* * *
Ever since you said you trusted me and brought me into the hero’s party, I’ve wanted to prove myself worthy of that trust.
I wanted to repay the kindness you showed me by believing in me.
But I’ve always been so lacking… No matter how hard I tried, no matter how much effort I put in, I couldn’t be of real help to you.
Ah, how pathetic.
Even though I haven’t truly been of use to the hero, even though this was just something Zerbin said without knowing the future, I couldn’t handle it.
The hope I had suppressed for so long stirred, taking shape.
My heart overflowed with joy.
“…If you’re feeling unwell, it’s okay. You can just step back.”
Without knowing anything, he was still so kind and gentle, saying exactly what I wanted to hear.
It’s far too much for me.
“No, I’m totally fine. Sniff… I’m in great shape.”
My sob-filled response probably wasn’t very convincing, but it was true.
I was just emotionally overwhelmed, not physically unwell.
After all, while Zerbin had been fighting, I hadn’t lifted a finger.
There was no reason for me to be tired.
“Then why…?”
Why am I crying?
As I wiped my tears away, I saw an expression on Zerbin’s face that was uncharacteristically flustered.
His usual stoic demeanor was nowhere to be seen.
His sharp, striking gray eyes were open wider than usual, tinged with what looked like unease.
Because of me.
The realization that I’d made him worry hit me, and I felt incredibly guilty.
Of course, it’d be unsettling if a companion suddenly started crying.
Ugh, even the fact that I get to call him a ‘companion’ makes me tear up again.
How am I supposed to be an adventurer with tear ducts this weak?
“It’s just… being recognized by someone I respect… sniff… it’s so moving…”
“I was just being honest. Is that really worth crying over?”
Ahhh.
Don’t say things like that—it just makes me cry more.
I wanted to calm down, but it wasn’t working.
The tears kept flowing.
I sniffled as I answered, feeling ridiculous.
Zerbin must think I’m utterly ridiculous, too.
I needed a little more time to compose myself.
While I shook with emotion, Zerbin waited patiently.
I felt incredibly sorry, but at the same time, I was so grateful.
“Do you like me that much?”
Once I had calmed down and we were about to leave, Zerbin asked.
Wow, he can say something that embarrassing so nonchalantly.
But since it was true, I didn’t hesitate to answer.
“There might be people jealous enough to dislike you, but there isn’t a single adventurer who wouldn’t think you’re amazing.”
If someone claimed otherwise, they’d be lying. A
ny adventurer with enough sense to survive would recognize how overwhelmingly skilled he is.
“Every move you make is precise, efficient, and elegant! The way you immediately spot openings and strike decisively is so refined! And you’re so handsome that just watching you fight feels noble and—”
Zerbin clamped his hand over my mouth.
“That’s enough.”
Was it just my imagination, or did his ears turn slightly red?
I mean, I’m the last person who can say anything about someone else being embarrassed, but… it’s kind of cute.
For someone who’s likely heard similar praises countless times, it was amusing to see him still get flustered.
When I nodded to show I’d stop, he withdrew his hand. It was time to move on.
“Zerbin, then…?”
I was about to follow in silence but couldn’t help grabbing the edge of his cloak and speaking up.
“What is it?”
“If I won’t be a burden, can I fight alongside you in the future?”
I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was presumptuous.
But since this was a peaceful time, even if I made a mistake, Zerbin wouldn’t suffer any serious injuries.
Besides, I didn’t want him to think I was leaving all the fighting to him!
“Of course! If you find me lacking after we try it once, just say so, and I’ll step back.”
“….”
Ugh, even though he already said I was capable, why am I so nervous?
Zerbin’s gaze was oddly intense, making it worse.
If his opinion has changed after seeing me cry, he should just say so quickly!
The longer he takes to answer, the scarier it gets!
“If you’re that dissatisfied with your own skills…”
If so, does that mean I shouldn’t…?
“It’s fine. If you’re not confident, I can help train you.”
What…?
Train me?
His words could only mean one thing: he wasn’t just offering to train with me; he was offering to teach me.
The thought of it made my heart race.
It meant he saw potential in me, potential worth his time and effort.
‘Of course, it’s an honor, but…’
I already knew my answer.
“That’s incredibly moving, but…”
I took a steadying breath.
“Our fighting styles are completely different, and I don’t think I’m a worthwhile student. I’d hate to waste your time, so I’ll pass.”
I waved my hand dismissively, offering a rational explanation.
It was hard to accept this proposal with unbridled joy, as I had already received instruction from Zerbin before the regression.
While he detested interacting with others, he wasn’t so stubborn as to refuse when all of humanity was on the brink of annihilation.
Zerbin taught the hero party members bit by bit whenever time allowed.
In that sense, the entire party became his disciples.
However, he was reluctant to teach me, someone who didn’t participate in combat.
We simply didn’t have the luxury for that.
But I begged him for help—I wanted to fight alongside them, too…
Still, if that had gone as planned, I wouldn’t have spent every battle anxiously fretting in the rear.
Although I received a few pieces of advice from Zerbin, I couldn’t fully grasp what he was trying to convey.
“Like this.”
The Hero’s demonstration was remarkable, but it was far too complex for me to comprehend.
Seeing my struggle, Zerbin kindly slowed down and showed me again.
He was undoubtedly considerate.
I was deeply grateful for that.
Yet, at the same time, I felt utterly dejected.
Even after receiving his kindness, I still couldn’t understand a thing.
This went on for several days.
In the end, I gave up the hard-won opportunity to learn so as not to waste the precious Hero’s time.
I thought it was the right decision.
Even though we didn’t have much time, if I’d insisted on the training, I should’ve shown some improvement.
Repeating something I’d already failed at felt like a waste of time.
Instead, I focused on what I could do—such as teaching him about love.
“Since we’re traveling together anyway, sparing a moment for me isn’t that hard, so how can you call it a waste of time?”
That was a fair point!
“If I’ve got any spare time, I should spend it walking faster! The sooner we visit the shrine, the sooner I can take on other requests.”
Still, setting aside time for me would mean carving into his own.
There was no reason for Zerbin to go that far for me.
“…”
Even though I thought my reasoning was sound, Zerbin’s gaze was far from pleased.
Did he think I was rejecting his goodwill?
I couldn’t tell him about the regression!
“I just don’t want to mess up your plans, not even a little. If I did, I’d die of guilt.”
A click of his tongue broke the silence.
“Do as you wish.”
…Thank goodness!
* * *
