Middle-Aged Man Isekai Summoning - Chapter 30

 Disaster

I returned to the venue fully erect because of Lady Carla. Just then, the party was drawing to a close, and the King began to speak in order to introduce Yuno and me.

"Everyone! Thank you for coming to Lady Carla's recovery party today!"

We are deeply honored! Congratulations, Lady Carla!

Applause and cheers erupted from all around. The King continued.

"As you can see, Carla can walk now. This is all thanks to the Heroes over there! These Heroes are setting out on a journey to defeat the Demon King."

Glory to the Heroes! Destroy the demons! Please end this war quickly!

Following the King's words, the entire venue burst into excitement together, echoing with blessings and determination. Yuno and I bowed to the King.

"Now, allow me to introduce the Heroes once more! The gentleman over there is Master Dai, who treated Carla."

Is that Master Dai...? Isn't he about the same age as me? He doesn't look like a Hero's companion at all. Idiot! Don't insult someone as great as Master Dai! If it weren't for his treatment, we wouldn't even be able to gaze upon Lady Carla right now! That's true!

"And the lady over there is the Hero, Lady Yuno, who will defeat the Demon King!"

What!? That beautiful lady is the Hero!? I'm so envious of Master Dai!

The venue buzzed with excitement at the King's introduction. Even amidst all this, Yuno went at her own pace as usual.

"Master Dai! Lady Yuno, please come over here!"

Called by the King, Yuno and I went over to stand beside him. The crowd cheered even louder. As we stood next to him, the King looked at us with a warm smile.

"Heroes, please say a few words to everyone present today."

I glanced at Yuno, and she gave a small nod, so I decided to speak first.

"Everyone, thank you for inviting us to such a wonderful gathering today. I am honored to have helped in Lady Carla's recovery. We will now set out on a journey to defeat the Demon King, and your support will give us strength. Please watch over us."

Applause erupted from the venue at my words. Next, Yuno stepped forward.

"We will definitely defeat the Demon King and restore peace to this world. Until then, please stay safe."

Even louder applause broke out at Yuno's words. We bowed to the King once again.

"Thank you, Heroes. Now, since everyone here hasn't seen the Heroes' power yet, I'd like to ask you to demonstrate it. Would that be alright, Heroes?"

"Yes, I understand. First Sword: Volcano."

Actually, this party and the introduction up to this point were arranged specifically to show off Yuno's power. That's right—it was to destroy that problematic mine! Destroying it secretly out of nowhere would cause massive backlash from the nobles, so we decided to demonstrate her power publicly to shut them up!

Is that the Hero's sword...? It looks like a scorching blade.

"My sword can cause artificial disasters! And this sword can control eruptions and volcanoes, which I'll demonstrate right now."

Huh? Right now?

The venue began to stir with unease.

"Release First and Second Seals."

As the venue fell dead silent, the shape of Yuno's sword transformed, its blade becoming larger and taking the shape of flames. The sword glowed brighter and brighter, flickering like fire. With a serious expression, Yuno raised the sword and continued.

"Volcano, Yuno Arbel commands you. Burn everything to ashes."

The moment Yuno finished speaking, the flame sword glowed intensely, enveloping the entire venue in light. And in the next instant... the mine erupted.

RUUUUUMBLE! BOOOOOOM!

A terrifying roar echoed across the land. Along with the ground shaking, a pillar of fire shot into the sky. It was a truly apocalyptic scene.

How horrific... It's like the end of the world. Hey, hey... isn't she even more of a monster than the Demon King?

Amidst the screams from the crowd, Yuno turned and spoke to me.

"Do you think everyone understands now?"

Feeling a little scared of Yuno inside, I managed to reply with a smile.

"Yeah... I think so..."

"Ah... I see. So you too, Dai..."

Yuno seemed to realize something and stopped talking to me. After the party ended with Yuno's overwhelming power on display, we were resting in a room provided for us. Hearing a knock at the door, I answered, and the King and Queen entered. The moment they stepped into the room, they offered their thanks. They promised to prepare various supplies for our upcoming journey to rescue the Prince. Since Lady Carla was coming along as well, they said they would provide extra funds.

"Master Dai, Lady Yuno, thank you so much. Now I can leave Carla in your hands with peace of mind," the Queen said happily.

"No, please don't mention it," I replied in a hurry, but Yuno remained unusually quiet and downhearted.

The Queen looked at her with concern. "Lady Yuno, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

"Queen, she's fine. She's just a little tired and resting."

"Indeed, that volcano earlier was incredible! With such tremendous power, it's no wonder you're tired. We shall take our leave now."

"...Yes, thank you for your hard work."

The Queen left the room with the King. After they were gone, I called out to Yuno.

"Yuno, um... are you alright?"

"About what? I'm fine."

"I mean, you look tired..."

"I'm fine. Besides, you're not really concerned about me anyway, right, Dai?"

"That's not true! You're my companion, of course I care!"

"You had the same eyes as the companions from my old world. You're scared of me now, aren't you?"

Honestly, she hit the nail on the head. Because I already knew about Yuno's power, I had arrogantly assumed I could accept it. But actually seeing it in person was completely different from just hearing about it, and I felt genuine fear toward that power... As I stood there silently, unable to say a word, Yuno looked at me with sad eyes.

"I guess it really is impossible for me to make friends..."

I remembered my vow never to make any girl I'm involved with cry again. The moment I remembered, my body moved on its own, and I hugged Yuno tight.

"!! That's not true. Yuno, you are my precious companion!"

I looked straight into her eyes, and Yuno had a surprised look on her face. I kept talking to her.

"I'm sorry. Hearing about it and seeing it were two different things. But I trust you as my companion. Your power is indeed amazing and maybe scary, but that power is meant to protect us, right? So I apologize for being scared. I'll never look at you like that again! You'll always be my precious companion, nothing changes that!"

Yuno buried her face in my chest, and I gently stroked her head. After a moment of silence, she slowly looked up.

"...Thank you, Dai. I'm happy you said that. But if you're going to be gentle with me, comfort me by holding me like you do with those two..."

I don't know where that kind of strength came from in Yuno's small body, but she pinned me down. Her eyes held resolve and determination.

"Yuno, what are you—"

"Dai, don't abandon me. If you really care about me, I want to feel a stronger connection with you."

Yuno's words carried a desperate wish. To answer those feelings, I gave a quiet nod. Relieved, Yuno buried her face back into my chest. And so, we decided to deepen our bond even further.

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