Upon returning to Axel, Adam finally felt the tension that had been building up inside him release.
So exhausted! Truly too exhausted!
Having to compete with other Royal Candidates, staying vigilant at all times, and being careful of the schemes of powerful figures — honestly, even an iron man couldn't withstand it.
Fortunately, he returned safely.
Kazuma is still the best. The people here are so interesting, each one talented and pleasant to talk to — he really loves this place.
Especially when his fame in Axel is so great and everyone recognizes him, that feeling is even better.
"Lord Governor, you're back!"
"Lord Governor, welcome back!"
"Isn't this the Hero? Haven't seen you for two months, how have you been lately?"
Adam, the Lord of Axel and leader of the 『 Hero 』 Party, was a well-known figure in the village, beloved by all his subjects.
"Everyone, long time no see, have you been well?" He greeted them loudly, without any aristocratic aloofness.
Adam certainly wouldn't change his behavior just because his status had changed into something people would despise.
They preferred "Adam the Adventurer" rather than "Adam the Lord".
"Yes, thank you for your concern!" x N
After their unanimous response, he returned to the inn. However, there were no party members present.
"Ah, it's Lord Governor!"
When the innkeeper saw Adam enter, his fat body quickly squeezed out from behind the counter, his plump, oily face wearing a fawning smile.
This mercenary man called Habo was the owner of the biggest and best inn in Axel. The party had stayed here initially because he had enticed Aqua and Megumin, saying they could stay for free until the lord's mansion was completed.
Adam could understand this man's intentions. He wanted to curry favor with him, the lord.
Originally, he didn't want to agree, but Aqua and Megumin, upon hearing it was free, moved in that very day. There was no helping it, so he had to go along with them.
But he insisted on paying for the rooms!
However, Habo was shrewd, and after realizing his intentions had been exposed, he didn't try to fawn over Adam excessively. Still, his subtle service left the party members satisfied.
For this, Adam paid him an extra ten percent.
"Innkeeper Habo, where did our party members go? Why is no one in the rooms?"
"Oh, about that..." At his inquiry, Habo revealed the whereabouts of the others.
It turned out that about half a month after his departure, the lord's mansion renovations had been completed, and the other party members had already moved back.
"Thank you for letting me know, Innkeeper Habo. I'll be taking my leave now. Sorry for any trouble I've caused recently."
"Not at all. Being able to help Lord Governor is my honor."
With a respectful farewell, Adam left the inn and headed toward the mansion in the suburbs.
After about 15 minutes, he arrived at the suburban mansion.
He surveyed the newly renovated structure.
The mansion, now expanded by one floor, had also increased significantly in area. Although he had repeatedly emphasized not to expand further, clearly the craftsmen had ignored his requirements and forcibly added another section.
After the expansion, the mansion appeared more imposing than before, its previously dilapidated appearance completely refreshed. Gone were the signs of age and decay.
Forgive Adam's verbal complaints despite his actual satisfaction — it really was very nice.
He pushed open the door and walked in. Before reaching the hall, he heard a commotion.
"Hey! Aqua, that's enough, right? I've already apologized, so you don't need to put on this affected attitude anymore!"
It was Kazuma. He seemed quite annoyed with Aqua.
That was understandable — ever since the two of them had arrived in this world, they had always been at odds. If they ever became friendly, that would truly surprise Adam.
"That's right, Aqua. I'm not used to you being . Please go back to how you were before, I'm begging you."
This was Megumin. She was pleading with Aqua.
Her reaction puzzled him. Setting aside Kazuma, why was Megumin also behaving this way?
Aqua said very seriously, "What are you all talking about? I've always been , haven't I?"
Her ethereal voice was full of love and tolerance.
"Hey! Know when to stop. If you continue , watch out or I'll punch you in the face!" Kazuma, who practiced true gender equality, didn't care about her pretenses.
If she provoked him, he might really do such a thing.
"What...! cough You dare speak to me, a goddess, in such a manner? How disrespectful! ...However, I am the Goddess of Water, the Goddess of Wisdom, Love, and Tolerance, so I shall forgive your rudeness."
Even Adam was shocked.
Was this really the same mischievous, crybaby Aqua who liked to argue with people, never behaved properly, and acted like a mentally challenged child?
"What... is going on here?" Unable to suppress his confusion, he stepped from the doorway into the hall.
"Huh? It's Adam-senpai, you're back!"
"Adam! Welcome back!"
Satou Kazuma and Megumin were both delighted when they saw him appear, shouting his name to welcome his return.
But there was one exception — Aqua!
Usually, when she saw him return, she would have rushed over and hugged him by now. Just like seeing a walking wallet, she would always pounce on him like a kitten.
Although it seemed friendly, there was definitely a purpose behind much of that friendliness.
But this time, Aqua didn't make any move!
Even when she saw him, she only softly said, "Adam, welcome back. You've worked hard, my dear follower. May the blessing of the Water Goddess be with you always."
Now, she was sitting properly in her chair, her face wearing a serene smile, an elegant and dignified aura emanating from her. Solemn and steady, completely devoid of her previous impulsiveness and rashness.
Just like a real goddess!
Wait — why say "like"? Isn't Aqua already a goddess?
Curious, Adam asked: "What's wrong with Aqua? She seems a bit off."
"Actually..." Kazuma explained the reason.
In short, because of a comment saying 'for a goddess, you don't act like one at all; if you keep this up, you might get abandoned by Adam-senpai', Aqua, afraid of being abandoned, had resumed the proper demeanor of a goddess.
Kazuma looked at her with annoyance and said: "...That's how it is. Just because of that casual remark I made, this idiot Aqua has turned into this."
"I see." Adam nodded, showing he understood. Then, he said to the Goddess of Wisdom who was sitting properly in her chair, "Aqua, you're being very strange ."
"What are you saying, Adam? I am a proper goddess. My dear follower, I've always been , haven't I? I am Aqua, the Goddess of Water and Wisdom!"
It was as if she was defining herself, or perhaps narrating her original appearance. She seemed to have completely forgotten all her previous behaviors that weren't the least bit goddess-like.
But in the next moment, Adam's words hit her sore spot.
"How can you say that with a straight face, Aqua... Goddess of Part-time Work, Goddess of Parties, Goddess of Drunkenness, Goddess of Arrogance, Goddess of Taking Abuse, Goddess of Stupidity? , you still have the nerve to call yourself a proper goddess?"
"Urgh... what...!" Perhaps his words were too cutting, making Aqua unable to accept them. Her eyes immediately welled up with tears, looking pitiful.
She never expected that she would have such an image in his heart, that the always affectionate Adam would deprecate her .
If he said a couple more things, she would definitely burst into tears.
"...But you know, this is what makes you Aqua, this is the Aqua I like, isn't it?" He suddenly changed his tone, speaking with a comforting voice: "No matter how others see you, you are you, Aqua."
"Urgh..." Hearing his words, Aqua softly whimpered, "Then Adam won't despise me, even if I'm ?"
"Of course! How could I ever despise you, Aqua? I really like you, you know." Adam answered without hesitation.
From the beginning, he realized that without Aqua's Blessing, he might have fallen there. And the effects brought by her Blessing were extremely powerful!
So for him, Aqua was an indispensable existence, and no one could take her away!
Aqua sniffled the running mucus, then revealed a pure smile that could make anyone feel purified.
Then! She leaped up from her chair and jumped toward him.
"Adam! Welcome back, I missed you so much!" With a belated greeting, Aqua opened her arms and hugged him.
"Wait, wait a moment, Aqua!" Seeing the angle of her jump, Adam had a sense of déjà vu.
Their heads collided again.
"Owww... it huuurts!" Aqua held her head, her eyes full of tears as she cried.
Looks like she's reverted to her clumsy personality.
She's so easy to coax. With her , I could trick her ten times!
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