Chapter 89

Updated! ('ω')！

"Welcome back."

When I returned to the "Singing Deer" inn, Rain, who had been waiting for me downstairs, greeted me.

"Back."

"How was it?"

"It's become complicated."

At my response, Rain tilted her head slightly.

I should explain everything to everyone, but... I myself haven't sorted out my thoughts.

Maybe it would be a good idea to consult with Rain first.

"Sure. Come here. Can I hear the story?"

"Ah, yeah."

Did she see through my hesitation? Rain, who was smiling a little, took my hand.

Following her lead, I sat down in the conversation area on the first floor.

"Um... where should I start?"

"Start with what you find hard to say to others. There's something you're hesitating to say, right?"

"Yeah."

Why does this girl, Rain, make me feel so comfortable?

"I met with the important people of the country and discussed this matter."

"Uh-huh."

"During the discussion, they mentioned that Hilde had specifically named me. They said I'm at the center of this anomaly."

"Uh-huh."

"Then, in the context of the 'Elimination' phenomenon, they hinted at the existence of a 'Hero'... and apparently, I'm a candidate."

Rain's face was filled with surprise.

"Wow."

"It's too much for me."

Seeing Rain's eyes sparkle, I couldn't help but smile wryly.

It's nice that she values me so highly, but I don't think I can live up to the expectations this time.

I've been an adventurer for nearly six years. I've become an A-rank adventurer and have a certain level of confidence in my strength.

However, standing on the stage of a hero who saves the world is beyond my capabilities.

"If it's tough for you, Yuki, you can refuse, you know?"

"But they said that if I refuse, they'll push it onto someone from 'Clover.'"

Most likely, the target would be Marina.

As the only pure front-liner in 'Clover,' Marina, who wields a sword at the forefront, is so popular that she is even called a "War Maiden" in some circles.

"Troublesome, huh?"

"Yeah. Thanks to that, I'm in a bind with no place to run. I don't really mind challenging 'Glad See-Im,' but the idea of saving the world is overwhelming."

I am an adventurer.

To be more specific, I'm the type who pursues freedom and dreams.

I don't think about sacrificing myself for the country or the world. Depending on the situation, I might even choose to prioritize my own and my companions' safety over everything else.

For example, if it came down to the lives of everyone in this town versus Rain's life, the latter would be far more important.

If someone said, "Die for the world," I would unhesitatingly reply, "The world can die."

For someone with such a mindset, taking on the mantle of a hero might be too dangerous.

"Hmm... But Hilde called your name, right? I think it must have some meaning."

"Meaning?"

"Yeah. There must be something only you can do, something only you can be relied on for, which is why they were waiting for you."

"Something only I can do...?"

Reflecting on Rain's words, I scanned my own being.

Hilde specifically called me and said, "Stop the Dusk King and destroy the gold."

Is this something only I can do in that Dusk-drenched, mad capital?

"Either way, we're in a tight spot. The Duke Bedivere won't let us off easily."

"Think the other way around?"

"The other way around?"

"Just do your job as an adventurer, and the world might be saved as a result?"

Rain smiled.

Seeing her smile, I felt ashamed of my narrow-minded perspective.

That's right. I had intended to investigate and conquer 'Glad See-Im' anyway.

I'm not going to the Dusk capital to save the world, but as an adventurer to the Dusk capital... that's fine.

Without realizing it, I had shifted my perspective due to the gravity of the situation.

Whether it's a world crisis or a hero, the actions are the same.

"Thanks, I feel lighter."

"You're welcome."

Rain stood up and walked over to me, then naturally sat on my lap and hugged me.

"It's okay. No matter what happens, I'll be on your side. Even if the world ends and everyone is gone, I'll be with you until the end."

"..."

I returned her embrace, pressing my head against hers, and gathered my thoughts and resolve.

Well, my thoughts are a bit scattered.

But I'll make up my mind.

"Thanks, Rain."

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah. I'll talk to everyone and go give Duke Bedivere my answer."

The sweet scent and soft warmth of Rain had completely dispelled my worries, and I had finally regained my composure.

Even with Duke Bedivere's proposal, it's not entirely without benefit for us.

If we can't refuse, we need to negotiate for the largest possible reward.

After all, it's a world crisis.

We need to ensure that the success reward matches the scale of the task.

"Hehe."

"Huh?"

Rain laughed softly in my arms.

She seemed to be in a good mood.

"No, I only cling to you when you're troubled."

"What?"

"You don't get embarrassed or run away."

Rain wrapped her arms around my back and hugged me a bit tighter.

"Did I make you worry?"

"It's okay. You consulted with me, and besides, everyone else will probably feel the same. We're stronger than you think."

"Yeah, I know. Still, I end up worrying. I feel pathetic and self-loathing."

Rain chuckled at my words.

"That's why we like you, Yuki."

Rain's words tickled me, and I didn't know what face to make, so I just blushed like a young man.

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