Chapter 8: The Birth of Hero Kazuya

We stood in a place overlooking the guild hall—Guildmaster, Kazuya, and me.

Then, the Guildmaster addressed the floor of the guild, announcing the birth of a new hero: Hero Marsh from Cylindarl, born in the village of Torc.

That was Kazuya’s title.

From now on, with Kazuya’s exploits, Torc Village would be a source of pride, Cylindarl’s name would be honored, and this Adventurers' Guild would gain fame as the guild that produced him.

A cheer erupted from the adventurers. Even if you're not a hero, reaching B-rank status earns you recognition. But when that B-rank adventurer is also a hero, expectations overshadow envy.

And Kazuya was great with people. He kept a healthy distance with the other adventurers, never overstepping.

“Everyone! Thank you! As a hero, I—”

Kazuya suddenly pulled me close.

It happened so fast I couldn’t resist. Before I knew it, I was in his arms, my head against his chest.

“I will defeat the Demon Lord—with my Miki!!”

“Wha—!?”

Normally, I’d fire back at something like my Miki, but saying anything here would’ve felt wrong. It was a day of celebration—I’d let it slide, just this once.

That said, I tried to wriggle free from his embrace, but Kazuya didn’t budge.

He was solid—like trying to move a boulder. My strength couldn’t do a thing. His body was firm and broad, like it was made of stone.

Still, I wasn’t about to just sit there quietly, so I lifted my head and shot him a sharp glare.

Kazuya just smiled back at me, with that usual warm, puppy-like grin of his.

Damn it, this guy... But there was nothing I could do, so I gave up and stayed still.

As I relaxed, I felt Kazuya relax too.

The rock-like mass of muscle that had felt so hard moments ago changed. It became something different—muscle, yes, but of another kind. Gentle, firm, warm. I was taken aback by the unfamiliar sensation.

It was comforting. Like I was wrapped in something solid yet soft. I felt safe.

I could feel Kazuya’s heartbeat—it was fast, loud. He was nervous.

Feeling all that from within his chest—being called my Miki, being pulled into an embrace—I figured I could let it slide. Just this once.

But then—

“Hey, hey! If you keep calling her my Miki, Claire’s gonna tear you a new one again!”

A voice rang out from the crowd, followed by a burst of laughter.

…Could’ve gone without that.

I was going to let it go, but now, staying in his arms any longer might make it seem like I was his.

Reluctantly, I pulled away from that strangely cozy place, gently pushing off with both hands. Kazuya let go without resisting.

“See? Told ya! You got carried away!”

I heard someone shout.

Yeah, yeah, says the crowd that started it.

“Claire looks pissed!”

“Oh boy, he’s gonna get it later!”

Huh?

That made me realize—I apparently looked pretty sour.

I hadn’t noticed it myself. And honestly, the reason for it probably wasn’t Kazuya…

“I’ll make sure to give Kazuya an earful later! So I’m counting on you guys to back me up!”

I figured that was the best way to handle it.

They didn’t mean any harm. If anything, the problem was that I usually just put up with it.

“You got it!”
“Just say the word if you need anything!”
“Claire! Go out with me instead!”

That last one I replied to with a dazzling smile.

The crowd erupted again. Not bad—guess I’ve got some popularity of my own.

Beside me, Kazuya was fuming:

“Like hell I’d let her go to you!”,
“I wasn’t talking to you, idiot!”

After a while, the Guildmaster cleared his throat loudly.

“So that’s that. A hero has been born from this city. The guild and the town will fully support Hero Marsh. You all better step up too—we’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded!”

With that, the ceremony unveiling the new hero came to a roaring close.

That night, the town's grand dining hall hosted a huge feast.

Apparently, the lord of the town had given the guild a reward for producing a hero.

Still… is it really that big a deal just to have a hero born here?

Well, yeah. There are only a handful in the whole country. I guess that alone makes it a big deal. If he actually accomplishes something, the kingdom might reward him too. So that’s just how it goes.

Even so… Kazuya, a hero, huh? He used to say in his past life that if he ever got isekai’d, he’d just want to be an adventurer, live the slow life in a harem party or whatever.

But now he’s a hero, talking about being loyal only to me, tasked with something as heavy as defeating the Demon Lord—the exact opposite of a slow life. Talk about a twist.

It’s not like he’s got cheat powers from some manga or anime, either. It’s gonna be rough.

I glanced over at Kazuya—he had just finished greeting the town lord, and was now making the rounds with the other VIPs.

All night long, Kazuya, the guest of honor, busily moved from table to table, greeting people, drinking with friends, drinking with officials, getting dragged into complaints from the women, shooing away guys trying to hit on me… he looked really swamped.

As for me—alcohol does nothing to me, so I was starting to get bored being sober in this crowd.

When I went to talk to Kazuya, he said there was going to be a second party and asked if I could head back first. I agreed, and when I said I’d leave, he offered to walk me to the inn. I refused, saying the main star shouldn’t disappear from his own celebration. Then I returned to the inn alone.

This would be our last night in that place.

Starting tomorrow, we’d be put up somewhere better—because we’re the Hero’s party, of course.

Honestly, this place wasn’t exactly high-class, and it would reflect better on the town if the Hero stayed somewhere more fitting. Later, tourists might come and ask, “So this is where the Hero stayed?” Better to impress them with a good inn.

The very inn where Hero Marsh stayed during his early days!—that kind of thing.

Now then, I had one thing on my mind.

Kazuya had been drinking for the first time in a while. No doubt he’d be completely hung over and useless in the morning.

Which meant I’d definitely be up earlier than him.

And what that meant was—I could finally sleep naked again.

I eagerly stripped down, pulled my favorite blanket from my magic pouch, and laid down.

Ahh… I hadn’t felt this free in over six months. No clothes tightening around me, just the warmth and softness of the blanket against my bare skin. Pure bliss.

Sleeping naked really is the best! Back to basics, back to naked! That’s what I’m talking about.

That night, I slept soundly and peacefully—for the first time in a very long while.

Morning. My eyes popped open.

I felt amazing. None of that usual sleepy haze I tend to sink into—my head was clear, sharp.

If waking up like this is the reward, I swore to myself I’d sleep naked more often.

Then I felt it—a gaze.

…Kazuya should still be asleep. He should be hungover. That’s what I thought.

Cautiously, I followed the sensation to its source—and there he was, Kazuya, standing tall like a statue, staring straight at my body.

As usual, I’d kicked the blanket off in my sleep, and he had a full, unobstructed view of my completely naked self.

“Morning, Kazuya.”

“…”

“Hey, at least answer me.”

“…”

“Hey!”

I threw a pillow at him.

He didn’t dodge. Didn’t even flinch when it hit him. Just stood there, unmoving. And finally, he spoke.

“…Beautiful.”

“Kazuya, seriously.”

“I mean it. You’re seriously beautiful. Seeing you again like this after half a year, I realize it all over again. I’ve seen a fair number of women naked, but I’ve never seen a body this flawless. Human women can’t compare. Miki, your naked body is worth more than any number of jewels! Just the curves alone! The sheer beauty of those lines—no, the way they combine, shift slightly when you move—it’s mesmerizing! You can see both firmness and softness at once! And your skin—so white, radiant, smooth—it shines brighter than gemstones! And that rarity—an elf, with that style, that glow—no pile of jewels could ever surpass you! It’s divine! ‘Beautiful’ doesn’t even come close! If I had to compare you to something—”

Wow, he’s talking fast.

Even factoring in some bias from affection, it’s clear he’s showering me in some very intense praise.

And the whole time he’s going off, in this rapid-fire monologue, his eyes never once leave my body.

He was still going, but enough was enough.

I clapped my hands together loudly to snap him out of it.

“Alright, that’s enough! Kazuya, good morning.”

Jolted back to himself, Kazuya finally looked sheepish—and greeted me.

“Ah… Miki… Good morning.”

“Enjoy your first look at me naked in half a year?”

I asked that with a bit of a teasing tone.

“No, seriously, it was amazing. I didn’t get enough. I was completely enchanted. I could stare at you forever. And also—”

The monologue started up again.

Ah, crap. Bad move on my part.

I quickly cut him off.

“Stop, stop! Sorry! I get it, okay? You’ve made your point.”

“Huh? Really? I could keep going forever about how amazing your body is—don’t you want to hear it?”

Oh come on, give me a break.

“No, it’s fine. Message received. Loud and clear.”

“Alright then, got it. I’ll save the rest for later.”

Please don’t. I’m full.

“By the way, how are you even functioning after all that drinking last night? I didn’t think you could hold your liquor that well.”

He was supposed to be hungover. Even if he wasn’t, we were up late—no way he should be up this early.

“Well, to be honest, I was dying until a little while ago. My head was pounding. But then I saw you naked and it all vanished. Like magic. Maybe it’s some kind of healing spell?”

“No, it’s not, you idiot! I’m heading down. Wait for me downstairs.”

“Got it, I’ll go on ahead.”

So much for a peaceful wake-up...

Well, whatever. I still feel fantastic. Time to get dressed.

After that, Kazuya and I had breakfast and checked out of the inn.

Thank you for everything these past six months.

And with that, the two of us set off to our new lodging.