Chapter 1: Towards Tomorrow ①
The weeping Ryuguin cried out, “Someone help me!” and “Mommy!” and “Why is this happening to me?” but, as expected, no one extended a hand of mercy.
On the contrary, due to the outrageous act he had just committed, he was now adorned with several unfamiliar magitools. I won’t go into the specifics of their effects, but it’s safe to say they were quite something. Given everything he had done up to this point, this was only to be expected.
At the next location he was taken to, he would likely undergo a lengthy interrogation. They would question him about his past misdeeds, his skills, and what he had intended to do… I couldn’t imagine that would be over quickly.
Completely powerless, he was dragged away, sobbing and hiccuping. I had something I needed to tell him before he left.
“Ryuguin, if you work hard for at least twenty years, I’ll help you find a way back!”
I called out to his back.
“Twenty… years…?”
Ryuguin repeated my words, as if trying to grasp their meaning. A few seconds later, it seemed he finally understood.
“Ahhhhhh!! Nooo!! Aaaahhh!! Maaa!! Aaaahhh!!”
He screamed with all his might. But it was futile. No one was coming to save him.
My words were not just an empty threat. The reason I pleaded for Ryuguin’s life wasn’t out of pity.
It is said that using the 《Wish Orb》 allows one to return to the exact time and place they left, no matter how much time has passed. However, unfortunately, there is only one 《Wish Orb》, so I planned for him to return using the summoning magitool, which would be available for reuse after twenty years. Furthermore, if he returned using the standard method of the summoning magitool after twenty years, he would be forty years old, swapping places with the Ryuguin of that day. He would return with the memories of his struggles as a master labyrinth explorer, but in a body that had aged two decades…
However, if he truly, genuinely, and wholeheartedly repented at that time, I might consider searching for a way to rejuvenate myself. But at this stage, the likelihood of him reflecting on his actions and becoming a decent human being seemed almost nonexistent.
As Ryuguin was led out of the King’s Chamber, it was our turn to leave. I felt the gazes of Sena and Sensei upon me. A smile naturally crept onto my face. I hoped for a smile in return from Sena, but instead, I felt her piercing glare directed at me—no, at the space just behind me.
“Oh, what an intense gaze,” came Anon’s voice.
He had somehow returned to my side without me noticing. Sena remained silent at his remark.
“How cold to ignore me,” Anon quipped lightly, and Sena shot back.
“I have no intention of talking to you.”
Sena intimidated Anon, but he seemed unfazed and continued to question her.
“Hmm. So you are Ichiro’s beloved…”
That was a line that instantly set my face ablaze.
“I am Ichiro’s beloved, along with Sensei.”
Yet Sena answered without hesitation, despite having just claimed she wouldn’t engage in conversation.
“That’s quite infuriating…”
Anon muttered something under his breath. I couldn’t hear what it was, but it seemed Sena did, as she wore a smug expression. Sensei asked me, “Am I also a beloved?” I pretended not to hear and focused on the exchange between Sena and Anon… but Anon seemed to regain his composure and turned his attention back to me.
“You’re probably planning to return to the Hidden Mountain today, but would you mind staying in the Royal Capital for just three more days?”
“Why would I do that?”
“That’s for you to find out. I promise you won’t regret it. Oh, and if Omi and Sena stay in the Royal Capital, I’ll show you something wonderful.”
Sena’s serious expression was a bit intimidating, but upon reflection, she often looked like that. Sensei was enjoying the scene as usual.
“Sena, what do you think? If you’re feeling tired, we can head back together.”
Sena hesitated for a moment at my question—but then replied,
“The ‘subtle presence’ is going to show us something, right? Since we have this opportunity, let’s see what it is.”
“Subtle presence” must refer to Anon. That was an incredibly ridiculous nickname. Sena didn’t seem to be at her best, but compared to when we first left the Hidden Mountain, her condition had improved significantly. Still, that didn’t mean she was completely fine.
“If you start feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
My concern for her was unending.
“Ichiro, it’s fine to flirt with Sena, but there are those waiting for you over there. If you don’t hurry, it would be quite cruel.”
At Sensei’s words, I snapped back to reality.
“Sena, wait a moment. I need to talk to them.”
“I’ll wait.”
Receiving her brief response, I headed towards the others.
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And now, a quick announcement!
The paper version of this work’s comic adaptation will be released on November 19th! Both volumes 1 and 2 will be available simultaneously!
It features Sena and Sensei healing Ichiro-kun, along with the pure and innocent Princess Puffy!
I hope everyone will pick it up!