* * *
What do you mean, “what do we do?” I can’t exactly tell him I’ve returned from the future.
Even if I explained it, he wouldn’t believe me. And even if he did, it’d be a problem.
After all, I’m only here because I stole the hero’s return for myself.
There’s no way he’d take that kindly.
So, it’s better to just keep my mouth shut.
Still, I’ve already given away enough hints to make it obvious that I’ve got a story, so insisting it’s nothing would just make things worse.
“It’s kind of complicated. Even if I told you now, you wouldn’t believe me. I’ll tell you once we’re closer.”
“Tell me now.”
Wow, look at this guy. So decisive. His tone is sharp enough to cut.
He’s really the picture of a commanding and dignified hero.
“Hey, I’m only human. I’ve got my share of baggage too, alright? But you still don’t trust me, do you? For now, my intentions have nothing to do with my past. I’m trying to get close to you because I genuinely want to.”
I spoke with an earnest tone, as if deeply wronged.
“Why do you keep acting like I’m plotting something? It’s honestly upsetting. How am I supposed to say anything under these circumstances?”
Of course, I am plotting something—namely to introduce you to some nice girl later.
But it’s all for the sake of your true love!
Cut me some slack!
Wouldn’t it be great if we both found someone and lived blissfully in love?
And who knows, maybe having someone precious to protect will unlock hidden powers for the battle against the Demon King.
“No.”
The hero shook his head.
No, what?
Surely, he doesn’t mean he trusts me.
Did he figure out my motives?
That’d be bad.
“I trust you.”
Strangely, his voice carried a ring of sincerity.
“……”
Why does he trust me?
Hearing those words should’ve made me happy, but instead, I just felt unsettled…
Oh wait, it was like this the first time the hero let me join his party, too.
Back then, I was so flustered I kept asking if he’d mistaken me for someone else.
Naturally, I thought so—my skills were below average, not even on par with the rest of the hero’s party.
Wouldn’t bringing me along just make me dead weight?
But even then, the hero had said it.
“Because I trust you.”
Isn’t that supposed to be the kind of thing that moves you to tears?
The hero who’s going to save the world trusts me…
But why?
It’s nice, sure, but why?
I pressed him for an answer, but the hero wouldn’t explain.
The other party members didn’t know either and just shook their heads. In the end, I didn’t find out anything concrete, but I never felt like he was lying.
He wouldn’t bring someone he didn’t trust into a mission to save the world.
So maybe, even before the world ended, he already trusted me?
“Seriously, why?”
It can’t be because I gave him food once, right?
If the hero were that easily swayed, he’d already have a horde of people desperate to get close to him.
“Thanks… I guess.”
I tried to sound casual, but my voice came out shaky.
For all my complaints about him being a stone-hearted jerk, or his arrogance, I genuinely respected him.
Hearing that the person I admire and look up to trusts me—it’s impossible not to feel moved.
A warm, tingling sensation spread through my chest.
“That doesn’t mean I want to get closer to you. I prefer being alone.”
Can’t you let me bask in the moment a little longer? So cold.
Alright, time to pull myself together.
The hero trusts me!
At the very least, I need to make sure I don’t do anything to disappoint him from now on.
“I’m not planning to follow you around forever, you know. I only asked for a week. Just bear with me a little.”
I grinned, putting on my best charming smile.
I might not be as extraordinary as the hero, but I’m a decently skilled adventurer with a bit of fame in this region.
Sure, I can’t hold a candle to the hero’s party members, who are renowned across the nation.
But if we’re talking about looks? I’d be the clear winner in their group.
And honestly, people are pretty weak to good looks.
When I flash a smile and lean in, most can’t help but go along with it.
“Are you not going to tell me?”
Except, apparently, for him.
Handsome people are less susceptible, huh…
Oh, so you’re not letting this go?
Even when I’m telling you I don’t want to talk about it?
“Nope!”
I answered firmly.
“I already said I didn’t approach you to settle this stuff right away. You said you trusted me—so why keep digging?”
Not right now, anyway.
Eventually, he’ll have to save the world.
But that’s six months away, so technically, it’s not a lie.
“You’re annoying.”
“Sorry about that. But you agreed to this, didn’t you? A true adventurer doesn’t go back on their word.”
The hero sped up his pace, clearly wanting to end the conversation.
His usual brusque demeanor was oddly reassuring.
Hearing that he trusts me is nice, but it’s also… burdensome.
What if he expects too much from me?
I can’t live up to it.
Still, I’ll do what I can.
Again, the fate of humanity rests on my shoulders now.
I quickened my steps to match his, struggling to keep up.
My legs hurt.
Even the way he walks is extraordinary.
Why is he so fast? Is he trying to leave me behind?
The dense forest opened up, revealing a sky dyed in red.
The sun was setting—it was almost evening.
My stomach growled. Guess all this near-running after the hero made me hungry.
Wait.
“It’s snack time for the hero now.”
If he doesn’t eat when he’s supposed to, he’ll run out of energy.
So he must’ve been rushing back to eat dinner.
He could’ve just eaten at the temple instead of dragging me all the way out here.
What if he’d run out of steam before dinner?
But that’s why I prepared something for him!
“Zervin.”
At least turn around.
“Zervin? Aren’t you hungry? I brought bread.”
Oh, he turned around.
Last time, I gave him biscuits and jerky, but this time, I promised something better.
The hero’s favorite—cream bread!
Soft white bread with a perfect layer of sweet cream in the middle.
It’s ridiculously expensive, of course.
White bread and sugary cream are luxuries for commoners.
“Have you tried this before? It’s good.”
The hero stared at the cream bread in my hand for a moment before taking it without a word.
He didn’t say thanks or anything, but that was fine.
Every bite he took spilled cream everywhere, but he didn’t seem to care, devouring it hungrily.
Watching him eat with cream smudging his face was so absurdly unheroic it almost made me laugh.
I held it in, knowing he’d glare at me if I did.
“Glad you like it. I wasn’t sure what you’d enjoy, so I got something I like.”
It was half true.
I knew he liked cream bread, but it’s also my favorite.
I first tried it when he gave me a bite, and I’ve loved it ever since.
After the world ended, this became impossible to find.
I regretted not eating more while I still could.
Now, even if it’s expensive, at least I can buy it.
* * *
😭