Published at 26th of December 2025 7:44 am

Chapter 547: "A Pinch of Affection"

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

From the worst possible first meeting, a haphazard former hero party had formed. With Gonzo around, I felt reassured to some extent, but Rouges inexplicable and strong interest in Allen worried me. What kind of journey awaited us? I couldnt help but feel both nervous and excited in many ways

Aah, aah! You spilled again! Look this way!

Ah sorry

It had been a little over a month since we formed our party.

We were currently tackling a fairly typical investigation request about strange activity in the forest.

This brought us to the village chiefs house, where we were invited for dinner. At the dinner table, Allen, who had spilled soup all over his mouth, was being wiped clean rather roughlybut with a strangely affectionate touchby Rouge.

Honestly! At least learn to eat neatly already!

Im sorry, Rouge-neechan

If youve got time to apologize, then hurry up and learn some manners!

Her tone was harsh, and she certainly seemed to be scolding him, but there was no trace of malice or disgust in her words. Watching their exchange, Alexis sighed quietly and addressed Rouge directly.

Hey, Rouge? You said you wanted Allen to take care of your personal needs, right?

Yeah? What about it?

Then why are you the one constantly taking care of Allen?

Isnt it obvious? Its because this kid has no proper manners whatsoever! If I keep someone like him around me, people will start questioning my refinement!

So, until Allen learns some refinement. youre looking after him yourself?

Thats what Ive been saying! If he can at least learn the manners of a low-ranking noble, then I can finally let him take care of me. Allen, work hard, okay?

Okay! Ill do my best!

I see. Well, if that works for you two, then I guess its fine.

Dont sweat the small details, Alexis, Gonzo said with a grunt. I didnt expect things to turn out like this either, but isnt it ideal in its own way? What do you think, Tia?

Eh? Oh well, I guess so.

Seeing Allen earnestly being taught how to properly hold a spoon by Rouge, I kept a vague smile on my face. I hadnt anticipated worrying about things in such a bizarre direction and yet, for some reason, this strange interaction left me feeling a bit uneasy inside. I couldnt quite put my finger on why.

While I pondered these thoughts, Allen tugged gently on the hem of my clothes.

Look, Onee-chan! I can hold it properly now properly, right?

Ohhh! Thats great! Youre holding it so well, Allen. Good job!

Hehe

Hey, elf! Stop spoiling Allen! If you dont toughen up on him, who knows how long itll take for him to be ready to serve me!

Do your own tasks yourself! Hes still a kid, and hes doing fine as it is!

Hah! Just because I can do them myself doesnt mean I should! For a genius like me, having someone to serve and obey me is only natural! Besides

Rouge-neechan, your tea its empty. Should I pour you some more?

Oh, Allen, youre so thoughtful! Unlike a certain useless, flat-chested, unfriendly, trashy elf I know.

What!? If were talking flat, then Rouge, youre no better!

Excuse me, Im only eighteen! Ive still got plenty of growing to do, unlike some wrinkly three-hundred-year-old grandma elf!

W-Wrinkles!? Rouge, you

Alright, thats enough! Both of you, knock it off! Gonzo roared, stepping in to stop the argument before it could escalate further.

Over the last month, this dynamic had become something of a routine.

Honestly, I tried to bring more sensible people into the group, yet my troubles remain as heavy as ever Apologies for the noise, Chief.

No, no, young voices full of energy are invigorating in their own way.

Your understanding is much appreciated. Now then, about the unusual activity in the forest

Yes, about that

As the conversation turned to work, everyone put on serious expressions and listened carefully.

The matter itself wasnt especially complicated. Magical beasts like Gray Wolves and Lesser Boars had begun appearing near the village more frequently than usual, coming from the depths of the forest.

Of course, even just that was a major issue for a small village. The next morning, we headed into the forest to begin our investigation. Within three days, we had identified the cause with little difficulty.

Hmm, this is a bigger problem than I expected, Gonzo muttered.

A Noble Grizzly How troublesome, Alexis sighed.

Peering out from behind the trees, we watched a massive magical bear standing over three meters tall.

Its glossy, black-purple fur was said to fetch high prices among nobles, giving it the moniker Noble Grizzly. A strong and dangerous beast, it had likely displaced other magical beasts from their territory, forcing them closer to the village.

What do we do? That bear is a solid mass of muscle. Even I wouldnt stand a good chance wrestling it barehanded, Gonzo admitted.

I cant handle it either. Its fur is ridiculously resistant to fire. I could take it down with high-powered magic, but

Absolutely not. Using that kind of magic in the middle of a forest is out of the question, Alexis snapped.

As we quietly observed the Noble Grizzlys movements, we whispered among ourselves about what to do. The bears fur was imbued with faint magic, which made it resistant to slashing attacks while alive.

If one were to hunt such a beast, the standard approach would be to gather a group of people and take it down with spears from medium range. Unfortunately, our party didnt include a single spear-user.

Tia, what about you? Think you can handle it? Alexis asked.

Me? Well if someone can hold it off up close, I think I can take it down but

Alexis asked me seriously, and I took a moment to consider my answer before replying.

The Noble Grizzly was a formidable opponent, but unlike Alexis, who had become significantly weaker since losing his status as a hero, and Gonzo, whose strength had also slightly diminishedthough not as muchI had retained the same level of power I had during our time in the hero party. This made the bear a manageable adversary for me.

However, strong magical beasts like the Noble Grizzly were highly intuitive. If it senses an ambush, it could dodge the attack, making a direct assault risky. The standard strategy in such cases was for the frontline to draw its attention while guaranteeing an opening for a single, decisive strike at a time when evasion was impossible.

Back in the day, Alexis or Gonzo alone could have handled this task effortlessly. For them, it would have been a simple job. But the present was a different story. That was why I gave my answer somewhat hesitantly. Gonzo, stroking his chin in thought, nodded contemplatively.

Hmm, if Alexis and I distract it, we might manage, Gonzo suggested.

This is such a hassle. If youd just let me burn it, we could finish it in no time, Rouge complained.

Wait, Rouge! No! If your magic sets off a wildfire, I wouldnt be able to put it out even if I tried!

I know, I know!

The fire-spell magic Rouge used was undeniably powerful. Even setting aside my personal weakness to fire magic, few practitioners could match her skill.

However, if her magic ignited the forest, even I wouldnt be able to contain it. Fires that spread to living trees cant just be put out by summoning rain; theyre far too dangerous.

So, Alexis, whats your decision? Youre the leader of the party. I respect your judgment, Gonzo said, turning the question to Alexis.

After a moment of silence, Alexiss determined eyes locked onto the challenge ahead.

Alright. Lets do it, he said firly.

Even if its a small, remote village, the people are struggling. As royalty, its my duty to help them.

Ga-ha-ha! Thats the spirit! Dont worryIll have your back if things get dicey, Gonzo laughed, slapping Alexis on his back repeatedly.

Prince Alexis, so cool Allen said softly, looking up at him with shining eyes.

Even though he was no longer a hero, Alexiss core character hadnt changed. I felt proud of his resolve as I stood by his side, watching, while Gonzo encouraged him and Allen looked up at him with admiration.

By the way, Allen staying near us was entirely at my insistence.

His appearance as a small child had caused significant doubts and resistance among the group, but I didnt want to be separated from Allen, and Allen didnt want to leave my side either.

If thats the case, then I decided wed overcome any danger or fear together. I would protect him with all my strength, but I wouldnt cover his eyes.

Whatever Allen saw, heard, or felt on this journey would shape him. What kind of person he would eventually become that was something only the god could know.

Ahem Alright, everyone, lets do this, Alexis said, rallying the group.

Ready whenever you are, Gonzo replied.

Im always prepared! Rouge added confidently.

Im set too Allen, stay here and wait for us, okay?

Okay. Good luck, everyone!

We exchanged words of encouragement and nodded to one another, confirming our resolve. And so, the battle against the formidable foe began.

Share