Dale spent his entire youth protecting three women he loved and helping them rise to greatness.

His stepsister Reyna became a Knight Captain and Sword Saint. His childhood friend Claire became a Saintess. His fiancée Charlotte gained a place among the kingdom's royalty.

Together, they became celebrated heroes.

Dale was happy just to stand behind them.

Then he accidentally overheard what they really thought of him.

To them, he was nothing more than an easy mark, a man who could be kept happy with a little affection and convinced to throw himself into danger whenever they needed a shield.

Dale quietly takes off his armor, abandons his hero title, and walks away.

It doesn't take long for the three heroines to discover just how much they depended on the “sucker” they never appreciated.

Meanwhile, Dale reunites with his fiercely devoted former student, Amelia, and sets out to build a new life, and perhaps a new Adventurer Guild, where he doesn't have to spend the rest of it being someone else's shield.