No, you were able to achieve a variety of things. You were able to teach someone like me who only knows how to honestly save children that a variety of methods exist."
"However, all of them had weak effects."
"However, it certainly has changed. I remember everything. According to your scheme in the Town of Rikarisu, the words of the old woman who said she didn't fear the Supard race. The happy faces of the adventurers who laughed without fear after hearing the name Dead End. The closeness to the Dedorudia race warriors who came to recognize us even after hearing the name Supard race. The Shirone soldiers who thanked me in tears after being reunited with their families."
Putting aside the first two, the two after were all Ruijerd giving it his best effort.
I haven't done anything.
"..That is Ruijerd-san, your own power."
"No. I couldn't do anything myself. It's been 400 years since the war, I moved around alone and I wasn't able to advance even one step forward. The one who allowed me to take that step forward was you, Rudeus."
"..However, that was always under the advice of the Hitogami."
"Things about a God that I've never seen don't matter at all. The one who actually saved me was you. I don't know what you think, but I feel a debt of gratitude towards you. Therefore, don't lower your head, you and I are equal, rather than thanking, look with your eyes."
While saying that Ruijerd faced me and held out his hand.
While I was looking at him in the eyes.
Without averting my eyes from there I grabbed his hand.
"I'll say it once more. Rudeus, thanks for the assistance"
"We as well, thanks for the assistance."
While tightly holding onto his hand, the strength of Ruijerd was conveyed.
The inner corners of my eyes got hot.
This shameful I, this I who made nothing but mistakes, Ruijerd recognized me.
After a short while, we quietly released our hands.
That hand moved to the side and was placed on top of Eris head.
"Eris."
"..What is it?"
"Is it fine if I treat you like a child in the end?"
"It's fine, really."
Eris bluntly responded.
Ruijerd lightly smiled and caressed Eris head.
"Eris, you have talent. You should have enough talent to become far stronger than me."
"That's a lie, after all... That guy..."
Eris linked her lips together in a frown and made a sullen face.
Ruijerd suddenly laughed a bit, normally, he would have said words about training.
"You fought against someone with the name of God, and received their technique. The meaning of that..."
And, Understood?
Eris was definitely glaring at Ruijerd.
Before long, she opened her eyes.
"...I understand."
"All right, good girl."
Ruijerd patted Eris head and then removed his hand.
Eris continued with her lips shaped in a frown and grasped her fist tightly.
It looked like she was on the verge of crying but desperately tried to endure it.
I asked Ruijerd without taking my eyes off her.
"Ruijerd-san, what are you going to do from here on out?"
"I don't know, I intend to search around for survivors of the Supard race in Central Continent for a short while. If it's just me alone, then recovering the honor is just a dream within a dream after all."
"I see, please give it your best. If I have any spare time, I'll try playing some kind of hand."
"..fu...Then I as well, if I have spare time I'll look for your mother."