Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 162 – The hero attempted a comeback

“A lot has changed while I wasn’t paying attention, huh?”  [Yuuga]

“Raven had his fair share of struggles, too.”  [Youki]

I was the same, constantly hesitating. Nothing happened smoothly or by chance. Even now, I know I still have to grow. There were parts of myself that were still lacking.

“For Raven to say ‘hide behind me’ is surprising. Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I heard Raven’s voice. Maybe it’s thanks to that girl?”  [Yuuga]

“Breaking out of his shell was something Raven did himself. Although, it’s not like Happiness didn’t have anything to do with it.”  [Youki]

He first worked on changing himself, which gave Happiness the courage to reveal her true self. Raven accepted her, and they became an item.

“…I’m jealous.”  [Yuuga]

“Come on now.”  [Youki]

Yuuga had quickly left Raven and Happiness behind earlier, likely out of jealousy. He heaved a long sigh as he looked behind, but doing so would be pointless since Raven and Happiness weren’t there anymore. We had put quite a distance between us. By now, it was possible that Happiness was getting a scolding from Raven for punching Yuuga, or they could also be flirting.

“I’ve never seen Raven act like that before. He wasn’t like that back when we were travelling together… It feels like he has left me behind.”  [Yuuga]

“It’s not about leaving anyone behind. Raven just found his own happiness.”  [Youki]

“So, I just need to find my happiness too.”  [Yuuga]

Yuuga seemed hopeful. He seemed to be brimming with determination, but I still doubted he was okay. Though, I wasn’t really in a position to talk about others.

“Youki-kun, look!”  [Yuuga]

“Huh… Oh no, that’s bad!”  [Youki]

Yuuga pointed at a runaway horse pulling a wagon at full speed down the road. Although the merchant who was riding it tried to stop the horse, it was completely out of control. Knights patrolling nearby attempted to intervene, but the force of the runaway horse was too strong, forcing people along the path to scramble out of the way. Unfortunately, a young girl tripped and fell amidst the chaos. If this continued, things would end badly. Even though Yuuga and I rushed to help, it didn’t seem like we would make it in time. As we braced ourselves for the imminent disaster… nothing happened. Someone had managed to stop the runaway horse just in time. It wasn’t the knights, me, or Yuuga, but a demon dressed in heavy winter gear. Bracing in a crouch, the demon slid back slightly but successfully brought the rampaging wagon to a halt without falling. Everyone – the fleeing crowd, the knights, Yuuga, and even I – stood frozen in shock, mouths wide open.

“Hmmm… What’s wrong? Why is everyone frozen? I stopped the runaway wagon, didn’t I?”

It was Gai who stepped in front of the fallen girl and saved her. Everyone’s thoughts were probably the same: “A demon stopped the carriage.”

“Thank you, Guardian Deity-sama.”

“Mm… Are you hurt? You fell, didn’t you?”  [Gai]

“I’m fine. But more importantly, are you hurt, Guardian Deity-sama? It would be terrible if anything happened to you. We need to go back and check on you right away. Come on, quickly!”

The girl, who prioritized Gai’s well-being over her own injuries, was none other than Tiel-chan. These two hadn’t changed a bit.

“Hey, long time no see.”  [Youki]

“Hmm, is that you, kiddo?”  [Gai]

“Yeah, you really did well stopping that wagon.”  [Youki]

“Something like this? It didn’t require much effort from me.”  [Gai]

Even as a gargoyle, stopping that wagon so easily should be no easy task. It seemed that he had grown stronger while I wasn’t paying attention. I’d like to take on a mission with him to see how strong he’d become.

“I-I’m sorry. We should have been the ones to stop it.” 

One of the knights, who had been patrolling the area, approached us, looking apologetic. It was understandable since there was no way these two knights could’ve handled that situation. However, Tiel-chan, who was still clinging to Gai, softly scolded the knights, telling them to do a better job. It was probably because they were indirectly putting Gai in danger. This would probably be a long one. I could tell from the look she was giving them.

“Youki-kun, do you know this big guy?”  [Yuuga]

“Hm, yeah, I do.”  [Youki]

“…Youki-kun, the people you know are all pretty incredible, aren’t they?”  [Yuuga]

“You’re included in that group too.”  [Youki]

The only normal people around me were probably Cecilia and Duke.

By the way, I don’t count myself as one of the normal ones. Sadly, I’m well aware of that.

“I’m amazed. He could stop a carriage with just his body like that.”  [Yuuga]

Yuuga looked up at Gai, who was taller than him. I was nervous, wondering if Yuuga would realize that Gai wasn’t a human. Still, the latter remained calm and composed, showing no signs of worry.

“So, you’re an acquaintance of kiddo. I’m Gai.”  [Gai]

“Um…”  [Yuuga]

Yuuga looked at me, unsure if he should reveal his real name. Knowing Gai, he probably wouldn’t be concerned about meeting a ‘hero’, so I gave Yuuga the thumbs-up, telling him it was fine.

“I’m Yuuga. Nice to meet you.”  [Yuuga]

“Mm, I see. It must be tough dealing with kiddo. I’ve been caught in his messes more than once. You should be careful.”  [Gai]

“Like you’re the one to talk! Listen, Yuuga, this guy tricks young girls and—” [Youki]

“Stop it!”  [Gai]

Gai and I started bickering and wrestling with each other while Yuuga just watched us with a dry smile. However, the silly fight we’d started ended soon, thanks to Tiel-chan. It had been a while since I had experienced Tiel-chan’s wrath. Even Yuuga had a twitch on his face – he probably saw a side of women he had never experienced before. It would teach him a good life lesson.

“…Even though this is our first meeting, I’ve shown you something unsightly. My apologies.”  [Gai]

“Ah, haha… don’t worry about it.”  [Yuuga]

From Yuuga’s perspective, Tiel-chan’s outburst probably shocked him more than my fight with Gai.

“Well then, let’s go, Guardian Deity-sama. We still have plenty of time. Or would you prefer to head back to relax? As long as I’m with you, wherever we go, I don’t mind!”  [Tiel]

“…Excuse us.”  [Gai]

Gai, guiding Tiel-chan, who had drifted entirely into her world, left. Watching them go, I couldn’t help but think how steady and unwavering Tiel-chan was.

Once they were out of sight, Yuuga, who had been clearly holding back his questions, finally let them out.

“By the way, Youki-kun, that girl also works as a maid at Cecilia’s estate, right?”  [Yuuga]

“…Yeah, that’s right.”  [Youki]

“So, why does she call Gai-san ‘Guardian Deity-sama’?”  [Yuuga]

“…It’s a nickname.”  [Youki]

“I see. Also, when I shook Gai-san’s hand earlier, his hand felt as hard as a rock. How does one train to get his hands like that?”  [Yuuga]

“…Proof of hard work, I guess?”  [Youki]

“Are those two dating?”  [Yuuga]

“…I honestly don’t know how to define their relationship.”  [Youki]

“And about his outfit…”  [Yuuga]

“…Everyone has their own sense of style. Maybe it’s just his taste.”  [Youki]

“…I feel like none of my questions have been answered.”  [Yuuga]

Yuuga still seemed unsatisfied, but there were many things I couldn’t talk about regarding Gai. There were parts I deliberately evaded and parts I honestly didn’t understand myself. The best thing to do would be to leave them alone. Trying to dig too profoundly could put us in a terrifying situation. Though Yuuga didn’t seem entirely convinced, his expression sharpened as if he had a sudden realization. Did something just come to him at this moment?

“Actually, I came to see you today because I wanted to consult you about something. But I realized that’s no different from how I’ve always been. I shouldn’t rely on others so much. Ultimately, I didn’t say anything and dragged you around.”  [Yuuga]

“So, did you come to any conclusion?”  [Youki]

“Yeah, after seeing Raven and Gai-san.”  [Yuuga]

“…From seeing those two?”  [Youki]

When he met Raven, his girlfriend randomly punched him. When he saw Gai, all he got were more unanswered mysteries, so was there any clue in all of that that could lead to a breakthrough?

“Both of them were protecting the ones they care about. They were trying to keep them safe. It was the opposite of me. I’ve always been the one being protected. I have to change, and fast. Otherwise, I’ll just be a burden.”  [Yuuga]

“People don’t change that easily. It was the same for me. Both Raven and Gai struggled, too.”  [Youki]

You can’t just say, “I’m going to change”, and have it happen immediately.

I’ve experienced failure many times. Even after making up my mind, it took a lot of time and effort to move forward, step by step.

“Yeah, but… no, I can’t afford to be discouraged. Even if I can’t change immediately, I’ll try my best in my own way.”  [Yuuga]

“It’s good to give it your all, but… you should ensure it’s within a range where you can fix things. If you hold back your good qualities, you’ll regret it too.”  [Youki]

“Got it. I’ll charge ahead but with the image of stopping just one step short. Thanks, Youki-kun. I’ve found my answer.”  [Yuuga]

“Hm, is that so.”  [Youki]

I wonder what kind of answer he came up with, though I didn’t ask. If he still has feelings for Cecilia, he’ll face them head-on. He probably won’t go out of control. Right now, his eyes are filled with determination. He won’t act recklessly, and he’ll move within a range where he can make up for any mistakes.

“Well then, I’ve got something I must do, so I’ll take my leave. Thanks for spending time with me today.”  [Yuuga]

Yuuga clenched his fist and ran off.

What exactly is this ‘something’ he needs to do?

I couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy.

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