* * *

“Raul? Are you alright?”

How bittersweet and cruel this second chance is.

The gods were merciful to send me back to the past, giving me the chance to save those who deserve to live.

If only I hadn’t been so foolishly impatient, this gift might have been purely sweet.

But no—it’s my own fault.

“Your eyes are red.”

I was holding back tears.

I rubbed my eyes to hide them, pretending to be irritated by something.

How many times have I cried already since I returned?

I thought the battlefield had dried my tears for good.

“My eyes have been itchy lately. Maybe I should see a doctor.”

“You should. Adventurers need to take care of their bodies.”

“You’re the same as ever. Always worrying about others. When are you going to take care of yourself?”

I joked lightly, but I meant every word.

Naike’s sacrifices were noble and admirable, but was it really worth her life?

What could possibly be more important than staying alive?

Naike smiled again.

“With you looking out for me, I feel so reassured.”

“…”

I had no words.

Kind people are just… different.

I can’t even tell her, ‘You died because of that kindness, you know.’

“Well, I’ll do my best to look after you.”

Because she’s right.

It’s my job to worry about her.

To prevent the tragedy I know is coming.

I’m the only one in the world who knows what lies ahead.

I have to try harder.

Great.

Now that I have this lofty goal, my chest feels heavier.

I’d rather spend the whole day asleep, not thinking about anything.

“Raul, you’re like a knight today.”

Naike’s soft smile brightened.

Come to think of it, she always smiled like this before the war.

“By the way, aren’t you supposed to go inside? Did I keep you too long?”

“No, I’m just waiting for Zerbin. I’m done for now.”

“With the Death Knight?”

Her usually drooping eyes widened in surprise.

“Right. Even though you’ve seen us together, it’s hard to believe, huh? Guess I’m just that good at making friends.”

It made sense.

Adventurers like me—ones who never formed parties, not even as rookies—were rare.

The idea of someone like me traveling with anyone, let alone the Death Knight, would sound absurd.

I’ve been lucky.

“Well, maybe not in skill, but when it comes to socializing, I’m unbeatable.”

“Everyone must envy you. So many people would give anything for even a single conversation with the Death Knight.”

Naike looked down shyly, as if embarrassed by her own words.

“Actually, so would I.”

Of course.

The Death Knight is like a flower on a high cliff—untouchable and revered, to the point where people tear it down just to spite it.

“He just went inside. He’ll be out soon. Go talk to him.”

“But they say he doesn’t speak to anyone unless he deems them worthy. What if I just end up annoying him?”

“Oh, come on, he’s not that bad. He’s just… not great at socializing. If you keep talking, he’ll respond eventually.”

Most people give up before getting that far, so they miss their chance… Wait.

This is my chance.

To be honest, someone like Naike… even the Hero might fall for her!

She’s elegant, kind, and genuinely good-hearted.

“Naike, want to work with me on something?”

“Alright.”

Naike was remarkably chill.

“But I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“Well, Raul wouldn’t suggest something that would harm me, right?”

It’s true that introducing the Hero wouldn’t harm her—it’s exactly what she’s hoping for.

But still, is it really okay to trust people so easily?

That’s how someone like her ends up in a warzone…

“Isn’t that right?”

“…Yeah, that’s true.”

Fine.

What could I even say to change her mind?

If Naike were the kind of person to listen to advice about being a little more cautious and selfish, she wouldn’t be the type to sacrifice herself for others in the first place.

Better to just keep her alive for as long as I can.

“At least listen to what I have to say before deciding, okay?”

“Sure, why not?”

Naike laughed softly, her smile exuding innocence.

Objectively speaking, she was undeniably beautiful.

I mean, I’m gay, so no matter how gorgeous a woman might be, it doesn’t interest me.

But Naike’s looks?

A definite win.

And people are suckers for good looks.

So, here’s hoping the Hero likes her.

Sorry for playing matchmaker, but hey, world peace is at stake here!

Just this once, let it slide!

“Oh, my, oh, my.”

Naike’s eyes sparkled like a kid’s when I finished explaining.

“Of course, I’d be delighted! To think I’d get to travel with Zerbin!”

“I’m sure you two will hit it off. You’re both great people, after all.”

Plus, the Hero is totally Naike’s type.

Naike’s type.

Which is…

“Well, he’s not exactly the kind to make an effort to get close to people. You’ll probably have to do all the talking.”

“If reaching out first isn’t offensive, I’d actually prefer it that way.”

Someone who shows zero interest in her.

Honestly, being a pretty woman among a group of rough adventurers isn’t all it’s cracked up to be—for obvious reasons.

Naike ended up smashing the hopes (and more) of every guy who tried to hit on her within months of becoming an adventurer.

Her name landed on the “high-alert” list.

And after dealing with all those superficial advances, she’s grown tired of anyone who’s too easily swayed by appearances.

I guess that’s why Naike feels comfortable around me—because I’m gay.

So yeah, while hse might seem like a capable adventurer who can take care of herself, the weight of knowing someone might die still takes a toll.

“Do you want to wait here and meet Zerbin?”

“Well…”

For once, Naike looked nervous.

“Actually, I think I need to prepare myself… Maybe next time! I’ll dress up a bit more then!”

“Uh, okay? Sure, why not.”

“See you then!”

With her face flushed, Naike hurried off, practically fleeing the scene.

Watching her leave made me realize just how monumental traveling with the Hero was to her.

Have I become desensitized to how extraordinary this is?

Well, I did spend so much time with the Hero, both in my past life and now.

I should really remind myself how grateful I am.

I can’t let myself grow complacent.

Because if I do, I might find myself ruthlessly discarded before the week is over.

Still…

‘Somehow, I think this might work out.’

It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Naike so giddy over a guy.

With her being interested, as long as the Hero also finds Naike appealing, there might be a chance for them to connect!

And if the vibe seems promising, I’ll just keep pushing them together under the guise of coincidence.

It’s my first time playing matchmaker, but I’ll give it my best shot!

---

“Um, I’m Naike Hill. Nice to meet you!”

“……”

“I know it might feel sudden and burdensome to have me join, but… I’ll do my best not to be a bother.”

“……”

“Also, uh, would it be alright if I called you Zerbin?”

“……”

The silence dragged on.

“Ah, is it too soon to call you by name? Then, what should I—”

“Don’t.”

“Pardon?”

“Don’t call me anything.”

“Ah…”

“Did you come here just to chatter?”

The atmosphere turned oppressive.

It was a stark reminder that building a connection takes effort from both sides.

And here, one side wasn’t cooperating at all.

The Hero picked up speed, walking ahead and leaving us in an awkward void.

Vasco jabbed me in the ribs with a panicked look.

“What the hell is this? I feel like I’m gonna die!”

“Me too.”

“Don’t just agree with me!”

Hey, it’s not my fault.

The Hero’s just incredibly unsociable, alright?

I mean, Naike’s objectively a beauty.

And his personality’s great too.

Did the Hero really need to draw such a hard line?

Maybe I have gotten too complacent.

But!

It’s not like I set them up on a date or anything.

I just asked them to, you know, exchange a few words.

How hard could that be?

He’s a Hero.

Shouldn’t saving the world include making a little effort?

‘Though… he might have tried, in his own way, in the timeline I erased.’

With his upright and diligent nature, maybe he forced himself to interact with people daily, no matter how awkward it was.

‘Damn it.’

In the end, this is all my fault for not letting him handle things his way.

If I hadn’t taken this regression away from him, he’d probably be doing fine on his own.

So, I have to make it work.

Even as I curse myself, I turn to Vasco.

“Comfort Naike for me. I need to talk to Zerbin.”

“What?”

“Please!”

“Hey, that guy scares me!”

Seriously?

* * *