Judging you as pitiful because you don’t know love chapter 3

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“Anyway, such a great adventurer, humbly resting on the forest floor…”

My feelings aside, I needed to keep flattering the Hero for now.

“But you didn’t seem to like me much, so I pretended not to notice you at the time.”

Adding a little fabricated “consideration” for good measure.

“Still, I’d really like to get to know you better.”

Still, this part was genuine.

Hoping that sincerity would get through, he gazed earnestly at the Hero.

A gentle spring breeze rustled through.

The warm air playfully brushed against the Hero’s violet hair.

That deep purple hair was a color so rare that wherever they went, people immediately recognized him as the Hero.

And since he wore it long, flowing down to his waist, it drew even more attention.

Back when I watched him charging through the battlefield, I wondered why he didn’t cut off that impractical hair.

But seeing it now, it felt atmospheric.

In the forest, his glossy, vibrant purple hair sparkled as if he were an elf from some mythical race.

Of course, the fact that the Hero was incredibly handsome helped too.

Despite his fierce, upturned eyes—often called “three whites” because they revealed the sclera on all sides—he was dangerously good-looking.

His dark, sultry skin added to his appeal.

He had that rough charm, the kind that screams “bad boy everyone wants.”

Honestly, he was kind of my type, but now wasn’t the time to be thinking about that.

“…So.”

After a long moment of chewing over my sincerity, the Hero finally spoke.

So?

“What you’re saying is, you want me to pay back the food you gave me. Fine.”

That’s not it.

His tone, cutting and cool, made it clear he intended to repay exactly what he owed—no more, no less.

It was so frosty it felt like a cold wind blew through, despite it being early summer.

At least it was a relief I’d helped him back then.

If I hadn’t, we probably wouldn’t even be having this conversation right now.

Still, if he was willing to tolerate my presence as repayment for that, I could breathe easier.

Getting permission to stay by his side meant I’d have opportunities to grow closer, didn’t it?

“So, you’re willing to get along with me?”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

Wait, was what I just said nonsense?

I thought it was a hopeful comment.

“Forget that. Just tell me what you want. It’s true I received your help, so I’ll repay it within reason.”

Hearing him say he’d repay me made me wonder if I’d been too brazen back then.

But at least he acknowledged the favor, so it wasn’t all in my head.

Ah, so it’s not me—it’s just his personality that’s bad.

Even so, his attitude screamed that he didn’t believe I was approaching him with pure intentions.

He was convinced I had some ulterior motive.

Why is he so distrustful of people?

Well, okay, he’s not entirely wrong.

But I can’t exactly admit that.

“Then, if it’s possible…”

Before I could finish, the Hero’s expression turned sour.

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“Let me travel with you for just one week.”

Even without words, his expression already answered for him.

I knew making such a request to someone who clearly disliked people wasn’t going to end well.

But how else was I supposed to get closer if I didn’t stick around?

My only choice was to plead relentlessly, at least until I wasn’t at risk of being killed.

“Don’t make that face. You can’t even move when you’re hungry, right? Wouldn’t it be easier if I took care of that for you?”

I cut him off before he could voice his refusal.

“That way, it’s a win-win, isn’t it? You won’t collapse, and I get a chance to stay with you. Just for a week!”

The Hero fell silent.

Though he said nothing, the atmosphere around him shifted so sharply that I tensed up.

Then, just as quickly, the tension eased.

Why?

Did he think it over and decide it was okay?

“…You knew?”

Of course, I knew.

He openly admitted earlier that he had to stop and rest because he was hungry.

“Fine.”

Huh?

Fine? Really?

I was so taken aback by his unexpected agreement that I almost didn’t process it.

But thinking about it, the meaning was clear.

I had his permission to stay.

I’d braced myself for a grueling 30 minutes of tearful persuasion, but it only took a moment!

I felt a surge of gratitude welling up.

“Thank you! Really!”

“….”

Ah.

I grabbed his hand without thinking, and his aura flared so intensely that I quickly let go under his sharp glare.

“Uh, sorry. I was just happy.”

Doesn’t this mean humanity’s future now has a glimmer of hope?

Well, chances are he’ll toss me aside like trash the moment the week is up.

Or, to be honest, he might even tell me to buzz off after just a few days.

Still… he feels a little softer than usual.

He didn’t even make a big deal when I grabbed his hand.

That must mean he’s a little grateful, right?

It’s moments like these that show why kindness pays off.

You never know when being nice to someone will come back to help you.

Granted, his personality was still sharp as ever, but compared to before, it was a noticeable improvement.

For example—

“Ah.”

Oh no.

It seemed an inexperienced adventurer spotted me with the Hero and got the wrong idea.

From a distance, they kept glancing between me and the Hero, clearly hesitating before finally approaching.

“Um, Zerbin, by any chance…”

“No.”

The Hero shot them down instantly.

The adventurer hadn’t even finished their sentence, and now they looked completely flustered.

“Oh, uh, I wasn’t trying to be a bother or anything. I just saw you with Florenti here and thought maybe you were on a group quest…”

“No.”

Well, it wasn’t a group quest, but did he really have to be this blunt?

A simple “No, we’re having a private conversation, so please don’t interrupt” would have sufficed.

I swear, the guy is a walking stone wall. So stiff.

“Oh, ahaha. Sorry about that.”

See?

Now the poor adventurer looks super embarrassed.

And unlike me, who’s gotten used to the Hero’s prickly aura, they seemed visibly uncomfortable, rubbing their exposed arms as if warding off the chilly atmosphere.

Still, credit to them for not bolting right away.

That takes guts.

“So, uh, then what’s the conversation about…”

The adventurer tried to ask again, despite clearly struggling.

“You’re dense. Scram.”

“….”

But the Hero wasn’t even pretending to cooperate.

As his annoyance became more evident, the adventurer’s spirit finally broke.

Startled, they hurried off, their face pale as if they’d been burned.

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but feel grateful he hadn’t thrown me away when I grabbed his hand.

I guess I’m safe… right?

At least he hasn’t told me to scram yet.

Until I lose my status as his benefactor, I’ll do my best to win him over.

Without another word, the Hero turned on his heel and walked deeper into the forest.

Apparently, I was supposed to follow.

This forest was so dense that even in broad daylight, it felt dim.

As we ventured further, the darkness grew, and an eerie chill began to settle in.

“He wouldn’t lead me to some secluded place to kill me, would he?”

…No, I’m being ridiculous.

Surely, the gods wouldn’t choose someone so sinister to be the Hero.

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