Epilogue: Three Heroes and a Farmer

"Let us once again show our gratitude to these young heroes! They have saved our lands from the demonic threat!"

An older man in expensive clothing waves across the crowd. With him on the wooden stage are three individuals. One is a knight with a massive axe and a spirit that will always help those in need. The second is a girl with purple robes and an unnaturally large hat, such an appearance showing her mastery in magic. Finally, a young man has one hand on his special blade, eyes clear and resolute.

"Are you sure that you don't want to be up there?"

Pushing through the crowd towards me is a small girl with a beige dress and hat. She carries the air of an aristocrat and the pleasant fragrance of lavender. Underneath everything is a demon with the power to level this entire kingdom to the ground. However, she uses this magic only to protect what's important to her.

"I'm alright. The spotlight isn't made for me."

"Even if that would share your story with more people?"

"All in good time, my friend."

I'm standing amongst the onlookers, not looking like anything more than a poor peasant. My tunic is fitted with patches over the tears and my hands are wrapped in white bandages. Beneath all of these scars is pride, both for the children receiving this recognition as well as for myself in bringing them this far. It was truly an arduous journey.

"Let's go."

I place a hand on Ailith's shoulder and the two of us exit the festivities. We find ourselves back where times are simple and the food is passable. At this hour, there are less rowdy folk. Considering that the sun is still up, we go without alcohol.

"What will you do now, Rado?"

"Hm?"

Her question catches me by surprise. Every day since that fateful night has been hectic with one event after another. Now that my responsibilities are over, there really is nothing demanding my attention. Charles as well told me that I could do as I please.

"I'm not sure…"

"How about traveling?"

"Traveling?"

Ailith passes tomatoes from her plate to mine as she continues.

"You want to tell your story, right? Then you should go to every city on the continent and tell it in a place like this. I'm not how much people will believe a farmer like you, but it's worth a shot."

"That's not a bad idea…"

I don't necessarily need to tell everybody that the old man in the tale is myself. As long as they learn the name of my little girl and how she led to the celebrations today, it will be worth it.

"Maybe I'll do that, then. It sounds better than sitting aimlessly here. What about you?"

"I'm leading my children north towards the lands still recovering from war. We should be safe there."

She leans against the table, looking up at me with her cheek resting within her palm.

"If I find free time, I can check to make sure that you're alive."

"That would be much appreciated!"

BANG

Our merry meal is interrupted by a group of this tavern's usual suspects. I recognise all of their faces, and they surely recognise mine. After all, they are all walking directly towards me.

"We heard from the heroes! You fought the Demon Lord alone!"

"So you really weren't some senile old man!"

"How did you manage to hide your true power!?"

I'm completely taken aback by the crowd that has so quickly formed around our bench. From all sides, excited people are asking questions and showing their gratitude for my supposed achievements.

"Wait! You've got the wrong—!"

Looking past the crowd, I see the three heroes at the entrance. Katherine shows a smirk before hiding it beneath her hat. Bernard shrugs his shoulders, just as surprised by what is happening. At the back, Leon gives a small smile before turning away.

"This was all you brats, wasn't it! You're gonna hear it later!"

With the crowd only growing more and more noisy, I stand atop the bench and wave over the crowd.

"Alright, settle down! Everybody be quiet!"

The attention of the entire tavern is on me, but I'm not lost. I know exactly where to start now that all these eyes are on me. With my companions cheering me on, I take a deep breath.

"Let me tell you all a story about this town in the middle of nowhere!"