Epilogue
When Ren awoke, the first sensation that struck him was the brightness.
Next, he noticed the soft feel of the bed beneath him, and a faint pain running through his body made him grimace.
"Stay lying down. Your wounds haven't healed yet."
Turning his gaze toward the voice, Ren saw a man standing by the window.
Although they had never met, the man’s refined demeanor left no doubt as to his identity.
"You must be the Baron?"
Baron Clausel responded with a gentle smile and took a seat in the chair beside the bed.
"I am Lazard Clausel. Please, call me Lazard. —Though, I must say, I’m at a loss for how many times I should thank you."
"There’s no need for that. But... this place is…?"
"This is a guest room in my manor. You've been asleep in that bed for a month."
"A- A month!?"
"That's right. It's been a month since you arrived in this town with Lishia."
Ren’s mind swirled with questions the moment he woke.
Above all, thoughts of Lishia lingered in his mind.
Perhaps sensing this, Lazard chuckled softly.
"My daughter is safe—thanks to you."
"I'm... glad to hear that."
"Look closely. She's sleeping at your feet."
Careful not to strain his body, Ren turned his head and saw Lishia at the foot of the bed.
She sat on a small stool, her upper body resting against the bed as she slept.
Bathed in the warm sunlight streaming through the window, her complexion had regained its color, and her hair had recovered its silky sheen—so different from when they were on the run.
"Every day. Lishia’s been by your side every day, caring for you."
"...I'm sorry for the trouble."
"No, there's no need to apologize. She wanted to do it. And I, too, feel indebted to you."
After that, Ren listened as Lazard explained many things.
How Ren’s family would soon be arriving at Clausel, how the villagers were injured but thankfully no one had died, and how the Clausel family was fully supporting the village’s recovery.
"It's all thanks to you. I was able to secure assistance from a powerful noble because you defeated the Seafwolfen."
"Um... What do you mean?"
"As you may have heard, materials from a Seafwolfen are essential for producing rare medicines."
(But wait…)
Shortly after being taken by Yelquq, Ren had a dream—one that left him unsure whether it was part of the true legend of the Seven Heroes or an alternate timeline.
In that dream, the Seafwolfen had also been defeated.
Why, then, were the circumstances different now?
Before Ren could dwell on the question, Lazard continued.
"The necessary parts for the medicine come from certain internal organs, but if even one is damaged, it’s useless. That’s why medicine made from Seafwolfen is so rare. However, the organs from the Seafwolfen you defeated were in perfect condition—not a single blemish."
Lazard’s words both praised Ren and provided an answer to his lingering doubt.
In that dream, the knights had suffered grave injuries while taking down the Seafwolfen.
Roy had paid the ultimate price, and even then, it had been a hard-fought battle.
But Ren had pierced the Seafwolfen from within, striking a decisive blow that preserved its vital organs.
That was why it could be used for medicine.
"By the way, how did that medicine help?"
"The lord who recently aided us wanted the medicine for his family. So, I sold the materials to him. And in return—well, aside from the sale price—I secured a conditional agreement for his cooperation if the need arises."
"So... it was a very powerful noble?"
"Indeed. Against a Marquis, Viscount Given wouldn't stand a chance."
(So they even secured help from such a powerful noble…)
"Ah, that reminds me. The Marquis entrusted me with something for you. Or rather, it came from his butler."
As Lazard spoke, he reached into his coat and pulled out a black card, about the size of a playing card.
He placed it on the small table beside the bed.
Upon seeing the emblem engraved on the card’s surface, Ren’s thoughts stirred.
(...I feel like I’ve seen that emblem somewhere before...)
But he couldn’t quite recall where. The unusually ornate design left him tilting his head in thought.
"I believe his name was Edgar. He said this is meant as an invitation to the Marquis's estate."
"For... me?"
"Yes. It seems the Marquis wishes to meet you. Though I hesitate to recommend it, as he aligns with the royalist faction, refusing an invitation from a marquis is nearly impossible."
"I'm just the son of a country knight. I don't think someone like me is fit to meet a marquis..."
"Even so, it can’t be helped. The Marquis’s daughter was saved thanks to the medicine made from the Seafwolfen you defeated."
So that’s why the marquis wished to meet him—out of gratitude, to personally offer thanks. Ren nodded in understanding.
It also explained why the Marquis had expressed his willingness to offer full support, depending on how the recent trial unfolded.
(...Maybe the roundabout approach was because of factional differences.)
There had to be an official reason—some form of justification.
For a royalist to intervene with the hero faction, it would take something decisive.
Even if his family had been saved, the marquis could not openly offer aid if it involved nobles from an opposing faction.
And with Baron Clausel being neutral, both sides had to tread carefully.
(...So the information I gathered with Lady Lishia was for that purpose.)
Yet, even without such pretexts, the marquis had been willing to support the Clausel family behind the scenes.
Edgar had apparently said, "Regardless, the actions of you both have led to the best possible outcome."
"...It sounds like you've been in frequent contact with the Marquis. Is his domain nearby?"
"No, it’s quite distant. This transaction was only possible because it involved a Marquis."
A figure as lofty as a Marquis had mobilized every available means—including airships—to see the deal through.
Ren exhaled softly. "I see."
"Oh, and don’t worry about formal speech. You're the benefactor of me and my daughter. I won’t frown over something so trivial. Speak as you find comfortable."
Noticing how Ren had corrected himself earlier, Lazard assured him that there was no need for excessive formality.
"And one last thing—about Viscount Given... he's dead."
Ren's eyes widened in shock.
"On that day, a retrial was arranged by nightfall. Thanks to you and Lishia, I was acquitted. In turn, several charges were brought against Given. The first hearing was to be held in his domain, but... that night, he used hidden poison to end his life."
"...Are we certain it was suicide?"
"He was likely pressured by his patrons. Or perhaps, faced with inevitable capture, he chose to end things on his own terms."
It felt like a classic case of cutting off the lizard’s tail to save the body.
Ren sensed once again the dark undercurrents of noble politics, and it left a bitter taste.
"What’s more, his manor was set ablaze by unknown hands. Many documents that could've shed light on his motives turned to ash. The only information we have comes from the testimonies of his knights."
Ren asked about Given’s reasons for targeting the Ashton family.
According to one knight, the Ashtons were considered significant by Given, but beyond that, the details were vague.
Ren tried to piece it together, but clarity eluded him.
Perhaps it was his lingering fatigue—his mind wasn’t as sharp as usual.
"Thanks to the Marquis’s aid, no one will dare challenge Clausel for a while. Neither the royalists nor the hero faction, as the Marquis is applying pressure on both fronts."
Still, Lazard added, he would have to remain vigilant and proactive.
"Well, I shouldn’t burden you with long talks just after you’ve woken. I’ll be going now. If you’re hungry, I’ll have food brought in. What do you say?"
"Ah... If it's not too much trouble, I’d appreciate that..."
"Haha, don't be so formal. Think of this place as your home, at least until you're fully recovered. Allow me the honor of looking after you."
After Lazard left, Ren let out a long breath and muttered to himself.
"...To think I’d end up in the Clausel estate like this."
Not long ago, he had been enduring a grueling escape, and before that, living in a worn-down home.
This mansion was a far cry from that life—grand, sturdy, and free from cold drafts.
Yet, that very comfort made him wary.
"What if I get used to this..."
He shook off the thought. He had no choice but to accept the hospitality for now.
With that resolve, Ren sat up despite the dull ache in his body. It was boring to just lie there, so he decided to take a look around the room.
His gaze settled on Lishia, still sleeping peacefully at his feet, and his heart felt at ease.
Next, he reached for the black card on the small table.
"Hmm..."
The emblem still tugged at his memory.
"...Something from the Legend of the Seven Heroes... Maybe from Part I?"
As he muttered, Lishia stirred and slowly opened her eyes.
"...Ren?"
She blinked several times, then pushed herself up onto the bed.
Crawling towards him, she brought her face so close he could count her eyelashes.
Just as Ren opened his mouth to speak, tears welled up in Lishia’s eyes.
"...I told you to run."
In the final moments of their battle with Yelquq, she had used her remaining strength to tell him to escape.
"I'm sorry. I couldn’t bring myself to leave you behind."
"...You're an idiot. I caused you so much trouble, and yet you risked your life for me..."
"I don’t think it was foolish. I was serious."
"...And I’m calling that seriousness stupid. Idiot."
It wasn’t what one should say to their savior, but the words tumbled out regardless.
Carefully, considering his injuries, Lishia pressed her face to his chest.
Her shoulders trembled as she whispered.
"I'm sorry. For everything. It was all my fault..."
"It was just bad luck. Besides, we both survived. That’s all that matters."
Ren gently wrapped his arms around her, soothing her trembling back.
Gradually, she relaxed, surrendering her heart completely to his embrace.
—Who knew how long they stayed like that?
When Lishia finally pulled away, she sat beside him, legs folded neatly beneath her.
It was a rare, age-appropriate moment for the usually composed girl.
"Are you alright now, Lady Lishia?"
"...Yes."
"I’m glad. I was really worried after that fight, seeing how exhausted you were..."
Ren’s voice trailed off as the memory of their final confrontation resurfaced.
(That last surge of strength... What was it? I think it was near Lishia’s chest...)
His gaze drifted to her wrist, where an armlet had once faintly glowed.
It was like the reaction when absorbing a magic stone.
"What is it? You're staring at me awfully intently."
Realizing how rude his gaze had been, Ren's face flushed.
"Sorry. It's nothing."
"Oh? Your gaze seemed quite... passionate. Is something wrong?"
"It’s probably nothing, but... I was just wondering if you have a magic stone inside you."
He’d expected to be laughed off or, at the very least, have Lishia look at him in exasperation.
Frankly, Ren didn’t care which happened, as long as the subject changed.
But then—
“Wha... Wha, whaa!?”
She gave an unexpected reaction.
“W-Why do you know about that!?”
Lishia crossed her arms over her chest in an almost seductive, mature gesture that didn’t suit her age. Her face flushed a deep red, and she looked at Ren with eyes filled with embarrassment and a hint of caution.
“...Huh?”
“‘Huh?’ isn’t an answer! How do you know about the magic stone in my body!? D-Did my father tell you!?”
“No, I don’t really understand the situation myself.”
“R-Right... Of course, Father wouldn’t tell anyone about the Saintess’s body!”
“So... it’s true, then?”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake! Yes, it’s true!”
It had to be somewhere between her chest, right where she was guarding herself.
“Tell me! Who told you!?”
“I-I’m sorry. I just said it as a joke, really.”
Lishia seemed to understand immediately.
“So that’s it... Hah, I got worked up over nothing.”
“But it seems like a pretty big secret. Are you sure it’s okay to be so casual about it?”
“It’s fine. I don’t think you’d tell anyone, Ren.”
Her words radiated complete trust.
And it wasn’t surprising. Their recent journey together had been a series of dangerous escapes. Lishia had placed her life in Ren’s hands—trusting him had been a necessity.
“I didn’t know. So Saintesses have magic stones in their bodies?”
“Not all Saintesses. Only those born with strong power can host a magic stone. But it’s a secret, okay? Only a Saintess’s family or the high priests of the temple know.”
The reason for keeping it secret was simple—protection.
Magic stones were typically materials found only in monsters. If people learned that a Saintess carried one, some might see her as something evil.
(That means... that mysterious magic sword...)
It must have manifested by drawing power from Lishia’s magic stone.
That seemed like the logical conclusion.
But why could it draw power from a stone inside her body? And why did the sword’s name appear as “?”? It was unusually strong, too. The questions kept piling up, but for now, the facts were enough.
“I promise. I won’t tell anyone.”
Ren’s firm and clear promise made Lishia nod in satisfaction.
Then, she stood up from the bed.
“I’ll head to the storage. I’ll look for something to replace your bracelet and dagger. It’s my fault you lost them.”
Now that she mentioned it, Ren wasn’t wearing his bracelet.
The dagger had been lent to Lishia during the fight with Yelquq, but it had disappeared afterward.
However, Lishia was mistaken about the bracelet. It wasn’t truly lost.
“Don’t worry about it. I can buy replacements myself.”
“Nope! I told you, it’s my fault they’re gone.”
Though, the bracelet wasn’t just any accessory—it disguised the magic sword’s summoning function.
“The bracelet’s fine. Actually, there’s a spare at my family’s house in the village. I’ll ask my parents to bring it next time.”
It was a complete lie, but saying it had been part of monster’s collection would probably suffice. Lishia seemed to accept the explanation, albeit with a puzzled look.
“...Then at least let me give you a new dagger.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
Hearing his response, Lishia smiled softly before quickly regaining her composure and heading toward the storage.
Just before she left, Ren called out.
“Lishia! One more thing!”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“It’s about the emblem on this paper! I just can’t remember the family name...”
Hearing that, Lishia gave a troubled smile.
The emblem belonged to a high-ranking noble—one aligned with the Imperial faction. And given her own entanglement in the faction’s power struggles, her expression turned serious.
“...That’s the crest of the Ignat Marquisate, a proud noble house of the Imperial faction.”
With that, she sighed and left the room.
Meanwhile, Ren stood frozen, stunned.
The name “Ignat” echoed in his mind over and over.
“That’s right... Ignat...”
It wasn’t just a vague memory.
The Marquis Ignat was the final boss of The Legend of the Seven Heroes I.
“Ugh... Why is this happening...”
There was no time to be groaning in pain. Ren clutched his head, overwhelmed.
—Ignat, Marquis of the Empire.
He controlled the Empire’s maritime commerce with an iron grip and was famed for his wisdom across many nations.
He had even served in the military at one point, a master of both literary and martial arts.
But after a certain incident, he turned against the Emperor, aligning himself with those seeking the Demon King’s revival.
He spent years plotting the downfall of the Leomel Empire.
Ren had seen him before—he was one of the foes fought at the Balder Mountains.
(If I remember right, he assassinated nobles from both factions who opposed him... even the third prince, who was favored as the next Emperor, was killed...)
The more Ren recalled, the more he wished he hadn’t gotten involved with Ignat.
But there was one thing that gave him some comfort.
The reason the marquis had turned traitor.
“...Because they didn’t save his daughter.”
The marquis’s daughter had fallen ill and needed a rare medicine made from special ingredients.
One of them was a material from the Siegfried Wolfen.
Ignat searched desperately, but the Imperial family, who had a small reserve, refused to share it.
They claimed it was for their own emergencies—a logical decision.
But Ignat’s daughter died, and his hatred for the Emperor was born.
That was the catalyst for his eventual betrayal.
(I remember in the second playthrough, going to the guild didn’t even trigger the quest...)
Many players had wondered if the daughter could be saved.
But she had already passed away during the protagonist's childhood, and no event allowed for her rescue.
And yet, here she was—alive. Saved by Ren.
“Even if I’m her savior... I really don’t want to be involved in this...”
Of all the nobles to be favored by, it had to be him.
Ren let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto the bed.
He summoned his bracelet out of habit and gazed at it.
The magic sword, with its name still displaying as “?”, had already disappeared.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
A week and a few days passed, and Roy and Mireille arrived in Clausel. Upon reuniting with Ren, the two embraced him tightly, shedding tears as they basked in the joy of their reunion.
They stayed at Lezard's mansion for several days, which gave Ren the opportunity to hear about the state of the village.
As Lezard had mentioned, there were no casualties among the villagers. However, the loss of several knights was still a heavy burden, making it hard to celebrate. Additionally, many homes had been destroyed by monsters, including the Little Boar, and several villagers, like the Ashton family, had lost their homes.
Fortunately, thanks to the full support of the Clausel family, reconstruction was progressing smoothly. Roy and Mireille were also dedicating themselves to the recovery efforts every day. That’s why they mentioned they would need to return to the village soon.
It was understandable that the village couldn't be left without leadership during its reconstruction, but even so, Ren couldn’t help feeling a sense of loneliness.
“If there's anything you need, let us know. We brought whatever belongings survived the fire, so just send a letter if something’s missing,” Mireille said.
“Thank you. But… did I really have anything that survived?” Ren asked.
“A few things,” Roy replied. “We brought over anything from your room that was still intact. Oh, and that beautiful gemstone you had—it’s in there too!”
He was likely referring to the Serakia Azure Gem. Ren almost laughed bitterly at having forgotten about it, but kept that feeling to himself.
“We also bought you some new clothes. They're in the wooden box by your bed, so take a look when you're feeling better,” Roy added.
Ren glanced at the wooden box placed beside his bed.
“Well then… Mireille.”
“Yes. As much as we’d love to stay, it's time to go.”
All moments of family togetherness must eventually come to an end. Since they needed to return to the village today, lingering too long would delay their journey.
(So they’re really leaving...)
Feeling a deep sadness, Ren offered a faint, weak smile. Seeing this, his parents gently stroked his head.
“W-What’s with the sudden affection!?”
“Oh my, you’re embarrassed,” Mireille teased.
“Haha, a hero shouldn’t make such a face. Don’t worry, we’ll see each other again soon,” Roy said.
Despite their attempts to stay composed, traces of sorrow were visible on their faces.
“Father, Mother… thank you for coming, even though it must have been difficult. I'll return to the village as soon as I recover,” Ren promised.
Hearing this, his parents smiled faintly.
“Take your time and enjoy Clausel a bit before coming back,” Roy said.
“Yes. You’ve done enough, Ren. Rest well,” Mireille added.
After embracing Ren one last time, they left the mansion, their eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Ren forced himself out of bed and to the window, watching their departing figures until they disappeared from sight. Overwhelmed by exhaustion and pain, he collapsed back onto the bed.
To distract himself from the loneliness, Ren reached for the wooden box Roy had left.
Inside, just as Roy had said, were his everyday belongings.
(...Strange. It hasn’t been that long, but...)
These familiar items, once a daily sight in his village home, now stirred a peculiar sense of nostalgia.
Feeling his sadness ease slightly, Ren rummaged deeper into the box.
“Ah...”
There it was—the Serakia Azure Gem.
Holding it in both hands, he noticed the blue mist within it swirling more vigorously. A sensation spread from his hands, as though the gem was draining his energy.
“…What? It’s absorbing my magic…?”
The mist inside the gem writhed, and flashes of blue light, like streaks of lightning, flickered within.
Ren remembered that the gem was said to hatch when offered a vast amount of magic and a mighty dragon's horn.
Given that, it wasn’t surprising that it would absorb his magic upon contact.
A cold sweat began to bead on his neck, but before he could panic, a gentle, rhythmic pulsing traveled through his palms. It was as if the gem was affectionately responding to his touch.
‘When it hatches, it will pledge unwavering loyalty to its master.’
Recalling those words, Ren sighed softly.
“Please… just don’t cause any trouble.”
As if acknowledging his words, the gem pulsed again.
A knock sounded at the door.
“May I come in?” It was Lishia's voice.
Ren quickly placed the gem back into the box.
“Come in.”
Lishia entered and walked straight to his side.
“Did you have a proper talk with your parents?”
“Yes. Thank you… for everything. I heard you arranged horses and escorts for them too...”
“Don’t mention it. Both my father and I owe you far more than we can ever repay.”
Despite her words, Lishia had apparently already thanked and apologized to his parents. They had tried to stop her, but she insisted on bowing deeply, troubling them with her earnestness.
But perhaps she couldn’t help herself.
After all, it was Ren who had saved not only her but the entire Clausel family.
“And how are you feeling today?”
“I think I’m getting better.”
“…I’m glad.”
Silence fell between them.
Lishia sat on the edge of his bed, her back to him, her hair swaying in the breeze.
(That cursed sword…)
Since learning about the magic stone within her, Ren had often thought about it.
The sword had been powerful—too powerful.
Perhaps that was why the game version of Ren Ashton had killed Lishia to obtain her magic stone. Or maybe there were other, more tragic reasons.
As these thoughts churned, a scene from The Legend of the Seven Heroes surfaced in his mind.
‘W-What are you doing, Ren!?’
The protagonist’s shocked voice echoed in the grand lecture hall of the Imperial Military Academy.
There stood Ren Ashton, holding Lishia Clausel's lifeless body, her chest stained with blood.
The dimly lit room obscured his expression.
‘I’ve done what you can see—I killed her.’
And after that, he had vanished with her body.
Ren had always wished to avoid such a fate, longing only for a peaceful life in the village.
Yet, he had no regrets about saving Lishia.
He was glad he had fought, even if it had cost him everything.
(What am I, really…?)
The question lingered, rooted in the contrast between the game’s Ren Ashton and the person he was now.
After so many twists of fate, Ren wasn’t sure who he was anymore.
“Ren? What’s wrong?”
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ren turned to find Lishia watching him curiously.
“You looked so mature just now. I was wondering what you were thinking about.”
Caught off guard, Ren hesitated.
He’d been thinking about many things, but at the core was one lingering question—what truly defined him?
“I was… wondering what I really am.”
It was a vague question, born from the uncertainty between his identity as Ren Ashton and who he was now.
And Lishia responded without hesitation.
“…You’re my hero.”
She said with a smile.
But it wasn’t a mocking smile—it was soft, as if to gently embrace him, a smile full of warmth and understanding.
“It’s not anyone else. The one standing by my side right now is my irreplaceable hero,” she said, her voice tender as she cupped Ren’s cheeks in her hands.
“And you're also the terrible person who completely overwhelmed me when we first met… but now you're someone who says such kind, unfair things,” she added playfully.
Her words resonated deeply within Ren’s heart.
Lishia’s voice, filled with more emotion than any passionate letter she might have once fumbled to write, sank into his very soul.
(…I see now.)
He wasn’t the Ren Ashton from the game.
The person standing here now was a different Ren altogether.
More than ten years had passed since he was born into this world.
Everything he had experienced and everything he had learned along the way belonged to him—not to the character from some game.
And the same held true for Lishia.
The warmth of her hands against his cheeks was proof that she wasn’t just a character from fiction but a real person who existed in this world.
“…This is kind of embarrassing, staying like this,” Ren admitted, a shy smile tugging at his lips.
Lishia chuckled. “Don’t be embarrassed,” she teased, though her own cheeks were flushed as she drew her hands back.
“Are you feeling better now?” she asked softly.
“Huh? Did I seem down?”
“Just a little. But now, you look like your usual self. So, maybe I was able to help a bit,” she said with a smile before stepping toward the window.
Opening it, a warm breeze drifted into the room, carrying with it the delicate scent of flowers. Lishia’s hair fluttered gently in the wind, shimmering like silk.
Ren watched her silently, a thought stirring within him.
(This world’s fate… or maybe its story… I don’t like thinking of it that way.)
Things had already changed.
Because of him—an irregular existence recognized by Lishia—things were different now.
The encounter with Yelquq, an event not part of the original story.
The fact that the daughter of the Marquis Ignat had survived.
Both were deviations from the script.
In fact, the final boss of The Legend of the Seven Heroes I was as good as gone.
Even Yelquq, the boss of the mid-game, had already been defeated.
(As long as I exist in this world as me, I’ll keep changing its fate—for better or worse.)
He wasn’t a character from a game. As long as he made choices true to himself, the story would continue to change.
And perhaps, that was what defined him.
But that also meant greater hardships could be waiting ahead.
Even so, Ren felt… he could manage it.
As long as he believed in himself—and as long as Lishia, who had called him a hero, was by his side—it felt like everything would be okay.
“Lady Lishia,” Ren called, his voice clear and resolute.
Turning toward him, her silhouette was bathed in soft, golden light. She looked almost divine, her expression gentle and pure like that of an angel.
“…My name is Ren Ashton,” he said quietly.
For a moment, Lishia blinked, then tilted her head and smiled.
“I know,” she replied playfully.
Their laughter mingled in the warm breeze, soft and bright.
——Born as the story's secret antagonist, Ren faced a strange and twisted fate.
And perhaps, its true beginning was this moment.