Chapter 42

Daily High Fantasy Ranking 7th Place!

Weekly High Fantasy Ranking 7th Place!

Monthly High Fantasy Ranking 5th Place!

Thank you very much!

"Ryota, I won't be able to see you for a while, but don't be sad. I'll come to the town where you live soon. Hehe, then we can live together as a family."

"Ah, you were still talking about that?"

"Of course. Now I understand how my sister feels. It's natural to want to live with the man you love, isn't it?"

"…You really mean it, don't you!?"

"Of course. I wouldn't joke about something like this. I faced the dragon, healed many elves, and fell deeply in love with you, who are kind to children! Do you have any complaints!?"

"No, no, I don't have any complaints at all."

"Are you saying you're not satisfied with me!?"

"No, no, no, that's not it! But, it's just that it's so sudden, and I'm not mentally prepared for such a sudden confession."

"Hey! Are you a naive girl? If you're a man, you should be more confident and show the spirit to make me your wife and create a sister for Mina!"

The next morning after the feast.

Ryota and Mina were about to leave the village, accompanied by the elves.

However, while saying goodbye to the elves, Hildegarde suddenly started confessing to Ryota, making him wide-eyed with surprise.

The elves, who considered Ryota a hero of the village, were all in favor of entrusting Hildegarde to him, and no one opposed it.

Ryota looked to Mina for help, but she was saying goodbye to her new friend, Keeto, and didn't notice him.

(She's a girl… but she's older than me. I never thought such a cute girl would confess to me.)

Ryota was greatly confused.

After all, he had just been painfully dumped by his girlfriend not long ago.

Moreover, it was a nominal relationship where they had never even held hands.

Reflecting on it, it was quite lonely.

To add to that, Ryota had no experience with women and was not used to them.

"Now, now, Hildegarde. Don't trouble the groom too much."

"Ugh… Chief."

(How did I suddenly become the elves' son-in-law!)

"You will eventually go to the town where the groom lives. Shouldn't we discuss this when you're settled?"

"…You're right, Chief. Ryota, it would be good if you could prepare yourself before we meet again."

"Ah, hahaha."

"Don't try to laugh it off! It won't work!"

Hildegarde's affection was touching.

But, the question of why and what about him was even bigger.

Even after her explanation, it didn't change.

That's what happens to a middle-aged adventurer who has no connection with women.

"Lord Ryota, please take care of the black dragon."

"Sure. I'll leave it to the guild for appraisal."

Initially, the plan was to introduce the elves to the guild to sell the black dragon, but after discussing with the elves, who needed funds for reconstruction, Ryota decided to store the dragon's body in his item box and take it to the guild.

Ryota is an adventurer, so it's not a problem to ask for an appraisal.

He is prepared for the detailed questions about the dragon's origin and how he managed to defeat such a dangerous creature.

He understands that a bottom-tier adventurer bringing back such a big catch will cause a commotion.

They also discussed the reward thoroughly.

In the end, Ryota decided to receive 30% of the dragon's value.

Given that it's an entire dragon, it will certainly fetch a high price.

Ryota decided to take the reward not for himself but for Mina, as her guardian.

"Ryota, meeting you was a stroke of luck for the elves. I am grateful to have met such a pleasant person."

"Klaus, stop it. I'm an old man, and my tear ducts are weak these days."

"You really are something. Despite being younger than me, you lack spirit. But, maybe that's just fine for you."

With that, Ryota firmly shook Klaus's outstretched hand.

"I will also visit the town of Amrus someday. Let's have a drink then."

"I look forward to it."

"Also, this might be none of my business…"

"Uh?"

"I'm sure you'll be a good father."

"…Thank you. I'll try my best to be one."

He hasn't told Mina anything yet.

However, Ryota, who had awakened to his responsibilities as a guardian, was determined to end their ambiguous relationship.

That meant—becoming a father officially.

He was unmarried, had no experience with women, and had many soft spots. But, Ryota wanted to take responsibility for Mina and make her happy.

He wanted to tell Mina, who now smiles and doesn't deny being his daughter, "Let's become a real family."

Ryota intended to propose this to her when they returned to the town.

For that, he was already nervous.

He was also afraid of her reaction.

Still, Ryota had decided to move forward.

Thus, Ryota and Mina said their goodbyes to the elves and returned to the town's vicinity via a teleportation spell.

"Let's go back to the town."

"Okay!"

Naturally, the two held hands.

Like a father and daughter.

(These past few days have been full of surprises, but it was a good experience for me. I hope it was for Mina too.)

If the elves and the town of Amrus become closer in the future, they will be able to meet everyone again.

It won't be long.

Imagining the near future, Ryota firmly held Mina's hand and walked toward the town.