After The Journey

After defeating the Forest Lord, Arthur, Elaine, and Tristan brought back the corpse of the Cockatrice, surprising the village chief and once again receiving waves of gratitude from the villagers.

There was talk of starting another banquet, but since the Forest Lord turned out to be a rare magical beast, Elaine had to report it to the Church. Arthur also needed to return to Britannia soon, so they received souvenirs and decided to head back.

“I never imagined the Forest Lord would taste like that…”

“Rumors are just rumors, I suppose… Still, we received dried Gokuuma Bird meat as a souvenir, so I’m looking forward to enjoying it back in Britannia.”

Arthur and Kei sighed with weary expressions. They had secretly asked the villagers to let them try the Cockatrice meat, but its rubbery texture and tastelessness left much to be desired.

Well, thinking about it logically, there’s no way a poison-filled monster would taste good…

“Even so, when you all defeated the Forest Lord, everyone was overjoyed. They called you and Lady Elaine heroes, and just hearing that made me so happy.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t that strong, but it had been spreading poison throughout the forest… For the villagers, it must’ve been a serious nuisance.”

Perhaps because they had good compatibility and didn’t struggle much, Arthur still didn’t fully grasp the terror of the Cockatrice.

“Oh right, I purified the forest with Elaine too. Now people can keep eating Gokuuma Bird. Lucky you.”

“Yes, that’s just like you, Lord Arthur. You’re so kind—I’m proud to be your personal maid (and sister figure).”

“Fufu, you really love Gokuuma Bird, don’t you, Kei…”

Arthur smiled wryly at the joyful Kei, but for some reason, she shook her head.

“That’s not it, Lord Arthur. Well, of course, I’m happy we can eat Gokuuma Bird again, but what really makes me happy is that people from another country got to see what a wonderful person you are. That truly warms my heart.”

“Kei… you really are…”

Seeing her rejoice as if it were her own accomplishment made Arthur’s eyes misty. He also realized he didn’t mind being thanked by the villagers at all.

The warmth in his chest wasn’t something he felt when healing nobles… Was this what it meant to feel happy?

He finally started to understand what Morgan once told him: “Don’t just follow others blindly—think for yourself and take action.” Sure, he mostly just wanted Kei to have something tasty to eat. But deep down, even if only a little, he had worried about the villagers too.

“I’m glad my feelings got through. And, there’s just one more thing I’d like to say.”

“Hm? What is it?”

Kei’s smile vanished, and she looked at him seriously. Arthur broke into a nervous sweat at her intensity.

Did I do something wrong?

“I know that Lord Arthur has outstanding healing powers and is kind to everyone.”

“Ah, yeah…”

Arthur was about to say he wasn’t that kind, but seeing Kei unusually serious made him nod. He’d gotten a little better at reading the room lately.

“But please also think about yourself. And when you go somewhere, please let me know. I may not be able to fight, so I’ll leave that to your knight escorts. But tending to you before you leave and waiting for your return is part of my job. I was really worried when I woke up and you weren’t there this morning…”

“Kei… I’m sorry… I just wanted to make you happy and—whoa!”

He couldn’t finish his sentence. She had pulled his head to her chest.

“I know you did your best for me and the villagers. But I’d really appreciate it if you also remembered that I worry about you too.”

“Yeah, I understand. I won’t sneak off without telling you again.”

“Thank you. You’re such a good boy, Lord Arthur.”

Kei smiled warmly at his words, stroking his head while holding him close. Arthur, now used to this, let her do as she pleased.

If Elaine saw this, she’d probably lose her mind—but fortunately, no one was around to comment.

This journey had been full of new experiences. He’d shown his strength and wouldn’t be seeing that flavor-insensitive saintess for a while… With that thought, Arthur rested his head against Kei’s chest.

What he didn’t yet know was that upon returning to Britannia, he’d be greeted with a beaming smile from Morgan, who would inform him that their annual church exchange had been changed to a monthly event to strengthen relations—meaning he’d now have to suffer through Elaine’s spicy food once a month.