The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 13

As the sun began to set, Hayato and Josuke stood in front of an elegant, old-fashioned high-end restaurant. The dignified building stood quietly among modern office towers, exuding a sense of tranquility, separated from the bustle of the city.

“This is the place?”

“Yeah.”

Hayato’s question was met with a nod from Josuke. He checked the screen of his smartphone, confirming the address matched the building. There was no mistake.

“This is the place that Tetsumura—the one we knew as Galette—told us to meet.”

Adjusting the cuffs of his well-worn suit, Josuke gazed at the building before them. It was Galette, or rather Tsuyoshi Tetsumura, who had summoned them here.

According to what Josuke had told him, the restaurant was known as a confidential meeting spot often used by politicians and celebrities. The things discussed here rarely, if ever, leaked to the outside world.

When Hayato called out, the two of them stepped through the gate. Inside was a small Japanese garden. They walked along a stone path that wove between stone lanterns and a dry rock garden.

“This is amazing.”

Hayato looked around. The light of the setting sun stretched the shadows of the trees, creating a mystical atmosphere.

“I can’t believe a place like this exists in Tokyo. I’ve never been to such a fancy restaurant before.”

Josuke smiled at Hayato’s candid reaction.

“Like I said, it’s the kind of place where business tycoons and politicians come for secret talks. Naturally, the prices match the status.”

“Makes sense.”

Hayato nodded in admiration. He was once again reminded that there was still so much about this world he didn’t know.

At the entrance, a refined middle-aged woman bowed deeply to greet them. Her movements carried the grace and elegance honed through generations of tradition.

“Thank you for coming today. Your party has already arrived and is waiting inside.”

The woman, presumably the proprietress, was dressed in a refined kimono. Her presence reminded Hayato of the head maid from the royal castle in the other world—he’d often been shown such respect when summoned to the palace.

“Right this way, please.”

Following her lead, they removed their shoes and stepped up into the entryway, proceeding down a polished corridor. The sound of a shishi-odoshi echoed rhythmically in the background, marking the passage of time. The soft sound of their footsteps on the tatami added to the serene ambiance.

Led through the innermost part of the restaurant, they arrived at a private room. The proprietress called out, “Your guests have arrived,” and a man’s voice from inside responded, “Come in.”

The sliding door opened, and stepping inside, they found Seika, Riri, and a young man with reddish hair—Tsuyoshi Tetsumura, also known as Galette—already seated and waiting.

“You came, Hayato-dono!”

Tsuyoshi stood up the moment he saw Hayato’s face, opening his arms wide. His voice rang throughout the room, filled with genuine joy.

“I’ve waited so long for this moment!”

His voice trembled slightly with excitement.

“Yeah, it’s been a while.”

Hayato smiled in return, a warmth spreading in his chest at the reunion with a comrade from the other world.

“I’m glad to see you too, Galette. Or I guess, Tsuyoshi is your name here.”

“That’s right. Call me that while we’re here.”

Tsuyoshi nodded.

“Come on, sit down. Let’s have a drink!”

Flashing a bright smile, he still carried the presence of the dwarven blacksmith from the other world. Yet now, he wore a stylish suit and carried the air of a young businessman—it suited him well.

“We can talk freely here. I told the proprietress it’s a private party among close friends.”

Hayato sat down facing Tsuyoshi. On the table, appetizers were already beautifully arranged.

Meanwhile, before sitting, Jousuke carefully inspected every corner of the room—walls, ceiling, even beneath the floor—as if searching for something invisible.

“Just in case.”

He answered quietly. It was second nature to him—an occupational habit from his past life. This kind of vigilance during secret meetings was standard for him. None of the others seemed surprised—they accepted his actions as routine.

“It’s fine.”

Seika smiled gently.

“I already checked before arriving. It’s clean.”

Satisfied, Josuke finally took a seat. He visibly relaxed, the tension easing from his shoulders.

“Alright, I’ll take a drink too.”

“Beer first?”

“Order whatever you like.”

Tsuyoshi laughed heartily. Hayato found the sound nostalgic. He hadn’t changed.

“Order anything. Tonight, it’s all on me.”

“I’ll have something sweet, then.”

Seika smiled elegantly, pointing to the plum wine on the menu.

Only Riri seemed a bit pouty, puffing her cheeks. Her youthful gesture lightened the mood in the room.

“Lucky you guys. I can’t drink—I’m underage.”

“No way. Absolutely not.”

Hayato said sternly. Seika added,

“Not even a taste. We have to follow the law.”

Their words carried a mature sense of responsibility. Riri, understanding that, puffed her cheeks even more.

“Ugh, being reborn younger has its downsides.”

Her exaggerated complaint made everyone laugh, warming the atmosphere. It was a familiar feeling to Hayato—just like old times. Tsuyoshi’s boisterous laughter especially echoed through the room.

As they chatted, they called in a staff member to order drinks. Beer, sake, plum wine, and juice were brought to the table. The chilled glasses sparkled under the soft lighting.

“Let’s toast.”

Hayato raised his glass. His face glowed warmly under the table’s soft light.

“To our reunion.”

In unison, his companions raised their glasses.

“Cheers!”

The five glasses clinked with a clear, gentle sound, as if celebrating this precious moment.

The meal was served in courses, and they enjoyed it while conversing. Each dish was crafted with seasonal ingredients and exquisite skill—grilled, simmered, raw, and fried delicacies prepared by a top-tier chef.

Hayato, remembering the meager meals and dried meat of the battlefield in the other world, was deeply moved by the contrast. While those campfire meals were nostalgic in their own way, he fully savored the happiness of this moment with his companions.

After some time, as the drinks flowed, Hayato set down his glass and grew serious. His eyes reflected deep emotions, as if recalling the journey they had taken.

“Once again, I’m truly happy that we’re all back together.”

He spoke quietly.

“Thank you, everyone.”

He looked around at each of their faces, eyes glistening with faint tears. That was how much this reunion meant to him.

Seika was the first to respond. She sat upright, her posture momentarily evoking the solemnity of an elven priestess from the other world, despite her modern attire.

“It is we who should thank you.”

Her voice was calm.

“We are eternally grateful that you saved the world, Lord Hayato.”

Next was Josuke, who spoke with his usual calculated tone, choosing his words carefully. A brief softness flickered in his sharp gaze.

“Thank you, Hayato-dono.”

He spoke sincerely.

“You carried out the hope we entrusted to you. I truly appreciate it.”

Riri looked slightly embarrassed but met Hayato’s eyes directly. In her pure gaze, there was both the pride of a former goddess’s servant and the honest heart of a modern girl.

“Thank you so much.”

Her eyes sparkled with tears.

“I could only watch as you fought. Even alone, you never gave up—you defeated the Demon King. I can’t thank you enough.”

Finally, Tsuyoshi set down his glass and closed with a strong voice. He lightly slapped the table, causing the sake to ripple slightly.

“The other world is surely at peace now.”

His eyes were full of conviction. Gripping his glass with a large hand, he spoke proudly.

“That’s thanks to you, Hayato-dono. Once more—thank you for saving our world.”

Hayato looked down, a little embarrassed. He felt he had merely fulfilled his duty as a hero, and he accepted that. Defeating the Demon King had brought him genuine relief, with no regrets.

But something still weighed on his heart. Something he hadn’t been able to say.

“But everyone…”

He spoke softly.

“Are you really glad you followed me?”

“What do you mean?”

Tsuyoshi furrowed his brow.

“I went to another world, fought the Demon King’s army, and… I died.”

He remembered his comrades’ deaths. His voice trembled. The bl00d-soaked battlefield was etched into his memory.

“After that, I was happy to know you all were watching over me. But then… you followed me back to this world. Are you sure you don’t regret it?”

Silence fell. But only for a moment.

“No regrets.”

Josuke answered quietly, his eyes shining with resolve.

“We were already dead in that world.”

Seika continued calmly.

“After witnessing the final battle, our souls were supposed to disappear.”

“But we followed Hayato-dono, were reborn here, and miraculously came back to life.”

Josuke added, a joyful expression on his face. Tsuyoshi nodded firmly.

“Being able to say thank you in person like this is a true blessing.”

Riri leaned over the table, placing her hands down with determination.

“There’s no way I’d leave the hero who saved our world all alone. This was meant to happen.”

Seika smiled gently.

“I’m happy in this moment. That feeling is genuine.”

Finally, Tsuyoshi declared powerfully.

“We’ve become stronger by being reborn. I want to enjoy life in this world to the fullest.”

He clenched his fist.

“And Hayato-dono—we owe you a debt. Now it’s our turn to repay it.”

Hearing their words, Hayato accepted their feelings wholeheartedly. He no longer had to bear everything alone—they had chosen to be here of their own will.

“Everyone… thank you.”

Hayato showed a heartfelt smile to his friends.

If that’s the case, then he would live his life fully with them. In his heart, Hayato made a firm decision—to walk this new life together with his companions.

As they enjoyed the food and drinks, they shared stories about their lives and work in the modern world, and memories from the other world. Sometimes they laughed loudly, other times they were moved to tears.

Outside the window, the night view of Tokyo sparkled quietly. It was a sight completely different from the other world, but the friends here remained the same.

The comrades lost in the other world had gathered once more in this one. It could only be described as a miracle.

Raising his glass once again, Hayato spoke softly.

“Everyone, let’s keep going—together.”

The four companions smiled in response to his words.