"Honestly, you... We came here to check on our daughters, not for you to cause a scene."
"Gah-hah-hah! My apologies! But I just couldn't resist seeing if the boy lived up to the rumors!"
"There are better ways to handle such matters. The students at Luminous Academy are in a panic because of you."
"Um... could someone explain what's going on here...?"
A short while after the surprise attack from the armored warrior—Sakura’s father—Hugo had been guided into a reception room.
Hugo voiced his obvious confusion as he looked back and forth between the three men and a deathly pale Professor Castle.
"Ah, Clay. Well, you see... these gentlemen are..."
"Sakura... I mean, Amamiya-san’s father, right? In that case, are you two the fathers of Kogarashi-san and Utsusemi-san...?"
"Precisely. We have heard much of you from our daughters. You are Hugo Clay, I take it?"
As the professor faltered, a white-haired man wearing glasses picked up the thread to confirm their identities.
Judging by his appearance, Hugo assumed he was Setsuna’s father. The three men then began their formal introductions.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Motonari Kogarashi—as you’ve guessed, I am Setsuna’s father. This is Raiha’s father, Ujiyasu Utusemi. And the impudent man who attacked you is Tadakatsu Amamiya."
"I-It’s an honor to meet you. Your daughters have been a great help to me...!"
"No need to be so formal, Hugo! We’re already brothers-in-arms who have traded blows!"
"I hate to point it out, but your behavior is exactly why he's so tense."
Hugo bowed deeply as he greeted the three men.
While Motonari and the others offered their varying reactions, Professor Castle—who seemed even more nervous than Hugo—finally spoke up.
"Clay, these three have come to check on their daughters after receiving the reports regarding the recent incident. While here, they requested an audience with you..."
"With... me...?"
"Please, do not be alarmed. We haven't come to cast blame or exert pressure. We simply wished to express our gratitude in person."
Hugo’s voice trembled with nerves. He had been summoned by the Heads of the Three Great Houses, the highest-ranking VIPs of Yamato.
As Raiha’s father, Ujiyasu, gently explained the reason for their visit, Motonari and Tadakatsu nodded in agreement.
"This entire incident began with the betrayal of Koumaru, whom we had assigned to our daughters as a diplomat and observer. I heard you contributed significantly to its resolution. I sincerely apologize for forcing you to clean up our mess."
"To think you struck down that Zaraki—you're quite the warrior! I felt it during our bout earlier, but your skills are truly impressive!"
"My daughter is safe because of you. You have my deepest thanks."
"It wasn't something I did alone. It was only possible because my friends fought just as hard. Besides, the one who actually saved Raiha-san wasn't me, but—"
Hugo started to insist that the credit belonged to the group and the valiant efforts of Marcos and the others, but he caught himself and shot a glance at Professor Castle.
If he spoke too freely, he would inevitably touch upon sensitive secrets, such as Raiha being a half-dragon. Motonari seemed to read his hesitation.
"You can relax. We have already briefed Professor Castle on Raiha’s secret and the various circumstances involved."
"Furthermore, he has replaced Professor Neila as our primary contact for the Yamato side. She is currently recovering from her injuries."
"Is that so? That's a relief."
Knowing there was no need for further secrecy, Hugo let out a long sigh of relief.
The fathers of the Warrior Shrine Maidens leaned in slightly as they continued.
"Hugo, your role in this was far greater than you seem to realize. Beyond our daughters' safety, we owe you for preventing the theft of our family heirlooms."
"If Koumaru had made off with those dragon-powered magic items, his research would have advanced significantly. Had that happened, the entire world would eventually have been threatened."
"It is thanks to your group that such a future was averted. By defeating Zaraki and recovering our daughters, you saved the world."
"To be honest, it doesn't really feel that way. I was just acting out of desperation. I wasn't even thinking about the world being at risk..."
He had simply wanted to save the friends standing right in front of him. That was the only thing on Hugo's mind at the time.
Therefore, even being told he was a world-class hero didn't quite sit right with him.
He was happy to be praised, but he remained humble, insisting he hadn't done anything so grandiose on his own. The Three Great Heads looked at him with appreciation.
"The only reason your deeds cannot be made public is due to internal issues on the Yamato side. Ordinarily, you would be showered with honors and rewards."
"You saved our children. As the ones ultimately responsible for the chaos, we have a duty to repay you."
"Name anything you desire. We shall make it happen."
"Anything...?"
It felt a bit like being offered a wish by a genie, Hugo thought. Realizing he couldn't simply refuse when they were being this insistent, he crossed his arms in thought.
After a moment of deliberation, he looked up and addressed the three fathers.
"I don't think I or my friends are looking for money or fame. However, if I can ask for one thing... I want you to take care of the mother of my partner, Ryuga."