Three days after Ferio left.
Finally, the villagers returned.
Agnes and I were welcomed by everyone.
Which was... we were supposed to be the ones welcoming them back. But there were more people returning than staying, so here we were, the ones getting the hugs.
They asked if we were still alive, thanked us, hugged us—it was chaos.
The lord had sent supplies for rebuilding the village, along with party booze. That was apparently why their departure had been delayed.
I thought it was a fine gesture from a fine lord, but Agnes saw it differently.
Still, that little shit's hanging around causing trouble.
She said it was insultingly meager compensation for slaying a famous demon general. What did I know about reward standards? We'd just have to enjoy what we got.
And then there was Reshi.
Personally, she was the one I most looked forward to seeing among the returning villagers—the first whose safety I wanted to confirm.
Naturally, I hugged her the moment we met. Reshi immediately asked me, as she melted into the embrace,
...Where's Dad?
So now she was quietly holding my hand at my side.
That small hand was trembling.
Before us stood Mr. Shtai's grave.
Latia had been here just moments ago, but she'd gone home first, supported by some villagers.
I'd only learned today—she's pregnant.
She said she'd been prepared for something like this ever since that day.
She's got some real mental fortitude. Is that what makes a mother strong?
Latia had smiled faintly as usual and said she was heading down first, but her steps were unsteady; she needed help after all.
With their marriage strong enough for a second child, the shock and grief must have hit her hard.
With everyone else gone, only Reshi and I remained at the graveyard.
I recalled Mr. Shtai's final moments, charging in to save his daughter.
For Reshi, that must have been the last sight of her dad before she passed out.
If I'd been just a bit faster back then...
That wasn't meant to console her.
In that instant, feeling a father's strength, I'd simultaneously wondered if I was worthy of protecting Reshi.
If it were now... now that I knew my abilities, maybe I could have changed something.
As I brooded over that day anew, Reshi had crouched down in front of Kras's grave.
Hey, mister. Truth is, I never wanted to see Kras's face. Didn't even want to think about him. Same that day—I told him not to tag along and get in the way.
But now... I don't think I can forget him. ...What an idiot. Dad too. Kras too. Total idiots.
Tears were splashing onto the grave.
At least don't you become an idiot like that, mister. I hate that stuff now.
I hugged Reshi from behind as she trembled and sobbed.
Being able to mourn the dead means that much regret. With this pain, Reshi will grow stronger. You're going to be an adult soon.
But I hope you don't become one just from painful memories.
Remember there are people around to hold you like this and wipe your tears.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇Today brought both mourning and revelry.
We ate, drank, got smashed, cried, collapsed, sang—and as the sun set, the party raged on with torches lit.
If Agnes Village ever had a holiday, today would be it.
The day we reclaimed Agnes Village. The day we prayed for the souls of the fallen.
The party's climax came at midnight, when a rider arrived on horseback.
It was Ferio.
She cut straight to it.
Kirgil, rejoice!
The lord of Prosek has named you a Hero!
The villagers all turned to me.
Midnight visit was surprise enough—what now...?
Me, a Hero??
Woooaaah!!
The villagers erupted in cheers. The ones who'd been crying, puking and passing out, even those dozing off—all leaped up roaring.
The songs shifted to ones praising me.
They filled my glass, and when it overflowed, poured it over my head.
They were celebrating wildly, but honestly, I had no idea what was so great.
Sure, I knew a Hero was an adventurer sponsored by nobility, with privileges.
But was it worth this much hoopla?
Anyway, Ferio said she'd escort the booze-soaked hero-to-be at dawn, so she'd brought Pony along.
Pony reared up on hind legs amid the cheers, toasting like everyone else.
Was the poor thing scared?? Or doing it on purpose??
After dismounting, Ferio told me to say goodbyes to the villagers tonight.
She toasted with me and downed it in one go. Ferio was pretty buzzed herself.
With the knight and lady setting the example, the villagers followed suit, slamming shots.
Ferio seemed happier than I was.
Whatever—let's drink.
Leave them with good memories of me.
We drank and shouted till the ground itself hugged me.
...
I opened my eyes to Agnes's room.
Roosters crowed. Dawn had broken.
My head throbbed. Aftereffects of blacking out last night.
Haven't had a binge like that since college. Ugh... throat's parched. Where's the water?
I hoped you'd sleep in a bit longer. Already up?
Agnes was brushing her hair. The comb I'd gotten her as translation payment.
After days together, our guards about each other's attire had softened.
Not anymore.
She looked prim in her white dress, like heading out on a date—hair neatly done. Made me snap to attention about my own appearance.
Not overthinking. She was my partner, after all.
I downed the water by the bed and looked at Agnes again.
Any clothes to match a beautiful lady's dress code?
Agnes smiled, pointing to neatly laid-out clothes on the table... and my leather armor.
Beside it, medicine wrapped in cloth, waterskin, magic sword, adventurer gear—all packed like for war.
Gratitude came second to the realization: today, I become a Hero and set off adventuring.
Too much. Making me leave after seeing you all cute and gorgeous like this.
Yes. Remember me like this, long and well.
Agnes curtsied ladylike, lifting her skirt hem in her pristine white uniform. She'd have asked me to dance at a ball.
Not leaving forever. I'll come back if it's tough. This is home now.
Mm. With that attitude, Agnes is satisfied. Return to her embrace anytime.
First, I'd like to nestle in this beautiful Agnes's embrace right here.
Heehee...
We shared a farewell hug. And naturally, a kiss.
Urgh... head hurts. Kirgil. It's morning. Get up already... Wha—?! Gwah!
Oh, right—Ferio had been sleeping in my room.
She sure got a shock seeing Agnes and me kiss. Fell back like she'd seen a monster.
Ch-Chief?! What's going on... no way???
Agnes flashed another odd smile.
Did I tease her too much? Lately, she seemed to enjoy ribbing Ferio.
Y-You two... all this time...??
By my world's standards, it was like getting caught cheating—but Agnes stayed calm.
Ferio, on the other hand, looked utterly cowed.
Ferio.
Y-Yes, ma'am?!
Take medicine if you need it. It's wrapped there.
That was the finishing blow—Ferio scrambled to prep for departure.
Somehow, it felt like a pecking order had been established. Better stay quiet and pack.
Kirgil, Reshi left that backpack and spear at dawn.
Reshi did? Was gonna stop by on the way.
No, don't. She needs to stay here with Latia. Told her seeing you might complicate things, so stay away. Here.
Agnes handed me paper scrawled in ancient language.
Oppa, I'll treasure the dagger you left with me.
In exchange, take Dad's backpack and Mom's spear.
Stay safe.
Looks like this girl's my assistant after you leave.
Yeah, take good care of Reshi.
And don't forget to check your Status Window.
Oh, got caught up in the mood and forgot.
We'd agreed to test if it showed info on people I trusted.
Back then, Reshi and Ferio were far off—but now they're close.
I called up the Status Windows for the two I trusted.
First, Ferio Status Window. It popped up!?
⚡ STATUS WINDOW ⚡Ferio
No way, Reshi Status Window. This too!?
⚡ STATUS WINDOW ⚡Reshi
Like windows, they can pop up side by side.
I signaled Agnes thumbs-up. She'd already read it from my face.
Still... Ferio's strength is nearly double mine. Better not mess with her like I do Agnes.
Reshi's luck is almost double mine. Mana way higher too.
Shared that tidbit only with Agnes.
Reshi might be hiding nearby. I could probably find her if I tried,
but respect her wishes for now.
I'm not leaving forever. I'll see Reshi again.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇Then, we're off.
Ferio and I packed our gear and mounted up.
Kirgil, you're invited as a Hero, but your path is adventurer.
So as your senior adventurer, Agnes's final words to you:
Yes, gladly.
Agnes clasped her hands, reciting like a song.
"Adventurers
walk lands broader than others.
seek mysteries deeper than others.
face dangers harsher than others.
Such adventurers must always remember:
Kirgil...
If it's hard, rest.
If it's scary, run.
If it's tough, give up.
What you truly desire
awaits always beyond."
⟨ Adventurer's Creed ⟩
I'll remember, Agnes.
Agnes extended her hand.
I took it, kissing the back like a knight swearing fealty.
Kirgil, Agnes wishes your name not glorified, but this warmth preserved.
Our clasped hands parting felt regrettable.
Sorry, got sentimental and wordy. In short:
Even as a beggar Hero, just come back.
Of course. I'll bring souvenirs if needed.
I spurred forward immediately. Lingering would breed attachment.
Thus, at morning's light, Prosek's Hero left Agnes Village.
That said...
Ferio riding beside me looked sulky since earlier.
Still reeling from the morning shock, probably. But that pouch...
Hey, Ferio.
Did you really pack the chief's medicine? Why~?
For the first time in ages, Ferio's shield flew at me.
No need for my trump card—I dodged easy.
But tonight... might need it for an unblockable strike.
A Hero's trials start Day 1, huh.
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