𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨’𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲
“Alright, let’s get some food ready for now.”
ㅤ
Saying this, Rin took out a large pot from her bag and placed it over the fire.
A pot that already had food in it, ready to be served.
It was an absurd scene, but impressive nonetheless.
ㅤ
“A Magic bag, huh. And it even stops time inside.”
“That’s right. It’s mind-blowing for commoners, especially the price.”
ㅤ
As Rin says, this Magic bag alone would cost a fortune.
It might not be a national treasure, but it could probably build a mansion.
Depending on its capacity, maybe even a castle.
To casually use such an item to carry a pot is truly something only the Hero’s Party could do.
ㅤ
“Do you always get food from that bag?”
“No, we can’t just fill it with food. We only do it occasionally. Normally, we have preserved food in the carriage, or we hunt to secure our food.”
“I see.”
“By the way, Stella-san and I are in charge of cooking. Stella-san is surprisingly good wife material. Highly recommended.”
“What kind of recommendation is that?”
ㅤ
While feeling irritated at Rin’s smirking, I take a seat near the fire.
Naturally, Stella sits next to me.
Is that still ongoing?
Ah, even the other two are giving us warm looks. . . . . .
ㅤ
“Ahem. As someone who knows everyone here, I’ll take charge. It seems Stella-san is otherwise occupied.”
ㅤ
Rin can’t stop smirking.
You better remember this later.
ㅤ
“So, Allan-kun, can you please introduce yourself?”
“. . . . . .Alright.”
ㅤ
It’s irksome to go along with what she’s saying, but there’s no point in being sulky now.
ㅤ
“I’m Allan, Stella’s childhood friend who has recently joined the team. My fighting style involves deflecting and countering attacks with a sword. What I can’t do is wide-range attacks. I’m good at handling strong enemies, but ineffective against large hordes of monsters. Never been in a party, but I can read the flow and adjust. Please count on me.”
“You’re so formal, man!”
ㅤ
The person who responded to my self-introduction like that was a towering man with a nearly 2-meter-tall muscular build.
He had a somewhat frivolous atmosphere about him.
ㅤ
“Let’s keep it chill! I’m Blade Valkyrias, the 『Sword Saint』. By the way, I’m the grandson of the old man you defeated. Nice to meet you!”
“Alright, nice to meet you too.”
ㅤ
I just nodded without saying I already knew.
If I start saying such things, introductions would become unnecessary.
And yet, 『Sword Saint』 Blade Valkyrias. . . . . .
He’s nothing like the stern and upright knight, Ruberto-san.
Is that why Ruberto-san once said he’d like to swap me for his grandson? Because of this mismatch in personalities?
ㅤ
While I was contemplating the apparent friction between Ruberto-san and Blade, next up was a young Elf girl.
ㅤ
“Now then, I suppose it’s my turn. I am Ernesta Yggdrasil. I’m known as the 『Great Sage』 in some circles. My combat style is, as you see, magical. I can use a wide range of spells, both offensive and supportive. Please count on me.”
“Alright, nice to—ouch?!”
ㅤ
As I was responding, Stella pinched my cheek for some reason.
Painful enough to feel like my face would rip.
Take it easy!
What’s your problem anyway?!
ㅤ
“Idiot! Use formal language! Despite appearances, Ernesta-san is by far the eldest among us! Moreover, she’s a former Elven Chief!”
“! I apologize.”
ㅤ
I hastily changed my tone.
Was this person of higher standing?
Fooled by appearances, I hadn’t realized.
I thought I knew about the Hero’s comrades from newspapers in my dreams, but my recollection of those details is sketchy.
In any case, I should use polite language, even if it’s unfamiliar, when speaking to someone who’s an elderly Elf and a former chief.
ㅤ
“Ho ho ho. Don’t worry about it. Even though I’m a former Elf chief, I’m just an old retiree now. Even Bre doesn’t use polite language with me; feel free to call me Auntie Elle.”
“. . . . . .Understood. If that’s the case, then I won’t hesitate. Nice to meet you, Auntie Elle.”
“Very well! You’re a good kid.”
ㅤ
Auntie Elle said so and laughed heartily.
She doesn’t look old, but her aura somehow gives off the reassuring vibe of the elderly back home, who warmly watch over the young.
For now, Stella seems to be quietly casting Healing Magic on my cheek with a warm gaze.
Speaking of which, Stella just casually performed high-level magic without chanting.
ㅤ
“Lastly, it’s my turn. I’ve already met Allan-kun, but let me introduce myself again. I’m Rin. I’m the 『Saint』 of the party and mainly serve as the healer. I’m also pretty good at defense, so rely on me in emergencies. I won’t lose to Ernesta-sama in this field alone. Let’s get along well.”
“Ah, nice to meet you.”
ㅤ
So, with Rin’s introduction over, Stella is the last one.
We’ve known each other long enough that introductions are unnecessary, but I’d like to know about her current fighting style.
ㅤ
“. . . . . .Why do I get the feeling you’re treating me lightly? A little more 『unexpected reunion!』 or 『why are you here?!』 would have been nice. . . . . .”
“It’s not unexpected. I told you we’d meet again soon, didn’t I?”
“. . . . . .So you expected me to join the Hero’s Party? I was just a rural healer known for having Healing Divine Protection. It’s quite an unpredictable life to end up as a comrade of Hero-sama.”
ㅤ
Rin started gazing into the distance.
On the other hand, Stella looks like she wants to say something and leans close to my ear.
ㅤ
“Do we need to talk about that dream?”
ㅤ
Hearing Stella’s whispered words, my body shivers.
Is. . . . . .is my ear a weak point. . . . . .?
As I shake from this shocking revelation, I quietly deny Stella’s words.
ㅤ
“We can’t just suddenly talk about something so absurd; no one will believe it. For now, we’ll watch the situation. We’ll talk about it when the time is right. Plus, there are things I want to confirm.”
“. . . . . .Understood.”
ㅤ
She doesn’t seem completely convinced, but Stella backs down.
Her bewitching voice that strangely shakes the core of my head moves away, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Why do I have to be tired from something like this?
ㅤ
“Finally, it’s my turn. We’re beyond the point of needing introductions, so I’ll just talk briefly about my fighting style. I mainly use a Holy Sword for close combat and light magic for mid to long-range battles. Let’s confirm these details later during practice.”
“Sounds good. How about a match to see how much you’ve improved?”
“Deal! This time, I’ll take that winning star from you!”
“Heh. If you can, try it.”
ㅤ
Stella and I smile as sparks fly between us.
Ah, how nostalgic this feeling is.
A sensation I used to experience almost every day.
Reminded of those times, I can’t help but smile.
ㅤ
“What can I say. . . . . .these two are really close, aren’t they?”
“I don’t get why people who like each other want to fight, but whatever.”
“Hmm. So they’re what you call a ‘fighting couple,’ huh.”
ㅤ
Bystanders were whispering something, but we were too caught up to notice.
ㅤ
“Alright, alright, that’s enough for now! I have to explain various things about the journey now.”
“Hmm. . . . . .”
“I, I’m sorry. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Mediated by Auntie Elle, we reined in our fighting spirits.
That’s right.
This isn’t a world just for the two of us.
Time for reflection.
ㅤ
“Well then, now that the introductions are over, let’s lightly go over the journey to defeat the Demon King while enjoying this pot. Are you aware of the current world situation?”
“Sort of, just the basics.”
ㅤ
Even though I say that, I’m not that detailed about it.
ㅤ
“Hmm. Let me explain in detail then. It’s been 15 years since the current Demon King appeared. The current state of the world is like this.”
ㅤ
And so, Auntie Elle began to speak.
About this world.
Effortlessly taking over the role of host from Lin.
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