Epilogue 1: Three Years After Defeating the Demon King
As the miasmic space cleared, I found everyone gathered around Minori, engrossed in conversation. Despite an air of embarrassment, the unapproachable atmosphere from before had vanished.
"Minori has really grown, huh?"
I couldn't help but smile at the scene.
Then, a group ran toward Jin, seemingly oblivious to Minori.
"Jin! Great job! You finally did it! I would've held a grudge if you died!"
"Jin, thank you! You did it, and you're not even injured. To Lady Lahab—"
—They were Jin's new companions. That was good.
But what surprised me was Lahab waving behind them.
"Teacher Lahab!? Why are you here!?"
"Well, while wandering around casually, I stumbled upon an interesting party that sees you as their mentor. So, I decided to join for some entertainment."
"Why didn't you say so if you were nearby for fun!?"
"Well, it seemed interesting. Honestly, these three years were quite entertaining, Master Reese."
"Ugh...!?"
Lahab spoke casually, as if it were someone else's business. She's quite mischievous...!
In the midst of the party members' confusion, Jin asked.
"Um, Master Reese, do you know Lady Lahab after all?"
These kids, who hadn't been informed of anything, were literally innocent. Lahab had been a bit mischievous, keeping silent for three years.
Feeling a bit embarrassed by Jin's pure gaze and Lahab's nonchalant attitude, I cleared my throat and reintroduced Lahab.
"Lahab Lowry is my mentor. I learned everything I needed to come here from this person."
"Eeeeeeeeeeeh!?"
Despite everyone's surprise, Lahab flashed a peace sign with a poker face.
"Hehehe, just seeing my disciple's face made these past three years worthwhile."
"I shouldn't say this about others, but Lahab, your sense of time is still glitched, isn't it?"
Having defeated the Demon King and officially become the "Hero Party," the Hopeful Travelers Lagrije experienced a momentous revelation three years into their journey – especially for Jin.
●●●
Three years have passed since the Hero defeated the Demon King.
During this time, the once-renowned party of Hopeful Travelers Lagridge, from Kukule Fortress became a household name across the entire Kingdom.
In parallel, the influx of magical beasts and demons assaulting Kukule Fortress has significantly diminished. This is partly thanks to Gurgea, our comrade who was once under the Demon King's mind control. He now serves as the guardian of the demon territory, Daless, taking charge of both dismantling the Demon King's army and overseeing the reconstruction of the demon realm after its dissolution.
Gurgea embraced the task with enthusiasm, and as a result, even Grandma Quarta has seemingly been reunited with her kind grandchildren.
Presently, they work together in the village fields, and once a year, we receive products from Quarta Village—a delightful gift after magically purifying the miasma.
Since these items become delectable once the miasma is removed through magic, the thought arises that if Galius could learn miasma removal magic, it might serve as a bridge between the human and demon realms.
Beneath the untouched branches of Yggdrasil, saplings have been planted, and it has become a part of our daily routine to watch the saplings from Quarta Village grow.
It's fortunate that none of the huts were damaged. We continue to reside here for several reasons.
One reason is that the "Reincarnation" factors extracted from the Demon King's forces can only be researched near the miasma. Additionally, for practicing magic using the multitude of spellbooks obtained in the demon territory Daless, being close to the miasma is more convenient.
In my line of sight, Minori is once again engaged in training.
Swish—
Minori swings her sword with precision, aiming for the leaves fluttering from Yggdrasil's branches.
"Advanced Flame Magic, Mirage Sword Infernia."
With a burst of magical power and swift swordplay, the leaves instantly ignited, splitting into two.
"Hmm, flawless."
Upon Minori's flawless execution, she beamed with a bright smile.
"T-Thank you so much!"
As she bowed, her red, sweat-drenched long hair swayed gently. Incredibly cute yet possessing an exceptionally beautiful sword technique.
Perfectly refined movements with no wasted effort, coupled with precise magic control, had become a realm achievable only by Minori.
Observing the future transplantation of the "Reincarnation" factors into Minori, learning magic using miasma, and witnessing Minori's own sword growth seemed like a pleasant way to live.
However, as I casually gazed outside, a bird perched on Yggdrasil's branch caught my attention.
*Coo-coo! Coo-coo!*
It was the magical messenger pigeon, Messeltaope. These magical messenger pigeons made regular appearances even in the depths of the mountains, thanks to Galius's considerate gestures.
Receiving worldly information even in the mountainous region was quite convenient.
Minori approached, wiping off sweat.
"Today's evening edition. The feature is... once again about Jin and the party."
Handed the newspaper article, the detailed account of Jin and the party's exploits was featured prominently.
—【Breaking News】Hopeful Travelers Lagridge Achieve SS-rank Dungeon Conquest, a Historic First in the Kingdom!
—【Hero's Journey】Dungeon Conquests and Magical Beast Extermination Count Checker
—【Today's Hero】Behind-the-Scenes Stories of Jin Fritz's Hero Awakening, 8th Episode Published!
Recent articles always revolved around the hero party's activities, reflecting the bright and hopeful atmosphere of the world, now relieved of anxiety due to accumulated miasma.
However, despite Minori's unspoken admiration for her junior disciple's accomplishments, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of yearning as she continued to witness their exploits.
●●●
"Minori, would you consider joining us?"
After the battle with the Demon King, Jin had once tried to recruit Minori.
"Minori, your strength complements our weaknesses. I believe that with you, the party's overall performance would improve."
Although I wanted to intervene, I couldn't be certain if it was truly in Minori's best interest. Unable to fully trust my own feelings at this point, Minori, with a smile, conveyed her response to Jin.
"I've decided to spend my lifetime by Sir Reese's side. I'll be cheering for the achievements of my junior disciple from here on."
●●●
In the past and even now, it's evident that Minori is much more mature than I am.
Minori has been accompanying me in my research while diligently pursuing her own self-improvement. However, she seemed to be working hard towards something she wanted to achieve... and I wondered when that might come to fruition.
"Sir Reese, may I have a moment to talk with you?"
After completing today's training, Minori adjusted her attire and sat in front of me. Her eyes, damp with sweat, were filled with determination.
"Have you achieved what you wanted to do?"
Upon asking, she nodded slightly.
"I want to open a swordsmanship dojo. I don't want the techniques you taught me to fade away... that's why, may I have your permission to spread the techniques you taught me?"
Time keeps moving forward, and it seems like its speed isn't constant for both me and Minori. The passage of time for the human Minori is much faster than for the elf Reese.
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