The Virgin Hero Who Fought in the Dungeon for 20 Years Returned to the Surface Only to Find the Population of the World Has Dropped Drastically, with a Male-to-Female Ratio of 1:1000 - 26

Chapter 26: Male Protection Officer

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Haruka listened to Kazuki’s story regarding Ryuuto’s situation and after digesting everything thoroughly, she finally gulped down the tea that had been prepared for her.

“And that’s how Ryuuto spent 20 years lost in the dungeon before he was rescued just the other day.”

“Still, I just can’t believe it. That guy Ryuuto… He hasn’t changed a bit from 20 years ago.”

Shougen murmured as he swirled the glass of scotch in his hand.

“There’s actually an explanation for that. This is a recently discovered information, but apparently time stops when you’re inside the dungeon.”

“Huh?”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”

Nodding in agreement, Yoriaki’s eyes widened in surprise at that revelation.

“According to the latest research, there was a terminal cancer patient who, despite only having a few months left to live, showed no progression of the disease for over a year while inside the dungeon. However, as soon as they left at their own request to tie up loose ends, the cancer worsened. They passed away almost immediately. Based on this and several experiments, it has been confirmed that from a certain depth downward, the flow of time in the dungeon is different from that on the surface.”

“So that theory is right, huh?”

“Living at a certain depth in the dungeon is practically impossible. Aside from issues like food, water, and shelter, no explorer, no matter how skilled, could survive long-term in a monster-infested lair where powerful creatures could spawn at any moment. But, well, as you all already know, Ryuuto is an exception. The fact that he has personally proven the theory presented by the dungeon researchers is truly astonishing indeed.”

“Ehehehe~”

“And not only that—he even managed to take down the Demon Lord. Ryuuto, as your big sister, I’m really proud of you.”

“Whoa~ What’s with all the praise, Nee-chan? You’re making me feel embarrassed…”

Not used to receiving compliments from his usually reserved big sister, Ryuuto rubbed his nose with his index finger bashfully.

“Am-“

“Am?”

Ryuuto reflexively echoed Haruka’s unfinished words.

“AMAZING!! So Ryuuto-san is actually the hero who defeated the Demon Lord! Someone that incredible is Kazuki-san’s little brother and the person who saved me when I was in danger! This isn’t just a coincidence… This must be fate!”

With eyes sparkling like a meteor shower, Haruka clasped her hands together beside her face and gazed at Ryuuto with an even more fervent expression.

“He-Hey… This girl… Is she always this intense…?”

“Well, I know she’s prone to jumping to conclusions, so… Just try not to shatter the image she has of you too much, okay?”

“I’m not sure I can do that.”

“Hey, Haruka… While it is true that Ryuuto was the one who defeated the Demon Lord 20 years ago and by common standards he is a hero, but… Please keep that fact a secret for now.”

“Why? We should immediately make Ryuuto-san’s achievements known to the world and spread his greatness everywhere—”

“There will be an official press conference in due time. But until then, I want Ryuuto to have a little bit of peace and quiet.”

“Nee-chan…”

“Almost everyone, including me, has long since forgotten about what happened 20 years ago and is now enjoying a peaceful world. But for Ryuuto, who spent all that time constantly fighting for his life in the dungeon, he never had the chance to actually enjoy his youth peacefully. The video of his rescue was erased with the government’s help, but word of his return from the dungeon has already begun to spread. Too many people have already seen him  and no matter how strict a gag order is imposed, rumors can’t be completely suppressed. Sooner or later, the truth will come out. Before that happens, I want him to have at least a month—no, at least a week—of as much freedom as possible. You’ll help him with that, won’t you?”

“Of course! I also want to help Ryuuto-san reclaim the youth he lost!”

“Uh, I’m still in the prime of my youth, though…”

“Shut up. You’re 38, same as me.”

“Can it, Shougen.”

“Tch. Hey, Haruka-chan, Ryuuto is an old man, just like me. He’s 20 years older than you. I won’t tell you to give up on him, but well… Allow me to say it’s better if you don’t get too involved with him.”

“Don’t say unnecessary things!”

“Why not? The age differences don’t bother me at all. Besides, Ryuuto-san has this mature, dependable aura… He really makes you feel like you can depend on him!”

“This girl is a lost cause.”

Shougen covered his face with one hand and sighed in exasperation. It was clear to see that Haruka was completely smitten with Ryuuto. However, being both a dense fool and an inexperienced virgin Ryuuto was, he didn’t seem to fully grasp the intensity of her feelings.

“I’ll do anything to help Ryuuto-san! Anything!”

“Huh?”

“You know, Haruka… I’d appreciate it if you didn’t forget that I’m still his big sister here…”

Shougen and Yoriaki, who still had government work left to do, boarded a black Lincoln and swiftly departed from the hotel.

“Soon, for sure! I mean it! Absolutely!”

“Ye-Yeah. I will definitely drop by.”

Ryuuto was practically forced to exchange LINE ID and phone numbers with Haruka. Meanwhile, Kazuki watched the two with a somewhat complicated expression but said nothing.

“What’s up, Nee-chan? If you have something to say, just say it.”

“You know… It feels like watching my own little brother start dating the daughter I raised myself. So it’s making me feel….Complicated.”

“A-A-A-A-Are you an idiot?! I-I just exchanged contact information with Haruka-chan! That’s all!”

“I do have to say, even for my own little brother, your reaction is on a middle school level at best. At this rate, you’re really going to stay a virgin for life.”

“I-I-I’m not a virgin!”

Ryuuto poured water from the pitcher on the sofa into a glass and downed it in one gulp.

“So, Nee-chan. You sent everyone else back but stayed behind… That means you’ve got something to talk to me about, right?”

“Yeah. There’s someone I want to introduce you to. Let her in.”

At Kazuki’s words, her secretary, Yurina, opened the door and invited a woman inside. Ryuuto’s jaw dropped and he instinctively stood up. That woman was just that breathtaking. Her elegance and charm were overwhelming, more than any woman Ryuuto had ever met so far. 

“This is Sayaka Yamanashi, starting today, she will be your personal bodyguard.”

“Greetings. I’m here under the introduction from Parliament Member Genma. My name is Yamanashi. I’m with the  National Defense Force’s Special Investigation Division. From this day forth, I will be by Ryuuto-sama’s side as your exclusive male protection officer. I will dedicate myself fully to ensure your safety.”

Dressed in a military uniform with a black base, Sayaka had sleek black hair reaching her shoulders. Her deep blue eyes shone with an intensity reminiscent of a vast lake. At a glance, her facial features made it clear she wasn’t a pure Japanese. Most likely, she was half Western. Her snow-white, almost translucent skin exuded a fragrance so rich that Ryuuto felt lightheaded just from standing near her. She was tall. Only slightly shorter than Ryuuto, who was 177 cm, meaning she was definitely over 170 cm. Quite tall for a woman. Ryuuto tried to say something but faltered under Sayaka’s piercing gaze. He unconsciously averted his eyes from her.

Crap. She’s insanely beautiful! What the hell is this? Is my fate going through some kind of jackpot mode or something? Fuhihihi…!

Overwhelmed by Sayaka’s beauty, Ryuuto instinctively looked away from her, but the moment he did, the seemingly composed Sayaka showed a brief flash of hurt in her eyes. Of course Kazuki didn’t miss that reaction. Letting out a sigh, she cast Ryuuto a disappointed look.

“Ryuuto. Greet her.”

“Ri-Right. Yeah. Greet her… Alright. I got this! Go-Good day!”

“You idiot. It’s already night time now. Seriously…”

“My name is Ryuuto Sakazaki! My age is… Well, I’m supposed to be 38 I guess? My hobby is slaying monsters in dungeons. My favorite Shiba Inu is the black Shiba! …Well, that’s about it. Nice to meet you.”

Kazuki turned her face away at that, trying to stifle a laugh. Even Yurina gave a small, amused smile.

“I’m still lacking in many things, but I look forward to working with you.”

Maybe it was just Ryuuto’s imagination, but the slight fear that he had glimpsed under Sayaka’s deeply worn military cap seemed to soften just a little. While he had no habit of shaking hands as a Japanese person, he didn’t miss the slight twitch in Sayaka’s right hand.

Hm? Maybe it’s a cultural thing because she’s only half-Japanese?

“Anyway… I will be in your care, errr… Yamanashi-san.”

When Ryuuto extended his right hand, Sayaka’s reaction was immediate and obvious—she was surprised. Ryuuto barely had time to wonder if she found him so gross that she’d refuse a handshake before Sayaka clasped his right hand between both of hers.

“Fufufu… Handshake… Handshake… Your hands are so soft.”

“Ryuuto, you’re being creepy.”

Kazuki, who had her hand resting on top of her chest, muttered at Ryuuto in exasperation. 

“Uuugh…”

“No, he’s not creepy at all…”

“See?! She said I’m not creepy! This is just a sign of friendship! By the way… Nee-chan, what’s with this… ‘Male protection officer’ thing about?”

“Ah, right. I guess I do need to explain that first…”

Placing a well-shaped index finger on her lips, Kazuki began to explain it to Ryuuto slowly.

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