Book 2: Chapter 8


    <strong>Purpose in This World</strong>


    Immediately after the Demon King is vanquished, the Heroes return to their own world. Thats why many of them dont attach any importance to the things and persons in this world, since they cant bring these back with them. I thought he would also be the same, so it was unexpected that he reciprocated my feelings.


    Tina smiled broadly as she recalled the past.


    So that guy became your sweetheart?


    Yes, after many twists and turns, I finally seeded in making us mutually in love. Since then, we embarked on adventures together, and those days are still the best memories I have until now. But that period of happiness came to an end when the Heroes conquered the Demon King.


    Sadness seeped into Tinas voice.


    Couldnt the Hero choose to remain in this world?


    He tried several methods. Unfortunately, none of them worked.


    Apparently, its mandatory for them to return as soon as the Demon King is defeated.


    Tina took off the pendant and ced it on the table.


    He made this protective amulet and infused it with his special magic. This pendant is thest thing he left before he vanished, and it is my one and only treasure.


    Though the spell can only be used once, the pendants owner is guaranteed absolute protection. Such an invaluable magical tool,den with Tinas special thoughts, was wastedand enormous guilt gnawed on me as I think about it.


    Now, this is the true reason why I love Halt-<em>sama.</em> I believe Halt-<em>sama</em> is the reincarnation of that Hero.


    Ehhh!?


    No, that cant be!


    Ias Haltam the reincarnation of Saij Haruto, and Ias Harutonever came to this world as a Hero.


    On a certain day ten years ago, I felt the magical power of that persone into this world again, and a newborn child possessed it.


    Was that me?


    Thats right. Even if Im like this, my magic detection ability is excellent, and I will never be mistaken when ites to his magic. Thats why I searched for that baby, and when I finally tracked him down, I found out he is the son of the Count. I negotiated with his parents to allow me to be his attendant.


    Im worried about how to tell Tina that Im another person. But I get this feeling that now is the right time to do so.


    Tina, Im really sorry but I


    Am not that Hero. Is that it?


    You knew


    Yes. 5 years ago, I immediately felt that someone else reincarnated in Halt-<em>samas </em>body. I wished that it was finally the person that I had been waiting for However <em>You</em> are that someone else, right?


    Yeah, you got it right. Im a reincarnated person. Unfortunately, I do not have any recollection ofing to this world before, much less embarking in adventures together with Tina.


    I see Yes Yes, thats true. If it was that person, at the moment of reincarnation, he would have said something to me.


    Sorry


    Theres no need for your apology, Halt-<em>sama</em>. To tell you the truth, I felt depressed at first.


    Why was it not him? I thought.


    However, as I looked at how Halt-sama is striving so hard every day, I couldnt help but see a shadow of him ovepping with your image as you trained with all your might.


    Then I was hugged by Tina. The scent enveloping me smells so nice.


    I was constantly watching <em>you</em>, Halt-<em>sama</em>. Before, I wished he was the one who reincarnated. But now, Im looking at <em>you</em> properly, Halt-<em>sama</em>.


    Youre fine with me?


    Halt-<em>sama, </em>I like <em>you </em>as <em>you</em> are.


    Because of Tinas words, I made my resolve.


    Tina. Ill be stronger. Ill surpass that true Hero. Ill protect this world and Tina. I may have broken your [Absolute Protection] pendant, but Ill be an [Absolute Protection] shield that will never be shattered and guard everyone.


    Halt-<em>sama</em>


    Thats why, Tina, would you like to be with me from now on?


    Ye, yes! Well always be together!


    I finally have a purpose in this world.


    I will be strongereven more powerful than those reborn Heroes who have cheat-skills!


    Just like the Hero Tina loved, I will be mighty, and Ill protect Tina and this world.


    Though I am cursed and cant raise my level, I can do tons of things.


    Ill have the power to be a world-renowned Sage.


    Ill aim to be the strongest Level-1 Sage.


    And with that, I want to be Tinas hero!


    When I woke up, Tina wasnt there beside me.


    Good morning, Halt-<em>sama</em>.


    I just thought about Tina, and she already opened the door and stepped into the bedroom.


    Breakfast is ready.


    Yeah, Ill go now.


    Is it okay, Halt-<em>sama</em>?


    Hm?


    Tina drew her face to me.


    I felt something super soft touch my lips.


    Eh?


    I stared at Tinaher cheeks were blushing.


    I might be an ipetent person, but please take care of me from now on, my <em>Hero</em>.


    Leaving those words, Tina rushed out of the room.


    Kiss.


    I kissed Tina.


    Her lips were very soft.


    Her close-up face was really lovely.


    Even her shy demeanor is cute.


    I renewed my resolve to be Tinas protector.