Chapter 239

How much had he agonized over speaking these words aloud? It was certainly not something he had impulsively blurted out after just a day of contemplation. And yet…

“That’s unexpected.”

“Huh?”

At those words, Azar raised his downcast gaze to look at Nathan.

“You avoided answering yesterday. And just now you hesitated again, so I thought you weren’t going to come along after all.”

As Nathan said this while rubbing the cheek of the child sitting on his lap, Azar finally laughed with a deflating sound.

“…What? I struggled to say that, and that’s your reaction?”

Azar, speaking in a deliberately whiny tone, soon sighed. Then, as he suddenly made eye contact with the child who was sitting on Nathan’s lap, yawning widely before giving him a disgruntled look.

“Um, Nathan. Can we step outside for a moment?”

Thinking this wasn’t a conversation to continue with a child present, Azar gestured toward the door with his chin.

“Ah, you go ahead first.”

“Okay.”

Azar nodded and rose from his seat. Just before going outside, he briefly glanced back at Nathan before silently slipping out.

Nathan stood up, carrying Calypse in his arms. After scanning the three people sleeping obliviously, he made his way to the inner room. Calypse tugged on Nathan’s hair and said grumpily:

“Are you planning to abandon a child?”

“Funny how you tell me not to treat you like a child, but you’re only a child when it suits you?”

Nathan playfully flicked Calypse’s nose as he set him down on the bed. With an expression full of annoyance, Calypse rubbed his nose with his small hand while grumbling.

Telling Calypse he’d be back soon and not to cause trouble, Nathan followed Azar outside.

Creak, thud.

Though he tried to be careful, it seemed impossible to open and close the door as silently as Azar had. The slight noise made him worry that the keen-eared companions might wake up.

Judging by the empty path in front, Azar must be behind the building…

With the house standing alone on this open cliff, there weren’t many places Azar could have gone. Walking straight to the back of the building, Nathan indeed found him. He was sitting on a haphazardly stacked pile of boxes, and upon spotting Nathan, he waved his hand gently.

Nathan approached him, casually brushing back his hair that had been tousled by the wind. Azar silently patted the spot beside him. Nathan plopped down next to him as desired, and Azar immediately leaned against him. Nathan glanced at the head now resting on his shoulder before turning his gaze forward.

“…You said my answer surprised you earlier. Was it that unexpected… I suppose it’s not unreasonable to think so. Honestly, even though I brought it up, my mind is still in turmoil.”

After staring blankly at the drifting clouds for who knows how long, Azar murmured as quietly as those clouds.

“It’s funny that I’m saying this myself, but since I’m supposedly chosen by a god, I shouldn’t make decisions too easily, right?”

Saying his mind was in chaos, Azar nuzzled his head against the shoulder he was leaning on.

“Is this okay? Can I really go with you? Isn’t it too selfish after all? There must still be many powerless people waiting for me to close dungeons… And by now, the temple might have sent people to look for me since I’ve gone missing… So maybe I shouldn’t be doing this…”

“You sure have a lot to apologize for.”

Nathan rested his head against Azar’s, responding in a dispassionate tone. Azar chuckled softly at that, wrapping an arm around Nathan’s waist to pull him closer.

“…But you know, whether I follow you or continue my adventures, I feel like I’ll end up regretting either choice.”

“That’s so like you.”

Azar couldn’t help but laugh again at that nonchalant response.

I guess that’s how Nathan sees me, he thought.

Azar pondered. If he followed Nathan now, he would surely regret abandoning his responsibilities and feel guilty. But leaving Nathan behind again… He couldn’t do that anymore. How had he managed to do it three years ago? He must have been out of his mind then. Otherwise, how could he have decided to leave Nathan without any hesitation? Now, even thinking about it made it hard to breathe.

So if he would end up with regrets either way, wouldn’t it be better to have those regrets while staying by Nathan’s side?

Just then, as if reading Azar’s thoughts, Nathan spoke.

“If you’re torn, let’s do this.”

Azar straightened up from his leaning position to look at Nathan.

“Instead of coming with me right away, let’s take it slow.”

“Take it slow?”

Azar repeated his words as if he’d heard something strange.

“Yes, slowly. This place is at the southern edge, so it’s quite a journey to the domain. So let’s go at a leisurely pace. And see for yourself.”

“…See what?”

Nathan met Azar’s eyes and said:

“Azar, people are adapting to the changed world faster than you think. You’ve probably noticed it too. The fear of dungeons isn’t what it used to be.”

It was true, nothing was like before. In just three years—a time that could be considered both short and long—people had gradually adapted to the changed world. Not just adapted, but now they were even willingly entering those dungeons. One could say they were blinded by the treasures hidden inside, but Nathan didn’t think that was the only reason.

And perhaps this change was something even the dragons—who created the first dungeons and gave power to people—hadn’t anticipated?

“There are many reasons why you’re called a hero or champion, but ultimately, if we had to pick just one, it’s because a god chose you, right? The idea that only you can destroy dungeons and save people… the temple probably spread that kind of propaganda. But what about now? They pushed you to do what they said was your duty, but nowadays, many people are heading to dungeons. Enough that they might not even need you anymore.”

“…Is that really true?”

Nathan nodded at Azar’s question.

“That’s how I see it. If you can’t believe me, look around a bit more and consider it. After seeing with your own eyes, decide again. It’ll be much better than now. You might even stop being consumed by vague guilt and dwelling on regrets.”

If he saw it directly, Azar would understand too. That’s what Nathan believed. After all, he had been working toward making that happen all this time.

“So, whether you come with me or stay here, decide after that.”

Azar hesitated before slowly nodding.

“Azar, I’ll respect whatever choice you make. Even if you leave me… well, I’ll just wait again. I’ve already waited three years, so what’s a little more?”

Nathan shrugged as if it were no big deal. Azar suddenly embraced him tightly.

“…Alright. I’ll do that.”

There was a hint of wetness in his voice. Nathan gently stroked his back and spoke calmly.

“In return, if that happens, make sure to contact me often. That’s all I need. Just let me know that you’re okay, that you’re alive.”

That’s all he asked for. He didn’t mind waiting. But he wanted to hear from him.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Yes, you are.”

When Nathan playfully echoed his words, Azar held him even tighter. In that position, with his chin resting on Azar’s shoulder, Nathan said:

“Azar, for now, let’s keep this conversation secret from the others.”

“Understood.”

“And have you decided where you’ll go afterward?”

“No, not yet…”

At that question, Azar pulled back slightly from their tight embrace, looking at Nathan with a “why are you asking that” expression.

“Then let’s head in the direction of the academy for now.”

“The academy…?”

“Mm, roughly estimating, it would take at least three or four months from here, right?”

“…I suppose so.”

“That’s perfect.”

Azar was about to ask what was perfect but closed his mouth again.

“I plan to accompany you all only until we reach the academy. I think that would be better in various ways. Especially since we have a child with us… Listen, Azar. As soon as we arrive at the academy, I’m going to ask Professor Melchiel to open a warp magic to the domain. So think about it during the journey there.”

“…Nathan, that seems different from what you said earlier.”

Azar asked in confusion. Just moments ago, Nathan had told him to think during the journey to the domain, but now he was talking about the academy? There was no need to mention how much closer the academy was compared to Baron Nover’s distant domain.