"Gorilla warrior…"
"That guy didn't actually die, so why didn't he keep the three-year promise and come home? What exactly happened?"
Sein pinched his chin, muttering nonstop as he paced back and forth. Ever since he learned of his best friend's whereabouts and life signs through Frieren's magic, he had fallen into this state of bafflement he couldn't shake off.
"The result of the magic shows your best friend is in the Empire. We'll most likely head to the Empire of Eisberg at some point anyway, so until then, Sein, you can travel with us." Frieren put away her staff with a smile. "I really didn't expect the magic I originally prepared to find Dio would end up being used like this."
After Sein compensated with a few simple healing spells, Frieren was finally coaxed into a good mood. She then used her people-finding magic and life-detection magic to locate the friend who had left home to adventure ten years ago.
"Haa…" Sein exhaled heavily and made up his mind completely. "I've decided—I'm going to become an adventurer and set out with you all. Though I'll only accompany you until the Empire."
"By the way, where exactly is your party headed?"
"To heaven…" Frieren replied, carrying her suitcase at the front.
"Heaven still needs to be specially searched for? Doesn't everyone go there after they die?" Sein didn't understand.
"Does Sein-sama even qualify to go?" Fern followed behind Frieren, expressionless, her voice thick with resentment. "After all, Sein-sama smokes, drinks, and gambles, right? You've already broken your vows."
Sein had dragged Stark gambling and made Fern extremely unhappy—especially since he did it while being a monk. This caused Fern—who had received the most orthodox monk education under Alicia since childhood—to be furious.
Why does this kid feel so aggressive?
Sein couldn't help thinking that to himself.
Stark draped an arm over Sein's shoulder with a helpless smile full of sympathy. "Let's do our best together!"
"What the hell are you even talking about…" Sein was utterly confused.
"Alicia-sama really was a proper, upright, good monk…" Having witnessed the diversity of monks, Fern couldn't help sighing. "Sein-sama is far too embarrassing as a monk."
Frieren was puzzled and tentatively asked, "What about monks who break the vow of lust? Alicia really admired Dio…"
"Frieren-sama didn't know?" Fern showed a smug little smile—as if to say even Frieren-sama has things she doesn't know—and eagerly began explaining. "Even if the Goddess walks the correct path without bias, she will inevitably be drawn to outstanding gods."
"Alicia really fed you some unbelievable stuff…"
...
Seventy-nine years after Diego went missing…
—Northern Nations, Fortress City of Frelich—
"Although… I've felt something was off from the very beginning…" As they neared the city, Sein narrowed his eyes and suddenly scrutinized Stark. "I can barely understand having resistance to poison, but why does Stark also have such high resistance to curses?! I only resisted the Hypnotic Flower's curse because of 『the Goddess's Blessing』!"
"What's a curse?" Hearing this, Stark turned back with clear, innocent eyes and asked seriously.
Sein froze in place, unable to stop himself from wondering: Did I make a mistake? Does this guy actually have talent as a monk?
One day earlier, Frieren and the others had passed through a village shrouded in the curse of the Hypnotic Flower. The villagers had all fallen into a deep sleep because of it.
After discussion, the group decided to eliminate the source of the curse and set out to find the Hypnotic Flower.
During the process, Frieren and Fern were successively hit by the curse and fell asleep. Sein, thanks to the Goddess's favor toward monks, barely resisted using 『the Goddess's Blessing』.
And Stark…
This big guy just grabbed his ax and went berserk chopping at the Hypnotic Flower the whole time—perfectly fine mentally—which made Sein feel sick.
"It's magic that exists among monsters and demons—ones that make people fall asleep or turn them to stone. Humans collectively call the parts we still can't decipher or lift 'curses'." Frieren patiently explained. "With human magic technology, we can neither understand the principle nor find a way to lift them. But the Goddess's magic is a different matter. From long ago, monks have existed to help others lift curses."
Sein raised one index finger and sincerely suggested, "Ordinary curses have zero effect on Stark. You're a genius. If I were you, forget being a warrior—switch to being a monk."
"How does Stark-sama manage it?" Fern asked, full of curiosity. Even she didn't have talent as a monk.
"Hmm… Speaking of petrification and hypnosis, Master used to take me to a desert area a lot. The destination was a huge sand pit. Around the pit were several finger-like stone pillars. Any creature that fell in would—without exception—end up petrified or fallen asleep. I trained down there a lot." The legendary durability king Stark pondered for a moment and gave an uncertain answer. "It was called something like 『Demon's Palm』… probably that's the reason…"
What on earth is your Master's educational philosophy?!
Who takes a novice disciple to such a dangerous place to train? Aren't you afraid Stark might never come back?!
Sein wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Frieren and Fern, on the other hand, remained calm—clearly long used to it.
At that moment, a rather aristocratic-sounding voice came from behind.
"Hey, you lot over there."
The group turned to see a red-haired middle-aged man wearing a deep black eyepatch, accompanied by a black-tailed butler, stepping down from a carriage.
"Excuse me." The middle-aged man nodded to the butler behind him. The two of them grabbed Stark and patted him down, then praised, "Great build, good looks too. Come to my mansion for a bit."
"Eh—eh—eh—?! What are you doing!" Stark panicked, covering his private areas like a maiden about to be violated, letting out a shrill scream.
This is exactly the kind of noble with special tastes that Master warned me about!!
"Count Olden, release the vanguard of my party. You're causing us trouble." Frieren shielded Stark behind her.
"I'm talking to him. No matter what, do I need the mother's permission just to speak with him?" Count Olden lifted his head. Frieren's appearance made him freeze for a moment. In disbelief, he asked, "You… wouldn't happen to be Frieren-sama, would you?"
Fern leaned close to Frieren's ear and whispered, "Frieren-sama, who is this person?"
"He's Count Olden. His grandfather got beaten up by Dio." Frieren covered her mouth and whispered back.
Their quiet exchange didn't upset Count Olden. After all, which noble back then hadn't been beaten?
What? You've never been beaten by Diego Brando? Then you don't deserve to be nobility.
So whoever hadn't been beaten was the one embarrassed. Just a bunch of masochistic nobles.
"Forgive my rudeness, Frieren-sama." Count Olden gave a slight bow, placing his left hand on his right shoulder in apology, then got to the point. "The thing is, I'd like to ask the vanguard of your party to act in a little play—have him pose as my son and appear at the social gathering one month from now."
"Boring. We're leaving, Stark." Frieren was already annoyed by the count's wording. Upon hearing this meaningless, time-wasting request, she rejected it immediately. "We still need to hurry to Oisast for the First-Class Mage Exam."
"I will pay you properly. During that time, food, lodging—everything will be covered by the Olden family." Seeing they were about to leave, Count Olden reached out to stop them. A flash of panic crossed his stern face. He had the butler bring out a portrait. "I'm not toying with you. It's just that Stark looks far too much like my son…"
"This is my eldest son, Wilt. Not only is he my heir—he is also the hero of this city."
"One month ago, we fought a great battle against demons. Wilt suffered irreparable injuries in that fight and can no longer battle."
"Fortunately, we encountered a powerful mysterious monk. She stepped in and saved Wilt from the brink of death. With one year of quiet rest, he can return to normal daily life."
"The Fortress City of Frelich is the defensive linchpin of this region. Until our military strength recovers, we absolutely cannot let morale drop."
"But at the social gathering one month from now, all the influential figures in the region will be present. We must show everyone a healthy Wilt. Only then can everyone unite as one to face the next war against demons."
"Therefore, I need Stark to stand in for Wilt."
Count Olden gave a slight bow and made his earnest request. Beneath his cold tone lay pride for his son and worry for the city.
"…I accept. How much will you pay?" After brief consideration, Stark took on the commission.
"Ten Hutral gold coins, plus one grimoire. I know the rules."
The words Frieren had been about to say were silently swallowed back.
Since her last private savings had all gone toward buying grimoires, Frieren had no choice but to accept life's harsh lessons and bow her head—with limits.
The count's price could cover three meals a day plus snacks for an entire year.
Since the count was showing such sincerity, they weren't entirely unwilling.
Ever since she became the breadwinner again, Frieren had truly come to understand how expensive daily necessities were.
"Stark-sama, is this really okay?" Fern looked worried and shot him a glance. "I remember you really hate pretending to be someone else."
"It's fine. After all, this is to protect someone else's hometown. And… I also have something I want to buy!" Stark struck a rare cool pose.
"Since you've agreed, Gaber, you're in charge of teaching Stark noble social etiquette." Count Olden nodded to the butler behind him.
Stark waved it off and explained, "No need. Master already taught me royal court etiquette."
With that, Stark transformed completely. His demeanor became elegant and humble. Using noble-exclusive etiquette, he dropped to one knee and extended his hand toward Fern with a gentle expression.
"He really doesn't seem like Stark-sama at all…"
Fern's eyes curved with a smile. Her expression was complex yet gentle as she reached out and took his hand.
Sein: Hurry up and date each other already!
Frieren (completely out of the loop): They're already dating early?!
"Perfect classical Imperial etiquette. Elegant—far too elegant!"
Count Olden stared wide-eyed at the scene, his tone filled with disbelief.
So… this boy's Master is… Diego Brando?
"Then you two only need to learn the dance etiquette…"
With that, Count Olden turned and left, beckoning for everyone to follow.
Just before boarding the carriage, Stark suddenly received a transmission from the battle axe.
"Stark, you know me—I've always raised you like a son. Can't you call me Dad?"
"Master, what are you suddenly saying…"
"Nothing. By the way, what do you want to buy with the money? This Dio has hidden stashes all over the continent. I'll never let you run short. I can help, you know!"
This may have been one of the reasons Diego took on so many commissions and earned money during adventures. Growing up in poverty, he had deeply understood the pain and helplessness poverty brought since childhood.
It gave him a powerful desire for money. He believed money could change his fate and pull him out of hardship.
"Thanks for the kindness, Master, but this one thing has to be done by me personally. One month from now is Fern's birthday. I want to prepare a present for her."
The shameless Diego came online again: Showing off, huh, you damn tomato…
For Stark, birthdays had become very important—carrying a special meaning unlike anything else.
...
One month passed in the blink of an eye. Every day after finishing dance etiquette lessons, Stark would disappear. People often saw him going in and out of jewelry shops.
At the social gathering…
Stark held Fern's hand. The two walked into the center of the dance hall in perfect harmony, the absolute protagonists of tonight's banquet. Under everyone's gaze, they began to dance gracefully.
"It really doesn't suit you at all, Stark-sama." Fern gazed at Stark's profile and spoke in an extremely soft voice. "But… this version of Stark-sama is also very charming."
The two slowly turned in a circle.
"Fern, I collected the reward from Count Olden today." Stark focused on their dance steps, mentioning it casually.
After pulling apart slightly, they joined hands again.
"Then are we going to buy snacks tonight?" Fern smiled with her eyes, tilting her head slightly. "I know a dessert shop whose taste doesn't lose to Diego-sama's."
Fern leaned back slightly. Stark supported her waist and continued the dance steps along with the motion.
"Today is your birthday, right, Fern? I remembered properly." Stark helped Fern upright again and spun her once more. In the middle of the dance, the Mirror Lotus bracelet slipped onto Fern's wrist. "So… I took the liberty of buying this."
Stark was very nervous. His heart beat fast—but not because he feared Fern would reject the gift.
It was precisely because she was Fern—always biased toward him. In certain matters, she had always indulged him.
["Stark, you like Fern, right? Then you have to take responsibility properly. You're not waiting for the girl to confess, are you?"]
["Master, you taught me—the flower language of Mirror Lotus… I remember it's eternal love, right? If I give Fern this gift, will she understand how I feel?"]
["This Dio doesn't know anything. After all, you already have the answer in your heart, don't you? Fern is a good girl—don't bully her~"]
["Yes… I like Fern… If there was a chance, I really wish we could pick it out together. But tonight is the last deadline…"]
["You two were both raised under this Dio's watch. No matter the result, Master supports you. With my blessing, just go for it."]
["Thank you, Master. I know what I have to do!"]
Fern stared blankly at the Mirror Lotus bracelet on her wrist. Ripples appeared on her usually calm face. Her body stiffened involuntarily; their dance nearly faltered.
"Stark-sama, you big dummy… who gives a present in the middle of a dance…" Fern smiled with her lips curved. She gave a radiant smile. "I thought Stark-sama had forgotten…"
Fern placed both hands on Stark's shoulders. The two gazed deeply into each other's eyes. Tenderness shone in both gazes—each filled entirely with the other's face.
As the dance music neared its end, the two raised their joined hands diagonally upward. Their steps shifted; the distance between their hearts shrank once again.
"Aah—sorry, Fern. I didn't think it through. Would it really have been better to give it after the dance ended?" Stark's voice was flustered.
"You big dummy—why are you apologizing?" Fern pouted. Her movements were gentle, overflowing with happiness.
[Alicia-sama, Frieren-sama… I think I'm about to break my vows too…]
Fern released one hand. Guided by Stark's other hand, she spun once and leaned into his chest. Their hands rejoined.
"But… I really like it…"
It's better when Stark-sama is this clumsy.
Every movement was the flow of their emotions toward each other.
...
On the other side of the dance hall, Frieren had also changed into a white gown. She sat with Stark's battle axe, quietly enjoying the desserts on the table.
Her gaze wandered. Watching Stark and Fern's dance steps, she gave a gentle smile.
"Yo, Frieren—spying? Not a bad hobby." Sein—in black formal wear—pulled out the chair at the next table, propped his chin on his hand, and looked around with interest. "But why is it that in such a big dance party, no big-sister wants to dance with me…"
"You're the same, aren't you, Sein." Frieren didn't shift her gaze.
"They're finally about to take that step, huh? Taking care of these two brats all this time must have been tough for you."
"…What do you mean 'take that step'?"
"What the hell—three brats in the same year…"
Three brats born that year. If it wasn't Frieren, then who was raising them?