Chapter 67: Determination

The training grounds had been restored by Merli’s hand.

Left alone to settle things between the two of us, Laura and I sat in the dirt, passing the time in a heavy silence. I’d heard the gist of what happened, but I was still pretty pissed off that things had escalated into a full-blown life-or-death struggle. More than that, I just didn't have the slightest clue how to talk to her.

I’ve always been bad with this kind of atmosphere. It was plain awkward. As I sat there agonizing over what to say, Laura finally broke the silence, her voice slow and heavy.

"Hey, Reima... didn't you ever resent them?"

"...Ah, you mean the people from that other world? Well, yeah. I guess you could say that. But in the end, I just couldn't bring myself to hate them."

"Why? They... they betrayed you, didn't they?"

"I mean, sure, it was a shock. The King had always been kind to me, and the people of the country were good folk. Then I was branded a traitor and they all turned their backs on me in an instant. But even so, I figured it was worth it if my being gone meant everyone else could live in peace."

...I wasn't going to lie and say it was easy. The treatment I’d received was pretty damn miserable.

I couldn't even get a decent meal most days. Worse than the hunger, though, were the eyes—everyone looking at me like I was some kind of freakish monster. I’d hated that.

"Oh, but Shura and the others would sneak me food sometimes. He believed in me right until the end. Even after they told him I’d betrayed the kingdom, he actually tried to plot my escape. I turned him down, though."

Shura was an ally from back then, a man who held the Assassin Job within the kingdom’s ranks. He was one of the first people I’d set out on a journey with. He was willing to make the entire kingdom his enemy just for my sake, but I couldn't let him do it. It would have ruined his dream.

He’d always aimed for a world where people could just hold hands and laugh together. If my execution as a "common enemy" brought that world one step closer to reality, then that was fine by me.

Though, I still feel a pang of guilt about it. It’s a bit painful to think I couldn't tell the truth to a guy who was that much of a soft-hearted pushover, despite his "cool" exterior.

"Then there’s Lufel and Garda. I’m a bit worried about them, but I’m sure those two are doing fine even without me. Probably."

Lufel was... well, he was a total airhead. I honestly wondered if he was managing his duties as the Pope in the Holy City properly. As for Garda, he was the heir to the Beastman Kingdom, but he was a total wildcard.

I worried about how they were faring now, but they were the type of guys who pulled through when the chips were down. They’d be fine.

"And then there was Wakuni. I made a comrade there too, a guy named Izana. He’s the Shogun of Wakuni, and apparently some kind of Arahitogami? He’s the one who taught me the way of the sword. His training was pure Spartan hell, I’ll tell you that."

The Shogun of Wakuni had a legendary sweet tooth; he’d beg for mitarashi dango every time he saw an opening. He was a comrade who stuck by me for the final six months for the sake of world peace. He was a master of the naginata and the bow, too—the guy was terrifyingly strong. In terms of pure skill, he was easily on the level of someone like Yamato-san. I lost count of how many times he pinned me to the floor. Well, thanks to him, I can use just about any weapon now.

"...Look, Laura. I don’t know what’s eating at you, but I don’t harbor any resentment toward that other world. I can't. It wouldn't be fair to them. Sure, there were some miserable times, but the precious memories I have far outweigh the bad."

"...Reima is just Reima, isn't he? You’re still the same idiot I’ve always known."

"Hey, calling me an idiot is a bit uncalled for, don't you think?"

"No, you are an idiot. Soft-hearted and far too kind—you’re a precious, magnificent fool."

"What the hell is a 'magnificent fool' supposed to be...?"

"Don't worry about it. You’re too dense to understand anyway."

"Wow... harsh."

She called me an idiot, but she actually looked satisfied. It seemed like the weight had finally been lifted from her shoulders. Her face looked lively again. I guess my silver tongue still has it, I thought, feeling a sense of relief from the bottom of my heart that she was back to her old self.

"...Because of that, I’ve made up my mind."

"Eh? Made your mind up about what?"

"...Seriously, why is your hearing so damn good?"

"Heh. It's my identity."

"You really are an idiot."

"Hey, you definitely meant that as an insult just now!"

And so, we sat together as the night deepened. Eventually, seeing as it was getting late, we decided to head back to the cottage.

Ever since reincarnating from Mythologia, I had been living without purpose.

This world had things called Dungeons; it was a peaceful place, incomparable to the world we had left behind. I had died after entrusting everything to Reima, believing that he would be the one to see it through. Then he died, too.

Betrayed by the very people he protected, accepting every hardship just to keep them safe.

I had spoken with him, exchanged words, and realized just how little he had changed. With that Heroic disposition of his, he had forced his way into my life, melting the heart of a girl who feigned being a lone wolf. He was still the same fool. He was the man I loved.

I have never once thought of forgetting him. No, forgetting is impossible. He is my most precious person, the only one whose blood I have ever tasted—my beloved Hero.

"I will give him everything."

I will never let him be betrayed again. I will devote my entire life to striking down every enemy in his path. After all, he was the one who granted my wish. I owe him that much, and my feelings for him run that deep.

"I’ll never let him be alone again. No matter what happens."

I swear it—I will always be on his side.

This is my Oath of the Moonlit Night. I will become stronger. I will live for his sake, through anything and everything. I swear it.