"I'll Catch Up Later, So Go On Ahead!" I Said, and Stayed Behind in the Dungeon for Five Years. When I Returned to the Royal Capital, for Some Reason, I Had Become a Great Criminal, So I Decided to Retire. But Outstanding People Keep Gathering Around Me Though... - Episode 35: I’m Off
Episode 35: I’m Off
“A princess…?”
I can’t believe the person I handed bread to back then was actually a princess…
Was she secretly sneaking out to get bread? Still, why is she approaching me now? I can imagine the reason, but…
“You are the Hero Haruto, correct?”
“…”
I quietly circulate magic through my body. I’m staying alert so I don’t miss any sudden movements.
“Oh, you don’t need to be on guard. I’m not here to punish you or anything like that.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I’ll get straight to the point. I’m currently working with your former party members to rise up against the kingdom.”
“…I see.”
So that’s what this is about. That said, a few questions come to mind.
“But you’re a member of the royal family, aren’t you? Are you really okay with turning against the kingdom?”
When I said that, Princess Tiris’ face clouded over.
“…It’s no exaggeration to say the kingdom is already completely rotten. My father, the king, is just a puppet now. Behind him lurks the influence of my older brother, Raiz. Slowly but surely, his forces have taken over the kingdom. He’s more ambitious than anyone and obsessed with power. The internal power struggles in the royal court were intense. But my brother eliminated almost all opposition. It’s only a matter of time before he takes the throne. Precisely because I am royalty, I cannot turn a blind eye.”
“…So that’s what’s been going on.”
“Yes. And it was also my brother Raiz who framed you with false charges. The existence of ‘Hero Haruto’ had become too great. So he moved to eliminate you.”
I had heard some of the outline from Felina. But to think things were this twisted behind the scenes…
“We must stop him. However… at the moment, Raiz’s forces are extremely powerful. In particular, one of his personal guards is exceptionally skilled. In the past few years, this individual alone has crushed nearly every opposing faction. My companions plan to fight without involving you, but…”
“You’re not sure they can win?”
“…No. I’m not a fighter myself. But I have a very bad feeling. And I’m sure Raiz has some hidden trump card…”
I see. If they’re not even sure those four can win, the enemy must be formidable. And now I understand exactly why Princess Tiris sought me out.
“You want me to join your cause, don’t you?”
“…That’s right. I know it’s incredibly presumptuous. Asking someone like you, a hero, to get involved again is deeply disrespectful… but we need your strength. We need the power of Hero Haruto. Will you lend us your aid?”
Princess Tiris bowed her head deeply—very deeply.
Seeing her sincere posture, I realized something.
That I still had something left to do.
“Please raise your head. I understand. I’ll fight with you.”
“…Is that… really alright? Even after all this kingdom has done to you… the injustice…”
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any resentment. But I still have the power of a hero. My fight isn’t over yet. And I need to settle this fate. That’s why—I’ll see it through to the end.”
“…Thank you. Then let me explain what lies ahead.”
I listened to everything Princess Tiris had to say—what Prince Raiz is planning, what kind of forces he’s gathered, and the strategies and preparations they’ve made over the last five years to oppose him.
After hearing it all, I renewed my resolve.
“That’s all.”
“I understand. Now I know exactly what I need to do. I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
“Yes. Please. I will also do my utmost.”
The conversation ended there. But just before parting, she spoke once more.
“Haruto-sama, allow me to offer my sincerest apology. For the false charges brought against you… as a royal and as a fellow human being, I apologize from the bottom of my heart. No words can return the time you’ve lost, but… I hope we can build a better future together, starting now.”
Princess Tiris bowed once again—deeply, earnestly, with heartfelt regret.
Maybe the kingdom is truly rotten… but the fact that someone like her still remains gives me hope.
“No… this isn’t something you need to apologize for. And—if there are still people like you in this kingdom, then there’s still hope for the future.”
“…Thank you. You really are kind, Haruto-sama.”
The darkness hidden within the kingdom.
Why did we end up heading toward the Abyss Sanctum?
Why did the disaster known as the Black Calendar Calamity occur?
And how do all those past events connect to what’s happening now?
I’ve learned the full truth.
My battle still isn’t over.
I have power.
And that power must be used to protect others—not just the people of the capital, but also the people of Rothen.
As 〈Hero Haruto〉—I will rise once more.
†
“Boss. Lisel. I have something to tell you.”
I immediately went to inform the two of them. I wouldn’t be able to help out at the bakery for a while.
“What’s the matter, Haru?”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to come in for a while.”
“Did something happen?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to fight once more—for the sake of protecting the kingdom.”
“…I see. Understood.”
The boss didn’t press me for details—he just nodded.
“Lisel, please wait for me too.”
“Yes. Haru-san… please be safe.”
For the boss and Lisel, and for the sake of protecting this place—I swore once again to give it my all.
“Haru. This place is your home now. You have somewhere to return to. Don’t forget that.”
“I won’t!”
Not just to the boss and Lisel, but to the people of Rothen as well, I told them: if anything happens, activate the barrier and stay indoors. Even if monsters from the Abyss Sanctum attack, they should be able to withstand it.
To bring an end to all of this, I move forward.
I had always suspected a day like this might come—so I had prepared gear for battle just in case.
I put on a black leather inner armor. Lightweight, but woven with special material that resists magic. Next, I donned a breastplate engraved with a crest—a piece crafted by an old blacksmith friend. It was designed to diffuse impact and magical interference.
On my legs, I wore light combat boots designed for mobility. With a light kick against the ground, the familiar sensation returned to my feet. Finally, I threw on a thin dark-blue cloak. It blended in, unnoticeable—but to me, its scent was the scent of battle.
“Alright. Time to go.”
When I stepped outside, Lisel was standing there.
“Lisel?”
“You’re going, aren’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“Promise me. Promise me you’ll come back… I’ll be waiting for you.”
With those words, Lisel hugged me tightly—almost painfully. I understand. I have somewhere to return to now. I’m not planning to die with the enemy. I will come back alive.
“Of course. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.”
“Yes! Haru-san… take care!”
“Yeah. I’m off—!”
With a burning determination in my heart, I once again stepped into the fires of war.
Original Author’s Comment:
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[Afterword]
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