Evan wasn't the only one who was enjoying the last day of the festival.
The four heroes, who had finally achieved their long-cherished dream of killing the Rose Queen after decades, were also willing to dig through the crowd to enjoy their sense of accomplishment, even though there were still some things to be taken care of.
Bernard was the only one among them who was reluctant to do so, but Leo, who was huge, dragged him down like a dog in the rain, and Bernard had no other choice but to follow him.
"Hey, hey, I recognize that person from somewhere…"
"Ah, you're just being ridiculous."
"I think it's the legend, Leo Arpeta!?"
"Oh, oh, it's Aria, the priest, right? She is still so beautiful!"
The prime years of their legend had passed many decades ago, yet the faces of Grand Hero Leo Arpeta and his companion, Aria Arpeta, were so famous that anyone who recognized them beamed in admiration.
"Ah, it's the inspiring alchemist Bernard. I'm seeing him after a long time. Huh, who is that!?"
"He resembles Bernard somewhat."
"But the person next to him…"
"How can they two…?"
"Well, don't you recognize me, knuckleheads? Would you like to get some treatment for your eyes?"
"Ugh!"
Bernard's fists were trembling as he shouted at the nearby people. His dangerous look did not allow any objection!
"Yes, that's him, indeed. Then who is that beautiful person next to him?"
"She's just an acquaintance."
"Then, would you please introduce me…"
"Yet, you bastard. One must know one's place. Can't you go away already?"
If there was one more problem with them walking through the crowds of people, it was the presence of Illoin, who still retained her mesmerizing beauty.
Although some missed Leo Arpeta, no one could ignore the elf Illoin, so Bernard had to perform a knight's role, stopping those who were trying to approach her.
Why did he have to take on such a tiring role? Since Leo and Aria were a couple, Bernard and Illoin were naturally regarded as a couple, too, as they were walking side by side.
"… I'm sorry, Bernard. It's because of my different appearance from humans."
"It's very interesting to hear you mention your appearance."
"Really? No human has hair or eyes like mine. My appearance is very unique compared to humans. It's no wonder that people approach me with curiosity."
Bernard laughed as he saw Illoin say that while making a bitter expression.
"Illoin, you talk as if you are a monster. It's a big mistake. They struggle to comprehend your immense beauty."
"Beauty…?"
Illoin's eyes popped wide open at these words. Looking at her, Bernard was thrilled.
Pretty and handsome people usually knew that they looked good. So it was really funny to see her reacting like this.
The mixed feelings would have been ridiculed, saying that if she hadn't known her personality, at least expressing herself honestly in everything.
"The curiosity of oneself and others, and the kindness that leads one's mind, are distinct. Moreover, the aesthetic consciousness of humans and elves is the same. You don't need to think about such useless thoughts like being different from us in the first place."
"… Bernard, so you think that I'm pretty?"
"Huh, I'm not a human with a very good eye. At least that has not changed since I was young until now."
Bernard replied bluntly to Illoin's serious question. At this time, his pathetic point was that he couldn't express, of course, that she was the most beautiful being in the world!
But Illoin was a broadminded woman who could laugh at ridiculous and blunt things.
"I see. I didn't know you thought so…? But Bernard, you haven't told me this before. I was disguised as a human, but I wasn't much different."
Of course, it is not that Illoin has not heard such praise from others; she was beautiful after all, so many people tried to approach her.
However, there was another reason Illoin was shocked right now. That was because this was the first time Bernard had personally commented about her appearance.
What would you do if others praised you so much? Bernard hadn't done that in a long time. That was why Illoin wasn't confident in her appearance until now. She had gained confidence in herself because of Bernard!
"Then…"
It was then that Bernard scratched the back of his head with a strange expression as if he was carefully thinking about his next words.
"I'm sorry, but I wasn't relaxed enough to build a deep friendship with my colleagues. I think only Leo, who forcibly broke through the barrier, got to know me to some extent."
"It's alright to say that I was suffering from obsessive compulsion. It's too late, but I apologize. Never have you or the other colleagues expressed ill intentions to me. It's just… I just couldn't afford it, so I don't expect you to understand yet, but I still want you to know it."
Bernard laughed bitterly as he muttered to himself.
But next to him, Illoin was nodding her head repeatedly.
"I did, and now I understand. There was a conversation among the colleagues at the time that you liked Leo."
"… This isn't the first time I have heard about it. The thought is very unpleasant to me."
"Okay, I knew it wasn't like that. After all, a festival is a good thing. How easy it is to hear the words that I most wanted to hear from you… It seems to be true that this festival has enchanting powers."
'What did she want to hear the most? That I wasn't homosexual? Did it mean that elves had a special and embarrassing custom of unusually interfering with others' sexual preferences?'
Bernard, fortunately, managed to keep such an extremely stupid thought from pouring out of his mouth. At that time, he declared lightly, saying that he had forgotten what he had to say.
"Bernard, I will tell you in advance. I will stay here."
At Illoin's words, Bernard tilted his head for a moment and said.
"I was thinking you would want to. Even Leo said he would stay here for a while and teach Evan."
"No, it's a separate matter from that. I will stay here for you, Bernard."
"What!? What the hell is that supposed to mean…"
Bernard was astonished. But before he asked about it in detail, some people intervened in their conversation.
"Oh, did that happen?"
"Oh my God, my God."
Leo and Aria, who pretended to be dating each other and were secretly paying attention to the conversation between Bernard and Illoin so far, cut off Bernard's words.
"I was going to ask you a favour. But I'm so grateful that you're willing to take care of him voluntarily."
"Why, we also want to stay here, but the Mahwas have not been completely eradicated. So you and Illoin can work together here in the dungeon city. You can trust her."
"… Thank you. After all, you have been my reliable companions until the very end."
"What is going on here?"
Bernard felt that the three had hatched a secret plot against him, alienating him, yet meant for his wellbeing.
"If you're worried about the curse of the Rose Queen tied to my wrist, you don't need to."
"Bernard, even if you aren't worried about yourself, we are."
"We have always fought together, so don't you think it's a little weird that you're responsible for it alone, Bernard? We can't leave you alone like this."
Three different people were refuting every word of Bernard's. It felt as if they had prepared a script in advance and memorized it.? Bernard's sense of alienation increased, and Illoin focused on it.
"You have always kept us from danger, Bernard. Now it's my turn to protect you. Don't feel overwhelmed, and I hope you'll allow me to stay with you."
"No, isn't that a little weird? Leo, think about it. Illoin is an elf in her youth, so wouldn't it be ridiculous for her to be tied to the dungeon city to protect an old man like me!"
"I don't care about age, Bernard!"
"Hmm!? That part is what matters now!?"
"Bernard, you are being very frustrating right now…"
Leo, always in the mood to tease others, was looking at Bernard with a disgusted expression!
Bernard wanted to complain, but he didn't open his mouth, trusting his intuition that it would be a big deal if he did.
Indeed, as a veteran adventurer who had passed the crisis of death over and over for decades, he was exceptional in his ability to grasp what sort of crisis this conversation could lead to, too.
"I'll unpack at your house. There was an empty room there when we left."
"At my house!?"
"I heard that Evan built a big house for you to peacefully work. He even carefully arranged the housekeeping because he didn't know when you will be returning."
"He's very unique for someone his age. While staying there, I should take care of that child. Okay, shall we take this opportunity to ask the Marquis for a room?"
"Bernard will take care of Illoin, so we shall take care of the Marquis. Let's go."
"Wow!?"
It had been so bizarre! The conversation had been going on naturally, and while Bernard wasn't able to tackle it, everything had been decided in such a way that Bernard and Illoin accidentally (happenstance) got to live together in his house!
"Evan!"
But to Bernard, who was in a state of confusion, he saw his disciple, Evan, walking a little far away with two pretty girls (and after a little while, he also noticed eight children following him, being led by Shine)!
"Grandpa Bernard! Hello Grandpa Leo, Aria, and Illoin!"
"Yeah, boy, very nice to meet you too! Come here and vouch for me!"
Evan had rushed over to see him as he was worried about his condition.
"So, the thing is…"
Bernard briefly explained the situation to his brilliant disciple. Meanwhile, Illoin suspiciously stared at Evan.
After listening to everything, Evan said with a light smile.
"I'm not sure where the problem lies in this whole story?"
"Well, he is also my disciple."
"He's not your disciple yet! No kid, I mean Evan…! Something… Isn't something weird! Like at all!"
"Nothing's strange at all, Grandpa. Illoin, please continue to take good care of me."
"Thank you very much, Evan. I think we can be good friends."
As Illoin and Evan shook hands firmly, Belois and Arisha, who had followed Evan and had heard the story from start to finish, looked at Bernard with a concerned expression, as Leo did.
"Oh, the fireworks are starting."
"Wow, they're amazing…"
From the hill, fireworks shot in beautiful colours and patterns, covering the entire sky. The closing ceremony had begun.
They kept exploding beautifully and magnificently.
They went up and lit up the whole sky. They were more colourful and magnificent than usual. Everyone was watching the scene calmly.
"They're really pretty."
"… Young Master."
Evan had muttered that inadvertently. Belois looked at Evan's face and leaned against him, slightly grasping his collar.
It was her only habit that had remained uncorrected from childhood.
"I'm excited because I can see the fireworks display with the Master…"
"Uh, um. Me too. Lua, Thank you for everything."
The long festival was finally coming to an end.