第１３２掘：彼女にとっての勇者 (Part2)
In terms of raw level, Seraria-sama is completely superior to me, yet for some reason, my strength growth is higher, allowing me to hold my own in a stalemate.
However, that only applies to our physical strength; in every other aspect, I am overwhelmingly outclassed.
Because of that, I’m the one gasping for air, and I’m gradually being pushed back.
"That is why I am offering you a reward."
"W-what do you mean by that?"
"Become my husband’s concubine. You can remain his exclusive guard and attendant just as you are now."
"Eh!?"
The moment those words left her lips, my sword was deftly entangled and sent flying into the air.
"Well, that is assuming my husband doesn't object. Oh, or perhaps there is someone else you fancy?"
"There isn't!! There is only him!!"
"Then that settles it, doesn't it? You won't have to hold back at night anymore. Come join us. Today is... Milly's turn, so I will speak to her about it."
"Eh, e-eh, is that really alright?"
"Of course. Besides, Ria, you understand, don't you? That my husband, Yuki, wanders off far too much. We are having a difficult time with the security situation as well."
"Ah, yes. That’s why you were looking for someone to be his exclusive guard, right?"
"Exactly. After the training you’ve undergone until today, you shouldn't be caught off guard unless you face an extraordinary opponent. If you are a concubine and a guard, there will be no need for you to ever leave his side. We would like to take on guard duties ourselves, but we are simply too busy."
That is true.
Yuki-san’s wives all hold positions as representatives or executives in their respective fields, and they live very busy lives.
Which is why their nights are so intense.
"Then, I am allowed to become Yuki-san’s concubine!!"
"Yes. Though, Ria... I thought this earlier, but it seems you can finally say names now."
"Eh? Ah, you're right!! W-who is Milly-san? I couldn't hear the names until now. Which person is Milly-san? I must speak with her about today’s events quickly!!"
"Alright, alright. Let's head over and greet everyone, including Milly—no, everyone else—once more. You couldn't hear their names before, could you?"
"……Yes."
As I walked toward the inn where the wives were gathering, having been contacted by Seraria-sama, she spoke again.
"Come to think of it, you seemed to understand my husband's name, Yuki, right away. I wonder why that is?"
"Because whenever he needed to sign documents for work, he would write 'Yuki'."
"I see. Oh, I will mention this to the others as well, but you will be the very last to conceive, Ria. If you, his guard, were to become heavy with child, my husband would absolutely refuse to let you push yourself."
"Eh?"
"That’s right. It will be at least two years from now, until we finish our terms of office and can take over Yuki’s protection. Until then, you must refrain from having children."
"Eeeehhh!?"
I felt as though I had just received the cruelest sentence of the day.
***
Side: Yuki
*You have obtained a special title.*
A notification of that nature echoed in my mind.
"That's rare. What is a 'special title'?"
Is this another one of Luna’s pranks?
Thinking that, I checked my status screen...
Title: Hero's Hero. An anomalous existence called a 'Hero' by a Hero. (What are you doing? This is too funny.)
"Huh?"
For the time being, I decided to summon Luna to lodge a protest.
I mean, I could understand being called a Hero’s mentor, father, or lover, but what is this "Hero's Hero"? It makes no sense.
And, a Hero, huh.
What should I do about Ria?
I have to figure something out in about five days, right?
She must be tired from training with Seraria today, so I guess I'll start tomorrow... yeah, I'll do my best starting tomorrow!!
Even though Yuki is a cheat with specs that are off the charts, from Ria-chan’s perspective, he looked like a regular, everyday Hero who was simply working incredibly hard.
Even though he is, in fact, a Hero!
As you can tell if you’ve been reading, Ria is special among the heroines.
She isn't someone who is lectured by Yuki; she is a girl who finds the answers herself and grows stronger.
She is, quite literally, a girl worthy of being a Hero.
Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the pasta comments from yesterday.
The sheer number of pasta recommendations was magnificent.