Chapter 12: Conquest Festival ①
I made an excuse that I was feeling unwell and locked myself in my room, responding to the voices calling from outside the door. Even the next day, my mood hadn’t improved. However, I couldn’t let Sensei, who had been diligently taking care of me, or Anon and Ash, who had come to visit, worry about me any longer. I needed to let them know I was feeling better.
Moreover, I had to greet those who had fought alongside me against the Fog, aside from the Berserga Mercenary Corps. I couldn’t be rude. With a sense of duty, I finally got up from my bed.
As I was getting ready to leave my room, I heard a knock at the door. “Yes,” I replied, and when I opened it, there stood Sensei. As usual, I was enveloped in her embrace, and I felt like I was being suffocated.
“I’m sorry, Sensei.”
“Fool, there’s no need to apologize.”
I had been worrying her for too long. She must have wanted to join in the raucous festivities, yet she had been waiting at the Guild for me to come out.
“Master, you’re stubborn and always try to endure everything alone. That’s your flaw. So, I intend to forcefully find out why your face has been clouded. I won’t let you go until you tell me everything.”
With that, Sensei took my hand and led me back into the room.
What had happened with the Hero Party—I had already shared most of it with Sena on the day I showed her the Wish Orb.
After that, I had also told Sensei a fragmented version of the story when we regrouped at Hidden Mountain. Though it was fragmented, it wasn’t because I was hiding anything. She always teased me and Sena, but she never truly did anything to hurt us. Her insistence on not forcing me to talk was her way of caring, worried that I might suffer by recalling past events. Now, however, Sensei was offering her kindness, wanting to hear my story beyond mere concern.
Once back in the room, I pulled out a chair and sat down. Sensei chose not to sit across from me but plopped down beside me with a cheerful “Here we go.”
Taking a moment to calm my heart, I opened my mouth. I pondered where to start, but once I began speaking, the words flowed out smoothly without any hesitation.
I recounted my experiences with Puffy, Mika, Ange, and Eris—our encounters, daily lives, and the stories of our parting.
Then, I spoke of my summons to this other world, intertwined with the tale of Ryuguin, who had been summoned at the same time as me—a pitiful story of everything being taken from me.
Time passed after our separation from the Hero Party, and we eventually reunited in the Sealed Labyrinth.
I shared the story of the Guardian Sword Rifire, which had aided us according to our true names.
I spoke of Pul-san, who had been tormented by two memories and the suffering she endured.
I recalled the moment when Eris, crossing swords with me, once again called me “Master.”
I described how Angelica, with tears that made my heart ache, repeatedly apologized to me.
And I told of Mika, who was unable to forgive herself and sought solace in a distant convent.
As I spoke, Sensei listened intently, occasionally interjecting with supportive comments. Before I knew it, what had started as a late morning had turned into the time for a late lunch. Sensei offered me a few comforting words, “You did well.” The swell of emotions in my chest made it hard to breathe.
This feeling might have been self-pity, a sentiment I found embarrassing and uncool. Yet, I knew I needed a little time to settle down.
After listening to my entire story, Sensei seemed to be deep in thought.
“Son-in-law, perhaps I should take action to help dispel your worries.”
Her words filled me with courage. Even if she didn’t take action, just having her by my side warmed my heart. A ridiculously embarrassing thought crossed my mind, and before I knew it, I blurted out—
“Wha—! What are you saying, you cheeky thing!”
Sensei smiled brightly and playfully patted my back repeatedly, saying, “That’s how it is!”
After parting ways with Sensei, I set out to find everyone in town. The previous day’s raucous festivity had been a prelude to my return, and today marked the actual start of the festival. The noise was far greater than the day before.
It wasn’t that the commotion bothered me, but it was a bit overwhelming. So, I pulled my hat down low to avoid being recognized as I ventured into the bustling streets.
I heard that Pul-san had returned to the Green Eyes the day before. She had insisted on staying until I woke up, but after being told about the mountain of work left to wrap up the aftermath of the Sealed Labyrinth and the preparations for her successor, she reluctantly left Bordaf.
It seemed Angelica had followed Pul-san, which relieved me. I sincerely hoped they could fill the void of the time we had spent apart.
Orphe had said he was returning to the base of the Seventh Blue and left Bordaf that very day. He was truly a woman of swift decisions. I felt a pang of sadness at her quick departure, but I was confident we would reunite soon—after all, she was my second disciple.
Ash appeared to be as busy as ever, but it seemed a bit more manageable than the day before, and we managed to share a brief tea together. We exchanged words of encouragement and discussed what had happened since we had been separated in the Fourth Layer of the Sealed Labyrinth. Ash was particularly concerned about Mika.
She shared details about Mika’s condition and how she had thrown herself into danger to save Ash, along with her apologies to me. Just as we were talking, a guild staff member, drenched in sweat, suddenly appeared, panting heavily, and whisked Ash away like a Donadona.
“Row-kun!!!”
I had never seen such a sad expression on Ash’s face. She was a Holy Knight, after all! What kind of treatment was that? But when it came to work, there was no helping it. We promised to have a proper meal together when we had more time, and I left the scene.
Thinking of Mika, my heart ached unbearably. I wondered if she was at the inn, as I couldn’t spot her. The festival’s noise might have been a bit much for her, just as it was for me.
It wasn’t just Mika who was missing; I also couldn’t find Eris anywhere. I asked those who might know, but it seemed she had vanished before I could catch sight of her. The last time she had called me “Master,” she had lost consciousness. Since then, I hadn’t been able to see her.
Eris… call me “Master!” and show me that innocent smile again. I—
And at that moment, I finally encountered Anon. Despite being busy with the aftermath of the Sealed Labyrinth and the festival preparations, they had snuck away to come see me.