Volume 4 Chapter 11 – Shutou Family 4 – Hero VS Hero

| Todou Kyousuke

“Ruri-chan… right?”

The cat that had suddenly dashed out was indeed Ruri-chan. And, as it turned out, the mysterious scrap of cloth was, in fact, Ruri-chan’s actual panties.

The mystery wasn’t entirely solved, but at least the truth was out.

Niitsu Ruri, or Ruri-chan. We had attended the same schools from kindergarten through high school, almost like childhood friends, but starting in middle school, we drifted apart. Even in high school, we were in different classes, so we hadn’t really interacted much.

So, without thinking, I ended up calling her like I used to when we were little.

“…Hic, hic… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I… I finally got to see you again, Kyousuke-kun… but I keep having accidents… I even tried to hold it in today… I thought I’d gotten over it… I just want to die, I feel like I could die, sniff.”

“…It’s alright. Anyone can experience unexpected things like this. It happens to everyone.”

“But… it’s so embarrassing, so humiliating, sniff.”

It had been five years since we last met. But the warm feeling from earlier brought back memories from over ten years ago.

Ruri-chan had always been good at moving her body, and she took up dance because of that. She was talented, cheerful, and cute, like a sunflower.

But in front of people, she’d get extremely nervous, which made her feel the urge to go. Because of her seriousness and embarrassment, she couldn’t even tell her teacher, and so she sometimes ended up having accidents.

Back in early elementary school, I remembered a time during a play rehearsal where she stumbled in one scene and ended up falling on top of me, where… well, she had an accident. I remember comforting her afterward, trying to make her feel better.

That’s what came to mind now.

“And besides, this is kind of nostalgic, isn’t it? It’s like a replay of that time in early elementary school. Just like back then, I don’t mind at all. You’re okay.”

“It was second grade… yeah. Kyousuke-kun, you remembered… I’m so happy. sniff… Ah, oh no, ahhh! I have to clean up right away! I just want to die, sniff.”

While still holding her, I gently placed a hand on her head and cast a mild healing spell.

Extreme stress can really push someone’s heart to the edge. Many soldiers on the battlefield have experienced it too.

Not that it’s a fair comparison, but the weight of problems varies for each person. For Ruri-chan, this must be a big deal.

Besides, maybe what I couldn’t help her with back then… I might be able to help her overcome now.

“It’s alright, so just stay like this for a little while, okay? Heh, your heart’s been pounding non-stop, hasn’t it?”

“Sniff, yeah… that’s because I… well, I… had an accident, and… it’s so embarrassing… and, well, um… since I’m here with Kyousuke-kun, doing… um… this.”

Oh, her tone lightened a bit. That’s good, that’s good. Still, to actually say “um… this,” huh. No, she’s just trying to make a joke to keep me from worrying. That’s what it is. Ruri-chan has always been like that.

“Heh, you really said ‘um… this.'”

“…Yeah. Heh, heh.”

Ah, now she’s fine. That smile of Ruri-chan’s is just as I remember. The one that always brightened everyone’s spirits, Minato Elementary’s Lurii Lurii.

“You finally smiled. Yep, Ruri-chan, your smile is the best. The crying face just doesn’t suit you.”

“Ahh, Kyousuke-kun is patting my head. Just like the old days… I’m so happy.”

For a little while, I held her as I thought. Ruri-chan used to be close with Shutou-san.

So… what does that mean?

The theory I was thinking about earlier starts to fall apart when I think about Ruri-chan.

A hero, a magician… leaving aside the hero part… As for magic, only the Round Table members know about it, according to Shutou-san.

“…Ruri-chan, you were close with Shutou-san, right? …So, does that mean my magic is known?”

“…Is that alright?”

I see. So Ruri-chan is part of the Round Table too. I still don’t know what exactly the Round Table is, but from what I can tell, even though they have that image, both Shutou-san and Ruri-chan don’t intend to reveal it.

“No one would believe it anyway. I can use it, so I’ll clean you up. Don’t worry about your accident at all!”

I cast a cleansing spell.

The affected area covered both of us and extended about a meter around us. Well, let’s hope it overflows with some final touches.

“Haaah… so beautiful… Being held… in this blue light… it’s amazing…”

“…Look, you’re all cleaned up now. So please, don’t cry. And don’t say things like wanting to die.”

Hearing that, Ruri-chan suddenly sat halfway up, lifting her mini skirt repeatedly in fascination.

“The blue light sparkles… it’s so pretty… Oh! I’m really dry! The pee… there’s no smell either! Incredible! Look, look! See, see!”

…Yes, I know. I know it’s dry now.

So please, don’t keep showing me parts that don’t need to be seen.

As long as certain things are actively happening, they don’t quite meet my definition of “clean.” Let’s leave it at that.

And please, don’t keep hammering at the cage I’ve been desperately holding down.

“Ruri-chan, um, under your skirt…”

“Ah! S-s-sorry… right…?”

Ruri-chan squirmed shyly, her body moving with a strangely smooth grace. Even though it’s probably just her way of showing embarrassment, that smoothness is making an impact. I won’t say where, but it’s… resonating.

“Haaah… the head pats… the magic… memories… dreams… blue light… Ruri, Hero Ruri, is completely captivated! I’m done for!”

Suddenly, Hero Ruri went in for a kiss!

Ding!

Hero Kyosuke dodged with a swift sidestep!

“Mmmph!?”

Missed!

Hero Kyosuke felt a thrill!

Wait, no, that’s not right.

Hero Kyosuke was bewildered!

Yes, that’s more accurate.

“Hero, puhah!?”

Hero Ruri launched another flurry of kisses!

‘Hundred-Rending Kisses!’

Continuous damage to Hero Kyosuke’s… uh, let’s say, certain parts!

No, wait, that’s not right.

“Kyousuke-kun, chu, Kyousuke-kun, chu, Kyousuke-kun, churu, chu, this hero thing is just, like, in my head, okay, smack.”

In your head? Just a mental setting? Is it like… a fantasy? I guess I just had one, too. I fought it… and I lost. Who was it who always said I was quick-witted? Oh, right, that was me.

No, no, let’s move on.

“Ahh, wait. Mmph. Puhah, hey, hold on, hold on! Mmph, are you okay with Shutouu-san finding us?”

“Chu!? …Puhah! Aaaaah! What do I do, what do I do, what do I do!”

“…Do you want to hide and try to slip by?”

I still don’t know why she was under the bed in the first place, but honestly, she should just come clean. And frankly, I could use a break, too. Hiding away for a while sounds tempting. Maybe I should ask to borrow the bathroom… No, that’s not an option.

“…No, I’ll go apologize. I’ll say I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best.”

Should I ask to borrow the bathroom after all? Maybe it’d help… Would she forgive me if I apologized?

“…Kyousuke-kun, will you still stay here?”

“Yeah, I still haven’t decided on a punishment for the peeping, and I haven’t used magic yet either.”

Usually, I’d rely on Artlily to help calm me down—she’s got a broader perspective. Even the Saintess wouldn’t teach me that spell. And every time I end up in a situation where I really shouldn’t feel this way, she never helps. What’s with that sadistic side of hers?

Oh, this is getting tough. Move, move!

“…I have something to apologize for too. I took a picture. That must seem creepy, right… I’m sorry, really sorry.”

“…I don’t think it’s creepy at all. But next time, let’s take a picture together. A photo with just one person feels kind of lonely, don’t you think?”

Exactly. I get how she feels, and it’s fine, really. Plus, it’s from five years ago, so even if you call it “peeping,” it’s hard to get worked up over it.

But having a photo with just one person is… lonely, unless it’s a selfie. Not great for me.

Feels like… bullying. Toward me.

Ah, ah, this is getting dangerous.

“Y-yeah! I’ll go apologize right now! Kiss! Whoosh, turn, zoom!”

She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, stood up with a flourish, did a graceful turn beside me while I was still lying down, and then trotted off, her mini skirt swishing and showing off her round, firm, and pale bottom.

“Ah, her gear…”

Hero Ruri forgot her panties!

Hero Kyosuke takes a critical hit!

Remaining HP… who even knows anymore.