Chapter 118 The Hero'S Departure
――The day of the Hero's departure. The royal capital was filled with people, all gathered to celebrate the Hero's journey.
The main street was packed with people standing shoulder to shoulder, with Lukas leading the way, followed by Diona, Vake, and Arnold. As they walked, they were cheered on from all directions, finally reaching the large arch at the city entrance.
I was waiting for them under the arch. Since my childhood friend came to the royal capital, he's been caught up with the big shots and I hadn't been able to meet with him, even though I'm an alchemist.
I thought I should at least say goodbye before he leaves, so I took a deep breath and called out to him.
"Luka!"
"Laura!"
Lukas noticed my voice and came closer, smiling but with a tense expression ―― which was to be expected. After all, he's now a full-fledged Hero, shouldering the mission to defeat the demon king.
I grasped both of Lukas's hands tightly, feeling the chill all the way to his fingertips.
"I'm glad we could talk before you leave."
I let out a sigh of relief, and Lukas nodded slightly.
It's a shame to take up too much time, but I couldn't help it. I released Lukas's hands and rummaged through the large bag I brought, pulling out a smaller pouch. I pushed the pouch into Lukas's hands.
"Here, take this. I made healing potions that work on paralysis and poison. And, oh, I also included The Drinking Water of the Spirits! It might come in handy, so use it if you need to. Be careful, don't overdo it, and get plenty of rest every day. And, and, and――"
I rattled off my instructions quickly, and Lukas let out a laugh, exhaling heavily. Then,
"Laura, you're like my mom."
I couldn't help but burst out laughing, "Ahahaha!"
Indeed, I thought, I was saying something like a mother would, but that didn't change my true feelings. It's going to be a tough battle, a harsh journey. I want him to make sure to take care of his body, and I just want him to come back safely. That's my greatest wish.
This time, Lukas took my hand, and his eyes narrowed. It was a different smile from the tense one earlier, a familiar smile like we used to share.
I'll be fine, I have strong friends with me."
"...Yeah."
We nodded to each other, and then let go of our hands.
For a moment, I thought about Petra. What would she do when Lukas left the hometown? But, that's not something to think about now. It's a precious friend's love affair. I should stop prying.
After finishing my conversation with Lukas, I caught Diona's eye behind him. I had something to give her too.
I called out to her without thinking, "Diona!" and she immediately ran over to me.
I handed her a small pouch similar to the one I gave Lukas, containing healing potions and The Drinking Water of the Spirits.
"I'm giving you this healing potion set too, Diona. Please take care of Lukas for me."
"Don't worry about it. I'll do my best."
Her voice was firm, like she was determined to take on the responsibility.
Diona is a "good kid." She's the type who would sacrifice her own feelings to meet the expectations of the people of Rustu, this country, and this world, and work hard to achieve it.
That's why I want her to have the happiness she desires, even if it's not what I imagine.
As for what kind of relationship Diona and Lukas will build on this journey, I don't know anymore. If they can make their feelings align, I'll wholeheartedly celebrate and support them. But if they build a different relationship... I'll celebrate that too.
Falling in love with a hero isn't the only way for her to be happy.
"Don't overthink it, okay? If something happens, talk to your friends... I mean, it's not like I can say that, but take care of yourself."
I said something, and Diona nodded slowly, as if she was savoring my words. Then, she smiled and said "Thank you."
Just then, I noticed Vake's presence behind Diona, peeking at us. When our eyes met, he flashed a toothy grin and walked towards me.
"Vake-san! Please take care of Lukas for me!"
"Ah, young lady. Thanks for seeing me off."
It's reassuring to have Vake, who's used to fighting monsters and going on long journeys, watching their back. He's got a lot of support from the people, and many of those who gathered to see him off today were calling out to him. With him around, I'm sure they'll be able to handle not just battles, but also other things smoothly.
Vake's expression suddenly turned serious, and he leaned in close to whisper to me.
"There have been sightings of monsters that can speak human language in various places. They're incredibly strong. If you encounter one, run away as fast as you can."
I gasped at Vake's words, then nodded. He smiled again, looking relieved, and patted my head reassuringly.
"It's a huge encouragement to have someone like you who believes in me. You be careful too, young lady."
"Yes, you be careful too."
I looked up at Vake and handed him a pouch containing healing potions. Vake took the pouch, smiled at me once more, and left.
As he disappeared from view, I saw Arnold standing there, watching me.
Arnold walked towards me with slow, deliberate steps. He was wearing a traveler's outfit, not his usual Royal Alchemist uniform, which made me feel a little strange.
"Arnold-san, be careful too."
As I said that, I handed him a set of healing potions I had prepared for the others. He took it, then opened his mouth to speak.
"As an alchemist, I'm not enough, and I'll be a burden. I'm sorry to trouble you when you're still recovering, but I'm counting on you."
Arnold's eyebrows were furrowed, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was feeling sorry for me or if he was just surrounded by noisy people. Whatever the reason, I looked up at him with a smile and said.
"You're the one who should be thanked. About the world, about Lukas... please take care."
I bowed my head. When I heard a faint "Yeah" in response, I looked up to see Arnold flash a brief smile at me.
He, too, was about to leave my side. The Hero's party was moving away. They finally passed through the city gate's arch.
"It's time to depart――"
Someone shouted, and many people cheered in response.
――The Hero's party was departing.
I felt a mix of emotions, having finally reached this moment I'd seen many times in my dreams since regaining my past life's memories. The "Last Brave" members and circumstances were different, but the Hero had finally stepped into the game's main storyline.
(I didn't want to become a loser heroine, so I left the village with all my might... and finally made it this far)
From now on, the journey was about to begin, and it felt like I'd finally reached the starting point of my journey in my past life. But I felt like I'd already reached the goal.
I had a job in the royal capital, had avenged myself against the demon king, and was waiting for my childhood friends to return safely. The shadow of being a loser heroine that had haunted me in the past was now gone.
I felt a sense of accomplishment, mixed with anxiety for my childhood friends' journey.
As I listened to the cheers of the people around me, I stood alone, gazing at the Hero's party's backs. Even after they disappeared from view, and the crowd dispersed, I remained standing in the same spot.
＊＊＊
It had been a while since Lukas and the others departed, and on the surface, I was living a peaceful daily life.
Although the number of healing potions I had to synthesize every day had increased, Basilio-san and Iris were excellent, and our daily quota wasn't too difficult. The 3 of us would sometimes chat and laugh while synthesizing healing potions every day.
――It was one of those days. I was summoned by Kasper-san.
As soon as I entered the synthesis room, he bowed his head deeply towards me, so I kind of figured out the reason why I was called.
"Laura-chan, I'm really sorry..."
"...Are you sending me on a business trip somewhere?"
When I asked him directly, Kasper-san slowly lifted his face, looking uncomfortable. Then, he opened his mouth, looking awkward.
"There have been many monster sightings around Flaria recently. I'd like to request your urgent assistance, along with Basilio-san and Iris-san."
I couldn't blame Kasper-san, who looked like he was at a loss. Besides, I had visited the Flaria branch before, and I regularly went there to obtain The Drinking Water of the Spirits. It was a branch I was familiar with, second only to the royal capital.
I might even get to see Olivelle-san and Emiliana-san's parents again. Thinking about it, I started to feel a little excited.
"Understood."
I replied, and Kasper-san explained the details of the business trip to the branch. We would be leaving in 3 days. I had to pack my luggage within the next 2 days, which made me feel a bit rushed.
I had already made up my mind to go to the Flaria branch, but I had to confirm Basilio-san and Iris's intentions as well. After hearing the details, I immediately reported to the 2 juniors.
"Hey, I have an announcement for the 2 of you. We've been ordered to go on a business trip to the Flaria branch together. It's not mandatory, so if it's difficult, you can decline..."
Iris and Basilio-san looked at each other. Then, without warning, they burst out laughing ―― Iris even jumped into my arms.
I was surprised, but I caught her and held her tight, and she said with a big smile,
"It's okay if there are 3 of us!"
Basilio-san also smiled and said,
"Yeah, let's do our best with the 3 of us!"
The Elvira incident had also caused a lot of trouble for my 2 juniors.
And yet, they were still willing to say something like this to me, which made me really grateful and extremely happy.
――Three days later. I boarded a carriage with my 2 juniors and set off for Flaria.
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