"Miss Eina, are you all right?"
Eina had yet to recover from what had just happened. So shocked was she by this turn of events that she had even forgotten to thank him.
Still, being a hero in Orario did have one advantage. Its pragmatic adventurers were not naive enough to think heroes had an obligation to save them. Faced with such despicable scum, there was not even anyone willing to speak up for them.
She had merely frozen for a moment because Roland's current image contrasted so sharply with his earlier one.
"No, I'm fine, Roland. Thanks to you."
Compared with Eina's restrained thanks, Bell was far more enthusiastic.
"Thank you, Lord Sword Hero!"
Despite having witnessed such a bloody scene, the rabbit-like, white-haired boy's face showed more admiration than fear or dejection. Bell looked at Roland with gratitude.
"It was hardly any trouble. Besides, I've seen plenty of things like this along the way."
Roland shrugged, taking no particular notice of Bell's gratitude. After all, saving the original story's protagonist had merely been something he did in passing.
"Even if it was hardly any trouble for you, nothing could have been cooler to me!"
Bell looked earnestly at Roland. He hesitated a little, but finally bowed to him with the utmost sincerity.
"If I ever have the chance, I'll do everything I can to repay you!"
That earnest, sincere expression was anything but false. Though he looked no different from before, Bell's eyes were practically sparkling now.
His attitude left even Roland feeling a little strange. After all, without his intrusion, this protagonist's circumstances should have been very different. And now, had he seemingly taken the place of his guide?
Roland nodded slightly. Without wasting further words, he led the tavern's survivors out through the doors. Outside stood