Oh boy, this was a chapter filled with ups and downs, but I ultimately loved the end result. Again, like the last few chapters, I cut the chapter shorter to the point that it has a different ending. However, it still works for my plans regarding how I plan to continue shaking up the story from canon.

As I said before, despite the smaller audience. I am enjoying working on this project. That being said, I will be taking a brief hiatus to finish up the reboot of Untold Universe, which is going great! In this case, it's less of a hiatus, and more just me focusing back on my primary fic.

I'm trying to keep to a set schedule.

At best, this story might get one last chapter before the new year, or in the worst-case scenario, it could take until February. It just depends on how much I can get done before New Year's eve.

I think that covers it for now.

Please enjoy the chapter.


In Another World With My Smartphone: The Lost Hero

Chapter Eight: The Best of Intentions


"It's a sad truth that in life, the people who hurt us the most are also the people who love us the most, and that they often do so with the best of intentions."

Sean Norris, Heaven and Hurricanes


Alephis, The Royal Capital of the Kingdom of Belfast, was a beautiful city at the bottom of a giant waterfall basin with an equally impressive great lake. Even from here. Alex could see the sprawling metropolis had cleverly constructed waterways as a means of transportation both in and out of the city. To the north were lush green fields and farmlands as far as the eye could see, and to the west was the primary road that was already heavy with the daily traffic.

'Holy shit...' Alex thought as they drew closer to the city limits. It was almost a bit much; Reflet, Amanesque, they had nothing when compared to what he saw right before his eyes. A magnificent marbled castle with several banners of golden-crowned maned-lion in a field of green littered on its towers.

"I was already expecting the city to be quite beautiful, but this is just breathtaking," Yae commented as she brushed a few stray hairs from her face.

"The great lake Palette is fed by the Emerald Falls," Linze pointed toward the massive waterfall that was pouring countless gallons of freshwater every second. "Which leads Alephis to also be known as The City of Lakes."

"We're finally here, and with Alex's magic, we could come back anytime we'd like!" Elze yelled out excitedly while Alex gave her a sideways glance. "Could you manage the type of jobs we'd be able to find at this Guild Hall?"

'What am I, a taxi? What happened to roughing it like a real Adventurer, Elze?' Alex thought with a chuckle to himself. 'I'll remember to start keeping tabs on repeated transport favors...'

"Do you think we could stop by to get something to eat?" Yae asked with a painful expression as she rubbed her stomach. "Water can only stretch my stomach out for so long..."

"Hopefully," Alex answered with an awkward smile. Now that Yae mentioned it, Alex was in a similar situation and considering that they were now out of danger. Alex could no longer ignore how exhausted he actually was. Yet, it didn't help that he had not only eaten the last of their rations but ended up throwing most of it up after the battle. "I'm sure we can eat once we're done speaking with the Duke."

"Maybe the Duke will feed us?" Elze suggested with a smack of her lips. "A feast after bravely saving his daughter wouldn't be too far from the realm of possibility."

"Of course, we should wait for the Duke to suggest it rather than request it," Linze followed up before taking a sip of water. Despite her calm expression, she was just as hungry as the rest. "But no hesitation in accepting if he does!"

'Wow...look at you, Linze!' Alex thought with a grin. 'Where is the cute shy girl I met over a month ago?'

"We're coming up to the southern entrance," yelled Arne from the driver's seat of Sushie's coach, making everyone face him. "We'll be forced to stop at the checkpoint! From there, we'll send a runner to inform the Duke of our arrival and to deliver the prisoner to the city guards! Get behind us; we'll get you past the checkpoint quicker once they see that you're with us!"

"Understood!" Alex called back as everyone settled back into their seats as the group came ever closer to the massive walls of the city's outer perimeter. Yae did as instructed and allowed Sushie's carriage to pass them so they could follow them toward the guards at the gates. As they slowed, Alex could spy on several other people at the gate waiting to be processed. As several officials from the Kingdom were checking their goods and identities with log books and other measuring instruments.

'Looks like they got things like tariffs and taxes settled out for merchants and travelers into and from the city.'

Thankfully, just like Arne had said, once the officials realized that the Duke's daughter was here. Everyone there scrambled to permit both carriages to be guided into the city and towards the local barracks of the town guard. Once a runner to the Duke was dispatched, Arne motioned everyone to dismount so they could work to secure the prisoner safely.

"Anything new from our friend?" Alex asked as he glared at the cloaked mage stepping out of Sushie's coach as he and the gang were ready to act quickly. However, it didn't seem all too necessary. Almost every guard in the area had their weapons trained on the mage, prepared to strike if he tried anything shifty.

"Nothing, except pleading not to be killed," Arne answered with a shake of his head and with his sword ready. "I almost wished he'd try something so I could make him shut up."

"If it makes you feel better, I got some good wacks on him before I choked him out," Alex followed with a dark chuckle as he finally spotted Sushie and Leim a few feet away. 'Huh...yeah, that makes sense to let them dismount first and get a safe distance away.'

"It helps, but I'd like to take a round with him alone for just a minute," said Arne with a grin, only to look at the strange foreign lad with a raised eyebrow. "Hey...did you mean what you said earlier? About going back to pick up my friends?"

"Of course, it wouldn't be right to leave them there," Alex answered honestly with a solemn expression. "Thankfully, since I have my Gate spell, so I can just go back and forth to pick them up without too much trouble."

"You couldn't do that earlier?"

"I can only open gates to places I've been to before," Alex replied while a few newcomers appeared. A few mages emerged from the guard barracks to magically secure the prisoner. "I've never been to the Capital until now, but now that I'm here, I can open gates back and forth."

"Huh...well, if that's the case, mind if I join you?" Arne asked as he sheathed his sword, as the prisoner was finally inside the barracks. "It will be quicker with an extra set of hands."

"Yeah, we'll set out once we reach the Duke's home," said Alex as his eyes scanned the differences between the local city guards and the Duke's guards. "Something tells me that this wouldn't be the right place to drop off your friends."

"You'd be right about that," Arne followed up as he rubbed the back of his aching neck. "Household guards and city guards don't often see eye to eye. The only reason they're not bad-mouthing us right now and because we're in the presence of Lady Ortlinde."

'Wonder who started that petty ass shit?' Alex wondered as he resisted the urge to laugh at the idea.

"Ah, looks like it's time for proper introductions," Arne suddenly spoke up as he saw Leim motioning for them to come forward. "While I don't blame you for trying to get us here quicker. Do try to keep your manners this time, alright? Sir Leim wouldn't shut up about your rudeness during the rest of the trip."

"Will do," Alex sighed as he resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

This time as promised, Alex did follow the girls' lead and knelt in front of Sushie without complaint. Now that they were out of danger and because of the number of guards surrounding them likely wouldn't take kindly to slights against the King's niece. Alex was fully ready to cooperate with these outdated courtesies.

"My Lady, please forgive me for my earlier rudeness," Alex spoke in the most professional tone possible. "I simply wanted to get you and the rest of your servants to safety as soon as possible. I will accept any and all punishments you deem appropriate for my actions. All I ask is that you only punish me and not my party."

"You are forgiven, good sir," Sushie said with a practiced neutral expression as she held herself like a proper lady. Even at her age, the young girl had clearly been trained on how to act in public due to her station. "The circumstances warranted swift and direct action without regard for typical formalities. Please arise, my saviors, and introduce yourselves."

"My name is Alexander Springfield," the young man introduced himself first as the party's current leader. While the twins and Yae were ready to follow up. "But please, feel free to call me, Alex."

"I'm Elze Silhoueska," The elder Silhoueska twin introduced herself before motioning to her young sister. "And this is my young twin, Linze Silhoueska."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, My Lady," Linze followed without a nervous bow of her head.

"I-I am Ko-. Ehem, I am Yae Kokonoe, My Lady," Yae managed to speak up after clearing her throat and successfully introducing herself in the western way. "We are honored to make your acquaintance."

"Well then, Alex, Elze, Linze and Yae. You have my gratitude for all of your assistance today," Sushie followed up with a curtsy, only to give her butler a subtle but firm nudge of her elbow. Leim nodded approvingly as his stern glare softened, clearly pleased with the improved manners of the young man but had clearly earned his lady's ire.

"Ah, yes! Of course," Leim answered as he straightened himself up.

"Now, as much as I would like to reward you now. I do not have the means to do so now," Sushie continued as her attention returned to the party. "I would like you to join me at my father's manor so we can reward you properly."

"While I see no issue with that, My Lady," Alex spoke up firmly while still keeping his voice polite. "And with your permission, when we arrive at the manor, that you would permit Arne and I to go pick up your fallen guards. Elze can act in my stead as party leader in the meanwhile."

The mask that Sushie was using to hide her emotion cracked slightly at the mention of the fallen guards. However, she quickly recovered and was swift to answer while keeping in mind the morale of her household guards and the city guards. "Of course, and we thank you for your generosity towards all of my guardians. Now, if there is nothing more, let us be off; my father awaits us."


"My apologies for the wait. Right this way, ladies," said Leim with a bow. He re-entered the sitting room where Elze and the remaining girls had been waiting since arriving in Ortlinde Manor with a fresh set of clothes. Meanwhile, as he had promised, Alex had departed with Arne earlier to recover the bodies of the fallen using their cart. "The Duke will see you now in his study."

"Y-yes, thank you," Elze answered as she swallowed her nerves as the three rose up to follow the Chamberlain down the elegant halls of the Duke's personal residence. There were dozens of maids and butlers going about their daily tasks, occasionally bowing their heads in respect as they walked by. It was almost a little overwhelming for the twins. However, Yae didn't seem to mind as she simply bowed back as was common in her custom. Thankfully, the walk didn't take long as they reached a tall pair of beautifully carved, shiny wooden doors flanked by two guards.

The two men saluted the butler before opening the door for everyone.

"Please enter; I'll return with some refreshments momentarily," said Leim after stepping aside, bowing, and motioning the girls to enter. "Just please refrain from acting as boorish as your leader in the presence of His Grace."

"We will," Elze answered again with an apologetic expression. "I promise it won't happen again. I had a long conversation with him regarding how to speak with nobility. You saw the results earlier."

"Very well," Leim nodded approvingly as the girls entered the large room. The Duke's private study was surprisingly far more modest in decoration. Instead, it seemed as if the man seated at the polished mahogany desk preferred a warmer, more homely design and colors.

"Ah, at last! It is good to finally meet the brave adventurers that saved my daughter's life! I am Duke Alfred Ernes Ortlinde, at your service, my dear ladies!" Even while seated, the Duke was a tall, board-shoulder blond man with a neatly trimmed golden mustache and kind, bright green eyes shared by his daughter. His voice was hearty and joyful as he rose up and came around his desk to personally meet them. The girls all went to kneel before him but were surprised when the Duke knelt before them instead. "There are no words to express my gratitude for your brave actions!"

"Pl-please, Your Grace," Elze managed to stammer out as none of them had been prepared for this display of humility from any nobleman. Let alone the King's younger brother. "There is no need for this!"

"Indeed, Your Grace," Yae spoke up as she repeatedly bowed out of habit. "Tis our pleasure to help when we can!"

"R-right! We're just glad your daughter is safe," Linze followed up with a red face.

"Ah, such modesty!" The Duke praised as he rose to his feet and motioned the ladies to rest on the four soft chairs set for them. "Please have a seat; you must be exhausted from your journey!"

"If there is anyone you should thank, it would be our leader, Alex," Linze followed up with a red face as she took her seat. "He's the one who discovered the plot to kidnap your daughter and had us rush to come to her aid."

"Wait," The Duke said with a confused expression, rising to his feet and giving the girls his full attention. "I was under the impression you had simply run across the ambush while making your way here?"

"That's partially correct, Your Grace," Elze answered after recovering her composure. "Initially, we were on the job with The Adventurer's Guild. However, during our stay in Amanesque town, Alex discovered a gang that was plotting to kidnap your daughter on her return home from Bell town. Like my sister said, we set out earlier at his urging than we had planned so we could intervene."

"My goodness..." The Duke said with a sigh of relief before going back around his desk with a solemn expression. "It seemed like it almost like an act of God that your leader had not only uncovered such an insidious plot but swiftly moved to save my daughter. Indeed, it seems like I owe this Alex fellow my personal thanks."

It was here when the Duke blinked as he realized that he had only greeted three adventurers and not four like Sushie had told him. "Where is he right now?"

"He went to recover the bodies of your fallen guards, Your Grace," Yae replied as she relaxed in her seat. "He went with...Sir Arne, I believe his name was? He left shortly after we arrived."

"Goodness, it seems like this Alex fellow is in a league of his own when it comes to work," The Duke commented with a chuckle. "I here was all ready to send out a detachment of my house guard to have the bodies recovered once things had settled. Meaning, I am only further into his debt."

"I do not believe Alex would be seeking a reward for that service, Your Grace," Yae suddenly spoke up, surprising the girls and piquing the Duke's curiosity.

"And what makes you say that, Ms. Yae?" The Duke asked, taking an educated guess on the lass's name from Sushie's debriefing.

"From one veteran to another. I know Alex understands the true cost and pain of death," Yae answered solemnly as she remembered the pained face Alex had when they moved the bodies. The guilt that must have been gnawing at him because of their delay. "It is with the families of the fallen. I know deep within my heart that is why he went to recover them, not for any reward."

"Then my original statement still holds water," The Duke said with a kind smile. "This Alex fellow truly seems to be in a league of his own if what you say is true."

"Your Grace, forgive me if I'm out of line, but you wouldn't have any idea who could be behind this?" Linze asked, concerned about other plots that could jeopardize the Kingdom.

"It is hard to say," The Duke answered cautiously. "Considering my station. It is natural to have enemies from both a political and economic perspective. So this plot could easily range from using my daughter as leverage or simply holding her for ransom. However, rest assured, this plot will not go unanswered, and that is all I can say on the matter, at least for the time being."

"I understand, Your Grace," Linze followed up with a nod, not wanting to test the man's patience.

"Father!" A familiar voice called out from the entranceway. Everyone turned to see Sushie wearing a more regal pink dress with a silver hairpiece shaped like a leaping cat crowning her blonde locks. Besides her was Leim, who was carrying a large silver tray with refreshments for everyone. "I am sorry for keeping you waiting!"

"Ah, Sushie," The Duke said warmly as Sushie took the empty seat next to Elze. While Leim began pouring tea for everyone and setting a plate with several baked goods. "Have you spoken with Ellen yet?"

"Yes, father," Sushie answered as she took her cup of tea from its saucer with a slight frown. "I simply wished that no one had told her about the attack. The last thing I wanted was for her to become worried about me."

"Forgive me, dear," The Duke replied with a long sigh before taking a drink from his own tea cup. "By the time we got word of the attack, the rumors begun to spread like wildfire. Thankfully, I reassured her that you had been unharmed."

"Is Ellen your wife, Your Grace?" Elze asked cautiously as she nursed her cup of tea.

"Ah, forgive me, ladies," said the Duke as he sat straight with a more solemn expression. "I would love nothing more than to introduce you to her. However, she does not get out of her room much anymore."

"Is she sick?" Linze asked, given her minor inclination towards healing magic.

"I am afraid Her Grace was stricken by a terrible malady five years ago," Leim answered on behalf of his lord with a sad face. "While she survived the ordeal, it robbed her of her eyesight."

"Oh dear," said Yae seeing her sad reflection in her tea.

"You tried using magic, right?" Linze followed up.

"Of course, my dear Linze," The Duke answered as he looked at the portrait of his family hanging above his fireplace. "We were blessed to have several talented healers who were able to cure her illness. However, it seemed as if the damage had been done, and her blindness was the result."

"If only my grandfather was still alive..." said Sushie with a long sigh. "I'm sorry, father. I learned a lot about the spell from my grandmother, but I...I didn't inherit his gift."

"I see...that is a shame," said the Duke before taking another sip of tea.

"Gift?" Elze questioned with a confused expression.

"Sue's grandfather," The Duke began as he placed down his cup. "My father-in-law was the previous Royal Physician who had served my family for many years. The secret to his success was that he had access to a powerful null magic spell that could restore the body to its natural state. My daughter's journey was to see if she had inherited her grandfather's spell. She visited her grandmother to learn the spell's name after we discovered that she had the aptitude for Null magic."

"I know of the spell's name, yet it won't help us now," Sushie said with another sigh after finishing her tea. "I had prayed to God during my trip, hoping that he would have allowed me to inherit my grandfather's gift and cure my mother."

"All we can do now is hope that we can find someone with a similar ability," The Duke finished as he grabbed a cookie from the plate. The trio, however, became silent as they each began looking at each other, all of them thinking the same thing.

Alex might be able to heal the Duke's wife.

"Your Grace," Elze spoke up, trying to keep her voice calm.

"Yes, Elze?" Duke questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Would you please permit me a moment to speak with my party members in private?"

"May I ask why?" The Duke questioned with a curious eye.

"It's regarding our original job with the Guild," Elze answered; she wasn't lying, but it wasn't the primary reason. It was just enough of a cover story to let speak what they really wanted to talk about. "We still have a delivery for Viscount Swordrick, as that was our original mission."

"Ah, of course. How rude of me, and here I was hoping that you would stay for a banquet I had planned to celebrate Sushie's return," The Duke said with an understanding nod.

"We're in no rush, Your Grace," Linze quickly responded as she was utterly famished. "We just need to consider certain things for when Alex returns. I'm sure we can complete our quest tomorrow without issue."

"I see," The Duke nodded again as he rose from his seat. "Leim, please show escort the ladies to the balcony with some more refreshments. In the meanwhile, allow me to go get your reward."

"But of course, My Lord," Leim answered promptly with a bow.

"Thank you, Your Grace."


"What should we do?" Linze questioned as she took a seat on some of the balcony chairs and took a cookie on the plate that Leim left behind to curve her hunger pains. "I know Alex wants to keep his null magic talents a secret unless it's absolutely necessary, but I couldn't help but feel bad for the Duke situation."

"It's the Duke's wife! I think that's pretty damn necessary, " Elze whispered loudly as she ensured the butler had left them alone. "Think about it! If Alex heals her, we will be in Duke's good graces! The work opportunities would only skyrocket for us! Plus, he'd be able to learn the spell of the previous Royal Physician! So even if we don't get additional work from the Duke, Alex having that spell could be the difference between life and death!"

"It's quite the conundrum," Yae commented with her eyes closed, carefully mulling over. "I would like to see Lady Ellen recover, and the spell would be ideal for warriors to have."

"Yet..." Yae sighed as she gave Elze a suspicious look. "Are you sure you are truly doing this with honest intentions, Elze?"

"What do you mean?" Elze responded with a narrow-eyed glare.

"Your first concern was getting into the Duke's good graces," Yae began without hesitation as she looked Elze right in the eyes. "It seems your first interest is simply in getting additional rewards instead of just wanting to help."

"What?!" Elze yelled out, slamming her fist on the table.

"Sis, calm down!" Linze quickly intervened, hoping the sudden commotion wouldn't get them in trouble. Thankfully they were alone, but who knows who might be listening in such a big home.

"She's calling me greedy for just pointing out the benefits!" Elze countered before looking back at Yae. "Besides, you haven't considered that if Alex doesn't heal the Duke's wife. It would mean that the seven guards who died on the way here would have died for nothing?!"

"Excuse me?" Yae questioned with a surprised expression.

"The guards who died guarding Lady Sushie would have died for nothing if Alex doesn't help them," Elze repeated as she tapped her finger with every word. "You heard the Duke on why Lady Sushie had gone on her trip. The guards were assigned to protect her, their job was to ensure that their end goal, to restore Lady Ellen's sight, could be accomplished."

"Sis..." Linze said, surprised by Elze's answer as she realized what had happened. 'Alex has changed you, sis...'

"You both heard my conversation with Alex earlier, don't deny it," Elze continued as tears began forming at the corner of her eyes. "I do think practically first! But don't think for a second it means I'm not considering other factors! Especially when I know Alex is out there right now recovering those very guardsmen that the Duke family doesn't seem to care about. Yet, we all saw how hurt he was, knowing that if we had gotten there sooner, then they might all still be alive!"

"So, am I hopeful for an additional reward?" Elze continued firmly as she crossed her arms while letting two tears fall from her eyes. "Of course! We're Adventurers, first and foremost! It would be seen as weird and suspicious for us not to think about that to begin with! However, that doesn't mean I'm not looking at the bigger picture. That's why I favor having Alex heal Lady Ellen and will suggest that he does it when we see him."

"I see," Yae sighed as she took a moment to process what the Elder Silhoueska twin had said. The silence that formed between them was both awkward and deafening. For the younger Silhoueska twin, it was the guilt of doubting her sister that kept her silent. However, Yae did find her voice once she had collected her thoughts.

"I am a Samurai and hold my honor above all," Yae began carefully as if she considered every word before speaking. "We place the ideal such as service to one's master paramount. Mayhaps it is because I saw Alex's example of service, which is why I thought your reasoning to be self-serving. The Duke is the younger brother to your King."

"But the King of Belfast isn't our Lord," Linze interjected, hoping this explanation could help. "We might live here and follow their laws. But we're not from Belfast, same with Alex; he's a foreigner just like us."

"Wait, none of you are from Belfast?" Yae blinked in realization.

"We're from the Refreese Imperium," Elze answered flatly. "So technically, our Lord is Rig Rex Refreese, Imperator of the Imperium."

"And Alex?"

"We're not sure, to be honest," Linze admitted with an awkward look. "The only clue we have is that he mentioned a language called English. But I don't know of a country that speaks it."

"I've never heard of English either," Yae commented with a hum. "However, given that he speaks Eashen quite fluently leads me to believe that he might be from either Roadmare or Ferzen. Both countries have some strong ties to Eashen via trade, though I've never been to either."

"Alex speaks Eashen?!" Elze questioned with a surprised expression.

"Indeed, he also lived there briefly as a child. That is how he was familiar with my standing as a Samurai," Yae replied with a nod. "He didn't tell you about that?"

"No," Linze answered with a shake of her head. "But then again, there wasn't a reason for him to tell us about that."

"He has told us a bit about his past, like his parents being some kind of civil servants or that he has an older cousin named Lucinda," Elze followed up with a frown.

"Wait, when did he tell us about his cousin?" Linze questioned her sister with a raised eyebrow.

"After our first mission," Elze answered casually. "He told me after you fell asleep when he was carrying you on his back."

"Oh..."

"Taking this into consideration," said Yae cutting back into the conversation. "I think I understand the difference between you and Alex. Despite both of you being Adventurers. You two act more like mercenaries, while Alex acts more like a proper soldier; that much is evident."

"That's not an insult, mind you," Yae quickly followed upon seeing Elze's frown deepen. "I am merely using my observations to explain the differences in your mindset. It explains a lot about how Alex behaves in combat and views loss. He has seen death as have I."

"Alright, I think we've been sidetracked long enough," Elze said with an exhausted sigh. "I think we can all agree that we want Alex to try and heal Lady Ellen, right? That the situation warrants using him learning the spell and showing the Duke what he can do?"

Everyone nodded silently.

"Alright, I think that settles it," Elze said with relief as she drained her tea and rose from her seat. "Let's get back to the Duke. Hopefully, Alex will be back by now."


The girls returned to the Duke's office to find Alex and the Duke speaking to each other in a relatively informal fashion next to the fireplace. Much the chagrin of Leim, standing at the corner with a disapproving look. However, The Duke didn't seem to mind. As a matter of fact, he seemed quite amused by the young man's forward nature.

"I will take your suggestion with serious consideration, my young friend," They managed to hear the Duke say as they got closer.

"Please do, sir," Alex followed up with a small smile. He looked beyond exhausted, but at least he seemed in good spirits. "I can promise you that Arne has the capabilities you would want for a prospective future leader of your guardsman."

"Very well," The Duke nodded approvingly. "As for your other recommendation. Please rest assured that the fallen will be laid to rest with full honors and their families compensated appropriately."

"Thank you, sir," Alex said as he resisted the urge to yawn and finally noticed the girls getting closer. "Ah, there you are!"

"Sorry for making you wait," said Elze while Linze and Yae were both looking away awkwardly. Alex's face remained blank, but he could tell instantly that something was up just from their body language.

"Not at all," The Duke said with a cheerful voice. "I just hope you managed to settle your affairs?"

"About that, Your Grace," Elze followed up with a cough. "May we have another moment alone? We'd like to give Alex our report since he is our party's leader."

"Can't you just let me know right here?" Alex questioned, now raising his eyebrow, not seeing why they would need to speak in private considering what the Duke told him they were apparently talking about. "I mean, if it's about the delivery, we can go to the Viscount's manor tomorrow. We're way ahead of the schedule that Zanac gave us."

Elze hesitated, but seeing that she couldn't find another excuse, she decided to wing it.

"Alright, the truth is, Your Grace, I think we can solve your problem regarding your wife," Elze said firmly.

"What?" Said the Duke as he froze in shock.

"Wait...what this about the Duke's wife?" Alex asked as he looked on in confusion, first looking at the Duke and then back to the girls. Elze proceeded to inform Alex about the story of Ellen Ortlinde and of the Null Magic Sushie had discovered. It didn't take long for him to piece together the rest. "I see...so you want me to heal Duchess Ellen?"

"Is it possible?!" The Duke asked with excited energy. "Young Alexander, could you truly heal my wife?!"

Alex looked away awkwardly from the Duke's gaze. On the one hand, given what they knew about his powers. It should work once he learns the healing spell from Sushie. However, considering the circumstances, he did not appreciate being put on the spot, especially without a way to deny or decline such a request. It's not that he would even mind healing the Duke's wife; he would have preferred not to be blindsided into making a choice so suddenly.

"It might be possible," Alex answered as he looked back at the girls with a neutral expression. He could see all three looking away, each with a shameful face. 'I can see all three of them agreed on doing this...and I see why they would consider this to fall under my umbrella of only revealing my true powers if necessary. Then again...I didn't give them a chance to let me know in private...so that's on my ass...'

"This is prosperous!" Leim finally spoke up with an indignant tone. "Your Grace! How could this rude young man heal your wife if none of our more practiced healers couldn't?!"

"I said it's possible; if I learn the name of your father-in-law's spell," Alex clarified with a sigh. "The truth is, up to this point. I've been able to use every single Null magic spell I've encountered. The most common one I use is Gate. But I've used Null Magic like Elze's Boost spell and a couple others we've found."

"Can you show me?" The Duke questioned with the same energy.

"Your Grace, do you actually believe this?!"

"It would be an easy lie to disprove Leim," The Duke answered impatiently with a frown. "Go get Sushie; we need her to teach Alex the spell."

"Your Grace!"

"Aports," said Alex casually as a handful of cookies still left on the silver tray disappeared and reappeared in his hands. Once Alex took a bite out of one of them, he walked forward towards the girls, and with the same bored tone, he spoke again. "Gate."

Two portals suddenly opened right in front of Alex and next to the Butler. The young man casually entered and reappeared next to the older gentleman, who looked like he couldn't believe what he saw. Finally, with a slight flourish for the dramatic, Alex placed his hands on the sleeve of Leim's tuxedo and spoke again.

"Kolore, Yellow!" Leim's suit jacket immediately went from black to a bright sunflower yellow. Alex let out a deep yawn as the spells took a lot of his remaining mana. "I can keep going with a few more null magic spells I know. Linze even has a whole book with several of them."

"Now, Leim," The Duke said firmly with a stern gaze. "Have Sushie meet us in Ellen's room."

"Yes, Your Grace!" The Butler said promptly as he left the room in a hurry, not bothering to have Alex change his jacket back to normal.

"Please right this way, Alex," The Duke motioned to the young man's group in a reverent tone.

'Ah boy...here we go...' Alex thought, cringing at the Duke's tone.

The last thing he wanted was to be viewed like some kind of savior or messiah.


The room was as silent as the grave as one of Ellen's handmaids helped her sit up. The Duchess of Ortlinde was a beautiful, middle-aged woman with long dirty-blonde hair, wearing a simple white and blue dress. Alfred, Sushie, Leim, and a few other trusted servants were currently waiting in anticipation for this possible miracle to occur.

'Not the first time I've performed for a VIP audience,' Alex thought as he tried to keep his nerves steady. Armed with the newly obtained Recovery spell, Alex was sure it would work. Hell, he didn't have much of choice after his grand display in front of Alfred and Leim that must've hyped up the entire manor. Just behind him were Elze, Linze, and Yae, looking on with the same amount of anticipation. The young man's stomach growled again, he had been running low constantly for the last few days, and he still had at least this get done. 'At least the Duke said he would treat us to quite the feast, so there's that to look forward to...'

Once Ellen's handmaid had returned to her spot, Alfred motioned Alex to begin.

'Showtime...' Alex thought as he took his position in front of the Duchess. He took a moment to clear his throat and proceeded to speak just like he had been taught in his past life. He might have never been in the medical field, but Pro-Heroes were taught the basics of bedside manner. "Hello, Your Grace. How are you feeling today?"

"Are you the healer that my husband told me about?" Ellen questioned softly with a hopeful expression; her dark blue eyes seemed unable to respond to any movement.

"I am," Alex answered, feeling uncomfortable being called a healer, but he would play the role if that's what she needed to remain comfortable. Plus, Alex was curious to see if he could discover what was causing her blindness. "Now, before administering my spell, will you permit me to examine your eyes?"

"If it will help you, then please go ahead," Ellen nodded as she leaned forward closer.

"Thank you," said Alex as he pulled out his cellphone to use its flashlight feature. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Leim about to object but was stopped by Alfred. Alex carefully tested Ellen's eyes, seeing if they would react to having light shining directly. Still, Alex quickly discovered the cause once he had a better look. The young man could see a thick milky film covering the lens of Ellen's eyes.

'Are those cataracts?'

"I can see a faint murky light but little else," Ellen suddenly commented. "Is this part of your cure?"

"No," Alex answered as he turned off the light and put away his phone. "But I know now what's causing it."

"Then will you be able to cure it?" Ellen asked with bated breath.

"I won't know until I try the spell," Alex answered honestly. He knew cataracts were very treatable in his old world, thanks to the advanced surgical techniques that an expert could perform in both eyes in under an hour without a Quirk. It was sad that this highly treatable condition could be crippling in a world without modern medicine. "Are you ready?"

"I am," said Ellen before she held her breath and closed her eyes. Alex gently placed his hands over the woman's eyes and spoke the spell Sushie had taught him.

"Recovery," Alex suddenly felt all his remaining energy pool into his hands, making the point of contact glow. He could feel a connection form between him and Ellen as the magic began working its way into the woman's eyes. Then, without warning, Alex started feeling a lot of pain in his chest to the point that it blurred his vision. Yet, just as quickly as it came, it suddenly stopped as the glowing light from his hands died out.

It took all of his willpower not to cry out or inhale sharply.

Alex instinctively took a few steps back for the sake of the woman's comfort. Yet, the room was still just as silent, except for Alex's breathing, which was becoming increasingly labored. Yet all eyes were on Ellen. As the wait was heart-pounding, they saw Ellen's eyes begin to flicker as she slowly began blinking. Even from here, Alex could already see a difference as her pupils began to move around, detecting movement. Finally, whether due to excitement or impatience, Sushie was the first to step up.

"Mother?" Sushie spoke up with a shaky voice, praying that it had worked.

"Sushie, "Ellen spoke up softly as she blinked again as tears began forming in her eyes. For the first time in five years, Ellen could finally see her daughter's face. "My girl...I can see you."

"You're really better?!" Sushie asked with excitement as her father stepped in.

"Ellen..."Alfred said shakily as he began fighting back the tears himself.

"Sushie...Alfred...I can see you both!" Ellen declared with joyful tears running down her face as she embraced her loving family. The room instantly erupted into celebration. The maids wept; the guards cheered; Leim was doing his best to keep his composure, clearly failing at it as tears ran down his narrow cheeks. Meanwhile, the three girls in Alex's party had moved to embrace the hero of the hour. Unfortunately, their celebration was cut short as they watched Alex let out a long wheeze and suddenly collapsed onto the floor. The room went silent again as Elze was the first to get there.

The joy in the room quickly turned into horror.

"Alex, what's wrong?!" Elze asked as she turned the young man around. Alex was unresponsive and expressionless, staring straight ahead without any life in his eyes. Elze tried shaking him a little, hoping to jolt the life back into him. As the boy remained unresponsive, Elze became more desperate as tears began running down her face."Alex! Alex, wake up! Please wake up! Linze! Yae! Please do something! Heal him! Anything!"

"I...I...umm..." Linze stammered as she tried a healing spell on Alex while Yae checked his vitals. The former felt her heart sinking as she couldn't find any signs of life. Alex wasn't breathing, and he didn't have a pulse. As far as Yae knew, the boy was dead. The Eashen girl couldn't hold back the tears as she had admitted her discovery.

"Linze...stop...he's gone...'

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU GONE, YAE?!"

"There's no heartbeat, and he draws no breath. He's gone," the Samurai answered as she lowered her head, trying to remain stoic. Still, her shaky shoulders gave her emotions away. Linze trembling hands as she stopped casting her healing magic and scrambled to double-check Yae's work. Only to find the same results.

"Sis..." Linze managed to say between the tears.

Elze shook her head, denying theirs, and kept shaking the young man's lifeless body.

"ALEX, PLEASE WAKE UP! WAKE UP! PLEASE! I'M BEGGING YOU! WAKE UP, ALEX! ALEX! ALEX!"


Author's Commentary

Phew, how about that ending?! I rarely get a chance to end a chapter on a cliffhanger.

I got to cover quite a bit when it comes to this chapter. A little world-building here and there, along with some additional foreshadowing regarding the future.

However, I ended up focusing on the girls more than anything.

I wanted to have a scene with the first three girls that weren't just focused on their romantic relationship with Alex.

And since I tried to make Elze and Yae more distinct with their approaches to life and goals. I found the conversation on the balcony the most exciting thing to work on. Considering the nature of their future relationship, how the ladies view and interact with each other when not in Alex's presence can say a lot.

This is actually one of the reasons I find harems to often be written poorly in most series, be they the original or fan fics. Actually, one series I found the harem concept working exceptionally well is in the anime: How the Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. (Which gets my personal recommendation.) In that series, we can actually see how each lady does not only has good chemistry with the main lead. But share a chemistry with each other that allows them to grow and develop further.

All too often, I find that the girls in the harem just agree (and maybe have issues/conflicts taken care of off-screen) to be with the lead in question without seriously considering the nature of their shared relationship. Yeah, I'm not that lazy, and if I'm going to write a harem, you bet I'm going to cover the messy stuff. Because no relationship is perfect, and conflicts are typical, even healthy depending on the issue, and that's just from the usual couples. A harem would just be more chaotic.

Like I said, I like the challenge that a shake-up from canon can bring.

Anyways, that should cover things for now!

Until next time!

-ZX