“Sensei… does it hurt? Does it hurt?”
“Maybe if I pat it, it’ll heal faster…?”
“I should have looked for a book on ointments.”
A chorus of concern.
The children of the Elpida Orphanage were all crowding around, staring at my back, wrapped in bandages. I appreciate their concern, but… isn’t this a bit much?
After the battle ended, I returned to my room, where Mitera tended to my wounds.
“There, all done. The wound should close soon. There might be a small scar, though…”
“That’s more than enough. Thank you.”
“Alright, everyone, let’s let Isto-sensei rest now. Dismissed.”
With a clap of Mitera’s hands, the children reluctantly left the room, casting lingering glances back as they went.
The only ones left were Mitera and the two strongest girls in Elpida.
“I’m sorry.”
As soon as my eyes met theirs, Fiole and Almoa bowed their heads.
Mitera gave me a questioning look, silently asking if she should leave. I shook my head and gestured for the two girls to sit down.
“…I couldn’t protect you.”
Fiole muttered quietly.
“Even though I’m supposed to be Isto’s knight. I promised to stay by your side and protect you…”
“Fiole, it’s not—”
Mitera began to say something, but I raised a hand to stop her. I wanted them to fully process their feelings.
“I’m also at fault.”
Almoa’s voice was even softer.
“I let my pride get in the way, focusing on the wrong things when I should have been protecting what really mattered… It was terrible.”
Both of them hung their heads in silence.
I waited patiently. The wound still throbbed, and I had to resist the urge to furrow my brow. But I held on, maintaining a calm expression, ready to listen until they felt ready to look up.
Maybe they spent about ten minutes lost in their regrets before they finally raised their faces, looking uncertain.
“You both did your best, no matter what anyone says.”
“Isto…”
“Isto…”
“You’ve reflected enough, haven’t you? I know you two — you’ve probably replayed everything in your heads a dozen times. I’m not going to deny those regrets. Let yourselves feel them fully. But there’s one thing I want to say.”
I smiled. It came naturally.
“Thank you.”
“U… Uhh…”
Fiole and Almoa began to sob.
Then, without thinking, they hugged each other. They’d bickered, competed, fought alongside each other, and shared the same regrets. As a result, they’d become closer.
Mitera stood up slowly, wrapping her arms around both of them, offering comfort like the caring adult she was.
After Fiole and Almoa returned to their rooms, Mitera offered to stay by my side until I fell asleep.
“I’m not a child, you know.”
“Oh, don’t be like that.”
She checked my bandages, took my temperature, wiped my sweat, and helped me lie down.
It was just like when I was a kid.
With a soft, snow-melting smile, Mitera said:
“You did well.”
“Say that to the children, not me.”
“I’m the only one who can say it to you, though.”
Well, she had a point…
“And thank you, Mitera.”
“You’re very welcome.”
◆◇◆
“Hey, look! The city’s in sight!”
“We’re back!”
The children pointed, their fingers stretched toward the familiar walls of Wigarlus. The main road bustled with people. Despite the city’s past trauma, seeing it now brought a strange sense of relief. It felt like coming home, perhaps because we’d been through so much.
“Look, we’re almost at Wigarlus.”
I called to the two on the coachman’s bench: Fiole and Almoa.
They sat there, exhausted.
Ever since that night of tears and regrets, they’d been busy hunting monsters whenever they could. Fiole’s level had gone up to fifteen. While she wasn’t as strong as Almoa or me, she’d stopped trying to compete openly. Their teamwork had become much smoother, from what I could see.
But still… even though I’d told them to rest in the back if they were tired, they stubbornly refused to leave the coachman’s bench, always sitting on either side of me.
Well, I didn’t mind.
When we reached Griffo’s mansion, as always, Redelia parked off to the side. The household had even built a small shed just for Redelia, as she’d mentioned, which felt a bit excessive.
As we entered, the children scattered through the house. They’d grown quite close to the maids, who now greeted them warmly with smiles. The place had started to feel like our own home.
Now, it was time to greet Griffo.
I led Almoa to the study to introduce her as our new companion.
“Excuse us.”
“Oh! Back already, hero?”
“Please don’t call me that.”
I replied with a twitch of my brow. Same as ever, Griffo.
“I heard from the boss that you resolved two incidents in Minegel. Word is, you’re seen as a hero over there.”
“It was all thanks to my companions.”
I glanced at Almoa beside me. Still looking drowsy, she held her contracted spirit, Avril, close to her chest.
“This is Almoa Savance, who helped us in Minegel. She’ll be joining us as part of the Elpida Orphanage team.”
“…Nice to meet you.”
Almoa looked away slightly as she spoke.
Meeting new people is still tough for her, I thought.
Griffo, however, didn’t seem bothered. He laughed heartily, “Another beauty, huh?”
Then Almoa murmured:
“Griffo Moni… I remember studying his name while learning about adventurers. A seasoned, silver fox of an adventurer… And to think you know him.”
“Just a lucky coincidence,” I replied.
Griffo was still beaming as he praised me.
“Things are certainly lively around you, Isto.”
“Thanks to that, life’s been good.”
“That’s the way! Life is to be enjoyed. But not many people manage to leave their mark while having fun. Isto, you’re my pride and joy.”
He laughed heartily.
“Looking forward to working alongside you in the field.”
“What…?”
I gave an awkward smile, wondering what he meant by “working alongside.”
