When I said, "You can be a hero," to a child with no talent, he really started to become a hero, so I acted like I knew what I was doing, like I was a wise master. - Chap 35.2: The Hero Buys a House

I’ve put on airs in front of Tanya. And not just her, but also to my disciple, Menmen. I claimed that Ban and I were madly in love. Oh no, what have I done? I have a bad feeling about this. It’s an old bad habit of mine.

As these thoughts swirled, I arrived at the Adventurers’ Exchange event. I wonder if Ban is here? Ah, there he is, staring out of the window by himself. What is he thinking about?

“Ban…”

“Lin, I’ve been waiting for you today.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, what is it? Do you want me to introduce you to a cute girl? I’m sorry, but I’m not really into that sort of――”

“――Would you like to look for a house with me?”

The air became still. What did he say?

“I’m sorry, I thought you said you wanted to look for a house with me. What did you say?”

“I said exactly that.”

“House?”

“Yes.”

“Like, our own home?”

“Yes.”

I was speechless.

What?! Is this… a confession? Is he saying he wants us to live together? Is this… a proposal?

Well, it’s not like I’m opposed to the idea.

I’m happy? I’ve been thinking it’s about time to get married, right? Yep, I’m not against it. As long as he spoils me and lets me hurt him in return. As long as we can be lovey-dovey, it’s beautiful.

“Well, okay then. So, when are you thinking?”

“Right now.”

“What!? Isn’t that too soon!? Well, I’ve daydreamed about our wedding and all…”

“Let’s go look at a house immediately. I’ve already made the preparations.”

“You’re so enthusiastic! I’m not against it!”

He’s suddenly so assertive… It makes me happy. How many years have I been waiting for this…? Maybe it’s because I’m cute? Well, of course, right? He had been preparing? I always kept myself youthful, ready for the moment I’d be chosen. My hard work has paid off! Ehehe…

Ban took me by the hand, and we left the Adventurers’ Exchange event.

“Oh, they said they can help us at this real estate agency.”

“Hmm…”

“Excuse me, I made a reservation under the name Ban.”

“Welcome!”

Ban started talking to the agency staff. Any place would be fine as long as we live together. But deciding together is what’s important.

“May I ask about your budget?”

“There’s no upper limit.”

“If you’re just browsing, please leave. ‘No limit,’ you say?”

“Um, for now, ‘no limit’ is fine.”

“…Ha, hah.”

Dan seemed mistaken for a mere window shopper due to his lack of intimidating presence. I bet he’d be impressive if he showed off. Besides, he’s a hero, and his assets are probably unlimited.

However, that salesman was quite rude to Dan. In the past, I’d have shown off a bit of magic to scare him, but I’m in too good a mood today to make a scene.

“Anyway, here’s the list of houses. Please have a look.”

“Thank you very much.”

Dan and I left the real estate agency.

“Let’s start with this house.”

“Y-Yeah!”

The first one was a regular small house. Single-storied, with about three rooms, made of bricks.

“Hmm.”

“I quite like it.”

With Dan, anywhere would be fine. We once spent time together in a cave, after all.

“It would be nice to have a slightly bigger house. I want to live freely. And if we have children, I’d like them to grow energetically.”

He’s… thought it through! So domestically-minded – that’s a significant point in his favor!

“Alright, let’s go to the next one.”

“Yes, let’s!”

Ah, such happiness. I got to see Dan’s domestic side, too. I always thought he’d make a great father because of his kindness…

“This place is huge and has a garden.”

“Indeed!”

“It’s two-storied with many rooms. Seems like we could live comfortably.”

“How many kids do you want, Dan?”

“For now, I’ve been thinking about two.”

“Ah! I was thinking two would be ideal, too!”

“That’s good to know. But, having a dog or cat might be fun… maybe a ‘Super Light Spirit Creation Dog Fenrir’ or a ‘Fortune Future Body Cat-oon’ would be nice.”

“Yes, yes! You’d be able to tame them, Dan!”

I… I’m on the verge of grinning from happiness…

“A woman’s perspective is beneficial.”

“…Hmm?”

It feels like… there’s a difference in our warmth.

“Hey, why did you invite me? I want to ask, just in case.”

“I thought it’d be better to choose from a female’s perspective.”

“…I see, okay…”

Well, I knew it. He probably never intended to marry or anything like that.

Ah, so Dan doesn’t want to get married… What a downer…

“Why did you invite me? There were others you could’ve asked, right?”

“No, there’s no one else but you, Rin.”

“I see, so I’m the only one… But you probably asked me because your mom pushed you, right?”

“It’s true… But even if my mom hadn’t suggested it, I would have invited you, Rin.”

“…Why?”

“Because it’s easy to talk to you, and you seem to speak your mind.”

“…Hmm. Well, my opinion must be valuable then.”

“Yes.”

“How do you think things would turn out if, hypothetically, you and I got married, Ban?”

Ah, shoot, I ended up asking something weird. What if he says being with someone with a strong character like mine is tough?

“I think it’d be fun. You’re beautiful.”

“But you once said that beauty wears off in three days.”

“No, I’d never get tired of it. Because every time I see you, I still find you adorable.”

“Huh, sure. I do acknowledge that I’m cute. My cuteness knows no bounds!”

Being called cute… feels nice. I’m such a simple woman. I’m thrilled just from that.

Probably because it came from Dan.

“…Do you think my personality is too strong? Sometimes people say I’m a bit complicated.”

“…Hmm, I think I have a complicated personality too.”

“Well, that’s true.”

“Huh? Do you think I’m complicated? I didn’t expect you to think that.”

“You’re very… complicated.”

“What?”

“You sometimes phrase things in a way that raises expectations. But I don’t dislike it.”

Dan, not just his words but his actions too, has always been a bit of a handful. But I’ve never disliked him or ever thought ill of him.

“Hey there.”

“Do you, Ban, want to get married?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“… Maybe because I want to feel ordinary happiness?”

“I see. For me, I want to get married because I’m scared.”

“?”

“I’m scared of everything. The idea of dying, the feeling that someone has already set a path for me. So, if I have a cherished person by my side and cherished children with me, that happiness would be enough to blow all those fears away.”

“…I see.”

“I know it’s a selfish way of thinking, so it might not be a good opinion.”

“It’s unique, and I think it’s good. This world does have its dangers, like demon lords and secretive organizations at play.”

“It does make me feel pathetic, though.”

“Speaking for myself, I’ve attended so many adventurers’ networking events just to become popular, which feels incredibly embarrassing.”

“That’s true… I guess we’re both pretty complicated. No wonder neither of us can think of getting married.”

The warmth of the sunny weather makes me tired. The sunlight coming in from outside makes me want to nap. Sitting on the sofa and chatting, I’m reminded of the past.

He used to be weak, and I was strong. From the moment we met, he grew steadily stronger… until he became so powerful he could take on the future.

He has overcome the divine decrees from the gods countless times.

“I’m getting sleepy. Stay here until I wake up.”

“Understood.”

— I wish I dared to ask him to stay with me forever…