Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～

Chapter 41 The Hero’s Father and His Party Set Out On a Journey

Colt, satisfied with the sparring session, stood up while cooling his head with the towel he received from Mion.

“It hurts… but my brother is really strong.”

“No, no, Colt has become strong too. As expected of the kingdom’s strongest knight.”

“Wait, are you teasing me?”

“That’s not it. It’s a genuine compliment.”

In reality, he hadn’t expected Colt to become so strong in twenty years. It was heartening to know that Colt looked up to him.

Sheathing the sword he had dropped on the ground, Colt looked at Croix with a beaming face.

“By the way, how did you find the fight just now? Can I get stronger? Can I become like you?”

“It depends on your effort… Well, from now on, you’ll be busy with state affairs and won’t be able to train properly.”

“Yeah. That’s a problem… I want to become stronger, like you.”

“Ha ha ha. At your current pace, you could catch up in a few decades.”

“When you say that, it doesn’t sound like a joke.”

At the current rate, Colt could catch up to Croix in a few decades. However, if he becomes engaged in his duties as king, that pace would likely slow down drastically. This made him feel that he might never catch up.

“There’s no need to be disheartened. If you pursue the path with dedication, you will eventually reach the same place.”

“…Yeah. I’ll do my best.”

Croix patted Colt’s head as he puffed out his chest. Although Colt didn’t want to be treated like a child forever, he enjoyed being patted by Croix, who was like an older brother to him.

Despite his grumpy expression, Colt was clearly thrilled. Mion, observing Colt, imagined him with dog ears and a tail.

“Well then, Your Majesty. We’ll be on our way now. We’ve been in your care for over a week already.”

“Hmm, is that so? Is Lord Alka all right now?”

“Well, he should be fine for a few more days.”

It felt awkward to stay any longer without any pressing need. Besides, there might still be villages destroyed by Alka’s attacks. They needed to properly apologize for that.

Additionally, there was still the matter of the slave traders. Although it was left to Gald, the connections of the slave traders were extensive. They intended to offer whatever help they could while traveling.

“I see. This past week has been enjoyable. Croix, Wiel, please come again anytime. And of course, lady Mion as well.”

“Yes, thank you very much…!”

Unexpectedly, Mion had made connections with royalty. Being with Croix and the others, things happened that she never imagined in her life. That was the impression she got.

“Well then, Colt. Keep up the hard work.”

“See you again, Colt.”

“Yeah. Big brother, big sister, see you.”

With that, the three of them said their farewells to Ashtar and Colt, quietly slipped out of the royal castle, and departed from the capital city of Niruvelt.

“Croix-sama, where are we heading next?”

It had been a full three days since they left the royal capital, Niruvelt. They had been walking through the grasslands with only brief rests and night-time sleep. Moving at a walking pace with this group was almost a first for Mion.

Mion, being a rabbit person, had more stamina than humans, so she wasn’t tired. But after walking for so long, she was curious about their destination.

Croix muttered, “Oh, did I not mention?” and pulled out a map from his pocket.

“I’m thinking of heading to the sea. There’s a familiar port beyond the two mountains ahead.”

“The sea… the sea!?”

Mion had heard rumors about it. An expansive salty body of water where you could travel anywhere in the world by ship. For someone like Mion, who grew up in a closed village environment, the sea was one of her dream destinations.

Seeing Mion’s clear excitement, Wiel also smiled.

“By the way, the port town we’re heading to is known for its famous beach. How about we take a dip in the sea while we’re there?”

“Really!?”

“Yes. It’s been a long journey, and I think it would be nice to take a break and relax for a bit.”

“I’d love to go!”

Wiel and Mion’s sparkling eyes turned to Croix. Naturally, Croix had no reason to refuse. Besides, he had a sudden desire to see his beloved wife in a swimsuit.

“Sure, that sounds good. I also had something I wanted to try out during the beach trip.”

“Something you want to try? Croix-sama, what exactly is that…?”

“That will be a surprise to enjoy once we reach the beach.”

A chill ran through Mion for some unknown reason. She looked at Wiel for help, but Wiel also had a wry smile and said nothing. Mion felt a sudden surge of anxiety.

◆ Royal Capital Niruvelt – Royal Castle ◆

“It’s been three days since Croix and the others left. They should be heading to the port town of Acreana, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Normally they would use a carriage, but they decided to go on foot.”

“Ha ha ha. As expected of Croix and the others.”

In the castle’s courtyard, Ashtar and Colt were enjoying tea. The peaceful sunlight and gentle breeze made for a serene holiday.

However…

“Your Majestyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy！！！！！！！！！”

“—!!”

Suddenly, a mysterious scream echoed.

And this voice, Ashtar recognized it.

“Is it an enemy attack!?”

“Wait, Colt. This voice belongs to someone I know.”