Chapter 31
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I emerge from an alleyway connecting the red-light district to the main streets and find myself aimlessly walking until I come across a small river. It’s the primary water source for the commoners who can’t use magic.
There are few people around, which suits me just fine.
Without much thought, I make my way onto the bridge spanning the river.
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The river flows gently, sparkling as it reflects the sunlight.
A splash rings out as an unknown fish breaks the surface.
I lean against the railing, gazing at the endless stream of water.
There are many things I need to contemplate.
And I have plenty of time to do so.
The fact that Milan, a mere child, knew about the likely fabricated tale spun by Ryūgūin.
Chances are, even the citizens of this frontier town are well aware of Ryūgūin’s story.
Beyond that, if the tale has spread all the way to the southernmost reaches of the Arcana Kingdom, it must be accepted as public truth throughout the entire kingdom.
The same goes for the heroic epic of Ryūgūin I witnessed at the theater.
I heard that Ryūgūin himself supervised the script regarding his origins.
Perhaps this serves as a form of propaganda to make the Hero’s party’s journey easier from here on out.
At the same time, it’s undoubtedly a smear campaign against me, the one who knows the full truth.
Even so─────
The gleeful laughter of children reaches my ears.
Two kids arrive at the riverbank, carrying a large tub piled high with laundry. After a bit of playful splashing, they begin washing the clothes, likely helping their parents.
I rest my elbows on the railing, leaning my weight forward.
There are quite a few who know the truth of my struggles.
The King and other important figures should be aware of what I’ve accomplished. Ryūgūin’s ill repute must have also spread.
Yet, what is the reality?
All truth has been reduced to falsehoods.
Not only that─── the girls who were by my side, even closer than the others, are the same.
Did they allow such a cowardly act, attributing all accomplishments to Ryūgūin’s party and disparaging me?
Not content with just discarding me as a party member, did they permit throwing me into a swamp of public scorn?
Princess Puffy, embracing Ryūgūin with flushed cheeks.
Mika and Angelica, ignoring their roles and clinging to Ryūgūin.
Eris, attempting to offer her sword to Ryūgūin, even if unsuccessfully.
For them, perhaps that’s not beyond the realm of possibility.
I feel my body tremble involuntarily.
I can’t tell if it’s from anger or sadness. Maybe both.
I quietly reach into my pocket.
Inside, I feel something cold and solid.
I grip it tightly, as if clinging to something, as if seeking salvation.
As I touch it, a weak part of myself emerges within my heart, as if resigning to something.
─── Haven’t you done enough?
─── You’ve done all you could.
─── And hey, no one even wants you around.
─── You saw the play, right? That’s the unshakable truth for everyone!
─── So why not stop pushing yourself and just go back to Japan?
Another unknown fish splashes on the surface.
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Suddenly snapping out of my thoughts, I notice the children waving at me, thinking my gaze was directed at them.
「Hey there! Keep at it!」 I call out, tossing them some candy from my magic bag.
「Wow, mister! Thank you!」 they exclaim with delight.
Soon, they return to their tasks, making splashing sounds.
My thoughts begin flowing like the river once more, unrelated to the children.
Princess Puffy, who wished to carve out her own world.
Mika, who embraced me when I was on the verge of being crushed by anxiety, staying by my side.
Angelica, who shed tears seeing me hurt.
Eris, who called me Master and clung to me like a puppy.
In the end, I don’t know which is their true nature.
Abandon them or believe in them.
Unable to choose either, I’m the one perpetually holding my head in my hands.
I despise this part of myself.
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「Bye, mister!」 voices call out from under the bridge.
The girls energetically run off, their laundry obscuring their view but they navigate skillfully.
I suddenly notice the weight of the magic bag slung over my shoulder.
The magic bag I’ve been carrying around town as if it were only natural.
It’s filled to the brim with ingredients for dishes Sena said she wanted to try.
─── Ichiro!
For a moment, I thought I heard Sena’s voice.
Her usual voice, filled with affection, like she was calling for me.
I wanted to see her face.
I wanted to touch her.
Before I know it, the sun is about to set.
I return it to my pocket and leave the bridge behind.
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