Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

It may be a late news by now, but an anime for Yuusha Party has been announced!!! You can read about it here. I can’t wait to see all the characters animated~! (^v^)/ ~♪

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Chapter 177 – I tried to help a friend

Raven confidently declared that he has a girlfriend. In the past, he would’ve stammered or looked at me for help. Even Mikana seemed surprised at how easily Raven admitted it. But now that he had acknowledged it, there would likely be more probing questions coming his way.

“Hmm… That girl is the maid working for Cecilia, right? I’ve met her a few times. She seemed a bit airheaded, but she is cute.”  [Mikana]

“Happiness is actually pretty reliable. She handles her work well, and whenever we’re together, she always says we should hold hands so we don’t get separated. She’s also kept the gifts I’ve given her safe. Lately, she’s even been making and delivering homemade lunches for me…”  [Raven]

Raven launched into a full-on love-struck monologue, leaving Mikana wide-eyed in shock. He was never the type to gush over his girlfriend like this, not in Mikana’s mind, anyway. Unfortunately for her, I was already used to this new side of Raven, so my only reaction was to nod and cross my arms as I listened.

“Swordsman, what exactly did you come here for? To brag about your love life?”  [Mikana]

“No, I actually came to hear about your situation, Mikana.”  [Raven]

“Hmm, I see… And now that you’ve heard it, what do you think of my story? Since you’re basking in happiness now.”  [Mikana]

“Like you’re the one to talk.” I was tempted to tease her by telling her that to her face, but I held back. I was curious about how Raven would respond, and I didn’t want to interrupt the conversation with an unnecessary remark.

“…Sounds tough.”  [Raven]

“I don’t need that kind of response!”  [Mikana]

“When are you planning to have kids?”  [Youki]

“You shut up!”  [Mikana]

The fact that her face turned red meant she was at least somewhat conscious of it. While I was grinning mischievously, Raven wore a serious expression.

“…Mikana, don’t tell me, you’ve already…”  [Raven]

“Don’t misunderstand! Whatever you’re thinking of has not happened yet!”  [Mikana]

She seemed so desperate that it almost looked like she was trying to cover it up.

“Yet? Which means eventually…”  [Youki]

“Could you shut up already?!”  [Mikana]

Both of them looked like they had smoke coming out of their heads, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. Raven aside, Mikana should be more aware of it, considering that she would be living with him.

“…Mikana, I’m rooting for you.”  [Raven]

“Don’t say things like that! I told you, it’s not like that!”  [Mikana]

“And so, the members of the hero’s party who saved the world are each walking towards their own happiness…”  [Youki]

“Who do you think you are?”  [Mikana]

I found myself laughing at her response until I realized I’d forgotten the main issue. Had we even managed to calm Raven’s nerves?

“Hey, Raven. What do you think? You’ve got some pretty unique couples around you, right? Everyone’s different… I mean, Cecilia and I, well… yeah.”  [Youki]

“…Yeah, I guess.”  [Raven]

Something felt off. It didn’t look like he found his answers yet. He didn’t even tease me about Cecilia.

Mikana, still flushed and irritated, seemed like she’d had enough. It was probably time to take Raven and get out of here.

“Got it. Let’s retreat. At this point, we have no choice but to use the ultimate weapon… to get Raven back on his feet.”  [Youki]

“Oh? You seem to have something interesting in mind. So you did have a reason for dropping by out of the blue. If you’re going somewhere, maybe I should tag along. It might help clear my fatigue.”  [Mikana]

“Huh?”  [Youki]

Mikana smiled cheerfully at us. Raven didn’t seem to care, leaving the decision up to her, but as for me… well, it felt a bit complicated. And so, Mikana joined us, and we left her house together.

“So, what happened, Swordsman? You were just bragging about how great things were a moment ago. Did you fight and make her cry?”  [Mikana]

“…There’s no way I’d do that. I’d never want to see Happiness cry.”  [Raven]

One moment he was down, and now his face was full of determination. What a rollercoaster of emotions. Mikana, with a bitter expression, slightly bowed her head in apology, making me wonder if something was bothering her.

“You backed off pretty quickly. Normally, this would’ve sparked an all-out battle.”  [Youki]

“Expressionless, silent, always keeping his distance… that was the Raven I knew when we travelled together. I saw that side of him countless times. But now, seeing his changing expressions, how he talks like a normal person, and cares so deeply about a girl… don’t you think that’s something?”  [Mikana]

I wasn’t sure how to respond to her grim statement. I’d seen Raven’s gradual change over time, so it didn’t surprise me. If it was a positive change, he should accept it. Besides, it wasn’t really Mikana’s place to say all this anyway.

As I nodded absentmindedly, I heard cheering up ahead – mostly from women. Having a pretty good idea of what was coming, I looked up and saw a flash of light. Raven, clueless about what was happening, looked startled and flustered, while Mikana and I remained unfazed. The person we were thinking of had a way of showing up at the worst moments.

Yuuga, the person in question, descended right in front of us, ignoring the women who were chasing after him. More specifically, he landed in front of Mikana.

“Hey, Mikana. I finished moving the stuff, so I came to get you. There are also some household items we still need, so let’s go shopping.”  [Yuuga]

He flashed his dashing hero smile. I wished he’d take a look around, though. The ladies were glaring at Mikana with jealousy. Was this the cause of such a tense atmosphere today?

“H-Hey Yuuga, you idiot! How many times do I have to tell you to avoid standing out like that?”  [Mikana]

“…You’re probably right. But, Mikana, I’m just so happy right now. It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong. If I’m being selfish, I don’t want to hide it.”  [Yuuga]

Both Mikana and I were struck speechless. The dense idiot before us didn’t seem to be aware of his surroundings.

“Y-You’re not a kid! Don’t be selfish!”  [Mikana]

“I’m being selfish because it’s you, Mikana!”  [Yuuga]

“Am I your mother or something!?”  [Mikana]

“No, Mikana. You’re my precious and beloved person.”  [Yuuga]

As the exchange between them heated up, Yuuga’s words completely floored Mikana. Even the people around us, including Raven, were wide-eyed in shock.

I’ve got to admit. Even I am surprised. Right now, Yuuga’s definitely acting like a heartthrob… still a fool, though.

“N-No, you can’t say stuff like that in front of so many people…”  [Mikana]

“…Okay, I understand. So it’s fine if we’re alone, right? Let’s go. Oh, Youki-kun and Raven are here too, huh?”  [Yuuga]

He finally noticed us? It was probably because Mikana was the only one in his eyes. I decided to give a quick greeting and leave the place soon. Better wrap this up before we get dragged into something messy. I had no intention of letting this conversation drag on.

“…I had no idea Yuuga had gotten that far.”  [Raven]

“Oh, Raven. Sorry about the other day. I’m going out with Mikana now, but let’s talk later. I’ve got a lot of things I want to share.”  [Yuuga]

With that, he held Mikana close and flew off, leaving a trail of light behind. The women chased after them, not just Yuuga’s fans, but also those cheering for Yuuga and Mikana as a couple.

“…I’d heard a few rumours about those two, but it was more than I expected. Especially Yuuga. What happened to him? What’s going on?”  [Raven]

“Well, a lot has happened… Oh, remember the time when you and Happiness ran into me and Yuuga while you two were on a date? The time when Happiness punched Yuuga without any warning?”  [Youki]

“…Yeah, it did ring a bell.”  [Raven]

“Back then, Yuuga told me he was jealous of you. He thought you and Happiness looked really happy together.”  [Youki]

I wanted to encourage him to be more confident, but that alone wouldn’t fix the issue. It was time to stop beating around the bush.

In fact, we’ll be running into Happiness soon. She’s probably out on an errand, so it’s best to let them sort this out themselves. I feel a bit sorry for Raven, who might be nervous, but if he’s this conflicted, it’s the only way forward. Once they meet, I’ll slip away. I don’t want to be a third wheel if their conversation turns serious.

As we continued chatting, we were gradually closing the distance to Happiness without Raven realizing it.

“…A date?”  [Happiness]

“No, it’s not!”  [Youki]

Happiness looked the same as usual. I was more curious about how Raven would react, though.

“…Happiness, if your bags are heavy, I can help. I’m off duty today.”  [Raven]

He seemed to be acting normally. What the heck?

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