Me, the Weakest Member of the Hero’s Party? I’m the Villain Though? - Chapter 23
On Improving the Returned Hero’s Unjust Circumstances
“Because you looked like someone who was missing a few screws. I thought if we left you alone, you’d end up as a monster’s snack before long.”
Cough.
I let out a reflexive cough, startled by the blunt answer.
So that was the embarrassing reason I’d been included in the hero’s party. I couldn’t decide whether to feel relieved that I hadn’t been suspected or irritated at being pitied.
“Me, Elonen, Gerard, and Kakaros too—we all have our own stories. We didn’t come this far chasing some lofty dream of defeating evil and bringing world peace. We each had our own reasons for leaving behind our homes and loved ones to pursue a greater purpose.”
As I listened to Kyle’s calm, steady voice, I found myself nodding without realizing it.
Now I understood why everyone in the group called him a hero and followed his lead. He had a persuasive sincerity that came straight from the heart.
“I don’t know what your story is, Lysian, but if you stay with us, we’ll help you figure it out. My offer still stands—come with us.”
For a moment, I thought maybe traveling with Kyle wouldn’t be so bad. If I weren’t the Black Flame Dragon, I might have taken him up on it.
“Lysian, from the very first time I saw you, I had a feeling. That I absolutely couldn’t let you go.”
But I was the very thing they could never afford to let go of—the Black Flame Dragon. Which meant I could never travel with the hero’s party. We were simply not meant to stay together.
“…I’ll think about it.”
Since I couldn’t speak the truth, I lowered my head and gave a quiet answer.
“Sure. You’ve got plenty of time to think. It’ll take at least three more days to reach the capital. It’s going to be a long journey, so try to get some sleep.”
“Alright.”
I replied and tried to curl up on the floor of the wagon. It was so narrow that five people couldn’t possibly stretch out, so I had no choice but to rest my head against Kakaros’s feet.
I curled up as tightly as I could, like an ammonite, trying not to touch anyone, when suddenly something was draped over me.
“What is this?”
Startled, I looked up to see that Kyle’s cloak—previously around his shoulders—was now covering my body.
It carried his warmth and felt strangely comforting. Maybe it was because he bathed regularly, but there wasn’t a hint of body odor. Instead, it smelled like freshly dried laundry under warm sunlight. The scent was so pleasant, I almost wanted to ask if he used cologne.
“This is—”
I tried to take off the cloak, but Kyle caught my hand and pushed it back under the fabric.
“Just keep it on. I’m only giving it to you because I’m uncomfortable.”
I didn’t know what was supposedly making him uncomfortable, but I turned my head and watched as he curled up in the opposite corner of the cramped wagon.
Outside the bars, I saw the grand flag of the imperial family fluttering wildly against the dark night sky. I could only hope nothing went wrong before we reached the capital. A worried sigh slipped into the night wind.
***
Just as Kyle had warned, the journey by wagon was horribly stuffy and unbearably long. Every time the large wooden wheels hit a rock, the whole wagon jolted, making the ride miserable.
On top of that, we had to stay crouched all day with no room to stretch our legs. My shoulders, back, hips, and legs—there wasn’t a single part of my body that didn’t ache.
“Kakaros is hungry.”
Kakaros muttered, clutching his stomach. For someone who stuck to regular meals like clockwork, this forced fasting must have been unbearable.
“Come to think of it, that grilled fish last night was the last thing we ate. Would you like some water, at least?”
Elonen offered with a bright smile, handing him a leather canteen. The water inside was what I had drawn from the waterfall yesterday, and it was nearly empty.
“I know we’re being treated like criminals, but shouldn’t they at least feed us?”
Even gentle Elonen had begun to complain. That’s how poorly we were being treated.
Meanwhile, the soldiers laughed and joked as they ate to their hearts’ content every time the wagon stopped for a break.
“Kakaros wants to eat too.”
Kakaros gripped the iron bars, staring longingly at the soldiers enjoying their food with pitiful eyes.
“Hang in there a bit longer. Things will get better once we reach the capital.”
Elonen patted Kakaros’s back and tried to console him.
