New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Epilogue: Whereabouts
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To my dear Jack,
This is Irene. How are you doing? It’s been almost three years since you disappeared, hasn’t it?
Today is my milestone 15th birthday! We never even knew each other’s birthdays, did we? When is your birthday? I always imagined that warm-hearted people are likely born in spring. If you tell me, I’ll throw you a grand celebration, so write back soon, okay?
Oh, by the way, when I turned 15, Papa and Ojii-chan gave me permission to go on a journey.
So starting tomorrow, I’ll leave Barwitch to search for you! I’ve been training with Ojii-chan for this day, and I’ve become quite strong, you know. If you’re flirting with some other girl out there, I won’t forgive you!
Lastly, here’s some news. The city of Dali Amor has mostly returned to normal. Even the grand cathedral that was destroyed in the explosion is nearly restored. And guess what? I’ve got big news for you! I wrote in my previous letter that all the children were saved during that incident, right? Well, they’ve decided to erect a statue of you in the town square to honor your achievements! Isn’t that amazing? Papa said it was suggested by someone from the tourist association named Armando. Do you know him?
Congratulations, Jack! How does it feel to be a hero? I want to become a woman who can stand beside a hero someday. Just kidding.
Oh, speaking of which, Lindsay-san’s baby has grown up and talks a lot now. They say it’s hard to keep an eye on them since they roam freely around the house. I wonder if they take after Alfred-san? Everyone in Soltaire is eager to see you again!
Hey, where are you really? Everyone’s waiting for your return.
Please, when you read this letter, come back quickly. You can use my home freely. There are plenty of maids, so it’s comfortable. I’d hate to miss you, but I’ll pray that you’re reading this letter.
Irene Stride
—
Alright, the letter’s done. How many letters have I written by now, I wonder?
Knock, knock.
Just as I finished, there was a knock at the door. Only the maid, Leona, ever knocks and enters my room.
“Excuse me, Irene-sama.” (Leona)
“Leona, perfect timing. Please send this out as usual.” (Irene)
I handed the letter, sealed in an envelope, to Leona.
Whenever Leona takes one of my letters, she slightly lowers her gaze. Just slightly. It’s obvious she feels a little sorry for me.
“Understood…” (Leona)
“Thanks.” (Irene)
I know these letters haven’t reached anyone. But I write them to keep from forgetting my fateful meeting with that prince-like boy. It might be a bother to the delivery people. After all, ‘Jack’ is such a common name that no one knows which Jack I’m talking about.
Speaking of which, I recently learned that ‘Jack’ isn’t even his real name. Lindsay-san was the one who gave him that nickname. What’s his real name, I wonder…? There are so many things I don’t know about him. And yet, I can’t forget him.
“By the way, Ojou-sama, are you prepared for tomorrow’s journey?” (Leona)
“Perfectly!” (Irene)
No need to say it. I’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Although most of the packing has been done by Leona, who’s accompanying me. All I had to prepare were my personal belongings.
“I’ve packed lightweight clothes since the destination will be hot.” (Leona)
“That’s fine.” (Irene)
Somehow, I feel that Jack is still alive. I have no proof, just a woman’s intuition. Plus, it’s a fact that Jack wasn’t found after that explosion. One of the main culprits was found dead, but there wasn’t a trace of Jack, who supposedly fought him. That makes it likely that he’s alive…
“Ojou-sama is quite sensitive to the heat.” (Leona)
“S-shut up!” (Irene)
Leona laughed mischievously.
She’s always been like an older sister to me since we were little. She knows I tend to mess up my bedding in the summer heat.
“Dinner is ready. Parcine-sama and Charene-sama are waiting at the table.” (Leona)
“Got it.” (Irene)
Tomorrow, I’ll cross the continent with the butler Davi and Liona. My first adventure. To find Jack.
…I must seem like a stalker.
—
Ojii-chan, Papa, and Onii-chan were waiting at the dining table. The unnecessarily long table, as always.
“Irene, it’s finally tomorrow, isn’t it?” (Martin)
“Yes, it is.” (Irene)
Ojii-chan, who rarely speaks during meals, addressed me.
“I have some good news for you.” (Martin)
I instinctively stopped the silver spoon in my hand.
Whenever Grandpa says he has good news, it’s usually exactly the kind of good news I’m hoping for. Whenever I lost something important or couldn’t find what I wanted, Grandpa would always say, “I have good news,” and find it for me. Could it be…?
“W-what is it?” (Irene)
“Through a connection of mine, someone resembling Jack has been found on the neighboring continent.” (Martin)
“…!!” (Irene)
I couldn’t help but slam my hands on the table in excitement. Papa and Onii-chan stared at me in surprise.
“Sorry… S-so, what kind of person?!” (Irene)
“They look like a normal human, but their right arm is that of a Demon.” (Martin)
That alone was enough to make me certain.
“Their fighting style is said to be similar as well…” (Martin)
“There’s no doubt about it! Where are they?!” (Irene)
“On the Riverda continent where you’re headed. He was sighted at an event in one of its cities about two months ago.” (Grandpa)
How detailed. Have they been hiding this from me until today? Perhaps they didn’t want to let their daughter wander aimlessly on a risky journey. But it’s fine.
My goal is to find Jack, so the sooner, the better. Without hope, I might lose heart during the journey. Grandpa probably knows that too. He’s always meticulous. It’s probably more than a rumor. It’s almost certain.
“Ojii-chan, it’s really Jack, isn’t it?” (Irene)
“…” (Martin)
“There’s no doubt, right?” (Irene)
Ojii-chan remained silent.
“Irene, we didn’t focus solely on Soltaire’s recovery. This investigation was done for you, but not just for you. Everyone is concerned about his whereabouts.” (Parcine)
“Papa…!” (Irene)
Papa spoke on his behalf.
So, it’s true! Jack has been found!
“Thank you, Papa! Ojii-chan!” (Irene)
“…Don’t let your guard down. The Riverda continent is more dangerous than here. It’s filled with monsters and abnormal dungeons, including the famous Azarigrad Labyrinth.” (Grandpa)
“Of course, I know that!” (Irene)
This unexpected big news was a wonderful send-off gift before my journey. While suppressing my excitement, I enjoyed the last dinner with my family.
It’s okay. I’ve worked hard for this day. I never skipped my sword training. Davi and Liona will be with me. If Jack is there, this adventure will be the most exciting ever.
Wait for me, my hero.
(End of Act 1. To be continued in Act 2: The Sage and the Labyrinth.)
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