Hao Ren and the others happily finished erecting their own tombs (no mistake intended), each declaring it a novel and interesting experience—at least Lily and Nangong May thought it was pretty fun. Then Hao Ren looked at the solemn obsidian memorials and started grumbling to Ofra. "Actually, I don't think the memorials for the few of us should be placed alongside these people's. It doesn't feel quite right."
Ofra immediately misunderstood him. "But this is already the highest-grade memorial permitted by tradition, second only to those for the Pope and the King..."
"That's not what I mean." Hao Ren pointed at the nearby stone monuments bearing busts of their subjects. The closest one was the statue of Diocesan Chief Geldon. "These people were true heroes who died in battle in the Beinz Region. They deserve this honor. But the few of us... we're still alive and well. I don't think I have the right to stand alongside them. It makes me feel a little... sorry to them."
Ofra stared at Hao Ren in surprise. After a long pause, she revealed a strange smile. "I really didn't expect you to say that. People like you are rare. Isn't it nice to be praised by the whole world?"
"I'm not lacking that." Hao Ren shrugged. "I just feel weird about the false advertising."
"You saved many people, and even saved this world. Perhaps you feel that it was simply your job, and a trivial matter to you, but the people who survived can't think that way. Everyone has to show their gratitude." Ofra smiled. "This has nothing to do with you personally. It's about those of us who were lucky enough to survive. Besides, no matter what... people have to learn to commemorate heroes. What we commemorate isn't the truth of the