Everything was over, and when I woke up, I was in bed.
I wonder how much time had passed. I don’t know anymore, and I don’t have to know. I lost everything. My companions, my equipment, my reason for living, all of it.
In the large room, I leaned against the wall and thought of nothing. I just waited for time to pass.
…I want to die. I want to go to everyone.
I’ll probably be scolded for surviving. But that’s okay, I want to see everyone again, talk to them. I want to fight and spend time talking about trivial things.
But I can’t do any of it anymore. Because they’re gone. Thinking that, tears well up again. It’s pathetic, isn’t it? A grown man crying like an idiot. Laugh at me.
I’m too weary even to wipe my face, and I’m barely able to breathe.
*Clack*
Suddenly, I heard the sound of the door opening and only my eyes moved.
“Hiroaki-san…? Are you there? Ah, are you alright?!”
The one who entered the room was Hyde, the Hell’s Overseer. I got entangled with some demons called Malebranche on the way and had to part ways. It seems he made it through alright.
Hyde looks surprised to see me standing in the corner of the room, having gotten out of bed.
“Huh? What’s wrong? Can you stand up?”
“Ah, well.”
I could only give a curt reply to him, who offered his small hand. As much as I appreciate him coming, I want to be alone right now. My face is a mess, and my body is dirty.
“Um, I know you must have a lot on your mind. But first, please let me apologize. This was something we should have handled. To think that someone from the surface would have to take care of you.”
Hyde is bowing his head repeatedly. It doesn’t matter anymore. Everything is over.
“If you can stand, please come with me. We’ll offer you a small token of hospitality.”
“No, it’s fine. Rather…”
I started to ask to be left alone but stopped myself. What good would it do to stay here by myself? It would only be a bother to Hyde. Everything that needed to be done is finished, so it’s best to leave quickly.
I decided to follow him. I felt a terrible wave of dizziness. The world spun and I felt nauseous.
“Can you walk?”
“Hoo… somehow.”
I realized something was cold and it was my feet. They must have taken off my shoes when they laid me on the bed. Hyde prepared slippers for me. They were soft and warm.
“This way, please watch your step.”
I walked with my feet shuffling, holding my head. Although I had received treatment, the intense pain throughout my body did not subside. Rather, with my senses returning, I felt it more vividly.
The hallway was wide, and the floor was polished to a shine. And from the large windows, I could see a red sky. The unchanging sky of Hell.
Following Hyde for a while, I was led to a room. As the heavy door opened, a scent that stimulated my stomach engulfed me.
There, a table was laden with numerous dishes.
“You probably don’t have much of an appetite right after waking up, but please, help yourself. Oh, these are Hell’s dishes, but there’s no problem with you eating them. Fufu, I secretly brought in some food from the surface.”
It’s unclear why she needed to go out of her way to bring in food from the surface. Was it because she thought Hell’s food wouldn’t suit my taste? Normally, I’d pounce on it, but right now, just the smell was enough to turn my stomach.
The stomach acid that had receded started to come back up, and my throat began to hurt.
Perhaps not realizing my condition, Hyde pulled out a chair and waited for me. He seemed to be anticipating what I would say.
Then, a beautiful woman appeared, swaying slightly. She had lustrous black hair and porcelain-like white skin. Her race was Dark Harpy.
“Do you not care for it?”
Her voice was gentle and calming. Could this be Hyde’s mother? Or perhaps the woman Hades found? I could somewhat understand Hades’ feelings.
“N-no, I’ll eat.”
It was hard to refuse with both of them watching. I had no appetite, but I sat down in a chair for the time being. In front of me, a pure white plate was arranged with three knives and three forks each. And red and white wine.
Come to think of it, Carbene’s family made wine. I heard he had siblings too. Will his family continue to wait for his return forever?
This was not going to be a meal. Looking at any of the dishes led to some kind of memory. For the time being, I picked up my fork and brought a salad to my mouth. The freshness, the crisp texture, and the grassy scent of the vegetables.
The water droplets on the leaves passed down my throat. When was the last time I drank water? With this one bite, I started eating ravenously as if I had broken. I didn’t even use the carefully arranged tableware. I noisily put food into my stomach, making a clattering sound.
