Overlimit Skill Holder Vol 6 Epilogue 4 True Route

Vol 6 Epilogue 4 Asha Ending (True Route)

After being questioned by Zerry-san, I thought of that girl.

If you asked me if I liked her from the beginning, that wasn’t true.

While I was enraptured by her looks initially, it doesn't necessarily meant love. Though she certainly was the most beautiful person I have ever met.

In our first meeting, she seemed pitiful. So I wanted to help her knowing my nature of helping others in need.

But after spending our time together slowly, I have gotten to know her more as a person. And eventually, she became an important part of my life, supporting me both physically and emotionally. She became someone precious to me, as I became attracted to her little by little in this series of bizarre incidents.

But if it hadn’t been for Zerry-san, I wouldn’t have been aware of this feeling.

I know I am dense at times, but it can't be helped. I have never experienced falling in love before.

It’s frustrating to admit, but I am thankful to Zerry-san.

If not for her, I would have lived my life in such a way that my relationship with that girl… would have continued platonically as it is now.

**

I knocked on her room door. And I heard her reply.

She was alone in her room sitting on her bed, staring outside the window at the beautiful night sky.

「…Oh, Reiji-san. Is there something you need from me?」

Asha, tilted her head slightly when she saw me.

When I saw her, various thoughts welled up in my chest.

When I first met her, she was just a pitiful, young girl who faced difficult circumstances, so I decided to help her.

Looking back, she was the same as me.

We were born with traits different from others. I was born with my black hair and eyes. She was born with her inherent, special nature towards fire magic that was looked down upon by elves, who were nature-loving.

And because of that, we both faced discrimination from people around us, and experienced hardships for the majority of our lives.

For me, I had to spend years in the mines as a slave and be ostracized for my looks. For her, it was the inability to speak and being sold to another country by her own parents.

However, throughout our journey together these past few months, she was someone who I could relate to the most.

She supported me in times of need. When I was feeling my lowest, she was there for me by my side. Whenever I needed help during our battles, she gave it her all for me. Now that I think about it, if it weren't for Zerry-san, I wouldn't have reflected and known this. She was the person who gave me the most.

And now, I can't stand not having her by my side.

I can't stand it if someone else took her away from me. My heart started aching at the thought of that.

She is someone that is irreplacable.

I once thought that if I was the one who caused Asha to grow so much like this, from someone who couldn't even raise a voice, to standing side by side with me, then I should be proud.

However, Asha has grown far beyond my imagination. She has become a strong woman, respected by many, even by the elves that once looked down on her for her composition.

(——If I do not take action now, she will be snatched away by others, and I don't want that.)

「Asha, there is something important I have to talk to you about.」

「Reiji-san? …Okay, I'll hear you out.」

「Can we go to the balcony outside? I'll talk to you there.」

「Mmhm...」

Asha stared at my face with her flushed cheeks.

I was taken aback by her beauty countless times, but for some reason, today she looked the most beautiful.

But I know. Her beauty isn’t in her appearance, but her honest heart on the inside.

Asha and I left the room and went out to the balcony.

This room on the 4th floor overlooked a large garden in front of us, beyond which you can see the streets of the capital city.

The moon was shining ever so dazzling today, and a cold wind blew.

But it felt pleasant to me.

Considering what I was about to say, my body temperature had been rising since a while ago. My heart started beating faster and faster.

I have never been in this situation before.

「So, Reiji san. What did you want to talk about? Is there a problem?」

In front of other people, Asha has a habit of speaking politely to others, perhaps developed from her time spent as a delegate for the Lev Magic Empire. But when it’s just the two of us, she speaks casually.

That made me happy.

「Umm… Asha, what are you going to do from now onwards?」

Instead of getting straight into the main topic, I took a roundabout way.

You can't blame me, I was really nervous...

There were many times she have shown signs of adoration for me, but I can't be too sure...

Even her father, the Elf King said she liked me, but is that really true? It is possible that her father was just messing around with me.

「I'm going to adventure with you and the other members of the Silver Balance, Reiji-san.」

「Really?」

「Yes. I want to spend the rest of my days travelling and have fun with you all.」

「But don't you have many things to settle in the Elf Kingdom? After the incident with the goddess...」

「It's been a year since then, Reiji-san. Things have settled down, and now affairs are managed by my siblings. Things are becoming better nowadays. And besides, they told me to do what I wished to do, and my wish is to spend my time with you, Reiji-san.」

「I-I see…」

「So, Reiji-san... You looked serious just now, what is it that you want to talk about?」

「I...」

「Could it be that you are worried about your comrades? You chose not to become a hero, right? Are you thinking that perhaps your comrades wanted to become heroes by your side?」

「Umm, that is……」

That question was certainly in my mind.

I wondered if it was okay for me to make a decision solely on what I want which might affect everyone else’s future.”

「Reiji-san… Your consideration of your friends is a virtue, and it is something that I respect you a lot of for. But don't underestimate us.」

「I…」

「We, as your companions respect your decision always. You have given us a lot already, in fact too much. Now it is our time to pay you back. It's okay for you to decide.」

「…………」

She has been watching me. Asha has been watching me closely.

She sees what I care about, what I worry more than I do, and she says, “It’s okay.” She's the person who understands me the most.

I felt her warmth touch my heart.

「You are blessed with good friends, Reiji-san. Well, now they are my companions too!」

「……Yes.」

「Let's have fun together from now on!」

The moonlight streamed down on Asha as her hand was on the balcony railing.

Her blond hair fluttered in the night breeze, glistening with light.

Her beautiful emerald eyes that capture people's heart.

Right now, the 14-year-old Asha is still young, but from now on, she is sure to receive many marriage proposals from other groups for her ability.

When I thought of that,

(——I don’t like it.)

I am the only one who knows how awkward, audacious, stubborn, reckless — and courageous she is. I want to be the only one who knows that.

Then,

「I love you, Asha.」

The words I was thinking came out of my mouth.

「No matter what happens, my feelings won’t change.」

Asha was looking at me eyes wide open.

「Do you remember… the promise I made to spent the rest of our lives travelling around the world, enjoying our time together? I want to do that with you.」

I stood next to the young lady.

「I want to live in this world with you. I can't live in this world without you.」

I don’t use poetic phrases or sweet whispers.

Even so, I wanted to convey my feelings honestly.

Then, a single tear fell from Asha’s eyes. Eventually, that tear became a stream of tears, unable to stop flowing.

「Huh!? Asha!?」

My exhilaration suddenly changed into anxiety.

I wondered if I said something that made Asha sad.

While I was flustered and couldn’t do anything, Asha wiped her tears with the back of her palm, though those tears don't seem to stop.

「I am so happy, Reiji-san.」

「Happy…?」

「…Yes. I've been waiting for a long, long time for your reply.」

Ah...

I see... Asha has been waiting my response for a long time.

Me being as dense as I could be, I didn't take her advances too seriously, thinking it was just a prank.

And perhaps because of that, she thought I wanted to “keep a distance” from her.

「My feelings for you won’t change, Asha.」

「Reiji-san...」

「Sorry, I-I am trying my best here...」

The truth is I am at wit’s end dishing out this unfamiliar lines.

「I...」

「Huh?」

「I thought to myself, no matter how long it takes, I will always wait for your answer, Reiji-san. I don't care what others tell me. Even if it takes the hundreds of years of the elf-lifespan, I'll always wait for you. I'll not fall in love with anyone else. Nobody else can replace your existence to me, Reiji-san. That is how important you are to me.」

「Um… which means?」

Asha started flushing and fidgeting, but eventually, she stood upright and looked at me with conviction, and... love.

「Yes... Reiji-san, I love you too.」

「…………」

「It's been like that ever since we met, and it will always be.」

Does this mean that Asha has accepted me?

I wonder if it’s okay for me to be happy.

I have never experienced this kind of happiness and sensation.

「……Asha.」

「Yes?」

「Can I hug you?」

「Reiji-san...」

The already blushing Asha blushed even more, as she nervously looked away...

「Uhh... if you don't want to Asha, it's okay.」

Asha realizing what I said, shook her head vigorously, and looked at me straight in the eyes.

「Sorry, Reiji-san. I was just a bit startled from your words...」

Asha slowly, walked towards me, her steps ever so graceful.

I walked towards her slowly as well.

My heart was pumping really fast.

As we get closer and closer, we eventually stood right in front of each other, only centimetres apart.

Before we know it, we wrapped each other with our hands in a tight embrace.

This feeling of warmth that I'm experiencing.

So this is what it means to truly be in love.

And I'm sure Asha is feeling the same way too.

We hugged each other for what seemed to be an eternity.

Time slows down when you are in love, it seems.

Eventually, we pulled each other away.

「…Reiji-san, I...」

「…Asha, call me Reiji. After all, we are lovers now.」

「Y..yes..., Reiji.」

Asha seems to be doing her best for me too.

That made me smile.

「Asha. I love you.」

「I love you too... Reiji...」

「I am sure we will experience many setbacks in the future. But no matter what happens, we will face these problems together as partners. I'll always be by your side. Together, forever.」

Asha's back straightened.

Then she displayed a lovely, yet genuine smile.

「Okay, Reiji!」

I’ve never seen her smile like that.

As someone who has faced discrimination for her composition and being sold off to another country as a result, she was brought up in a noble society where no one was truly by her side. She couldn't even speak back then. As such, she might not have ever displayed a smile such as this where she let down her guard and entrusted herself entirely to another.

And I was happy that her smile was only directed at me.

At the same time, I realized that I had to protect Asha.

Both Asha and I were looking at each other and naturally reached out to hold hands.

When I felt Asha’s warm and soft hand, my expression naturally relaxed. It was the same for Asha.

Our eyes were locked with each other. As I pulled Asha closer to me, the distance between our lips were narrowing, becoming closer and closer.

Just as we were about to kiss——

I heard a rumbling sound coming from the room.

Asha and I turned around, and noticed that there were people on the other side of the window, watching us from inside the room.

Mimino-san showed an awkward smile. Probably because she knew they interrupted a precious moment, but nevertheless gave a thumbs up. And next to her was Dante-san, looking up at the sky and wiping his eyes with a towel… Was it that emotional!?

Since Zerry-san was next to them, all smiles, I knew that she must have told everyone about it. I’ll deal with her later.

In addition— Eva and Lark were there too.

Eva had a subtle, yet firm smile on her face. And Lark smiled broadly when our eyes met.

「…Reiji, let's continue this another time. It's hard to continue with this many people looking at us...」

「I agree...」

As we both held hands together, walking back to the room, Anastasia looked up at me and said,

「I am glad that I waited for you, Reiji.」

My heart skipped a beat as she smiled softly.

「Thank you for waiting for me, Asha.」

Saying that, we both returned to the room.

My heart started beating faster.

This pounding feeling was a little different from what I had felt before.

My heart started to heat up, and I couldn’t help but feel anticipation for the future that is to come.






★ Keith Gran Federation – A certain village at the foot of a mountain ★

Spring arrives late in the mountains.

Even so, you could feel that it was getting warmer day by day. As such, the bar was packed with villagers.

The mountain roads were now passable, and trade with the city had resumed in earnest. So the bar was also releasing foodstuffs that were likely to go bad.

The villagers were also drinking alcohol, relying on the cash income that will become available in the future.

It was like a ritual just before spring began.

「——Hey, did you hear?」

「Ah? Oh, Ted’s stupid song, is it? I’ve heard it many times this winter.」

「Not that.」

「But no matter how many times I hear it, it still makes me laugh.」

「I’m not talking about that.」

「…Then what, Toby?」

After drinking two mugs of wine and getting a bit drunk, the man finally noticed that Toby was acting differently than usual.

Toby kept his voice low.

「…You remember the peddler from the town who arrived yesterday, right?」

「Ah… the person who confirmed that the mountain road was passable again. It was a different person than usual, though.」

「I overheard him talking with the village chief. I wondered if someone else knows what I know and tried to listen in on their conversation… But it seems that the chief has been keeping quiet about it.」

「Wha, what is it? Are you keeping such a secret?」

「…………」

「Spill it out, Toby.」

「If you know, you will get involved in it too, Max.」

「I don’t mind that. Is it a profitable secret, though?」

Toby nodded with a solemn expression.

「For the past five years, we couldn’t go deep into the mountains, right?」Toby said.

「Y-Yeah, because there was a giant monster-like butterfly. Five of my friends died from breathing in its scale powder…」

「Since then, it’s been decided that we can’t cross the mountain ridges.」

「That can’t be helped. It’s true that black mushrooms which can be harvested in the mountains sell at crazy high prices, but even so, our lives are more important.」

「That’s right, the black mushroom…」

「What are you talking about? Tell me already.」

「According to the peddler, the monstrous butterfly… seems to be called “Dazzle Butterfly” or something.」

「Dazz… what?」

「The monster butterfly seems to have disappeared.」

「HAA!?」

Max exclaimed, half-rising to his feet. The villagers looked at him.

「O-Oi, Max, that’s not a surprising story. Everyone knows you were peeing in bed until you were 10.」

When Toby hurriedly deceived them, the villagers returned to their own matters, saying things like, “They’re still talking about pissing” or “No matter how much time passes, they’re still kids.”

「Don’t raise your voice, idiot.」Toby said.

「S-Sorry… Rather, I didn’t piss in bed until I was 10.」

「Who cares about that… The problem is that the village chief kept quiet even after hearing that story.」

「Hmm? Why is the village chief keeping quiet?」

「It’s obvious, isn’t it? He’s going to monopolize black mushrooms.」

「!」

Max didn’t raise his voice this time.

「In any case, once traffic to and from the city resumes, the rumors will surely spread. He is planning to harvest as much as possible before that.」

「No, no, but that’s…」

「It’s been five years, ya know? It’s been five years since that monster butterfly appeared. During that time, the mountain was untouched… Who knows how many black mushrooms have grown in that period. If I were the village chief, I’d definitely have it all for myself.」

Max swallowed his spit in response.

「What do you say, Max? You want in? I’m going to harvest it first thing tomorrow morning.」

「…Let’s do it.」

「Great. Of course, if the monster butterfly is still there, we’ll run away immediately.」

「Obviously.」

The two toasted their mugs into each other and gulped down the wine.

It tasted like victory.

「Buhah……. Speaking of which, Toby. What happened to the monster butterfly? It’s not like someone defeated it, right.」

「Well, that seems to be the case. It seems that some brilliant adventurers drove it away.」

「Adventurers? It wasn’t the knight’s order?」

「Have you ever seen knights moving to a place deep in the mountains like this?」

「I guess that’s true.」

「According to what I heard from the peddler, those adventurers seem to be quite famous. It seems they’re called the “Five Heroes”.」

「…Five Heroes? Doesn’t that sound exaggerated?」

「Hey, don’t drink too much. We’re leaving first thing in the morning.」

「I know.」

The two of them smiled and toasted again.

As to whether or not these two will get a huge amount of wealth–the next morning, when Max arrived at the gathering place, it seemed that all the villagers had turned up with mushroom picking gear.

Even in such a noisy bar, Toby’s words were clearly heard by the other tables.

★　The town of dragonewts and beastmen ★

Naturally, the appearance of monsters was not the only outcome of the two worlds becoming one.

A beastmen town situated in a remote location.

Next to it, what suddenly appeared was — a town of dragonewts.

「Why are you guys cutting in line, nura!」

「Aa? Shut up, you lizards!」

A dragonewt and a beastman were quarreling with each other in the city.

Both of them were tall and muscular.

With different appearances, different values, and two races who lived in different worlds, it’s impossible to say “get along” all of a sudden. Quarrels such as this were an everyday occurrence.

「Another fight, huh…」

「Don’t worry about it.」

Even so, with the threat of monsters so prevalent, the leaders of the two races chose to cooperate, rather than quarreling.

This was also the reason for the policy of mixing both dragonewt and beastmen into the security forces.

However… It’s been five years since this coexistence began.

As the threat of monsters decreased, the fights in the city increased.

「You guys, stop fighting.」

「That’s right, nuru. Shouldn’t we get along, nuro?」

When the security forces called out to the two,

「I can’t back down, nuru! I finally got to come here after finishing my night shift!」

「Not my problem. We just finished 20 rounds.」

Sparks flew as their line of sight met.

「How troublesome. Just go in together.」

「That’s a good idea, nuru. After all, it’s a public bath, right?」

Indeed, the two were quarreling in front of the public bath.

「If the beastman enters, the hair starts falling out!」

「The lizards get in the way of long, leisurely baths!」

Conflicting values ​​clashed.

「You guys…」

「Are you looking down on us, nura?」

Having to deal with this problem in the midst of 40 consecutive shifts, the security forces squinted their eyes in annoyance.

In terms of degree of overworked, the security forces were by far at number 1.

As expected, the two who were fighting noticed their irritation.

「…L-Let’s just take a bath together, okay? Lizard?」

「…Y-You’re right, dog.」

When the two were about to come to an agreement,

「Hoi hoi, you two are in the way.」

A group of old dragonewts arrived, and they quickly went inside.

「Ah, those shitty old geezers!」

「Elder! Don’t cut in line, nura!」

Both the beastmen and the dragonewts went into the bath chasing after the elders of the dragonewts.

「——Phew.」

Kimidorigorn let out a big sigh in the hot boiler room.

Many magic tools were in operation, pumping up water, boiling it, and supplying it to the public bath.

Kimidorigorn’s job was to manage these magic tools.

「There are no problems with operation, but there are many pieces of equipment that should be replaced due to deterioration over time…」

The work was still rewarding for him.

The culture of public baths won the hearts of beastmen as well as dragonewts. Though there are some beastmen who dislike them.

The fact that the two races’ cooperative route is going well despite the many problems is largely due to the baths–Kimidorigorn was proud of himself.

「Boss~ Let’s have dinner soon.」

「That’s right〜」

「Alright, nurul」

He also had two beastmen subordinates.

They were not hostile towards Kimidorigorn because of his race, and they earnestly studied magic tools under him.

「…I wonder where Reiji-kun is now, nuru.」

He hasn’t met the boy named Reiji who created this bath with dynamic use of magic in a while.

「But if it’s him, I’m sure he’s doing great somewhere.」

Kimidorigorn had that kind of trust in Reiji.

★　Lake Brunstalk – World Conference ★

Once every two years, world leaders around the world gather in Lake Brunstalk. And this will be the third “World Conference”.

The first time was when they performed “World Union”.

The second time was when they were overcoming the turmoil after the “World Union” and the countries were working together.

And the third time–everyone knew that this conference would be “turbulent”.

「Your Highness the Crown Prince, I am sorry for not writing or contacting you for a while.」

「Oh hello, General-dono.」

Two men met in the grand hallway of the magnificent Cathedral. One was a man who was too old to be called a “Crown Prince”. However, he was still the energetic crown prince of Geffert Kingdom working efficiently on the front lines.

The other was General Friedrich Berger of the Saint Knight Kingdom, who was so large that you needed to look up at him. He clearly suited the battlefield better than a conference room.

Friedrich was in charge of the entire military force of the Saint Knight Kingdom.

But he still served under the Knight King.

「There is still time before the meeting starts. What do you say, we have a short conversation?」

「Thank you for the good suggestion. Let’s sit down first.」

They entered the nearby reception room. An old man and a big man, a strange duo, sat down in their chairs.

Each of them had about 30 attendants with them, so the population density in the spacious reception area quickly increased.

「…I guess you could say that the threat of monsters has disappeared almost entirely. It has been relatively calm in the Federation. How is the situation in the Knight Kingdom?」

「Yes. You can say that we’ve returned to a similar state before the “World Union”. However, we still can’t relax our efforts to exterminate the monsters.」

「Agreed…because generations after this will not have skill orbs.」

Friedrich nodded with a serious look at the Crown Prince’s words.

Knights and adventurers who are currently fighting are fine. Because they got their power from the skill orbs.

But the generation of children who will be born from now on will not have that.

In that case, it’s natural to want to reduce the number of monsters as much as possible.

「I heard another thing, Your Highness. That the federation has accepted the Lev Magic Empire’s technology deal.」

「As expected of the neighboring country to the Empire. News travels fast.」

One of the ways of survival the Geffert Kingdom chose for the “next generation” was “arming with magic tools”.

The Lev Magic Empire has always been the leader in magic tool research.

The other day, they made a deal with them directly and had them provide with their technology.

「I hear that Your Highness has done a great job on that matter.」

「Hahaha, have you started with that kind of flattery too, Friedrich-dono? That was all my father’s command.」

「How is His Majesty King Geffert doing?」

「He’s fine, fine. I’ll probably reach the end of my lifespan first.」

Friedrich didn’t know how to react to the bright smile of the crown prince.

Was he kidding or was he serious?

Looking at the troubled Friedrich, the crown prince laughed even more.

「…Oh, everyone is here, I see.」

A dignified voice echoed.

The attendants who filled the room suddenly made way for that person.

「Oh…」

「It has been a while, Your Holiness.」

Even the crown prince and general couldn’t ignore her.

The girl who stood at the top of the church―When the pope entered the room, the two of them stood up to greet her.

「I heard someone laughing happily.」

「Oh, it was nothing. I just made a joke about my father. Isn’t that right, General?」

「It was just a joke…」

Friedrich, who was not good at such exchanges, smiled wryly.

The Pope also sat down on a chair, and the three resumed talking.

「Incidentally, did you hear about the “Five Heroes”, Your Holiness?」

「Yes. Not a day goes by without hearing their stories. Just how much achievements will finally be enough for them, I wonder? Liberation of a city occupied by undead monsters, swift resolution of an epidemic, mediation of regional disputes… Their achievements go beyond mere adventurers.」

「No, but thanks to them, our federation has been spared the damage. Especially regarding the giant species, they were a source of trouble, but the “Five Heroes” drove them away to the undeveloped land, Canion.」

「I heard that they are currently hoping to investigate Canion.」

「As you say. However, I suspect that they will remain in the Holy Kingdom for some time before that…」the crown prince said.

Friedrich and the Pope immediately shook their heads in denial.

「They won’t get involved in politics.」

「Yes, I agree with Friedrich-sama. I can not imagine them doing so.」

「Hmm. Do you think that because you two often acted together with the Five Heroes?」

The crown prince said with a little envy.

The Five Heroes–they were involved in the “World Union” and played a central role in resolving the chaos caused by the goddess.

Frederick had a connection with the Five Heroes even before that, and since the pope was the vessel of the goddess, she was saved by the Five Heroes.

The Geffert Kingdom is one of the largest countries on the continent, but it was unable to play a particularly prominent role in the midst of this turmoil.

They thought it would be good to at least have some form of connection with the Five Heroes… but they never imagined that mere adventurers would be able to make such big differences.

「However, the central figure of the Five Heroes, the “Mithril Hero”, will marry the youngest daughter of Sylvis, the previous king of the Sylvis Kingdom, right? While she is not necessarily affiliated directly with the Sylvis Kingdom as she is part of the Five Heroes, I can’t help but wonder if they would be more involved with the Sylvis Kingdom moving forward.」

「If you wish to look at it that way, then I could say the “Mithril Saint” is a member of the church.」

「I really wanted to welcome the “Mithril Great Shield” as a knight of our country, but…」

「In any case, Your Highness. They should continue to act as a balancer that will not be influenced by the motives of any country. They are an impartial balance…」

「If that’s the case, then it’s fine… If I’m not mistaken, I think the name of the party also sounds similar. “Mithril Balance” or something.」

It was wrong, but both the Pope and Friedrich laughed a little and corrected him.






★　The front line of Sylvis Kingdom ★

The land of the Sylvis Kingdom was vast, with never-ending trees stretching out beyond the horizon.

As a result, many monsters still plagued the new villages within the borders of the Sylvis Kingdom.

Ever since the whole incident with the Goddess and the World Union, Yuri-san, the former leader of the Sylvis Kingdom, has been recuperating the side effects of the Goddess mind manipulation. As a result, Matvey-san was elected to be the new Elf King, despite his lack of talent for magic, for his insight and the knowledge that he brings. The result was passed with overwhelming approval from both the elf community, as well as the High Elf family.

Under his leadership, Sylvis Kingdom has abolished their policy of restricting people, and are now accepting foreign people to settle in their kingdom to promote trade, as well as to develop friendly relations between their neighbours.

New villages were created around Sylvis Kingdom to accomodate the new people who have migrated, and as a result Sylvis Kingdom was slowly developing into one of the bigger nations in the continent.

THUMP…THUMP…THUMP….

Whenever the earth tremors, the poor farming village shakes, and dust and dirt fall from the roofs. The children cling to their mothers and fight their fears.

「M-Mother, shouldn’t we run? If we run away now, we’ll be able to escape.」

「It’s okay. Believe in your father and the village chief…」

The mother was also turning pale, but she desperately held on to her children.

Even if they ran away from the village, there was no future.

They made a bet on developing this land.

Many people in the farming villages were in the same position.

However, the heavy footsteps were getting closer and closer.

Finally, one of the children began to cry. At that time–

「They came!」

The door opened and a man jumped in. He was the children’s father, equipped with old leather armor and a rusty spear.

The children rush to their father with relief.

「F-Father… did the adventurers you requested in the town come to save us!?」

「That’s right! They will save us!」

「B-But, you said normal adventurers wouldn’t be able to do anything about it…」

「Not normal adventurers have come! Everyone is heading to meet them!」

When the family left with their father, they saw a crowd at the entrance of the village.

「Those people…?」

The mother wondered.

There were four of them.

Even though the number of monsters approaching this village exceeded 3 digits.

And three of them were women, one of whom was only as tall as her eldest son.

「——I beg you, I beg you all. You are the only ones we can depend on.」

「——W-We understand. It’s going to be okay, village chief.」

A slender young man was talking to the village chief.

The mother thought it was strange, after all.

It’s common knowledge that adventurers are rough people.

Even so, the young man seemed kind and his demeanor towards the village chief was tender.

His black hair and eyes that she had never seen before were eye-catching — but she remembered there was a superstition that “black hair and black eyes are a disaster”.

「——Let’s go, Dante-san.」

「Ou!」

But when the big man called Dante took out a greatshield from his cloak – the mother’s eyes widened in surprise.

What a beautiful silver color, she thought.

The shield was enveloped in a faint light.

Seeing it for the first time in her life, she wondered if it was the metal known as “Mithril”.

To her surprise, all the other members were also wearing equipment made of Mithril.

Mithril Staff, Mithril Protector

The timid-looking young man had two daggers on his waist.

Those must also be made of Mithril.

「Let’s go.」

The young man said in a light tone, but immediately after that — his gaze changed to an extremely serious one.

With an air of tenseness that could be felt with a touch, they headed for the cleared land deep in the village.

「Thank you very much, members of Silver Balance…」

The village chief bowed his head as if prostrating himself as they set off.

All the other villagers also bowed their heads in the same way.

Looking at their dignified backs, the villagers had a feeling that they would be able to solve the situation.

★

When I received information that monsters were overflowing from the undeveloped land “Canion”, I accepted the subjugation request without hesitation—which might have been a bit rash. Because–

「Reiji, are you sure about this? I think we could have handled this among the three of us.」

Dante-san asked me after leaving the farming village and proceeding to the clearing land.

「I-I think it should be okay…」

「But it’s tomorrow, isn’t it? Your wedding… That's why Asha didn't come with us as she needed to prepare for the big event tomorrow.」

Indeed. My wedding — Me and Asha’s wedding was tomorrow.

Four years have passed so quickly since I confessed to Asha.

Before I knew it, Mimino-san and the others started calling Anastasia as Asha as well.

We spent our time together adventuring, experiencing different cultures from different places, defeating monster remnants from the World Union, and helping out people who are in need.

Eventually, I decided to propose to Asha. I sought the advice of the Sage, the once mediator of this world, to find the best jewel that exist in the world to make a ring out of and propose to Asha with.

He gave me a jewel of utmost purity and shine that was in his possession as thanks for the whole world crisis. Surprisingly, he also considered what type of jewel would match with Asha, and the jewel he gave me was a deep emerald green, that suits perfectly well with Asha's emerald eyes. It didn't cross my mind that the sage was a fashionista.

He told me that this jewel was formed before the world was split into half and couldn't be found anymore in this world. That makes it all the more precious.

I took the jewel to Mimino-san and asked her to create a ring out of it. She was shocked initially at my request, as I finally decided to take a big step in advancing my relationship with Asha. She was like a mom being proud of her son for finally proposing. Because of that, she spent day and night crafting the perfect ring for me to present to Asha.

If Mimino-san really put her mind into it, she can really do anything. She is the person I can rely on the most at times like this.

After Mimino-san was done with making the ring, I found a time where me and Asha were alone so I could propose to Asha.

The members of the Silver Balance were hiding in a corner watching the whole event with bated breaths, being excited about the outcome.

I nervously took out the ring, kneeled down and asked if Asha could marry me. My heart was pumping really fast at that time.

Asha was surprised at the series of events that was happening right in front of her eyes. Being as emotional as she always is, she quickly teared up and happily said yes.

I put the ring on her ring finger, and surely enough, this ring suits her the best.

The members of the Silver Balance came out to congratulate us. It felt like a family finally proud of their children getting together.

Not only that, during that these 4 years, we, Silver Balance, were active as an adventurer party at a hectic pace. The “souvenirs” given to us by Gurgio, equipment made of Mithril, led our party to be mistakenly called us “Mithril Balance”.

But we were so busy that we didn’t even have time to correct people on the mistake.

It seems that once you reach Mithril-rank you can have a smooth-sailing and be dispatched only once a year. Most of the Mithril-rank adventurers I’ve met in the last four years lived like that, but we kept moving forward.

——I want to save as many lives as I can.

It was I who said that. It’s all my fault we have been so busy.

But that feeling hasn’t faded even now. When I heard about the dangers to the frontier settlement on the way back to the Sylvis Kingdom for the wedding, I immediately rushed here.

「A-Anyway, for the time being, I have also contacted Matvey to request for help. So if we can significantly reduce their number, we can count our mission accomplished.」 I said.

「That’s right, but…」

Dante-san kept looking at me with an expression of, “Is this going to be okay?”

I-I know. It’s dangerous.

Timewise, I am sure we’ll make it just in time, but what’s more problematic would be Asha’s impression. I know she agreed to let me go, but I still feel uneasy about it.

I wonder what it would be like for the groom to be on the battlefield the day before the wedding.

But even so, I couldn’t leave Dante-san and the others to finish up this request while I head to the wedding alone. Because I want all of them to attend the wedding as well.

「–Reiji-kun. Let’s apologize to Asha together.」

「T-Thank you.」

「I am sure she will understand.」

I was reassured by Non-san’s kindness.

After I chose to continue being an adventurer, Non-san immediately returned to Silver Balance. She was allowed to leave on a special condition that she must keep up the public appearance of “belonging to the Church”. As long as that condition was upheld, she was free to do as she wanted.

「They’re here.」 Dante-san said.

The first monster appeared in front of us–.

No matter how powerful a monster is, it cannot break through Dante-san’s defense, who was equipped with a greatshield made of mithril.

「Doryaaaaaaa!!」

Dantes-san caught the Cyclops’s fist head-on, and far from just standing his ground, he parried the fist to the side and slipped into the Cyclops’s flank, then drove his short spear into the Cyclops’ face.

A while back, we had a mock battle with the dragons. And he fought a dragon all alone.

Not just me, but the other dragons were also surprised by his strength. We were all surprised that a human could reach such limits.

I casted fire and wind magic concurrently and unleashed a fire tornado at the monsters.

The fire which grew larger and larger from the wind influence flew rapidly, hitting a group of monsters and turning into a huge explosion.

「Hoi!」

When Mimino-san fired a spherical elixir with a slingshot, the flames increased even more, enveloping the surrounding area.

“Dupe Potion” has been improved over and over again. And after learning that the amount of catalyst can be reduced by making it fine-tuned specifically for fire magic, and that both Asha and I are the most proficient with fire magic, Mimino-san spared no expense and used this “Dupe Potion – Version Fire” ever since...

「Holy Barrier!」

Non-san deployed a barrier created by Holy magic.

With this, it is possible to prevent the monsters that have been overlooked from heading to the farming village.

Non-san’s magic ability has improved dramatically since she started using the Mithril Staff. She was currently at a high priest level.

「Reiji, take care of the big one!」

「On it!」

Dante-san takes over the large monsters, while Mimino-san and I destroy the small to medium-sized monsters. Non-san readies defensive spells just in case.

「I’ll finish it off.」

The subjugation of bosses of the herd, or large monsters that Dante-san’s weapons can’t reach. It is my job to do so.

In this monster swarm, there was a wyvern that had grown bloated and had deteriorated wings.

Named the Grand Wyvern, it crushes other monsters in its path and spews fire, poison, and ice from its three heads.

『『『Guruoooooooooooooooo!』』』

「It has three heads, so it’s three times louder.」

While I was looking up at it,

「Reiji-kun, don’t worry if you get poisoned. I have a good potion for that.」

「Mimino-san… you said that it’s still in the testing stage, right? I’ll just cure it with magic.」

I politely refused Mimino’s offer.

I will not be done in by an enemy like this—after all, I am a groom who has an important wedding tomorrow

…It’s not a flag!

I started running, stacking multiple spells together and jumped.

Although skill orbs were gone, the skills still remained in my body. And it felt like they were becoming more polished as I fought more and more.

I shot out like a bullet and easily approached the Grand Wyvern’s face.

『!?』

I pulled out my daggers and slashed the puzzled-looking Wyvern. It felt like cutting jelly, but the x-slash cleanly cut the Grand Wyvern’s head off.

The mithril daggers were as sharp as ever.

『Guruoooo!』

『Goah!』

The poison head got angry. And the ice head spat out a lump of ice.

I created a foothold in the air and jumped to avoid the attack.

The poison head was shocked to see my reaction, but when it realized that I was approaching closer, it hurriedly spewed out a poison mist.

「Wind Magic.」

What’s so unfair about mithril is that although it’s a dagger, it can also act like a wand.

Even though it was a simple magic spell, the wind amplified by mithril transformed into a gust of wind that negated the poison mist.

「I’ll finish it quickly.」

I cut the poison head with the left dagger and the ice head with the right dagger.

As expected, the Grand Wyvern collapsed on the spot after losing all three heads.

「Fuu…」

「Your attacks are as cunning as usual. No one can react to it at first sight.」

Dante-san said to me when I landed.

「Creating a foothold in midair is the result of extensive magic research.」I said.

Though, it’s pretty common in Japanese manga and anime.

However, I don’t think I would have thought of it if I had been bound by the existing magic and skills.

I wonder if the binding of skills were to disappear, magic and sorcery would be able to flourish more creatively.

「Let’s clean up the rest.」Dante-san said.

「B-but… I think the fighting will end before the Border Earl army arrives.」

「We’ll leave the investigation of the lands further to them.」

「Yeah.」

Suddenly, a loud crashing sound enveloped our surroundings.

Dante-san seems to have encountered some enemies again.

「We can’t lose either.」Mimino-san said.

「Yes.」

We set out to subjugate the monsters.

In conclusion, it took a lot of time.

Because more and more monsters rushed in.

When I defeated the Grand Wyvern, I had enough leeway to not damage the torso—since it would be edible, and the materials procured would be an asset—but by evening, I unleashed my magic without restraint, prioritizing culling the enemy numbers over all else.

And it was all over only after the sun had set.

「F-Finally over…」

I was covered in mud, and gasping for breath.

Dante-san possessed monstrous stamina, so he was keeping watch over the surroundings. But Non-san and Mimino-san, who were acting together, sat on the ground with their backs to each other, with Non-san casting a healing spell on both of them.

The surroundings were greatly damaged.

Over a wide area, trees were cut down, burned, and there were a large number of monster corpses.

「I-Is the battle over…?」

The village chief approached the area, accompanied by several villagers.

「Ah, it should be fine for a while. The Border Earl army will arrive tomorrow, so they should be able to scout the surroundings.」Dante-san responded.

「You didn’t have to go that far for us! At least let us help you with stripping the monster materials.」

「Ah, no, you don’t have to help us.」

「What do you mean…?」

「This material belongs to the village. Please manage it as your own. When the prefectural governor arrives, discuss with them regarding offering these materials as tribute for the kingdom. Although this is a pioneering village, the tax exemption only applies to crops, right?」

We handed over the materials to the village.

This was also our policy.

Or rather, to be honest, we can’t manage the materials one by one.

Handing over the materials is simply the best option when considering the time it would take.

Since Mimino-san collects things that can be used as catalysts during battles, we are still able to procure the rare materials.

「Wha!? W-W can’t accept that. There are so many monsters…」

「We will receive subjugation rewards from the country and the guild, so you don’t have to worry.」

「But…」

「If you don’t hurry, the material will rot. You should get to it quickly. It’s worth spending the night to process the materials.」

When Dante-san coercively pushed the village chief’s back as motivation, the villagers with torches scattered and started stripping the monster materials.

「So, Reiji. It’s already this late.」

Dante-san came up to me while I was resting.

「Hehe… it took longer than I expected.」

「Even if we start running with all our strength at this moment, we won’t be able to make it to the wedding ceremony tomorrow. It’s already night, so we can’t ride on horses. What are you going to do…」

Dante-san had a defeated look.

「…Actually, I still have a last resort.」

「A last resort? No, well, I don’t doubt you, but I know what you can and cannot do after traveling together for 4 years. Such high-speed movement–」

「I won’t be the one doing it.」

「?」

「Ah, look. Over there…」

I pointed at the night sky.

「Hmm? There’s nothing… No, wait. Could that be–」

Dante-san’s face stiffened.

There was a huge shadow in the sky–.






★ Anastasia ★

There were already many people coming and going to Sylvis Kingdom’s high elf residence before dawn.

The house was lit up all night. Everyone was busy preparing for today.

The heroine for today, Anastasia, also woke up before dawn and had a large schedule ahead of her; taking a bath in the morning, taking care of her skin, putting on makeup and doing her hair.

「…………」

Little by little, Anastasia was getting closer to perfection thanks to the help of the Polina and the Secret Service.

The Secret Service were not only in charge of protecting, but also in doing chores, helping out the Royal Family when needed.

The elves lost their breaths looking at Anastasia.

With her radiant beauty, she was the main character today.

It’s just that the person in question herself wasn’t aware of it…

(The day I have waited for is finally here.)

Just how long had she waited for this day to come.

She met Reiji when she was 14.

She didn’t think anything of him at the time. She just thought he was a person who was trying to meet Lulusha, a friend of hers.

She first realized Reiji was someone, and the only one, who could understand her when nobody else can. He managed to understand her line of thinking that she needed someone to help clear the Labyrinth to save Lulusha without explicitly stating it in the letter.

Throughout her life, no one had bothered to try to understand what she was worrying about. She had faced discrimination for her fire magic composition from birth. She was even sold to a country without considering her opinion.

And the fact that Reiji, a person who he met for the first time, cleared the Labyrinth for Anastasia's sake, she was deeply moved. Reiji has been on her mind ever since.

Reiji also helped her by solving her life-long problem of her inability to speak when no one else could.  It is of no exaggeration to say that Reiji had saved Anastasia's life.

Her heart started beating faster and faster whenever seeing Reiji's face. As a person who have never experienced love and only know about it through reading books, she wasn't aware of these feelings that she has for Reiji.

And when Reiji saved her for the third time by preventing the airship she was on from crashing, it was at that moment that she became fully aware.

She became fully aware that she was in love with Reiji. His actions and words struck her heart ever so deeply. Not to mention, she admired him for being so reliable and strong.

From then on, she promised to only devote herself to Reiji. No matter what anyone else says, she will never fall in love with anyone else but Reiji. That was her conviction.

Even if he fell in love with someone else, Anastasia would still fully support Reiji. All she wished for was Reiji's happiness. That's the kind of person Anastasia was.

As time passed and Reiji and Anastasia spent their time together, their relationship developed deeper and deeper. He was with her throughout the time spent in the Back World, where he supported her both emotionally and physically.

She pressured him to call him Asha then, which till this day Asha still gets embarrassed about.

There were times in the Back World where he was reckless and decided to proceed with things on her own which made her worried, but that was only fuel to her growing love for Reiji.

Eventually, Reiji managed to find a way to return back to the Front World, but the fact that Reiji didn't bring Anastasia along with him made her sad as he promised to return back to her.

Nevertheless, she was determined to follow him wherever he may be, whatever it may take, so that he could meet Reiji once again after being separated for so long.

Anastasia exited the Back World via the First Altar, and immediately returned to the Sylvis Kingdom to board the airship to find Reiji.

She reunited with Reiji at the port town, and was elated to see him again. But she had to leave his side and return back to Sylvis Kingdom, with regretful feelings.

Anastasia did so as she wanted to obtain the elixir for his sister, for the sake of making him happy. But the price of that was her freedom, as she had to serve the duties of a high elf for her entire life, and it was a price she was willing to pay for her loved one.

But Reiji didn't want that. He came all the way to Sylvis Kingdom to save her, and take her with him. And when she saw him come all the way to see her, she succumbed to her uncontrollable emotions for Reiji and cried in his embrace.

Anastasia felt like she was eloping with Reiji at that time, which made her feel embarrassed and guilty, but joyful at the same time.

Anastasia was deeply moved by his actions since then, and as a result, her mindset changed from being supportive of Reiji's love life, to wanting to be with Reiji's side.

She didn't want anyone other girl to be with Reiji. She wanted to be the special one.

As such, Anastasia became more assertive and aggressive with her advances towards Reiji, though to no avail. She was rather sad and annoyed that Reiji was misunderstanding her advances for wanting to adventure with him, but she had thought that part of that pure nature of his is what makes him lovable.

Though, Anastasia didn’t know that Reiji had such a beautiful sister, and also the fact that a noble girl from the Holy Kingdom was his ex-employer that he always talked about. That made her all the more frustrated, scared, nervous. She had rivals in love that she had to compete with.

The one thing she was afraid of the most, was no monster or goddess, but Reiji not choosing her.

Nonetheless, she would never stop giving up, not until the day either of them dies.

When she heard that he had fallen into a coma after fighting the goddess, she couldn’t believe it.

Anastasia had never left by Reiji's side for one whole month, crying and weeping, fearing he would never wake up. She was frightened by the thought of parting ways with her loved one.

Eventually, the members of the Silver Balance managed to convince her to move on as there were places that desperately needed their help, though it took them a lot of effort.

As if she had lost her memories, she could hardly remember the 1 year when Reiji was asleep.

It could be because she was overwhelmed with subjugating monsters, or it could be because she was overwhelmed with anxiety that Reiji would never wake up. Or it could be both.

(I am so glad he woke up…)

Hearing that news, she felt as if color suddenly returned to the gray world around her. She immediately rushed to Reiji's side hearing the news.

She was simply glad that Reiji had woken up.

She had never imagined him expressing his feelings for her.

When Reiji confessed to her, she felt like she was the happiest girl in the world.

And when Reiji proposed to her to be his wife, she thanked God for the first time since she was born; to be able to be together with Reiji.

「——Anastasia-sama, the preparations are complete. After breakfast, we shall help you change into your wedding dress and head to the wedding venue.」

Anastasia stood up in response to Polina’s words.

Breakfast had already been prepared, and Matvey was waiting for her when she entered the dining room. Her brother looked surprised when he saw Anastasia, but he immediately smiled.

「…You are very beautiful, Anastasia.」

「Thank you, Yuri-oneesama.」

Only her sister Yuri was at the dining table. As Yuri was still recuperating from the Goddess' influence, she was not allowed to partake in any of the work. The rest of her family was busy setting up the wedding, and handling the people that were coming in.

「…You resemble Mother more and more.」

「Mother?」

Anastasia's mother, passed on shortly after giving birth to her. It was said that it was due to Anastasia's condition that led to her mother's death. So it was rare for Anastasia to hear about her mother from her family.

「Our wedding ceremony was also very sunny. …I did not think I would witness my cute little sister’s wedding so soon. Time sure flies, doesn’t it?」

「Yuri-oneesama, you are still young yourself, right? You have more than enough time to find a partner.」

「Grr... Don't get cocky just because you are getting married before me!」

In Yuri’s eyes, Anastasia was still a child, when considering a high elf's lifespan, and she heard the same thing from her family. She was proud of the fact that her little sister had grown up into such a beautiful and mature woman in a short time.

「I am worried about what your future may bring.」 Yuri said.

「Are you worried about me? Yuri-oneesama, I'd be more worried about you.」

「Please don’t make fun of me. More importantly, Anastasia, you should be worried about Reiji.」

「…………」

Even though it was the day of the wedding, there was no information that Reiji had entered the capital of the Sylvis Kingdom

An excellent liaison was stationed at the gate, so there should be no contact leaks.

She had a feeling that something like this would happen because it was Reiji, after all.

The reason for this was that he was going to save a pioneering village in a remote area of ​​the Sylvis Kingdom, so she couldn’t stop him.

「It’s okay, Yuri-oneesama. Reiji will definitely make it in time.」

「!」

Yuri stiffened when she saw Anastasia smiling so brightly for the first time.

「Is that so…」

And she smiled sadly. It might be the loneliness that Anastasia has found someone who can provide her more happiness than anyone else.

**

The wedding venue was an open area set up at the bottom of the World Tree, for the sake of commemorating this huge event.

Initially, only the high elves can go near the vicinity of the World Tree, but after the events of the World Union and the Goddess has settled down, Matvey saw no reason not to hold it there. If anything, he, and the rest of his family, saw it as good luck. It was also built in consideration of holding future weddings of the high elf family there.

Normally, it is usually quiet around here. But today, it was crowded with numerous people.

Noble from various places gathered here.

There were many honored guests many nations abroad.

Anastasia, who is the daughter of the previous king of the Sylvis Kingdom, is said to be the “flower” of the world, as she was one of the "Five Heroes" that contributed in saving the world crisis.

Reiji, also one of the “Five Heroes”, and the leading figure in the subjugation of the goddess, is known to the upper echelons of every country.

These two people were going to get married.

This was the biggest wedding to have ever happened in the history of this world.

Where the wedding ceremony was to held, many people have gathered from all across the world and were interacting with one another. It was really bustling and full of energy.

「W-W-W-Wow, Anastasia! You are b-b-b-beautiful!」

Matvey approached Anastasia in her waiting room. His eyes twinkled as he ran up to Anastasia, who has changed into her wedding dress.

「…Onii-sama, calm down. You are the king, you have to keep your behaviour into consideration.」

「Oh my, you are really pretty.」

「…Ah, is it okay if I come in?」

Following them were Anastasia's family, including Yuri and his father, the previous King, Sylvis.

They were all dressed in mature clothing for this big event.

And their relationships have changed.

Anastasia's family begin to respect Anastasia more for her contributions towards saving the world, even if she wasn't part of the Royal Family anymore.

They began to see her not as a little child but as an equal, no, someone who was of a greater importance. Not to mention, her ridiculous magic capabilities that no one else could rival. Not even Reiji.

「Of course. All that’s left is to wait.」 Anastasia said, with a bright smile.

Matvey was captivated for a moment, causing Yuri to elbow him.

「You stupid brother of mine...」 Yuri said.

「Haha, you guys will never stop fighting with each other.」 Anastasia said.

「By the way, Anastasia. I can’t seem to find the Mythril Hero-dono…」 Yaroslav, the eldest brother of the high elves said.

「He hasn’t arrived yet.」

「Huh…? But the ceremony is about to begin…」

「It’s okay, nii-sama, nee-sama. It was Reiji’s own desire to help the village. Besides, I have given my full support for him to do so.」

Reiji was fighting at the village near the border of the Sylvis Kingdom territory. It would take a long time for any help to arrive now that the Sylvis Kingdom have grown so big.

Reiji just wanted to remove any possibilities or dangers that may interrupt with his wedding, so he decided to settle it himself with the members of the Silver Balance.

「Monster subjugation just before the wedding huh…」Yuri said.

「He is not a hero just for show after all.」Matvey said.

Gong… Gong….

The bell rang.

The wedding ceremony was an open venue under the world tree. People weren't allowed to enter until it was time so a gate was installed.

The gates were finally opened. And the guests started to enter.

「——His Majesty, Matvey, the King of the Sylvis Kingdom——」

「——Her Majesty the Holy Queen——」

「——Keith Gran Federation Mayor of Valhalla——」

「——General Friedrich Berger of the Saint Knight Kingdom——」

「——Valhalla City Guildmaster Gurgio-sama——」

「——The 320th Pope, Her Holiness Elmentraut Eirich Klausegut——」

Sylvis’s cheeks twitched as he heard the announcement of the arrival of guests.

「All the VIPs are here.」he said.

「Yes. It is Reiji’s… the Five Heroes’ influence.」 Yuri said.

「Indeed. The fact that Anastasia is also part of the Five Heroes' also played a part, and is known to almost all the important figures and higher ups of all nations.」

「Fufu. Thank you for saying that, Father, Yuri-oneesama. But just being part of the Five Heroes' is not enough.」

「……Hmm?」

「As much as I feel the admiration and pressure… the fact that I have someone to catch up to, so that I can stand by his side as his equal, as his wife, as someone who can support him no matter the circumstances, gets me fired up inside.」 Anastasia said.

Sylvis caught Anastasia’s eyes gleaming for a moment.

It reminded him of the first time he met his own late-wife, Anastasia's mother, back when he was young.

(She has truly grown up to be someone strong and dependable, Aria. Are you seeing this now? She has now become a walking resemblance of you...) Sylvis thought.

「Oh, are you all here? The bride is beautiful today.」

An unexpected visitor appeared in the waiting room.

Anastasia stood up in response.

It was a plump elder who was dressed in bishop attire.

「Cardinal Thomason, thank you for agreeing to perform the ceremony today…」

「Oh, no, no. Raise your head. You shouldn’t bow your head to such an old man.」

Thomason had returned to the Church, and was once again appointed Cardinal at the Pope’s request.

It was then that he announced that he would be the priest who will conduct the wedding ceremony for Reiji and Anastasia. And his inherent ability to get things done was why he was here.

「Sometimes I forget the scriptures because I have not done this in a while.」

Although he was speaking casually as usual, not only Anastasia, who did not have much contact with Cardinal Thomason, but the other members of the Royal Family, apart from Matvey, Yuri and Sylvis, were also nervous in front of him.

「Leaving that aside, is he still not here? Your bridegroom.」

「Yes.」

「Hmm, to cause such a beautiful bride to worry. I have to lecture him later.」

「No, I am not worried. Reiji will definitely come.」

「……Hou.」

Cardinal Thomason blinked at her conviction.

Right then,

「Anastasia-sama~」

A voice called out from outside the room, which seemed to originate from someone who was running.

Cardinal Thomason, as well as Anastasia, naturally, had escorts with them, and they were on alert.

「There is no problem. That person is the liaison of mine.」 Anastasia said.

「Liaison?」 Yuri was dumbfounded.

「Yes… and I think it’s good news.」

A woman burst into the room dressed in formal attire, but was still undressed.

She was flustered, but somehow she was still her usual self – it was Zerry.

「Asha! There is a message from bochan!」

「Did he say when he is going to arrive?」

「About that–」

Zerry pointed her index finger up.

「He said he’s already here.」she said.

「… Already? Where?」

「W-Well…」

The sky suddenly became dark.

「L-Look at that!」

Everyone that was present at the venue looked up and shouted.

There was a huge shadow in the sky above.

**

Anastasia ran.

She believed that Reiji was definitely out there.

When she got out of the wedding venue, it was crowded with carriages. Quite a few nobles had gotten off. And they were all looking up at the giant shadow — a magic airship.

「Harvest Sky!」

Anastasia, too, has been on it, when she was still part of the Lev Magic Empire as a delegate.

The world’s largest magic airship, which the Empire still boasts to this day, is the “Harvest Sky”.

「Fufu…」

「A-Anastasia?」

Yuri caught up with Anastasia, who burst into laughter and happiness despite herself.

Even though there was an uproar from the surrounding people, thinking that it was an enemy attack.

「Yuri-oneesama.」

「Y-Yes?」

「…The person who will become my husband is truly worthy of being called a Hero.」

Anastasia added.

「After all, how many people are there in this world who can use “Harvest Sky” instead of a carriage?」

★　Lark ★

A girl took out a pocket watch out of her pocket and checked it, her long blonde hair fluttering in the strong wind.

「Young miss~ Don’t stay so far away in such a cold place. Why don’t you come near the bonfire? Such cold winds are poisonous to the body.」

「…I know. More importantly, stop calling me “young miss“. I’m already old enough.」

They were at a certain mountain range where the surface of the mountain was exposed. The girl, Lark, was looking southeast—in the direction of the Sylvis Kingdom.

「Ah, is it Reiji’s wedding today?」

Kook said, as if he suddenly realized.

The cave in the mountain was perfect for sheltering from the wind, and the bonfire was providing heat.

His friends were brewing tea.

「…Yeah.」

The ceremony should have started by now.

Lark was also invited to attend the ceremony by Reiji, but she was currently in a far away place.

「If you’re going to make such a lonely face, you should’ve just gone there.」

「I know, shut up.」

「Alright, alright.」

After Kook left, Lark sat down in front of the bonfire.

——Urggh, you’re so boring!

——Doesn’t matter even if you pout.

——But don’t you wanna see it? You do wanna see it, don’t you?

——Fine, fine. I want to see it. So stop grinding your knuckles against my temple. O-O-Ouchhh!

——Phew, honesty is the best policy, little brother.

When she closed her eyes, she always recalled the time in the mine where the two of them lived as “brother and sister”.

「…I am no longer the sister he needs.」

After leaving the mine, Reiji spent a lot of time away from her — he had grown up by the time they met again.

Rather than being happy, she was jealous that there were already so many people around him.

That’s why… she wanted him to look at her more, she wanted him to rely on her more. So Lark used 【Shadow King】 extensively knowing that her body was under a serious burden.

「…In the end, I was saved by that younger brother…」

When he plucked out her skill, she lost her sight instead.

And when she was able to get her sight back – on that hill overlooking the harbor, when she saw Reiji, it was the first time she had come face to face with her own thoughts.

He was no longer her little brother.

She could only see him as a man.

However, the connection of “brother and sister” weighed heavily when she wanted to convey her thoughts.

When Reiji chose Anastasia — she felt somewhat relieved rather than “sad”.

But she got angry at herself for being relieved, and then followed by loneliness.

Lark, feeling overwhelmed with herself, embarked on a journey around the world.

「Young miss, can you please call Gold-chan? I want to investigate “Canion” a little more.」

「Sure… alright.」

“Gold-chan” is referring to the gold dragon.

Since then, he has been working with Lark and still accompanies her on her travels.

Lark thinks of him as a whimsical guy.

Since they were going to travel the world anyway, Lark and her companions decided to survey unexplored areas, including the undeveloped land “Canion”.

「Just give me a minute.」

Lark stood up and went outside with her warmed up body.

「Oi, Gold!」

Lark waved at the gold dragon flying leisurely in the distance.

——Take me to my brother’s place!

She’s still a long way off before she is able to say that.

She most likely will after her emotions and thoughts have calmed down.

「Well, it’s fine. We met in that shitty mine, after all. I am sure we can always meet again.」

After muttering that, Lark once again waved at the friendly dragon flying towards her.

★

「A-Are you really going to descend from here!?」

「Ah, yes. Thank you for everything, Lulusha-san, Director Abba.」

There was nobody on the deck of “Harvest Sky”.

That’s because the giant magic airship was currently in flight.

Due to the strong winds, Lulusha-san looked worried as she was supported by Abba-san – who is said to have been promoted from deputy director to director this year.

…Well, obviously she would be worried.

If someone said they were going to jump down from up here.

「…R-Reiji, we’ll get down slowly later, okay?」

「Father, what are you saying? If we land in the outskirts of the Sylvis Kingdom, it will take a few hours to reach the wedding venue.」

「B-But, to jump down in this attire…」

I was in my wedding dress, and Dante-san and Non-san were in formal attire.

「Please grip Mimino-san tightly.」

「I-I know, Non…」

Mimino-san, who had a fear of heights, had already passed out and was tied to Dante-san’s back.

「Let’s go.」

「Thank you everyone!」

I said loudly and bowed to the people who were looking down at us from the bridge.

The commander-in-chief of “Harvest Sky” and other crew members.

In addition, the elderly Emperor was also there.

Well… In truth, I had anticipated that some kind of delay might arise and had requested in advance to borrow a magic airship via long-distance communication. But I didn’t think they would send Harvest Sky itself, and that Emperor himself would personally come.

Since I anticipated that something like this might happen, I arranged for a set of ceremonial attires to be sent to the magic airship immediately. So I have grown… I think? Or have I grown in a wrong way for not being able to arrive normally?

(Well… it doesn’t really matter.)

I couldn’t afford to be late for the wedding.

And the only way to do that was to fly.

The Lev Magic Empire was the only one I could ask for.

I noticed that the knights were running around in a hurry, and maybe because I didn’t give them advance notice, about two magic airships have taken off from the take off zone. Let’s just say this situation couldn’t be helped and move on.

We crossed the deck railing and stood on the edge of the deck.

「I’ll cast my magic now.」

「Don’t jump ahead on your own! Non-san, Dante-san, let’s go!」

「Yes.」

「O-O-Okay…」

I jumped after Non-san took Dante-san’s hand and they jumped down together.

As I looked back, the people on the bridge were making a fuss.

They were amazed and astonished that we were actually flying through the sky.

Only His Majesty the Emperor calmly stared at me.

(Oh……)

The Holy Capital spread out below.

A forest surrounded the wedding venue at the foot of the World Tree.

(So ​​many things have happened…)

Too many things, really.

I never thought that I would be wed to a 17-year-old bride.

I am certain many more things will happen in the future.

(I have gone through painful situations and truly tough times, but I am glad I was reincarnated. I’m glad I came to this world.)

I could clearly see the wedding venue. The carriages going back and forth.

I saw my bride – Asha looking up at me with a dazzling look.

…Even in this world, wedding dresses are pure white, aren’t they?

Her hair was tied up and decorated with fresh white flowers.

—— Non-toxic. Edible.

【World Ruler】 informed me of the flowers.

Oh, you can eat it, I see. …No, that’s not important.

With a light make-up on, and a radiant smile, Asha looked up at me with her large emerald eyes.

…My bride is too beautiful.

「Wind Magic.」

When we were about 50 meters to the ground, I generated an updraft and slowed down our fall speed.

Non held down the hem of their skirts and descended elegantly. But Dante-san was looking totally pale.

「——Who are they!?」

「——The Five Heroes!!」

「——They don’t have mithrils.」

A donut-shaped space was created around us.

I landed in that spot and adjusted my clothes.

And then I walked towards the most beautiful woman in the world today – my bride, Anastasia.

「Sorry to have kept you waiting, Asha.」

When I said that, Asha laughed.

「Let’s go, Reiji.」

When I held out my arm, Asha twined her slender arm around it.

「Anastasia~~」

For some reason a crying Matvey-san (why?), who was being supported by Yuri-san, started clapping, and the circle of applause spread.

Everyone cleared the way for us to head to the wedding venue.

In the past, when I was leaving the Sylvis Kingdom together with Asha, I had to use force to clear the way. And I left this place as if I was exiled.

But today was different. Everyone congratulated us and welcomed me.

Sylvis, the previous king, who was at the entrance of the wedding venue, had a troubled look on his face, but I hope he will forgive me since I was able to make it in time.

I… am really getting married.

「…Hey, Asha.」

「What is it?」

「Let’s live happily.」

「!」

Her eyes widened, and she started blushing.

「…Of course, my love.」

To be honest, that alone made me more than happy, but this was not the goal of my life.

Today was yet another beginning.

The mine accident that brought back my memories as Harumi Reiji and my parting with Lark – that day was also a beginning.

The day I met Dante-san, Mimino-san, Non-san, and Raikira-san.

The day I ran away from town with Zerry-san.

The day I met the young lady.

The day I met Asha.

It was all a beginning.

「Are you nervous?」 I asked Asha.

「No. I don’t know why—Perhaps because I am with you?」

「I am sure it is.」

Asha and I stepped into the wedding venue.

As if to bless our future, the bright afternoon sunlight streamed from above.

★

★

★

Let’s look at what happened after that—the world much later on.

Reiji and Anastasia were blessed with many children, and many of their descendants were active not only in the Sylvis Kingdom but also in various parts of the continent.

In particular, they showed remarkable results in their survey of the undeveloped land “Canion”. But what they treated as a “Bible” of the investigation was a survey record known as “Canion Investigation Records” made by a certain investigation team in the past.

The central figure of that team was known as Harumi Lark, and it is said that their survey records have advanced the investigation of “Canion” by several hundred years.

The world is stable and there are still many monsters, but the strength of the people who live there is evenly matched.

The walls between the races are no longer as high, and exchanges progressed steadily.

Hundreds of years has passed, Dante, Mimino, Non, and Zerry have all passed on peacefully after contributing siginificantly to the peace of the world. Reiji and Anastasia are now spending their times living out peacefully and lovingly, as well as saving the world when danger arises.

If you're wondering how Reiji is still alive, that's because he has obtained the [Unyielding] Skill from the Goddess via [World Ruler] during their encounter, and using that, he was able to prolong his age however long he wants, just like what the Goddess did.

Anastasia, as the only high elf in this world's history to have a special constitution since birth, has resulted in her having near infinite life-span. At least, that was what [World Ruler] told Reiji, in which it stated her lifespan to be (indefinite).

As such, both Reiji and Anastasia are now looking over the world together, and thus can be considered as the new mediators of the world.

Occasionally, babies with black hair and black eyes were born.

Even now, in the remote countryside, there was prejudice against children with these characteristics of “Child of Disaster”, but that gradually faded away.

The reason for this was that when rumors start spreading that a child with black hair and black eyes is born, both Reiji and Anastasia, nicknamed "Hero of the Dawn" and  “Queen of Spirits” respectively, appears out of nowhere and grants them blessings.

And it is said that both of them watches over the black-haired, black-eyed child, whether a boy or a girl, from the shadows until they grow up.

Black-haired, black-eyed children were often normal children who were no different from other children.

However, about once every 100 years, a clearly different child appears.

The child possesses abilities that surpass human limits.

It’s been a long time since skill orbs ceased to exist in this world.

Most people don’t even know that there are 8 skill slots. They no longer need to know.

Even so, people called such black-haired black-eyed children:

——Overlimit Skill Holder.

Both Reiji and Anastasia are said to have spared no effort in guiding these children and helping them grow into adults who can support the world from the shadows.

Milleniums have passed, and both Reiji and Anastasia looked at the world slowly developing under their watch and care.

They are now spending the rest of their lives in each other's company and embrace, living happily ever after.