The journey home had been surprisingly uneventful.
For once, Reed managed to avoid monster encounters, royal messengers, or dramatic ambushes.
He walked down the familiar dirt road, hands tucked into his coat pockets, taking in the fresh scent of the countryside.
After years of fighting demon lords, dealing with crazy nobles, and almost dying at least a hundred times, he was finally here.
His village.
His home.
His peaceful, quiet retirement.
He took a deep breath, savoring the moment.
"Ahh… finally. A normal life."
---
"THE HERO HAS RETURNED!!"
Reed flinched.
His moment of peace shattered instantly as a child spotted him from across the field and started screaming.
Within seconds, more voices joined in.
"HE'S BACK?!"
"REED ASTORIA HAS RETURNED!!"
"GET THE MAYOR! GATHER EVERYONE!"
The doors of houses swung open, villagers ran out onto the streets, and the entire town square became an instant festival.
Reed's eye twitched.
"So much for a quiet arrival…"
---
By the time he reached the village entrance, a full welcoming party had formed.
People cheered, elderly villagers wiped their eyes, and children ran up to him like he was some legendary figure from folklore.
"Mister Reed! Are you really gonna live here again?!"
"Mister Reed, is it true you slayed a demon lord with one punch?!"
"Mister Reed, can I have your autograph?!"
Reed forced a smile.
"Uh… yeah. I'm back. For good. Hopefully."
The mayor, a short old man with a beard that could rival the guild master's, stepped forward.
"Son, I never thought I'd see the day," the mayor said, his voice trembling. "To think that the greatest adventurer in the kingdom would return home…"
He clapped Reed on the shoulder.
"…And open a food shop."
Reed nodded proudly.
"That's right. No more monster hunting. No more politics. Just good food and a simple life."
The mayor's eyes shined with emotion.
"That's wonderful, son. Truly wonderful."
A long pause.
Then—
"Of course, we'll be renaming the village in your honor!"
Reed choked.
"Excuse me?!"
The mayor grinned. "A hero of your caliber can't just settle into obscurity! This place will be a national landmark!"
"NO, IT WON'T!"
"We'll even start selling 'Reed's Retirement Special' meals to travelers!"
"STOP MAKING BUSINESS PLANS WITHOUT ME!"
"Statue! We need a statue!"
"WHAT PART OF 'QUIET LIFE' ARE YOU NOT UNDERSTANDING?!"
---
As Reed was arguing with the mayor, a familiar, teasing voice called out behind him.
"Ara~? You finally made it home, Reedy-kun?"
A chill ran down his spine.
Slowly, he turned.
And there she was.
A stunning woman dressed in a shrine maiden outfit, her nine golden-orange tails swaying behind her elegantly.
Her bright green eyes sparkled with mischief, and her fox ears twitched as she smirked.
Yuna.
"…"
Reed stared blankly. "…What the hell are you doing here?"
Yuna pouted. "Now, now, what kind of greeting is that? I live here, you know."
Reed blinked.
"…Right."
How could he forget? Yuna's shrine had always been in this village.
When they were kids, they spent countless hours running around the fields, playing games, and getting into trouble together.
She had been his first friend.
His closest friend.
And also his most consistent annoyance.
Reed crossed his arms. "So you've just been hanging around, huh?"
"Ufufu~." Yuna smiled knowingly. "Oh, more than that. I've been watching over things in your absence."
Reed raised an eyebrow. "You mean freeloading off my family?"
"Your mother adores me."
"That's not an answer."
Yuna tilted her head innocently.
"It's not not an answer."
Reed sighed.
Of course.
Of course Yuna had been visiting his mother and sister regularly.
She had always been overly familiar with his family, stopping by for meals, dropping by unannounced, claiming his room whenever she felt like it.
And, apparently, she never stopped.
As if on cue, the villagers started whispering.
"Oh my, Lady Yuna and Reed are together again!"
"They've always been so close~."
"His fiancée never left his side, even after he went off to war… how romantic!"
Reed groaned.
"SHE'S NOT MY FIANCÉE!"
Yuna giggled. "Oh my~. Even after all these years, you're still so shy."
"I'M NOT SHY, I'M CLEARING A MISUNDERSTANDING!"
Elise, who had just arrived, crossed her arms.
"It's not really a misunderstanding though, is it?" she said flatly.
Reed whipped around. "Et tu, Elise?!"
She raised an eyebrow. "Onii-chan. She has literally been calling herself your future wife since we were kids."
Yuna smiled serenely. "It's true~."
Reed threw up his hands.
"WHY IS EVERYONE OKAY WITH THIS BUT ME?!"
Lilia, who had also stepped outside, gently patted his shoulder.
"Sweetie, I just assumed you were waiting for the right time to propose."
"MOM, NOT YOU TOO!"
"Ufufu~." Yuna gently took Reed's arm, leaning close.
"Well, my dear Reedy~," she whispered playfully. "Now that you're home, we have plenty of time to make things… official~."
Reed stiffened.
The villagers cheered.
Elise smirked.
Lilia nodded approvingly.
Reed, utterly defeated, sank to his knees.
This was definitely not the peaceful return he had imagined.
---