The morning sun cast a golden hue over the cobblestone streets of the capital as I made my way to the guild. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens. Lupin, my ever-loyal companion, had decided to stay home today, claiming she needed to 'oversee the household'. I knew better. She was likely planning something mischievous, as usual. Still, I didn't press her. Lupin had her own way of showing affection, and I appreciated her quirks.
As I entered the guild hall, the familiar bustle of adventurers greeted me. The clinking of armor, the murmur of conversations, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air. Yumeko, the guild's receptionist, brightened up as soon as she saw me.
"Good morning, Sir Fernando!" she greeted cheerfully, her voice like a melody.
"Good morning, Yumeko," I replied with a smile. "You're as lively as ever."
She giggled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "The guild owner has been waiting for you, sir. He said it's urgent."
"Oh? I'll head to his office right away, then."
I made my way through the hall, nodding at a few familiar faces. The guild owner's office was at the far end, a spacious room adorned with trophies from past quests and maps of the kingdom. I knocked on the door.
"Can I come in?" I asked, standing just outside.
"Yes, please," came the response.
I stepped inside to find a man in his late forties, with a neatly trimmed beard and an air of authority. He stood up from his desk and extended his hand.
"I am Kenji, the guild owner," he introduced himself. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Fernando."
"The pleasure is mine," I said, shaking his hand firmly.
"Please, take a seat," he gestured to the chair in front of his desk.
I sat down, curious about the reason for this meeting. Kenji leaned forward, his expression serious.
"Sir Fernando, your recent exploits have not gone unnoticed. The number of demon hounds you've captured has caught the attention of the king himself."
I raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Indeed. His Majesty has requested that you join the new hero on his quest to defeat the Dark One. This is a great honor, and it would undoubtedly bring glory to our guild."
I leaned back in my chair, considering his words. The Dark One was a name that sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest adventurers. A being of immense power, he had plunged the kingdom into chaos, and the new hero was the kingdom's hope for salvation. But I had my reasons for staying out of such conflicts.
"I appreciate the offer," I said after a moment. "But I must decline. I am not a man of violence, and I have no desire to involve myself in this war, be it against demons, demi-humans, or humans."
Kenji's expression faltered. "But sir, this is the king's request. Refusing could have consequences."
"I understand," I replied calmly. "But my decision stands. I will not partake in this war."
Kenji sighed, clearly disappointed but resigned. "As you wish, Sir Fernando. I will inform the king of your decision."
I stood up and shook his hand once more before leaving the office. As I walked through the guild hall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. My path was my own, and I had no intention of straying from it.
---
Meanwhile, in the southern courtyard of the castle, the new hero lounged in luxury. His chambers were opulent, filled with fine gold designs and golden trinkets. A group of maidens surrounded him, their laughter echoing through the room.
"I've heard rumors about a man who's been slaying demon hounds with remarkable ease," one of the maidens said, her voice dripping with admiration.
The hero, a young man with striking features and an air of arrogance, smirked. "Is that so? The king should recruit him to fight alongside me. With his strength, defeating the Dark One would be a mere formality."
He leaned back, his mind already racing with visions of glory. The Dark One's defeat would cement his legacy as the kingdom's savior, and he would bask in the adoration of the people. The man who had been slaying demon hounds would be a valuable asset, someone to do the heavy lifting while he reaped the rewards.
"Send word to the king," he said to one of his attendants. "Tell him to bring this man to me."
---
As I approached my home, I felt a sense of warmth wash over me. The familiar sight of the cottage nestled in the woods was a welcome despite the chaos of the capital. I opened the door to find Lupin standing right behind it, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Welcome home, darling-sama!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.
I chuckled, returning the embrace. "Thanks, Lupin. But have you been standing here waiting for me this whole time?"
She pouted playfully. "Of course not! I just… figured you'd be back soon, so I decided to wait here."
I smiled, knowing full well that she had likely been waiting for hours. Lupin had a way of making even the simplest gestures feel special.
"It was a long day," I said, releasing her from the hug.
Her expression softened, and she reached up to brush a strand of hair from my face. "I'm glad you're back."
"How are the ladies?" I asked, referring to the group of adventurers who trained under my guidance.
"They're out training," Lupin replied. "They were waiting for you to return so you could oversee their progress."
"I'll head there right away," I said, turning toward the training grounds.
Lupin followed closely, though she suddenly winced and grabbed my arm. "Darling-sama, I think I sprained my ankle…"
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. Lupin was known for her tricks, and this seemed like another ploy to get closer to me. Still, I couldn't help but help her.
"Alright, hop on," I said, crouching slightly so she could climb onto my back.
She grinned triumphantly and wrapped her arms around my neck as I carried her through the woods. The training grounds weren't far, and soon we arrived to find the ladies hard at work.
---
Helene, a skilled swordsman, was practicing her techniques with precision. Her movements were fluid, but I could see room for improvement. Jennifer, a heavy fighter, swung her scythe with brute force, her strength undeniable. Emma, the witch, was experimenting with spells, though her limited mana often held her back. Ruby, the backup fighter, was busy organizing their equipment, ready to step in whenever needed.
"Welcome back, Fernando-sama!" Helene called out, waving enthusiastically.
The others echoed her greeting, and I nodded in acknowledgment. "Thanks, everyone. Let's see how you're doing."
As I observed their training, I noticed Helene engaging a D-rank demon beast. She suddenly cried out, pretending to be in pain. Lupin, still on my back, rolled her eyes.
"Don't you dare act weak in front of my husband," she said, leaping down and effortlessly dispatching the beast. "I know you're more than capable of handling a D-rank creature."
Helene blushed, caught in her act. Emma, too, tried to pull a similar stunt with a snake, only for Lupin to intervene once more.
"Honestly, you should all be ashamed," Lupin scolded, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "Fernando-sama deserves better than this."
I couldn't help but laugh at the scene. Lupin's protectiveness was endearing, and the ladies' antics were a reminder of the lively household I had come to cherish.
---
As the sun set, we returned home, the day's training behind us. The ladies chatted animatedly, their spirits high despite Lupin's earlier reprimands. I sat by the fireplace, reflecting on the day's events.
Lupin joined me, resting her head on my shoulder. "You're too kind to them, darling-sama."
"They're doing their best," I replied. "And so are you."
She smiled, her piercing blue eyes glowing in the firelight. "As long as I'm by your side, I'm happy."
I reached out to gently stroke her hair, feeling a deep sense of contentment. The world outside might be filled with chaos and conflict, but here, in this quiet corner of the woods, I had found my peace and joy.