As we are collecting the magic stones and materials,
“Thank you very much for having saved me before.”
I was chatted up by the warrior whom I had roughly rescued some time ago.
However, thanks to my
As a result, even though I saved his neck, I feel slightly awkward.
“No, that is, sorry for denting your armor and so on.” (Shuuya)
“Eh? Ah, something like that is a cheap price to pay for my life. You know, I had resolved myself to die for the sake of my friends, but I fortunately survived to see another day.”
Going by his reaction, the young warrior hasn’t apparently noticed the state of his own armor yet.
At that point,
“Aaaaahh, Ruka! You’re alive!”
“Ruka’s aliveee―!”
his party members, who had run away earlier, all came back.
“Alf Rulexander, Mimi s.h.i.+bis.h.i.+, Scrane Zukisasagu, Sasuri, Tomilion, Chuoss… for me to be able to meet you once more! This is all thanks to you. Oh, my name is Ruka Zen Southerion. I’m the one leading the party 【Lucys’ Game】. If possible, I’d like to hear your name as well.” (Ruka)
After looking at his friends, who are gathering around the young warrior, with teary eyes, he asked for my name while switching to a serious expression.
“The name’s Shuuya, and our party is 【Innocent Arms】.” (Shuuya)
“…Shuuya-san, thank you. Please take this as a sign of my grat.i.tude.” (Ruka)
The chain of a golden necklace, which has three small jewels—red, black, and yellow—with old-styled carvings that overlap in spirals embedded into it, is clutched in the warrior’s hand.
Once I check it with Magic Observation, I realize that mana is swirling through the entire chain.
I guess it’s not merely gold; appearances are deceiving, huh?
This is quite the magic item, it seems.
“No, something like that is…” (Shuuya)
When I decline modestly,
“…It’s no good with just this? It’s an item that possesses the effects of a magic defense up, physical defense up, and an increase in physical ability. This is a War Steel Ogre Master’s Necklace said to have been equipped by the War Steel Ogre Cavalry Division, which exceeds Radford Empire’s Special Groundforce Brigade that’s even now playing an active role in the 50-years-war. It’s a war spoil heirloom that’s handed down in my family. Please, accept this as my grat.i.tude for having saved my life.” (Ruka)
Even if I’m told something like this…
It’s not like I saved him while hoping to get some money or items.
…I’m quite bad with things such as this.
Save, being saved. Thank, being thanked.
Isn’t it fine with only that much? Though that’s not something I can say here, I suppose.
“Ruka-san, I can’t accept this. Your feelings of grat.i.tude are plenty for me. We don’t need any more since prior to this, we defeated the Death Emperor’s party and obtained their materials and magic stones.” (Shuuya)
“But…” (Ruka)
He has an expression telling me that he wants to show his respect somehow.
This ikemen youth is quite attractive.
I guess his character is great, too.
“…To be frank, your att.i.tude as s.h.i.+eld bearer was too cool and dazzling. That’s why I went as far as saving you. Come on, your friends, who are celebrating your survival, have also arrived, so please go to them.” (Shuuya)
“…I won’t forget this debt of life. Having been able to meet a great gentleman like you is a blessing in disguise in this whole ordeal.” (Ruka)
“Haha, you’re exaggerating.” (Shuuya)
It’s a feeling as if being hit on by an ikemen…
“No, that’s not true. Your performance in killing the Death Emperor, your body movements, and your a.s.sessment of the situation, all of it has been amazing… If possible, I’d like to employ you as a high executive under the direct control of my Earl household… Can you come visit my mansions in either the Southerion territory or in Pelneet in the future? I'll show you my personal grat.i.tude while having a chat there. How about it?” (Ruka)
Ruka-san appears to belong to an Earl family.
An employment opportunity, huh? I’m thankful for the offer.
But, can this whimsical me be content with working under someone else? No way.
“…No, no, umm, just the thought is more than enough.” (Shuuya)
“…R-Really? An outstanding talent like you is extremely needed in the war against the Empire, though…” (Ruka)
War, eh? At the moment, I have no interest in that, however.
“Even if you talk about war, I’m just an unsophisticated adventurer, not a soldier.” (Shuuya)
“I understand. Still, I'll inform everyone in the mansions of an adventurer named Shuuya, so please feel free to visit any time.” (Ruka)
I don’t plan to go, but let’s be a gentleman.
“Okay.” (Shuuya)
He released a standard ikemen smile and obediently returned to his friends.
That person is likely popular with women. After all, he got everything covered: looks, personality, and morals.
The members of 【Lucys’ Game】, who had gathered and were waiting for him, all made merry due to Ruka’s return while crying tears of joy.
“Ruka! How wonderful! It finished without me having to convey your father the sad news.”
“Haha, Toren Chuoss. It’s likewise great that you’re safe. Don’t forget who retreated the fastest after saying “The h.e.l.l we can die in such a place before dying in the war against the Empire,” okay?” (Ruka)
“Ugh, I mean, didn’t you frantically shout that all of us should run away as you'll become our s.h.i.+eld…?” (Chuoss)
