, in their own way.
If weeds tried to spread in, he would pull them out.
If pests tried to gnaw at the roots, he would swat them dead.
That was what he wanted.
A beautiful yet fragile garden that was self-sustaining and required none of his attention.
"My lord."
Rita's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"It is time to return."
"Mm."
Higashino Makoto turned and headed back the way they had come.
Rita followed behind him, her parasol casting a small patch of shadow in the lingering glow of the setting sun.
After taking a few steps, Higashino Makoto suddenly stopped.
"Rita."
"Yes."
"What do you think of humans?"
Rita paused slightly.
"My lord means... the humans of this world?"
"Mm."
Rita considered it.
"Weak, yet tenacious."
She gave a concise assessment.
"Fragile, yet resilient. Short-sighted, yet farsighted. Selfish, yet capable of sacrifice."
"You're describing contradictions."
"Humans themselves are a collection of contradictions, my lord."
The corners of Rita's lips lifted slightly.
"That is precisely what makes them endearing."
Higashino Makoto glanced at her.
"You seem rather fond of humans."
"This subordinate is merely stating the facts."
Rita bowed slightly.
"Besides, my lord is also human. This