Volume 4 - CH 13

Chapter 13 – Fallen Hero

Mirei and Lana were heading to the mansion of Marquis Killingworth where Ronaldo stayed. They’re guided by Ronaldo’s butler, who keeps glancing at them while walking in the front.

Earlier, the old butler wearily asked the two to refrain from visiting Ronaldo for the time being. But when they asked the reason, the old butler only answered that Ronaldo wasn’t in the condition to meet guests.

“Is Ronaldo-sama injured?”

Hearing that, Mirei’s expression paled, and she asked.

“No, that’s not the case.”

“Then, is he sick?”

“… Hero-sama isn’t sick”

“Are you making fun of us?”

A dense magic power suddenly leaked from Mirei, that made even Lana feel suffocated, let alone the butler in front of them.

“Since that time, Ronaldo-sama has been… How should I explain this…”

The old butler hesitated.

“Just say it properly! We are Ronaldo-sama’s party members, you know!? We’re not like those acquaintances he has!”

“Yes… Of course, I understand that. What I wanted to say is that Ronaldo-sama’s behavior has become… rough. He also seems to be unable to suppress his emotions.”

“And that has been happening since that day, huh.”

“Yes.”

The day that they’re talking about was, of course, the day Ronaldo fought Eto and lost. When Ronaldo was awoken in the Knight’s medical office, he asked the knights whether his memory was correct. And when he confirmed that he had lost to Eto, he gave a self-deprecating laugh to Mirei, who was following him to the medical office.

“Pathetic…”

On his way home, Ronaldo only uttered that word. And Mirei, who was with him, couldn’t say anything. It has been three days since then.

The butler guided the two to a sunny south-facing room. Inside the room, there was Ronaldo, sitting on the sofa by the window. He didn’t respond to the knocking sound, and just looked out the window.

“Ronaldo-sama, how are you?”

Mirei asked, while hiding her nervousness. Ronaldo was dressed as if he had just woken up, with messy hair and an unshaven beard. His white shirt was wrinkled, and there were stains of spilled drinks.

The two can see a glass and a bottle of alcohol on the table beside him. Ronaldo then glanced at Lana and Mirei, and drank a glass of alcohol.

“What’s wrong?”

That’s the only words Ronaldo uttered to them.

“I was worried that your injury hasn’t healed, so I came here with Lana. But, looks like it was just a needless worry. If you are already well, how about going out for a change? I happened to find a restaurant where you can eat delicious Wyvern meat.”

“I see.”

“… Lana also likes Wyvern meat, right?”

“Yes. I love it. Ronaldo-sama also likes it, right?”

“… Aa. But, I don’t have an appetite right now.”

“I see. That’s a shame. Well then, let’s eat it next time.”

“Mirei, Lana.”

“Yes?”

“What’s wrong?”

“I lost to Eto. I, the Hero, lost to the Sage, whose sword skill and magic are measly! I am not qualified to call myself the Hero! I… I can no longer continue this journey–”

“What are you saying!”

Mirei shouted, as if to drown out Ronaldo’s words. And her face seemed to be filled with anger and frustration.

“Only a fool would give up after just one loss. Was that the first time Ronaldo-sama lost in a mock battle?”

“No, that’s not the case…”

“Then, what’s the difference?!”

“…”

“I’m going back today! I’ll be back again, so please cool your head by then! Let’s go, Lana.”

“Yes. Ronaldo-sama, we’re a party. Even if you lose or make a mistake, I believe we can move in the right direction by supporting each other. Forgive me if this is brazen. Please excuse me.”

From where Ronaldo sits, he could see the passage to the exit. He could see the figure of Lana who was chasing the angry Mirei, until the two walked away together.

“『We are a party』, huh…”

Ronaldo silently muttered.