Chapter 9 Departure
The morning after thwarting the demon clan's plot, I stood in front of Priscilla's mansion.
"Are you really... really going to leave?"
The Duke's daughter, Priscilla, looked up at me with a sad expression.
Seeing those tear-filled eyes, I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry, but I didn't change my mind.
"Yeah. It would be bothersome for an outsider to stay too long."
"No way! You wouldn't be a bother at all!"
Priscilla tightly squeezed my hand.
It was a soft, delicate hand.
But she gripped it with all her strength,
as if she didn't want to let me go, as if she was thinking that.
"Leaf-san is a lifesaver for the Graham family! Moreover, Leaf-san prevented the demon race's scheme, so you're a hero!"
"Hero... That's an exaggeration. I just treated an illness and dealt with some bad guys."
Since neither of those was much of a struggle, I didn't really want them to feel like they owed me much.
"o, being a hero... that's not really fitting for me yet.
I know the real deal, you know. Compared to Granny Merlin and the others, I'm still way behind.
"In addition to being strong, you're so humble, such a splendid person. You're the one who truly deserves to be a hero... Why did you refuse the commendation?"
That's what Duke Graham, basically Priscilla's father, said to me.
He wanted to report this matter to the king and wanted to commend me as a hero.
But I refused it.
I don't really think I did anything special.
If I were to be commended, it would only make everyone aware of the demons' schemes and cause unnecessary anxiety.
So, I thought it would be better to settle the matter of the demon quietly, and that's why I declined the commendation.
"If you wish, you could have position and fame as you please."
"I don't need that. What I want is freedom."
I've decided. I'm going to live without being bound by anyone anymore.
My former fiancé Dokuonna had me bound, living like a slave. I'm done with that kind of life.
"But... but, I don't want to leave you. I want to stay by your side forever..."
"Priscilla... that's not possible. I'm just an unknown outsider, not a friend or acquaintance. I can't stay in this mansion."
Even the Duke Graham family insisted, but I refused.
Having a total stranger in the house isn't good, and I feel guilty. I, a country bumpkin, am taken care of so well by the maids and butlers.
"Besides, I already have prior appointments."
"Prior appointments...?"
"Yeah. I'm supposed to stay with Granny Merlin's grandchild in the capital city."
"Merlin-sama's grandchild..."
When leaving the village, Granny said, "It would be good if you trouble my grandchild when going to the capital city. I'll talk to them about it."
It seems like they run a shop there.
I haven't met her grandchild yet, but since they were Granny's relative, they're not exactly complete strangers.
"What are you going to do now?"
"I'll make their place my base and live as an adventurer. I don't plan on leaving the capital city for a while, so feel free to visit whenever you need. It's called [Comet Workshop]."
"Comet Workshop, got it."
Priscilla tried to say something over and over again, but shook her head.
Instead of the sad eyes from earlier, she looked at me with determined eyes and let go of my hand.
"Leaf-san. This time, thank you very much. I will never forget this. If you ever need anything, please feel free to ask. I will always be here to help you, even at the cost of my own life."
The phrase "even at the cost of my own life" sounded like a joke to me at first.
But seeing her serious expression, it seemed like no joke at all.
I feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was able to help people with the skills and power bestowed upon me by my master.
Using the power inherited from him, I was able to bring happiness to people, and that made me very happy.
"Thank you. Well then, until next time."
"Yes! See you again!"
With a sense of achievement in my heart, I waved to Priscilla and headed towards the [Comet Workshop], where Granny Merlin's grandchild was.
* * *
Priscilla Fahn Graham watched as Pharmacist Leaf walked away, her eyes following him until he was out.
Once he disappears from view, shequietly shedding tears.
"Priscilla..."
"Father."
Cipher Fahn Graham, the head of the Graham family, embraces his daughter along with his wife, Dianne.
Their daughter sheds tears as they bid farewell to him. Cipher and Dianne gently stroke her head.
"That person will surely become a hero someday. I must not confine him alone. He will eventually become someone who saves many lives..."
Priscilla convinces herself of this.
But deep down, she wishes he could stay by her side.
"That's right, Priscilla. You're right. That boy will surely succeed. That's why..."
"Huh? That's why...?"
"Yes. Let him go for now. Right now, he's just a young man from the countryside. If he were to marry you, there would be many who would speak ill of him."
The marriage of commoners and nobles is unheard of in this world.
However, with achievements, he might even receive a noble title from the royal family.
"...Your father is right. My cute Priscilla."
Mother Dianne gently embraces Priscilla.
"...Leaf-san's extraordinary knowledge, skills, and... combat prowess. Such an impressive individual cannot remain unnoticed. Here in the capital city, there are more opportunities for recognition than in the countryside. If that happens, he will rise through the ranks at an astonishing speed."
With a smile, Dianne continues,
"...That time will come soon. At that time, you should be prepared to capture that gentleman faster than anyone else. So, for now, you should polish yourself as a woman and make preparations ♡"
"Yes! Mother! I will strive harder than ever before to become a woman worthy of Leaf-san's companion!"
"Leave it to your mom to handle the details. Don't worry, I have plenty of friends in high society. Your mom will take care of any nuisances."
With a sly smile, the wife laughed, and Cipher let out a sigh as if exasperated.
But seeing his wife regain her health, he nodded satisfactorily.
"I have incurred too great a debt. Will I be able to repay it in my lifetime?"
However, Cipher was determined to repay him for the rest of his life.
After all, he had saved the lives of both his beloved wife and child.
And so, Leaf became connected to the Duke Graham family.
Unaware that the Graham family held significant influence in this kingdom, being one of the three major noble families.
Leaf didn't know that the wife, Dianne, was the sister of the current king.
By helping the family of Priscilla, who also had connections to the royal family, Leaf's life started to change for the better.
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