第２６６堀：夢（挑む）か夢（諦める） (Part1)
Chapter 266: Dream (To Challenge) or Dream (To Give Up)
Phew, summer’s already coming to an end, isn’t it?
Did everyone go to the beach and enjoy their "real life"?
Regardless, don’t forget about the story, alright?
It’s been three chapters, about a week’s time.
I don’t think you’d forget, but if you have, go back and re-read.
Now, onto the main story.
Dream (To Challenge) or Dream (To Give Up)
Side: Taiki
"Man, it’s hot again today, isn't it?"
I’m at the Magic Academy, spending my lunch break just like any other day, taking classes at a leisurely pace.
But, to think I was summoned to another world, forced to play the role of a "Hero"—the synonym for a handyman—only to end up as the Hero King.
What is this, some kind of symmetrical docking anime?
Well, while I was busy rebuilding the kingdom, I received a summons from Yuki-san—who, despite having a different role, also came to this world from my home—and here I am, enrolled as a student at this academy.
Even though this school is a bit off the beaten path, it still feels like a nostalgic place to me.
"I used to walk through places like this, didn't I..."
I look out the window at the students running through the courtyard, taking a shortcut to the cafeteria.
A teacher comes out from behind them, shouting, "Shake off the dirt before you go into the cafeteria!"
Our school doesn't allow outdoor shoes inside, after all.
Did I get scolded for running through the courtyard like that back then?
But you just couldn't stop. If you didn't, the cafeteria seats would all be taken. It wasn't exactly gourmet food, but it was strangely addictive.
I’d hang out with friends, buying cheap udon or bread, just enjoying the meal.
Ever since I followed Yuki-san to this academy, every day brings back so many memories.
Remembering teachers like that, the struggle of waking up in the morning, the anxiety before a test, or how I was always full of energy only during P.E. class...
"...I guess those memories really do stick with you."
It’s been nearly four years since I came to this world. I’ve been so busy chasing after each day that I never had time to look back, or perhaps I was subconsciously trying to forget.
If I were still back there, I’d be a college student, enjoying the prime of my youth.
Well, I didn't really like studying, so maybe I’d be working?
But with only a high school diploma... that’s a tough spot. Maybe I’d be attending some local university, at least?
"...Um, Taiki-sama?"
"Hm?"
I turn around at the voice to find my wife, Airi, sitting next to me with a bento box.
For some reason, her face looks a bit troubled, almost sad.
Since she brought a bento, she probably wanted to eat with me like we always do, but I can’t quite grasp why she has that expression.
Since coming to the academy, even though our bodies are fakes, we’ve been able to enjoy some quiet time just the two of us.
Even with the work we do for Yuki-san and the others, we make sure to carve out time for ourselves.
It’s not like that back at the kingdom where I’m the King.
Ah, it’s such a hassle.
Wait, no, that’s not it. The question is why Airi, who usually eats with a smile, looks like this.
"What’s wrong? Did something happen, Airi?"
"...No, I just thought we could eat our bento together."
No, that look tells me she’s hiding something.
Hmm, is she tired from the unfamiliar academy life?
Wait, could it be... a new form of bullying!?
Yeah, our group stands out quite a bit, especially after we took down the Academy President.
It wouldn't be strange for some idiots to try and pick a fight.
I try to avoid acting alone to prevent those kinds of clichés, but maybe she was targeted when I looked away for a second, like when she went to the restroom?
If it were Yuki-san’s wives, they’d just blow the bullies away, but Airi isn't the fighting type.
She barely has any combat experience; she was just an innkeeper’s daughter. What if some weird guy is pestering her!?
Damn it, this might be even worse than bullying in Japanese schools!!
Yuki-san might be the one dealing with the "NTT," but if I have to deal with "NTR," that’s no laughing matter!!
"Are you okay!? Is it bullying? Some new kind of bullying? It’s alright, you don’t have to listen to anything those weirdos say!! I’ll protect you, so please, tell me the truth!!"
"N-no, it’s nothing like that. I’m fine."
"Are you sure? No stupid nobles bothering you?"
"Yes... *Sigh*. To make you worry, Taiki-sama, I’m a failure of a wife."
"That’s not true at all. Then why the troubled face?"
When I ask that, Airi lowers her eyes, struggling for a moment, but she seems to reach a decision and looks up to speak.
"...Seeing the way you look at the academy, Taiki-sama, it made me feel a bit guilty. Lately, you’ve been talking about your student days so happily, and I realized just how much your original world meant to you, and how precious it was. The teachers, your friends, the days spent with your family... We took away that 'normal' life that was so important to you."
Ah, so that’s it.
It’s not Airi’s fault, though. The cause is those idiot royals.
Thinking they could just summon a "Hero" handyman to fix their problems—those spoiled brats are the ones to blame.
I gently pull Airi, who looks like she’s about to cry, into a hug.
"Don't worry about it. Well, saying that is probably asking too much. I won't say I don't hold any grudges. But, I don't think meeting you and everyone else was a bad thing. Luckily, it seems there are others from my home world, like Yuki-san, so I’ll keep working with them to find a way back."
"...D-does that mean you’re going to leave this world?"
Airi starts to shed tears.
Ah, this is bad.
I didn't mean it like that, but for her, "going back" is a one-way street.
Well, if it weren't for Yuki-san, I wouldn't have even considered it...
For now, I’ll do what Yuki-san did to me.
I press my middle finger against my thumb, aiming for Airi’s forehead...
*Flick.*
"Ouch!?"
Airi’s eyes go wide at my sudden action, and she clutches her forehead with both hands.
By the way, when Yuki-san flicked my forehead, I was sent flying about 20 meters.
Even though my stats should have been boosted significantly as a Hero, that guy really is off the charts.
Even Yuki-san himself was genuinely surprised by that.
Now then, I have to talk to Airi and clear up this misunderstanding.