Part 5
The chirping of small birds filled the air.
Sunlight shone through the window, which was only half-covered by a tattered cloth.
My consciousness began to awaken, drawn by the morning signals, and I immediately felt something was off.
It's heavy...
It felt as if my body was being pinned down to the bed, and I sensed a restriction in my lower half.
What... is happening...? Huh?
When I managed to turn my neck, I saw that Yūri was using my lower body as a pillow.
"Wh-why is Yūri here...?"
"Mm... mmm..."
She was currently leaning against me. Perhaps uncomfortable in her sleep, she stirred a little.
Because of that, the softest part of Yūris body pressed tightly against me.
Th-this is bad! This position is really bad!
"Yūri...! Wake up!"
If not, the other me will wake up...!
But she showed no signs of waking up.
Normally, she was the one who woke up the easiest and helped me prepare breakfast, so why is she sleeping so deeply now...?
At this point, I had no choice but to take drastic measures.
As I tried to carefully move her, I suddenly noticed the bandages wrapped around my hands and feet.
In that instant, the memories of last night flooded back like a raging river.
"...That's right, I remember now."
I had been confessed to by Lusika and tried to kiss her, but suddenly, Rika and Yūri had barged in and knocked me away.
From the pain, I had passed out while the three of them argued... I see.
Yūri must have taken care of me and fallen asleep in the process... That explains it.
It made sense that I had woken up in my familiar room.
"However..."
Just because I understood the situation didn't change the fact that I was now at a loss for where to put my eyes.
"If I move carelessly, there's no doubt it'll happen..."
Even though she had hugged me of her own accord, it would be best not to touch anything like her chest unnecessarily.
"Snore... Snore..."
I slowly extended my arm toward Yūri, who was breathing steadily in her sleep.
I gently lifted her body slightly to free myself from the restraints.
No, not the chest... I have to focus on the shoulder, the shoulder...
But if my parents were to see this, they'd definitely misunderstand, haha—
"Hey, it's about time you wake up..."
"............"
"...Take your time getting down."
"Ahhhhhh!? No, no, Dad! You've got it all wrong!"
I shouted out in protest, but my father paid no attention.
With a frozen smile on his face, he slammed the door shut and returned to the living room.
By now, he was probably lamenting his son's unfaithfulness with Mom.
Or perhaps he's happily imagining a new potential bride for me.
...Knowing their personalities, I feel like it's the latter.
After all, Yūri couldn't possibly have romantic feelings for me, right?
"Mm... fuuuah..."
A sweet voice echoed through the silent room.
She stretched her body, arching her chest, which accentuated her breasts.
That kind of dangerous weapon could only belong to one person—Yūri.
"Ah, good morning, Jin-san. How are you feeling?"
"So far, Im fine. Yūri, you took care of me, right? Thank you."
"No, it was my fault for causing you trouble... Jin-san, what are your plans for today? If you'd like, I'd love to join you."
"Got it. I was planning to pray for everyone's success in defeating the Demon King today—wait, that's right! The Demon King defeat! That's today!!"
We had been chatting casually, but today was the day we were going to take down the Demon King.
The kingdom gathered all its forces and launched a full-scale attack on the Demon King's army.
She was supposed to be someone who shouldnt be here.
She should have been with Rika and Lusika, serving as a banner, fighting a life-or-death battle with the Demon King...
"Why is Yūri here? The Demon King defeat was supposed to be today, right?!"
"I've already defeated the Demon King."
"...Huh? Really?"
"Have I ever lied to you, Jin-san?"
"...No."
"Then that's the situation."
This cant be true... The Demon King, who had tormented humanity for so long, defeated so quickly...?
Ugh... our party is way too strong...
It was so shocking that I couldn't process the reality of it right away.
"Right now, Rika-chan and Lusika-san are going to report the defeat. I was entrusted with the role of staying behind."
"But Yūri, you should have gone too. Leave me behind if you have to, but you should go to the castle immediately."
"It's fine. I've already made sure to ask Lusika-san about that. Weve got some things to discuss about our future, after all."
Then, she continued.
"Dont say 'leave me behind.' If the person I care about speaks ill of himself... it makes me sad."
"But, still..."
"Theres no 'still.' Okay? Promise me."
Yūri gently took my hand and held it in front of her ample chest.
In her eyes, I could see sadness... and, for the first time, a rare glimpse of anger.
It was clear how serious she was, and I couldnt help but reflect on my own weakness.
"...I'm sorry. Ill never put myself down in front of you again, Yūri."
"Yes, its a promise."
Whenever she makes a promise, Yūri always intertwines her pinky with mine.
Apparently, its a ritual she learned from the Goddess.
I dont know the details, but its likely a secret passed down only to those who hold the title of [Saint].
Yūri, who was happy to have made a promise with me, noticed the bandages wrapped around my arm and her smile faded slightly.
"Im truly sorry about last night. I got upset after seeing the two of you in that kind of situation..."
Yūri apologized, looking dejected.
Even after accomplishing such a great feat, she was still worried about me... Thats probably why she is the [Saint].
Shes someone who, having faced more pain than most, understands the pain of others deeply.
Because of that, she has the tendency to blame herself more than necessary.
"Its fine, Yūri. Thank you for worrying about me."
"...Yes, thank you."
When I patted her head, she smiled at me with a soft, warm expression.
...Yūris smile is like the sun, lighting up everything around her.
I felt ashamed for almost harboring impure thoughts about such a wonderful person.
"What will you do next, Jin-san? Are you going to rest some more?"
"No, Im getting up. Im too shocked to even sleep."
"Then lets have breakfast. As an apology, Ill make it for you today."
"Ill help too. I cant just keep relying on you, Yūri."
With those words, Yūri jumped up in excitement, as if to express her joy, and grabbed my hand, pulling me along.
The comrades I thought I had lost are still here by my side.
Just realizing that made me smile.
"Oh, Jin-san. Thats a very nice smile. Could it be...?"
"Could it be...?"
"Are you... happy that I'm here?"
"Haha... Yeah, that's right. I'm really happy to be able to chat with you like this again, Yūri."
"Eh!? J-Jin-san, does that mean you have... love for me...? Can I... can I take you down now...?"
"...? Well, let's go to the living room. Mom and Dad should be there, too."
Yūri stopped in her tracks and muttered something to herself, but when she heard me, she responded and followed me down the stairs.
"Good morning—huh? No one's here..."
"You're right. Maybe they've already gone out to work...?"
"That could be it... Oh, but there's something on the table."
I picked up the wooden board that was on the table and read the note.
<To Jin and Yūri-chan,
Dad and Mom are out picking wild vegetables for dinner.
Everyone else has gone hunting or fetching water.
No one will be back for a while, so dont worry.
Feel free to have fun and make noise with your traveling companions, no one will hear you.
P.S. Youre free to use the ingredients in the house, so make sure to get some energy.
From Mom and Dad>
This kind of thoughtfulness really hits home...!
The note I read contained an apology from my parents, saying they had caused unnecessary concern.
"Don't go wielding the village chief's authority in weird ways."
Just what kind of explanation did my parents give to the villagers?
"What did your father and mother say?"
Yūri tried to peek over my shoulder, but I hastily hid the note to keep her from seeing it.
If she found out about this, she'd definitely look at me with disdain.
That my parents were trying to set up a situation like this...!
"N-Nothing important. Just heading out to gather some ingredients for dinner."
"Oh, is that so? They could have told us; we would have gone instead."
"They probably just wanted us to rest after our long journey. Lets take them up on their kindness."
"…Hehe, that makes sense."
Phew. Looks like she accepted it.
Yūri stood up, pulled out a cloth, and tied her long hair into a ponytail.
"Alright, let's have breakfast. Any requests?"
"How about bread stuffed with fried eggs, ham, and some vegetables? I'll chop the ingredients—can you handle the eggs?"
"Got it."
I whispered "Wind Blade"in my mind, and a gust of wind from my fingertips split the wooden board into quarters.
Perfect. Evidence destroyed.
I rolled up my sleeves and stood beside her at the cooking station, ready to start.
The rhythmic tok tok tok of the knife hitting the cutting board.
The sizzle... pop of beaten eggs frying in the pan.
In the quiet space, the sounds of daily life, which I had never really noticed before, echoed clearly.
…Yeah, how should I put it?
"This kind of time is nice, isnt it? No need to stay on edge."
"During our travels, we were always keeping a part of our minds alert. Mmm~! This is so relaxing."
I glanced away from that overwhelmingly dangerous sight—still bouncing with every small movement—and focused on my work.
"…The Demon King is really gone, isnt he? It doesnt feel real."
"You know, there was a reason Jin was excluded from the party! Everyone just didnt want you to die..."
Misunderstanding my comment as resentment over being expelled, Yūri hurriedly started explaining.
"Sorry, sorry, Im not bothered by it at all, so dont worry."
"Geez~!"
When I patted her head, she squinted her eyes, looking a little ticklish.
...Come to think of it, its been a while since I saw her not dressed in her usual "Saintess"attire.
She typically wears a dress with a black base, but now she's wearing a white apron over it, the complete opposite.
Even the well-worn apron borrowed from my mother seemed to suit Yūri, whose maternal nature enveloped everything.
If I had a wife like this, my life would be so much more colorful... though that's not something I'll ever have.
"...J-Jin-san?"
"...Ah, sorry. I was just mesmerized by how fresh Yūri looks in that outfit."
"Hehe, it's fine. You can look as much as you want. Now and... forever."
"You're right. It's one more thing to look forward to."
While we were chatting, breakfast was quickly finished.
I cut the firm, stored bread into four pieces and made space to stuff the ingredients inside.
First, the leaves of the vegetables, then the ham... and so on.
"Careful not to spill... gently, gently... Done!"
Yūri topped it off with an egg, and it was complete.
She poured drinks into the cups and brought them to the table, and we both sat down together.
"Let's eat!"
"Yeah, it's delicious. Simple is best, after all."
"The vegetables are crispy and delicious!"
The bread was a bit hard, but that added a nice touch.
Being in the middle of a growth spurt, we quickly devoured the food. It was gone in no time.
Since it had been a while since I was able to focus on eating like this, I probably appreciated the taste even more.
"A peaceful morning like this... How long has it been?"
"Back then, we had to deal with surprise attacks during meals, or we ate and then immediately went on the march."
"I remember how my stomach was a mess in the beginning, since I wasnt used to it..."
"That doesnt happen anymore, huh."
"Peace is really nice."
"Yeah..."
"Now that it's peaceful like this... what did you plan to do when you returned to your hometown, Jin-san?"
"It was vague, but... I thought Id take it easy. Grow some vegetables, hunt, and occasionally go on trips with food... I wanted to do things I couldnt before, now that Im away from the fighting."
"Things I couldnt do until now..."
"Yeah. Is there anything you want to do, Yūri?"
"Make children."
"Eh?"
"Cough! Sorry, I bit my tongue... ehe."
Yūri stuck out her tongue shyly.
Haha, yeah, thats true. Theres no way Yūri would say something like "make children"first thing in the morning.
I wonder if the bump to her head is still affecting her...?
"To get back on track, I... I think it would be wonderful if we could slowly and calmly talk about the future like we are now. Wouldnt you agree?"
"Yeah. Me too... If its okay, Id love to spend more mornings like this with you."
"──!"
"Actually, I was just thinking... If I married you, Yūri, would we be able to spend mornings like this together?"
"──!!?!?"
Yūris face turned bright red. Her ears were even tinged with color.
Oh no... The confession from Lusika must have made me more aware of this than I shouldve been...
Saying something like this so suddenly must feel uncomfortable for her.
I said I wouldnt put myself down, but I definitely need to apologize for this one.
"S-Sorry! I said something weird...!"
"J-Jin-san, are you still half-asleep?"
"Im really sorry. Ill just wash my face and──"
"──We're already newlyweds, so we can spend as much time together as we want from now on."
Right, right, Yūri and I are already married, so we can do whatever we please──
"──Wait a minute."
A completely unexpected marriage talk.
Huh? This scenario feels oddly familiar.
No, no way...?
"I've never forgotten that day... Jin-san's passionate proposal...!!"
Just as I thought, did past me do something again!?
"......"
Her gaze, full of longing and heat, pierced through me.
I was smiling on the outside, but on the inside, I was screaming.
N-No, not yet. Stay calm, Jin Geist.
Theres a chance Yūri misunderstood something due to complicated circumstances.
I need to stay composed, not rush to conclusions, and listen to her explanation.
"You said to me, 'When Yūri is struggling, when shes about to break, I want to be by her side to support her.'"
Its over. Im done for...!
I clearly remember that days memory!
Huh... Wait a minute... But, does this count as a proposal?
Isn't it normal to want to support someone close to you, to be there for them...?
"......You're right. I should properly express my feelings as well."
Noticing my lukewarm response, she turns toward me.
Her expression is completely that of a lovestruck maiden.
Even I can tell. I know what Yūri is about to say.
"I love you. I want to live with you, supporting each other, as a couple who will always be by each others side."
Her pure feelings, spoken straight from her heart, reach me and warm me up.
Who wouldnt be happy to hear such words from such a cute girl?
"Yūri..."
This is the first time Ive seen her with this expression after traveling together all this time.
Shes not joking, nor teasing.
And that's why my heart races wildly with intense palpitations.
Ive already proposed to Lusika, so this is basically a love triangle, isnt it?!
No, to be honest, if I follow my desires, I want to marry both of them!
But polygamy is only allowed for nobles. To marry both, I would have to become a noble.
In other words, as a commoner, I must choose between Lusika and Yūri.
...It's pathetic, but I can't give an immediate answer right now…
"Probably, Lusika-san also confessed to you, right?"
"...Am I really that easy to read?"
A self-deprecating laugh slips out involuntarily.
Yūri shakes her head from side to side.
"I can tell. After all, it's about someone I love."
She says this with a soft smile, the kind that could immediately calm a crying baby, befitting of a saint.
"Ive been watching you for three years. I know you're a kind person, so I figured you must be troubled."
"...I see. So, youve figured it all out."
"I'm sure when Rika-chan and Lusika-san come back, theyll realize I confessed to you. Both of them care about you just as much, after all."
Her small hand touches mine. It's slightly cold.
Our hands overlap, and her fingers gently stroke mine before tightening into a firm grip.
"But, thats why I can't give up on these feelings."
Then, she suddenly pulls me toward her.
Caught off guard, I lose my balance and fall forward, landing into her soft, full chest.
Unable to resist gravity, my face sinks into the softness.
"Yūri!?"
"Can you hear it? My heartbeat. It's pounding so fast."
"I don't understand...!"
The sound of my heart is so loud that I can't tell which sound it is!
"Hey, Jin-san. Right now, it's just the two of us, and no one is coming. The villagers are being considerate... I don't think we'll get a chance like this very often."
Ah, she read the contents of the note clearly.
"I'm... not as good a person as you think, Jin-san. Ill make sure youll choose me..."
She gently stroked my head, and her fingers slowly trailed down to my neck, softly caressing it.
A soft breath brushed against my ear.
"Ill melt you so much that you won't be able to live without me."
I hear the sound of cloth rubbing together.
H-h-huh!? What is she doing, Yūri!?
Damn it! My view is blocked by her chest, so I cant see anything!
This is bad, bad, bad! I need to pull away, but my instincts as a man are completely refusing to obey!
"Its okay, Jin-san. Just leave yourself to me—"
"Welcome back!"
"KYAAA!?"
"WOAHHH!?"
We were about to enter our own world, but the sudden interruption made us both push away from each other, instinctively distancing ourselves.
Looking in the direction of the voice, Rika was giving us a puzzled look.
I-Im saved…!
Thank you, Rika.
———.
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Chapter 1 Part 6