If you don't want to just drift through life, you have to go through time.

After obtaining the magic book, Truman and the others returned home.

The carriage bumped along the road, the sun was bright and the temperature was slightly high, and the silence added to the oppressive atmosphere.

Frillie was probably tired; she was fast asleep, nestled on Philon's lap. To be honest, Truman was a little jealous and wanted to lie down too.

Philon probably sensed his thoughts and stretched out his leg, gesturing for Truman to lie down as well.

Truman wanted to, but he refused.

The two of them are a considerable burden for Philon, so let's give this opportunity to Frilian for now.

Aize slowly spoke, "Truman, are you happy spending time with Frillie?"

"...It's alright. Frilian is a very good teacher. She taught me a lot of knowledge and the application of magic. We got along quite well."

"You know, that's not what I wanted to say."

Aize saw through Truman's attempt to escape.

He was like a stereotypical dwarf, with a straightforward and blunt personality.

"I can see that Frilian has changed a lot. The elf who was once indifferent to humans is now changing because of someone's thoughts, and even doesn't want to waste unimportant time... Truman, what are your thoughts on Frilian?"

"Friend. That's all."

"But the Truman I know has loved Frillie since 80 years ago."

Aize doesn't seem to understand what tact is.

No, he did it on purpose.

Was it because they had communicated with Highta and believed that Truman couldn't overcome that hurdle? Or was it because of Simmel's withdrawal, and they didn't want Frillie to be alone? It's probably a combination of both.

"Aize, when you were young, did you ever imagine teaming up with these people and successfully defeating the Demon King?"

"I hadn't thought about it."

"Me too. Nobody stays the same forever, and neither do I, until one day I stumble over some tiny spark that changes my life. Aize, I'm not against it; in fact, I'm looking forward to it. So, let's just wait quietly for that moment to come, okay?"

"……Yeah."

Aize fell silent again, finally letting out a helpless sigh. "It's ironic. 80 years ago, Truman was teaching Frillie what love was, and 80 years later, it's turned out like this..."

I always felt that he was somewhat like a CP leader.

It's just that because they are taciturn and not good at expressing themselves, this is the only way to urge them on.

"Don't say that, it makes it sound like I'm cold-hearted." Truman shrugged. "But you're right, if you really want to ask who I care about most right now, it's only Philon."

"...Huh?"

Philen, who had been listening silently, paused for a moment, then lowered her head, looking a little embarrassed, but the slight upturn of her lips indicated that she was in a good mood.

The dwarf looked at her.

"Speaking of which, could it be that Philonise is the daughter you've been talking about for 80 years, Truman?"

"Gurgle!"

Philon evolves into a giant mushroom once again.

As expected of Aize, he hit the nail on the head.

So, did he say he had a daughter 80 years ago? In Simmel and the others' eyes, wouldn't it seem like he was a philanderer and a scumbag for pursuing Frilian while having a daughter?

"No, you said she was your adopted daughter."

Aize seemed to sense Truman's confusion and offered an explanation.

It has been explained.

An adopted daughter—sounds like a kind-hearted person, doesn't it?

"Truman...Sir!" Philon emphasized the title, "I never expected you to say such a thing, I am extremely grateful."

But your expression doesn't look like you're very grateful?

Truman waved his hands repeatedly.

Back at Aize's cabin, since Frilian was still asleep and it was late, they stayed there for the night. After dinner, when Frilian asked again, Aize said he wouldn't go with them to the northern continent.

"I'm old, I'm just an old bone."

That's what he said.

Truman gave a sharp smirk.

What Aize meant by "old bones" was that he had been climbing up and down the basin these past few days, taking down a pack of gray wolves with an axe, and carrying Truman for 5 kilometers without even breaking a sweat.

That really means you're getting old.

Besides, although we can't tell Azer's real age, he's not old for a dwarf, probably around 50 years old in human years.

Isn't this the age to be working hard?

"Is that so? Then there's nothing we can do. After all, the northern continent is indeed very dangerous."

"—Frilian!?"

Truman looked at Frillie in surprise, and even Aze and Philon were astonished.

Whether Frilian truly thought that way, or understood the underlying meaning and the ways of the world, Frilian's change was truly significant.

However, Aize's statement implies that the northern continent is indeed very dangerous, and he himself is worried that his strength will not be able to keep up, and he will instead become a burden.

"Oh, right, Frilian."

"Um?"

"Do you remember how to get to Erd?"

"Hmm. First is Vilay, then we pass through the Likel Canyon, and then we'll reach the passes of the northern kingdoms."

"This will be a very long journey; it took the hero and his companions a full ten years. But you will also forge new bonds along the way," Aize thought for a moment, then added, "Before you set off, take my disciple with you. He's in the village by the Likel Canyon right now; his name is Shutark, and he's a warrior."

"A disciple? I didn't expect Aize to take on a disciple."

"I'll return those words to you verbatim, Frilian."

For a dwarf, it was obviously more unbelievable that an elf would take on a disciple. After all, at the victory banquet after defeating the demon king, Frilian had clearly stated that it would be better not to take on any disciples since they would die in the blink of an eye. But now she had taken on Philon.

Although Truman and Highta were involved, Aize could see that Frillie's motivations went beyond just the promise.

"Well then, goodbye."

Goodbye, Aize.

They said goodbye.

Before leaving, Truman blurted out, "Aize, do you know how to brew wine? I remember dwarves are very famous brewing masters, aren't they?"

"No, that's a stereotype... If it were 80 years ago, I would definitely have answered you that way, but—"

As if he had known this would happen, Aize pulled a cement-sealed porcelain bottle from under his cloak and tossed it over.

"A 30-year-old sparkling wine, the taste is guaranteed."

"30..."

Truman, upon receiving the sparkling wine, was surprised by the number and also felt helpless about Haita's claim that he hadn't drunk sparkling wine in 70 years; that guy had indeed lied to him.

Then, he tossed over a small bottle as well.

"A farewell drink specially made for Haita."

"That's great. It makes up for the regret of missing it."

The two men clinked their porcelain bottles together, drank a little, and then poured the rest of the bubbly wine onto the three small mounds of earth next to the hut.

"Aize, which one is mine?"

"...The one in the middle."

"Really? Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Afterwards, Truman and Aize made a promise to drink together again after returning from the Demon King's castle, and then embarked on their journey once more.