The following day, the village was as tranquil as ever.
The breeze was gentle, and the fields swayed in waves of green.
"The wind feels wonderful."
Minato stretched out in his yard. It was a peaceful afternoon, the kind where time seemed to slow down.
"—Minato!"
At the sound of a familiar voice, he turned around.
"You..."
Standing there was the Hero.
"It’s been a while," the Hero said.
"Yeah. I’m glad to see you’re doing well."
His presence was as dignified as ever. But for a fleeting second, his smile seemed strained.
"What’s wrong? Why the long face?"
"No, it’s nothing." The Hero laughed immediately, brushing it off.
"You surprised me. Anyway, do you want to come in?"
"Yeah, thanks. Pardon the intrusion."
Minato led him inside. As they entered, Nana emerged from the back of the house.
"Oh..."
Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second. But she quickly regained her composure and offered a soft smile.
"Welcome."
"It’s been a long time, Nana."
"Yes. I am glad to see you are in good health."
Her tone was calm and polite, yet firm. It carried a clear message: she was no longer the Saint. She was Minato’s wife.
"I’ll brew some tea."
"Sorry to trouble you."
Nana prepared the tea with practiced, natural movements. She had truly become a part of this home.
The Hero watched her in silence.
"Is something the matter?" Minato asked.
"No..." The Hero shook his head slightly. "I was just thinking how glad I am to see you both so happy."
At those words, Minato felt a twinge of guilt in his chest.
"I’m sorry."
"For what?" The Hero raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled.
"About Nana." Minato continued, choosing his words carefully. "I feel bad even saying this to you, but..."
Silence fell between them for a moment. Then, the Hero let out a soft chuckle.
"Don't give it another thought," he said simply. "Nana made her choice. If she's happy, then that's enough for me."
"I see." The tension finally left Minato’s shoulders.
"Besides," the Hero added, a nostalgic smile touching his lips as if he were looking at something far away, "if it’s you, I know I can entrust her to you."
"Thank you."
Hearing those words made Minato feel a sense of genuine relief.
"Thank you for waiting," Nana said, returning with tea and light snacks. "Please, help yourselves."
"Thanks." The Hero picked up his cup. "You’ve really become a wonderful wife, Nana."
"She has," Minato agreed instantly.
"Oh, Minato..." Nana laughed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking about trivial things—memories of their journey, the current state of the Royal Capital, and life in the village. Laughter echoed through the small house time and again.
However, every now and then, the Hero’s gaze would linger. A faint shadow would flicker across his eyes as he looked at Nana.
But Minato didn't notice. Or perhaps, even if he did, he chose not to look too deeply into it.
"Well, I should be heading back soon."
"Leaving already?"
"Yeah." The Hero stood up. "I’ll come by again."
"You’re welcome anytime."
"I know."
His smile looked exactly the same as it always had.
After that visit, time began to move quickly. The seasons turned, and before long, the first snow began to fall.
It was a night of biting cold.
Minato was pulled from a deep sleep.
"Nn..." He slowly opened his eyes. "What is that?"
It was strangely loud outside. He heard people shouting and the sound of hurried, heavy footsteps.
"Minato..."
Beside him, Nana had also woken up.
"It’s so noisy outside."
"Yeah."
A dark foreboding settled in his gut. He got out of bed and rushed to the window.
"No..."
He lost his words. The village was ablaze.
Crimson flames stained the night sky. Houses were being consumed by fire, and the screams of the villagers echoed through the cold air.
"How... why is this happening?" Nana gasped, her voice trembling.
Just then, a desperate cry reached them from outside.
"Run! It’s monsters!!"
Minato spun around immediately.
"Nana, get ready! We have to go now!"
"Right!"
The peaceful life they had built was crumbling with a roar. Minato grabbed his sword and burst out of the house with Nana right behind him.
"What about everyone else!?"
"They should be evacuating! We have to find them!"
He wanted to believe they were safe. But as he stepped into the smoke, he realized this was no ordinary monster raid.
"What in the world...?"
Amidst the flames, monsters were indeed ravaging the village. But behind them stood rows of figures in perfect formation.
Silver armor. The royal crest held high.
"The Royal Capital Knights?"
Minato couldn't believe his eyes. Why were the Knights here? And more impossibly—they were standing there as if they were the ones commanding the monsters.
"How could they..." Nana’s voice shook.
The knights sworn to protect the Kingdom were the ones setting the village ablaze. The reality was too horrific to comprehend.
"Minato..." Nana grabbed his sleeve, her eyes wide with terror.
"Stay behind me," he commanded, stepping forward.
At that moment, the ranks of knights parted. A single man emerged from the center—a Knight Captain clad in heavy, ornate armor. His cold, emotionless eyes locked onto Minato.
"Minato, the Former Hero." His voice was low and carried across the clearing. "By royal decree, you are under arrest."
"What?" Minato’s mind went blank. "Royal decree?"
"The charge is high treason. If you resist, your life is forfeit."
Minato felt a dry, hollow laugh escape his throat. This was a sick joke.
"I’m a traitor? Since when?"
"The evidence is more than sufficient," the Knight Captain declared, his voice devoid of any feeling. "Seducing Lady Nanalicia, the Saint; high treason against the Kingdom; and conspiring with the Demon King Army Remnants."
"Stop lying!" Minato’s shout pierced the night. "That’s absolute nonsense—"
"Silence!" the captain barked.
With a sharp metallic ring, the Knight Captain drew his sword and pointed the tip directly at Minato’s heart.
"You are a traitor and an enemy of the Kingdom."
The air grew frigid. In the next instant, the Knight Captain’s voice rose in a deafening command.
"Kill the traitor, Minato!"
On that order, the knights drew their blades in unison. The monsters let out a bloodcurdling roar.
Minato braced himself, shielding Nana with his body.
Their peaceful days were over. The despair that would consume everything had finally bared its fangs.