Listening to Haruhime's wish, the smile on Yuki's face twisted.
Unlike all those legendary Heroes and their many heroic deeds, Yuki is an anomaly. He never truly saved anyone; he was selfish and moved only by his desires. He couldn't care less if people died, as long as his objectives were fulfilled – the winner is the king, that simple.
Even in his past life, donating money to orphanages and adopting pets was purely selfish. He was a hypocrite who thought that by doing so, he could live with his conscience, convincing himself that he still had feelings of guilt and pity.
The same happened in the world of Guilty Crown; what he stopped and sacrificed to save humanity wasn't something he would do voluntarily. No, he did it for his women, for Inori's happiness. He calculated and simulated all possible futures to create a perfect one. He couldn't care less about the people in that world. Yet, in the end, his selfishness saved a race.
Yuki wanted to live with his women and have descendants. That's why he didn't hesitate to plunge into the fire for the future. But it was his future, by no means the future of humanity. Only by pure coincidence and the fate of humanity did Yuki's future align with that of humanity.
That's why Yuki felt ashamed when someone praised him; he didn't deserve any of it.
"I'm sorry, Haruhime... I'm not the person you think I am."
Apologizing from the bottom of his heart, Yuki looked at an excited Renard.
"I don't think the Champion is as great as you believe..."
"That's not true! The Champion saved a world! No Hero has been able to do that! Even Hero Albert isn't comparable to his courage and kindness... Being able to live in the same city as that person is a blessing."
Like everyone in Orario, Haruhime had also heard about the Champion, someone even the Gods respected. He left a very profound mark on her mind.
The Champion was a living legend!
Someone so powerful could be touched just by raising a hand, someone who wrote their own story.
Even though fairy tales and hero stories were beautiful in their own way, Haruhime thought they couldn't be compared to someone who gave their life for the world and emerged victorious.
Saving a world was entirely different from saving a princess or a race. There was simply no comparison between the two.
"Hahaha... I understand."
Releasing a stiff laugh, Yuki was terribly embarrassed. Crushing the dreams of a girl was tough. That's why he served more tea, lowering his head to conceal his hot cheeks.
"...I'm sorry, I got too carried away."
Seeing Yuki's uncomfortable reaction, Haruhime thought she might have been too aggressive. With all these tales, she felt more like a child.
"No, it's okay... In fact, I like that you enjoy stories. It's very attractive in its own way."
"Really? That's great."
Smiling, Haruhime continued with her little story.
"Haruhime... What's your favorite story?"
"My favorite story?"
Tilting her head, Haruhime thought seriously. Although she liked the story about the Champion, there was another story that left a deeper impression on her heart.
"It's hard to say... But I really liked the story of a princess saved from a demon by a nameless young warrior."
Bringing both hands to her chest, Haruhime lowered her ears.
"You know, Master, a long time ago, I also wanted a Hero to take me on an adventure, to rescue me... But now I understand that it's just a naive dream of a girl."
Lowering her head, Haruhime blinked her beautiful green eyes.
"And why is that? Why are you sure it's just a simple dream?"
Looking at her beautiful yet sad face, Yuki was instantly interested. For someone like her, so pure, to say those words, the pain inside her must be immense.
"Because I'm a prostitute... No Hero would be interested in someone like me."
Closing her eyes, Haruhime smiled slightly. This was her greatest pain, something she deeply regretted.
"Although I have no experience, I've given my body to many men for money. I'm no longer pure... I've given my body for money."
Opening her eyes, Haruhime once again faced Yuki, who didn't blink, looking her in the eyes.
"That's why, Master... Why would a Hero save someone as dirty as me? I'm not a princess or a saint... Just a prostitute."
Haruhime had read many tales and stories, but in none of them did a Hero save a prostitute. In most of them, prostitutes were considered evil, something to be eradicated so that the Hero's path wasn't endangered.
And this was Haruhime's life—a life that no one would bother to save.
Because...
"Prostitutes are the ruin of Heroes... From the moment I sold myself for money, the doors to the world of fairies and Heroes were closed to me... Because I am a prostitute."
This was the end; there was nothing more in Haruhime's life, and she knew it. That's why she had resigned herself to her fate, a fate of being trapped in the cage of prostitution.
That's why, even though her new wish was simple, Haruhime knew it was impossible. To see the greatest of heroes... No, she didn't have the right to see him. Someone as dirty as her shouldn't taint someone as great as the being who saved the world.
She could only stay in this cage, awaiting the end.
"I understand..."
(Isn't it time, huh?)
*Tick tock*
With the sound of a clock, Yuki knew it was time to leave; he still had other matters to attend to.
So, standing up, Yuki bowed slightly to Haruhime.
"It's been a wonderful night; I had a great time."
Taking one of her hands, Yuki smiled. This girl had left a good impression on him.
"No, it's thanks to you, Master. This has been my first time having such a pleasant conversation."
And the same was true for Haruhime. Just like Yuki, she smiled; this client of hers was wonderful.
"I'm honored... But this isn't the last time; I plan to keep coming to visit... Could this lady grant me the pleasure of continuing to accompany her?"
Kissing the back of her hand gently, Yuki bowed, and this gesture caused Haruhime to enter internal chaos. Being kissed on the hand like a princess made her cheeks blush and her tail move intensely.
"Of course..."
With trembling words, Haruhime was happy. Someone visiting her was something she hoped for, but before she could continue, Yuki had already taken her in his arms, bringing his face close to her fox ears.
"!!"
"But even though you're a prostitute and considered the ruin of Heroes, a Champion is not a Hero... Remember this; Champions don't have a destiny. They won't be harmed by the fate of a prostitute."
Murmuring these words, Yuki lowered his face, simultaneously giving her a tender kiss on the cheek.
"Besides, I'm sure the Champion would be happy to have someone like you by his side, so don't give up."
Smiling one last time, Yuki left without looking back, leaving a bewildered Haruhime. Unbeknownst to her, a small tear rolled down her cheek and a tiny flame inside her that was still burning, blazed with strength...
It was the fire of hope.
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