Published at 26th of December 2025 7:44 am

Chapter 546: Sit Over There for a Moment.

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Once again, youre causing trouble Cant you calm down, even just a little?

What!? Youre the last person I want to hear that from!

Alexis shook his head tiredly, while the woman called Rouge turned to him and shouted in protest. Watching this exchange left me thoroughly confused.

Wait, why was Alexis here!? The Demon King was gone, and Alexis wasnt a hero anymore, so why was he here instead of being at the castle!?

So? What is it this time? What have you done now?

It wasnt me! That kid bumped into me, so I generously offered to let him take care of me as an apology, but then that elf over there had to butt in!

Ah Im struggling to understand how any of that connects, but essentially, you want to take that white-haired kid with you, is that it?

Exactly!

Are you serious? You do know its going to be a dangerous journey, right?

Alexis frowned deeply, but Rouge puffed out her chest and laughed through her nose.

Hah! For a genius like me, danger isnt even a concern. In fact, having someone like that kid as a burden might help me keep pace with someone like you, Alexis!

Hah, I see. Do as you like. But dont expect me to take responsibility for whatever happens.

Of course! Ill do just as I please. Now, you there, lets go!

Wait, wait, wait! Hold on! Why are you making decisions and moving things forward without us!?

I raised my voice in protest as Rouge reached out for Allen again.

Just because Alexis was with her didnt necessarily mean she was a bad person, but I couldnt let Allen go with her in a situation this chaotic and nonsensical.

Youre still interfering? If you keep this up, Im really going to set you on fire.

Maybe you should stop being the unreasonable one here!

What did you just say!?

What did you just say!?

Youre both scary

What is this nightmare

Rouge and I glared at each other, tension growing between us, while Allen let out a frightened murmur from behind me. Alexis, meanwhile, sighed in exasperation and looked up at the sky, clearly at a loss.

What followed was a fruitless exchange of heated words, which only came to an end thanks to the arrival of a certain individual.

What in the world are you people doing!?

The next scene shifted to a private room in a somewhat upscale tavern, just off the bustling streets.

In front of us, sitting side by side on one edge of a square table, was Alexis and Rougeboth seated on the floor in formal kneeling positions. Towering over them, yelling loudly, was a muscular man.

Of note, while Rouge had clearly been forced into this by the man, it was far more astonishing that Alexis, a former prince, was also kneeling. There was likely no one else in the world who could make Alexis obey like this.

Rouge, why were you doing something as outrageous as attempting to kidnap someone in the middle of town!?

It wasnt kidnapping! I just told him he should be grateful for the opportunity to take care of me!

Thats absolutely ridiculous!

Ow!?

A resounding bonk echoed as the man delivered a sharp, reprimanding fist to Rouges head.

Tears welled up as she clutched her head, glaring resentfully at him, but he paid her no mind and turned his attention to Alexis.

And you, Alexis! Why were you, of all people, just standing there and allowing this to happen!?

I didnt do anything.

The fact that you did nothing is exactly the problem! You fool!

Urgh!

Alexis flinched as another firm bonk landed squarely on his head. The man let out a heavy sigh and then turned toward Allen and me, bowing slightly in apology.

Im sorry about this, to both of you. Ill make sure to give these two a proper scolding. Could you let this incident go?

Ah, well as long as Allen isnt forcibly taken anywhere, we dont really mind, right, Allen?

Yeah.

The man seemed relieved as he nodded.

Good, good. Ah, come to think of it, I havent introduced myself yet. Im Gonzo, a companion traveling with these two. Pleased to meet you.

He extended a large hand toward me. His hand was rough and calloused, yet its touch had a familiar warmth to itunchanged from over a hundred years ago.

Im Lunariatia. Its nice to meet you, Gonzo.

Allen Nice to meet you.

Ah, Lunariatia and Allen, huh? Good names.

After shaking my hand, Gonzo gently took Allens small hand in his own, giving him a warm smile before sitting down across from us. Meanwhile, Alexis and Rouge were still kneeling, sending us resentful, almost pleading glances.

If Im being honest, it was a little awkward.

As an apology for the trouble we caused, well cover everything here. Order whatever you like to eat and drink, alright? Allen, is there anything in particular youd like to eat?

I dont know. Ive never eaten any of this before.

Is that so? In that case, why not try everything?

Moved by something in Allens words, Gonzo took the menu and ordered every single dish it had to offer. Before long, the table was overflowing with plates of food, leaving both Allen and me wide-eyed.

Whoa theres so much food.

If theres anything youre curious about, give it a try. And if you want more, just let me knowwell get seconds.

Um, are you sure? This is way too much

Dont worry about it. If there are leftovers, Ill just eat them myself, Gonzo said with a casual laugh to my hesitation.

I couldnt imagine even someone like Gonzo eating all this food though maybe he could surprise me. Perhaps he had a much bigger appetite than I realized.

H-Hey, Gonzo? What about our share?

You two stay there and keep reflecting for a bit longer.

Urgh

Um, Gonzo-san? Being stared at like this is a little uncomfortable, so why dont we all eat together? Theres more than enough food for everyone.

Hmm is that so? Then, with gratitude for the generosity of these two, you may join us and eat.

Finally!

My legs are asleep

With my attempt at mediationthough it might be more accurate to say I couldnt bear the awkwardness of having them glaring any longerAlexis and Rouge were allowed to join us at the table.

As we all shared a meal together, I finally had the chance to ask about Alexis and Rouges situation.

So, Alexissan, you were a prince?

Thats right. Now that you know, even if you are an elf, you should properly show me the respect I deserve asugh!?

Not again with you! Anyway, Perhaps due to the long peace, hes grown a little too arrogant. The king, his father, decided he couldnt pass the throne to him without some proper life experience and asked me to take him on a journey to see the world. So, at least while were here, theres no need for any excessive respect toward him.

Ahaha

I let out a dry laugh as Alexis rubbed his head where hed been hit. Now that I thought about it, Alexis seemed a little more childish than the version of him I remembered from before. But I supposed it made sensethis was a world without the overwhelming threat of the Demon Lord, and Alexis had grown up as the prince of a great kingdom.

Perhaps it was only natural.

As we continued talking, I learned more about them.

Rouge had graduated from a magical academy and, despite her talent, chose to become an adventurer instead of pursuing a research career. Her personality, however, made it difficult for her to form a party, and so she had languished alone for a while.

She had forcibly tagged along, trying to use Alexiss title of prince to her advantage. Gonzo, thinking she would serve as a good example of what not to do, allowedher to join the group which unfortunately resulted in her and Alexis forming an unlikely connection, creating not one, but two problem children. In return, I explained that Allen and I were traveling so he could see the world. After hearing everything, Gonzo made a seemingly offhand suggestion.

Hmm, I see. In that case, how about thiswhy dont you travel with us?

With you and your group?

Thats right. From what I can tell, you seem to be quite capable. However, traveling alone with a child can present its own difficulties, no matter how strong you are. If you journey with us, at least the issue of numbers will be covered. Besides, for whatever reason, Rouge seems to have taken a liking to Allen. Having her look after him could be good for her character development. And honestly, Id like to have one more sensible person along for the ride.

Well

Gonzos proposition left me pondering for a moment.

His easygoing demeanor, along with the good cheer brought on by a few drinks, made the suggestion sound simple enough, but next to him, Alexis and Rouge were quietly drinking from their mugs without comment.

It felt like Id be poking a bear if I said anything unnecessary.

What do you think? Of course, Im not like RougeI wouldnt force you to join us. Even if we decide to travel together, youre welcome to leave at any time if theres an issue. For now, why not try traveling with us? Its a rare opportunity, after all.

A rare opportunity

I let the word opportunity roll around in my mind.

It did feel like onemeeting companions I thought Id never see again and having the chance to journey with them once more. It was an incredibly tempting offer.

However, it wasnt a decision I could make on my own. I turned to Allen, who was quietly eating beside me, and spoke to him gently.

What do you think, Allen? What would you like to do?

I dont mind going with them. Adventures sound fun.

Is that so? Then lets take them up on their offer.

Ha ha ha! That settles it, then! A toast to our new companions!

Cheers!

Hmph.

What? If were traveling together anyway, you couldve said so earlier Fine. Cheers.

Cheers?

Everyone clinked their wooden mugs together before drinking in unison, each with a different expression. It seemed our new journey was going to be a lively one.

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