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WE move to a large table so we can all eat lunch together.
“Um, what’s brought all of you to this town?” I’m curious.
Leila smiles. “We heard that Merlin, the hero of magic, is here. Those who bear the title of ‘hero’ must join forces if we’re to have a hope of sealing the Demon King.”
“The hero of magic? And you’re going to seal the Demon King…” I mumble, panicking a little. I mean, the Demon King is right here!
I dart a glance at him. He’s happy enough, busily drinking, and doesn’t seem to be listening to our conversation.
“Speaking of which, do you know how to seal the Demon King?” Kazuya asks.
Oh, right. We came to this town to find a way to seal the Demon King, too. None of the townspeople we’ve asked have been able to help us so far, but Luke might know! He’s a hero!
Unfortunately, Leila and the others all cast their eyes down at this question.
“We have no idea,” she says, “but the hero of magic should know. That’s why we’ve come to try and find him.”
“Oh. The hero of magic…” Kazuya rests his chin in his hand, thinking. He always does this when he’s thinking about something complicated. I’ve seen him do this a hundred times, but…I don’t know why, but he looks a little different than usual. I guess I’d describe him as more…sparkly? I wonder why.
“Sakurako! To reiterate my request, I’d like you to come with me.”
I jump, hearing my name, and turn to Luke. He looks very serious. “B-But…I…”
I don’t know how to continue. I ran away because I thought Luke was going to hate me. But instead, he’s flipped the script and is saying he loves me.
I had a lot of fun being with him and his party. So why is it that, for some reason, I’m finding it impossible to get particularly excited about teaming up with them again?
“Excuse me, Sakurako. The thing is…I don’t remember much of what happened, but was it you who defeated the Owl Demon King?” Ganzi asks, slightly frightened.
“Um, that’s… That’s right,” I answer meekly, shrinking back into my seat. To be honest, I don’t remember what happened that well, either. My head went blank, like I was in a daze. By the time I snapped out of it, everything around me was smashed to pieces.
Oh. Huh. The reason I don’t feel like rejoining Luke and the others is probably because I’m scared that I’ll hurt them all if something like that happens again.
Ganzi is trembling in what I hope is amazement. “Are you a hero, Sakurako?”
I shake my head lightly. I can’t be that big of a deal. At least, I don’t think so…
“No, you can’t not be,” Ganzi argues. “The strength you showed was completely out of the ordinary. Only a hero could be that strong.”
“Ha ha ha ha ha! Lady Sakurako a hero? Stupid lower lifeform. As if such a puny label as ‘hero’ could define my Lady Sakurako! Gah ha ha ha ha ha!” The drunk Demon King bursts into laughter. I guess he’s tuning in and out of the discussion.
Ganzi’s eyebrows shoot up. “Uh, and you are?”
“Heh heh heh, well since you ask! I shall introduce myself!”
“Aaaand that’s enough of that! All done! Zip it. Sorry, Ganzi. This guy has a running joke where he says he’s the Demon King. He’s getting a bit long in the tooth. Best to just pity him,” Kazuya cuts him off, annoyed. He looks around the table at everybody one by one. “I’m sorry, but I have no intention of going back to your party. Is that okay with you, Sakurako?”
I nod. He’s right. I don’t feel like things will ever go back to how they were. Ganzi, Molozov, and Leila are all acting normal, but I can see a hint of fear in their eyes when they look at me. I get how they feel. How could they not be scared of me after I went on a rampage?
“Wait! Kazuya! Why? Just tell me the reason,” Luke makes a desperate appeal, and my heart twangs.
I’m sorry, Luke. It’s my fault for being too strong. I wanted this life of mine to be different, to be one where I was ‘too cute’ instead of ‘too strong’, but in the end that wish came to nothing…
“Well, well. I was just searching for you in inns and restaurants like this one.”
Out of nowhere, a lanky gentleman has come up to our table. With his long, flowing black robe and almost-as-long light blue hair, he’s the epitome of a magician.
Ganzi glares at him sharply, on alert. “Who are you?”
The man smiles. “Well, well. I do apologize. I’m Merlin, the hero of magic. I’ve been looking for you, hero of the sword.”
“The hero of magic?!” Leila’s eyes widen in surprise.
“You’re the hero who might know how to seal away the Demon King!” Kazuya suddenly perks up, seeing as he wants to seal away the Demon King ASAP.
“I beg your pardon, but can you prove you are who you say you are?” Molozov asks quietly.
Merlin pulls back his collar to reveal the top of his chest. Just beneath his collarbone is a red birthmark in the shape of a teddy bear.
“That’s the mark of a hero!” Molozov confirms.
Huh, so that’s what birthmarks look like to signify if you’re a hero? Pretty cute!
“And if you’d like more proof, will this do?” Merlin pulls a horn-like object out from a pocket inside his robe. It has to have come from an extremely strong monster.
“I-is that…the horn of the Ancient Green Dragon?!” Ganzi exclaims.
“Does that satisfy your query?” Merlin asks.
Everyone’s convinced. Not only does he have the birthmark, but he’s also beaten a strong monster.
Luke stands up. “Merlin, your reputation precedes you. We heard you were in town and came here to search for you, but we didn’t expect you to be looking for me. Oh, I’m Luke, the hero of the sword.”
Merlin smiles. “I know. I too was on the hunt for a hero to accompany me. I had a strong sense you were nearby, but crossing paths like this is a stroke of luck. Herewith, we shall fight together. What say you to that proposal?”
“Yes, of course! Thanks very much. Well, these are my party members—”
“No, I have no interest in the names of anyone other than you.”
“What?” Luke stiffens.
I’m surprised, too. That’s mean…
“Are you saying you don’t need us?” Leila asks sharply.
Still smiling, Merlin nods. “Indeed I am. Alas, only the strong are needed for this quest. It helps that you have the good sense to understand that.”
Whaaat?! L-Leila’s party has to disband?!
“Hey! You can’t make that decision on your own! They’re not weak. They’ve been with me forever. What greater proof do you need that they’re strong?”
“Luke, stop it,” Leila silences Luke’s protestations. She rises from her chair and bows her head to Merlin. “I trust you’ll look out for him.”
“Mother! Why?!” Luke rushes to her side.
“Say no more, Luke! We’ve gone as far as we can go. We’ll only weigh you down now. This is a great opportunity for you,” she says coldly, then takes Merlin’s hand. “Luke is a very strong boy. Just a bit lacking in areas, so please guide him well.”
“You can count on me for that. I swear, as the hero of magic.”
“Thank you. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to speak to Luke. May we say our farewells?”
“Yes, of course. Have at it.” Merlin turns to Luke. “I’m staying at the Foxtail Inn in town. When you’re ready, come find me there.”
With that said, Merlin does a brusque turn and leaves in a dashing manner.