Epilogue
Epilogue 1 —In the High Priest’s Chamber—
“—That concludes my report on the recent events.”
I scanned the written account I’d received and then let out a breath, trying to calm my pounding heart.
The priest who had brought me the report affected nonchalance, but I suspected that in his heart he, like me, was nearly mad with happiness. Earlier, he had periodically squeezed his eyes shut and whispered a word of thanks.
“A single person purified all the hot springs in town. To say nothing of the main springs, allegedly poisoned by the Demon King’s general Hans, as well as the pieces of that general after he was defeated.”
He had barely been able to contain the trembling in his voice as he read out the report.
“If we had gathered a score of our best priests, we might—might—have been able to cleanse the pieces of Hans after months of work.”
“Yes, sir. And…that person’s appearance…” The priest’s voice quaked with emotion.
“Light-blue hair and eyes. A feather mantle. And according to the report, strikingly beautiful.”
There was no mistaking her.
The thought of it nearly overwhelmed me with joy.
“What do you intend to do? The city’s believers, shall we…?”
“Tell them? Yes, absolutely. But only with great care. You never know if she may visit again someday. In such an event, we must warn people not to mob her or speak to her at random. What is the current status of the baths she purified?”
“Their special qualities have been obviated, sir. However…”
“I hear people who have bathed in them have found their injuries healed, and that their water has the effect of holy water when used against undead.”
“Yes, sir. Exceedingly strong holy water, at that… If I may be so bold, I believe bringing these products to market could be far more profitable than the hot springs ever were.”
Well, naturally.
That most august personage put all her power into this act of purification—who could expect any less from it?
“…On that note. I regretted to hear that we seem to have demanded quite a sum in damages from them…”
“What shall we do, sir…? If we give no hint that we are aware of her true identity, she may be less concerned about returning here…”
“…Yes, perhaps you’re right. Truth be told, I dearly wish to thank her for saving our town and to offer her my profuse apologies for demanding payment…”
But let that be for another time, when she came to our town once again.
The priest bowed deeply to me.
“Then if that is how you wish to proceed, Father Zesta…”
“I do. Please see to it.”
He bowed again and left.
I read through the report once more with profound gratitude.
“On behalf of my entire church, I thank you from the depths of my heart—my lady Aqua!”
Epilogue 2 —At Journey’s End—
“’Kay, baaack!”
“Can’t you say ‘We’re home’ like a normal person?”
Aqua came bounding into the house as I opened the door.
Let’s take stock of this so-called vacation.
As usual, we got dragged into a bunch of good-for-nothing goings-on. Just remembering it made me feel a bit faint.
On the other hand, I did get to spend some time in a hot spring and even a mixed bath…
A mixed bath…
Then again, did I really? It was just that one time with that Wolbach chick. And she was careful not to let her towel slip.
Whereas at home, I’d gotten in the tub with Megumin and had Darkness wash my back.
……Wait a second. What?
Do I actually come out better when I stay home?
What gives?
“What’s up? Is this a new game? ‘Try to put on the dumbest smile you can’?”
“I was trying to do an impression of you. Pretty good, huh?”
Aqua sniped at me, and I responded in kind.
“Oh, give it a rest. We just got home. I’m going to go put on some tea. You two try to calm down,” Darkness said as she took off her armor and went to wash her hands.
“Ahhh, there really is no place like home. Never mind that I was the one who suggested we go on vacation in the first place.” Megumin flopped down on the sofa as she spoke.
“Wait a second, Megumin! I have dibs on that spot!”
“If you want this seat, then play me for it,” Megumin said, pulling out a board game she was especially good at and starting in on it with Aqua.
I seated myself on the other end of the couch and watched the game. After a while, Darkness returned with the tea.
She doesn’t usually show these kinds of domestic skills. Who knew she could make tea?
“Hey, Megumin,” said Aqua. “Your Arch-wizard is a total thorn in my side. I have a Crusader here that I don’t need. Wanna trade pieces?”
“My battle plan also has no need for a Crusader, so I am afraid I cannot trade. Come on, Aqua, it’s your turn.”
“Hey, I know you two are talking about the game, but…”
I let the conversation wash over me as I sipped my tea.
Maybe it was because we’d just gotten back from a trip, but I really appreciated the laid-back atmosphere.
But if things were going well and I was feeling good, that meant something was bound to happen.
I was learning.
“Megumin! Hey, Megumin, are you there?! And Mr. Kazuma?”
A knock on the door accompanied the desperate shout.
Aaaaand there it is.
“Yeah, we’re here. Is that you, Yunyun? You in trouble or something? We can handle anything these days—Demon King minions, bounty heads…”
Yunyun was clearly surprised by this remark as I opened the door.
She was red-faced and agitated. Her shoulders heaved with her breath. I wondered what in the world had happened.
“Uh… Um…I know this is very sudden, but…”
She pursed her lips as if steeling her resolve.
I watched her, lazily drinking my tea.
Nothing could scare me anymore. Whatever was going on here, I would take it in stride.
“What is the matter, Yunyun? Did you want something with me?” Megumin stood up, but Yunyun gave a small shake of her head.
Then she looked straight at me.
Was this something to do with me? Whatever it was, I would handle it.
Yunyun watched as I calmly took a mouthful of tea.
“Mr. Kazuma! I…! I…!! I want to have your children!”
I spat out my drink.
FIN.
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