The Heroes I told that I would be staying in this world were four.

The Takao Sisters, Sogou Ayaka, and Kashima Kobato.

To Hijiri and Sogou, I explained once again, including the fact that I still had doubts.

I also told the other Heroes that I alone would return later.

I conveyed this on the day of the return.

At that, Hijiri said:

“They also know that Mimori-kun played an important role in this world. If you explain it as though you’re staying behind to handle some follow-up requested by the people here, they probably won’t think much of it. And for the other Heroes, you can say that if they miss this chance, they might not be able to return.”

“Won’t come back anymore”

“Maybe will come back later, with a time delay”

There’s a significant psychological difference between the two, she said.

Hijiri added:

“If it’s “won’t come back anymore”, it tends to bother people even if your relationship isn’t that close. Well, since memories will be erased, it’s not like it matters too much.”

At that, Itsuki said “Are you for real~~?” but……

“Eh, well, considering Seras-san’s here, I guess it can’t be helped.”

She seemed to accept it.

Incidentally, when Eve returned……

“See! Not saying goodbye yet was the right call!”

Itsuki said, smiling mischievously.

Meanwhile, Kashima said:

“If that’s Mimori-kun’s choice, then I have nothing to say. Besides…… you said earlier, right? There’s really a possibility you could return later with a time delay? So———– I’ll wait for you, Mimori-kun.”

Incidentally, Kashima had already completed the burial of Asagi by today.

There was no particularly grand funeral.

“I think Asagi-san wouldn’t like that kind of thing,”

Kashima said, so it was held quietly, like a small family funeral.

Later, Sogou apparently visited the grave.

I also informed some people in this world that I would be staying behind.

At least until the Heroes returned, it was kept a secret from others.

Those I told were……

Pigimaru, Slei.

Eve, Liz, Erika.

Loqierra, Thesis.

Nyantan.

Zine.

Gio, Armia, Qir, Gratora, Liese.

Munin.

Cattleya.

For the rest, I left it to those I told to decide for themselves whether it was okay to inform others.

▽

Early morning.

When I woke up, the sky had been gray, heavy with clouds.

But now, beams of white light were beginning to pour down through gaps in the clouds.

Round, fluffy, cotton-candy-like gray clouds drifted slowly.

The damp air gradually shifted into a refreshing, warm breeze.

Today, representatives from each country were setting out to return home.

The policies for the urgent topics that needed discussion had been settled.

Minor points would be discussed and fine-tuned later.

First, Magnar’s White Wolf King and Sicily Artlight departed.

Next, Gus Thornfield set out from Enoh with the Black Dragon Knights.

Banewolf was exchanging farewells with Sogou and the Heroes he had ties with.

Sogou spoke words of deep gratitude, and the heroes who had been cared for by him expressed their thanks as well.

Eventually———– the time for parting came to an end.

Banewolf would accompany the Mira forces for part of the journey.

He was still hesitant about taking a position involved with Urza’s governance.

As for the captains of Urza’s Magic Knights……

“We shall surely persuade him on the way back!”

That seemed to be their determined attitude.

Zine, for one, had this opinion:

[Say that were to happen———— if Dragonslayer really were to ascend to Urza’s throne, surprisingly, I think it wouldn’t be a bad plan. He could probably become a reasonably good king.]

Zine Mira.

This young emperor, called the Mad Emperor———— he had been helped in various ways by his friends.

[Well then, it’s a temporary farewell, Touka.]

[Yeah.]

[I was honestly surprised to hear that you would remain in this world…… but at the same time, I was glad. I had thought I would have to part with a true friend I had just made, so this is a pleasant surprise.]

So the sadness of parting wasn’t that strong, he said.

Zine wore a dignified, gentle smile.

Until this moment of farewell, he carried himself like an emperor.

He rubbed his own thigh with one hand.

[I’m also grateful that my leg was restored. And deity this time seems reasonable.]

[Well, definitely different from that sh*tty goddess.]

Zine let out a wry smile and agreed.

Exhaling in admiration, I spoke.

[……You really are an accomplished emperor. Because an emperor like you was on the anti-Vysis side, I was able to achieve my revenge against Vysis.]

Zine extended his hand.

[Regarding the defeat of Vysis this time…… as the current emperor of the Mira Empire, Falken Dotzine Mira Dias Ordzit, on behalf of the country, to the Fly King, and the Hero from Another World, Touka Mimori…… I offer my respect and gratitude. Well done.”

I returned his handshake.

[Take care, Zine.]

[It may take some time…… but once I finish the post-emperor tasks of Mira, I plan to abdicate the throne to one of my brothers as scheduled. Then, I intend to visit you again.]

I see.

So his intention to abdicate hadn’t changed.

However———– he would handle the posthumous duties thoroughly as emperor.

Until today, he had been in meetings with representatives from various countries……

No time to rest for Zine huh.

Yet he remained immaculate, showing no sign of fatigue.

Despite such a small frame…… he really was remarkable.

Well———– he did seem to hide some fatigue with makeup.

I held his hand in mine and pulled Zine close.

[Hey———-]

And then, I embraced him.

Zine looked unusually a little flustered:

[To……Touka?]

[We might not meet for a while until you abdicate…… so I’ll say this now.]

Holding him like this made how small his body was even more apparent.

He had sacrificed himself———– how heavy a burden had he borne in this body?

That’s why……

[You’ve done really well up to now.]

[……………………]

[It looks like there’s still a little more you need to take care of…… but once everything’s done, don’t live as the “Mad Emperor” anymore. Live as Zine Mira, and spend more time for your own sake.]

I could feel the strength leave Zine’s body.

[———- ……I suppose so. Yeah…… I will…… And then…… I’ll come to see you. As Zine Mira.]

Chester Ord, the next head of the Ord family of Mira.

And the current head, the elderly heroine Yoyo Ord.

The two of them stood at a distance, watching our exchange.

Chester reacted with surprise.

Meanwhile, Yoyo, standing beside him, spoke with the tone of a grandmother watching over her grandchild.

[Even Wright-sama and Raiser-sama, or us old heads of the Three Elected Imperial Households…… as long as we’re people of Mira, no one could’ve said something like that to Her Majesty. Not unless it was the late Emperor or his own mother.]

Holding a dotobō between her fingers like a cigarette, Yoyo continued thoughtfully.

[Yes…… unless it’s a “friend” His Majesty sees as an equal———– there’s no way anyone could pull something like that off.]

Chester spoke, sounding somewhat ashamed of himself.

[……Was that kind of friend something His Majesty truly needed?]

But Yoyo cut him off.

[Idiot. She needs “underlings” like us too. I said equal, but that doesn’t mean we’re not important to His Majesty. So don’t go getting all down about it.]

Yoyo looked up at the sky, where the clouds were beginning to clear.

[……Still, that Hauzen bastard…… to think he’d die in battle at Jonato’s Azziz in the end. You always used to say that dying on the battlefield would be your greatest wish. Good grief…… took you becoming an old man to finally get it, huh?]

She let out a weary sigh.

[Well…… as for the Dias family, I’ll stick around a bit longer and support things until the transition to the next head is done. That’s why…… You’ll have to wait for me to join you there until then.]

Yoyo closed her eyes with a faint smile, the dotobō still between her fingers.

[You know…… if reincarnation really is a thing, then next time, I’d like it if we could be together without worrying about the ties of noble families…… just normally, like that. At least…… for now, I can honestly say that.]

Her tone carried the sense of someone finally bringing long-held feelings to a close.

Perhaps she had been influenced by the sense of closure surrounding Zine.

Even so……

Yoyo’s eyes narrowed, a trace of cold sweat on her face.

[That Fly King…… he might actually be even more of a charmer than our own emperor……]

▽

Zine and the others went off to say their farewells to Kashima and the rest.

[Have you already said your goodbye to the Mad Emperor?]

The ones who approached were Eve———- and Munin.

[I’ve also been indebted to Mad Emperor-san, so I’ll have to properly go say my goodbye later!]

[Come to think of it, you’re staying in Enoh for a while, right, Munin?]

[Yes, that’s right. I’ve been dispatched to Alion in something like a diplomatic role, so for a while I’ll be acting as a bridge between them and the Faraway Country, I suppose.]

[You had a similar position in Mira’s imperial capital too, handling things like the signing ceremony.]

She might actually be pretty capable when it comes to external affairs.

As a matter of fact, her communication skills are fairly solid too……

[———–Well, that’s the official reason. The truth is, Fugi has made a whole bunch of new friends, you see. I thought it’d be a shame to separate them right now…… so I asked Liese-sama myself. I told her Touka-san would want that too.]

[……………………]

Oi, don’t you get consent after you’re already done with your deal.

[Fugi’s been a lot brighter than before, you know? I’m really grateful to Liz, Nyaki, Pigimaru, and Slei♪ Fufu…… you don’t often get to see Fugi looking that happy!]

They might not be related by blood…… but it’s for her daughter huh.

As a mother, she’s doing things properly.

Yeah———- Nyaki also ended up staying in Enoh.

Together with Nyantan and her sisters.

Well, Liz and Eve will be staying in Enoh with Erika for the time being too.

She finally became friends with Liz.

There’s no reason for Nyaki to leave either.

Munin gave a wink and raised her index finger.

[So that means I’ll still be working with you and Seras-san as a member of the Fly King Squadron! I look forward to working with you from here on out♪]

[……Y- Yeah.]

What’s with that pose?

[Ahhhhh!? Touka-san, you just thought something like “this old lady is trying too hard”, didn’t you!? T- That’s not it! I’m actually still young to begin with! It’s just that being a chieftain gives me an air of authority, so I look older than I am! Isn’t that right——— Eve-san!?]

[Eh? D- Don’t throw that at me……]

[Touka-san!?]

[No…… I didn’t go that far, but…… aren’t you overthinking it, Munin? Or rather…… isn’t that just something you yourself are worried about……?]

[Eeeh!? No way——— really!? ……That might be true!?]

As always———- she’s a cheerful, entertaining chieftain.

……Imm.

Maybe Munin too.

It feels like she’s finally managed to set down a heavy burden.

[Oi, Fly King.]

The next to approach was……

[So you guys are heading out too huh, Gio?]

[Yeah…… thanks for everything. Seriously, you’re something else.]

[For a while, forget about fighting and spend time with Yerma and your kid.]

[Hmph, like I needed you to tell me that. More importantly…… you too. Once things settle down, take it easy for a bit…… and spend some time with that High Elf girl, Fly King.]

[Yeah———– I plan to.]

And following Gio, another voice called out……

[Belzegia-dono, thank you for everything! Man, the food in this royal capital is incredible! Maybe I should stay here as a super-important, beautiful special envoy!?]

Armia Plum Lynx.

Gio shot her a cold look.

[What part of you is “super-important beautiful envoy”? We’re already leaving Munin and Nyaki behind as diplomats, so we’ve got that covered. Save the nonsense for when we’re back home.]

[Wahahaha! Gio, your jealousy is quite delightful!]

[How the hell do you twist that into jealousy……? You shed your skin and somehow got even dumber, didn’t you……?]

With a sigh, as if he couldn’t deal with her anymore, Gio slumped his shoulders.

Then he straightened his back and addressed Eve.

[Eve Speed.]

[Umu.]

[If you ever come to the Faraway Country, all of us Leopardkin will gather and give you a grand welcome. Bring that Dark Elf girl and the others too. By then…… our food situation should be resolved, and we’ll be able to serve you some decent meals.]

[Very well…… I understand. When the opportunity arises, I shall visit your country. And while I’m at it, perhaps I’ll stop by Urza for the first time in a while.]

Gio snorted and scratched the back of his head.

[Still…… yeah. Out of all the leopard women I’ve met, you might be the second-best. If I hadn’t met my current wife…… Yerma, I might’ve wanted you as my wife.]

[Fufu…… I’m honored.]

At that moment, Armia cut in……

[Arehhhh, Gio-dono!? Could it be you’re feeling a bit unfaithful!? Ahh, maybe I should report this to Yerma-dono!? I do agree that Eve-dono is a fine woman, but…… isn’t that a bit much!?]

[Y- You b*stard————- don’t go saying stupid cr*p! As far as I’m concerned, there’s no woman in this world better than Yerma!]

[Fumu, I’ll make sure to tell Yerma-dono that too! Honestly, why don’t you just say that to her directly while she’s there!? Why not tell her yourself!? Geez, what a shy boy!]

[……Tch, that d*mn Divine Servant…… screwing things up……]

[T- That’s cruel, Gio-dono!? Qir-dono! Gio-dono is being mean to me again!]

Qir simply watched the scene with a gentle, amused smile.

[You guys really do get along, don’t you?]

Gio bristled.

[How the hell do we!?]

He denied it outright, but Armia just laughed it off and affirmed it.

[Hahaha, of course we do! Right!?]

[———–By the way……]

Qir poked Gratora, who was standing beside her, on the shoulder with a finger.

[Gratora-kun, what have you been staring at with such a serious face this whole time?]

[……That Dark Elf over there.]

At the end of Gratora’s gaze———– stood Erika Anaorovael.

Yesterday, Erika had finished exchanging several greetings, both reunions and first meetings.

And today as well, she had come here.

However, at her own request, she still hadn’t revealed to the Faraway Country that she was “Anael-sama”.

[Now that you mention it, I only started seeing that Dark Elf around yesterday, right? I heard she’s a member of the Fly King Squadron, supporting Fly King-kun and the others from a distance together with Liz-kun.]

[That appearance…… it feels similar to the descriptions in the records…… could it be———- ……Anael-sama?]

“No way,” Qir laughed it off.

[You’re just tired, Gratora-kun. There’s no way such a legendary Dark Elf would conveniently be here, right?]

[No, I’m not tired, but…… hmm…… I’ll go confirm it.]

As Gratora moved to approach, Erika quickly slipped away from the spot.

At that moment, Gratora’s expression changed, like her suspicion had just been confirmed.

[As I thought———– Anael-sama!? P- Please wait!]

At those words, everyone belonging to the Faraway Country all reacted at once.

Armia’s eyes widened.

[Eh? Anael-sama……? T- That sexy beauty of a Dark Elf!?]

Gio immediately snapped back……

[Oi, if that’s really Anael-sama, that’s way too disrespectful, you stupid lamia! M- More importantly…… oi, Fly King! Don’t tell me that really is Anael-sama!?]

[……………………]

I asked Erika with my gaze as she was trying to retreat.

She turned back toward me.

With only the movement of her lips……

“Fool them”

That’s what she said but……

But honestly…… wouldn’t it be fine to admit it?

It’s not like she did anything bad in the past———— if anything, it’s the opposite.

And besides, she should already know that Gio and the others aren’t bad people.

So, I silently nodded to Gio in affirmation.

And just like that, Erika was quickly captured by Gratora and the others.

Maybe she lacked exercise.

In truth, Erika’s physical abilities weren’t all that high.

[Guh…… ngh……!]

With teary eyes, Erika finally gave in and shouted in resignation.

[Touka, you traitoooooor!]

A small chuckle slipped out of me.

———–They’re happy, that’s all.

After all, they’ve just met Anael-sama, their great benefactor from long ago.

And then……

[Honestly…… just because you defeated Vysis and were granted land in the outside world, everyone’s getting a little too excited.]

Watching Armia and the others rush Erika while shouting “Anael-sama!”, with a slightly exasperated look, Liese approached.

[Aren’t you going to join them?]

[Ugh…… well, you know…… before Alion’s cavalry attacked, I said some pretty disrespectful things to Anael-sama, didn’t I? If I go over there and Gio or Armia bring that up again……]

Liese crossed her arms and let out a sigh.

[I shouldn’t have said something so rude……]

[You’re not the same person you were back then. No need to worry about it.]

Liese pouted, her lips curling.

[Well, yeah, that’s true, but…… I mean——— take the hint. I’ve got…… other reasons too.]

As if to hide her embarrassment, Liese kicked a small stone away with her spider leg.

[G- Gio and the others were making a racket around you, so I was waiting for my turn. So I’m glad Gratora found Anael-sama and things turned out like this…… a- and don’t get the wrong idea, okay!? I really do respect Anael-sama now!]

[……………………]

Good grief…… is she being straightforward or not?

Thereupon, I turned my gaze toward the people of the Faraway Country crowding around Erika.

[……About Niko. That’s unfortunate.]

As I brought up Niko, Liese’s tone shifted as well.

[From what I heard, Niko was admirable until the very end…… I really wish she could’ve made it back alive though. But, we’ve already talked about Niko many times by today…… along with our memories of her. It might sound strange but…… it’s been a really long time since all of us gathered like this and talked face-to-face for so many days……]

Liese spoke softly.

[I realized…… I really do love everyone in the Faraway Country.]

“And also, last night……” Liese continued.

[We decided it was about time to stop sniffling over Niko. If we’re going to cry again…… at the very least, we’ll wait until we return to the Faraway Country and hold her funeral.]

[……I see.]

[Niko wouldn’t want us to stay gloomy forever either. You know, she didn’t really show it much on her face or in her words…… but scenes like earlier, Gio and Armia yelling at each other, Qir watching them fondly, and Gratora looking fed up…… that kind of noisy, lively scene———- she liked watching it with her arms crossed.]

So, no more gloominess for a while.

As if brushing away dew, Liese said it like that.

At that, I……

[If there’s anything you need help with, I’ll support you completely. When that time comes, don’t hold back, rely on me.]

[……When I heard you were staying in this world, to be honest, I was happy. I thought it might end up being a much lonelier kind of goodbye.]

Lowering her gaze, Liese made a face as if holding back her embarrassment.

After a moment, she lifted her eyes and looked at me.

We exchanged smiles and met each other’s gaze.

[For the Faraway Country, the real test might just be starting now. So…… do your best.]

[…… ———–Hmph! Who do you think I am!?]

Placing both hands on her hips, Liese puffed out her chest proudly.

[I am ———–the Arachne Prime Minister of the Faraway Country, its so-called brain, Lieselotte Ornick! From here on out, I’ll give it everything I’ve got and continue supporting the Faraway Country, where all the people I love are!]

————Perhaps.

Maybe this is what it feels like for a parent, watching their child grow.

With that thought, I smiled, feeling like I was celebrating the growth of that Arachne girl.

[Yeah, I’m looking forward to that.]

[Fufu.]

With a radiant smile, Lieselotte Ornick spoke.

[Unn! You better———– look forward to it!]

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