Agusheed walked alone, slowly, along a forest path in the Voll Basin.
Unhurried. Unrushed.
Step by step, just like he did a thousand years ago when he walked with her.
The rustling of fallen leaves filled the air, dry twigs snapped softly underfoot.
But Agusheed paid them no mind.
He was simply retracing their steps—
Walking through every place they once stopped together.
Ancient trees, flower beds, lakes, and the bronze statue she left in a clearing of the forest.
Reaching out, he brushed the fallen leaves from Flamme's statue.
His finger lightly touched her face—and for a rare moment, he looked absentminded.
Memories surged like the tide, bringing back their very first meeting...
"Why didn't you kill me?"
『Why would I kill you?』
"Because you're a demon, I'm human. And I even attacked you with the intent to kill."
『Killing intent... heh...』
『Tell me, human, would you kill a stray puppy for barking at you on the road?』
"...I'm not a puppy."
『I know. Just a metaphor. Same meaning.』
『Killing you means nothing to me.』
『So I won't. It's that simple.』
"You're the strangest demon I've ever met..."
"A born executioner who avoids killing. Do demons like you even exist?"
In his memory...
Back then, he looked at the kneeling Flamme, silent for a few seconds.
The girl's emerald eyes stared directly into his own, making him turn away.
『...』
『You talk too much. I spared your life, now get lost.』
"If I don't, will you kill me?"
『...』
『I already said—killing you means nothing to me...』
"So, even if I don't leave, you won't kill me?"
『...』
『If you're not afraid of dying, then try it.』
"Interesting..."
"Even when I push you like this, you show no intent to kill me."
"Nameless greater demon, I'm starting to get curious about you."
『...』
『Strange human.』
"Thanks for the compliment..."
"Say, to satisfy my curiosity—could you tell me your story?"
『After all these years, has 'strange' become a compliment among humans?』
『Also, I don't want to see you again. Leave.』
"If you don't tell me, I'll stick to you and cry for three days and nights."
『...』
『Whatever.』
The wind swept through, lifting leaves into the air—and the memory faded.
Agusheed gently shook his head and let out a laugh to himself.
Every time he recalled his not-so-romantic first encounter with Flamme...
He always felt annoyed at how stiff he'd been.
He cleaned the stains from the statue with magic, then resumed walking along the familiar path.
On both sides of the path stood tall stone markers—
Each engraved with achievements from legendary labyrinths they had conquered.
The highest of them all—
Was the famed Tomb of the Fallen King, where the Water Mirror Demon had been sealed.
"You could have instantly defeated those two clones—why did you risk yourself to save me?"
"Why, Agusheed?"
『I just hate seeing humans or fellow demons die in front of me, that's all.』
"You care more for others' lives than your own..."
"Of all the ways to survive, you chose the hardest one—"
"Agusheed, you really aren't like a demon at all."
Recalling that conversation, Agusheed's finger gently traced the engraving on one of the stones.
He etched their legacy into his very body.
"Now that I think about it..."
"Maybe it was that unconscious choice back then that made her truly decide..."
He passed the monument, murmuring his guess.
Though no one could confirm if he was right—
If it were Flamme, even if he was wrong, she'd probably just smile and kiss him—
Then gently say:
"Correct answer."
Agusheed kept walking forward.
Each step deliberately avoided the leaf piles Flamme used to hop on.
The small house wrapped in giant trees was just ahead.
The Great Isolation Barrier shimmered in the air.
Beside the great tree stood the ancient sign Flamme had written:
『No entry without teacher's permission. Frieren and dogs stay out (๑•ૅω•´๑)』
Though rotted and worn, it still welcomed him back.
"It's been a long time. Thanks for protecting this place."
Without obstruction, he passed through the barrier.
He restored the old sign, then stepped to the front door of the cabin.
It was exactly the same as when he left it 200 years ago.
Which also meant—his foolish disciple still hadn't lived up to Flamme's expectations.
Pushing open the door, the interior was just as familiar:
A notebook left by Flamme.
A wooden bed handcrafted by Agusheed.
A desk Frieren once used for studying.
That was all the house contained.
But these humble items held countless unforgettable memories for Agusheed.
He stepped forward and opened Flamme's notebook.
On the first page was the familiar warning:
『Agusheed, no peeking』—which made him stop flipping further.
Even now, he still couldn't go against her wishes.
He put the notebook back.
As he turned toward the wooden bed—
A faint voice echoed in the breeze by his ear.
"Agusheed, I love you~"
He turned back to the desk, the image of Flamme sitting there vivid in his mind.
She turned pages in her notebook, and out of nowhere, said those words.
Then looked up at him, her face filled with hope—while he had only responded with silence.
"I was such an idiot..."
"You said that, knowing I wouldn't understand, just to burden me..."
Back then, she had rested her chin in her palm, frustrated—
But that affection never faded.
"Agusheed."
『Hm?』
"What can I do to make you understand that I love you?"
He never answered.
Yet Flamme never seemed disappointed.
Instead, she became more hopeful...
Looking toward—
A much farther future...
Agusheed chuckled softly and walked toward the bed.
He lay down stiffly, just as he used to, and slowly closed his eyes.
"Hey... Agusheed—"
In a field of blooming flowers, he saw Flamme turn toward him.
With that timeless smile, she reached out to her clueless husband.
"Tell me our story again... I don't quite remember."
『Mm.』
Agusheed gently took her hand and sat beside her.
He felt her lean gently on his shoulder.
Rubbing his chin softly against her pale-red hair—
Holding tightly to the hand he never wanted to let go, he replied:
『This story... might take a long time to tell.』
A very long time—
He even hoped the world would remain like this—
Forever.
For eternity.
Waking for just a moment, Agusheed closed his eyes once more.
And returned to his inescapable dream.