The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 46

That evening, Hayato visited the IVE office. It had been a few days since the game’s release, and he was scheduled to receive a detailed briefing on the public’s response.

In the conference room, piles of magazines, newspaper clippings, and printed web articles were spread out. Riri was already seated, carefully reading through each article from the stack.

“These are all articles about the game,”

A young female staff member from the PR team explained proudly. Her expression clearly showed how delighted she was with the project’s success.

“That’s a crazy amount,”

Hayato said aloud in surprise. The sheer volume of materials far exceeded what he had imagined.

“It’s not just gaming magazines — even general newspapers and business journals covered it. Headlines like ‘A New Business Model That Defies Gaming Industry Norms’ and ‘A Revolutionary Action RPG by a VTuber Programmer’ have drawn attention from all angles.”

The PR staff pointed out some of the article headlines as she spoke. One even featured Lilia’s avatar on the front cover of a major gaming magazine.

“This article in particular is getting a lot of attention,”

She pulled out a magazine with a prominent headline: “Innovation in the Popular Free Game — A Professional’s Perspective.”

“A famous game designer had this to say: ‘The physics and combat systems in this game are so detailed, it feels like the developer has actual experience wielding a sword. There’s a level of conviction here that goes beyond mere fantasy.’”

Hayato and Riri looked at each other. That assessment was pretty much spot on. After all, Hayato had fought for ten years in another world, and Riri had faithfully translated those memories into the game.

“There’s been a flood of interview requests as well,”

The PR rep booted up her laptop to show a compiled list of media inquiries.

“We’ve received over 80 requests so far. The team is sorting through them now. We even got multiple offers for TV appearances.”

“TV?” Riri asked in surprise. The scale of the reaction was clearly beyond her expectations.

“Yes. Not only game-focused programs, but also morning shows and news segments. Of course, you’d appear as your avatar, Lilia.”

During the meeting, a young staff member entered the room, clearly carrying some important news.

“Excuse me, I have great news.”

Everyone turned to him. After catching his breath, he spoke excitedly.

“We just got word from the Indie Game Awards committee — Riri’s game has been selected as this year’s Grand Prize winner!”

The room erupted in cheers. The PR staff clapped and offered congratulations to Riri.

“Congratulations, Riri,”

Hayato said sincerely. Her hard work being recognized made him proud as well. Riri had been a special talent in the other world, and now she was shining just as brightly in this one. That truth made him genuinely happy.

“Thank you very much. But it was thanks to everyone’s help,”

Riri accepted the news humbly, though her cheeks were flushed with joy. She looked at the mountain of articles on the table, a touched expression on her face.

“The award ceremony will be held next month at the special venue of the Game Expo,”

The staff member explained, holding more documents detailing the schedule and attendees.

“We’d like Lilia to give a speech as her avatar.”

“Yes, understood.”

A month later, at the special venue of the Game Expo. Bright lights and large screens lit up the award ceremony stage, packed with industry professionals and journalists.

Hayato, Josuke, Seika, and Go sat quietly at the back of the VIP section. Since they were attending as IVE staff and not in their VTuber personas, no one recognized them. Go wore a sleek business suit, Josuke looked refined in a semi-casual outfit, and Seika wore a tailored women’s suit.

“Getting a little nervous,”

Hayato muttered. The atmosphere’s intensity made him tense up.

“You’re not even the one going on stage,”
“I feel the same,”

Seika replied with a calm smile, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Seeing Riri on the big stage is such a proud moment. It makes me happy.”

The ceremony began, with awards handed out for music, graphics, and story. Finally, it was time for the Game Design Award.

“And this year’s Grand Prize goes to… the development team led by Lilia-san!”

As applause filled the venue, Lilia’s avatar appeared on the giant screen. Using motion capture from a special studio, Riri’s movements were perfectly mirrored. The wise figure with golden hair and blue eyes moved gracefully across the screen.

Lilia bowed politely and mimed receiving the trophy. Her presence bridged the gap between the digital and real worlds.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award,”

Riri’s voice came through the speakers. Though slightly nervous, she spoke confidently enough that only those who knew her well could tell. Her voice blended the dignity of a sage from another world with the freshness of a young woman from this one.

“This game is a story that means everything to us. It’s a record of a long journey, a crystallization of joy and sorrow.”

The audience listened intently. Her words carried weight beyond simple lines.

“This game was born from my precious memories — days of adventure with irreplaceable comrades, a record of courage that endured even in the face of despair.”

Hayato nodded silently. To others, it would sound like a creative narrative. But for him and Riri, it was the truth — and that was enough.

“I thank everyone who experienced our story through this game. And to the friends who supported me — I offer my deepest gratitude.”

Lilia bowed deeply on-screen. Warm applause filled the hall.

After the ceremony, a grand reception was held. Industry veterans flocked to Lilia’s booth, offering praise and business cards — all while she remained in her VTuber avatar form.

“We’d love to collaborate on your next project.”
“We have a formal position waiting for you.”
“Your talent is a treasure to the industry — please bring it to our company!”

Riri responded politely to every offer but gave no definitive answer. Her voice was composed and respectful, holding its own in conversations with top executives.

Later that night, back at Hayato’s apartment, the team gathered to celebrate with a home-cooked meal and champagne.

“You really did it, Riri. You’re incredibly talented,”

Josuke raised a toast.

“I never imagined the game you made as a gift for Hayato would gain global recognition,”
Seika said with a gentle smile.

“I was honestly unsure when you first said you wanted to make a game,”
Go added, clapping her on the shoulder, “But look at the result — absolutely incredible.”

Riri, a little bashful, smiled joyfully at their praise.

After Josuke, Seika, and Go left, only Riri remained in the living room.

“Tired?”

Hayato handed her a cup of warm tea as she sank into the sofa. She took it with both hands, took a sip, and visibly relaxed.

“A little… but very happy,”
She smiled gently.

“I really felt it today — Hayato’s story has reached so many people.”

“Yeah.”

They drank their tea in comfortable silence. Outside, the city lights glittered in the night.

“Actually…”

Riri began quietly, her gaze lingering in the steam rising from her cup.

“I got several scouting offers during the reception. From some pretty famous companies.”

“I’m not surprised,”
Hayato replied. Her talent made it inevitable. But he was curious about her decision.

“They were all really tempting offers. But I turned them all down.”

“Why?”

Hayato asked. Riri wrapped her hands around the cup, thinking.

“The reason I wanted to make the game… was because I wanted people in this world to know about your achievements, Hayato.”

“That’s why we started streaming too, huh?”

“Yes, exactly.”

She continued softly:

“I didn’t want people to forget what you did as a hero in the other world. I wanted to preserve those memories.”

“Riri…”

Hayato couldn’t find the words. Her dedication moved him deeply.

“And I’ve accomplished that goal.”

She smiled in quiet satisfaction.

“Many people now know your story — the adventures of you and your companions. Through streaming and through the game, that story will live on.”

“That would make me very happy.”

Hayato returned her smile. It truly brought joy to see Riri’s wishes come to life and be embraced by so many.

“So, I’ve decided to start focusing on my university entrance exams.”

“Good idea.”

That reminded Hayato that Riri was still a student. With her maturity and talent, he often forgot she was still in high school — still deciding her future path.

“The exams aren’t right away, but I want to start preparing early.”

“That’s a wise decision.”

He genuinely meant it. From mastering the arcane in another world to pursuing academics in this one, her path made perfect sense.

“But…”

She hesitated, placing the cup on the table and folding her hands on her lap.

“I want to keep streaming too. But if I do, I might not be able to focus on studying.”

Her words revealed both her sense of responsibility and uncertainty. She didn’t want to leave their project unfinished.

“Then leave the streaming to me. I’ll handle it. I’m sure the others will help too — so don’t worry.”

Hayato offered without hesitation. Up until now, Riri had led the charge — but now it was his turn.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

He said confidently.

“We’ve built up so much attention. It’d be a waste to let that momentum fade. Besides, I enjoy sharing those memories through streaming.”

“But I’m the one who started this, and now I’m pulling back…”

“That’s not true.”

Hayato gave her a warm smile.

“You’ve already done more than enough. You can still join in whenever you want. What matters most is your future.”

Riri relaxed visibly at his words.

“Thank you, Hayato. Then I’ll leave the streaming to you.”