Final Chapter: Farewell, Grampa’s House—Until We Meet Again
“Apple pie is the best! Apple pie is the best! You better scream it too—APPLE PIE IS THE BEST!!”
Such were my thoughts as I soaked in the bath. Grampa’s house had a massive bathing area. Fitting for a noble of the prestigious Laglar family, I suppose.
“Zero-sama.”
“Hm?”
As I lounged in the tub, Reina leaned her back against me. She was wrapped in a towel, so it wasn’t like I could see anything indecent.
Her face, unobstructed, was clearly visible—beautiful as always, but with a hint of sadness.
“You mad I ate too much apple pie?”
“No.”
“Then is it because I called you fat?”
“That’s part of it… but no, not really.”
“Hmm.”
“That demon from the arena… scared me. Brought back bad memories.”
“…Oh, the one we talked about. That’s what freaked you out?”
“Yes… Zero-sama, even I want to be spoiled sometimes. There are a lot of things that frighten me.”
“Huh.”
She stayed pressed against me, unmoving.
“Don’t worry. That thing was nothing. If anything happens, I’ll take care of it.”
“You say cool things sometimes, you know.”
“I’m 80% cool.”
“That’s pushing it.”
“I said I’d handle it, so leave it at that.”
“Fufu, true. Was that demon strong?”
“Weak.”
“Such an instant reply… scary.”
A glance at her face showed a smug grin. What was she getting at?
“Fufufu~ Could it be? You were too busy staring at my beauty?”
“…You are beautiful, but I wasn’t staring.”
“Fufu, you’re a terrible liar. Well, I suppose it can’t be helped—a pure virgin like Zero-sama would be overwhelmed by a goddess like me.”
“…I’m not a virgin.”
“Wha—?!”
“Well, my body is, but my soul isn’t.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?!”
“It’s about my past life.”
“…Hah?! P-Past life?! Are you joking?!”
“Eh, well, I guess I can tell you, Reina. I died once.”
“S-So you reincarnated?!”
“Yep.”
I gave her a rough explanation about Japan. Reina listened with keen interest. Eventually, the topic circled back to romance.
“So, um… Zero-sama, how many… ahem… partners have you had?”
“Hmm, dunno. Got stabbed with a kitchen knife once, drugged with sleeping pills and paralytic poison… too many to count.”
“…D-Do all Japanese people have love lives like that?!”
“Doubt it.”
“W-Wow. How strong are Japanese people? Are they stronger than you?”
“Right now, I’m stronger. But in my past life? I was average. Just another loner in the crowd. Nothing special.”
“Huh?! Japan’s a den of monsters, then! Even you weren’t exceptional?! What kind of country was it?”
“Completely different from here. No magic, but they had science instead.”
“Huh, were there gods?”
“Some people believed in them. Plenty of religions, but nobody ever saw one.”
Exactly. Just like here, in this world—gods were worshipped, but no one had ever laid eyes on one.
“You don’t believe in gods, do you, Zero-sama?”
“If you call something a ‘god,’ it better be superior to humans. Otherwise, it’s not a god.”
“Fair point.”
“Ah, got an idea. Reina, you’ve always believed in gods, right? Let’s define ‘god’ as ‘someone stronger than me’ from now on.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Stop coming up with the worst ideas. Ugh, fine. Anyway, Zero-sama, let me wash your back.”
“Thanks.”
“Want me to wash… down there too?”
“You said it, so you better commit. Bet your life on it.”
“S-Scary! W-Wait, huh?!”
“Heh. That thing’s not a weapon. Now hurry up and scrub my back, maid.”
“Tch… Don’t think you’ve won!”
After the bath, we returned to my room in Grampa’s house. Reina followed, of course.
“Summer homework’s done, so we can head back soon.”
“It’s been fulfilling. We got to eat apple pie, after all.”
“Zero. Got a minute?”
A knock, followed by Grampa’s voice. I let him in, and he stepped inside with a serious expression. What was this about?
“Hmm, Zero. What I’m about to say might be heavy. My apologies, Reina—could you step out?”
“No need. I already know… It’s about the Six Great Gods, isn’t it?”
“What?! You knew?!”
“Yes. The truth is… Zero-sama and I are already fighting against the Six Great Gods. That’s why we came here. After seeing that battle with the demon, I figured you had something to say.”
“To think even Reina is fighting alongside you! And you saw through my intentions?!”
“I’ve been fighting daily—my instincts are sharp.”
“Hmm… I see. Zero. The battles ahead will be harsh. Are you prepared?”
“Of course. Zero-sama would never lack resolve. I, his maid, guarantee it.”
“Hmm, Zero. You’re a genius. I, too, was once drunk on talent, but I doubt you’ll make my mistakes. Can you do it?”
“Zero-sama is a genius among geniuses—the cream of the crop. Arrogance is beneath him.”
“Indeed, Zero. Cherish your comrades, seek the truth, save this world from the Six Great Gods, destroy those consumed by greed… Do you have the resolve to become a legend?”
“With Zero-sama, it goes without saying. He already has over 200 allies and has uncovered the truth. He always sees the future clearly.”
“To have your maid speak for you like this…”
“For Zero-sama, it’s only natural.”
“Very well. Then, Zero—”
“—For Zero-sama, that’s child’s play.”
……
……
……
“I see. Then, Zero—”
“—For Zero-sama, it’s easier than breakfast.”
……
……
……
“Hmm. Then, Zero—”
“—For Zero-sama, it’s a quick snack before dinner.”
—Hey, I didn’t say anything!! (Half-snapping)
They’re just running wild with this conversation! Wait, Grampa never grew out of his chuunibyou phase?!
And Reina, since when did you start answering for me?!
Listen, there are no gods. Nobody’s stronger than me. I’ve never seen one, and neither has anyone else!!!
Seriously, enough already. If it were just mild belief, I wouldn’t care. Back in Japan, I even visited shrines for New Year’s.
But people in this world actually believe—resurrection of gods, stealing divine power, illegal experiments, crimes galore. Do they lack common sense? Grampa, you should take notes from Papin.
He at least grew out of his chuunibyou phase.
“Zero… I’m counting on you. To save this world.”
“…Uh, yeah. Sure.”
How am I supposed to refuse when he’s looking at me with those sparkling middle-schooler eyes? Not that I can judge—I used to be a chuunibyou running wild in this world too.
Guess this is karma. Reap what you sow.
“Then, Zero. Rest well tonight.”
“Uh, sure.”
“I expect great things from you as the Proxy.”
So he knows about that too…
Now there’s no backing out!!!
“Heh. Obviously.”
“Hoho, that’s my proud grandson.”
Who the hell brags about a grandson like me?! Not that I’m into self-deprecation, but come on. Sigh.
After Grampa left, I shot Reina a glare.
“Zero-sama?”
“What the hell was that?”
“I was covering for you so you wouldn’t slip up.”
“You were just saying whatever you wanted.”
“You would’ve been exposed anyway.”
“Hey… You weren’t actually making sure I couldn’t quit being the Leader or the Proxy, were you?”
“W-W-W-W-What?! N-No way! That’s slander!”
“Oi! That’s the most textbook suspicious reaction ever!!”
“Eek! D-Don’t pinch my cheeks!”
“Ugh… Whatever. I’m tired. Going to sleep.”
“Fufufu, leave the cuddling to me.”
“Like hell I will, you lewd maid!”
“T-That voice—!”
The door burst open with a BANG. Knock first, damn it!
“How dare you take my spot beside dear brother?! Don’t you know he can’t sleep without his adorable little sister?!”
“You just read a horror story and got too scared to sleep alone, didn’t you?”
“Big Brother! Keep talking nonsense, and I’ll blast you with magic!”
“Fine, fine. Just let me sleep. I’m exhausted.”
I really was. And now… I was trapped. Never thought it’d come to this.
I Kept Saying ‘Everything Is According to the One’s Will’ and Now I Can’t Back Down.
D-Didn’t expect this outcome. Well, it’s fine. If I just live properly from now on, no problems. Everyone makes mistakes.
But what matters is what comes after. Step by step.
Moving forward, correcting those mistakes—that’s life.
As I reflected on my past, I realized Ilza had already claimed my bed. I sat on the sofa, staring at the night sky. Reina joined me.
“Zzz… mmm… Onii-sama… muscles… massage…”
Ignoring my weirdly mumbling little sister, I reaffirmed my resolve—to live a proper life from now on.
“Zero-sama.”
“What?”
“Thank you.”
“…For what?”
“For everything.”
“Hmph. You’re welcome. But don’t drag me into more trouble.”
“I won’t. I’m a capable maid.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
“Says the one who got us into this mess. Roleplaying as the Proxy? What even was that?”
“That topic’s banned. It’s too embarrassing.”
“No, I’ll keep bringing it up.”
“Do what you want. But I’ve decided—I’m living straight from now on. No bending my words.”
“Oho~? Such a cool line. How about we get married after this is all over?”
“Dunno.”
“That’s the best outcome, isn’t it?”
“Nah.”
“Grr… Fine. But one day, Zero-sama will… surely…”
“The world can rot. I’m living normally. I’m done with the Proxy, the Leader, and the phantom thief gig.”
“Wait… phantom thief?!”
“Hm? What?”
“Just checking… You were a phantom thief?”
“A little. But I thought the Proxy was cooler, so I didn’t do it much.”
“…Why did you even try being a phantom thief?”
“Maman had a bunch of phantom thief stuff in her room.”
“…”
“She’s a huge fan. Also wrote legendary tomes for fun. Wanna know a trick? Spill tea on fresh paper, then roast it with fire—looks like an ancient relic. There are a bunch of books like that.”
“…No wonder you’re in too deep. Idiot.”
“Hah? You picking a fight?”
“Bring it.”
Whatever. I’m going to sleep. Dealing with her is exhausting.
I’m leaving my chuunibyou days behind. Living properly from now on. A slow life in another world—that’s the goal. The Revolutionary Army? The Six Great Gods? Not my problem anymore!!
I’ll quit one day for sure!!
—But the past never lets go.
“Zero-sama! A demon appeared! Time for the Proxy to shine! The Revolutionary Army’s counting on you! Come on, hurry!!”
DAMN IT!! Waking me up in the middle of the night?!
“—Everything is according to the One’s will………”
“As expected of the Leader!”
“Truly worthy!”
“So cool it’s scary!”
“Hohoho, splendid as always, Leader-dono!”
Ugh, I’m stuck!!
All because I Kept Saying ‘Everything Is According to the One’s Will’…
Afterword
Thank you for reading this far.
I’m the author, Sasuga Yuyushita. To those who supported the web version and those picking up this book for the first time—thank you so much.
If this story helped kill even a little of your boredom, I’m happy.
I’ll keep doing my best, so your support means the world.
See you next time!!
TLNOTE:
What a shameless novel! A complete copycat!
Joking aside, I picked this novel exactly because The Eminence in Shadow’s next book is taking too long to come out! I know it’ll probably be released along with the new movie, but still…
Anyway, thanks for reading this English translation, and please let me know if there’s any news about the continuation of this novel. See you next time, hopefully soon!
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