The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 18

As scheduled, the mine inspection began.

The day after it was discovered that one of the security personnel had betrayed them, the entire plan was completely reorganized, and the bodyguards’ security measures were strengthened. Meetings between Takeshi and local officials were spread across multiple locations, and travel routes were changed each time.

Perhaps because of those measures, there had been no further attacks, and the meetings proceeded smoothly.

As they visited various facilities around the mine and met with negotiation partners, the expressions of the bodyguards gradually grew more fatigued. The unfamiliar local environment and constant tension were wearing them down. The leader, in particular, who felt deeply responsible for the betrayal from within, rarely rested and remained by Takeshi’s side at all times—ready to protect him no matter what.

“At this rate, he’s going to collapse.”

When Josuke whispered this to Hayato, the latter could only nod. Their eyes were bloodshot, and sweat continuously stained the collars of their uniforms.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, the first casualty finally emerged.

“I’m sorry, but may I rest for a bit?”

On the way back from a meeting, one of the bodyguards suddenly stopped, leaning against the wall while drenched in cold sweat. His face was pale, and his lips trembled. The intense stress and fatigue had finally reached their limit.

“Take him to the hospital.”

At Takeshi’s instruction, the man was taken to the hotel’s infirmary. The diagnosis: exhaustion and dehydration. The doctor ordered at least a week of rest.

“It’s not a problem. The rest of us will continue the protection.”

The leader tried to remain composed, but there was a hint of anxiety in his voice. It was clear that his team was also nearing their limits.

Over the next two days, several more bodyguards fell ill. The toll of the unsustainable security posture was heavy. Worry and fear clouded their faces. Then, on the morning of the seventh day, the leader himself collapsed.

“I truly, sincerely apologize.”

Lying in a hotel room, the leader repeatedly apologized to Takeshi, his face pale and his forehead slick with sweat from exhaustion. His eyes showed not only fatigue but also deep disappointment in himself.

“First, we had a traitor. Now I’ve failed to complete my duty due to my health. We… No, I… have completely failed.”

His voice trembled, overflowing with remorse.

“I’m sorry, too. I pushed you all too hard.”

Takeshi also apologized, filled with guilt. The leader, who had taken the threat too seriously, and Takeshi, who hadn’t taken it seriously enough—their difference in awareness had been significant.

“This leaves our security completely—”

“We’ve still got Hayato and Josuke. We’ll be fine.”

Takeshi looked toward the two, who were quietly standing in the corner of the room.

For the first time, the leader carefully observed them. Despite all the intense days they had endured, the two showed no signs of fatigue. In fact, they seemed calm and fully in control of the situation.

“Those two are…?”

The leader hesitated as he spoke. Takeshi, of course, couldn’t reveal anything about the other world.

Josuke simply shrugged and answered casually.

“We’ve always had good stamina.”

The leader didn’t look convinced. A thousand suspicions crossed his mind. Were these two special agents Takeshi had secretly hired? Was their entire background fake? It made no sense for a former office worker and real estate businessman to be this calm and resilient.

“You can trust them. And right now, your recovery is the top priority.”

At Takeshi’s words, the leader let out a deep sigh. In his current condition, he was of no use. He decided to follow his employer’s judgment.

“Understood. Then… I’ll entrust the security detail to the two of them.”

With the bodyguards temporarily out of action, the trio found themselves unexpectedly free to move around. The official inspection proceeded without issue, but Takeshi had something he wanted to check.

“There’s a place I want to see. Will you come with me?”

In a hotel room, Takeshi asked Hayato and Josuke. His eyes sparkled like an adventurer’s.

“Of course,” Hayato immediately replied.

“Where are we going?” Josuke asked with interest.

“Take a look at this map.”

Takeshi spread a map out on the table and marked a point. It was located at the foot of a small mountain, slightly away from the currently developing mine.

“I reviewed the geological survey data and believe there’s a high chance of an undiscovered vein in this area. Since we’re here, I want to check it out.”

“Got it. Let’s go.”

And so, the three decided to carry out an unscheduled investigation.

The next morning, the trio set out with the necessary equipment. Normally, they would’ve hired a local guide, but they didn’t need one—Josuke had thoroughly studied maps and terrain data in advance and planned the route accordingly.

They headed toward a cave hidden deep within a small hilly region. Overgrown with vegetation, it was a place even locals rarely visited.

“We can get in through here.”

Takeshi switched on his headlamp and illuminated the cave’s entrance. Damp, dark air greeted them.

“Let’s go.”

Hayato took the first step forward, and the others followed. The cave was more intricate than expected, with narrow paths and spacious chambers alternating irregularly. Relying on their headlamps, they carefully moved forward.

“This brings back memories,” Hayato murmured, recalling his adventures in another world—endless days of exploring caves and dungeons, always on the edge of danger. Those times now seemed strangely dear.

“It really does,” Josuke agreed, lost in his own memories.

“Though those caves were deeper, more dangerous, and had wider floors.”

“Remember that time Lilia unleashed a huge spell in a cave like this?”

Takeshi also recalled it fondly.

“Yeah, that was wild. The ceiling collapsed suddenly.”

“And Celestria protected all of us.”

“Thanks to her, we managed to wipe out the enemy.”

Reminiscing, the three ventured deeper into the cave. A strange sense of excitement filled them, pushing away any fatigue. It felt like they were reliving one of their old adventures.

The cave gradually sloped downward, and the temperature began to rise. Moisture seeped from the rocks, making the air increasingly humid.

“This is it.”

Takeshi stopped and looked around. They had reached a small chamber. Their headlamps cast uneven shadows against the rock walls.

And then—they found something. A faintly glowing mineral vein embedded in the rock. Takeshi approached to examine it.

“Yes! I knew it.”

His voice brimmed with satisfaction.

“What is it?” Hayato asked, curious. To him, it just looked like a rock, but Takeshi clearly saw value in it.

“It’s an ore deposit. A gift from the volcano.”

Takeshi ran his hand along the rock face like an expert.

“This area used to have active volcanic activity. Hot underground water dissolved various metals, which then cooled and solidified to form veins like this one.”

He pulled out a small hammer and carefully chipped off a sample.

“Based on my analysis, there’s a good chance a significant, undiscovered gold deposit extends northeast from here. I had to come and see it with my own eyes.”

Takeshi’s eyes sparkled like when he was once a blacksmith. He carefully packed the sample in a bag and nodded in satisfaction.

“Thanks. Mission accomplished. I’ll make sure to pay you both well.”

“Let’s talk about that after we get back,” Hayato said with a laugh. He was genuinely happy for Takeshi’s joy.

“Now that we’re done here, let’s head back. I’m dying for a cold beer,” Josuke added with a shrug, and the three of them laughed.

By the time they exited the cave, the sun was already setting. They returned safely to the hotel and rejoined the waiting bodyguards. With everything he had wanted confirmed, Takeshi decided they would return home the next day.

“We can continue negotiations later when things are calmer. This trip was all about confirming the facts.”

Takeshi smiled, fully satisfied. Despite the unexpected troubles, the inspection had been a great success for him.

The following week, after returning to Japan, Takeshi visited Hayato’s apartment.

Sitting in the living room with coffee brewed by Hayato, Takeshi handed him an envelope.

“Here’s your payment. Please accept it.”

Hayato opened the envelope, checked the documents inside, and his eyes widened.

“Wait, this much!?”

It was far more than he had expected—enough to live comfortably without working for two or three years.

“Please accept it,” Takeshi said with a serious expression.

“You were dragged into something unexpected, and this includes compensation for the trouble. More than that, the inspection was a great success thanks to you.”

“Still, this is…”

“I needed your help. And I want to pay you what that help was worth. That’s all.”

“…Alright. If you’re going that far, I’ll gladly accept it.”

Hayato replied with gratitude. Thanks to this payment, his life would be much more stable for the time being. He could stop rushing to find work and take time to think carefully about his future.