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 20

Episode 20

The three days passed by in the blink of an eye.

And at last, the day of the expedition to search for the beastkin settlement arrived.

In my room at the mansion, I was doing a final check before departure.

From among my belongings, I took out a shield—silver in color. It had no decorative elements at all. It was a plainly designed shield that was all about practicality.

During the journey to defeat the Demon King, Nergo had led me to a mysterious ruin. He insisted I absolutely had to obtain it…

That’s where I found this shield, deep within.

After defeating the Demon King, to be honest, I thought this shield would never again see true battle.

As I ran my hand across the cool surface of the shield, I muttered softly, not to anyone in particular:

“Once again… no, I’m entrusting everyone’s lives to you, Aegis.”

I never imagined the time would come so soon when I’d need this shield’s power again.

*Knock knock* —a modest knock echoed through the room.

“Yutaka-sama, it is almost time for your departure.”

It was Sebas’ voice.

“Ah, I’m coming.”

I gave a short reply and carefully packed Aegis into my backpack.

—

When I arrived at Kanaloa’s plaza, two covered wagons were already prepared.

One was packed full of supplies—food, weapons, camping gear—

The other was outfitted with seating for the people.

The sturdy horses snorted softly. It was as if they were quietly awaiting the moment to depart.

While Sebas, Kotama (who was hiding behind him as always), and I were inspecting the wagons, Freyja noticed us and approached.

“Good morning, Yutaka-dono. Looks like you’re all set.”

“Good morning, Freyja. Seems you’re ready too.”

We exchanged morning greetings.

“Yes. Also, about the Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb you requested…”

Freyja pointed to a small wooden box loaded onto the supply wagon.

“We reached out to nearby villages and managed to gather this much. Just one box, but will it be enough?”

“More than enough. Thank you, Freyja. That’s a big help.”

Since some villagers still didn’t fully trust me, I had asked Freyja to gather the Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb… Hopefully, it’ll be the key to making contact with the beastkin.

Freyja nodded. She then turned her gaze toward Kotama.

As always, she was glued to Sebas’ back. Freyja crouched slightly to meet her eye level and spoke gently:

“Kotama-dono… Are you really okay? If you’re pushing yourself too hard, it’s not too late to—”

Her voice was filled with sincere concern.

Kotama responded in a small but firm voice:

“…Yes, I’m okay. I’ll do it…!”

“I see. Then, I’m counting on you.”

Freyja acknowledged Kotama’s small resolve with quiet acceptance.

—

During the journey, considering that Kotama still wasn’t used to being around the male soldiers, she rode in the rear supply wagon.

She nestled herself in a corner opposite the driver’s seat, surrounded by large leather sacks, crates, and weapons—

It was like a little secret base, just for her.

Sebas was likely worried about her. He kept fussing over her with gentle words.

“Kotama, are you sure you’re okay back there? Isn’t it a bit cramped? A blanket, perhaps…”

“G-goodness, Sebas! You worry too much! I’m fine! I can handle things on my own!”

Kotama’s voice was slightly exasperated. Yet it had a hint of sweetness in it too.

Her usually obedient tone toward Sebas now carried a tiny thorn—

It was so endearing that I couldn’t help but smile to myself.

She was probably trying in her own way to cope with the nerves.

As for me, one of the soldiers guided me to a seat near the driver’s platform of the passenger wagon, where I sat down.

After a while, all the soldiers participating in the expedition gathered. And Freyja surveyed the group.

“Everyone ready!?”

Her clear voice rang out across the plaza.

“Our mission this time is to discover the beastkin settlement and make contact with them! No matter what difficulties lie ahead, we will achieve our objective and return safely! Move out!”

“”“OUUHH!!”””

The soldiers responded with powerful, deep shouts.

“We’re counting on you, Freyja-sama!”

“Be careful out there, Yutaka-sama—!”

Encouraging voices came from the soldiers seeing us off.

Freyja gave a satisfied nod. She then sat down across from me.

“Yutaka-dono, there’s a lot I’d like to go over with you during the journey. I’m counting on you.”

“Of course, same here.”

It made sense for us to be seated together—there would be plenty to discuss.

With a creak of the wheels, the wagon finally began to move.

The townscape of Kanaloa slowly receded into the distance.

Surrounded by a band of soldiers, one figure stood out in the rear—a dignified Sebas in his elegant tuxedo.

For their sake, and more than anything, for the people of the Vixel Domain’s future—

We must bring back results.

As I gazed at the scenery passing by outside the window, I quietly renewed my resolve.