Chapter 2 The Childhood Friend Of The Former Hero
"Realizing" that I might end up as the loser heroine in the future, I first thought about distancing myself from the future hero, Lukas.
Looking back over the past 8 years, even though our village was small, there were several other children our age besides us - to be precise, three boys and three girls apart from us - but I, Laura, was always with Lukas. Lukas was the same, meaning that he and I didn't mingle with the other children.
Judging from the conversation at the beginning of "Last Brave," if my memories didn't return, we would have continued like this until the day Lukas set off on his journey. The villagers would often comment, "You're with Laura again today," or "You two are as close as ever," which felt like they were trying to keep us together. In a village full of such villagers, will the hero Lukas really be able to return after clearing his mission?
When it comes to the future, well, I decided to change the relationship between just the two of us first. It might be possible to change the common understanding that was floating among the villagers at the beginning of the game, 'Lukas and Laura will probably get married'—at least that's what I think.
Even though I was attacked by monsters, thanks to Lukas' hero power, I didn't get hurt at all, so I resumed my activities the next day. Everyone, including my parents and the villagers, didn't look too happy saying, 'You should still rest...' but for me, time is of the essence.
――I want to change jobs from being the childhood friend of the hero as soon as possible.
That's the goal I've set for myself. However, one problem arose that hinders the achievement of that goal. That is,
"Lukas, it's okay now..."
The problem is that the future hero doesn't want to leave my side. But after being declared to be protected for a day, this attitude might be natural.
From the expression at that time, I knew it wasn't just something said in the heat of the moment. I understood that, but if things continued like this, my plan would go awry.
"I promised your mom that I would protect you, Laura."
"That's appreciated, but being attacked by monsters in the village, that's never happened before, right?"
"True, but... today might be the day it happens."
Truly, he's the future hero. Even at 8 years old, he has well-thought-out ideas. And as Lukas said, in the not-so-distant future, monsters will start appearing in the village.
Currently, a weak magic surrounds the village to keep monsters away. It's a holy magic that repels evil creatures. However, as the revival of the Demon King draws near, the monsters gain stronger powers, making the weak magic ineffective. This phenomenon has been happening worldwide, prompting the king of this world to start searching for a hero. Even in this village, messengers from the castle arrive, telling the appearance of monsters. Lukas manages to repel them with the power of a hero. Recognized as a hero by the messenger who witnessed it, Lukas sets off for the royal capital—this is the summary of the first hour or so.
Although I digressed a bit, I really want to do something about Lukas following me around like a duckling. It would be great if I didn't develop feelings for Lukas, but I want to avoid any misunderstandings about our "special" relationship with others and consider the future.
"I'm really okay now, I promise!"
"No good. No matter what Laura says, I'm sticking with you."
Even though I try to push back with strong words, Lukas stubbornly refuses to agree. The childhood friend I've spent 8 years with, despite looking dissatisfied when I say this, was a boy who would nod along. Where did Lukas, who was teased by the boys in the village as a crybaby and a coward, go?
As I feel bewildered, on the other hand, "I" felt a resemblance of him to the future hero in his stubborn attitude.
The future hero I know had a calm personality that certainly resembles the current Lukas. However, he never showed fear even in front of monsters, and it was the occasional display of strong will and stubbornness that was impressive, given his usual gentle and calm attitude.
It seems that Laura's presence as a childhood friend played a significant role in Lukas's personality development. Thinking about the future, this fact is somewhat melancholic.
"...Laura, are you okay? You seem different today, Laura."
The words of my childhood friend, spoken quietly, made my shoulders jump. Yes, the hero Lukas may seem clueless, but he is actually sensitive to the emotions of others. In other words, he is good at reading people.
Although Laura is still me, overnight she aged nearly 20 years internally. In fact, it feels like a whole new personality has emerged. The complete fusion of me and "me" may never happen, and it wouldn't be strange if my changes in behavior and speech - a sense of discomfort - were to appear.
"N-no, that's not true."
I showed a smile, but doubt lingered in Lukas's eyes. Perhaps his keen awareness of my changes stems from the eight years we've spent together. Childhood friends are truly a troublesome attribute.
Even though I'm in my early 20s, I'm still feeling confused in this situation. I'm overwhelmed by the memories and personalities of two people. In other words, what I'm trying to say is, please don't think it's pathetic when I struggle to answer an 8-year-old boy's questions.
"Oh, Laura?"
At the somewhat hesitant voice that tickled my eardrums, I reflexively turned around. And there stood a red-haired girl. This girl - yes, Petra! Petra Emme. The daughter of the village head of Emme Village.
In "Last Brave," she was one of the background villagers whose name I honestly couldn't remember. But to me now, she seems like a godsend, like an angel. What perfect timing for her to pass by!
"Laura, are you hurt? Are you okay?"
"Petra! Uh, yeah, I'm fine now. Sorry for making you worry."
Without thinking, I ran up and grabbed her hand, and Petra's eyes widened. She must be surprised by my actions.
I had exchanged greetings and small talk with Petra before, but we weren't particularly close. I don't remember ever having this kind of interaction before.
Looking back now, why did I only have superficial interactions with girls my age in the village? Could it be because Lukas's mother and my mother are close friends, leading to our families having a close relationship? That's fine, but Laura should have expanded her circle of friends more.
From now on, I definitely want her to become my friends. I want to deepen my friendships with other girls.
Achieving that wish, or keeping my distance from Lukas, is probably my chance now.
"Are you going somewhere?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm going to Radmila's house."
"Can I come along too?"
Petra showed more obvious surprise than before. Lukas is probably wide-eyed behind me as well.
In the future, the hero should also work on expanding his friendly relationships. A boy of the same age who only responds with 'Oh, you're the same as always' no matter how many times you talk to him is not a friend.
As Petra, with her mouth slightly open, stopped moving, I continued to smile at her. She glanced briefly behind me and then said,
'Okay.'
I nodded in agreement.
I quickly replied with 'Thank you' to her answer and immediately turned around. I met Lukas, who had already taken a few steps towards me. He must be planning to follow me.
I widened my smile and looked directly into his blue eyes.
'Lukas, you should go home first.'
* * *
Regarding Petra, I successfully managed to visit Radmila's house. I believe this will be a significant step towards changing jobs from being the Hero's childhood friend."
Upon entering Radmila's house, I was hit by a strong sense of déjà vu. Even though I hadn't been here before, why did I feel this déjà vu now for the first time? After a moment of hesitation, I quickly realized its true nature.
――In my past life's memories, the recovery potion should have come out from that closet over there. No, it might have been Madoka— the currency of this world."
"Laura!?"
As I was digging up trivial memories, I was called out by name from the back.
This voice wasn't Radmila's. Radmila speaks in a more cutesy manner. This person, who despite having a childish tone, spoke in a calm manner—
"Julia! Julia, were you here too?"
Her name is Julia, with long beautiful black hair. She is a few years older than me. Though in terms of mental age, right now "I" am older than anyone else.
"Are you awake now?"
"Yeah. Sorry for worrying you. I'm fine now."
I answered with a smile, but the fact that not only Petra but also Julia were at Radmila's house left me feeling somewhat, no, quite crushed.
Among the girls of the same age living in this village, there are three others besides me. Those three, as you may have guessed, refer to Petra, Julia, and Radmila. In other words, it means that the three girls of the same age, excluding me, had made plans to play together!
In short, I'm being left out. I desperately tried to shake off the words that came to mind. The reason they didn't invite me was probably because they were concerned about me being attacked by monsters yesterday. That must be it. ――No, let's not pretend.
Even if I hadn't been attacked by monsters yesterday, thinking about whether they would have invited me or not, sadly, I can only come up with vague answers. They might have invited me. They might not have invited me. Despite living in the same village, the relationship between me and the other girls was so thin.
But, there's no time to feel down. Instead, I'm lucky to realize this fact. I should focus on building relationships from now on. Laura from "Last Brave" couldn't see that, and ended up with a sad outcome, but that won't happen to me.
"Hey, Yuria, Petra? --Oh, Laura too?"
Just as I was determined, Radmila with fluffy orange hair comes over.
I scold my own pounding heart, tries to be friendly with a youthful innocent smile, and speaks.
"Radmila, and you two. Can I join too?"
"Sure!"
They accepted me more easily than expected. I felt happy about that, but then...
"But, what about Lukas?"
At the mention of Lukas, I slumped my shoulders.
Am I already being associated with Lukas?
The sense of crisis is rising rapidly. This can't go on like this. I'm still only 8 years old. Lukas is said to leave as a hero at 16. I remember hearing in the game's opening that he's about to turn 17 soon. That's 8 more years. In those 8 years, I have to break free from being known as the hero's childhood friend.
Actually, it's not even 8 years. If I keep lingering in this village until Lukas leaves, there's a chance that even if I'm not interested, the people around me might start pushing me.
I really should leave this small, closed-off village as soon as possible. If I don't, I'll probably end up being known as the hero's childhood friend forever.
Looking ahead, I have two major goals.
One, to distance myself from Lukas without raising suspicion.
Two, to find a skill and leave this village as soon as possible.
By achieving these, I will change my future. I won't allow myself to be called a losing heroine. It's fine if the hero forgets about me. I'll seize my own happiness.
Let's aim to break free from the hero's childhood friend!
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)