"From here, we're already in Imperial territory."
"Yeah, it feels like we're just a little closer to the capital."
But since we're on the outskirts of the Empire, it will still take us three more weeks to reach the capital.
According to Ceres-kun, this area is known for its mountain ingredients rather than seafood. In particular, he mentioned that the boar hot pot, made with boar from this region, is exquisite.
"Aren't boars the same everywhere?"
"No, the boars around the Empire are larger and have more fat! At least that's what I heard from Kazuma-niisan... it's my first time trying it too, so I'm looking forward to it."
Well, if Kazuma, who is crazy about cooking, says it, then it must be true.
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it too."
"Yeah, and once we hunt them, I'll make sure to prepare them properly."
Is Ceres-kun occasionally acting more like a wife than a husband? It almost feels that way... And I have to be careful not to gain too much happy weight...
While looking at the Adventurer Guild's bulletin board, Ceres-kun's expression suddenly changed.
"Shizuko-san... look at this."
With a surprised expression, Ceres-kun pointed to a notice about Zect and the dragon stampede, stating that they had failed to stop it and were seriously injured.
"Ah, that boy failed, huh?"
It might sound cold, but ever since he became a "Hero," he's been half a stranger. I was prepared for things like this.
The Hero, along with the Four Professions, receives a "severance" payment, which includes such considerations.
Once you become one of the Four Professions, you're no longer part of the family.
If you succeed as a Hero and defeat the Demon King, you'll return once for a triumphant parade, but after that, you'll marry a nobleman's daughter or a princess and sever ties.
If you lose to the Demon King, you'll be killed, and you won't be able to meet anyone anymore.
So, ever since Zect left that village, we haven't been mother and son.
It couldn't be helped.
They explained this to both of the parents and made sure the child understood.
My ex-husband, Sector, and Zect have also confirmed this and signed it.
So, Zect is no longer my child; he's more like a "child of the world" at this point.
That's why I've accepted it as a mother and as a family. But I couldn't stop crying for a while when someone said this to me...
'There's nothing you can do... this is the path he chose as a Hero.'
I mean, it's natural for a Hero to constantly risking their own life to save the world.
Who said that Heroes don't die? A battle against the Four Heavenly Kings, who are close to the level of a Hero, is a disadvantage for Heroes.
And the current Demon King is Lucifed... a formidable fighter with cunning tactics.
And among the Four Heavenly Kings, there's that terrifying "Mammon the Strong-Armed."
Perhaps my sons have no future.
That's why it's better not to become a Hero... that's what I told him.
I asked Ceres-kun to do whatever it took to let him escape if he ever said,
'I don't want to become a Hero.'
But Zect chose the path of a Hero. There's nothing more I can do for him.
"Shizuko-san, I'm worried about them..."
"There's no point in worrying. Zect is an adult and a Hero, so he has to do his best on his own."
Yes, my son is going to fight against the Demon King—the strongest enemy. I talked to him persistently about life. So...
'There might come a time when you die.'
I told my son Zect that many times. Still, he chose the path of a Hero.
But then, there's a saying among adventurers, "An adventurer's life is their own responsibility."
"But, even though you say that, you don't look well, Shizuko-san..."
"That's true."
Perhaps it's different from what Ceres-kun is thinking.
I mean... even though Zect's injuries are severe, they can be healed. However, if he recovers, he'll surely be sent to fight again.
Even if he can't walk, even if he loses an arm, he still alive.
That's why... for just a moment, I wished for a severe injury that would render him incapable of rising again so he won't need to fight again...
"But, Shizuko-san..."
"Don't worry; it looks like he can be treated."
"Yeah."
I wish he could have remained unable to move...
I thought that as a mother...
But that's something I can't say as a human being.
There's no one in this world who can save him.
Because he's a Hero...
"So, Ceres-kun, let's go have that boar hot pot... I saw a restaurant earlier."
"I wanted to make it myself, but a specialty restaurant works too. Let's go then."
"Yeah."
Do your best, Zect... And even if it's miserable, stay alive.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)