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“…Where am I?” (Eugene)

When I woke up, what I saw was an unfamiliar ceiling.

My head felt foggy.

Am I still half-asleep? My recent memories are unclear.

“Yo, Eugene. You’re finally awake?”

It was Claude, lying on the bed next to mine, who called out to me.

Seeing my friend’s face brought back memories.

“Claude, what happened to the Darkness Dragon?!” (Eugene)

“It left.” (Claude)

“It left…? So, we didn’t defeat it?” (Eugene) 

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t even deal a fatal blow. But I guess it was quite shocked by the attack from the Dragon God Spear. I lost consciousness, so I didn’t see it myself, but it seems the Darkness Dragon retreated to the Antarctic at an incredible speed.” (Claude)

“I see… Still, it’s a wonder that both you and I made it out alive.” (Eugene)

“I heard later that Miguel carried us back. He was watching from afar and came back to help us.” (Claude)

“We’ll have to thank him later.” (Eugene)

“I’ve already informed the Federation Congress that we managed to repel the Darkness Dragon with the help of the summoner from Greta Island. They might even be upgraded from a third-rate country.” (Claude)

“I see.” (Eugene)

It seems like they are having it hard, so it would be great if their hard work was rewarded.

“By the way, how long was I out?” (Eugene)

“About a full day. I just woke up about an hour ago myself. No external injuries, but we were told to take it easy for half a day.” (Claude)

“I see, then maybe I’ll do some swings.” (Eugene)

“Eugene, do you even understand what ‘taking it easy’ means?” (Claude)

As we were having that casual conversation…I heard footsteps approaching.

*Bang!!!*

The door burst open.

“…Geh.”

I heard Claude mutter quietly.

“Claude-sama?! You’re awake!” 

A noble-looking woman in a fluttering pink dress hugged Claude and pushed him back onto the bed. 

It was Princess Tifania Crystal.

“Aah, you are in such a pitiful state! But don’t worry, I’ll have you see the best doctor in the Golden Kingdom immediately! The Blue Waters Federation is abuzz with your heroic tales, Claude-sama! When shall we have the ceremony?! Since you are now the Legendary Hero who saved the Blue Waters Federation, we needn’t wait for your graduation from the academy! The venue is already secured, and the guest list is nearly complete! Look!” (Tifania)

She was speaking at a dizzying pace.

Was this princess always like this?

“Um… Princess Tifania. Calm down, please.” (Claude)

Claude seemed overwhelmed.

“Oh, don’t be so formal. Call me Tifa, like you did last night in bed…” (Tifania)

“…Y-Yeah, Tifa, please calm down.” (Claude)

Aah, so Claude made a move on the princess. Considering he was ready to die in the battle against the Darkness Dragon, I can somewhat understand wanting a final moment…

But this room was meant for just Claude and me. The princess’s enthusiasm made it quite uncomfortable to stay.

I thought about quietly sneaking out, but Princess Tifania suddenly looked at me.

“Oh my, Eugene-sama, you’re awake too! Perfect timing! That personage was very concerned about you as well. Oh, they should have come along… Where could they be?” (Tifania)

“That personage…?” (Eugene)

That’s when I noticed a slight glance from the door the princess had entered through.

Long, well-kept blonde hair along with the black and red patterned uniform of the Empire.

“Airi? What are you doing?” (Eugene)

It was my childhood friend, Airi.

“Y-Yaho, how’s your body?” (Airi)

Airi entered the room with somewhat odd energy.

“I just woke up, so I’m feeling a bit sluggish. I want to stretch a little.” (Eugene)

I said and tried to get out of bed…

“Idiot! You were told to rest!” (Airi)

Airi closed the distance in an instant from the doorway and pinned me down.

Kuh! I couldn’t react to Airi’s Twin Heavenly Sword Style – Sky Walk. 

My body really is sluggish.

“I’m fine, really.” (Eugene)

“No, you’re not! You always push yourself too hard, Eugy!” (Airi)

I tried to escape, but Airi held me down firmly.

To anyone else, it would look like Airi was hugging me.

If someone saw this, they’d definitely get the wrong idea, is what I thought and…

“…No way… Eugy-kun…” 

“Eugene… so you prefer that girl after all.”

I really wished I’d misheard that, but standing at the doorway were both Sumire and Sara watching us.

(Aaah.) (Eri)

Stop it, Eri. Don’t say it like I am done for.

“Don’t take Eugy-kun from me!!” (Sumire)

“Let go! You past woman!” (Sara)

“Hey, Sumire?! And you, the girl from the Holy Nation! Who are you calling a past woman?!” (Airi)

The hospital room became chaotic in one go. 

The hospital told us later that since we had awakened, we were to return on the next Flying Ship to the Dungeon City.

Apparently, because we had driven away the Darkness Dragon, Claude and I had been assigned the best hospital room and doctors, but with no injuries -not even Claude, who had made the contract- they were left with nothing to heal.

Due to the heavy damage caused by the Darkness Dragon in the Federation, there were numerous injured, and hospital rooms were in extremely short supply.

Thus, Claude and I ended up boarding a Flying Ship back to the Lykeion Magic Academy on the same night we woke up.

It wasn’t until much later that we learned countless letters of thanks and many gifts from the Federation’s countries had been sent to the academy.

◇◇

We returned to Lykeion Magic Academy.

The magic history class just ended, and now it’s break time.

“It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve had classes at school.” (Sumire)

“Yes, it was a long field assignment.” (Sara)

I overheard Sumire and Sara talking.

“Well, Eugene will probably be exempt from any more field assignments for a while. You’ve proven yourself enough.” (Claude)

That was Claude.

Princess Tifania’s passionate proposal was settled with the agreement that they would wait until after school graduation and after getting some experience as a dragon knight in the Dragon Country.

“Is that so? So there won’t be any more.” (Eugene)

That’s a bit disappointing.

This time, I set foot in the Holy Nation and the Blue Waters Federation for the first time. Seeing cultures different from the Empire broadened my perspective.

“You seem disappointed, Eugene.” (Claude)

“As an imperial soldier, it’s not easy to visit other countries casually. I want to experience various things while I’m still a student.” (Eugene)

When I said that, Claude chuckled and said “You’re an odd one”.

“You… Are you intending to get even more achievements for yourself? Good grief, the people of the Empire are so greedy.”

A sudden interruption.

A female swordsman with long hair tied in a single ponytail and wearing a white cloak, Lily Whitewind, an apprentice of the Holy Knights.

“I don’t want to fight the Dark Bird Raum again, you know?” (Eugene)

“Really? You seem more bloodthirsty than you look, Eugene.” (Lily)

“Not at all. Last time, I didn’t have time to properly explore the Holy City of Arshaam, so I’d like to do some more sightseeing next time.” (Eugene)

“I see. In that case, I’ll guide you.” (Lily)

“That would be helpful.” (Eugene)

When I said that, I heard Sara mutter, “Eh… But I’m here…”

“Sara-sama would be busy with her duties as a Holy Maiden. You should be grateful, Eugene Santafield! Also, let’s have a sword duel in the next physical education class!” (Lily)

“Got it.” (Eugene)

Lily pointed at me with a sharp gesture and then returned to her seat.

She used to be colder towards me. 

We’ve become closer during this recent assignment. That’s also an achievement.

“…Eugy-kun.” (Sumire)

“…Eugene.” (Sara)

Sumire and Sara were peering into my face from both sides.

“What’s wrong?” (Eugene)

“You’re getting along well with Lily-chan.” (Sumire)

“Don’t put a hand on her.” (Sara)

“As if!” (Eugene)

Sumire and Sara worry too much.

There’s no way there would be something going on with someone as serious as Lily Whitewind.

A few people approached us while we were chatting noisily.

“Yo, Eugene. You look healthy.”

“You shouldn’t leave the Federation without saying goodbye.”

It was Soran and Leonhart from the Blue Waters Federation.

It is true that I haven’t had the chance to talk with them since the battle with the Darkness Dragon. 

It is because I was being transported from the hospital to the Flying Ship by the time I noticed though.

“Sorry I couldn’t say goodbye. Well, we’re in the same Legendary Hero Department, so we can always meet.” (Eugene)

When I said that…

“That’s not it! After I told my dad, the Twelfth Fist Saint, and the king about you, they said they wanted to meet you. Next time you come to the Federation, we’ll welcome you!” (Soran)

Soran said.

“Wait, Soran. My master, the Bow Hero, and the king want to meet you too, Eugene. Please visit our country as well.” (Leonhart)

Even Leonhart started saying something like that.

“Alright, I’ll come if there’s an opportunity.” (Eugene)

It’s an honor that the Fist Saint and Bow Hero want to meet me, but I can smell the politics.

You’re casually dropping ‘the king’ like that, but that’s probably the main point, isn’t it?

…I’d rather keep my distance from political troubles.

“Heh~, you’re popular, Eugene.” (Claude)

“Being popular with guys isn’t exactly what I want.” (Eugene)

Claude was grinning because it wasn’t his problem.

“Can you really afford to be so relaxed, Claude?” (Leonhart)

“He is a benefactor to the Dragon Country too, after all. He saved the life of the wielder of the Dragon God Spear after all.” (Soran)

“Aren’t you going to invite him to your country?” (Leonhart)

Soran and Leonhart’s words made the political entanglements feel even more troublesome.

“It’s fine. Eugene and I are bound by a Blood Contract. Isn’t that right, Bro Eugene?” (Claude)

““““Eh?”””” 

Soran, Leonhart, Sumire, and Sara all raised their voices in surprise at Claude’s words.

“Just so you know, I saved you in the battle against the Darkness Dragon this time, so next time, it’s your turn to save me, Claude.” (Eugene)

“I know. The warriors of the Dragon Country always keep their promises.” (Claude)

Claude replied lightly, yet with a serious tone.

“I will make sure to bring some impossible task.” (Eugene)

“As long as the opponent isn’t a terrifying Demon Lord, it’ll be fine.” (Claude)

It seems Claude can’t handle Eri.

A Hero Candidate who’s afraid of a Demon Lord? How’s that going to work?

But before I could dwell on that, two people rushed up to me.

“Hey, Eugy-kun! What do you mean by making a contract with Claude? Don’t tell me you and Claude… like you did with me…” (Sumire)

“Eugene, are you into guys too?! You never mentioned that!” (Sara)

“………What are you two talking about?” (Eugene)

He said it was a Blood Contract.

Please listen properly when people are talking.

Just as we were getting caught up in our lively banter…

“Hey there, Legendary Heroes in the making! Are you honing your skills today too?”

A clear voice rang through the classroom.

The person who entered wasn’t our teacher for the next class.

It was a middle-aged mage with dark golden hair, a deep crimson robe, and eyes sharp as a lion’s. The academy’s principal, Uther.

“Principal, what brings you here?” (Sara)

Sara asked on behalf of the class.

The Principal didn’t answer immediately, instead, he looked around the classroom with a meaningful smile.

At that moment, I felt like he gave me an amused glance.

(What’s this about?) (Eugene)

The answer became clear immediately.

“……Eh?”

That sound escaped my lips, but Sumire and Sara also let out similar voices.

A person entered the classroom of the Legendary Hero Department at the Lykeion Magic Academy.

“Let me introduce you! A new member will be joining this class from today. Everyone, please get along.” (Uther)

The classroom was buzzing with chatter.

And it was no wonder.

There wasn’t a single person in this class who didn’t know her face.

Long, shimmering blonde hair and clear blue eyes.

The Lykeion Magic Academy uniform, which was somewhat cute compared to the oppressive Imperial Army uniform, surprisingly suited her.

“Please, introduce yourself.” (Uther)

Prompted Principal Uther, even though it was just a formality.

“Nice to meet you, everyone in the Legendary Hero Department. I’m Airi Areus Grandflare. Please take care of me☆” (Airi)

The new classmate was my childhood friend, Airi, the first in line to the throne of the Grandflare Empire.

■Comment Response: 

>Thinking about how reports after the fact might be repeated many times in the future heats up my heart!

-I agree!

>Eugene is becoming less and less human.

-He wasn’t fully human to begin with.

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