I Became a Retired War Hero the Heroines Are Obsessed With – Chapter 18

—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
—————————————————————–

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

On the day of my discharge, Ariana and Sena came for a final visit, offering to help me pack.

“Are you sure you’re fully recovered?” Ariana asked.

“Yes, I told you,” I replied.

“I don’t believe you. I need to check…!” Sena reached for my clothes.

“Hey! Where do you think you’re touching?!” Did she have no sense of shame? I dodged her hand and flicked her forehead.

“Ow! That’s mean!”

“You were asking for it. If I had done that, I would have been executed.” I sighed and patted Sena’s head. “It’s okay. It’s an old wound. Just think of it as a tattoo.”

I knew why Sena was acting this way.

I had greeted them shirtless while changing. Their cheerful expressions had frozen when they saw my scars.

“It’s already healed. There are just some scars because it wasn’t treated immediately. Sorry, was it unsightly?”

“No!” they both exclaimed, then suddenly clung to me. What was with them today?

“Did it hurt a lot?” Sena asked.

“I’m fine.”

“There’s no such thing as a painless wound,” Ariana said.

“Ariana’s right. You have to say it hurts when it hurts,” Sena added.

These two… well, they weren’t exactly kids.

I wasn’t sure about this body’s exact age, but it seemed to be around theirs. It was times like these that I wished I had my past memories.

But now wasn’t the time for that. Regardless of my real age, I was their teacher.

“Alright, alright. I’ll be sure to complain next time I’m hurt. Now, will you let go? I’m burning up.”

They finally released me, looking dejected. Was I raising students or pets?

“You’re okay, right, Ariana?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“What about you, Sena? I heard you pushed yourself pretty hard.” I added, noticing Sena’s sullen expression.

She immediately brightened. “I’m fine. My divine power even increased. It’s totally lucky!”

“Where did you even learn that… never mind. We should get going. Let’s go.”

I finally finished the discharge procedures.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

Ariana helped me into a carriage. We were headed to the Helios mansion, a visit I had agreed to after Ail’s request.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come? You’re her friend,” I said, concerned that they were leaving after dropping me off.

Ariana shook her head. “It’s okay. Amy needs your help more than ours right now.”

“I’ve visited her so many times, but she won’t even see me! I’m not talking to her until she apologizes! A woman’s wrath is a scary thing!”

Sena huffed, clearly upset. According to Ail, Amy wasn’t even eating properly. Was she really okay?

I looked out the window, worried. The overcast sky threatened rain.

“We’ve arrived, Miss!” the coachman called.

Ariana opened the door. “Please take care of Amy. I don’t want my rival to fall apart like this.” Her expression was neutral, but her eyes held a hint of worry.

I smiled reassuringly. “Leave it to me.”

“You have to spend as much time with us as you do with Amy today!” Sena exclaimed.

“What…?”

“It’s not fair if she gets ahead. Come to our mansion next time,” Ariana said.

“And our church too! A date! A reward!” Sena added.

“Alright, alright. See you later!” I hastily exited the carriage, overwhelmed by their sudden clinginess.

“You promised! Don’t break your promise or you’ll be cursed!” Sena yelled after me.

Shouldn’t a Saintess be more careful with her words?

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The Helios mansion was magnificent, a testament to the prestige of one of the Empire’s two ducal families.

Maintaining such a large estate in the expensive capital city of Milein… I briefly considered Ail’s offer. Not the marriage part, of course.

I approached the guards at the gate. “I’m…”

“We’ve been expecting you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Professor Allen, correct? Please come in.” The guard opened the gate before I could finish speaking and led me inside.

What was going on? Was this allowed?

I found myself standing before the mansion, bewildered.

“Oh, you must be Allen! Welcome! Just as handsome as I’d heard!” A man with a bushy beard embraced me heartily. I felt suffocated by his burly frame, but I endured.

I quickly assessed the situation. Red hair like Amy’s, the authority to act this way in the mansion, and the immense magical power emanating from him… could this man be…?

“Father! You’re embarrassing him!” Ail said from behind.

That confirmed it. This was Vulcan Helios, the Duke of House Helios. This wasn’t a mage’s body…

Vulcan stepped back. “Haha, my apologies. You’ve earned the approval of both my sons! I had to give you a proper welcome!”

“Did I hear that right…?” I was so flustered, I slipped into formal speech.

“Don’t mind him. Are you alright? He must have startled you,” a gentle voice said.

I turned to see a woman who looked just like Amy. Finally, someone sane in this family…

“I’m Leah, the lady of House Helios. You can call me Mother,” she said, winking.

Scratch that. This entire family was insane.

“Um… well…” I stammered, unsure what to say.

Vulcan put his arm around me and led me inside. “Let’s eat first! The hospital food must have been terrible. Our chef will show you what real food tastes like!”

He was like a dwarf in every way.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

As promised, the food was delicious, far superior to the hospital fare. It would have been more enjoyable without the awkward atmosphere.

“How is it? To your liking?” Vulcan asked.

“Yes… it’s delicious. Thank you,” I replied, bowing my head.

He beamed. “Now, tell me. What do you like most about our daughter?”

“Excuse me?”

“Her beauty, perhaps? Fortunately, my children all took after their mother, so they’re quite handsome and beautiful.”

“What’s wrong with your face? I like your manly features,” Leah said.

“Haha! You’re the best!”

Their affectionate banter made me slightly envious. Allen was an orphan. I had been too busy surviving to think about it, but now I wondered about his parents.

But first, I had to address the current situation. “I must clarify… Amy and I are not in a relationship. We’re simply teacher and student. I have no intention of dating my students.”

The couple froze. Were they serious? This wasn’t a joke?

“Hmm, you don’t like our Amy? You’re rejecting our precious princess?” Vulcan’s magic flickered. He looked ready to attack if I gave the wrong answer.

I forced a smile. “Of course not. I’m not worthy of your daughter.”

“Is… that so? Well, then why are you refusing?”

“It’s not a refusal, per se… Amy’s opinion is the most important. That’s what I meant.” I wasn’t even sure what I was saying.

Vulcan relaxed. “Oh, is that all? Haha, you’re still young and naive when it comes to women.” He slammed his mug on the table, grinning. He looked like a drunkard. “Women, you see! You just have to be assertive! That’s all it takes!”

This reminded me of my part-time job at a bar in my past life…

“Amy might seem strong, but she’s still a young, delicate girl. So…”

“What are you talking about?!” A sharp voice made Vulcan freeze.

It was Amy.

“Oh, dear… you’re awake…?”

Amy, her face flushed, ignored him. She strode towards me and grabbed my hand.

“Come with me.”

I followed her, relieved to escape the awkward situation.

“Dear…? You should use protection…”

“Shut up!!!” Amy launched a volley of fireballs at Vulcan.

He simply teared up, seemingly touched by her filial piety. Of course, her magic didn’t affect him.

“Such powerful, wordless magic…! I’m so proud! As expected, love makes people grow…!”

“Say another word and I’m leaving!”

“Gulp.” Her threat was more effective than her magic. Vulcan shut his mouth.

Amy turned to me, then continued upstairs, still holding my hand tightly.

“Was that too much?” I heard Leah whisper.

“Way too much,” Ail added.

“I wouldn’t expect to have a conversation with Amy anytime soon.”

I ignored them, deciding it was best for my mental health.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇