The three idiots who couldn't become heroes are preparing a man's meal today as well. - Chapter 64

TLN: Sorry for putting the chapter behind the coin, economy has been skydiving so I need some income. If there’s some donation I will lift off some chapters of this series and the”Sewing Skill” series. Thank you.

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Episode 64: VS

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“Uh, g-good morning…”

“Oh, morning.”

After exchanging a slightly awkward greeting, I motioned for the red-haired girl to sit by the campfire.

Her name, apparently, was Noa.

I had planned to ask her about various things, but exhaustion must have caught up with her. After dinner, she started dozing off, and before long, the women in the group took care of her and led her into a tent.

So all I really knew about her was that she is the “Demon” and her name.

“U-um…”

“Let’s talk after breakfast, yeah? You’ll feel more at ease that way.”

“…Okay.”

Cutting off her somewhat strained words, I focused on making breakfast.

We decided to keep it light since it was morning, so the menu was Japanese-style: rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and various pickled vegetables.

I would have preferred salmon… but since we didn’t have any, we settled for grilled man-eating fish and seared giant tuna.

On the bright side, we managed to make tororo using yam that Daikonmaru had apparently grown, so overall, it turned out pretty well.

“Alright then, everyone, itadakimasu.”

“””Itadakimasu.”””

“I-Itadakimasu?”

Following our example, Noa clumsily put her hands together and began eating breakfast like the rest of us.

Man, this kind of scene really brings back memories.

That thought had barely crossed my mind when—

“It’s… so good… it’s so good…”

One person suddenly burst into tears.

“Noa-chan!? It’s okay! From now on, you’ll always have food, alright?”

“U-um, as long as you’re with us, we promise delicious meals. So, um… if you could, please… try to stop crying…?”

“It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you? It must have been so hard. But you’re safe now. We’re here with you. So cry as much as you need to. You don’t need to pray to any gods—just rely on us. We will help you. We will definitely help you.”

Things escalated real fast.

The men, unable to say anything, awkwardly sipped their miso soup.

Uh… what exactly is the right move here?

“Ko-chan… let’s cook more fish.”

“Kita-kun, how about grilling some meat? Nothing cheers people up like good food.”

“Um, everyone… maybe we should just give her some space for now? Although… more fish might be a good idea.”

After some hushed discussion among the guys, we still didn’t reach a conclusion.

In the end, we left it all to the women.

Good thing our party had plenty of them.

…Or so I thought.

“Kita, this is your moment as the leader. Stop standing around and say something cool.”

Damn it.

This idiot just had to put me on the spot.

Now everyone’s staring at me.

“Noa, is it good?”

That was the best I could come up with after opening my mouth.

Wow. Way to show off those terrible communication skills.

“…Yeah.”

Crap. The conversation isn’t going anywhere.

Screw it. I’m just gonna go with my gut.

“Then here’s your first job—find something you love to eat. Try all kinds of food, eat as much as you can. Find something that makes you think, ‘This is my favorite.’ And when you do, tell us. We’ll make it for you again. We’ll make sure you always have your favorite food.

That’s your first mission.”

I pointed a finger at her dramatically.

An unbearably awkward silence followed.

Ah, damn it.

I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. That was so embarrassing.

“Kita, nice. …Pfft.”

“Shiro… you little—”

“No, really, I think it was quite cool. Very fitting for Kitayama-san. After all, only a man who proposes to a witch could pull off something like that. Fufu.”

“Annabelle… That was definitely a jab! You’re just making fun of me!”

As I bared my teeth in frustration, everyone burst into laughter.

Damn it, I knew I shouldn’t have said something so cheesy.

It doesn’t suit me at all, and an old guy like me just looks ridiculous saying stuff like that.

Annoyed, I shoveled food into my mouth when—

“…Yes. Yes! I’ll do it! I’ll find lots of things I love in this world!”

Noa suddenly gave a bright, determined response.

Wait, how am I supposed to reply to that?

“Uh, yeah. Eat up.”

“Yes!”

That was all I could come up with.

“Kita, you were doing so well, and then you ruined it.”

“Shut up and eat.”

“Seconds.”

“Get it yourself—”

“MVP of the day.”

“…Right away.”

And so, our morning at the campsite passed in a mess of laughter and food.

Today marked the seventh day.

The request officially ends today.

If nothing happens by the end of the day, that means our “protection target” is Noa.

That princess… just who is she?

Or rather, what is she planning?

She tasked us with protecting a child, fully aware of what that would mean.

And not just any child—a Demon of all things.

We have no idea what kind of impact this could have on the kingdom.

Yet she entrusted this to us.

What exactly is she expecting from us?

“Seriously, what is with that girl…?”

Muttering quietly to myself, I scoop another serving of rice.

………………

“Ah, damn it. These vines are a pain… This is why I hate forests.”

“Just deal with it. A ‘Hero’ who loses to some vines isn’t even worth laughing at.”

“You’re so damn annoying…”

“I’m simply telling you to be aware of the weight your words carry.”

With such an exchange, we continue advancing through the forest.

They might be ahead.

Just thinking that makes my heart race.

At the same time, part of me doesn’t want to meet them here, right now.

How would he see me now?

As just another member of the Hero’s party?

Of course. That’s exactly what I am.

But… I don’t want to be seen as just that.

I know I’m being greedy, but still.

“You always have something negative to say… It really kills the mood, you know? Can’t you say something a little better for once?”

“If you just want someone to praise you, why not buy a slave or something? I hear they exist on ‘this side,’ don’t they? Use the allowance the King gave you, buy one, and train them like a pet.”

“…You picking a fight with me?”

“Oh? I simply thought I was buying the one you were selling.”

Saying that, I glance at my companion walking beside me.

“Hah… hah…”

This is bad. She’s pushing herself too hard.

Normally, at times like this, Nozomi would definitely butt in, but right now, she’s pale and breathing shallowly.

Maybe it’s partly because of last night’s conversation…

“Shibata, let’s take a break.”

“Hah? You already tired? You’re seriously useless.”

“It’s not me. Nozomi’s at her limit. Look around.”

At that, he finally notices our childhood friend’s state and rushes back from the front, looking flustered.

“Nozomi! You okay!?”

“Y-Yeah… Sorry… I’m holding everyone back…”

“Don’t worry about that! Are you alright? Here, have some water… Medic! Get over here, now!”

Honestly, if he could show even a fraction of that concern for others, things would be a lot easier.

To him, the world practically revolves around her.

That’s why he doesn’t even notice the soldiers around us clicking their tongues in annoyance.

“You don’t need to call the medics. Here, take some water—”

“—Shut up, shut up! I said I need to go to the damn toilet!”

“Huh?”

A loud voice suddenly rings out, and then—

Sliding down from the slope right in front of us is a man in black armor.

A reunion far too abrupt.

Seriously, this guy is beyond ridiculous.

No matter where, no matter when, he always defies my expectations.

“Ah.”

Both of us let out an involuntary sound as our eyes meet.

As I struggle to figure out what to say, the situation moves on without me.

“Enemy sighted!”

One of the soldiers shouts, and the atmosphere instantly grows tense.

The soldiers spread out, surrounding him.

One after another, they unsheathe their weapons, all aimed directly at the black-armored man.

“…Huh?”

Even he seems unable to grasp the situation. With a low growl, he reaches into the bag at his waist and silently pulls out two spears, taking a stance.

This. This is what I burned into my memory.

A ‘warrior.’

Wielding two spears, facing his enemies with unwavering courage.

The moment I see him again in that form, I feel an overwhelming rush of excitement, to the point my legs almost give out.

Constantly aware of his surroundings, ready to move at a moment’s notice.

Like a beast, exuding an overpowering presence.

So cool…

“So, you’re ‘Black Armor,’ huh? If someone like you is here, you must know something. Hand over the ‘Demon.'”

And yet, as expected, the ‘Hero-sama’ remains as oblivious as ever, drawing his sword with a haughty declaration.

He lacks the resolve to drive that blade into his opponent—
And he lacks the courage to risk being cut himself.

“Hah? Who the hell are you? Don’t you know introductions come first when you meet someone new? You sure talk big for some brat.”

“Hah! Where is it written that I need to introduce myself to the likes of you!? I am the ‘Hero,’ and you—lowly scum like you—”

“Oh, you’re the ‘Hero’? Then just die already.”

The moment those words leave his mouth, Shibata is sent flying past me.

What just happened?

As I turn my head in shock, the black-armored man who was in front of me just a moment ago is no longer there.

“Do you have any idea how many people have died because of you, huh? I’ll send you flying for every single one of them, so brace yourself, Hero-sama. If you think that one punch was all, you’re dead wrong.”

…………

The man in black armor descended before my eyes.

Everything happened so fast after he sent Yuu-kun flying.

The soldiers around us lunged at him, and he swept them aside with the blunt ends of his spears.

It was like watching an action movie.

Dozens of people swung their weapons to kill, yet he dodged and fought them all without using the sharp edges of his own.

Amazing. There’s no other way to describe it.

Everyone else wields their weapons to kill, but he alone wields his to spare.

In a different sense than Yuu-kun, he feels like the protagonist.

Strong. Overwhelmingly strong.

But to me, Yuu-kun is the only protagonist.

“Yuu-kun! I’m casting healing magic now!”

I shouted as I hurriedly healed his face.

It was a mess.

His nose was broken, and his front tooth was knocked out.

But it’ll be fine.

I was given the title of Saint, so I can heal almost any wound instantly.

Even if a body part is completely gone, my magic can restore it.

“N-Nozomi…”

“Yuu-kun!”

As I lifted his head, his eyes snapped open, burning with rage.

No, stop.

“Please, let’s talk this out? If we just talk properly, I’m sure he’ll understand too.”

“Don’t be stupid. That thing is a beast. Words mean nothing to something like that.”

Saying so, he stood up and raised his sword.

No, that’s not why I healed you.

I wanted to say that. But I couldn’t.

I just didn’t have the courage to deny him.

Because without him, I wouldn’t survive.

“Black Armor! Fight me!”

“Hah! I’ll at least acknowledge your will to stand back up!”

With battle cries exchanged, the protagonists clashed.

Please, let this not end with one of them losing their life.

Not here, not before my eyes, not within my reach.

Let no one’s life be extinguished.

I prayed with all my heart.

The fierce battle raged on. I couldn’t bear to watch anymore, so I shut my eyes.

Please, don’t get hurt.

Please, don’t hurt each other.

That was the only thing I wished for, as I prayed to the gods.

And when I finally opened my eyes again—

“Eh?”

For the first time in my life, I witnessed the exact moment one human inflicted a grievous wound upon another.