Read The Legendary Rebuilding of a World by a Realist Demon King

144 - - separation from a hero

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　Bernese's group was so happy that they started dancing on the spot, but my men and I were not as happy as they were.

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　We were happy to have defeated the Demon King Dagon, and with Dagon's defeat, his army was scattered.

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　As happy as I was, I could not express my joy when I saw the bowman's back twilighted on the battlefield.

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　I walked up to him and called out.

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"That was a beautiful arrow strike," he said.

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"That was the best magic I've ever seen."

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"............"

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　Silence followed, but it was surprisingly Robin who broke the silence.

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　He smiled and said, "This is the last battle.

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"It is all thanks to you that we were able to destroy Dagon this time. I thank you.

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"It was also thanks to your lion-hearted efforts."

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Perhaps, but only until today.

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You're leaving?

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Yes. I've had enough of fighting.

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　Robin drops his bow and turns away from me, but I call out to him.

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"You'll come back, won't you? You are the only captain of the Ashtaroth archery squadron.

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　Robin paused and said, "Thank you.

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　I walked up to him and shook his hand for the last time. I wanted to give him a hug.

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"Hey, I'm not into that kind of stuff," he said.

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　Robin played along, but I was very serious.

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"Where I come from, we shake hands with our friends, embrace, and vow to meet again. You're going to have to learn to do it my way."

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"I think it's a great place to be, but I can't do that."

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Why not?

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Because I don't deserve your handshake or your embrace.

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That's for me to decide.

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No, it's my decision. Because I tried to kill you many times during the battle. I tried to save Fianna by taking your head. I have tried many times to betray you. A man like that does not deserve a friend."

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"Well, I'm glad you confessed. Well then, Robin, hit me."

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"............"

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　Robin, speechless, asks if he has heard wrong.

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"No, I'm not going to hit you. You hit me.

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"I thought you said it was the other way around."

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"No, it's not the other way around. Actually, I had my doubts about you too. I suspected that when you put a bullet through my heart, you would aim for something other than the heart until the very end. The truth is, I don't deserve your handshake or your embrace either."

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　So hit me," he continues.

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"That's my line. Hit me first. I should have been the first to rebel!"

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　Robin said, and I hit him without hesitation. I did it because I thought it was the way to repay his trust. I thought it was a way to build a friendship with him.

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　With a thud, a heavy blow lands on his cheek. Red blood spills from his mouth. It seems to have cut his lip and mouth.

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"I haven't hit anyone in a long time. My hand hurts."

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"Of course it does. Your fists aren't made to hit people.

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"Well, you're next. Robin, hit me. Hit me as hard as you can. Give me the right to hug you. Give me the right to shake your hand. Make me your friend."

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　And when he says it, he hits me. As hard as he can.

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　I'm stunned when I hear a sound as loud as the one before, but then I get myself back up and smile at him.

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"He hit me well. That's what I'm talking about.

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　Robin and I exchanged a passionate embrace, and then we clasped hands.

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"I'll be back someday, I promise. When I do, I hope you'll join me.

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"I look forward to that day."

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　After exchanging these words, Robin left on his journey. For some reason, the carbuncle that always accompanied me never moved from my feet.

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　Robin and I parted company in this way, but I felt that our hearts were connected somehow, even though we were separated only physically.

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