"He rapidly grew stronger and eventually defeated the Demon King. Just as usual."
"I see."
"Yes, it was the usual development."
Holly seemed to reminisce about the past as she gazed into the distance and murmured softly,
"People die someday... I hate those who show such a way of life... mere flesh and blood women..."
"Anyway, we need to be cautious if more dungeons are found."
"Indeed."
After finishing washing, I sank back into the hot spring.
"I was wondering about something you mentioned earlier. What exactly are demons? Just powerful monsters?"
"Well, they're like the Saintly Sword wielders for the hero. They're few in number, but they're beings of exceptional power, distinct from other monsters."
"Are demons stronger than Saintly Sword wielders?"
"It's hard to say. Even among Saintly Sword wielders, there's a wide range of abilities, and demons vary individually too."
"But from your perspective, a capable Thunderclap Sword wielder had no chance against a demon?"
"Yes."
This is alarming.
With the birth of Shion, the strongest hero ever, and the fact that the Demon Kings have always been a match for the heroes, it's likely this Demon King will be the strongest ever. This means an unprecedented number of powerful demons could attack.
"We really need to gather as many Saintly Sword wielders as possible."
"That's true. But remember, you should leave demons to the hero. It's a mistake for Saintly Sword wielders to try to handle them alone."
"Well, I can't imagine Shion losing to anything."
"Yes... He'll be fine, I'm sure."
Holly smiled gently.
"If only she would say those words to Shion himself, it might improve their relationship."
"As long as you're safe."
"What?"
"Nothing. I mean, Shion will be fine as long as you're safe."
"What does that mean?"
"If you die, for any reason, Shion would lose all motivation in an instant. He's saving the world and humanity mainly as a side job while protecting you."
"That's... not okay, is it?"
"That's why you need to stay alive."
"Ha... hahaha... Suddenly, the difficulty level has skyrocketed."
I felt myself sinking deeper into the hot spring, overwhelmed by the weight of my newfound responsibility."Phew!"
After getting out of the hot spring and chugging a bottle of milk, I let out a satisfied sigh.
"Still, the water shortage issue was resolved quite smoothly, and we even got a Saintly Sword. Coming here was really worth it."
"It does feel a bit too convenient. I suggested it, but I didn't expect so many Saintly Swords to be gathered in such a short period."
"Has there never been a time when all twelve Saintly Swords were gathered together?"
"No, there hasn't. The failed creations, the Oni God Sword and the Rakshasa Sword, never had proper wielders, and the other ten never came together."
"Doesn't it seem like this world, including Shion, is filled with extraordinary talents? Iris, Instructor Catlea, and even Saffron are incredibly strong."
"They do have remarkable talents."
"I've been ignoring it because you called them failures, but I have a feeling I'm definitely going to be attacked by a wielder of either the Oni God Sword or the Rakshasa Sword."
"That's unlikely... Those two are considered failures because they rarely have wielders."
"But you know how bad my luck is. I randomly find dungeons when I travel. I'm turning into a real troublemaker."
"So, you're preparing for an attack by wielders of those swords?"
"Sort of, mentally preparing."
"If you are attacked by someone wielding one of those two swords, I think you definitely won't survive."
I fell silent when Holly muttered something very concerning in a low voice. At that moment, Saffron suddenly appeared in the dressing room of the hot spring inn.
"Huh? Saffron, weren't you going sightseeing?"
I called out to Saffron who approached, but she didn't respond and just stared at me expresshionlessly. Her eyes were not those of a comrade or friend but resembled those of an enemy, like when we first met.
"What's wrong?"
Saffron continued to scrutinize me, resting her chin in her hand, then finally spoke.
"Isn't it about time we headed back?"
"Back? You mean to Pendragon?"
"Yes."
Despite her intimidating demeanor, she brought up a surprisingly mundane topic.However, Saffron's behavior is definitely odd.
"Did something happen that makes you want to go back?"
"It doesn't matter to me either way. But I thought it might be better for Crow and Iris to return sooner."
"What do you mean?"
Her words were cryptic and difficult to understand.
"Believe it or not, it's up to you, but I really think Crow and the others will regret it if they don't return soon."
I couldn't grasp the meaning of Saffron's words. However, I felt like I shouldn't ignore them. Maybe this was a sincere warning.
"I was thinking of heading back soon anyway. Let's go."
"Hmm."
Saffron looked indifferent as she turned her gaze away from me.
I know Saffron has an employer who ordered her to monitor me. Is this warning for our benefit, or does it serve the interests of her employer? Either way, I won't know until we return.
"Alright, going back is fine, but..."
After leaving the hot spring inn, Saffron and I flew to the fishing village, Iris's hometown, on Sleipnir. We planned to quickly meet up with Iris and head back. But then,
"My father wants to meet Crow," Iris mentioned.
"Why?"
"I don't know."
"I don't like this. If he starts talking about taking care of his daughter or something, I'll be troubled."
"That's not going to happen! Just come quickly! It won't take long."
"Uh-uh..."
While I was hesitant, Saffron, still expresshionless, clung to my hand.
"Let's get it over with quickly... otherwise, you'll regret it."
I felt a sense of foreboding from her words.
I was led by Iris to her family home in the fishing village. I had no idea, but her village was a community of lake fishermen.
The massive lake near Blue Dragon not only served as a water source for the surrounding area but also was rich in fish, making it a prime location for abundant seafood.
And Iris, it turned out, was the daughter of a prominent fisherman in the village.
Well, it would take someone of that standing to afford the tuition for the Royal Officer Academy."Then I'll wait here," said Iris.
"What!? I have to meet him alone!?"
"...Crow... make it quick, okay?"
"Got it, got it!"
Leaving Iris and Saffron at the entrance, I entered the Netamoto household.
Guided by a maid-like person, I was led to a room in the back where...
"...!"
I felt as tense as when I entered the deepest part of the dungeon.
In the room was a man who seemed to be Iris's father. He sat on a chair, arms crossed, silently staring at me.
Netamoto, being a fisherman, I expected him to be sturdy, but he was exceptionally muscular. Wearing a sleeveless top and shorts, his arms and legs were as thick as logs. His neck was thick too, and his face was intimidatingly fierce.
He didn't resemble Iris at all. The only similarity was their blue-black hair. Probably, she took after her mother.
Lucky her, inheriting less from her father.
Partly in denial, I sat across from Iris's father.
We sat in silence, facing each other across the table.
What's with this silence?
I'm the one who was called here.
Why am I being left in the lurch?
"Um... may I ask why you wanted to see me?"
"I'm Crow, a classmate of Iris."
Seriously, what's with this guy!
Say something!
It's scary!
"...Crow-kun..."
He used 'kun'?
Is this really his character?
I thought he'd be the type to shout without question.
"...Previously... when my daughter was taken captive... you helped rescue her..."
"Yes, well, I did..."
"...Thank you very much for that..."
"Eh? Ah, well..."
"...My daughter... I raised her alone, and she's become very quick-tempered and tomboyish..."
"No, I don't think that's the case."
"...Is that so?"
"Yes. At the academy, she's a well-respected honor student."
"...I see."
"She's outstanding enough to be chosen by a Divine Sword. She's indispensable for the current Hero."
"...Is that so?"