When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 16

Episode 16

The next day, I visited the town of Kanaloa again with Sebas in order to consult Freyja about the matter. The three of us—Freyja, Sebas, and I—were seated in a private room at the tavern.

As soon as Sebas and I took our seats, I got straight to the point.

“Yesterday, I already talked to Sebas about this… but there’s been a major discovery.”

I began to explain how Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb was growing extensively throughout the Vixel Domain, and about the plan to use it as a specialty product of the domain.

Freyja listened quietly without interrupting. From her expression, I couldn’t read any emotions yet.

Then I brought up the main topic: the beastkin settlement.

“I’m thinking of making the beastkin settlement our first trading partner for the Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb. According to old documents, it seems there’s a settlement of theirs deep within the lands beyond Kanaloa. I’d like to confirm its existence and, if possible, try to make contact. Freyja, I want you to lead the investigation and expedition team.”

After explaining everything, I asked, “…So, what do you think?”

Freyja unclasped her hands and slowly closed her eyes.

It was like she was meditating. She remained silent for a while.

How much time passed, I couldn’t tell.

Eventually, Freyja quietly opened her eyes and stared straight at me with her crimson gaze.

“…Yes. I think it’s a good plan. For us, who’ve only been on the defensive, it might finally be a chance to break through the current deadlock.”

Her words carried a firm sense of resolve.

It seemed she too had been looking for something to break this stalemate.

I let out a small breath of relief and continued.

“Beastkin are said to have exceptional combat abilities. If we can establish a cooperative relationship with them, our defense capabilities in the Vixel Domain would drastically improve. There’s no doubt it would positively affect the frontlines.”

Freyja nodded silently at my words.

But then she immediately added, with a cautious look, “However…”

“If our counterpart is a beastkin tribe we’ve never made contact with before, there are some things we need to be careful about. First, we should avoid showing up in large numbers. It could raise their guard and make them hostile.”

“True. If we go in a big group, they might mistake it as an invasion…”

I agreed. When dealing with unknown parties, utmost caution is essential.

“That means, by necessity, the investigation will have to be done with a small team. That being said…”

Freyja paused there and turned her eyes toward Sebas.

“I’m sorry, but I believe we’ll have to ask Sebas-dono to stay behind. Considering the harshness of the journey, it would be too much for an elderly body. You might end up being a burden.”

It could be seen as blunt, but it was probably Freyja’s way of being considerate.

Sebas’s shoulders seemed to droop slightly. But he soon nodded with a calm expression.

“…You are absolutely right, Freyja-sama. With this old, worn-out body of mine, I would only weigh everyone down. I shall stay at the mansion and pray for Yutaka-sama and everyone’s safety.”

His voice carried a hint of regret about his age. But he seemed to have accepted it. I had no intention of forcing him. His decision deserved respect.

“And one more thing…”

Freyja looked back at me and continued.

“If I recall correctly, there’s a beastkin maid named Kotama at your mansion, Yutaka-dono.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

When I affirmed it, Freyja continued.

“If Kotama-dono, who is also a beastkin, accompanies us, it might make it easier for the other side to lower their guard. It could help show that we are not enemies. If possible, I’d like to ask her to join us.”

The moment she said that, Sebas’ body gave a visible jolt.

“Y-You want to bring Kotama!?”

It was a panicked voice, unthinkable coming from his usual composed demeanor.

He nearly stood up from his seat.

Freyja was taken aback by Sebas’ reaction. She tilted her head curiously and asked, “Is there some kind of problem?”

(Ah… right. Sebas hasn’t told Freyja about Kotama’s past…)

It made sense. Kotama’s trauma wasn’t something that could be lightly shared with others.

And this wasn’t something for me to decide.

To Kotama, Sebas was practically a father figure.

I looked quietly at Sebas.

“Sebas, what do you think? Of course, Kotama’s own will matters most. But first, I want to hear your opinion.”

My words seemed to snap Sebas back to reality. He slowly sat back down.

But his face was twisted in anguish. His deeply wrinkled forehead was glistening with a cold sweat.

He clutched his head in both hands and bowed deeply.

A heavy silence filled the room once again.

Only Sebas’ stifled breathing could be faintly heard.

Sensing the abnormal tension, even Freyja said nothing and simply watched Sebas.

How much conflict was raging inside him?

After a long, long silence—Sebas suddenly raised his head.

In his eyes, there was a firm light of resolve. It was completely different from his earlier agitation.

He took a deep breath and, though his voice trembled, he spoke clearly.

“…Understood. Let’s… ask Kotama.”

It was a declaration of his willingness to let Kotama go with us.

I couldn’t help but ask,

“Sebas… are you really okay with this? This mission isn’t safe. It might be a heavy burden for Kotama.”

I was worried. All the more so after seeing his torment.

Sebas looked at me with a gaze that was both sorrowful and gentle.

“Yutaka-sama… I am no longer young. I don’t have many years left. I can’t keep letting Kotama rely on me forever…”

His voice trembled with sadness.

“That child… she’s come this far on her own strength. She’s truly a strong girl. I must not stand in the way of her growth. I believe… it’s time to let her become independent from me—and for me, as well, to let go.”

Each of Sebas’ words weighed heavily on my heart.

His deep love for Kotama… and his desire to sever his own dependence on her.

His inner conflict was so intense, it hurt just to witness it.

Even Freyja, who didn’t know all the details, must have sensed Sebas’ unwavering resolve.

Looking straight at him with her crimson eyes, she declared firmly:

“Sebas-dono… please rest assured. I will protect Kotama-sama with all my strength.”

Her words overflowed with sincerity and a strong sense of justice.

I followed her lead and spoke up as well.

“I’ll protect her too, Sebas. I swear I’ll keep Kotama safe.”

Hearing our words, Sebas bowed his head deeply.

And when he looked up again, there were tears welling in his eyes.

“Yutaka-sama… Freyja-sama… I leave her in your care.”

It was the strongest, most resolute voice I had ever heard from him.