97人人模人人爽人人喊谢绝

(But… if Asha wants to go back…)

If she herself wants to return to her home, I must respect her decision.

「If I could cure Reiji-san’s sister by returning to the kingdom, then I–」

「Wait, Asha. What is it that you want? I don’t want to sacrifice someone else for me and my sister’s sake.」

The freedom that Lark and I obtained is built on the sacrifices of those who died in the collapse of the mine and the battle. It must not be forgotten, nor can I forget it.

「I……」

Asha was hesitating to say what she wanted, as I looked straight into her eyes. Then, as if she had made her decision–.

「I want to be with Reiji-san… forever!!」

「Your Highness!」

Polina-san and the other elf let out a sad voice.

That was Asha’s true feelings.

She wanted to be with me. Hearing that warmed my heart.

「Thank you, Asha… You want to join me as an adventurer, right?」

「Huh— Eh?」

「Oh? Is that not what you meant?」

「Ah, n-no…t-that’s not… what I…」

Flames started popping around Asha as her face turned bright red. …What’s happening to her?

「You thick-headed boy! But for now I will thank you for that thick-headedness!」

「Polina-san!? Is that abuse or gratitude!?」

「However, Your Highness, you alone cannot decide that.」

Polina-san continued, ignoring me.

「You were sent to the Lev Magic Empire officially. You will have to serve your duty at least until the next Emperor takes the throne. In that time, this boy will grow up and impregnate some random woman and live on a farm somewhere.」

If words could cut! Asha believed her and looked at me in panic.

「I-Is that true, Reiji-san!?」

「No, it isn’t.」

I had to deny it once and for all.

「Oh, are you saying you won’t take responsibility for the woman you impregnate?」

「That’s not what I’m saying at all!」

Polina-san has a viper’s tongue!

「Well, you see, there’s one other thing I haven’t talked about yet. I was rewarded by the Emperor for the success of closing the Red Gate. He promised to grant me anything I wished for. So I wished for Her Highness Anastasia’s liberation.」

Perhaps this was beyond expectations, as Polina-san’s mouth opened agape, and Asha half-rose to her knees and quickly sat down again.

Asha’s eyes grew moist.

「…Reiji-san, I… why would you use your reward for someone like me…」

「I was actually presented with something from my party members, so I just wanted to give a present to someone else too… Also, the Emperor couldn’t answer immediately and said he’ll consider it. Maybe it won’t be granted, after all.」

「Even so! I… I am so happy that Reiji-san did that for me.」

My heart fluttered as she looked at me with teary-eyes full of gratitude.

「What now, Polina-san? If it is granted, Asha will be able to choose her own future.」I said.

Polina-san glared at me, gritting her teeth.

**

We had a banquet that night as announced by the mayor.

It hadn’t been too long since Umibozu appeared, so the townspeople were not too hurt by its presence. Nevertheless, sake was being served all over the town celebrating the “subjugation”.

A number of tables were set up in the large garden of the mayor’s mansion, and platters of fish cuisine were placed on them. There was also a buffet party-like line of dishes served by waiters on the side.

「Reiji… The young miss is still sleeping, so we’re going to head back to the inn.」Kook-san said.

The sun was still in the sky, about to set. The banquet was just about to start in earnest.

「You’re going to leave so quickly?」I asked.

「It feels embarrassing to be here, as we were the ones who stole the magic ship. We’ve already eaten our bellies’s full. Furthermore…」

I was wondering why he was wearing a thin coat on a warm evening, but he opened and showed two sake bottles hidden inside the coat.

「Nihihihi.」

It wasn’t just Kook-san. The locksmith, engineer, and scout also each hid ham and cheese, and dried fish under their coats.

「We’re going to have a drink at the inn. So don’t worry about us, and enjoy the party.」

「Alright.」

They left, as I gave them a nod with a wry smile.

I was worried about Lark, but there’s almost nothing I can do at the moment.【Healing Magic】can only heal external wounds, and the only thing that can restore the vitality itself is something extremely special, such as Lady Eva’s “Magic Eye of Inspire”.

I was thinking of sending Lark to Earl Sillys’ place while I searched for the sage. The young lady will surely assist in Lark’s recovery. However, the time and effort required for that depends on whether Lark wakes up and can walk on her own. Non-san also sent a letter to a person named “Magic Master”.

Apparently, when Non-san and Dante-san took a walk around town during the day, Dante-san was approached by the knights, inviting him to participate in the training, it seems.

「——Where did you learn to handle the shield?」

「——What do you think about becoming a knight in this city?」

「——If you’re not interested in becoming a knight, at the very least how about an instructor?」

The admiration of the Saint Knight Kingdom toward strong people was quite amazing. I noticed the mayor and his older brother shooting glances at me from time to time, but I pretended not to notice them. They were surely planning to badger me to tell stories.

「Why the long face, Reiji-kun?」

「Ah… Mimino-san.」

Mimino-san walked up to me. Her plate was lined with fish cut into squares and small red fruits. She looked like a squirrel as she stuffed her mouth with those red fruits. I unintentionally grinned thinking about that.

「Why are you suddenly smiling?」

「S-Sorry. It’s nothing. By the way, Mimino-san, about the Dupe Potion… I’ll give you all the money I have on hand to pay for it. And if there are rare materials to get, I will also help look for it. 」

For my sake, she had to use many Dupe Potions that easily cost several gold coins each. Though, considering the effect of the potion, it’s a very reasonable cost. ..I also have to pay for the poison I used up.

「Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. I don’t need money to help my party members.」

「But–」

「Or are you saying, you won’t help pay for me when I am in a pinch?」

「If it’s something that can be solved with money, I will empty my whole wallet!……Ah!」

「See!」

Mimino-san smiled brightly.

「I knew you would, but actually hearing it does make me happy.」she said.

Her smile was too dazzling. I wanted to protect this smile forever.

The operating funds for the party are managed separately, so her personal funds were unaffected, it seems. Apparently, the party made bank after defeating the dragon in the Achenbach Dukedom and selling the materials from Ouroboros in the Holy Kingdom.

「Ah.」

Mimino-san suddenly raised a small voice.

「Reiji-kun, rather than worrying about money, you have a more important job.」

Mimino-san turned my body around and tapped on my back.

「…Escorting a girl is a boy’s special privilege.」she said, playfully.

At the end of my line of sight, a dressed up High Elf princess walked out of the mayor’s residence.