New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (2/2 chapters)

 

 

The Decision of Love

(POV switch – Shia)

Shia Randall was in love. For someone like her, who had few opportunities to converse with boys her age, it was an awkward, clumsy kind of love. Needless to say, the object of her affection was the nameless hero. A young man who was sometimes called Jack, sometimes Lost, and in some places, even referred to as “Onii-san”, a youth with no consistency in his names. Looking back, Shia Randall recognized that their first encounter was embarrassingly dramatic.  When she was still a child, walking alone along the beach in solitude, a boy who was not breathing washed up in front of her. At that moment, she had kissed him.

At first, Shia felt uneasy about the boy’s calm tone, but that discomfort gradually turned into interest, and she found herself spending more and more time with him. After a while, she began to notice the boy’s abnormalities. He had no name, no memories, and above all, he had no desires. She thought he might be an empty shell of a person. But that wasn’t it. He also had a gentle kindness that feared the suffering of others, and he possessed an indomitable will to despise those who caused harm to others. On the other hand, he seemed to be frighteningly unaware of himself. His indifferent actions, which seemed to have no self-interest, gave him the aura of a machine that simply understood human wishes, rather than a saint.

Shia, however, found his abnormalities interesting and intentionally left him as he was.
Watching his actions and comparing them to how she would have acted in those situations became a way to distract herself from her loneliness, having lost her family. It became one of the few joys she had.

Surprisingly, the boy’s actions were in line with her own desires. No, it was simply that he was doing the things that Shia “wished to be” without hesitation. Things that, under normal circumstances, would be blocked by one’s pride, things that she thought would be nice to do if possible. He was simply carrying them out. Strangely enough, his actions, the way he aimed to be an ideal person, appeared to her as very attractive.

 

—

 

When did I realize that this was love?

Shia Randall also felt a sense of discomfort. She had never felt disgusted by other people’s interactions before. In the adventurer’s town, there was always noise and insults. She had never felt repulsed by those things. Perhaps it was because she had never had the luxury to focus on other people’s quarrels, but still… She found herself feeling a strange sense of dislike when she saw that man talking to other women. The urge to interrupt their conversation, to intervene, grew within her.

With nowhere else to go, Shia Randall decided to continue traveling with him for a long time. It could be said that this was a form of dependence, and it was understandable if someone pointed that out. However, she could not take her eyes off of him. And so, she was brought to his homeland, the former hideout of his adventurer party, and there, she had the opportunity to consult with an older woman. Shia decided to confide all of her feelings to her. Her confidante was Lindsay.
Lindsay was married and had children. Shia respected her, believing she must have had many experiences. While casually helping with household chores, Shia suddenly decided to express her feelings.

“Yeah, yeah, that means you’re in love.” (Lindsay)

“Love…?” (Shia)

“Feeling uncomfortable when he’s talking to other girls is definitely a sign of love.” (Lindsay)

“Is that so? So, it’s not just my imagination?” (Shia)

Those words were the magical phrase that her mother had once spoken to her. No matter how painful or difficult things were, if you thought it was just your imagination, you could get through it. But that also served as a curse that helped Shia suppress her various emotions. By repeatedly thinking, “It’s just my imagination,” her senses became dull, and she lost the ability to become emotionally involved.

“It’s not just your imagination!” (Lindsay)

“!” (Shia)

“If you’re feeling that strongly… it would be odd if you didn’t realize it yourself, Shia-chan.” (Lindsay)

“Is that so…?” (Shia)

Shia felt greatly relieved by Lindsay’s firm declaration. Her worries were completely lifted. If this feeling was love, then many things started to make sense. So, Shia decided to ask Lindsay how she should handle this emotion.

“Hmm… Jack is a bit of a greedy person, you know.” (Lindsay)

“Greedy?” (Shia)

That assessment was completely opposite to what Shia thought. The young man had an overwhelming lack of desire. At least, that’s what Shia had thought.

“He tries to carry everything by himself. He’s been like that for a long time. There are things that are beyond his ability… I think he can’t even see his own hands. I’ve told him many times not to overdo it, but with Jack, it seems the opposite happened.” (Lindsay)

“…?” (Shia)

“Ah, no, it’s just that… Jack is, how should I put it…” (Lindsay)

Lindsay seemed to struggle with how to express her thoughts about the young man. Although they had spent less than a year together, she still felt that she had spent a significant amount of time taking care of him. She felt she understood him well.

“I think he wants to push himself.” (Lindsay)

“…He’s a strange person.” (Shia)

“Yeah. He pushes himself, drives himself to the edge, and I think the ideal version of himself is the one who is struggling like that… it can be annoying at times, though. But he’s admirable. I truly believe his will is genuine. So, I think you just need to support that part of him.” (Lindsay)

“Recently, it seems like he’s been paying more attention to Linalie-san.” (Shia)

“Ahaha, it’s the weak ones that he wants to protect. You’re very reliable, Shia-chan, so maybe that’s why he doesn’t focus on you. If you showed him a bit of weakness, I think he would be head over heels for you. Objectively speaking, I think Jack is really concerned about you, Shia-chan.” (Lindsay)

“Is that so?” (Shia)

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll try to get him to open up too.” (Lindsay)

With a reliable ally on her side, Shia felt a sense of relief. Just the fact that she wanted to do something about it made this emotion seem troublesome. But the truth was, Shia wanted to cherish this feeling of love, something she had never experienced before. If possible, she wanted to be cherished by him, share her troubles and pain, and know everything about him. She even harbored the girlish hope of having a secret between the two of them.

 

—

 

(POV switch – Jack)

That night, after being asked by Irene to play the role of her fiancé. I was in my room, alone, contemplating. I wanted to accept the request. It was for a very self-serving reason. By entering the Aldridge Household, I could meet my father and mother again. It was a desire that had naturally arisen after seeing the Schwarzschild Household in the Labyrinth City. However, I did not wish for my relationship with Irene to progress in any way. Moreover, neither Shia nor Lindsay would be pleased with this. They would likely feel frustrated with my indecisiveness.

So, to clear up that misunderstanding, I needed to explain my reasons. I needed to tell them why I wanted to go to the Aldridge Household. In other words, that I was Isaiah Aldridge’s son.
I took a day to calm myself and reflected on the potential drawbacks of revealing this secret now.

1. The misunderstanding that I might be able to use magic.

There was a possibility that people would think I had been hiding my ability to use magic all along. The Aldridge Household was well-known for being a prestigious family of mages, so they might be suspicious of me hiding my magical abilities… Well, no, that’s unlikely. Lindsay already knows that my magical energy is zero, based on my Managram measurement, and Shia has been through life-and-death situations with me for a long time. They wouldn’t suspect me for that reason.

1. The rumors could spread.

The fact that the Aldridge Household’s son was in this hideout could become known to the public, which might attract bandits who are after money. Kidnappers could also target me. Perhaps someone from the same social circle who held a grudge against the Aldridge Household might send an assassin. And that would cause trouble for Alfred and Lindsay. Additionally, Irene might push for a marriage now that she knows I am a noble.

There are two main things to consider. One is what my friends who know about it might think, and the other is what might happen if it gets publicly known and spreads. But both possibilities are unlikely.

In the first place, they might not believe me. So, the next thing is when to tell them. Once I’ve decided, it’s better to do it sooner. I could even tell them today… But when should I say it? Should I say it while we’re eating dinner? At the dinner table, saying, “Everyone, actually, I’m the son of the Aldridge Household”? They probably wouldn’t believe me.

Anyway, is it really necessary to tell everyone? Maybe just Shia and Lindsay should know. I don’t think Alfred or Rinalee need to know… But since we live under the same roof, even small secrets can cause discord when some people know and others don’t. It might be better to tell them one by one rather than all at once.

The more I think about it, the harder it is to decide. For now, I should tell the person I trust the most, and decide whether to tell everyone or not. The person I trust the most. Shia Randall… She’s smart, so I think she’ll understand.

Late at night, when everyone had gone to sleep, I visited Shia’s room. I knocked and waited for a reply.

“Who is it?” (Shia)

“It’s me.” (Jack)

“Who?” (Shia)

“It’s Lost! I never thought even my godparent would forget my name!” (Jack)

“Oh, so it’s Lost, the one with no consistency in his name.” (Shia)

“That’s right.” (Jack)

“I thought even that name would have been forgotten by now.” (Shia)

“Yeah… honestly, I also feel weird having two different names.” (Jack)

“Should I call you Jack instead?” (Shia)

“No, Lost is fine! I prefer this one.” (Jack)

“…Hmm.” (Shia)

“By the way, how long are we going to talk through the door? Can I come in?” (Jack)

“Actually, I’m completely naked right now.” (Shia)

“What?!” (Jack)

“If you come in now, it’s going to be a big problem.” (Shia)

“Then hurry up and put some clothes on!” (Jack)

Right after this exchange, without even giving her time to get dressed, the door suddenly swung open.

“H-Hey! You’re not actually naked?!” (Jack)

I raised my arm to block my view, to protect my innocence.

Was the naked Shia Randall really in front of me?

“Hehehe, did you really think I was naked? Too bad, it’s just my usual clothes.” (Shia)

I lowered my arm and took in the sight. She wasn’t changing clothes, it was just the usual Shia. She was wearing loose shorts, revealing her slender thighs, and a loose tunic. Compared to Irene, her outfit was plain, but Shia’s striking blue hair and amber eyes made this simple look suit her surprisingly well, matching her overall vibe.

“Why didn’t you just open the door normally if you’re wearing clothes?! What was that nonsense?” (Jack)

“I was curious how you would react if you knew a naked me was inside.” (Shia)

“Stop testing me like that…” (Jack)

After the usual silly exchange, I entered Shia’s room. This was probably the room that Lizbeth had used when Liberta was still around. The walls had hooks for hanging bows, and it seemed that Shia was still using them. The room was lit by candlelight, and it was slightly blinding.

“Hey, Lost!” (Salamand)

“Oh, you’re here too…” (Jack)

Salamand, who had also shown up at the lost battle recently, was lounging on the cushion next to the bed, in the form of a lizard. Since it was Shia’s pet, it was natural for it to be in her room. But I didn’t want to discuss the current matter in front of Salamand. Recently, I had started thinking of him as somewhat cute, but I wasn’t fully trusting him yet.

“Shia, sorry, but I need to talk about something important. Can you send Salamand elsewhere?” (Jack)

“…Okay.” (Shia)

After a brief pause, Shia seemed to sense my serious tone and responded without any suspicion. She walked over to where Salamand was lounging and squatted down to speak to him.

“Sorry, Sala-chan.” (Shia)

“Hey, what is it? Is it really such an important matter that you had to move me?” (Salamand)

Don’t call it “move you”, Salamand.

It seemed like Salamand was teasing us. I had never spoken to him about it, but maybe, using the intuition of an elder, he had sensed my feelings toward Shia.

“Tch, can’t be helped… Yo, you two youngsters. Hoo~ hoo~.” (Salamand)

“You sound like an old man!” (Jack)

The red lizard sluggishly lifted her hips and slowly left the room. I didn’t know where she had gone, but probably toward the fireplace in the living room. Anyway, it seemed he wanted to go somewhere warm, rather, somewhere hot.

—

Shia slowly closed the door and turned to face me.

“So, what is it?” (Shia)

In the candlelight, I could see her amber eyes flicker with reflected flames. I couldn’t hide anything from this girl.

“Actually, there’s something I want to confide in you.” (Jack)

“…Hmm, I see.” (Shia)

I could trust Shia. Without hesitation, I decided to get to the main point.

“It’s about Irene today.” (Jack)

“…Irene-san?” (Shia)

For some reason, Shia’s expression seemed to darken. She hadn’t looked pleased during the day either, so maybe she didn’t really like Irene. But I had to start the conversation there. The intention to accept the request, and then, the secret of my birth.

“I’m… thinking of going to the Aldridge Household’s ceremony with Irene.” (Jack)

“…” (Shia)

There was no reply. Her already clouded expression darkened further. Uncharacteristically for her, it even looked like her brows were furrowed. She seemed to be thinking, but today, Shia had been on edge. As if pushing back, she questioned me in a sharp and formal tone.

“Why is that?” (Shia)

“Huh…?” (Jack)

“Why do you have to go?” (Shia)

“That’s because—” (Jack)

“Are you happy to play the role of Irene-san’s fiancé?” (Shia)

The unexpected question, thrown out rapidly, caused my thoughts to freeze for a moment.

“No… it’s not like that…” (Jack)

“Irene-san is very beautiful. I think so too. She’s a noble lady, after all.” (Shia)

“That has nothing to do with it!” (Jack)

“Nothing to do with it? Then what do you like about her? Her good figure? Her large chest?” (Shia)

“That’s not… this isn’t about that.” (Jack)

I might have been seeing a side of Shia I’d never seen before—completely incoherent and emotionally overwhelmed.

Come to think of it, she had been like this earlier today too… Maybe she really is self-conscious about her chest.

“Then, what do you mean? You go out of your way to be alone with me like this, and talk about Irene-san—what are you trying to say?” (Shia)

The polite tone Shia usually used, which I normally found pleasant, now felt like a sharp blade cutting into my heart. Her words were aimed directly at me, as if to wound.

“…” (Jack)

“I think Irene-san is a wonderful woman. She’s beautiful, has a good figure, she’s a noble lady, has status, is rich, lives in a big house, has servants, even has a carriage, and she’s honest and proactive, and able to clearly express her feelings, and she’s kind to Jack-san…!” (Shia)

At those repeated verbal stabs, cold sweat broke out on my back. This must have been how Shia had felt for a long time, bottling it all up. She was shouting those emotions now, almost barking them out. Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. It was shocking to see her this emotional for the first time.

—If you act like that, you’re being rude to a girl.

Lindsay’s words echoed in my head again. She had also said that Shia definitely had feelings for me. Looking back on it with that in mind, guilt swelled inside me.

“I… I don’t have… any good points like that…” (Shia)

“I don’t have anything like that”—

That’s probably what she wanted to say. But that wasn’t true. If she really thought that, then I’d name every single one of her good qualities. Shia was trembling. Even after saying everything, she still seemed agitated, her body shaking violently, her eyes distant.

I instinctively embraced her. Partly because I didn’t know what else to do, but mostly because I wanted to do something for her shaking body. Her small but warm body fit into my chest.
She was quite petite. When we first met, we were probably the same height, but before I realized it, I had grown much taller.

“…Wha… what is this…?” (Shia)

What is this?

My thoughts stopped too, and I couldn’t tell. I didn’t have the skill to say something clever in this situation. When asked “what is this,” I couldn’t explain what I was doing right now. But I think emotions are like that.

“…Were you trying to stop me from crying and getting emotional?” (Shia)

“…No.” (Jack)

That wasn’t it. It wasn’t out of kindness, or that usual savior complex of mine that makes me help someone who’s crying. Then, what is it? That’s obvious.

“Because… I like you.” (Jack)

I said it. I really said it. No, rather, this was probably the only timing I’d ever get. That’s why I wouldn’t regret it. Even if she rejected me after this, I wouldn’t regret it. I had even gotten advice from Lindsay, and I had some prior certainty that Shia probably liked me too. Some might say that made it unfair, but moving a relationship forward takes a lot of courage. I’d even like to be praised for finding that courage.

“…What did you just say?” (Shia)

“Because I like you, Shia… that’s why I’m doing this. Probably.” (Jack)

“Probably? What kind of ‘probably’ is that?” (Shia)

“The kind with a really high probability.” (Jack)

“That’s the kind you use when it’s basically certain.” (Shia)

“Yeah.” (Jack)

This feeling had always been there. Ever since I arrived at the Labyrinth City and she helped me in so many ways. By the time I gave her the Higasa Volga, that feeling was already clear in me. Having overcome the hurdle of saying it out loud, I felt braver, almost reckless.

“No, actually, I’m sure. I definitely like you. No matter what happens from here on out, I want to cherish you, Shia. More than anyone else in the world. I think that’s a special feeling that I don’t have for anyone else. That’s the kind of love this is.” (Jack)

Did I get carried away and say too much?

My heart was pounding. Time felt incredibly slow. Even though I hadn’t used any ability, it felt like when I used time control. That heartbeat, too, must have been passed on to Shia, who was snuggled against my chest. As I was looking at her, trying to observe her from above, she suddenly looked up. And she was serious. Not emotionally overwhelmed like earlier, not even embarrassed.

“…Then, please kiss me.” (Shia)

“Eh?” (Jack)

That sudden, unexpected request shocked me.

Was Shia always this forward?

The emotional advantage was shifting over to her side.

“Do you not want to?” (Shia)

“It’s not that I don’t… but… that means, like, as lovers…” (Jack)

“Yes.” (Shia)

There was no hesitation in Shia’s voice. She was extremely composed.

“Actually, I’ve already done it from my side before.” (Shia)

“When on earth was that?” (Jack)

“When Lost-san was washed up on the beach.” (Shia)

“That doesn’t count as a kiss!” (Jack)

“If I decide it was, then it was.” (Shia)

“Sigh…” (Jack)

Naturally, Shia closed her eyes. It wasn’t like we had agreed on anything, but she slightly raised her face and waited for me. That gesture was so realistic that I could finally see, objectively, that we were really in a romantic mood. Even if she said she already had, for me, this was the first time to kiss lips with lips. I didn’t know if I could do it well. But I couldn’t afford to mess it up now. I was already a proper man. Doing something like this was part of being a man. I couldn’t embarrass Shia here.

I placed a kiss on those small lips, gently overlapping with my own. For a first time, I want to believe I did pretty well. When I brought my face closer, I was once again surprised by how beautiful her skin was. When her breath touched me, I felt like I was going to lose my mind. But somehow, I pulled it off.

How about that? I can at least manage this much…

“…” (Jack)

“Was that… it?” (Shia)

“Eh… Wha—?!” (Jack)

The next moment, this time it was Shia who brought her face close, seeking my lips. She came in for a kiss multiple times, and each time, her soft lips wet mine. There was no hesitation in her intensity. The way she passionately sought me out made me feel like I had seen another side of Shia, and that made me happy. On the other hand, I also felt like my first kiss just a moment ago seemed rather pathetic by comparison. Not wanting to lose, I matched her breathing and passionately pressed my lips against hers.

C-Could this be one of those patterns where we go all the way…?

Lustful thoughts began to rise. That earlier light kiss had been far too innocent. Given how passionately she was coming at me now, maybe Shia also wanted it. If that were the case, ending things with just a kiss here would only make her feel embarrassed. That was the conclusion I came to.

“Kyah…!” (Shia)

I lifted that small body in my arms and pushed Shia down onto the bed. I didn’t know how to do it, but I had the knowledge. I’d done proper image training too. All that was left was to figure out how to align that and that with this small body—

“Uwahh!” (Jack)

In that moment, a blast of wind struck my head, which had been boiling over with heat, like a cold gust meant to cool it down. I was blown back, falling flat on my back onto the floor in a spectacular crash.

Apparently, Shia had used wind magic to blow my body away. The power behind it was incredible.

“…It’s still too early for that.” (Shia)

“…Right.” (Jack)

Timing is a strange thing. If it’s still too early, that means someday it will be okay. I wonder when that will be. Well, now that we’re officially lovers, surely it’ll happen sometime soon… Come to think of it, what was the reason I came to this room in the first place?

That blast of wind brought me back to my senses, and I remembered the original topic.

 

—

 

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