“How miserable…”
I don't know who said this.
Everyone felt the same way, and the entire [Feyaberugen] seemed to be filled with a cold wind, spreading a sad atmosphere.
At this moment, the passing residents of [Feyabergen] were stunned when they saw Eltina and the others, with expressions of disbelief on their faces.
The next moment, they burst into joy and rushed towards Eltina.
When the residents discovered that there was a human standing next to her, their expressions tensed up instantly. However, after Eltina and the others told them that it was Hajime and his group who saved them, the residents, although still wary, happily hugged each other.
Some of the rescued demihumans thanked Hajime and the others and then rushed back home.
The crowd surrounding Hajime and the others gradually expanded, and before they knew it, they were submerged in the residents of [Feyabergen].
That state continued for a while, and then the human wall suddenly parted, revealing one of the elders of [Feyabergen]—Elfrelik Habister.
"grandfather!"
“Oh, oh! Eltina! Are you okay…”
Tears welled up in Eltina's eyes as she ran into the arms of her grandfather, Ælfrelic, without even looking back.
Alfred had said before that anyone taken out of the forest would be considered dead, to prevent anyone from chasing them and causing the disaster to escalate.
So he must have thought he would never see his granddaughter again.
The people around were moved to tears when they saw the reunion of grandparents and grandchildren.
After a while, Alfred separated from his granddaughter and gently touched her head before looking back at Hajime with a wry smile on his face.
“…What an unexpected reunion, Nagumo Hajime. I never thought my granddaughter would be saved by you. Fate is truly unpredictable… I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
"I just brought her back. If you want to thank someone, thank the Hauriya tribe. I only came here because I heard that someone from the Hauriya tribe was here..."
"You are the one who has changed so many people in the Hauriya tribe. The truth is, your actions not only saved my granddaughter, but also saved us. I don't know how to repay your kindness, but please at least accept my gratitude."
Hearing Alfred's words, Hajime scratched his cheek in confusion and shrugged helplessly.
Yue, Shia, Tio, and Kaori smiled and looked at Hajime with pride.
On the other hand, seeing that Hajime had accidentally saved more people while traveling around the world than when he infiltrated the Great Labyrinth to train to save humanity, Kouki's expression became even more complicated.
Ælfrelic glanced at Guanghui and the others, whom he had never met before, and said to Shi:
"Regarding the Hauriya tribe, it seems you came at a bad time. They are out, but they should be back soon..."
"Then could you please let me wait here for them? I know it must be very difficult for you to rebuild after the war, and our healer has been restless ever since a while ago. If you let us stay and wait for them, I can let her help with the treatment in return. That would be a great gift."
"? I don't quite understand, but we're just letting you wait for us. We won't ask for anything in return. Please come to my house. I'll tell the gatekeepers to send someone to notify us as soon as the Hauriya tribe returns."
After saying that, Alfred readily invited Hajime and the others to his house.
Eltina attempted to lead the way, but when she tried to shake Hajime's hand, Shia interrupted. The Mori Princess and the Rabbit with the Plug-in exchanged glances. Hajime ignored them and turned his gaze towards Kaori.
Seeing that Hajime was concerned about her feelings, Kaori smiled happily, and seemed unable to bear it any longer and wanted to hug Hajime, but was blocked by Yue. The violent girl who was possessed by the apostle of God and the vampire princess's gaze met tit-for-tat.
"That's it! That feeling of alienation! How's it going? It's not so bad once you get used to it, isn't it, Suzu?"
"Um, Miss Tio, please don't treat Qian as a companion. That path is not suitable for Ling..."
"I think she's quite qualified..."
Tio showed a regretful look as she watched Suzu hiding behind Shizuku.
Hajime thought to himself, “What are they doing?” and shook his head, then followed Alfrelic.
The group was invited to Alfrelik's house. While waiting for the Hauriya tribe to return, Eltina personally made tea to entertain them.
Seeing his granddaughter blushing and wandering around Hajime, as if wanting to take care of him, Alfred showed an indescribable expression.
Hajime pretended not to notice and petted Shia's rabbit ears more frequently than usual, showing that he had no interest in Eltina and was also concerned about Shia's current mood.
Finally, when they finished their tea and caught up with Alfred about each other's recent situation, Kaori flapped her silver wings and came to the window. The room where Alfred entertained them was ten meters above the ground.
"Are you resting?"
Hearing Hajime's question, Kaori shook her head.
"No, everyone with external injuries has been healed. Also, everything around the city center, including the gate, has been restored. Since this is also considered practicing Age of Gods magic, I was planning to just fly around and repair other areas..."
Kaori had a troubled expression, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
I pricked up my ears and listened intently, and immediately heard the residents enthusiastically shouting, "Lady Kaori!"
Elfrelic and Hajime leaned out of the window and looked down to see many demihumans excitedly praising Kaori.
"I've seen those people before. Aren't they members of the Elders Council?"
"...It's Jel and Ged, what are they doing?"
It seems that Kaori was warmly welcomed and even almost started a new religion among the demi-humans. She was a little scared and ran back.
Alfred rubbed his brow as if he had a headache.
Hajime extended his hand and let Kaori enter the room through the window, and then he heard hurried footsteps.
Everyone looked towards the door, which flew open with a loud bang. The impact cracked the door, and Alfred wore a sad expression.
"Boss!! Long time no see!!"
"We've been waiting for you to come back, Boss!!"
"It's an honor to meet you, sir!!"
"Hey, newbie! The boss is back! You've got thirty seconds to notify the others!"
“Yes, yes!!”
The Haoria men and women rushed into the room.
It was so shocking that even Guanghui, who had seen Palu and had already anticipated the reaction of the Haolia people, couldn't help but spit out the tea in their mouths.
The Hauriya people didn't care about the others' reactions and saluted Shi.
Some of them were people I had never seen before. Judging from their words and actions just now, the Hauriya tribe seemed to have absorbed rabbit people from other tribes and trained them personally, continuing to expand their influence.
"Ah~ well, long time no see. Anyway, since everyone else is frightened, let's not salute anymore."
""""""Sir, yes, sir!!"""""
Their voices were so loud that it seemed as if they could be heard by the entire forest.
Having not spoken to the boss for a long time, the Hauriya tribe seemed very satisfied. The non-Hauriya rabbit people, experiencing their first real reply, said with emotion, "We finally..."
After Hajime left the sea of trees, Instructor Heart Zero's roars must have been endless.
"Before coming here, I've already met Palu and heard about the general situation. You seem to be quite active? You even managed to repel the demons. That's quite impressive."
“““““““I’m so unworthy, sir!!””””””””
She even started crying at the end.
Hajime relayed the message from Palu to the deeply moved Horiyah people.
——Palu and his men plan to invade the imperial capital and request assistance.
"I see... We did receive the message from 'Bardo Feldo, the Destroyer'. Thank you very much for taking the trouble to come all this way."
“…Um…do you have a nickname, too?”
"Me? ...Hmph, of course. I can swing with lightning-fast, unpredictable strikes like thunder! My nickname is 'Iolonicus of the Thunder Blade'!"
“…I see.”
The Hauriya tribe was indeed beyond saving, completely infected. Hajime felt extremely regretful, blaming himself for not blocking the epidemic that originated from the doomed Barudo Ferudo.
However, Hajime perked up and asked Iolonics of the Thunder Blade.
"It seems you're also training people outside of the Hauriya tribe. How many people are there now?"
"...Including the tribes already friendly with the Hauriyas, and the unique young men who volunteered for training after word of the defeat of the Bontons spread... there are currently a total of 122 capable of actual combat."
The number of people increased significantly, and not only Hajime, but Shia and Yue were also surprised.
Iolonicus of the Thunder Blade—Io didn't understand what Hajime was asking, and a puzzled expression crossed his face. Hajime glanced at him, nodded, and said:
"If it's that many people, I can take them all at once... Io... Runix, go gather the members who are going to the imperial capital. I'll take you all there together."
"Ah? Yes! Got it! I'll be there right away!"
Io seemed to have not understood what Shi said. After a moment's pause, he immediately understood that Shi wanted to go to the imperial capital together. He saluted and hurriedly took his companions to gather the other Hauriya people.
Io knew that Hajime had returned to conquer the Great Labyrinth, so he hadn't expected Hajime to offer his help. This remark came so unexpectedly that it seemed to startle Io.
Not only Io, but the one who was most surprised was Shia who was standing beside Hajime. She stared at Hajime with her eyes wide open and her rabbit ears erect.
"Hajime-san? Aren't we going to the Great Labyrinth...?"
"You care about Cam and the others, don't you?"
“…I am…that…but…”
After Shi spoke out about the real issue, Xia hesitated.
Hajime's goal was the Great Labyrinth. Since Kamu's situation had nothing to do with the Great Labyrinth, Shia couldn't have said she was going to the Imperial Capital to find Kamu and the others, knowing that there might be trouble there. Furthermore, Kamu and the others weren't abducted; they went to the Imperial Capital on their own initiative, so they would be responsible for anything that happened.
Shia had also decided on her own to go with Hajime. Since her father and the others were going their own way, Shia should go her own way, so she said nothing about Cam's disappearance.
Even so, knowing that my family is missing, I still naturally feel worried, and it is not easy to let go.
I thought I was hiding it well, but worry was already written all over my face and rabbit ears. Even if others didn't notice, Hajime and Yue knew it clearly.
Shia hesitated, fearing she would cause unnecessary trouble for Hajime. Hajime walked over to her and gently pinched her cheek.
“Huh?”
Shia's mouth dropped open at Hajime's sudden action, her expression ridiculous.
Seeing Shia's face, Hajime couldn't help but smile.
He looked directly into Xia's eyes and said persuasively:
"What's that expression on your face? You're wearing those bunny ears and forcing a smile... If you're worried about Cam and the others, why not just say no?"
“B-But…”
"No 'buts'. Why are you being polite now? Just say whatever's on your mind, like always. Where's that thick skin you had when we first met? Besides, if you don't genuinely smile, I...we won't feel right."
“Hajime-san…”
Despite the rude tone, those words were indeed spoken with concern for Xia and for her own good.
Hajime's hand was on Shia's face, Shia's hand was folded over Hajime's, tears of joy and love welling up in her eyes.
"Perhaps you don't feel anything, but... well, how should I put it? I value you very much, so if it can help you out... I won't hesitate to use my full strength."
“Hajime-san, I…”
"Okay, tell me what you want to say. I want to hear it from you."
A gentle and warm feeling came over her cheek, and Hajime's eyes were looking directly at her. Although she hesitated to speak, Shia still spoke her heart out.
"...I'm worried about my father... I just want to see him safe and sound."
"Really? Why didn't you say that from the beginning? You're still being polite to me even after all this. I thought there was something wrong with you."
“I, I’m not that shameless! Seriously, Hajime-san doesn’t understand women at all!”
Although Shia's cheeks were puffed up and she was irritated, her eyes were gleaming with excitement, her cheeks flushed crimson, and her expression completely transcended that of a girl in love, becoming that of a woman looking at her beloved man. Upon hearing Hajime's words, Shia's entire body radiated happiness.
Xia doesn't feel awkward with Shiduo, but as more rivals like Shiduo come to her, she unconsciously wants to show her good side, which leads to her being too aggressive.
Her stubbornness was swept away by Hajime's words "I value you".
"...Well, I'm glad you're in good spirits."
Yue looked at Xia with a smile on her face. She was thinking completely like an older sister.
"Well, maybe it's nice not to get scolded sometimes."
Tio had a normal feeling that didn't seem abnormal, and thought that this might be a good opportunity to cure her serious illness.
"Mmmmm, I'm so envious~"
"It must be very nice to be told that by the man you like..."
"Nan-Nangumo-kun... so direct. He's changed in that aspect too. Suzu was really surprised."
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