The Brightest Star Returns Home
The most beautiful and brightest star emerged from the guild building under Ilene's farewell wave. Though it was still evening, darkness had already settled thickly over the streets. It was a cold spring where winter's chill hadn't fully faded. The sun set early in this season. People were dragging their weary bodies home after a day's work. It was time for us to head back too. Time to go home and rest.
A sudden cold gust brushed by. The wind grazed my nape and tousled my hair. I huddled into myself and shoved my hands into my pockets. Glancing sideways, I saw Yuria gazing at me intently.
"Cold?"
"Still a bit chilly."
"Then let's hurry home. You can't catch a cold."
We walked side by side. The streets were quiet. Hardly anyone around. A far cry from the bustling daytime crowds. It was hushed, a silence that invited deep thoughts. I reflected on the day's events. What happened outside the village with Yuria, the people we met, our conversations. Above all, my talk with Ilene lingered heavily in my mind. The stories of Recovery Potion addicts wouldn't leave my head. Living off her potion shop, it was only natural I'd be bothered by it.
A peaceful evening atmosphere. The sense that the day was winding down like this. And above all, the relief of having somewhere to return to. It was different from my hero days. Back then, it wasn't like this. Every night was tense; no peaceful vibes to be found. The adventurers who'd joined the Demon King's subjugation must have felt the same. That's why they all relied on Recovery Potions. Clinging to that potion high just to scrape together a bit of calm at night.
But now, there was no need. Peaceful nights came without potions. That's how it felt to me. Not for everyone, though. At least not for those adventurers we'd heard about today.
"Hey, Yuria."
"Yeah?"
"Remember the Recovery Potion talk?"
"...Yeah."
Yuria's face darkened. She seemed lost in thought. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke.
"Noel."
"Hm?"
"Why did you want to become a hero?"
I didn't want to talk about that time. Didn't want to remember it. I wished I could forget the days Noel was away from the village. But I couldn't. Noel was still mired in those memories. Like a swamp she couldn't escape, no matter how hard she tried. Just like those adventurers from the guild. Luckily, Noel seemed to have kicked the Recovery Potion habit.
But her trauma was severe. As the hero, the responsibility must have weighed heavy. And now her body was that of a little girl. Mental and physical aftereffects lingered. That's why I had to ask. Maybe with a hint of resentment.
"Why did you want to become a hero?"
Noel clamped her mouth shut. She stayed silent for a while.
"Did you have to leave?"
"……"
"Sticking your neck out to be a hero—what's this mess? Did you even bring back anything?"
Adventurers, Noel—they were all the same. Nothing gained. Only losses.
"They promised. If I became a hero, they'd give me enough money to last a lifetime. Even a noble title."
"And did you get even one of those?"
"Nope."
I knew Noel was broke. I asked anyway. Venting my anger. I knew better than anyone that Noel was a victim too. But she was the only one I could take it out on.
"Were you that desperate for money and a title?"
"Yeah."
"Why on earth?"
"'Cause I thought you'd like it."
"W-what...?"
An answer I never saw coming slipped from Noel's lips. I hadn't expected this.
"I figured you'd be happy with money and a title."
She gave a wry smile. Seeing that made my anger surge. I snapped back.
"I didn't need any of that."
That's not what I wanted. I just wanted Noel by my side. That would have been enough.
The mood turned awkward. Like lovers who'd just had a blowout fight. I took a deep breath, calming myself. A twinge of guilt hit me. I'd overdone the anger. Then Noel said something unexpected.
"Thanks."
"...Huh?"
"Thanks for saying that."
She said it casually, even as I vented. With that wry smile still on. Guilt swelled further. This is on me. I placed a hand on Noel's head. She was shorter now, easy to reach. At least she wouldn't vanish somewhere anymore. A little girl like her couldn't wander alone safely.
"Don't leave anymore. Stay with me."
"Got it."
"Tell me if you're going anywhere. It makes me anxious when I can't see you."
"Th-that bad?"
"Of course it's bad if a little girl disappears. From now on, ask permission before leaving the house."
"Nah, hate that."
I pressed down harder on her head. Noel groaned like it was heavy.
"Ugh..."
"You're in trouble. For real."
I released her head. We resumed walking home. The path wasn't lonely. I glanced up at the sky to gauge the time. Early night had fallen. Stars dotted the heavens. I paused to stargaze. Noel stopped too, mimicking me. It was adorable. As pretty as the stars—no, prettier.
And suddenly, it hit me. Like one of those stars had wandered lost, finally finding its way home. I hope she never strays from her place again. That's all I desperately wished for her now.
Back in the cozy comfort of home, up in my room on the second floor. So comfy I didn't want to run errands or anything. Truth be told, I wished I never had to leave this room. Shop work and chores? Not my problem.
I stripped off my clothes haphazardly and changed into pajamas. It was late night—bedtime. Oversleep tomorrow and I'd be in deep shit. Wake up late, and Yuria would chew me out big time.
I snuffed out the candle on the desk. Slid into bed. Lying there, I stared at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn't come. My head was full of stray thoughts.
...Just one drink before bed?
One sip couldn't hurt, right?
The temptation flickered. But no need to agonize. When the urge hits, act. Hesitate and you'd just waste time. Head to the kitchen, grab one glass of wine. Bread or cheese if any left. Easy peasy.
Yuria was probably asleep by now. Sneak in quietly. Super careful, dead silent. I tiptoed, heels up, stepping lightly on the floorboards. Cracked the door open and slipped out. Eased it shut. No noise.
Then, toward the kitchen...
"Where do you think you're going? In the middle of the night."
...A low voice from behind. I whipped around reflexively. Yuria leaned against the wall, arms crossed, staring me down. Her mouth smiled, but her eyes didn't. Busted already.
"...B-bathroom?"
"Bathroom's not that way."
No excuse. I was clearly headed kitchen-ward. Yuria strode over. Placed a hand on my shoulder. Gripped hard. Pain shot through.
"Ow ow ow..."
She dragged me to her room like that. Shut the door. The air grew heavy. She perched on the bed, staring. I stood awkwardly in the center.
"This won't do. Sleep here tonight."
"Uh, wha?"
"In my bed. No funny business in the kitchen."
"B-but that's kinda..."
I eyed her. She radiated predator vibes. For my life, obey. Silently, I sat on the bed's edge beside her.
"Good girl. So obedient."
"Pl-please take care of me."
This was gonna be a long night. No comfy sleep. Yuria settled on one side. I lay in the empty space beside her. We shared the blanket. Two bodies' warmth filled it. Then her arm wrapped around me. Like hugging a doll. Couldn't move. Not even twitch.
Her face right by my head. Breathing in my ear.
"F-for real? Sleep like this?"
"Yep. Your punishment. Just stay by my side tonight."
"Can't I just sleep in my room?"
"No."
...Give up. No arguing now. She'd ignore me. Had to follow orders meekly. I surrendered to her hold. Closed my eyes, relaxed. Cleared my mind. Just her soft breaths and our shared warmth under the covers.
Felt like this bed was the whole world. Slowly, consciousness faded. Drifting into sleep.