Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers: Volume 12 E-Book

Isle Osaki

• Herausgeber: J-Novel Club
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Serie: Full Clearing Another World under a Goddess with Zero Believers
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 312

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Makoto Takatsuki has awakened! After his triumph over the Great Demon Lord a thousand years in the past, Makoto has finally returned to the present. His closest friends and companions have grown a lot in the year he was absent: Lucy and Sasa are famed adventurers, Furiae is leading Laphroaig as the Saint of Miracles, and Noah has been elevated to the eighth goddess of the pantheon! Unfortunately, just as Makoto is settling back into his old life, he receives some devastating news—the Great Demon Lord and the Witch of Calamity have revived! While the Seven Nation Alliance prepares for the final confrontation with Iblis, Makoto reunites with his goddess after their long separation. She offers him a cryptic message, and he’ll have to work out what she truly means, even as the fuse is lit on the final battle for the fate of humanity!

Leseprobe

Prologue: Reunion

“Ahh... Sir Makoto’s skin... It’s been so long... Haaah... Haaah...”

I was currently undergoing a medical exam on Momo’s estate...but for some reason, her breathing was pretty heavy.

“Um...Grandsage, did I really need to get undressed?” I asked.

She glared sharply at me. “When we’re alone, you’re forbidden from calling me that!”

Damn, I annoyed her. I was scared of calling her Momo in front of others, though. She was one of the highest-ranking people in Highland, so I couldn’t afford to be careless.

“Sure, sure...Momo. So, am I fine?”

“Hmm, well.”

Her cold hands patted around on my skin and I just let her carry on. It tickled, but that was no surprise—I’d been asleep for a thousand years. I’d probably need rehab at least.

“I can see no issues,” she said eventually.

“Right... My body feels kinda heavy, but I can move pretty normally.”

I was in a better position than I thought I’d be.

Of course you are. I guided you in the spell after all! Ira’s voice sounded in my head.

Cold Sleep was no normal spell. It also involved time magic that she’d taught me. In fact, it even stopped time itself... It was crazy.

“Morning, Ira. I’m safely awake again,” I greeted her with a bob of my head.

“Huh? Sir Makoto...are you talking with Lady Ira?” Momo asked, an odd look on her face.

What? Got a problem?

“Well, she taught me how to do the Cold Sleep spell.” I wouldn’t have been able to come back to this time period under my own power.

Momo’s expression still remained slightly puzzled. “I would have expected you to talk with that wicked deity you follow first,” she explained.

I jolted at that. Fuck. She was the first person I should have been greeting in this era.

“N-Noah!” I yelped, but there was no response. I took my dagger in both hands and knelt in prayer, but even so, I heard nothing from her. “Uh? Huh...”

Had she forgotten about me somehow? Maybe she was sulking? Both seemed possible.

I-It’s okay! I’m sure she’s just busy! Ira soothed.

“Sir Makoto! You needn’t look so sad...”

I’d worried both of them with the look on my face.

“Well, she’s always been kinda capricious,” I said. She’d be in my dreams in no time...probably. “So, Momo, I want to see how things are. How about we go eat while you tell me how history’s gone? I want to see whether things are different from what I expected.”

“Got it! But...are you sure you should be up and walking around already?”

You should rest for a while at least.

Momo and Ira seemed exasperated. Maybe it would be better to rest first. I was curious, though—I wanted to know how the world had changed in the past thousand years.

Also, I was absolutely starving. I really wanted some food.

So, I convinced Momo, and we walked out into the town.

“It hasn’t changed all that much...I think. The city, I mean.”

I was definitely not an authority on the country, but the bustling city of Symphonia matched my memories.

There was at least one difference, though.

“There are way more of the other races,” I commented.

Originally, there’d been a significant racial and class divide.

Humans stood at the top, with elves and beastmen clearly below them. That distinction seemed to have lessened. Of course, the relationship between the humans and cambions was still as bad as ever. The disdain toward Nevia was still alive and well.

Actually, that reminded me: Laphroaig was a country again now, right?

It is! The priestess you were guardian knight for is leading the cambions well. They were always a race predisposed toward spells, so they’ve grown into a major nation over the last year.

In a year?!

“Wow... That’s Princess for you.”

She must have been working her socks off.

As we walked, Momo kept telling me about the current situation.

“So it’s been a year since I went back to the past...”

The calculations should have allowed me to wake up right after the earlier version of myself traveled to the past.

I-I can’t help it! A year is basically a rounding error when you’ve got all of eternity!

Well, I couldn’t be too demanding. I was back home safe, and that was the most important thing.

There was one big thing on my mind, though.

“Momo, Iblis hasn’t been defeated yet, right?”

“That’s right.”

I looked up at the gray clouds covering the sky. “Those aren’t the Clouds of Darkness.”

“No... It seems that his power is not as much as it once was after his revival.”

“Or that he’s making us let our guard down...”

We couldn’t be too optimistic.

Suddenly, my eyes froze on something.

“Um... Is that...”

I was staring at the bronze statue right in the middle of the street, and I just couldn’t keep silent. Originally, the statue had been of Abel the Savior on his own. But now, it featured multiple people.

The Hero of Light, Abel.

The Saint, Anna.

The Grandsage, Momo.

The Spellbow, Johnnie.

The Holy Dragon with her wings spread, Mel.

All of that was well and good.

But there was another person...holding a dagger.

“Momo, who’s that supposed to be?” I wondered.

“Huh? Why would you even ask? That’s obviously...”

It’s you, obviously.

My cheek twitched. No way. That would mean I’d massively changed history...

That little is fine. It’s far better than Abel being killed and the Age of Darkness continuing.

“Well, yeah, but...” I guess I really had overdone it. I’d been frantic back in the past, though.

We wandered through the city while I thought about that. It was mealtime, so pleasant scents wafted from the restaurants.

“Shall we go in and get something, Momo?”

“Yes!”

She was currently wearing a robe, and she looked like a childish mage. Hardly anyone would think she was one of the most important people in the country. That was why I kept speaking to her normally.

The place we entered was a bustling bar. Momo and I sat side by side at the counter. Then, I realized...

“Oh... I don’t have any money.”

I didn’t have any modern coins on me, at least. I was wondering what to do when Momo took out several of her own.

“Bring out your best. Take the change as a tip,” she said.

“Of course! It’ll be right out!” the server said cheerily.

The food really did come out quickly. There was a colorful vegetable salad, some marinated chicken on the bone, and pasta with cheese and tomato sauce.

I picked up my fork and gingerly lifted a bite to my mouth. “So good...”

I savored the flavors. It’s been so long... Suddenly, I noticed Momo wasn’t moving.

“You’re not eating?” I asked.

“There’s something I want more,” she said with a grin, her little canines glinting as she looked closely at me.

“Later,” I said after a moment.

“Surrre! ☆”

After all, I could hardly let her start drinking from me in the middle of the restaurant. She’d waited a thousand years for me, so she could have however much she wanted.

I looked around the room as I ate the spiced chicken. As I did, I noticed a picture on the wall. It depicted seven goddesses. Whenever I’d seen it before, there had always been six. Apparently, history had changed even more than I’d thought.

Casually, I looked at the figures.

Althena, the Goddess of the Sun.

Sól, the Goddess of Fire.

Eir, the Goddess of Water.

Freya, the Goddess of Wood.

Ceres, the Goddess of Ground.

Ira, the Goddess of Fate.

Last up was the Goddess of the Moo—

Uh?

“Huh?”

I couldn’t help but stand and stare.

The picture wasn’t quite right, but that was definitely...

“Noah?”

Without a doubt, that was my goddess.

“Oh, are you a follower of Goddess Noah as well? She’s been popular lately. She is the Goddess of Beauty, after all.”

Once the friendly server had finished speaking, they left with a smile.

“Uh... P-Popular?!”

Your contributions had her installed as the eighth goddess of the western continent. Did you forget? Ira asked.

Right, Althena had promised that before I’d left. So Noah being the eighth goddess meant...

I never thought I’d see a picture of her up and out in the open... Especially since she used to be treated as a wicked deity.And following her is popular?

“Momo, does Noah have a lot of believers?”

“It irks me that this is what has gotten the biggest smile out of you since your reawakening... But to answer your question, she is a new goddess, so she has the fewest believers, but that number has been increasing rapidly of late. In particular, she seems to have many believers in Roses. There are rumors that she and the Goddess of Water are on good terms, and Lady Eir apparently agreed with them.”

“Wow...”

She had lots of believers in Roses. When I first got to this world, I had been her only one.

I could feel my chest churn with emotion.

“Sir Makoto, if you’ve finished eating, shall we leave?” Momo asked, tugging at my sleeve as I soaked in my feelings.

“Yeah...”

My stomach was full, and I mostly understood the situation in the present. The next thing on the agenda was to figure out how to get in contact with my friends, who were waiting for me.

There weren’t any phones in this world, after all... Maybe I should go to Macallan? Lucy and Sasa might be there.

Actually, maybe Laphroaig, since Furiae’s there.

I was pulled from my thoughts by a yell.

“My esteemed Tackie!”

The call was followed up by someone thundering into sight. Considering the rabbit-eared woman at his side, it was definitely him.

“Fujiyan!”

I rushed over to them. This was my best friend—the one I’d come to this world with.

“You have returned! Thank goodness... I’m so glad!”

“Yeah, I just got back. Good to see you, Fujiyan.”

“Mister Takatsuki’h! I’m glad you seem well’h!”

“You too, Nina.” I said to his wife. “I’m surprised you knew I was here.”

“I have been speaking frequently with Lady Estelle.”

Oh, Estelle... That meant that behind the scenes...

Is me! Exclaimed Ira. I’ve made sure your friends know you’re back.

Thanks, Ira. I really do appreciate that consideration.

“Hey, isn’t that the boss of the Fujiwara Company?”

“Who’s that he’s talking to? I’ve never seen that man before.”

“Maybe he’s some naive noble?”

“The girl with him was the one who paid.”

“Man, it’s gotta be good to be rich.”

My Listen skill was picking up some nearby conversations about us. Apparently, Fujiyan was famous in the nation now.

“Shall we go elsewhere? We’re drawing attention here,” Momo said. Her voice was now lower than it’d been when she was speaking only with me. The weight behind her words showed that she’d gone into full Grandsage mode.

Fujiyan cleared his throat. “My, I forgot to introduce myself. I am an acquaintance of—”

“What’s wron— Huh’h?”

Both Fujiyan’s and Nina’s eyes grew as wide as saucers. They must not have realized who I was with until now.

“We have already paid,” said Momo. “I will teleport us away. Where would you prefer? The castle?”

“W-We have a guest room ready in our offices. Perhaps there?” Fujiyan said, keeping his cool despite the panic.

“Very well. I believe that was in the third district.”

As she spoke, our vision went blurry.

◇

Momo and I were now sitting on a plush, expensive-feeling sofa, snacking on expensive-looking cookies, and drinking expensive-tasting tea.

Fujiyan and Nina had explained a fair bit. Business was apparently booming. Still, I could tell that we hadn’t hit the main topic yet.

“Are we waiting for someone, Fujiyan?”

“They should be here shortly.”

He wouldn’t tell me who we were waiting for, but I had a pretty good idea. Fujiyan’s connections ran deep, and they’d started in Macallan. He ought to be able to get and give information with a fair bit of speed.

I knew him well, and so I knew that he would tell certain people about my return before anyone else.

A bright light suddenly filled the room. I realized quickly that it was someone teleporting, and then, in a flash, they were in the room.

“Makoto...?”

“Takatsuki...?”

I haven’t heard their voices in so long...

“Lu—”

Before I could say either of their names, the two girls had knocked me to the floor.

One was a red-haired elf. The heat from her body was something I hadn’t felt in a long time, but it was just as warm as I remembered. Her hair was shorter than I remembered, and it was glowing red.

The other girl had dark brown hair. Originally, her hair had been down to her shoulders, but it was longer now. She looked more grown up...kinda.

Their expressions held more of my attention than the changes in their appearances, though. The girls’ faces were red and blotchy, and hot tears poured from their eyes.

“Lucy, Sasa, I’m back now.”

“Idiot! We’ve been waiting so long for you!”

“Welcome home, Takatsuki!”

Finally, I’d reunited with my friends.

Chapter 1: Makoto Takatsuki Reunites with his Comrades

“Makoto...”

“Takatsuki...”

Lucy and Sasa—both acting a bit differently—had pushed me down to the ground. I looked at their teary faces, feeling my eyes warm with emotion, but this was one of the Fujiwara Trading Company’s guest rooms. Fujiyan and Nina were here—obviously—but a certain Grandsage was also glaring unhappily our way.

There was a time and place for this kind of thing, after all. But apparently, that wasn’t something these two cared about.

“Takatsuki... Finally...you’re back...” Sasa sighed heavily and wrapped herself around me.

“Wh— Aya?! No fair!”

Sasa ignored Lucy’s panicked voice and tightened her grip on my head.

I...couldn’t move.

“Mh...”

Then, she kissed me.

Hold on!

I didn’t have time to even be surprised before her lips were already on mine.

“Ahh!” Lucy yelled. “You’ve got some nerve, Aya!”

I’d been almost certain she’d stop it, but she just climbed on top of me too.

H-Heavy!

That word—taboo when speaking about women—floated into my mind. But however petite they were, the weight of two women on top of you was always going to be heavy. Also, it wasn’t like I could actually verbalize anything with my lips covered.

“Ma~ko~to~! Hyah!”

Lucy pushed Sasa to the side and took over the kissing.

My mind was in shambles—I couldn’t really follow what was going on. They were both...kissing me at the same time?

Oof... How lewd!

Ira, don’t just mock me! Help!

How? Just push them off. You’re a man, aren’t you?

With my lack of strength, I couldn’t even move!

“Mmh... Mwah... Makoto...♡”

“Haaah... Takatsuki...♡”

Their long, long kisses seemed never-ending. My own vision was blocked by their faces, so I used RPG Player to look at the scene from an outsider’s perspective.

Yup, I’m being completely assaulted here.

Also, I’d noticed that they were wearing matching bracelets. They were getting along well now.

I was going to be running out of breath pretty soon.

“Enough already.”

Suddenly, my vision was clear, and the burden on my body was gone. I realized I was floating in midair.

“Mo— Grandsage?”

Apparently, Momo had pulled me out with Teleport.

The two of them hadn’t noticed that I wasn’t there anymore, so they were still kissing... What the hell is going on?

Sasa was the first to notice. “Huh? Lu? Where’s Takatsuki?”

“Oh? Where’s Makoto?”

The two of them pulled their lips apart and turned around, wiping their mouths.

“Get yourselves under control. What are you, cats in heat?!” Momo demanded, her voice unhappy and low.

“Guh, Grandsage.”

“Oh, it’s her.”

The pair grumbled. Fujiyan tried to play mediator—he clapped his hands.

“Well, it has been some time since the three of you last saw each other, so I suppose you got rather carried away. Let us all calm down and—”

I let out a sigh, thinking that things were finally about to settle. But then, I felt a chill run down my spine.

“Elementalist...”

Momo’s voice was low. It’d been a while since she’d called me that. She’d probably gotten into the habit from Mel.

“Wh-What is it? Grandsage?”

“I hunger.”

“Well, if—”

“Hand over your blood.”

“Right now?!”

In front of everyone?

I didn’t have time to panic before she was tugging at my collar. Instantly, I could feel her cold breath on my neck.

“What?!”

“Hold on!”

Both Lucy and Sasa yelled.

Fujiyan and Nina exchanged troubled looks, but neither made a move to stop anything. Had the two of them known Momo was a vampire?

Well, Fujiyan had his Mind Reading, so it was probably fine. He was wearing an exasperated look.

Momo latched on to my neck with a small noise, and I could hear her swallowing my blood. I’d been intending to let her drink as much as she wanted after waiting a thousand years for me, but...

“Um... Why are you stripping me...?”

Her small hands were running over my body, undoing button after button.

Momo...when’d you get so obscene?

Lucy’s and Sasa’s looks were painful as well. She was still drinking, quiet noises emanating from her throat with each swallow. It was slow, though. Maybe she was purposefully keeping her drinking speed down.

She’s taking her time...

I just let myself relax—she could do what she wanted. The room was filled with an awkward tension. A minute passed. Then another.

Lucy was the first to lose her temper. “How long are you gonna keep that up?!” she demanded.

“Get off hiiim!” Sasa exclaimed as she tried to peel Momo off of me.

“Let go, you brats! Don’t get in my way!”

If you went by outward appearances, Momo would be the brat...

“You too, Makoto! You’re all messing around with her!”

“So you like little girls, Takatsukiiii?”

“Don’t call me little!” Momo snapped. “Your chest isn’t any different.”

Lucy snorted. “Pft, it’s not worth arguing.”

Momo and Sasa glared menacingly at her.

“Umm, everyone, calm...”

I trailed off while trying to get everyone to relax—I’d heard a bit of a disturbance.

“×××××××! (Kyaa!)”

“×××××××? (Angry?)”

“×××××××. (Angryyyy.)”

“×××××××. (Scary, scary.)”

“×××××××. (Oh no, oh no.)”

“×××××××. (Ruuun.)”

The water elementals were getting noisy. Huh? Suddenly, the room’s temperature dropped sharply.

“I-It’s cold’h!”

“What in the...?”

I heard Fujiyan and Nina gasp.

The arguing from the other three cut off suddenly as well. Everything went oddly silent. I looked toward whatever had shaken the elementals.

A woman was standing there. She had long, blue-tinged hair and deep blue eyes. She was wearing a fairly simple dress, but it just highlighted her natural beauty.

This was the Priestess of Water—Princess Sophia Eir Roses.

She was currently looking toward me—and Lucy, Sasa, and the Grandsage around me.

Her eyes were as cold as ice.

“Oh?”

That was the only word she spoke. The temperature dropped even further.

Fujiyan and Nina were shaking. I couldn’t let things carry on like this.

“×××××××,×××××××. (Water elementals, warm it up.)”

I sneakily increased the temperature of the room before either of them caught a cold.

“Is that Hero Makoto over there?” she asked, prompting the three girls to rapidly move away.

“I-It’s been a while, Sophia,” I greeted her clumsily.

She giggled. “I heard from the goddess that you had just awoken. It seems you have wasted no time in enjoying yourself.” Her voice might have been gentle, but there was definitely no laughter in her eyes.

No one said a word.

“Whatever is the matter?” she asked with a smile, her voice gentle. “Please, continue.”

“I-It’s fine. Yup, just fine, Sophia.”

“Y-Yeah, we can talk with Takatsuki later.”

“R-Right. Sir— I mean, Elementalist, come to my estate later.”

Momo vanished with a vwoop.

Oh, she ran away.

“I see. In which case, Hero Makoto, come this way.” Sophia grabbed my hand.

“Wh-Where are we going?”

“To Highland Castle,” she replied, tugging at my arm. “There are a great number of people waiting to see you again.”

“Good luck with the reunion, Makoto!”

“Come back soon, Takatsuki!”

Lucy and Sasa waved me off, apparently having no intention of coming along. Knights from Roses were waiting outside the door.

The guardian geezer was looking as spirited as ever. “Sir Hero! You look well!”

“It’s been a while,” I replied.

“Let us go, Hero Makoto.”

I didn’t have time to enjoy a proper reunion before I was pushed into a carriage.

◇

The carriage clattered along. Sophia and I were the only two inside. Silence filled the space as we progressed toward the castle.

We were sitting opposite each other, and the princess had her gaze focused out of the window, watching the scenery. Well, she was taking periodic glances my way, so I doubted the scenery was really holding her attention.

“Um... Have you been well, Sophia?” I asked hesitantly.

There was no reply for quite some time.

I waited patiently. After a long few moments, she responded quietly. “Fool. You made me wait.”

Suddenly, she stood. It might not have been the most unsteady of rides, but we were still in a moving carriage. Before I could even tell her to watch out, she’d thumped down next to me. The carriage wasn’t huge, so our shoulders were touching whether we wanted them to or not. She wrapped her arm through mine and grabbed hold of my hand tightly.

I looked at her, and she looked right back at me. Our noses were almost touching.

The sounds of our breathing mixed in the air, and I could feel her warm breath on my face.

Neither of us said a word.

Slowly, her face came closer to mine.

Her sapphire eyes drew me in, and before I knew it, she’d pushed me down.

◇

“Your face is red, Sophia,” I said as we stepped down from the carriage.

“How are you so calm?” she demanded.

The vast Highland Castle was towering in front of us. It had been about five minutes since we’d left the Fujiwara Corporation’s property, and the carriage had been the site of much “spoiling” from the princess.

She let out a small sigh to calm herself.

I kinda wanted to tease her a little. I glanced behind us and saw that her knights were standing a short distance away.

Since these were the grounds of the castle, it was probably safe enough for them to be somewhat far back.

“You were so bold, Sophia. To think you’d use a carriage to— Mph.”

She glared harshly, rapidly covering my mouth with her hand. Her face had flushed red again.

“Would you be silent?” she asked after a moment. Her eyes promised death if I wouldn’t shut up.

“Suuure.”

One of the castle guards opened the huge door and we passed through the entrance. I’d walked the path several times, but I still wasn’t used to it.

“Who’re we meeting, by the way? Princess Noelle?” I asked.

“It would be good if she could find the time... There are others though, no? People who want to see you, that is.”

Several faces floated up in my mind at that. People I’m close to in Highland, huh...?

“Makoto Takatsuki!” someone called out suddenly.

A golden figure was closing in on me.

“You’re back!”

“Gweh!”

A female knight charged into—ahem, embraced me quite forcefully.

She had blonde hair that practically sparkled, and she wore shining golden armor. I knew of only one female knight who was quite so striking.

“It’s been some time, Janet.”

“Oh my, you needn’t be so formal. I want to know everything!” Her tone quickly shifted to something more commanding. “Come to my room.”

This was one of the pegasus knights, Janet Ballantine. She was both the sister of Gerald—the Hero of Lightning—and a young lady of one of the most noble families in the country. She hadn’t been a fan of mine at first, but we’d gotten closer during our adventure in Springrogue.

She’d grabbed on to my hand and showed no sign of letting go.

“Janet, we already have a destination. You will have to wait,” Sophia said, interrupting our conversation.

“Oh, Sophia, you’re here? I hadn’t noticed,” she said rather challengingly.

There was a short pause.

“Perhaps your eyes are going, then?” Sophia asked. “Maybe you should resign from your position in the scouts.”

“I simply didn’t notice since your dress is far too plain. My apologies.”

“Oh my, I suppose I can expect no less from someone wearing such tasteless armor.”

“You simply have no sense of value.”

“I could say precisely the same back at you.”

The two began to chuckle pointedly, their eyes boring into each other.

Ack, this is going to cause a proper feud between Roses’s royalty and Highland’s most noble family! A cold sweat pricked at my neck.

Janet then turned to me.

“This is bothering Makoto Takatsuki.”

“That will not do.”

The two of them stopped their glaring, their expressions immediately smoothing out.

“Let’s leave the joking here,” Janet said. “I do want to hear what’s gone on, though.”

“Of course. We are planning a celebration for his return tonight in the Fujiwara estate. I shall send a messenger later.”

“Very well. Let us talk in depth later, Makoto Takatsuki.”

I let out a sigh. This is the first I’m hearing of a celebration. Then again, it was Fujiyan we were talking about—he was quick with this sort of thing. He’d probably suggested it in private.

I’d be grateful for a proper event to welcome back an old friend, however, there was one thing bothering me.

“Will Gerald be there?” I asked hesitantly.

If he was going to attend, then I could count on him bombarding me with questions about the battle all night.

“Unfortunately...he is on the front lines in the far north.”

“The front lines?”

“The first defense for when the armies attack from the demon continent. There have been several heroes constantly manning the location since Iblis’s return.”

“I...see.”

Once I asked for specifics, they told me that he was there along with Olga—the Hero of Incandescence.

Which meant...

“So I’ll soon be heading there too?” I was, after all, Roses’s State Authorized Hero. Things were about to get pretty busy.

Both Princess Sophia’s and Janet’s eyes grew wide.

“Oh, you really know nothing of the current situation,” said Janet.

Sophia nodded. “Indeed, I intend to explain things to him soon.”

I couldn’t follow what they were talking about. Had I said something odd?

“Until later, Sophia.”

“Indeed, Janet. Another time.”

The two of them exchanged soft smiles. It was like they hadn’t just been fighting.

“You’re close to her?” I asked after she’d left.

“Indeed. We received a loan of knights from the Ballantine family against the monsters in Roses. In exchange, we have lent our priests. There has been a strong connection between our families as of late.”

“Huh.”

I remembered hearing about that before.

“We also speak often of you,” Sophia added.

“Y-You do?”

What on earth were they discussing about me? I wanted to know, but I was also kinda scared, so I didn’t end up asking.

Suddenly, she fixed me with a steady stare.

“There is something I should tell you.”

“Yes?”

I waited tensely—her voice sounded so serious.

“Makoto Takatsuki... Currently, you are not a hero.”

“Huh?” I asked after managing to pull myself together.

That was a real shock... Had I been fired as a hero?

Hardly, Ira retorted.

So she was listening?

“Once you left for the past...there was a need to explain why you could not act as Roses’s hero. However, we could not publicize the time travel. You were therefore said to have sustained severe wounds in the battle against Demon Lord Zagan and were unable to fight. At that point, you were considered an Honorary Hero rather than a State-Authorized Hero.”

“Honorary?” That sounded like I’d retired forever, right? Why would they do something like that?

Heroes are a symbol of their country’s strength. Of course their citizens would be worried if one vanished into nowhere. They needed some kind of explanation.

I nodded at Ira’s reasoning. I’d been hurrying off to the past, so hadn’t wrapped my head around it, but the people left behind had their own things to deal with.

Honorary Heroes aren’t considered in active service, so you have no obligation to participate in the fight.

Oh, that made sense. Now I understood what Janet meant. There was no need for me to go to the front line.

That said...

“I ask to be sure...but would you become our hero once again?” Sophia asked, looking up at me. “I promise you the best treatment Roses can provide. Your standing and riches will be whatever you desire.”

“Hmm... Is there an issue with me staying honorary? I mean, I’ll be fighting either way.”

“Um...You do realize there is no need for you to force yourself to fight him, no? You aren’t an active hero currently.”

Ira had said the same thing. I already knew my answer, though.

“Well, I came back to fight.”

“This man...” Sophia muttered to herself. “Very well, I shall make preparations for you to return to active service. Publicly, we will say you were rendered unconscious and unable to move, so wait for the time being.”

“Sure,” I said cheerily.

So I still wouldn’t be heading to the front lines immediately. I was curious, though. Thinking of Roses reminded me of something.

“Noah’s influence has been spreading within Roses, right?”

“It has. Goddess Eir gave her permission...and above all, she was the goddess you believed in. Goddess Althena recognized her officially as the eighth of the faith. We could hardly refuse her.”

“Thank you,” I said earnestly.

“I have done nothing to deserve it. Incidentally, have you spoken to her yet?”

“Not yet,” I murmured somewhat unhappily. I had been sure she would speak to me as soon as I woke up.

“I see. This is from Lady Eir, but...she wanted you to talk about her selection of a priestess and hero.”

“Noah’s picked a hero and priestess?” I said, reeling from the shock.

Well, it kinda made sense. She was recognized across the continent now, so of course she would have. My apostle role was separate. Eir had Prince Leonardo as her hero, and Princess Sophia as her priestess.

I wonder who Noah chose... Would we get along? I really hoped our personalities wouldn’t clash.

“No, Hero Makoto. She has refused to make the selection.”

“Huh? Refused?”

“Yes... Lady Eir is somewhat angry at her refusal to carry out her duties as the eighth goddess.”

“What’s she playing at...?”

Had she always been so clumsy as a goddess? No, she was definitely just acting that way—Noah was actually pretty put together.

Unlike a certain other goddess...

And which goddess would that be?

Not you, right?

You’re lying! I can see my face in your mind!

I offer my most sincere and deepest apologies.

“Please then, Hero Makoto.”

“Right, leave it to me.”

I’ll ask Noah about it when we meet up, I decided.

The princess’s expression changed at that point. “Incidentally, have you already heard of Lucy’s and Aya’s exploits while you were away?”

“No, they attacked me as soon as they saw me.”

She sighed. “I see. Roses was unsettled after losing a hero, but Lucy and Aya picked up the slack. Aya is currently orichalcum rank, while Lucy is platinum and a saint-rank mage. Their party is known almost universally across the continent.” Sophia sounded awfully proud.

“Huh...? Orichalcum and saint-rank?”

In a single year?!

“Judging from your expression, that’s the first you’ve heard of it. They are famed as the best party in Roses—the Crimson Fangs.”

“The Crimson Fangs...”

S-So cool. That was way better than my alias in Macallan. They called me the Goblin Cleaner!

I wonder if I’d be able to join Lucy and Sasa...

Aren’t you the party leader? Ira asked.

My rank was low, though... And I wasn’t an active hero...

“Um...why do you look so upset?” the princess asked.

“I was just thinking about how everyone’s grown so much while I’ve been gone.”

“Your accomplishments have been far more impressive...you realize that, no?”

I couldn’t help the desire to get my title back and get rehabilitated. I wanted a cool name like the Crimson Fangs.

You know that’s their party name, not their name, right?

Forget the little things!

Still, Lucy and Aya had become so impressive. At that point, another member of our party came to mind.

“That reminds me, how’s Prin—Furiae?” She hadn’t been with Lucy and Sasa. I’d figured she was probably focusing on restoring Laphroaig.

Hope she’s doing well as a saint...

At that, Princess Sophia turned meaningful eyes on me. “If you were surprised about Lucy and Aya, you’ll be even more surprised about Furiae.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean—”

Sophia was interrupted.

“Makoto!”

“Takatsuki!”

The two people who’d called out my name immediately knocked me to the floor.

You get pushed around a lot, don’t you?

Excuse me... My strength is a grand total of 3.

The average for a ten-year-old...

Isn’t it your fault that my stats are so low?

It’s not my fault—it’s your luck’s fault.

Rude! Aren’t you supposed to be the Goddess of Fortune?!

I looked up at the ceiling while we had the discussion.

Two handsome faces looking down on me. One was beautiful, and tears were streaming down his cheeks. The other was more masculine, and his eyes were shimmering with unshed tears.

Seeing them made me think that men crying could be somewhat charming.

“Prince Leonardo, Sakurai, I’m back,” I said, greeting my colleague and childhood friend.

Chapter 2: Makoto Takatsuki Reels

“Ha ha, sorry, Takatsuki. I got a bit carried away,” Sakurai apologized.

“It’s been a while, Sakurai. But I’m back now.”

“Even Goddess Althena said it would be unlikely for you to return. I’m so...so glad...”

He had a smile on his face, but his eyes were red. It would be mean to mock him for it, though.

“Makoto... I’m so happy to see you again,” said Prince Leonardo.

“I haven’t seen you in quite a while. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Before, the only way I could have described him was as a cute young girl. But in the year since I’d seen him, he’d gotten taller. He now looked like a handsome, androgynous boy.

“I’ve still got so far to go. I’ve gotten better with my holy sword, though! Hopefully I can show you.”

“I’d love to see,” I replied.

Sakurai nodded. “Leo and I have been practicing swordplay together for a while.”

“It’s thanks to Ryousuke that I’m so much better with my blade.”

It seemed like the two of them had gotten fairly close. Two handsome guys together? They almost seem like a boy band.

“Welcome back, Takatsuki!” someone said as they clapped me on the shoulder.

I turned to see a female knight standing there. “Good to be back, Yokoyama,” I said.

Saki Yokoyama was one of Sakurai’s wives—she was from our world as well. She’d been considered the best-looking girl in our class.

“Did you see Aya yet?!” she demanded. “She cries about you every time I talk to her!”

“Yeah, I have. And yeah, she cried.”

“Right?! You’re not allowed to be away from her again!”

“Yeah, I don’t intend to.” I almost staggered under her onslaught. “You seem happy, though.”

She grinned broadly and then giggled. “Look at this. Isn’t it pretty? Ryousuke bought it for me.” An engagement ring on her left ring finger gleamed in the light. She seemed more mature than before. Was that what being about to get married did to a woman?

“It suits you.”

“Thanks. You’re buying one for Aya!”

“Y-Yeah, I will.”

She wouldn’t let the conversation go.

“Saki,” Sakurai interrupted. “He’s probably tired. He only just got back, y’know.”

“Fiiiine,” she said.

Thank the gods for that lifeline. Still, where did they sell rings like that? I doubted they’d have them in armorers or equipment shops. Maybe I could ask Fujiyan to order one.

Well... You should at least look for an engagement ring on your own, came an exasperated voice in my head. It was Ira.

I couldn’t get Fujiyan to do it?

No, you can’t. Are you listening? That kind of thing happens once in a lifetime, so it’s special to girls... she advised.

I let it wash over me. Right, wasn’t she the goddess of love?

Hey! Listen properly.

I’m listenin’.

Suddenly, someone else spoke up. “Oh, is that Hero Makoto over there?”

“Hm...was he not gravely injured against a demon lord?”

“I’d heard he lost an arm and a leg.”

“Well, I heard he had already died.”

“He certainly doesn’t look injured.”

“Maybe it’s just a look-alike?”

“But...he seems so close to the Hero of Light... Who else could it be?”

People were starting to crowd around us. It was less about me catching their attention, and more about them wondering who was chatting so casually with Sakurai since he was the Hero of Light. Being injured was one thing, but someone