Because of the Hero Summoned from Another World, I Got Replaced and Made the Backup—And My Childhood Friend the Saintess… - Chapter 28: As Long As I Can Tell You This One Truly Important Thing—That’s Enough

Chapter 28: As Long As I Can Tell You This One Truly Important Thing—That’s Enough

Arianna—

The girl who’d been by my side ever since we were little.

Just like me, she’d been brought from our quiet countryside village to the royal capital.

I came here as a Hero candidate.

She came as a Saintess.

Back when I was struggling through the harsh training and endless studying that came with being a Hero,

Arianna was always there—supporting me.

Even though she had her own intense schedule,

She still found time to worry about me.

Her gentle words, her soft smile,

And those clear red eyes that were always watching over me—

I remember them like it was yesterday.

We shared so many moments in the quiet corners of the castle.

Surrounded by flowers that changed with the seasons,

And stars that lit up the night sky.

We’d talk about the future.

We’d open up about our feelings.

Those moments… they were precious.

I loved Arianna.

That feeling was real—no doubt about it.

Deep down, I always hated the idea of her marrying someone else.

I tried to act mature.

Tried to pretend I’d let her go.

Told myself I could handle it—

That I should handle it.

That I’d be fine, no matter what.

I even convinced myself I could bless her and Kanda if they ended up together.

The Demon King’s words didn’t shake me…

But that doesn’t mean everything he said was a lie.

“Arianna…”

I spoke her name as she stood there in front of me.

I think my voice wasn’t shaking…

At least, I really hope it wasn’t.

Even now—no, especially now—I wanted to look cool in front of her.

My heart was pounding so loud it echoed in my ears,

But deep down, I felt strangely calm.

Maybe it was just wishful thinking, but right now, that feeling was all I had to hold onto.

“Yes?”

Arianna blinked those red eyes of hers.

Her cheeks had a soft pink hue,

And judging by the look on her face…

She probably already knew what I was about to say.

Actually, knowing her—she definitely knew.

Arianna had always been good at seeing right through me.

“…I guess with something like this, I should probably say a bunch of sweet things. Make it all sound poetic and heartfelt. But… I’m not very good at that kind of stuff.”

I hadn’t really planned out what I was going to say.

I figured I’d just wing it—feel it out as we talked—

But deep down, I already knew…

That’s not what I wanted.

I mean, in all those popular stories around town,

The main characters always confess their feelings with flowery, over-the-top lines.

I’ve read some of those stories too.

Heck, I even had a few handed to me for “study” purposes.

But trying to win her over with dramatic words and fancy speeches…

It just didn’t feel right.

Sure, it was kind of embarrassing.

But more than that—

The more I tried to wrap it in pretty language,

The more it felt like I’d be diluting what I really wanted to say.

So in the end, I just… couldn’t do it.

“You don’t need a lot of words. Just one. One truly important thing—that’s all that really matters.”

“…Yeah. You’re right.”

I slowly nodded at Arianna as she smiled at me.

Her voice had been so soft. So kind.

And she was right.

If I could just get my most important feeling across to her—

That was all that really mattered.

I didn’t need flowery lines or dramatic speeches.

I loved Arianna’s calm and gentle heart.

I loved her soft, honest smile.

I loved her quiet strength—how she always walked her path with unwavering resolve.

I loved those bright red eyes that always watched over me.

All this time, I thought my heart only beat for the Crown Prince and his cause.

But slowly—without even realizing it—

These feelings had taken root and grown inside me.

And now…

I didn’t want to let them go.

That’s why—

I spoke.

“Please listen, Arianna.”

I reached out and gently took her hands.

Her hands were so much smaller than mine—soft and warm.

I wrapped them in my own, rough and calloused.

“Yes.”

Arianna nodded.

Those gem-like red eyes met mine,

Waiting quietly for what I was about to say.

I took a deep breath.

Looked straight into her eyes.

My mouth was dry from the nerves, but…

It would be okay.

This was Arianna. With her, I’d be okay.

Surrounded by the silence of the sacred chapel—watched over by the Goddess—

Just the two of us standing there.

Whatever I said here… I couldn’t take back.

And I didn’t want to.

So I finally spoke the words—

The ones I’d been holding in all this time.

“I love you, Arianna. Will you marry me?”

The moment those short, simple words reached her ears—

Tears welled up in Arianna’s wide, beautiful eyes and began to fall.

Then, she slowly closed them.

Her expression softened… turning into the most radiant smile I’d ever seen—

A smile overflowing with warmth and joy.

“Yes. I’ll never leave your side.”

Before I even realized it, I was holding her tightly in my arms.

And she wrapped her arms around me too, hugging me back just as tightly.

And there, with the Saintess I loved so deeply held close in my arms—

I let my overflowing feelings pour out.

“Thank you, Arianna.”

“I love you… My Hero.”