Epilogue

Not ready to give up, the Princess continued to pay Flio visit after visit, asking him to take up the role of True Hero, but Flio simply refused. Her passionate words did reach him eventually, however, and in the end he caved and let her know that if there was ever something she needed, he would do his best to help. The Princess was so happy that she was moved to tears.

She had been so desperate to secure his allegiance that at one point she said, quite without thinking, that she would “offer him her heart and body if he wished.”

“You scum,” Rys growled. “Lusting after a married man, are you? Hmm?” It took all four of Balirossa’s party to hold her back from attacking.

The Golden-Haired Hero and Tsuya, having been arrested, were sent off to the castle, but they broke free en route and vanished to gods-know-where. The Princess circulated wanted posters for the two throughout the Magical Kingdom of Klyrode and even to the neighboring kingdoms, offering a bounty for the pair’s arrest.

◇One Day, in Flio’s House◇

“All right,” said Flio, “let’s head to town!”

Rys followed after him. “Watch the house while we’re gone please, Hiya.”

“As you wish, Exalted One, Mistress. I shall clean the house and do the laundry. I will also stand guard while you are away.”

Hiya saw them off as they left. As they passed through the pasture, they happened upon Balirossa and Byleri. Balirossa was riding on a horse monster. When they saw Flio and Rys, they cheerfully approached.

“Oh, are you on your way out?” said Balirossa.

“Like, have a good one!” said Byleri.

“Hey! See ya around!” Blossom came over from the nearby garden. She had also noticed Flio and Rys leaving.

Flio looked at everyone who had come to see them off. “Good work, everyone,” he said. “Since we’re heading out, is there anything you need from the city?”

“There’s no need to bother with that,” said Balirossa. “It would be disrespectful to push our errands off on the master of the house.” Byleri and Blossom nodded.

But Flio said, “There’s really no need to stand on ceremony. At least let me get you some souvenirs. Isn’t there anything you want?”

“No, no, no.” Balirossa shook her head. “It would really be discourteous...”

“If you won’t tell us what you want for a souvenir,” said Rys, smiling mischievously, “then no dinner for you tonight. How about that?”

“Wha—?” Balirossa (not really meaning to) cried out piteously. “That’s not fair!” Everyone had a good laugh at her reaction.

At this point, Belano darted out of the door. After waiting for a moment, she finally greeted them. “I need to go to school,” she said before pausing once more. “Can I come with you two?”

With Belano now in the mix, the group continued to chat for a while. Flio and Rys looked happily at the other four. “It seems like our family grew quite large at some point,” remarked Flio.

“That’s quite all right, my love,” said Rys. “It’s nothing we can’t handle with your omnicapable Rys in command. But more importantly...” She suddenly blushed red and began to fidget. “I... I want to have a child with you soon.” She closed her eyes tight.

Flio leaned over to kiss his wife on the lips, though he was self conscious in front of the other four. Balirossa’s gang did their best to give the two a little privacy and deliberately looked away, for which Flio was very grateful. The two continued to embrace and kiss one another for some time, locking their bodies together under the clear sky.

Sybe watched them from the window, making snuffling noises.