The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 7

A state-of-the-art condominium stood in the heart of Tokyo’s upscale residential district. Following Lili, who strode in without hesitation, Hayato entered with considerable unease. Uniformed staff waited in the lobby, but they passed through unstopped.

The elevator ascended. It chimed softly when it reached the 25th floor, and the doors slid open. This is my first time so high up, Hayato thought as they walked down the hallway and stopped.

“Here it is,” Lili said, taking out a key and unlocking the door.

“This is… amazing.”

Opening the front door revealed a spacious 3LDK apartment. An impressive marble entrance hall, floor-to-ceiling windows, a sleek kitchen, and a vast living room. Overwhelmed by the opulence reminiscent of a celebrity’s mansion, Hayato was speechless.

“Am I supposed to live here? No way, I just lost my job! I can’t afford rent like this!”

Lili nodded happily at his question. “Yes, of course. This apartment belongs to Kageno-san… I mean, John.”

“John’s?”

John was one of Hayato’s most important comrades – an information broker. What did it mean that he owned this place? Just as Hayato was about to ask Lili for clarification, the apartment door opened, and a young man walked in.

“Long time no see, Mr. Hayato.”

A young man in a suit entered the room with confident strides. Short black hair, grey eyes. The sharpness of his gaze instantly confirmed Hayato’s suspicion.

“Could it be… John!?”

It was indeed John, the reliable information broker comrade who had saved their group countless times.

Hayato and John clasped hands firmly in a handshake, then clapped each other on the shoulder. It was their first reunion in a long time, but their movements were perfectly in sync and familiar. Watching them, Lili also smiled happily.

“In this world, my name is Kageno Jousuke. Pleased to formally meet you, Satou Hayato-san.”
“Yeah, likewise, Jousuke. Just call me Hayato.”

Meeting properly for the first time in this world, they exchanged introductions again.

“Sorry it took me so long to come see you; I’ve been incredibly busy.”
“Don’t apologize. Honestly, I’m just really glad to see you, Jousuke.”

Lili had told him beforehand that all the other comrades were working adults with very demanding schedules. So, Hayato held no resentment whatsoever.

“So, what do you think of the new place I prepared for you? The view from here is pretty great, right?”

Jousuke guided him to the large living room window. The view of the city center from this height was breathtaking. Tokyo Tower was clearly visible nearby, and the night view must be spectacular.

“Yeah, it’s incredible. But are you sure it’s okay for me to stay in such a high-end place?”
“What are you talking about, Hayato? You’re the savior of our world. This much is only natural as thanks.”

Like Lili, Jousuke spoke of it as a natural repayment to the one who had saved their other world. He insisted Hayato accept it without reservation.

“Besides, I earn quite a lot. You don’t need to worry.”

Jousuke pulled a business card from his pocket. The design was simple yet sophisticated, bearing the title: ‘Representative Director and President, Kageno Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.’

“I might not look it, but I’m the president of a company.”
“President?! That’s amazing!”

Using the knowledge and experience he gained in the other world, Jousuke had amassed enormous profits through real estate and stock investments. The information processing skills, insight, and sharp instincts honed as an information broker seemed to translate perfectly into his talent as an investor.

“I started with small investments, reinvesting the profits to grow my assets. Now, I own this building. It’s just one among several assets.”

Jousuke spoke with evident pride. Given how exceptionally skilled he was as an information broker, Hayato found the story completely plausible.

Still, hearing it didn’t erase Hayato’s lingering sense of guilt.

“But still, I can’t just do nothing…”
“Honestly, if you refused, we’d feel bad. It just shows how deeply grateful we all are to you.”
“…Alright. I’ll gratefully accept, Jousuke.”
“Yeah, that’s how it should be. I’m happy if you’re pleased.”

After being told that much, there was nothing to do but accept graciously. For Hayato, still unemployed, the offer was honestly an immense relief.

“Don’t worry about the job either. If you can’t find one anywhere else, I can hire you at my company. Or, you could choose a completely different path. Take plenty of time to rest and find what you truly want to do. I’ll support you as a comrade all the way.”
“I will too, Hayato. If you face any hardship, I’ll support you.”
“Jousuke, Lili… thank you. That means a lot.”

Hayato couldn’t help but feel profound gratitude for their words. Being able to search for his own path without financial anxiety, with their support as comrades promised – it was an enormous gift.

However, he had no intention of relying on their kindness forever. He resolved to either earn enough to pay the rent himself or find another way to repay the debt. To do that, he needed to find a new job quickly. Lingering forever as the recipient of their generosity simply felt wrong. With that determination in his heart, Hayato began his life in the new apartment.