Published at 26th of December 2025 7:42 am

Chapter 504: Even if Everything Disappeared, the Fact That It Was Erased Would Not Disappear.

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Ah, finally free at last!

I stretched my back as I exited through the grand castles back gate. As a member of the Hero party that defeated the Demon King, I received many troublesome invitations, but thats all over now.

By the way, I was at the back gate not because I was sneaking away or was kicked out. Opening the main gate required tedious procedures and inevitably drew attention, so I requested, Please let me use this gate.

Really, no matter how many times I experience it, I cant get used to this

Well, that cant be helped. Its not like people normally get used to this kind of thing. Well, good work.

I pat Tias shoulder with a wry smile as she complained next to me. And looking at us with a somewhat exasperated expression was Lorenz, now recognized by everyone as a true Hero in name and deed.

For my part, Im very curious about the true identity of you two who can be so relaxed

Hahaha. Theres no hidden identity, were just adventurers, travelers. Nothing more, nothing less.

I see. Lets leave it at that. This is where we part ways, after all.

In response to Lorenzs words tinged with deep emotion, this time Tia speaks up.

Yuusha-sama, youre going to become a castle knight, right?

Ah, yes. Its been decided that Ill be appointed as a knight in about three months, and simultaneously commissioned as a senior knight. After that, its been unofficially decided that Ill be promoted to viscount after one or two years of practical experience, but beyond that is undecided.

Well, if you become too important, you wont be able to work in the field, and youre more likely to get caught up in pointless power struggles.

With the title of Hero who saved the world, he could have even married a princess and entered the royal family. But Lorenz didnt want that. He insisted on sticking to fieldwork, expressing his desire to eventually be in a position to command a unit.

This is solely because Lorenz properly understands his own talents. Originally a commoner, Lorenz couldnt possibly handle politics, and rather than being a decorative king, he probably wanted to prepare for the Demon King who might revive someday and train the next generation.

This choice was accepted by the important people in the castle, resulting in this outcome. Some praised it as the wise decision of a Hero who truly thinks of the country and its people, not trapped by immediate desires, and I agree with that. Well, in reality, the Demon King wont revive again, but theres meaning in working hard with an eye on the future.

Fufu, I think Yuusha-sama will surely become a good squad leader, Tia said.

Thank you, Tia. Ill do my best Hey, Ed, can I ask you one thing?

What is it?

At this point, Lorenz, who had been smiling until now, suddenly frowned as if troubled.

You might think Im saying something strange all of a sudden but did we really defeat the Demon King with just us three?

Eh!?

I cant help but express my surprise at those words. But perhaps misunderstanding this, Lorenz hurriedly added more.

No, I understand. Everyone we ask, whether in the towns and villages we visited or the people involved in the incidents we solved, always says we were three. Given the objective facts, theres no room to doubt that we were three.

But I cant shake the feeling that there was someone else. Like someone who caused a lot of problems, was selfish and willful but somehow likeable, I feel like such a companion was by my side

Lorenz explained this with gestures. But seeing me and Tia looking at each other with troubled expressions, he let out a small sigh with a lonely smile.

Sigh. Im sorry, forget it. I guess I

No, isnt it fine?

Ed? What do you mean by fine?

I mean, its okay to feel like there was such a companion.

Lorenz looked at me with a puzzled expression at my words. I responded with a smile to his gaze mixed with expectation and anxiety.

Its true that neither Tia nor I remember any such person being there. But if you feel that way, I think thats fine.

Because, isnt it? Sure, what we were doing was a journey to defeat the Demon King and save the world, but the journey itself belongs to us alone, no one else. The hardships and the joys, everything we felt there is ours alone, and no one else has the right to say anything about it.

So, I think its fine. Even if you feel like there was someone else besides us, even if you feel like you traveled with that person thats a memory that belongs to you alone. Objective facts or whatever, that doesnt matter. And

And?

If someone really did erase their own existence, that means they wanted to disappear, right? Then it might be too much to search for evidence and announce There was such a person!, but I think its just the right level of payback if we remember them.

Thats!?

Lorenzs eyes widened in surprise at my grinning face. Surely in his mind, hes picturing a jokester with fiery red hair and slightly sharp upturned eyes, pouting with dissatisfaction.

Ha, hahaha! I see, thats right. Indeed. It doesnt matter what others think. As long as I, as long as we remember no, as long as we feel that way, thats enough.

Thats how it is. So, please take those memories with you, Yuusha-sama. Were setting off on our journey, and who knows, we might have strange encounters with people who seem familiar even though were meeting for the first time.

Ed, you you really are a mysterious guy.

I get that a lot.

Lorenz extended his right hand to me as I said this with a laugh. I gripped it firmly, and after doing the same with Tia, Lorenz spoke again.

Ed, Tia. Thank you both so much. Its regrettable, but this is where we part. Our Hero party is hereby disbanded!

Pikon!

Condition met. 10 minutes remaining until return.

If you meet someone unfamiliar, please give them my regards as well.

Understood. Well then, Yuusha-sama, take care.

Do your best with your knight duties, Yuusha-sama!

Yes! Thank you thank you so much!

Seen off by Lorenz, Tia and I left the castle. Soon after, Tia turned to me and speaks.

Geez, how frustrating! Why do you remember, but Ive forgotten again!?

Well, I cant really answer that

I naturally retained my memories this time too, but unfortunately, it seems Tia doesnt remember Luka. Its probably the same logic as when we reset the encounter with the Demon King, but because of this, Tia was quite angry.

Muu! I want fun travel memories too!

By the way, what does it feel like to forget?

Well, lets see. For now, theres no contradiction in my memories. You cut and removed the witchs curse, you cut down the huge skeleton, you cut off the Seven Great Calamity that was possessing Yuusha-sama

No, no, Im cutting too much, arent I!? Isnt this patching up of memories too rough!?

Even if you say that to me

Having my own words thrown back at me, I make a face like Ive bitten into something sour. As we reach a deserted back alley, I curse loudly at the empty sky.

Hey, whats going on with all this!? If you have something to say, Ill listn!

Huh? Could it be you noticed?

The face that popped out from behind the roof at that voice was Gods Apostle, with eyes widened in surprise.

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