Chapter 26: A Path of no Return.
[Location: The City of Andacia/Count Belin's Mansion - Kingdom of Tevell]
[2 week and 3 days have passed]
[The Story continues with "Zyrus"]
After being imprisoned in Belin's mansion it had really given me time to think about various things, about how the others were doing, about what would happen now and that I hoped they wouldn't cause a big problem to get me out of here but seeing Leah and Celes outside my cell was very reassuring.
-Zyrus: I see you've been through a lot just for me, thank you, really.
-Leah: You have nothing to be thankful for, you would have done the same for any of us, right?
-Zyrus: Of course, after everything we've been through together, I would never leave anyone abandoned in a cell.
After hearing the story where Celes and the others went through hard times just to rescue me it was touching and made me realize what amazing companions I had made.
-????: I'm glad to hear that from someone who didn't want to be the Hero.
-Zyrus: Huh?
A voice resounded in the corridors of the dungeon and from the shadows appeared a woman in armor that I had never seen before but in her hands she carried my bag and my sword.
-Celes: Lady Jeane.
-Jeane: I see you found your Hero, we finally meet Zyrus or should I call you Masato?
-Zyrus: By the fact that you know who I am, I must assume that you come from the capital, perhaps you come to take me back?
-Leah: Nothing like that, she was the one who helped us rescue you.
The woman entered the cell and handed me my sword and my bag. Due to the calm attitude that Celes and Leah had with her presence, I had to assume that I had nothing to worry about.
-Jeane: Exactly, in fact I came especially to make sure you were okay at the request of the Princess.
-Zyrus: So Marine was worried about me that she sent someone to make sure I was okay heh.
-Jeane: Well, the truth is that since it was Chancellor Edmond who gave the order for your capture without the King's consent, the princess was warned of this act by an acquaintance of yours.
-Zyrus: Don't tell me it was Sarah!?
-Jeane: That's right, it turns out that Sarah also acts as the princess's confidante in the capital city, after taking you out of the city through the secret tunnel, she went to tell the princess about what had happened.
-Zyrus: She told me that she had acquaintances but I didn't expect her to be someone like Marine.
Without a doubt that had surprised me, if true that would explain how the "capture order" took so long to reach the nearby towns or why the soldiers were not chasing me after leaving the city, I knew that I should thank Sarah if I come back to see her again.
-Celes: Wait a second, if the Chancellor acted on his own, why didn't the King do anything to stop him?
-Jeane: Shortly after Zyrus left, his Majesty fell victim to an illness that has kept him bedridden ever since, that's when the Chancellor seized the opportunity to bring back the fleeing Hero.
-Leah: That guy, what does he have against Zyrus?
-Zyrus: I think he just doesn't want to miss out on having a super soldier at his disposal.
From the moment I met Edmond I had felt a bad vibe in him and as soon as Marine spoke for me to let me go, he was the only one who opposed the idea and apparently did not give up on the idea of using me.
-Jeane: There's another thing I want to talk about but first, let's get out of here.
We then followed Jeane to the outskirts of the mansion where there were a few mounted guards and another riderless horse around an armored carriage.
-Jeane: After hearing Sarah's report, the princess ordered the Royal Guard to stop the search but she knew that the Chancellor would not stop there.
-Celes: It was then that she investigated the Chancellor's contacts and they reached Count Belin, right?
-Jeane: Precisely, it turned out that the two had a close relationship for some time and it was from there that we investigated more deeply until we discovered several illegal acts carried out by the Count with the patronage of the Chancellor.
-Leah: And seeing how well those two got along, you assumed that they would contact each other to capture Zyrus, right, Captain?
-Jeane: As you say, that's why the princess sent me here to make sure you managed to pass through Andacia without any difficulties and cut off contact with the Chancellor.
Marine had really gone to all that trouble just to keep helping me even now just so I could make it back home without being bothered by that shoddy chancellor.
-Jeane: Now that you are no longer wanted, you are free to travel safely to Gainsworth and since you should no longer hide your identity, will you use your real name again?
-Zyrus: Well, to be honest, I was thinking of doing it, but Masato is the name of the person who was summoned to be the Hero and I'm not that Hero, I'll keep using Zyrus as long as I'm still in this world, plus that's the name by which everyone already knows me.
-Jeane: Imagine that you would say something like that, you are not the kind of Hero I expected but you are a Hero in your own way, at least you are for your friends.
Hearing that, I turned to see Leah and Celes who were averting their gaze somewhat blushing, that made me wonder what they had said about me while I was gone.
-Jeane: Anyway, I have to go now, I will report to the princess everything that happened and we will make sure that the Count and his allies receive the punishment they deserve, have a safe trip and it was a pleasure to meet you all.
She got on her horse, giving us one last look while we said goodbye to her and after giving the order to her other soldiers, they left with the caravan of prisoners.
-Celes: My Lord, it's already quite late, let's go to the inn, Mei and Aeryn are waiting for us there.
-Zyrus: Sure, you must be very exhausted after everything you went through.
After agreeing we went to the inn to register and spend the night, they were all exhausted so we left the talk for tomorrow. This was a very strange day but I'm glad that I can finally travel more calmly now that the criminal mark has been removed from me.
-Leah: Zyrus...I'm glad you're okay and that you're back with us.
-Zyrus: I'm glad to be back, rest Leah.
-Leah: Rest well too, Zyrus, see you tomorrow.
The next morning everyone had woken up in good spirits, Mei and Aeryn jumped to hug me when they saw me again and expressed how worried they were and everything they had to go through yesterday. I thanked them for everything and that she promised to pay them for her help clearly Mei suggested that I pay her back by buying her expensive sweets from the store and Aeryn was just happy that I wouldn't worry them the same way again in the future. Once outside the inn we planned to go eat something and buy supplies but out of nowhere a guard appeared who wanted to talk to us.
-Andacia Guard: Ah, I'm glad you're still in the city, I was looking for you.
-Celes: Did something happen?
-Andacia Guard: In fact I came to deliver two messages, the first is to let you know that our Captain survived the surgery and now he is in recovery.
-Aeryn: R-Really!? what a relief... really what a relief...
Celes had told me about what happened to the Guard Captain and how he protected Aeryn from enemy attack but that his condition was delicate and that Aeryn used all of her magical power to keep him alive. That made me happy to know that he was okay, I could see that Aeryn was very happy by the tears that she shed.
-Mei: I'm glad, after all the effort Aeryn put in to keep him alive, he better not die.
-Aeryn: Can we go and visit him?
-Andacia Guard: Of course, I'm sure he would want to thank the person who kept him alive, ah, but I almost forgot to give you the second message.
The guard looked at me especially and I got a little nervous since it seemed that it was something serious.
-Andacia Guard: This morning the son of Count Belin arrived from his trip and found out about everything that happened and requested your presence in the mansion.
-Zyrus: He wants to talk to me? Why?
-Andacia Guard: They haven't given me the details but they asked me to escort him to it.
-Celes: My Lord, I doubt very much that he wants to cause you more problems after everything that happened with his father, let's see what he wants.
-Zyrus: You're right, at this point it would be silly for him to try to do the same as his father.
As Celes and I agreed, Leah approached me with a concerned expression on her face.
-Leah: Zyrus, I'm going too.
-Zyrus: It's not necessary Leah, we'll be fine, we'll just see what he wants, you and Mei go with Aeryn and thank the Guard Captain for everything on my behalf.
-Mei: He's right, Leah, there's nothing to worry about after all.
Approaching from behind Mei placed her hand on Leah's shoulder to reassure her, she reacted by nodding and smiling at her friend, we agreed to meet at the tavern after finishing our respective visits and we parted ways.
[The Story continues with "Mei"]
After separating from Zyrus and Celes, the three of us headed to the Guard Station but on the way I could see a worrying expression on Leah and it wasn't the first time she'd seen it. At first I thought that she was just worried about Zyrus and that once he was free that expression would disappear but apparently I was wrong.
-Mei: What happens Leah? I thought you would be happier now that Zyrus was safe and free of charge.
-Leah: Huh? ah...well yes, I'm happy about that hehe.
Despite the fact that she affirmed that, I could notice her forced smile, I have known Leah for a long time to know what her real smile was but it must have been a very personal reason for not telling me or Aeryn what was happening to her.
-Aeryn: Leah, don't lie to us, we're your friends and you know you can trust us.
-Mei: True, True, if something bothers you, tell us and we'll help you, that's why we're friends, right?
Then Leah stopped in the middle of the street and looked at us with that worrying expression in her eyes, we decided to move to an alley where we could talk more privately and listen to what Leah was worried about.
-Leah: It's... It's... about Zyrus.
-Mei: Yes, what happens with him?
-Leah: Ever since Celes told us her story, about how Zyrus came from another world, I haven't stopped thinking about the future.
Her hands joined and she looked at the floor, in her words she could feel a pain which we could already deduce what it was about.
-Aeryn: You love him, don't you.
Leah nodded without saying a word or raising her head, Aeryn and I had already assumed that since we emerged from the mine a few days ago, the time those two spent together must have awakened that feeling in her.
-Leah: If Zyrus finds a way to return to his world, it means I won't see him again and I...
-Mei: He is the Lord of Celes but she doesn't seem to be affected by the fact that at the end of the journey the two will be separated forever.
-Aeryn: She should have already assumed that event so she continues by his side because of her loyalty... but Leah.
The three of us knew that Zyrus wanted to return to his world and that's why he was traveling to Gainsworth, but Leah, who had awakened feelings for him, was the only one who was affected by this fact and it was understandable.
-Leah: I really don't know what to do, I want to be by his side but knowing that in the end he will leave forever, how should I act now?
-Aeryn: It's true, it would be very selfish to ask him to stay and forget about his world and his family.
What Aeryn said was very true, from the story that Celes told us, he was brought into this world against his will and now he just wanted to return to his home. We are his friends, we couldn't ask him to forget about his home so that he can stay in this world, it was undoubtedly Leah was going through something very difficult.
-Mei: From what I see Leah, you only have two options.
-Leah: Two options?
-Mei: You must tell him what you feel for him and wait how everything ends or we can leave the city without saying anything to them and forget everything.
-Leah: W-what?
-Aeryn: Mei!?, what are you saying!?
I could understand their reactions but this was the best she could do and it was for her own good.
-Mei: If you keep traveling with Zyrus without telling him anything and in the end, he returns to his world without you telling him anything, you will only make the pain worse.
I approached Leah and put my hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes with a smile.
-Mei: But if we leave now without telling them anything, with time, you will forget that feeling and it will be easier for you to accept his departure.
-Leah: B-But I...I...
-Aeryn: Mei, even if it's true, it's Leah's first love, you can't tell her to forget about hers.
-Mei: But if she suffered for that, then what's the point?
We both stared at Leah who was still conflicted about which decision to take and no matter which one she took I would support her without hesitation, since all I want is to see my friend happy.
[The Story continues with "Zyrus"]
After separating from Leah and her group we accompanied the guard to the Count's mansion, upon arrival they opened the gates for us and we found ourselves once again at the main entrance and this time we were received by a middle-aged maid.
-Maid: Ah, you must be who the young master was waiting for, please come with me, he is waiting for you in the study room.
-Andacia Guard: Well, my work ends here, good luck.
We accompanied the maid as we said goodbye to the guard, she led us through the rooms on the second floor until we reached the entrance, then she proceeded to knock on the door.
-Maid: Young master, the guests have arrived.
-????: Go ahead, let them pass.
After opening the door and entering the study room, we found ourselves in a small room with several bookcases, some sofas, and a man in a red coat and long brown hair with a ponytail was sitting at the desk.
-????: Ah, we finally meet, please sit down.
We did not sit on one of the sofas that he had in the room while that man got up from the desk and sat on another of the sofas near us.
-Zyrus: We appreciate the invitation but all this seems very confusing and strange.
-????: I imagine so, after what you and your friends had to go through last night, but allow me to introduce myself, I am Damian Druet and I acted as regent of Andacia in the absence of my father.
(Damian Druet -Son of Count Belin- 28 Years)
-Zyrus: And I imagine that you already know who I am.
-Damian: Of course, the young man summoned from another world, but I think now you prefer to be called Zyrus right?
I should have expected him to know who I am, I supposed that by now everyone in the kingdom should know about the supposed Hero summoned from another world.
-Zyrus: What exactly do you want from me, because I doubt you called me just to say hello.
-Damian. Straight to the point, well, in that case I'll tell you.
The young nobleman rose from his seat and very unexpectedly gave an apologetic bow in front of me.
-Damian: I wanted to tell you that in the name of the people of Andacia I am sorry for what happened with my father.
-Zyrus: Wow, wait a minute, where did that come from!?
I got up from my seat due to the unexpectedness of his apology.
-Damian: I understand your confusion but your imprisonment was caused by my father's greed and for that I apologize.
-Zyrus: I understand what you're trying to say but why do you do it?
He sat down again and leaned back while he took a deep breath, I, somewhat confused, also sat back looking at him.
-Damian: I suppose you already know about the charges that led to my father being arrested by Captain Jeane.
-Zyrus: Yes, several of them seemed very serious.
-Celes: I found it very strange that Lady Jeane and the princess managed to gather all that information in such a short time.
Then Damian started to giggle slightly making me uncomfortable but with everything that had already happened this is starting to be something common.
-Damian: Well, I was the one who sent them those reports. I couldn't allow my father to continue trampling on others to use them as a stepping stone to power.
-Zyrus: I understand that he was a wicked man but why do that to your own father?
He got up and walked to a cabinet from which he took out a transparent bottle of wine and a glass, he poured some of the wine and looked at the liquid inside his glass while he stirred it.
-Damian: My mother's family were low-level nobles who were going through a financial crisis and if they couldn't pay their debts they would lose their noble titles and end up on the streets.
He took a drink from his wineglass and took a deep breath.
-Damian: My father promised to pay that debt if they gave him my mother as a wife, at that time she was 12 years old so it was very difficult for her to assimilate what was happening but in the end her family accepted and the following month they got married.
He sat back down after finishing drinking his glass of wine and looked at the floor resting his arms on his legs.
-Damian: I was born a year and a half later and when I was 4 years old, I perfectly understood the kind of man he was, he did not allow anyone to disrespect him without receiving punishment. My mother had fallen in love with a soldier and they secretly saw each other.
-Celes: I see where you want to go, Lord Damian.
-Damian: That's right, when my father found out about that, he felt that she disrespected him and no matter how much she begged for his forgiveness, he executed her along with the soldier and since that day I felt that hatred towards him, waiting for the moment to make him pay for everything.
-Zyrus: So you gathered all the information about his illegal acts and sent them to the capital.
-Damian: When I find out about you and your "capture order" I prepare those reports and send them. Lady Jeane and I are old acquaintances and I knew that she would send them to the King or well to the Princess in this case.
Everything was beginning to make more sense now, but what worried me was what would happen now, since his father also had the support of the Chancellor, my question was whether he would suffer any retaliation for being a non-direct part of those acts.
-Damian: Well, in a few days the charges against my father will be released to the public and a trial will be held where I will have to testify against him, he will not be happy but that is what I hope to see.
-Zyrus: I'm glad you finally have your revenge and everything but you still haven't told us why I'm here.
-Damian: I did not expect your arrival in the city before my father was arrested and let's say that I feel partly responsible for your imprisonment and as compensation I want to apologize in person and let you know that if you need anything, you can count on me.
-Zyrus: So an apology and a promise of a favor, I guess it's better than nothing I guess.
-Damian: Come on, come on, the favor of a noble can be very useful one day.
-Zyrus: I'll take it into consideration the next time I have problems with the law.
Damian gave a slight laugh and after that we got up and shook hands before leaving, this was all an experience to tell one day and I really didn't know how useful that favor would be to me in the future but at least it made me feel something more safe knowing there were people having my back from afar
-Celes: My Lord, what do you think of all this?
-Zyrus: It's hard to put it into words, but each new experience in this world gives me a better image of how it works, both in sight and from the shadows, for now let's meet with the others.
It was clear that Tevell was not a perfect place, it had its good points and its faults and I still needed to know how the rest of the world worked, although with what I have experienced in the past I can assume that the Church and the Empire are not a good thing and without mention the Demon Army.
"This world has too many problems to be solved by one person, how did the first Hero manage to bring peace the first time?"
Shortly after we arrived at the tavern where we were to meet with the others but to our surprise the three were outside the taverna waiting for us.
-Zyrus: What's wrong, I thought they would wait inside
-Leah: Actually, Zyrus, there's something I'd like to discuss with you in private...if I can.
Celes and I looked at each other very confused upon hearing Leah's request and the others also looked a bit strange and it made me wonder if something had happened while they were visiting the Guard Captain.
-Zyrus: S-Sure...
She took me to a lonely area to talk, I didn't know what had happened to her but for her to want to talk to me in private could not be a good thing.
-Leah: T-This is hard for me to say so please listen to me until the end.
-Zyrus: Sure, say it without problems.
She was nervous and blushing looking at the floor and she hardly managed to keep eye contact with me but I think I could already understand what she wanted to tell me.
-Leah: Since we met I couldn't see you as more than another person but since what happened in the mine, the way you kept me safe, you gave me strength to continue and you protected me.
As she kept talking I could see a smile form on her face as she played with her fingers.
-Leah: I feel like I could have gotten out of that mine if you hadn't been by my side, you are strong, kind and brave, you even faced Celes so that we could enter the mine and since then I feel like I'm stronger than before.
Looking away, still flushed, Leah rubbed her left arm with her right hand.
-Leah: And when we managed to free you from the mansion, I could feel how important you had become to me, what I'm trying to say is that I wanted to show you how much I care about you and as a thank you for everything you've done for me and my friends .
At that moment I could notice how he closed his eyes and slowly his face began to get closer to mine, at that moment I understood his intentions and his confession really made me feel happy but even so I couldn't and before his lips reached mine I gave a few steps back to get away.
-Leah: Huh!?
-Zyrus: Leah...I...I'm sorry, it makes me happy that you feel that way but...I can't.
I could see how my retreat surprised her and by not accepting her feelings I could see how tears formed in her eyes and this was exactly what she wanted to avoid.
-Zyrus: Listen, I walk a path with no turning back and I don't want to drag anyone down for it, Celes knows it and she accompanies me because she has no one else in this world, but you still have your friends and your mission to find to your father.
-Leah: (Sobbing) B-But I...
-Zyrus: I don't want you to abandon all that for me, I appreciate those feelings but I'm not the right person for you, I can't make you happy, forgive me Leah, it was never my intention to cause you this pain.
She remained motionless looking at me with trembling eyes while tears fell from her cheeks, she couldn't say anything else, I just walked to her side.
-Zyrus: Goodbye Leah.
As I walked away from her I could see Mei and Aeryn come out from behind the wall and run towards their friend without turning to see me and after crossing the wall, Celes who was leaning against the wall looked at me.
-Zyrus: Let's go Celes.
-Celes: Yes My Lord.
Finally the two of us walked away back to the stable while listening to the heartbreaking and inconsolable crying of Leah in the background.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone