The Hero's Farewell

Chapter 133 - The Hero's Farewell

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I was stirred from my slumber by a comforting warmth nestled beside me. Despite having a fair idea of who the culprit might be, I felt compelled to confirm the identity of the intruder who had found their way into my room, a room I was confident I had securely locked the night before.

"Oh, it's you," I softly pinched the cheeks of the intruder, who was casually dozing beside me. Emitting a groan, the girl opened her striking red eyes briefly before closing them again. I didn't mind her nonchalant response. Regardless, I'll ask her how she got inside my room, still. "Your wish is my command, Akari."

It was well-deserved. Akari played a huge part in confronting Khione. In addition, she's also the one I saw the most development. I got to give her at least this much reward.

"Mhn," Groaning, Akari pulled my face into her chest, tenderly caressing my head. "Aruji-sama..."

"Yes?" I responded.

"I love you..."

"—?! Wow Akari, that came out of nowhere..." I can feel my cheeks burning, that sure surprised me...

"Mhn, I still haven't heard your answer yet, Aruji-sama..." Akari murmured.

"...I love you too, Akari." I bashfully replied.

"Mhn, I like it..." Akari responded. I could hear her heart beating rapidly, and her black wings were fluttering. It was undeniably adorable. "It's so pleasant to hear..."

W-What is this creature...?! I want to pamper her so much!

Just as I was about to indulge in pampering her, a knock on the door interrupted the moment. As if the concept of privacy didn't exist for them, Astra, Luna, Seia, and Lemuen barged in without seeking permission. Ah yes, it was most likely Astra's doing.

"I knew it! You're more assertive than before, Akari," Luna retorted, pouting. "The moment I didn't see you in our bedroom, I knew you were in Master's."

"Yō Sai, quite the morning we have today, isn't it?" Astra jestingly remarked with a grin. "I guess those haters you had won't really be a big deal if you live like this, huh."

"More like, I don't really care about them in the slightest." I replied. "Moreover, even if they did, it's not like they can do anything with me about it."

In response, Astra shot me a shrug. Seia and Lemuen didn't really comment anything at all. Well, it looked like they had something to say, though. Nonetheless, it's moment like this are the happiest when everyone's present. Ah wait, now that I think about it...

"Master," Luna interrupted my train of thought. "It's about Lily... she's still..."

"Ah," Looks like we're thinking the same. Or rather, looking at their faces, it was evident that everyone felt the same way. "Hm yeah, I'll talk to her later."

"Ah, thank you, Master." Luna delightfully replied. "Since Master is awake, we'll be leaving then. We only came here since Master hadn't woken up yet, so..."

"Eh? By the way, what time is it currently?" I asked.

"Um, it's currently 12:00 noon..." Luna replied.

Without delay, I leaped out of bed and hastened towards the bathroom. Damn, I knew I returned pretty late, but I didn't expect to wake up this late... "I'm pretty sure I didn't really exhaust myself fighting Tenebrion, so why would I be late..."

* * *

And so, the girls dispersed to attend to their individual tasks. As for me, after grooming myself, I promptly made my way to see Lily.

"Lily, can I talk with you?" I inquired, knocking gently on her door.

After a short pause, the door creaked open, revealing Lily who offered only a fleeting glimpse of herself. "...Come in."

"Thanks," I replied, stepping into her room.

Lily wordlessly sat on her bed, and I settled into a nearby chair. Hoping she might initiate the conversation, I found myself submerged in an awkward silence. Lily kept her gaze directed downward; her face etched with complete desolation. I can't really blame her, though.

After all, it was about her family being killed told by her directly.

Ever since then, Lily's spirit had plummeted significantly. Though she shared meals with us, her presence remained confined to her room, silent and withdrawn. 

Deciding to break the silence, I began, "Judging by their actions and the conversations we had with them, I could tell they were already there before we confronted Khione."

Lily offered no response, so I pressed on.

"They managed to escape, carrying the proof of my interference in performing their plan, which is to let the Four Elementals wreak havoc against humanity. Now that they've know the person ruining their goal, they'll most likely start to target me, along with you guys."

"..."

"It won't be long before we counterattack them instead." I added.

"Eh?!" Finally, Lily reacted, visibly surprised. "We're going to attack them...?"

"It was bound to happen sooner or later. The good news is, I already have a plan to subdue them," All the information was thanks to the game, though. "But the issue here is you—your primary objective is revenge. Do you think you can take them with your current strength?"

At my question, Lily met my gaze with newfound intensity. Good, the drained energy that had weighed her down earlier seemed to dissipate. "They're a large group composed of individuals almost as strong, if not stronger than me."

To be honest, I don't want her to walk down the path of revenge. However, since all of us will walk down a similar route, stopping her is meaningless.

With that, I rose from my seat and stepped out of Lily's room. Before leaving entirely, I left her with one last thought. "I'll leave the choice to you."

* * *

Excluding the matter with Lily, today's agenda was to wrap up Wintervale-related tasks before heading back to the Capital. After concluding my discussion with Lily, Luna, Akari, and I made our way to Sir Redrick to address these errands.

"This is the spot, Sir." One of Redrick's acquaintances, an architect, pointed towards a location while explaining the intricacies of the plan. "Flat terrain, expansive surroundings, and proximity to the Guild—this spot seems ideal for your interests. Once you approve, Sir, we'll start the construction of the Villa immediately. What do you think?"

"Great, it's perfect." I responded, allowing my eyes to wander across the picturesque scenery. "I see no reason to decline such a perfect location. We'll start the negotiation now."

"Thank you very much, kind sir. Then about this..."

Among the errands on my list was the construction of our own Villa in Wintervale City. Perched on an elevated location, we could already envision the city's beauty unfolding before our eyes. This Villa would serve as the Arctic's base, especially when we returned for missions or simply to relax.

"Wow! Master, are we really making our own Villa here?!" Luna excitedly asked, sporting the biggest smile she's ever made. I'm glad. "I can't believe this! Hehe~!"

"That's right," I replied. Luna's smile was contagious, I can't help but smile as well. "I'm not sure how long it would take but we can take a visit here once it's finally built."

"Don't worry, Sir. We are the best architecture here in Wintervale City. Judging by your blueprint, sir. I'm confident it would only take us three days before we complete the construction."

"Huh?! Three days, you say?!" I would've believed if they'll be able to complete it in a week, but three days is a bit... "There's no need to rush, it might compromise the building so I rather you guys build it carefully."

Then all of a sudden, something buzzed inside my head. Ah, this is... "Good news, everyone! Master bought a Villa! We'll be able to visit here whenever we want!"

"Guh, so loud!" I can't help but grit my teeth as Luna's loud voice reverberates inside my head. Man, Luna's excitement sure is overflowing...! "Not so loud, Luna..."

"Y-You're kidding, right? Luna..." Lemuen's voice resonated with disbelief through the Mystic Dial. "W-we just came here for a week, and he's suddenly buying a Villa out of nowhere..."

"Damn, that's crazy, bro." Astra remarked. "But jokes aside, does Sai own a business? Where did Sai even get that money?"

"Now that you've mentioned it, we all currently reside in Lily's Villa, right? I don't recall Sai selling any items for money, but I've always wondered where he got that wealth?"

"We actually stol—I mean, sold Master's mansion before coming to the Capital." Luna quickly interjected, avoiding a potential slip of words. "You know, things happen. This and that."

"That's how it is," I interjected. "Anyhow, you guys get ready. Once we're done here, we'll return to the Capital by then."

"Yes!" The girls replied in unison. We've been here for quite a while now. I know we had permission to miss out the academy, but we shouldn't take it for granted. In the meantime, I'll wrap things up here—

"Master," Suddenly, Luna called me.

* * *

Thanks to Mister Architect's remarkable understanding, we concluded the negotiation seamlessly. Surprisingly, the entire project only cost me 10 Platinum Coins, leaving me in awe at the unexpectedly reasonable price. I thought it would take 25 to 50 Platinum Coins but that doesn't seem to be the case. Furthermore, they were just as surprised as me when I mentioned my expectations cost with them. The reality and the game truly were different this time as well.

Presently,

"Mhm, it's time," Luna remarked, her eyes scanning the city's scenery.

There wasn't any need for us to go back except for the girls to come here. The reason being, since this place will be our base, I had the portal construct here while the girls prepared for departure. Of course, I had the permission of the Architect and the Mayor to build it. As expected, they were quite shocked about it but kept their composure. As expected of the professionals.

One thing I've learned about is that 'Wintervale won't open their portal towards the Capital as long as that person is there' is what Mister Redrick said.

It seems that they're aware...

Nevertheless, departure time had arrived. Redrick, Seymore, Mikael, Lara, and Khione were all present to bid us farewell.

"You all act like this will be the last time we'll meet," I remarked. "But well, I understand your sentiments. Thank you all for everything."

"It's the other way around," Seymore replied. "Thank you for saving the city, Hero."

"Don't call me that, it's embarrassing," I retorted.

"You've saved us countless times now," Mikael added. "We'll be forever grateful to all of you."

"That's right," Redrick agreed. "You're the Hero of this city. If anything happens, just give me a call, and we'll help to the best of our abilities."

"That's reassuring," I replied. "I suppose it's time now—ah, Lara,"

"Y-yeah?" Lara replied, startled.

"Being a Bard is challenging, but give it your best shot," I encouraged. "The same goes for you, Mikael. I hope you've gained more confidence after we met again."

"Bye-bye, everyone!" Luna energetically waved her hand before entering the Portal. Soon after, the others followed suit. Finally, I was the last to enter. But before doing so,

"Yō, Khione,"

"Yeah?" Khione replied.

"I'll leave the Malamutes to you HEHEHEHE~!" I chuckled before swiftly stepping into the portal.

"Hah! This brat..." Khione remarked with a grin, shortly followed by a sigh. "Just how selfish can that guy be? Well, I've got him on that."

Godspeed, Sai Crimsonheart. May your treacherous journey be safe and filled with exciting adventures.