I woke up at the orphanage and began my day. I was planning to rest at an inn, but since Arte and Eliza insisted on having me stay, I ended up sleeping there.

I stayed for a few days just in case our enemy, Nicht, decided to mess around with this city again. However, it seemed unlikely thanks to the mercenaries.

The mercenaries bragged they met the Prophet and how he had left. So news of the prophet having left the city was spread among the people, including those who were looking for him.

Of course, they also said unnecessary things about me being the hero, and would even crowd around me every time we met. But whenever it got troublesome, I just smiled and used [Perfect Stealth] to escape.

As for Fatty and the assassins, I asked them to go around the world to search for the hero. Since we know what to look for this time, we will probably find her within a year or two.

Either way, I believe I had finished everything I needed to do in this city, so I started packing and preparing to leave.

"O-Oppa…"

Then, a familiar girl trotted at me. She was Arte. The genius magician whom I saved by chance.

I stopped what I was doing and smiled at her.

"Yes. What is it, Arte?"

She fidgeted before holding onto my sleeves.

"I want to… no, c-can you please take me with you?"

I felt troubled at her request. Previously, I was planning to leave Arte behind because it would be dangerous for her to stay with me.

However, she had shown her willingness to jump into danger and fight with me. And she was also the one who saved me from the black mage's attack.

All of these made me rethink my evaluation of her. Having her with me would be a great help. And I could also help her grow stronger, and faster. So wouldn't it be better to have her come with me on my journey?

I concluded and was about to nod. But was it because I didn't reply? Arte looked up at me with trembling eyes.

"O-oh, esteemed hero," Arte said in a flat tone as if narrating a script. "May I ask you to graciously invite me to partake in your illustrious journey?"

"What…?"

I blinked, not understanding the sudden respect. I looked behind her and saw a suspicious nun peeking from the slightly opened door.

She was Eliza, a nun with extraordinary background and even more extraordinary delusional ability. Her ability was so amazing that it would confuse her allies instead of her enemies. Such Eliza was looking at Arte, puffing her chest as if feeling proud of raising her disciple well.

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I smiled wryly and said.

"Arte, you can talk comfortably."

"Eh? Even this one failed? T-then," she made an upturned look and blushed. "If, if you allowed me to come. You can do anything you want to me."

My mind blanked for a moment.

"Sure. I was planning to have you join anyway."

"Really?! Thank you, Oppa!"

She hugged me tightly. And then, she ran towards Eliza.

"Unnie, Unnie, did you hear that? Operation Respect failed but Operation Honey Trap succeeded!"

"Yes!" Eliza smiled. "As expected, even the hero is a man. Fufu, come here, Arte. Let this Unnie teach you more about the honey trap."

"Okie!"

My eyes shook as the two left while holding hands. Operation what? Honey trap?

It seemed like this corrupt nun was trying to teach Arte absurd things. Did they want me to become a criminal?

I sweated bullets as I pondered on what to do. Should I stop them? No, Arte was smart, so she would probably be fine, right? Furthermore, the two might not see each other again for a long time. So I should trust Arte and let them be for now.

I nodded to myself and decided to let the two girls have their fun. It was not until later that I learned the true danger of a honey trap and regretted that choice every night.

***

After buying food and supplies for a long trip, I arrived with Arte at the harbor. We boarded a ship and before long, our ship sailed.

We waved our hands at Eliza and the orphanage kids as they saw us off from the harbor. Arte couldn't hold back her tears and took a step closer.

"Unnie!" Arte said, "Thank you for everything!"

Eliza, too, teared up at her words. "Me too! Let's meet again in the future!"

"Un… Un!"

Arte nodded and sobbed as she was clinging to me. They seemed like real sisters seeing how touched they were with each other.

As I patted Arte's head, I met Eliza's eyes. She smiled meaningfully with resolve and affection. Her lips silently parted in a promise: "Wait for me. I will join you when the time is right."

I smiled wryly and nodded. The passion in her smile reminded me of a girl in love. I looked away, feeling my cheeks grow warm under Eliza's wistful gaze.

While Eliza's powers would serve us greatly, revealing her true identity too soon could endanger her. Because she was someone who could perform miracles and an existence the demons would spare no effort to kill.

For now, her place remained with the orphanage. And until the day we joined hands arrives, I would also do my best to get stronger.

Because only by having strength could I protect the people who were dear to me. I clenched my fists and looked ahead.

As Eliza and the others faded into the distance, Arte's smile wavered. She turned to me, her eyes glistening. "I'll miss them."

I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Me too. But you'll have new adventures to share when we return."

Her face brightened at that. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues, Arte leaned on the railing beside me. "It's so beautiful," she sighed.

I looked at her and smiled. "Yeah. It is."

A playful breeze tossed her hair, and she laughed. "Look at my mess of a hair now!" Impulsively, I reached over and messed her hair even more. She giggled and did the same with mine.

Our antics drew amused glances from the crew. But at that moment, their glances and the teary farewells seemed far away from us. I was content to linger in the sunset glow, sharing simple joy with Arte as the waves carried us into the horizon.

There were many twists and turns as me and Arte got entangled with each other. And event unfolds in a way I didn't expect. However, having her by my side made me happier than traveling alone like I had been.

With the lessons I've learned and the allies I've gained, I smiled and looked forward to the future. From now on, it was time for our grand adventure.