Akaishi Tsugumi.
Because of her, I can't do anything.
My demon sword and holy sword were taken away. Since I can only operate near the capital, my magic level—which requires experience—hasn't improved either.
Execution isn't an empty threat. I don't think she'd resort to something underhanded like sending assassins, but there's no doubt I'll eventually be put on trial.
But well, this is all just a misunderstanding.
If I keep working hard, even Tsugumi will come to understand. That I'm harmless.
So, for now, I'm doing my best at the adventurer's guild, earning my living expenses and contributing to the nation.
---
The two of us left the castle. Thanks to Kazusa siding with me, the soldiers didn't pursue us.
Kazusa was spinning the demon sword—the one she had been gripping just moments ago—deftly around her fingertip.
"Sorry~, this is technically your sword, right? I'd really like to give it back, but Tsugumi won't let me~."
"Nah, it's not your fault, Kazusa. It's all Tsugumi's doing."
If it weren't for Kazusa, I would've been exiled long ago. I'd probably be whining miserably in some remote region like those fallen nobles. Just thinking about it makes me sad.
Compared to that, losing my demon and holy swords is nothing.
"Well, as long as you're here, I'll protect you, Takumi."
"...Kazusa-sama."
I was genuinely moved.
What is this girl? My guardian angel?
"KazusaAAAAAAA, I LOVE YOOOOOU!! You're my prince! Please protect me forever, I'm begging you!"
"Don't touch me!"
I tried to hug her, but she shoved me away.
Harsh.
"I have Yuu. I don't need love or anything like that."
Yuu is Kazusa's boyfriend. He's also my friend.
She wants to return to her original world, where her lover is. That's probably what drives her.
Ahem. I cleared my throat and changed the subject.
"Still, Tsugumi's got the wrong idea about me. Why does she think I'm some kind of evil, aristocratic bigot? Because of her, my days are spent hunting weak demons for quests. When is my hero's journey even gonna start…?"
"But hey, I think you're doing pretty well. You're managing to live on your own, at least."
My future is anything but smooth.
But I am working at the adventurer's guild. I make enough to get by, and I'm not starving or homeless.
In that sense, I've got a decent foundation.
At least, that's how it is for me.
---
After leaving the castle, instead of heading straight to the guild, we turned left.
"That way? You're going to see her?"
"Yeah."
Walking along the castle walls, we soon reached a large mansion hidden deeper inside.
This was the former hero's residence—the home I was given back when I was still considered a "hero candidate."
At first, I used it to shelter my classmates who were almost enslaved. But now, the power dynamic has completely reversed, and the place has become useless. Thanks to Tsugumi, I'm not even allowed to live here anymore, and most of the girls have left to become independent.
But the mansion isn't completely empty.
We stepped onto the grounds. The garden was neatly maintained, and the wooden mansion was spotless, free of even a speck of dust.
"...Ah, Shimojou-kun."
Peeking out from behind a pillar was a black-haired girl in a maid outfit.
Shimahara Nao.
One of my classmates, and the only one who hasn't become independent. She still lives in this mansion, tending to the garden and cleaning the place all by herself.
Even though the hero will never return.
The maid outfit isn't my preference. I only had the girls wear them because the nobles would get suspicious otherwise. Even Kazusa wore one at first.
I remember Tsugumi yelling, "You're making us do servant work just because we're girls?! You discriminatory bastard!" Looking back, the seeds of my current situation were planted back then…
Anyway, I'm not the one making her wear the maid outfit.
Not that I'll deny how cute Noa looks in it.
"You don't have to keep cleaning. No one's coming back here. You're free to do whatever you want, Noa."
"Um… w-well, I… I don't have anything else I'm good at… I just thought… in case Shimojou-kun ever came back…"
Her voice was so quiet it was almost a whisper.
Being told she's doing this for me makes me kinda embarrassed.
"Hey, Noa. Do you even realize? Staying holed up here won't change anything."
Saying that, Kazusa pulled a wand from her back.
"I got this wand in the labyrinth the other day. It amplifies magic. With this, even weak monsters can be taken down instantly. Why don't you come to the labyrinth and help me out?"
Noa trembled at the sight of the offered weapon, immediately hiding fully behind the pillar again. Only the lace-trimmed headband of her maid outfit peeked out.
"I-I'm… scared of monsters… and magic… so… um…"
"Haaah?"
Kazusa's face twisted in clear irritation.
"Listen, Noa. This is another world. People are losing their homes to monsters, getting killed. Saving them and returning to our original world—that's our mission! Our goal! Staying here is just wasting time!"
"Ah… um… that's…"
Noa wasn't good at arguing. Under Kazusa's relentless pressure, she just stood there, lips trembling.
"Hold on."
"What?"
I had to step in.
Kazusa couldn't understand because she was good at everything.
"Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Before coming here, we were just normal students. It's fine if at least one person wants to stay peaceful and timid, isn't it?"
"I'm saying this for her own good!"
"I'm not doubting your intentions. But sometimes, even the right thing can be wrong."
"That makes no sense."
"Just—!"
Arguing any further was pointless.
"I'm on Noa's side. I want to grant her wishes as much as possible. That's the last remaining duty of someone like me… who was once treated as a hero!"
"Shimojou… kun."
Noa clung tightly to my left arm.
"Pfft. How sweet, Takumi. Sweet like a maple syrup-drenched, whipped cream-topped fruit parfait. Kindness alone won't save this world—or your waistline!"
"Sweet is fine. I'd rather be—OW!"
The wand Kazusa threw hit me square in the forehead.
"Idiot."
With a flick of her hand, she walked away. Probably heading back to the Labyrinth of Regulus.
She wasn't being malicious. If anything, what she said was righteous.
Maybe I am too soft…?
=====================
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