"So, what did you want to talk about?"
Ageha spoke up, her voice signaling a shift in the conversation.
I recalled my reason for coming here; I had entered the room specifically stating I had something to discuss.
"I told you yesterday, didn't I? The Observer said he would return me to my Original Time once he determined the world was saved. Since a full day has passed and I’m still here, I started thinking that maybe the world is still teetering on the edge of destruction."
"I see. That’s a very real possibility."
"But we killed Demon King Zoga, the root cause of the world’s ruin. If he's gone, then what else could possibly trigger its destruction?"
"There are plenty of other threats. The Demon Race serving under the Demon King are still out there, and then there are mysterious organizations like 'Chaosism.'"
"You’re right about that."
Defeating Demon King Zoga didn't mean peace had suddenly descended upon the world.
"Listen, Ageha. If the world is still in danger, I want to stop it. Will you help me?"
"I’m a Hero. Saving the world is my job, so of course I’ll help."
"I’m glad to hear it."
Having Ageha on my side was a huge weight off my shoulders. Whatever else she might be, she was the Hero.
"Still, I wonder where we should even start."
If we didn't know the cause of the coming ruin, we couldn't very well prepare for it.
"Ageha, do you have any ideas about what might cause the end of the world?"
"Hmm... maybe those Chaosism people? I don't know anything specific, though."
"I see."
It looked like we’d have to start with a slow, thorough investigation.
"Kiska, can I make a suggestion?"
"What is it?"
"I want to go out somewhere and play with you."
Play?
The world was potentially ending, and I wondered if we really had the luxury for such a carefree suggestion. Then again, staying wound tight all the time wasn't healthy either. Maybe a change of pace was exactly what we needed.
"Alright. Let's go out somewhere."
"Yay!" she cheered, her face lighting up with genuine joy.
◆
Once Ageha finished changing, we headed down to the first floor.
I had been told that breakfast was being prepared for us in the Dining Hall.
"G-Good morning, nanodesu."
"Morning. Are you here for breakfast too, Nyau?"
"Yes, that is correct."
When we entered the Dining Hall, Sage Nyau greeted us. Her behavior seemed strangely stiff, and she kept stealing glances behind her.
Ah, I understood why immediately.
Hero Eligion was already seated at one of the tables.
He had been unconscious all through yesterday, but a day of rest seemed to have done him good. He looked healthy enough.
"Good morning, Lord Hero," I said, offering a polite greeting to ensure I didn't cause offense.
"Ah, good morning," Hero Eligion replied. His expression, however, remained quite rigid.
"Hey, Ageha. Say something," I prompted her in a low whisper, as she was just standing there like a statue behind me.
"Hi," she said.
Worse yet, she didn't even look him in the eye.
Hey, this man is a prince and the Lord Hero, I thought. Show some respect! You’re being incredibly rude. Just as I was about to bow my head and apologize for her behavior—
"I’ve heard the gist of your circumstances from Sage Nyau," Hero Eligion began, speaking without any hint of taking offense at Ageha's attitude.
I missed my chance to apologize.
"I see," Ageha replied, her tone as blunt as ever.
"I have many things I wish to confirm with you, but first..." Hero Eligion paused, letting out a slow breath.
I wondered what was coming. If he used his authority as a prince to sentence us to death right here, what would I do? I had more than enough on my conscience to justify an execution, after all.
"Thank you. As the Representative of the Citizens, I wish to offer you my deepest gratitude for slaying the Demon King."
Hero Eligion bowed his head with solemn sincerity.
My eyes widened. I hadn't expected him to be so humble, let alone offer thanks.
"Kiska-kun, you cooperated as well, didn't you? Please, allow me to thank you too. Thank you."
"A-Ah, thank you very much!"
To be thanked personally by him was more than I was prepared for. I hurriedly bowed in return.
"Now then, would you be willing to explain the events of the dungeon in your own words?" Hero Eligion asked, meeting Ageha's gaze.
Even if he had heard things from Sage Nyau, it wouldn't have been a complete account. It was only natural for him to ask for the details. I looked at Ageha, expecting her to comply.
"No."
She refused him flatly.
"Don't you dare turn down a request from the Lord Hero!" I hissed, frantically scolding her. I prayed Eligion wasn't the type to hold a grudge.
"But it's such a pain."
"That’s not even an excuse! Give the Lord Hero a proper explanation!"
"Fine. If you say so, Kiska."
She was clearly sulking, but she had agreed, so I took it as a win.
"I am so sorry! I’ll give her a stern talking-to later, so please, have mercy!"
"Ah, no, it's alright. You don't need to apologize."
It seemed he was willing to let it slide. Thank goodness the Lord Hero was a kind man.
"Well then, why don't we talk while we eat?"
With that, the long-awaited explanation to Hero Eligion began.