𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩
Demon Hubris has been defeated.
Albero and the others headed to Arnaud and then directly to the ruins of paradise.
Pigs. . . . . . Hubris’s 『favorites』 and the slaves were bewildered. It’s no wonder, as the golden frog destroyed everything, leaving just bare land.
Despite his injuries, Arnaud repeatedly 『jumped』 and headed to the nearby town to contact the Asgard Kingdom’s army. A few hours later, dispatched soldiers took the favorites and slaves with them.
Albero and the others returned to the town with Arnaud.
They secured lodging and received medical treatment. . . . . .By the time they finally settled down, it had become completely dark.
Naturally, they didn’t feel like doing anything and just gave a brief report.
“So, we’ve defeated Demon Hubris. He collapsed right before our eyes, so he’s undoubtedly dead.”
“I see. . . . . .phew.”
Albero reported to Arnaud.
Not just Arnaud, but Albero, Kid, Lapis, and Ashe, everyone was exhausted.
And then, there’s another person.
“Um. . . . . .Can I really stay with all of you?”
It’s Ridelle.
Ridelle didn’t go with the kingdom’s army; she came to the town’s inn with Albero and the others.
Before resting, Albero had something to ask.
“Ridelle, what will you do now?”
“. . . . . .Hmm.”
To the undecided Ridelle, Arnaud spoke.
“Given that you were victimized by Demon Hubris, the Asgard Kingdom will provide protection for the slaves. In that case, you’ll be taken to a facility in Asgard Kingdom but. . . . . .”
“. . . . . .I”
“Hey, your revenge is over. You’re free to do as you please.”
“. . . . . .”
“Kid, don’t say unnecessary things.”
Neither Ashe nor Lapis spoke. They looked slightly anxious, but it seemed like they were waiting for Ridelle to speak.
Albero made another suggestion. . . . . .the main topic.
“Ridelle, if you’re okay with it. . . . . .would you like to join the Asgard Summoning Academy?”
“Huh?”
“We’re part of the S-class at Asgard Summoning Academy. We only have four students now, but we want you to be the fifth.”
“Is it because of my leg?”
“Not at all. Sure, I do feel a kinship with you as we’re both of the Parasitic type. . . . . .but you, like me and Kid, have 『lost』 someone. It’s better to support each other than being alone.”
“Haha, are we going to be licking each other’s woun━guh?!”
The moment Kid was about to say something, Ashe’s elbow hit his stomach, and Lapis’s short uppercut landed on his chin.
“The same, huh. . . . . .Yeah, that might be nice. But I’ve never been to a school, and I can’t write well. And isn’t Asgard Summoning Academy a school for nobles?”
“It’s fine. S-class is special, and neither Kid nor Ashe is of noble descent. Oh, neither am I. . . . . .”
“Really? . . . . . .It seems fun.”
“Yeah. So, will you join?”
“Sure. Fufu, I never imagined I’d be living a school life. . . . . .”
“Yes!! A second girl!!”
“Ridelle, Ridelle, there’s a dorm too!! The room next to mine and Ashe’s is vacant!!”
“Whoa?! Uh, haha. . . . . .thanks.”
And so, Ridelle joined the S-class.
Albero said to Arnaud.
“So, Arnaud-san. . . . . .”
“Oh. I’ll tell Garnet-sama on your behalf. Also, take it easy today and tomorrow, and return to the kingdom the day after tomorrow. After that, a different knight will escort you on your return.”
“Eh, isn’t Arnaud-san coming with us. . . . . .”
“I still have things to do. Heh. . . . . .I have to bust that slave auction.”
“But you’re injured. . . . . .”
“It’s no problem. I have many comrades, and preparations for the raid are underway. You all should do what you need to do.”
“Arnaud-san. . . . . .”
“Alright. Dismiss for today. Everyone, make sure to rest well.”
That being said, today’s reflection meeting ended.
The next day. Albero and the others mostly slept, and by the following day, they were about to board the carriage to return.
Arnaud spoke to Albero and the others.
“It might not be the right way to say this. . . . . .but it was fun.”
“Me too. Arnaud-san, thank you!!”
“I had fun too!”
“Thank you for everything, Arnaud-sama.”
“Um, thank you.”
Albero bowed deeply, and Ashe did the same.
Lapis gracefully curtsied, and Ridelle hesitantly bowed her head.
Then, Kid. . . . . .
“Hey, buy me a drink when we get back.”
“Heh. . . . . .Alright. I’ll introduce you to my favorite place.”
“Hmph. . . . . .Well, thanks for everything, Arnaud.”
Kid turned away, hiding his face with his hat as he thanked.
Albero, grinning, nudged Kid with his elbow, only to get punched for some reason.
“Ouch?! What the hell?!”
“Because you’re annoying, brat.”
“What?!”
“Alright, alright. Stop it, both the tsundere Kid and Albero.”
“Fufu. Everyone’s getting along.”
“. . . . . .”
Ridelle watched the noisy Albero and others, smiling.
She lost her family. Lost her home, and even her summoned beast.
But that’s not the end. She found a new place and got new legs.
It’s not just about losing. You can become stronger by losing.
“. . . . . .I’ll do my best.”
Ridelle whispered, thinking of her departed family in her heart.
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