I Will Eventually Embark On The Path Of No Return Called A Hero

[Arc5] - 21. Off You Go!

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This world is free. As long as people don't interfere with others, they can do whatever they want. That's why Ban wrapped a cloth around his waist and went out with Cyd.

Technically speaking, Ban wasn't streaking, since his lower body was covered by the cloth. However, as he walked, his strong, muscular legs often peeked out from the cloth, and combined with the chiseled muscles that even men admired, most people on the street couldn't help but drool while staring at him.

This... probably counts as a public safety issue.

Ban didn't care at all. With one hand holding up the cloth to keep it from slipping, and the other casually resting on Cyd's shoulder, the two strolled down the street like good friends.

"Vice-Captain, should we go repair the armor first?"

"Buy some clothes first. Is walking around half-naked that comfortable?"

"...It's pretty comfortable."

For public safety's sake, Cyd dragged Ban into a clothing store. After he put on proper clothes, they continued toward the blacksmith's shop.

"By the way, Vice-Captain, I've been meaning to ask you something. You're on my side, right?"

"What?" Cyd tilted his head.

"Do you prefer big or small?" Ban casually dropped a bombshell.

"Cough, cough, cough..." Cyd coughed violently. "Why do you think I'm on your side?"

"Because sometimes you hang out with a little girl with purple hair," Ban said with a sly grin, nudging Cyd with his elbow. For some reason, his smile became rather perverted. "Surely you prefer that type, right? Smooth skin, soft body, cute face."

"Could you not make criminal declarations like that in public? If you're charged with lust crimes, it'll be hard for me to deal with."

"The captain would be arrested too." Ban shrugged nonchalantly. "But you're definitely on my side, Vice-Captain. You seem pretty close to that little girl."

"She's..."

"I'm his sister."

Ban's eyes widened, not because of the sudden cold voice, but because the owner of the voice emerged from Cyd's shadow.

"Eh! Eh, eh, eh—what kind of weird magic is this?"

"Let me introduce you. This is my family, Medusa." Cyd held Medusa's small hand and gave it a playful shake in front of Ban. "Pick your jaw up off the ground. After seeing someone like Escanor shrink at night, you're still surprised by someone hiding in a shadow?"

"Good point..." Ban put his jaw back in place, reminding himself he was immortal. "Now, back to the topic at hand. You're still on my side, right? After all, you've got such an adorable little one hiding in your shadow."

"Can we stop arguing about this?"

"Tch~ Just be straightforward, Vice-Captain. Anyway, I know Escanor likes tall women." Ban wagged his finger as if revealing a grand truth. "Yesterday, I got him drunk, and he wrote a poem for Merlin."

"Too bad, that wild cat isn't big or small." Medusa suddenly interjected, leaving both Ban and Cyd stunned.

"Hmm..." Ban rubbed his brow, pondering for a moment before cautiously asking, "Vice-Captain, do you like men?"

"How did you come to that conclusion?!"

"Because women are either big or small, there's no middle ground! And you're always hanging out with men, never women!"

"I like women! And I'm already married!" Cyd, for once, seemed flustered. He only spent time with men because there were few female Holy Knights, and it helped him control the power of Aphrodite's blessing.

"Eh!" Ban's jaw dislocated again. "Vice-Captain, you're married? But your sister seems so petite."

"I'm not small. I just maintain this size because I like it. I can look like Cyd's sister or take on any form that showcases a woman's charm at any age." Medusa tugged her hood, and for some reason, Ban detected a hint of... pride in her calm tone.

"What about your wife, Vice-Captain? You've never mentioned her before."

Cyd's steps faltered, and Medusa lowered her head, hiding her face in the shadow of her hood. Ban had a sinking feeling that he'd hit a sore spot.

"She's... up there." Cyd raised his hand and pointed to the sky. "If the weather's clear at night, you might catch a glimpse."

Ban instinctively shut his mouth. Every night, Cyd would spend time on the rooftop, and they all thought he just liked stargazing. Who knew...

"Sorry, Vice-Captain. I didn't mean to..." Ban awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"Don't worry about it." Cyd smiled gently, giving Ban's back a reassuring pat. "One day, I'll bring her back from that place."

"Vice-Captain..." Ban stood frozen, staring at Cyd's retreating figure, his fists gradually clenching.

He wanted to walk forward with his head held high like that too, but he lacked...

"Ban, let me ask you. Who's the one you like?"

"Elaine...!" Ban slapped his hand over his mouth, blurting out the name he'd kept hidden deep in his heart. He had always been so careful to conceal it.

"The holy maiden guarding the Fountain of Youth? Seems like your relationship with her isn't as distant as the rumors suggest." Cyd turned back, seeing Ban with his head down, fists clenched, blood dripping from his palms.

"Looks like I accidentally touched on a sore subject too."

"It's fine, Vice-Captain." Ban forced a grin, rubbing his face. "I guess I can't lie to you after all."

"No, it's not that. I just have a blessing that prevents anyone from lying me." Cyd turned and gestured for Ban to follow. "Care to take this chance to confess something? It's a special service reserved for the [Seven Deadly Sins]."

"Ha~ You really like to comfort people. As if there's such a thing as magic like that in this world." Ban rolled his eyes and, after a few steps, caught up to Cyd, slinging an arm around his neck.

"Hey, Vice-Captain, could you... come with me somewhere?"

That didn't sound like Ban at all. He had never seemed this down before. It was as if he had always hidden his inner turmoil behind his carefree, mischievous attitude—just like Meliodas.

"Alright, alright. It's part of the special service. No matter where, I'll go with you."

"Vice-Captain, you're so nice~" Ban smacked his lips, his smile easing up a little.

"With how gentle you are, you might attract some men. Be careful, Vice-Captain."

"I'm immune to all curses."

"That's a blessing, not a curse~"

"Who'd want a blessing like that?" Cyd bent down to pick up Medusa, then said to Ban, "That place isn't too far, right?"

"Well... not sure. Maybe a little far, but I know the direction." Ban's answer, as always, was unreliable.

"Point it out."

"Over there. About three or four cities away." Ban pointed in a direction after thinking for a moment, though Cyd had already started massaging his shoulder for some reason.

"Got it." Cyd grabbed Ban by the collar and lifted him up, stepping forward as if preparing to throw him.

"Hey, Vice-Captain, you're not seriously going to—"

"You guessed right!"

Cyd's eyes narrowed, and his right foot sank into the ground. His arm, combined with his body, formed a perfect throwing stance, his streamlined muscles acting like powerful springs.

"Launch!"

Boom—!

With a sonic boom trailing behind him, Ban disappeared from sight. A faint mist lingered around Cyd's feet as golden patterns spread from his left arm to his entire body.

"Let's go, Medusa."

"Mm." Medusa tightened her arms around Cyd's neck and nodded.

"Alright then, let's set off."