I am back – Chapter 177

I am the hero who saved Irrelaysia.

It may sound like I’m bragging, but that’s the truth.

Of course, I didn’t accomplish all of it alone. No matter how strong a hero is against the Demon Race, it’s impossible to end a war by oneself.

Even a hero bleeds when cut by a sword, and suffers burns when hit by magic. However, it’s true that my affinity for Divine Power allows me to recover much faster and more reliably through healing magic than others.

But without the dedicated front liners to protect me while I prepared the Sacred Sword, mages to keep foes at bay with magic, clergymen to heal me when I got hurt, and all-rounders to help out whenever manpower was lacking, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to defeat the Demon King.

And let’s not forget the hard work of the kingdom’s soldiers who formed the front lines, made time stretch, and paved supply routes near the Demon King’s castle, allowing us to resupply and fight repeatedly, as well as the elves who rapidly increased productivity from the rear.

Among all these people, it just happens that I hold the position of “hero.”

So, to reiterate, I am the hero who saved Irrelaysia.

That means I’m one of the many heroes.

The problem is, my image as such has become excessively famous.

Whenever something happens in the kingdom, they use my name to boost morale, so the tales of hero Cha Si-hyun are known not just among the soldiers but by every citizen of the nation.

And what would happen if it came to light that I, revered by all those citizens, was actually in a homosexual relationship?

“Honestly, I don’t think you need to worry too much about it,” Kalia said, somewhat indifferently when I became serious after being teased. With a bored expression that seemed too easy to trick, she explained while cutting her steak.

“After all, you invoked the name of the Goddess, so the family won’t be able to do much. If it comes down to it, you can just run to the Church. There were even Church people at that ball yesterday. They won’t be able to deny what you did.”

“Well, it might take some time for people to accept it,” Pia said with a slight smile.

While my companions spoke like that, I knew well that it wouldn’t be something easily accepted.

Looking back, it didn’t seem like the clergy had specifically prohibited homosexuality. Perhaps they just internally controlled it because if a monastery or convent became tumultuous regarding such matters, it would be problematically obvious in many ways.

But, on a separate note, the whole idea of homosexuality isn’t exactly accepted outright.

…Not that I’m really conscious of it or anything.

“Aren’t nobles too complacent?” Dana asked Kalia, who merely shrugged in response.

“Oh, right.”

Arna, who had been quietly listening, opened her mouth.

“I’d like to know when you all might be available.”

“Hmm? Why?”

As I responded, I realized how funny of a question that was, given I had no reason to ask ‘why.’

Since arriving in this world, my original schedule had completely vanished. There was no job for me here, so my sister and I could basically just go out whenever called.

Of course, considerate Arna didn’t just ignore my question.

“If you have time, I’d like you to visit the Elven capital sometime. The elf ambassador mentioned that since the hero has returned, thanking you properly is in order.”

Arna offered me a small smile while saying that.

“It seems they want to throw a grand thank-you event.”

She then put a salad into her mouth. Unlike everyone else at the table, who had a fork and knife, Arna only seemed to use a fork, as she preferred salads over meat. Well, to be fair, all elves did. They preferred the crunch of fresh vegetables and fruity flavors over meat juices.

Even when we lived on Earth, Arna’s meals were almost always salads.

While there were fermented foods in elven cuisine, they didn’t use things like fish sauce, unlike in Korea. Elves have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, making them quickly aware of any fishy odor from meat.

However, in battle, Arna also had to eat salted meats like the rest of us. It’s not that elves dislike meat; it’s just preferred if it isn’t served. Plus, since meat has a higher calorie density by weight than vegetables, that was somewhat logical too.

In that sense, while enduring tremendous hardships during the war, Arna really held out well.

I remember how disappointed she looked when she found out about chocolate. Of course, if they wanted to suit Elven tastes, milk had to be left out.

“If you want, we can prepare as much meat-based food as you’d like. However, I recommend including a royal chef in the visitor’s list if you’re going to do that. They can help, but not many elves can judge how long to cook meat to make sure it’s done.”

“Is there no meat in the Elven region?”

“There are practically no humans to begin with.”

Arna nodded and spoke readily in response to my sister’s question.

“There are many kinds of fruits, and I can guarantee they taste better than anything you’ve had on Earth. But still, fruit can’t taste like meat.”

“Is that so…?”

My sister looked a bit confused.

Nevertheless, we had visited the Elven capital, Cirril, before. I didn’t recall having any issues with food during that visit.

……At least, not for me.

Even among humans, there are people who are vegetarians, and there’s a perception that a diet centered on vegetables is good for health. In fact, that’s not entirely wrong. A balanced diet is essential. Living on meat alone can expose you easily to adult diseases.

But it’s entirely different to say one only eats vegetables.

Picky eating applies to both meat and vegetables.

Just because there are nutrients easily obtainable from vegetables doesn’t mean the same can’t be said for meat.

Moreover, most plants are rich in dietary fiber. For someone who usually eats a meat-centered diet, suddenly consuming large amounts of raw, uncooked vegetables can cause various issues in their stomach. You might find yourself rushing to the bathroom several times a day…

There were witnesses here.

“Definitely, it’s better to take at least a minimal amount of meat. But that said, there’s no need to take a chef specifically. We do have some experience with grilling.”

“I guess that’s true.”

Arna smiled at Kalia’s remark.

“It’ll be my second time visiting Cirril. I was truly in awe when I climbed to the top of the World Tree last time.”

Pia said, seeming excited.

“Well, the view from the observatory on Earth is deeply engraved in my memory, so I don’t know what to expect this time.”

“That’s different from seeing it from the top of the World Tree,” I replied with a grin.

“At least, I don’t have any pressing plans. In fact, there’s really nothing urgent right now. I was a bit busy right after the war, but by the time I transitioned back to Earth, I’d already wrapped up most of my tasks.”

“I’m in the same boat. Research, after all, takes years, so taking a brief break won’t lead to any major mess-ups. I finished anything urgent before heading to Earth, and I’ve already assigned someone to handle the research during my absence.”

As Dana and Kalia spoke, Pia nodded along.

“Now that the war is over, there are hardly any injured anymore. People are returning to their normal lives, so there’s really nothing pressing that I need to address at the moment.”

“Got it.”

Arna nodded.

“Well, considering this visit, it’s pretty much a pure invitation, given that you’re coming as an envoy. The princess may end up accompanying you as well.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Since we are going as an envoy, it wouldn’t be just the four of us. There would probably be ambassadors accompanying us too.

Technically, while receiving an envoy, we’ll also be extending an invitation to ourselves.

But that doesn’t mean I think the elves are doing anything wrong. If they received us separately, the procedure would just become complicated.

They’re not the kind to offer half-hearted greetings either, just because it’s a joint invitation.

“The princess?”

“Oh, that’s right. You’ve never actually met the princess in person.”

Since we’ve been touring the provincial cities since coming here.

“Um… She’s a fun person. I’m sure you’ll like her… I think.”

“That, it’s a somewhat vague description, isn’t it?”

My sister spoke with a slightly anxious look, and I couldn’t help but give a rather awkward laugh.