The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 43

The cruise ship journey had turned out to be far more fulfilling than Hayato had imagined.

In Pattaya, Thailand, he was moved by the beautiful beaches and vibrant cityscape. In Kuantan, Malaysia, they visited the stunning Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque and nearby beaches. At each port of call, they enjoyed the local culture and food, and once back on the cruise ship, they participated in the daily events and shows.

“Ooh, there’s a magic show going on,”

Go muttered as he looked at the ship’s daily newsletter during dinner, making Aoi’s eyes light up.

“I want to see the magic again!”

Ever since she participated in the previous magic show, Aoi had been hooked.

Josuke, who had been away, returned to the dining table. He sometimes went off on his own apart from the group.

“You seem busy, Josuke,”

Hayato said as he sat down next to him. Josuke gave a small smile.

“Yeah, just a bit. I was exchanging ideas with some investors I met on the ship. Their perspectives are fresh and inspiring.”

On a cruise with many wealthy passengers aboard, Hayato admired Josuke’s ability to connect and engage in meaningful discussions.

“Working even here, huh? You never change,”

Go joked, and Josuke shrugged lightly. He picked up his glass, took a sip, and replied,

“This is pretty much my passion. But you were the one asking all those technical questions during the engine room tour yesterday.”

“Ah, well, that was just out of pure curiosity.”

As memories accumulated, the 8-day, 7-night cruise quickly approached its final evening. The next morning, they would arrive at their final destination: Singapore. Their last dinner took place in the most prestigious venue on the ship—the main dining hall.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled above the luxurious dining room, where formally dressed waiters served guests. White tablecloths and silverware adorned the tables. Even the children sat up straight with slightly nervous expressions. Riku, in particular, mimicked his father’s dignified demeanor with a serious face.

“We really did eat food from all around the world this week,”

Hayato said with feeling as he looked at the menu. French, Italian, Chinese, and regional dishes from various countries had been served throughout the week.

“Yesterday’s steak was amazing.”

“We don’t usually get to enjoy this kind of luxury.”

“The meat was delicious! That sauce smelled incredible!”

While they reminisced about past meals, the exquisite course dinner began arriving. Appetizers, soup, fish, meat, and dessert—each dish was beautifully presented like a work of art and tasted just as exquisite.

“It’s so good!”

Aoi beamed with delight, and everyone agreed. During the meal, the ship’s captain visited each table to greet the guests. Dressed in a crisp white uniform, he asked about their experience with a warm smile.

“Did you enjoy the voyage? We hope to see you aboard again.”

“Yes, absolutely.”

Hayato meant it—he truly wanted to go on another cruise with these friends and create new memories.

The next morning, after their final night, the ship arrived at the port of Singapore.

As they packed their luggage, Hayato admired the modern skyline visible through the window. The ship’s announcement explained the disembarkation procedures, and passengers left the ship in turn. Hayato was the last to check their room, making sure they had left nothing behind.

“What an amazing view.”

He said in awe as he looked at the geometric high-rises, lush greenery, and waterfront landmarks from the deck. The futuristic cityscape shimmered in the morning light.

With their luggage in tow, they slowly disembarked. Looking back one last time at the massive ship that carried them for a week, they felt a deep sense of gratitude.

“Well, since we’re here, let’s take the chance to tour Singapore.”

Josuke had arranged for a van to pick them up. While heading straight to the airport was an option, they had decided to explore Singapore first.

They took commemorative photos at Merlion Park, marveled at the lush Gardens by the Bay, and had a final lunch at Marina Bay Sands. Though time was limited, they toured efficiently and fully enjoyed the charm of Singapore.

The children were especially amazed by the giant artificial trees in the gardens. Over 50 meters tall, the Supertrees looked like a fusion of nature and the future.

“Papa, are those trees real?”

“No, they’re artificial. But lots of real plants are growing on them.”

Go explained, and Riku nodded in admiration. The curiosity and wonder in the boy’s eyes warmed the hearts of the adults.

After the sightseeing, they headed to Changi International Airport. While exploring the airport’s modern design and amenities, they picked up some final souvenirs.

“This airport’s incredible.”

Hayato said, looking around at the interior filled with fountains and massive indoor plants.

“It’s been ranked the world’s best airport for years in a row. It’s more like a resort than an airport.”

“Wow, really?”

Seika’s explanation made Hayato nod in agreement.

After checking in and clearing immigration, they spent time in the airport lounge while waiting for their late-night flight. The children rested a bit in preparation for the long journey home.

“Getting tired, sweetheart?”

Kaede gently stroked Aoi’s hair and asked. Aoi shook her head slightly—a small act of defiance typical of a child who wanted to show she was still full of energy.

“No, I’m okay.”

The adults smiled at her response. But despite her words, her eyes already looked a little sleepy.

Eventually, it was time to board the flight back to Japan. They sat side by side and enjoyed the moment of takeoff. As the engines roared, the plane rapidly gained altitude.

“It’s faster than the ship,”

Riri said, pointing at the nightscape out the window. They quickly rose above the clouds, and the lights of Singapore faded into the distance. Hayato was again awestruck by the marvels of modern technology.

During the seven-hour flight, they watched movies, had a light meal, and took turns resting as the children fell asleep one by one.

Early in the morning, the plane landed at Haneda Airport. Passing through the clouds, the view of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Bay welcomed them home.

“We’re back in Japan.”

As the in-flight announcements switched to Japanese, a sense of relief washed over them. Hayato felt a reaffirmation of his identity—it didn’t matter if he traveled abroad or to another world, he was Japanese at heart.

After going through immigration, collecting their luggage, and stepping into the airport lobby, the familiar atmosphere brought comfort.

“It was amazing, but nothing beats coming home.”

Everyone nodded at Hayato’s words. Their expressions were a mix of fatigue and satisfaction.

“Back to daily life again.”

Josuke said, and Riri looked a little sad.

“But let’s go on another trip together someday.”

“Yeah, where should we go next?”

Go agreed. The kids also exclaimed, “Let’s go again!” Their energy made the adults smile—clearly, they had enjoyed every bit of the adventure.

Before parting ways at the airport, they took one final group photo. Everyone gathered with big smiles, and Josuke’s camera timer captured a photo they would all treasure.

“I’ll send you the photo later.”

Josuke promised. Then came the farewells. Saying goodbye to the children was especially bittersweet, and Hayato made a heartfelt promise to Riku and Aoi: “Let’s meet again.”

As Hayato rode the elevator back up to his apartment after several days away, he felt both the exhaustion and fulfillment from the journey. He opened the door and dropped his bags—his home’s familiar scent wrapped around him.

“I’m home.”

He whispered softly to the empty room. Standing by the window, he looked out over Tokyo. The ocean and sky from the cruise, the sights from different countries, and the smiling faces of his friends all returned to him in vivid memory—precious memories made with cherished companions.

Starting tomorrow, it would be back to work at the security company, and resuming his Vtuber activities. Daily life would return. But Hayato knew that what he had gained from this journey would add new color to his everyday life. With a pleasant sense of fatigue, he let that thought settle into his heart.