I sat down beside him. Finally, I voiced the question that had been nagging at me since I arrived.
"So... where exactly is 'here'?"
"You're asking now?"
"You're the one who challenged me to a duel the second I got here! I didn't exactly have time to check a map."
"Fair point. They call this place the 'Shrine of Heroic Spirits.'"
"The Shrine of... Heroic Spirits?"
I'd never heard that name before. Even back in Ast-Arde, it wasn't a term people used.
Wright nodded. "It's where the souls of the legendary Heroes of Ast-Arde come to rest. A place prepared for those who lived for the world and lost their lives in the middle of the chaos, so they can find peace after death... or so I'm told."
"You sound pretty unsure for someone who lives here."
"I'm just repeating what they told me, man. Can't be helped. By the way, Sirius's soul is here too."
"Wait, seriously?!"
His casual remark knocked the wind out of me.
Wasn't this supposed to be a resting place for Heroes? That guy was a Demon King!
Then again, if the criteria was "living for the sake of the world," it actually made sense. Sirius had sacrificed his life to end the centuries-long conflict between humans and demons.
Still, the idea of the strongest Demon King in history chilling in the Heroes' backyard was a bit surreal.
I looked around, but I couldn't see Sirius or any of the ancient Heroes. The area was vast; maybe they were just somewhere else?
As if reading my mind, Wright spoke up.
"I asked the others to give us some space. I wanted to talk to you one-on-one. Sirius said he'd already entrusted you with everything he needed to, so he went further inside to relax."
I see. It was true that Sirius had left me with many things—and many promises.
I guess in our last conversation, he had said everything he felt needed saying. He was never one for small talk, anyway.
"Oh, Sirius did leave a message for you. I should tell you before I forget. He said: 'I'd prefer my first grandchild to be a girl. Do your best.'"
"Daaaaaaaamn it! You too?! Everyone's obsessed with the grandkids!"
My shout echoed across the plains.
That guy! Last time he told me to keep things "in moderation," and now he's putting in requests? Has he finally found peace of mind here, or has he just lost it?!
...Wait, he wants a girl?
Actually, I kind of agree. I'd love to have a daughter call me "Papa."
A daughter with Miu... she'd be heartbreakingly cute. I already knew I'd spoil her rotten.
Watching me writhe in a delusional fantasy of the future, Wright burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! To think the guy who used to be a total closet-perv is talking about daughters! And you actually pulled off the harem dream, didn't you? Though I heard you almost died from being 'drained' once. You sure attract some powerful women, Issei."
"How the hell do you know about that?!"
"The red-haired Goddess told me before you got here."
"That damn Useless Goddess...!"
What is she doing, leaking my private business?!
And that "draining" incident was her fault in the first place! Sure, Tia-nee was involved too, but I genuinely thought my heart was going to stop!
God, I hate that Goddess sometimes! Stop ruining the serious atmosphere from the sidelines!
Then, a thought occurred to me.
"Wait, so Ignis met you before I did?"
"Yeah. She asked me to hear you out."
So Ignis was actually looking out for me? I guess even if she's usually a total klutz, she plays the part of a Goddess when it counts.
I took a deep breath, looking out at the stunning vista before us.
"The truth is, there's a million things I want to tell you. How Audelia is doing, how your mom is... all the stuff I've been through. We'd be here forever. But... there's one thing I've wanted to ask you for a long time. About that day... when you protected me."
"What is it?" Wright asked, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.
I felt my fists tighten. I was nervous. Was I afraid of the answer? I couldn't tell.
But I had to know.
"Do you... regret it?"
"Huh?" Wright looked at me, a blank expression of confusion on his face.
I took one more deep breath and looked him straight in the eyes.
"You died protecting me. You had dreams. Things you wanted to do. And yet, you lost everything just to save me. Don't you regret it? Giving up your life for mine?"
Wright had a dream. He wanted to take over his family business and become the best chef in the world. He wanted to spend his days inventing new recipes and laughing with his regulars.
Even in the middle of a war, Wright had a future. And because I was ignorant and powerless, I had effectively stolen that future from him.
That thought had haunted me. I needed to hear it from him.
Don't you actually hate me for saving me?
I didn't think Wright was a petty person. He was a man with a heart big enough to laugh off almost anything. But even so, I feared there was a spark of resentment hidden deep inside.
A long silence stretched between us. Clouds drifted overhead, their shadows sweeping across the grass.
Finally, Wright let out a small sigh and spoke.
"If I said I had zero regrets, I'd be lying."
He looked down at his own palms.
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