Hi, I’m the Hero’s Father ～I’m Sorry For All The Trouble My Foolish Son Has Caused You～ - Chapter 42

Chapter 42   The Hero Sets Out / The Demi-Human Girl Hunts Heads

◆ Royal Castle – Training Grounds ◆

A week had passed since Alka’s slapping punishment began.

By this point, most people seemed satisfied, and the training grounds were deserted. The only ones remaining were Alka, still suspended, and Saya, who sat silently watching him.

“Sa… Saya, please forgive me… Everyone, I’m truly sorry… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”

“…”

Thanks to his enhanced regenerative abilities, Alka was never in danger of dying. However, enduring near-constant slaps for a week had significantly worn down his spirit.

Approaching Alka, Saya cut the ropes, finally releasing him. Having been suspended without rest for an entire week, Alka’s odor was intense. Yet, Saya paid it no mind, gently placing his head on her lap and stroking his hair.

“…Do you understand how I’ve felt these past three years?”

“…I’m sorry…”

“It was really tough for me. Always being alone…”

She reminisced about the past three years.

No matter how much she admonished him, Alka ignored her.

Unable to reveal their engagement, she was treated as a nuisance by those around her.

Anxiety and anger kept her sleepless, and she didn’t know where to direct her feelings.

Such a life persisted for three long years.

It was unbearable.

“I heard from Father-in-law and Mother-in-law about Lilith, the succubus who manipulated everyone. They also said that you were under a slight hypnotic influence.”

“Saya…”

“But none of that matters… I can’t trust you anymore… I just can’t trust you…”

Tears flowed endlessly from Saya’s beautiful eyes, wetting Alka’s cheeks.

“I know it’s not your fault, Alka. I know it’s not anyone’s fault. I know it’s all because of the demons and the Demon King… But that’s not how feelings work. Understanding and emotions are separate… How am I supposed to trust you again, Alka…?”

Each tear-filled word from Saya pierced Alka’s heart. No matter what he said now, it wouldn’t reach her. He had lost her trust, betrayed her faith, and fallen as far as one could fall. What could he do now…?

“…Actions, huh…”

“Huh…? Alka, did you say something?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

He remembered his conversation with his father, Croix. Thoughts and wishes—anyone can have those. But if they don’t change anything, then you have to act. Don’t sleep. Stand up. Don’t stop. Move forward. With this self-motivation, Alka slowly rose to his feet.

“You can forget about me if you want. It might even be better that way… I don’t deserve to stand by your side after hurting you, Saya…”

“Alka…”

“But watch me, Saya… I’m going to defeat the Demon King.”

With determined steps, he walked away without looking back. The past three years of causing trouble for everyone could never be fully atoned for. So there was only one thing he could do:

Defeat the Demon King and bring peace to the world.

Because for Alka, that was the only way forward.

◆ Grasslands ◆

“Haaah!!”

“Gaah!?”

Mion’s enhanced kick severed the head of a magical beast. Blood sprayed across the beautiful green carpet of grass, and the beast’s headless body collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut. On the grasslands on the way to the port town of Acreana, Mion stood alone, facing a pack of magical beasts.

Six lion-like creatures surrounded Mion, watching her warily.

Croix and Wiel observed Mion from above, hovering in the air.

“She’s getting pretty used to combat.”

“Yes. Still… it’s kind of amusing to see a herbivorous demi-human slaughtering carnivorous magical beasts.”

“I know what you mean.”

However, the magical beasts weren’t just sitting ducks. They coordinated their movements, circling around Mion. Their speed was impressive, but—

“Hmph…!”

—against Mion, a member of the rabbit tribe with enhanced physical abilities, they were no match.

She approached one of the lions and delivered a powerful kick to its face. Then, she moved on, kicking another one, and another. One by one, she kicked them all down. In the end, not a single beast could lay a claw on Mion before they all lay dead.

“Phew…”

“Good work, Mion.”

“Well done. Nice head hunting.”

“P-Please stop, Lady Wiel. It’s not like I enjoy kicking off heads. It’s just… the neck is the quickest way to kill them…”

Mion stammered, embarrassed for some reason. Croix placed his hand on her head and gently patted her.

“You’re not wrong in your thinking. When facing an enemy, it’s important to kill them as quickly as possible.”

“Y-Yes, exactly! That’s right!”

Seeing Mion getting all fired up, Croix and Wiel couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth.

“Alright, we’re almost at the port town of Acreana. Let’s make sure we arrive by the end of the day.”

“Understood.”

“Got it!”