Because of the Hero Summoned from Another World, I Got Replaced and Made the Backup—And My Childhood Friend the Saintess… - Chapter 16: “You’re seriously asking me that?”

Chapter 16: “You’re seriously asking me that?”

Lately… he hasn’t been coming to our usual spot.

We never needed to set a time or make plans—somehow, we’d always just end up there together.

That quiet little corner of the castle…

It was the one place where we could really sit down and talk.

I still see him almost every day, since I accompany Kanda during his training.

But that’s during the day—intense, focused training.

There’s no time to chat like we used to.

And of course, him being who he is—serious and kind as ever—he didn’t change a thing after that.

He kept training Kanda just like before.

Laying down the basics.

Helping him grow stronger without depending on the Holy Sword.

Working on his stamina, refining his technique—everything.

Thanks to him, Kanda had come a long way.

Back when we first met, he could barely lift a sword, and he gave up halfway through practice.

But now?

His stamina had improved.

And his once-clumsy sword swings were finally starting to resemble those of a real warrior.

All because he stayed by Kanda’s side.

Training him personally.

Breaking down everything he’d learned from the Knight Commander and his other teachers, and passing it on—step by careful step.

He had no idea what I was really thinking.

And honestly? That was fine.

I had no intention of telling him.

I wasn’t going to force anything on him.

To him, keeping Kanda alive is more important than reclaiming the title of Hero.

And Kanda… probably gets that too.

Which is exactly why he’s been giving it his all in training.

“I wanted to talk to you. Could you… meet me tonight?”

During training—which had basically become a part of our daily routine—I quietly asked him to meet me at our usual spot.

There were things I wanted to say.

But more than that, I just wanted to be with him.

Just the two of us.

“…Okay.”

He gave a small nod.

That alone was enough to make me happy.

I was so excited, I ended up arriving early.

The sun was beginning to set, casting warm hues across the sky.

The soft light touched the flowers at my feet, making them glow gently—almost like they were smiling.

It had been a while since he’d come here.

Just knowing he would made my heart flutter.

I sat down in our favorite corner of the castle, quietly waiting—when suddenly, a shadow fell beside me.

“There you are again, Anna.”

“…Lord Kanda. Do you need something?”

I turned around, hopeful.

But standing there… was the black-haired, black-eyed boy.

My heart, which had just leapt with excitement, dropped back down like a stone.

“No, not really. I just saw you sitting here alone, so I thought I’d say hi.”

“I see. Well, I’m waiting for someone, that’s all. Wouldn’t it be better for you to go get some rest, Lord Kanda?”

I tried to make it obvious—I wasn’t in the mood for company.

But for whatever reason, Kanda just sat down beside me, acting like he didn’t hear a word I said.

Waiting for someone.

I know he heard that.

Ugh…

With the most dramatic sigh I could muster, I made sure he got the message loud and clear—
That I was very annoyed.

“Um… so, I guess… you don’t really like me, huh, Anna?”

“I don’t dislike you at all.”

My sharp reply made Kanda flinch slightly—his eyebrows twitched, and his mouth wobbled awkwardly like he didn’t know what to say.

He started calling me Anna after one time he stumbled while trying to say my full name.

I told him if he was going to trip over it every time, he might as well just use whatever’s easier.

So now, it’s just Anna.

“I’ve been here a while now, and I get it—I can understand why you might not be too fond of me.”

“I told you, I don’t dislike you.”

It’s not like I hate Kanda.

He’s just… in the way.

I want him to be the Hero.

That’s all there is to it.

As for Kanda himself—

Well, if I had to say something, I guess I do feel a little sorry for him.

Getting dragged into an unfamiliar world out of nowhere… that’s rough.

Wishing for Kanda to die so he can take his place as the Hero—

Well, that’s a whole different story.

“Teach really is a good guy, huh? He’s got so much knowledge, and stamina, and he can use swords, spears, bows, shields—everything. He’s serious, kind, and really thoughtful. Out of everyone in this castle, I think he’s the one who cares most about me.”

“When I first got summoned to this world, they told me, ‘We need you. Only you can save us.’ They made it sound like I was the only one who could do it. So… I agreed to become the Hero because it felt like I didn’t have a choice.”

Kanda stared at his right hand as he spoke—slowly clenching and unclenching it.

“But then I found out… there was already someone else. Someone who was supposed to be the Hero from the start. And that person… was Teach. I couldn’t help but wonder—why me? I’ve never even fought anyone before. Compared to me, he’s clearly more qualified in every way. He worked so hard for this. And then someone like me—just some random guy—shows up and takes it from him. Even then… He never once complained. He trains me patiently. He’s kind. He cares about people. If anyone deserves to be the Hero… it’s him, not me.

“Of course it is,” I said without thinking.

“He gave everything for that role—years of grueling effort. You didn’t. You lived in a peaceful world. You can’t even compare.”

Kanda gave me a small, awkward smile at that.

“…You like him, don’t you, Anna? You want to see him shine as the Hero. So of course you hate me for suddenly showing up and stealing that role. Right?”

“…Well, I’m not going to deny it. I wouldn’t say I hate you, but… yeah. It’s true I feel something very close to that.”

If Kanda understood things that well, then honestly…

I wished he’d just hand over the Hero title to him already.

…Well, not that it’s something Kanda can decide on his own.

It was His Majesty the King who declared Kanda the official Hero.

No matter how much he might want to step aside, there’s no way he could overturn a royal decree on his own.

“I mean… I really do think Teach’s more suited to be the Hero than me. So… what do you think I should do?”

“You’re asking me?”

If I had that kind of answer, I wouldn’t be sitting here struggling with it.

If I knew what to do, I wouldn’t be wishing for Kanda to die, for goodness’ sake.

“…What if Lord Kanda just went back to your original world?”

“If I could go back, I would’ve already. I don’t know how.”

“Try pleading your case directly to His Majesty?”

“Already did. No luck.”

“…Then maybe Lord Kanda could just die?”

“…Okay, wow. That’s kinda harsh. I’m not exactly ready to die yet, you know.”

And just like that, the two of us ended up brainstorming ways to make him the Hero.

It didn’t seem like Lord Kanda was lying—he really did want him to have the title.

Somehow, as the conversation went on, a strange sense of camaraderie started to form.

Before I knew it, the tension between us had eased, and we were both a little more relaxed—even smiling.

It’s not like we found a solution or anything.

But just being able to talk openly…

That alone lifted my spirits more than I expected.

So much so…

That I didn’t even notice he had arrived—just like I’d asked.

“Arianna.”

“Ah—! You startled me… But I’m glad you came.”

I nearly jumped when he spoke up behind me, voice quiet but unmistakable.