The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 180

Regretting is a biologically quite difficult task.

Although most organisms may experience disappointment, only highly intelligent beings are capable of actual regret.

The reason is simple.

Regret cannot simply be a matter of yielding to current emotions.

It requires what is known as a ‘simulation,’ a hypothetical scenario.

What if I had done this instead?

What if I had made that choice?

To recall past situations and apply an alternate decision to derive a result that never existed—that is the basic process behind the act and emotion of regret.

Through this, humans can develop broader thinking and growth through their regrets.

However,

At this very moment,

For the women here,

For those who are undoubtedly regretting more than anyone else on this land.

The positive effects typically associated with regret seem almost worthless.

“Hah… why on earth did we do such foolish things…”

“Indeed, it feels stronger since that day… It truly was a stupid thing to do.”

-“I agree.”-

In a small teahouse located in the capital of the Demon Kingdom, Jerusalem,

The former warriors of the previous hero party,

Amelda, Shude, and Eileen sat together, continuing the cycle of regrets they had been sharing over the past few days.

“Woof!”

“…Even in this situation, you’re completely unfazed, Terra. I envy you for that. If only I could have remained as blissfully ignorant as you, it would have been less painful…”

Amelda lightly patted the head of Terra, who was panting on the floor like a dog.

Seeing this, Eileen and Shude began to show half-smiles.

Considering the events up to this point, it was hard to say that the relationship of the four people present was entirely pleasant.

They had betrayed each other, wished for one another’s deaths, and had even tried to stab each other with swords.

Yet,

Despite this relationship,

For those who have become unable to return to their homeland,

The only beings with whom they could comfortably converse in this land of demons were the ones right in front of them.

They were comrades who once shared their lives, loved the same man, betrayed him for that love, and ultimately, regardless of the degree, all four had fallen into despair.

And at this very moment,

In the minds of these four women,

There was only a shared and profound feeling of regret about one single fact, differing only in how much they could express it.

‘What if… what if I had chosen the Hero instead of Torare back then… what would have happened?’

‘Ellen… looked so happy. That baby was cute too. If I hadn’t betrayed him… wouldn’t the one standing there now have been me, not the Demon King?…’

‘Now that I think about it… compared to Torare, who was always flirting with other women, the hero truly was a good person. Why did I only realize that now?’

‘If I hadn’t fallen for Torare’s words, things wouldn’t have ended up this way… Though I’ve somewhat adapted to just observing the situation now… Damn. The more I think about it, the more foolish I feel.’

As they exchanged grievances, the four of them began to fill their minds with scenarios of regret once more.

Yet, at the same time, they already knew.

No matter how much they indulged in such thoughts at this point, it was utterly meaningless, like a river flowing away.

The opportunities that had already slipped away wouldn’t come back, no matter what they did.

“It’s pointless for us to keep pursuing the hero now…”

-“Should we look for a new love?… But maybe for you guys, not so much. No one’s going to love me in this state.”-

“Why not? There might be some special perverts among the men, or you could look for a man who has become a lich like you…”

-“…Shut up, how can you say that when you can’t even use magic anymore?”-

“No, no… I’m not joking, I’m genuinely saying this. You can’t keep waving your hands at a ship that has already sailed. Even if it requires unconventional methods, shouldn’t we at least try to find a way to be happy?”

-“Hmm… Well, that’s true but…”-

Instead of a simple remark, Shude was offering somewhat serious advice.

In response, Eileen calmed the anger she had felt for a moment and began to consider her future based on her words.

Of course, that didn’t mean that the current feelings of melancholy would vanish easily.

*

“Come here… Chris. Hurry.”

“Papa!”

A baby waddled towards me with adorable steps.

With a face that resembles her mother, having black eyes like mine and small, cute horns on her temples, she approached me with a radiant smile and embraced me.

“Papa! Papa!”

“Yeah, yeah, good job. You really did well, my princess.”

With her small hands pulling me into an embrace,

Chris called me with an adorably awkward but lovely voice, making an overabundant smile bloom on my face.

‘How can such a cute being exist? She’s my child, but really, she’s just too cute.’

I was once again reminded of why fathers become suckers for their daughters, carefully lifting this little angel in my arms.

Then.

“Elan, it’s time. Come over here.”

“Ah… Yes, I understand, Nazareth.”

The beautiful voice calling me.

Holding that smiling child who was gazing at me, I made my way to where she was.

Just then, my eyes caught sight of her.

Dressed in a gorgeous black and white dress, she was smiling brightly at me.

My beloved wife,

My eternal master.

The one who changed my life.

The person I will love forever.

As I drew closer to her,

I fervently prayed in my heart to the God that surely exists somewhere in this world.

I hope to continue to enjoy this happiness with her forever…

-END-