Hano Ryuusei POV 

  

  

  

My name is Hano Ryuusei. 

I know this sounds like a dream but it’s true 

I got summoned into another world. 

  

  

One peaceful day, I normally went to class, chat with my friends, and waited for the class to start. 

But all of a sudden, a magic circle appeared below my feet and enveloped our classroom. 

That is how we got transported and came into this world of fantasy. 

A world where magic and monsters exist. 

A world that works fundamentally different than our world. 

  

  

There I learned that the magic circle was intended to only summon me in particular, but because the magic circle enveloped the whole classroom, I ended up dragging my classmates with me. 

I wanted to take responsibility for the fact that I dragged them with me. 

I decided to do my best to make sure that all of my classmates would return to our world safely. 

  

  

That was the plan. 

But right on the third day of being summoned into this world 5 my classmate already left the castle. 

It was indirectly telling me “WE DON’T NEED YOUR HELP”. 

One of them was a close friend of mine, a girl named Mizusawa Kazue. 

Later, more of my classmates left the castle as days passed. 

  

It was more than a month later. 

We went to the adventurer’s guild to report to the guild master about the undead extermination in the forest near Altus. 

It was the final step for us to neutralize the undead who march to the city a few days ago. 

Adventurers are doing all they can to exterminate all of the remaining undead in the forest. 

  

  

“What?! Mizusawa was injured during the battle?!” <Hano> 

I said after hearing the news. 

When I heard the news, it made me feel like I was submerged in a well of cold water. 

  

  

“W-w-what did you just say?” <Chiho> 

Chiho said with a shaky voice. 

She was surprised. 

  

  

The one telling us the news is Yanase Yokuami one of our classmates. 

We bumped into each other by chance. 

The reason she’s here was because of Mizusawa Kazue. 

She was brought here after getting injured fighting a ghoul during the incident. 

Yanase together with other of our classmates made a party to deal with the marching undead, together with Mizusawa. 

  

  

Chiho, Eiko, and Mizuko also had no idea that Mizusawa was also in Altus and was participating in the mission. 

So, we were shocked to hear that she was there and got herself injured during the battle. 

If we haven’t heard anything from Yanase-san, then we would have never known that she was here. 

  

  

“Where is she?!” <Chiho> 

“She’s in the treatment room.” <Yanase> 

Chiho ran at once after hearing this. 

She was visibly worried, which is not a surprise since she considers Mizusawa her best friend. 

To be honest, I also wanted to run to her side right now but I did my best to stop myself from doing so. 

And even I did not know the reason why. 

  

  

I see Mizusawa Kazue as a close friend of mine. 

As for Mizusawa, I feel that she does not see me as a friend but rather just an “acquaintance”. 

Most of the time we would only chat about some random topic but the atmosphere between us remains that of a stranger. 

If it was not for Chiho, Eiko, and Mizuko, Mizusawa would take no interest in talking to me. 

It was always me who start the conversation between the two of us. 

[That being said... Why, why am I feeling like this…] 

  

  

When I heard that Mizusawa was injured. 

I felt a mysterious pain in my chest. 

I was angry. 

Angry, with the monster who injured her. 

Angry, with myself who could not protect her. 

I felt bad for myself for not being there for her when she needed help. 

All I could do now was look down at the floor. 

  

  

“How is she? Is she in a bad condition?” <Eiko> 

Eiko asked Yanase-san with a worried tone in her voice. 

Mizuko was silent but was listening to what Yanase had to say. 

“No, she’s fine. She just lost consciousness after depleting her Mana empty” <Yanase> 

“I see.” <Eiko> 

Mizuko, Eiko, and I took a deep breath as a sign of relief then looked at each other and then laughed. 

[It seems that the three of us were thinking of the same thing.] 

After hearing that Mizusawa was out of danger, I felt some relief. 

But it doesn’t change the fact that I was feeling bad. 

  

  

The three of us waited for Sir Victor and Princess Levethy who is making an appointment with the guild master through the guild receptionist. 

After a moment they joined us. 

“Where’s Chiho?” <Levethy> 

“She went to the treatment room to see one of our former classmates who was injured during the battle.” <Hano> 

“Is that so? That's some bad news to hear.” <Levethy> 

  

  

“Sorry, Hano I’ll be going first!” <Mizuko> 

“Me too.” <Eiko> 

Both Eiko and Mizuko left to see Mizusawa. 

I followed and went toward the treatment room of the guild. 

  

  

When I arrive at the room where Mizusawa was resting. 

I saw a nostalgic scene. 

A scene that I have not seen for some time. 

In the past, this scene was just a common occurrence in our everyday lives. 

  

A scene where Chiho scolds Mizusawa like a mother scolds her daughter. 

The scene where Mizuko and Eiko are looking at them in amusement while pitying Mizusawa. 

A scene that was stolen from us by the world we live in right now. 

  

  

I was stunned for a moment. 

Before I knew it, I was staring at the black-haired girl lying on the bed in awe. 

I promised myself that I will take back this moment with my own hands. 

For that, I will defeat the demon lord so that we can go back and retrieve this simple happiness. 

  

  

I knocked on the door so they would notice my presence. 

Right away I saw Mizusawa looking in my direction for a quick moment. 

She squinted her eyes and returned her attention to Chiho. 

  

  

"Hahaha~ I got ignored once again." <Hano> 

[I guess that's Mizusawa for you] 

I felt a poking sensation on my shoulder. 

I looked toward my shoulder where I felt the poking, there I saw Levethy looking at me looking annoyed. 

I decided to answer her question. 

“Mizusawa Kazue” <Hano> 

"Mizusawa Kazue... Ah... that rumored girl?" <Levethy> 

  

  

For some reason, Levethy tried to antagonize Mizusawa. 

Mizusawa took Levethy’s provocation resulting in the two having a heated conversation. 

I tried to stop the two before it escalated. 

  

  

“Levethy… I think that’s enough” <Hano> 

For some reason, Levethy answered me flustered. 

Then I heard the signature sound Mizusawa makes all the time. 

Just like in the old times, she was looking at me with disappointment while saying... 

“Uwah~” <Kazue> 

  

  

"Why are you looking at me like that?" <Hano> 

I asked just why she was looking at me like that, for old times’ sake. 

“No, I was just thinking…” <Kazue> 

I locked eyes with her for a brief moment. 

For some reason, I got flustered and looked away. 

“Is that so?” <Hano> 

  

  

When I looked away, I realized that I was facing Levethy. 

She was looking at my face with a shocked look in her eyes. 

“Hano-sama?” <Levethy> 

I saw her eyes widen. 

Her eyes were shaking while looking at my face. 

She shifted her face and looked at Mizusawa. 

I knew that she became upset from the tone of her voice. 

[Why?] 

  

  

Then... 

"You... I heard you got defeated by a ghoul. I am surprised that you wanted to leave the castle without training considering how weak you are." <Levethy> 

For some reason, Levethy continued to provoke Mizusawa. 

Mizuko and Chiho tried to stop the two quarrels. 

  

  

In the end. 

Both Mizusawa and Levethy decided to have a duel. 

Chiho, Mizuko, and Eiko wanted to protest so I took the chance to do the same before things would get out of hand. 

"You guys, you should stop it right there. Levethy, Kazue." <Hano> 

[Ah! Crap. Accidently I called her by name as I was riding the flow of conversation. For some reason every time I mistakenly call her by her name like this, she…] 

  

  

As expected... 

"You don't have any right to order me. I will do what I want. I will have a duel with this blondie." <Kazue> 

[As expected, she got angry.] 

In the end, we could not stop the two from having a duel. 

  

  

The duel pushed through. 

Now we are in the middle of the plaza and a lot of people are watching the two. 

To be honest. 

I was convinced that Levethy would win against Mizusawa. 

But unexpectedly the opposite happened. 

Mizusawa managed to defeat Levethy despite having inferior stats. 

Victor did mention that Mizusawa was “superior to us in one area”. 

That must be the reason why Levethy lost. 

As to what is that “one area” was, I have no idea. 

If I am to guess, it’s probably related to the fact that Mizusawa was able to emit such intense “bloodlust” during the end of their duel. 

She did not even hesitate to swing her sword at Levethy’s head. 

If Sir Victor did not manage to stop her, Mizusawa might even have killed the empire’s 3rd princess. 

  

  

After the duel. 

I could not comprehend why, but the two suddenly became friends. 

[Is this the phenomenon where two warriors would come to understand each other after exchanging swords with one another?] 

[Yes, that must be the reason, it must be.] 

  

  

“I don’t know what you’re thinking but I guaranty that you’re wrong” <Mizuko> 

Mizuko said to me out of nowhere. 

I was trying to understand why the two suddenly became friends. 

As if guessing what was on my mind, Mizuko muttered those words. 

She looked confident that I got it all wrong. 

“This time I think I’m right.” <Hano> 

“No, I doubt that.” <Chiho> 

Chiho answers instead of Mizuko. 

She also had the same expression as Mizuko; she was sure I was wrong too. 

  

  

“How are you two so confident that I am wrong?” <Hano> 

“Well, it’s Hano after all… Right?” <Chiho> 

“Right?” <Mizuko> 

Mizuko and Chiho looked at each other. 

They seemed to have come to a mutual understanding. 

“If you did get it right, you should not wear that expression after all.” <Eiko> 

Now, even Eiko thinks that I was wrong. 

The three looked at each other while saying “Right” in unison. 

I breathe out a large amount of air and gave up on the conversation. 

[When these three join up like this, I have no chance of winning.] 

  

  

We went to the guild and reported to the guild master. 

There we heard that Mizusawa almost died in a dungeon. 

She was involved in many dangerous situations without our knowledge. 

After knowing this fact. 

[This Again] 

A mysterious pain pierced my chest, as I was not able to help her when she needed it the most. 

  

  

Later that day. 

We met Mizusawa once again after meeting a beautiful lady wearing Gothic Lolita clothing in the adventurer’s guild pub. 

We ended up eating with Mizusawa and her temporary party members. 

Just as expected. 

Chiho would spend the whole afternoon with Mizusawa. 

She’ll probably scold her for what happened to her in the dungeon. 

We left the guild pub together with Mizusawa’s party members, leaving Chiho and Kazue in the pub. 

  

  

Later today we have an appointment to attend a party arranged by the Nobles in this city. 

Duke Randolf Laster vi Altus, the duke who manages the city called for us to join them tonight after the sun goes down. 

  

  

I spend my time with Mizuko, Eiko, and Levethy in the town and enjoy killing time. 

The town has a festive atmosphere to it. 

The same town that had an eerie atmosphere around it just a few days ago. 

Why would they not have such a mood? 

They just overcame a serious threat with minimal loss. 

The town was lively to forget the things that happened in the past few days. 

A lot of street vendors are selling their products to adventurers. 

The townspeople are gathered here outside to celebrate with one another. 

[too bad Mizusawa and Chiho have to stay in the guild pub on such a day.] 

  

  

“Hano, here” <Mizuko> 

Mizuko offered me a stick of meat skewer out of nowhere. 

“aaah” <Mizuko> 

She was opening her mouth wide; she was trying to feed me the skewer in her hands. 

She was saying “Aaah” like feeding a child. 

I smiled and laughed lightly at this. 

“uh, ah… aaah” <Hano> 

“WAIT!!!” <Eiko> 

Eiko stopped me from taking a bite of the skewer Mizuko was offering. 

“tsk” <Mizuko> 

I hear Mizuko clicking her tongue for some reason. 

  

  

“eat this instead! Say “Aaah”.” <Eiko> 

This time Eiko offered me food. 

It was a noodle-like food that was sold by the vendor nearby. 

She was also trying to feed me with the fork still in her hands. 

“No! eat this instead Hano-sama!” <Levethy> 

This time even the princess joined. 

She was trying to feed me spherical food grazed with some kind of sauce. 

She was offering me this food, just like Mizuko and Eiko she was trying to feed me this food. 

  

  

The three looked at each other with fierce eyes. 

They started to force the food into my mouth while insisting that the food they offer taste better than that of the other two. 

“HANO! TRY THIS!! AAAHN.” <Mizuko, Eiko, Levethy> 

The three said in unison while pushing each other to the side. 

I just laughed with them. 

It makes me happy just to think that they are having fun. 

“I get it! I’ll try them all.” <Hano> 

  

  

I took a bite of all the food they offered me one by one. 

First, I took a bite of Mizuko’s skewer, then the noodles offered by Eiko, and lastly the spherical food offered by Levethy. 

[Yep they all tasted good, no wonder they wanted me to try them] 

The three girls' faces were turning red after I tried all of the food they offered. 

  

  

Just like that, we enjoyed the festival. 

The three girls with me are walking close to each other side by side next to me. 

[Am I imagining things or are they pushing each other away from me?... Nah, Yes, it’s that! It’s how girls have “skin-ship”] 

  

  

Before I realized it was already noon. 

It was starting to get dark. 

The street lights are being lit all around the city. 

“I think it’s about time for us to see Chiho and sir Victor.” <Hano> 

The three looked exhausted somehow. 

  

  

Sir Victor is hanging out with the guild master, while Chiho was with Mizusawa in the guild pub. 

When we came to the guild, we saw Chiho and Mizusawa still at it. 

It was quite obvious that their topic has changed. 

I came to them to call for Chiho. 

  

  

“You see that Hano should just…” <Chiho> 

“What about me?” <Hano> 

I casually joined the conversation. 

Chiho turned around not expecting me to appear. 

“N-n-no It’s nothing! What’s up?!” <Chiho> 

[Why is she all worked up?] 

“We came to fetch you; we still have to go to the duke’s manor tonight. Did you forget?” <Hano> 

“Oh, right!” <Chiho> 

“Duke? Manor?” <Kazue> 

Mizusawa said with a confused look on her face. 

  

  

“We were invited by the duke to join the party in his manor tonight!” 

“Ahhh, I see. Then Chiho, see you again later” <Kazue> 

“Eee~ but I still want to talk to Kazue!” <Chiho> 

“Hahah~ you can’t you have to attend that party.” <Kazue> 

Mizusawa just laughed it off and encouraged Chiho to attend the party instead. 

  

  

“How about you join us miss Kazue” <Levethy> 

Levethy said like it was nothing. 

Mizusawa looked surprised. 

She looked away, I could tell from her expression saying “That’s bothersome”. 

“I think we should just leave Mizusawa out of this, she just recovered from her injuries this morning you know.” <Hano> 

Chiho gave me a troubled look, but as I see it, she understood that what I was saying was correct. 

She pouted cutely and looked at Mizusawa with a “begging” eye. 

“YES! That’s right! I feel tired right now. I think I’ll pass! Maybe next time. Thanks for inviting me anyway sorry, Levethy.” <Kazue> 

“No, It’s OK, I understand… I’m sorry as well Kazue-san” <Levethy> 

Levethy looked disappointed but understood the situation. 

“Uuu, If that’s what you say. Well at least let us escort you to your inn.” <Chiho> 

“Eeeh?” <Kazue> 

Again “that” bothersome look was painted on Mizusawa’s Face. 

Mizusawa sighed and gave up on something before agreeing. 

“Sure” <Kazue> 

  

  

We escorted Mizusawa to the inn where she lives with Reno, Akemi, and Emika. 

After walking Mizusawa to the inn we exchanged goodbye. 

Rather she exchanged goodbye with Levethy, Chiho, Eiko, and Mizuko. 

She ignored me like I was not there with them. 

[I don’t know but does Mizusawa hate me or something? I don’t remember something that would upset her though. Oh! I guess that’s Mizusawa for you? It’s not as if this was the first time she ignored me.] 

I remembered the times in our world when even there she was ignoring me most of the time. 

It was mostly true when the five of us hangs out together. 

  

  

****************** 

We came to the duke’s manor to celebrate the victory of the city over the march of the undead. 

  

  

“Welcome, Heroes!” <Duke> 

The duke personally welcomed us to his place and escorted us to his home 

He prepared formal clothes for us to wear during the party so we would not feel left out. 

  

  

When I finished changing clothes I came to look for the girls. 

I heard a voice from one of the rooms. 

"Kyaa!" <Chiho> 

Then I hear the voice of Chiho screaming from the inside. 

  

  

I felt fear enveloping my body. 

The thoughts of Chiho and the other girls being hurt came into my mind. 

[If something happens to them I could not forgive myself] 

The image of Mizusawa getting hurt came into my mind. 

Maybe it was because I heard that Mizusawa experienced life-threatening situations, I suddenly became more sensitive when it comes to the safety of my friends. 

I quickly opened the door. 

  

  

“CHIHO IS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT?!!!” <Hano> 

I pushed the door open. 

What I find behind the door was the figure of the four girls teasing each other wearing only their underwear. 

  

  

“Uh, um… I thought something happened so… so. I.” <Hano> 

Levethy’s face turned red. 

It seems that she was the reason why Chiho screamed. 

She was holding her bare breast with her hands. 

Chiho was looking at me with blank eyes. 

Eiko was covering her body with the clothes she was going to wear. 

Mizuko ran toward me at a speed that I could barely follow while covering her body with the clothes she was about to wear. 

 

 

 

 

  

“HANO! YOU PERVERT!” <Mizuko> 

She delivered a combo of a slap, a punch on my stomach, and a roundhouse kick to the side of my face. 

“SORRY!!!” <Hano> 

  

  

Just like that, I attended the party with a bruise on my face. 

The nobles think that It was an injury I received during the battle. 

Throughout the party, I was surrounded by people. 

I wonder why the majority of the attendee of this party are Female. 

For some reason, the males in the party hall are not trying to talk to me at all. 

I did not want to be rude to all of the guests, but because I was entertaining them I barely had the time to enjoy the food. 

  

  

“Hey, Mizuko, Chiho, Eiko… Levethy, Sir Victor.” <Hano> 

I tried to ask for help from my party members through eye contact. 

-whistle- 

Instead of helping me, Sir Victor whistled in my direction.  

“KAKAKA~ Now that’s youth ~ You’re popular aren’t you HERO-sama” <Victor> 

Victor thinks that I am enjoying this. 

[Sir Victor Help me!] 

I looked at Eiko 

“STUPID HANO” <Eiko> 

Then to Mizuko. 

“You deserve that” <Mizuko> 

And then to Levethy 

“Hmff” <Levethy> 

She looked away. 

[Someone help…] 

I looked at Chiho. 

“Chiho” <Hano> 

Although Chiho was silent I can sense the ominous aura behind her smile. 

[Chiho-san, you're not looking like a "saint" right now. Why do I feel an evil presence coming from you?] 

I feel like crying. 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Author Note: 

  

I will do my best in adding a sketch here as I go with each chapter. 

Well, you can say that it's part of my practice. 

Also since it's just a sketch won't take me much time to do them! 

If I am to finish a BnW version it would take me half a day 

If I try to do a colored version, it would take at least 2 days 

Sketching won't take me an hour so it's more manageable! 

  

  

  

let's see~ what else... 

The next chapter is the start of Arc 2, The Saint of Riles.