When they returned to the church corridors, two people received them: an excessively old man alongside a young man of about twenty who seemed to serve as his assistant. The old man greeted Fleria warmly and then turned to Teo with a bow.
—Chosen by the goddess Erézmia.
Teo grimaced at the name of the one responsible for all his misfortunes. Noticing it, Fleria stepped in and quickly removed Teo from the situation, mentioning that they were heading to the dining hall.
They had barely left the old man and the young assistant behind when more people began appearing in the corridors. Teo looked at Fleria's back suspiciously; it hadn't gone unnoticed that she only ordered the others to stand down after she had already learned about his powers and confirmed he wasn't a potential threat.
How cunning… And when exactly, and how, did she communicate with the others?
Just as he was thinking that, a delicious aroma reached him, breaking his train of thought.
After passing through an archway, they found a chapter hall transformed into a banquet space—table after table filled with people and divine delicacies.
—You can eat as much as you want —Fleria said with a proud smile.
Teo didn't waste time. He grabbed a plate and began serving himself without the slightest shame. Curiously, he recognized many dishes from his world, mainly from Asian cuisine.
Sitting across from him, Fleria ate moderately—a light dish and a blue drink—seemingly completely detached from the gastronomic chaos Teo was causing.
Many of the people in the hall were nobles, and all of them seemed eager to approach the hero, but a single glance from Fleria was enough to make them back off.
At some point, while Teo was eating voraciously, a childish voice joined the table.
—Cousin, cousin! Is this boy your boyfriend?
Teo lifted his gaze from his plate. Around Fleria stood two small children, about eight or nine years old. Both wore robes just like hers.
Fleria didn't react immediately.
The girl who had spoken smiled shyly and instantly received a sharp knock on the head from the boy beside her.
—What are you saying, dummy? My sister's boyfriend is the legendary hero, Elías.
Fleria froze at once, as if knocked out of orbit.
—Ow! Did you have to hit me? —the girl replied, rubbing her head.
—Yes, so that head of yours starts working. Don't you remember he's the hero from this morning?
The girl tried to recall but failed. Then, suddenly, Fleria stammered as her cheeks burst into flames.
—Elías…? My… my boyfriend? N-no… we're not… He, Elías, isn't my boyfriend.
As she said the last part, her voice gradually faded. Teo thought she might start crying.
The boy beside her went rigid, as if cracking like shattered glass.
Teo watched the scene with a bittersweet feeling. It felt far too familiar. Azula, his little sister, had often put him in similar situations with Samira.
—Cousin… is it true he's the new hero? —the girl asked, hiding behind Fleria.
Since Fleria was still processing the depressing reality, Teo decided to answer.
—That's right. Nice to meet you, I'm Teo. Could you tell me your name, miss?
The girl clung tighter to her cousin.
—M-my name is Net… It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hero.
Teo couldn't help but smile.
Oh, she's adorable!
Suddenly, the boy moved and shot him a deadly glare, as if staring at the cause of all his problems. Teo held his gaze for a few seconds, then picked up a sweet from his plate and offered it kindly.
The boy hesitated, wanting to refuse but unsure if he should. Then Net lunged forward and grabbed the sweet with a greedy little face.
—I'll take it —she said before eating it.
That action brought Fleria back to life. She turned toward the little girl with narrowed eyes.
—Net, you shouldn't eat sweets.
Net took her time swallowing before adopting a serene attitude.
—But the hero offered it. It would've been disrespectful not to accept.
Trying to see through that innocent little face, Fleria raised an eyebrow.
—But he didn't offer it to you, did he?
Net fake-coughed, avoiding an answer.
Fleria sighed and then lightly tapped the boy, who was still glaring at Teo.
—Hey, Félix, stop looking at the hero like that. It's extremely rude.
The boy turned to his sister, visibly confused. He was supposed to treat the hero well, but that scoundrel might try to seduce his sister, who was already engaged to the legendary hero Elías—even if she didn't know it yet. Or so he thought.
Teo smiled and leaned on the table.
—Your sister's right, kid. You shouldn't look at people like that… Instead, you can insult them in your mind. Just don't let it show on your face.
Fleria made a face.
—How dare you teach my little brother that?! Félix, don't listen to him. He may be a hero, but not everything he says is right.
—You're right, dear sister! This hero is really rude and not special at all. He can't compare to Elías in any way. He would never say something so ugly.
Involuntarily, Fleria nodded.
Teo silently watched how the little bastard—whom he had tried to help—used his advice to stomp all over him. Félix held his gaze with a smug smile.
After a few tense seconds, Teo lifted a finger to his face, pulled down his lower eyelid, and stuck out his tongue. Félix looked stunned, while Net burst into laughter.
Fleria rolled her eyes.
—Oh, please. How childish, Teo.
Teo looked away from Fleria, and at that moment Net approached the table with shining eyes.
—Hero, hero! Your powers… Could you tell me about your powers?
Teo tensed, looking to Fleria for help, but received only an expectant look.
No help, I see.
—Well, Net, you see… my powers…
He placed a hand over his chest, deepened his voice, and said:
—My powers are very dangerous. So dangerous that I have to keep them secret for everyone's sake!
Net's eyes sparkled even brighter, and Teo allowed himself a small smile. He didn't want to disappoint the sweet girl.
How was I supposed to tell her my only power basically makes me weaker—with "benefits" ranging from becoming more whiny, more feminine, more sensitive… and the last one, I don't even want to think about it.
A small sound caught his attention. He turned to look at Fleria. Her cheeks were puffed out, lips sealed tight to stop herself from laughing.
Teo's eye twitched.
That woman is making fun of my misfortunes! Didn't she just lecture her brother about respecting heroes?
—But you know, Net? —Teo continued— That's not the big deal. What's really great is my last name. It's completely normal. Not like some others.
At that last comment, he glanced sideways at Fleria, noticing how her suppressed laughter vanished. His lips curved upward.
—I don't get it —Net said, tilting her head.
That's when Teo realized both children might share the same terrible last name. But before he could respond, Fleria spoke.
—It was nothing, Net. Forget it.
Teo nodded and stood up, leaving several empty plates on the table.
—Well, Fleria, what's next?
She swirled her drink and remained silent for a few seconds.
—We need to handle some paperwork, and after that, I'll take you to your room.
She hesitated briefly and added:
—If you'd like, I could also give you a tour. Tomorrow you can decide what you want to do.
A small sparkle danced in her eyes for a moment, as if recalling some childhood fantasy of heroes and adventures. Then she looked at her two relatives.
Net, who knew she was about to be sent elsewhere, put on an adorable expression.
—Cousin… about the tour…
Fleria didn't let herself be manipulated, and Teo saw that clearly.
He knew he needed time alone to process everything he had been through and everything he had lost. He also had no desire to tour the church of the one responsible for all his misfortunes—but he didn't want to be alone with his grief. Not yet.
—Would you like to give me a tour, little Net?
Net looked at him with the answer written all over her face, while Fleria seemed slightly surprised.
Before leaving the hall, Teo thanked the waiter—and immediately regretted it when the man replied:
—Not at all, Chosen of Erézmia. It is our pleasure to serve you.
Oh, for God's sake! Do they really have to mention her in everything they say?
Teo decided he wouldn't let that woman's name ruin his mood and followed Net.
They walked through beautiful corridors and halls overflowing with wealth. While Net talked nonstop, pointing out every detail with enthusiasm, Teo began to feel that everything around him was sacred. He wasn't particularly interested, but the girl's excitement was contagious, and almost without realizing it, he began to enjoy it.
After a long walk, they entered the pagoda standing in the flower field within the church grounds. As they stepped inside, a portrait of a beautiful woman welcomed them.
Net turned around and pointed at the image.
—Isn't she beautiful? She's the legendary heroine, Alice. When I grow up, I want to be like her.
Teo nodded slightly, unsettled by how incomparably beautiful the woman in the portrait was.
—Be like her? With that ugly face of yours, that's impossible, dummy —Félix suddenly said.
Net glared at him, and without slowing down, the two began a childish quarrel.
Watching them from a short distance, a bitter smile appeared on Teo's face. Then he turned to Fleria and said:
—She's pretty good at this, you know… guiding me. Doesn't it make you a little jealous?
Fleria kept watching her little cousin with a tender smile.
—Why would I be jealous? I grew up here too. When I see her so excited, it reminds me of myself when I was little.
—Well, she made me interested in the things she was telling me. I don't think you, at her age, were anywhere near that level. Not even close.
Unfazed, Fleria shook her head.
—That tongue of yours is truly venomous.
The venomous tongue smiled back at her.
—I suppose I was just trying to say this is the best tour I've had today. You know… comparatively speaking.
Teo felt satisfied when he noticed Fleria's slight frown. After a few seconds, she sighed.
—I admire my lady Erézmia's wisdom even more now. I think I'm starting to understand why she gave you that ability.
She turned to him with a calm smile and added:
—Most likely it was to make you more… empathetic. That would suit you very well.
Teo's smile turned brittle as he began to seriously consider that maybe he should stop poking the hornet's nest.
Just then, like a saving angel, Net approached her cousin and whispered something in her ear.
—I remember telling you that you shouldn't be eating sweets, Net.
—How strange. I don't recall anything like that. But if that was the case, I apologize —Net replied, slightly embarrassed.
…
Sitting on a beautiful bench, Teo and Fleria waited for the two children to return from the bathroom.
Fleria looked at her steel boots, lightly knocking them together.
—Have you thought about what you're going to do?
Teo narrowed his eyes, staring at the wall.
—You mean about becoming an adventurer or a knight?
She nodded, glancing at him sideways.
She still expects me to be a hero. How annoying.
Teo sighed.
—There's no point in asking me that. How do you expect me to do anything with this power you yourself called "becoming weaker"?
—Even so, if you strive, you could become a great hero. You would have everything you desire: power, wealth, wives.
Her voice intensified. She turned toward him, closing the distance.
—You are blessed by the heavens. I'm sure you have some incredible hidden power. Please, trust me!
When she finished, Fleria realized she had lost her composure and, embarrassed, stepped back.
Teo knew what she said was probably true. That was the cliché in these kinds of stories. But none of it mattered to him.
He clenched his teeth.
—Why are you so insistent about this?
Fleria lowered her gaze and remained silent before answering.
—Our world is chaotic, Hero Teo. We wouldn't mind having more help.
Teo leaned back.
I can't solve the problems of my own world, and now I'm supposed to solve another's. An isekai world, no less. Wait… isn't this the second time I've thought that today? Is she lying to me?
Not wanting to be rude, he chose not to respond. Noticing that, Fleria looked down at her steel boots again and spoke in a dim tone.
—To be honest, it's not just that. It's the fact that you are her Chosen… this is supposed to be your path.
Oh no. Religious people. She just refuses to believe her goddess could be wrong… At least that part sounded more sincere.
After thinking for a moment, Teo turned to look at her and, knowing his words would deeply disappoint her, decided to repay her honesty in kind.
—Fleria, you're mistaken about me. Forget this whole hero thing. I wouldn't do it even if I had incredible powers… It's not to my taste. To be honest, I hate the idea.
He couldn't help feeling contempt for this world. He knew they were prejudices, but he had no intention of changing them. They were his safeguard—because he was also afraid of falling into the escapist fantasy these stories represented.
What would be left of me if that happened? And would it even matter? I've already lost everything else.
At his sincere words, the small light in Fleria's eyes faded. Only then did Teo realize that that light had also been the glow of a childish dream.
She lowered her gaze and fell silent. Before the moment could turn awkward, Félix stepped out from a corner and blatantly pointed at Teo with a grin.
—I knew it! You're nothing but a coward.
Teo's eyebrow twitched.
—Being a tattletale is one of the worst sins in my world. Did you know that, Félix?
—Shut up, coward! You don't even have the right to address me.
At first, Fleria didn't stop her brother because she felt the same way. She too wanted to call him a coward.
When she finally moved, Teo stood and interrupted her.
—Hey, Smurf. Who are you calling a coward?
—Oh? Are you deaf too?
Félix stepped forward firmly and added:
—Compared to Elías, you're nothing but a filthy fly buzzing around my sister.
Teo's forced smile faltered.
Is this brat in love with that idiot or what? Calm down, Teo. It's not that serious. He's just a little brat.
He sighed softly and said in a calm tone:
—You tiny dwarf with dwarf-itis. Why do you keep comparing me to that Elías? Why not compare me to myself?
His voice deepened.
—At your age, I was out there defeating armies, kings, even demons. Saving princesses from terrifying castles… What have you done at your age? Have you at least learned to tie your shoes yet?
Technically, Teo wasn't lying—even if he was talking about video games.
Félix fell silent as he compared the feats of the hero Teo—whom he had been despising—to his own. Indeed, he still struggled to tie his shoes. He remembered everything he had been taught about how to treat a hero. How had he forgotten so easily? Guilt struck him.
The boy lowered his head in defeat, and Teo—who was practically an adult—felt pleased.
Fleria wasn't surprised at all by Teo's "feats." She had spent enough time with heroes to know that such grand achievements were common in their worlds.
What did astonish her was watching this young adult deceive her little brother just to claim victory. Before she could say anything, her brother spoke, lifting his head.
—I'm very sorry, Hero Teo. I've been disrespectful toward you.
His eyes grew glassy.
—Please, if you could forgive me… I promise I'll do better from now on.
An urge to kill Teo overwhelmed Fleria—but then Teo's smile softened.
—It's not that serious. My feats are certainly incredible, but I'm sure one day you'll accomplish even greater things.
The boy's childish eyes slowly brightened.
—Do you really think so, Hero Teo?
—Of course, Félix.
Félix wiped his tears and straightened up.
—Then from now on, I'll consider you a worthy rival. No matter who wins my sister's heart, have a fair battle. I'll support you both.
Not a chance. In a fair fight, I'm sure that Elías guy would kick my ass. Well… there's a possibility that if I turn into a woman, he might be gentler with me.
Teo placed a hand on Félix's head and ruffled his hair affectionately.
—Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say.
Without passing judgment, Fleria watched in silence with a small smile.
Net came out of the bathroom looking relieved, and as if by magic, she saw how her silly little cousin's aggression toward the hero had turned into admiration.
—Wow, heroes really are amazing. They even managed to change that dummy.
The group climbed to the top floor of the pagoda, reaching a kind of balcony with a spectacular view of the flower field. In the distance, a statue of a beautiful woman made of silver-gold rose above the blossoms, with hundreds of lights dancing around it.
At the sight of the statue, both children's eyes lit up with religious fervor, and they made a reverent gesture. Fleria did the same. When she finished, she approached the edge and stared at the statue in silence.
Without wasting time, Net began talking about how wonderful, kind, just, benevolent, and beautiful her goddess and lady Erézmia was. Teo, who didn't want to hear about the one responsible for all his misfortunes, ended up looking up at the sky instead, which was filled with silver lanterns eclipsing the stars.
He could glimpse how beautiful the starry sky was, even though the countless lanterns blocked his view. Then, with displeasure, he looked around the statue; hundreds of people were releasing lanterns into the sky every second.
Net was still talking about her goddess when Teo suddenly interrupted her, pointing toward the distant people.
—Those lights… why are they sending them into the sky?
The little girl hesitated for a moment after being cut off; her cousin didn't hesitate and seized the chance to answer.
—It's part of the tradition. It's a way to thank the goddess for giving us a new he—
—Hey, dummy! The hero asked me. I'm his guide, not you —Net said, tackling Félix.
—What are you talking about? My sister is his real guide, not you, ugly dummy.
Félix shook Net off, and she put on an indignant expression.
—When I grow up and become a beautiful guide, I'll summon lots of heroes and won't let you meet a single one of them.
—What? You can't do that to me!
Something in Net's words unsettled Teo. It wasn't the mention of summoning many more heroes in the future—it was the very concept of "summoning."
A confused expression crossed his face as he interrupted their quarrel.
—What do you mean by summoning? It's your goddess who brings the heroes. What do you have to do with it?
Quickly, Net covered Félix's mouth and answered excitedly:
—It's the ritual we use to bring heroes through the sacred portal.
Félix freed himself and said:
—My dumb cousin explained it wrong.
He took a breath and added:
—It's the goddess who brings them, but she can only do it when we ask her through the summoning ritual.
Net tried to cover his mouth again, and while she did, Teo fell silent.
Illuminated by the silver lanterns that hid the stars, he realized he had been prejudiced in thinking that if he had come to this world, it was merely because of the supposed goddess's whim—just like in most of the series he used to watch with his grandfather.
I'm here because of their tradition.
Throughout the day, he had heard small fragments about these people's tradition, but only now did he finally grasp the full picture of what that damn tradition truly meant.
Feeling as though his blood were beginning to boil, Teo spoke in a hollow, lifeless tone.
—Are you telling me that the reason I'm here… is because you caused it?
Ignoring their quarrel, both children answered at the same time with proud, excited little faces:
—That's right, Hero Teo!
The lanterns kept rising one after another as Teo's expression darkened.