A Warrior Exiled by the Hero and His Lover

―― Three months have passed since I joined the colonization of the island. Although I occasionally go back home to see how things are, most of my time has been spent on the island.

Why am I so obsessed with colonization? While one of the reasons is the adventure that awaits me in the southern continent, the true reason is to provide a safe place for my wives and children.

It's not something I'm proud of, but now I am a man who attracts attention from many countries. I am the descendant of an ancient race and I have abilities that are the topic of conversation everywhere.

Of course, there will be people who try to take advantage of me and my family. It's not safe to assume that there won't be people seeking my vast experience and try to do something malicious with it. Even if they're not here now, it's certain that they will appear at some point. We need to create an environment in which our children can grow without worries.

My wives and I've had many discussions about it. So we came to the conclusion of "creating our own city."

If we don't have a safe place to live, we must create it ourselves. A city just for us, not belonging to any country. Of course, it's a plan that also has benefits for the group. If it weren't, even if Nei and I wanted it, we wouldn't be able to carry out the plan.

However, I didn't expect there to be a major obstacle called "the chief."

"Let me take care of this... Toru is the leader of the group. He just has to stay firm and relaxed."

Nei urged me not to do anything and simply wait, so I obediently followed her instructions and sat down on the floor.

In front of me, the group members were engaged in a fierce battle against the "Vaicorn," the main enemy of the island. Like the "Horn Rabbit," this creature was abnormal in every way and seemed to be of a completely different species from the rest of the individuals we had seen so far.

I wasn't sure if it was due to the environment of the island or its proximity to the southern continent, where it was said that there were new species of monsters that were stronger than anything we had seen here. It was still unknown if it was due to the influence of these monsters.

A young knight-like figure shouted as he launched an attack, "Turn into rust by my sword!" But it seemed that the attack didn't cause much damage as the Vaicorn jumped and sent several group members flying as it charged.

The "Wandering Trope" was led by five individuals known as the "Trope Leaders." Each of them had the appropriate combat strength to be the ultimate authority and lead and guide the group members. However, even they were having difficulty battling against the Vaicorn.

The leader of the Trope, Kiaris, with his knight-like appearance, had no intentions of backing down and continued his crusade against the Vaicorn.

"Benale!"

"I'm here."

A dark elf woman stepped forward to block the Vaicorn's path. It was the leader of the Trope, Benale, whose attack with her three-section staff halted the monster's advance.

The Vaicorn shifted in another direction but was once again stopped by the Trope leader from the lion tribe, Gurjin, whose fists were simple yet incredibly powerful.

Gurjin prepared to fight against the Vaicorn, but it was another group member, Nanbara, who severed the monster's head, causing a swift and effective death.

Gurjin was shocked by what had happened, as he was eager to battle against the Vaicorn. Another group member, Taki, the only alchemist in the group, emerged from the shadow of the forest. Taki was a skilled but clumsy man.

Nei applauded and then addressed everyone.

"Now, we only have three more creatures left to defeat. We could almost say that this island is entirely ours. Well done to all who participated in this. I assure you, there will be a special reward for each of you when it's all over."

The group members cheered with joy upon hearing those words.

Amidst all that, only the group leader, Kiaris, was looking at me angrily.

As I distanced myself from the group, Kiaris approached me as if he had been waiting for such an opportunity.

"You're truly an interesting character. Do you just stand around and watch from above without doing anything?"

"It seems that you're still unsatisfied."

"Indeed, I am not. I admit that it was you who founded this party. But it is Nei-sama who exudes charisma and acts as the leader."

Kiaris was a devoted follower of Nei. He respected her from the depths of his heart and saw her above all else.

It seems he had been displaying hostility towards me even before I appeared. He challenged me on the day we first met. Of course, I won. He accepted it once, but it seems his dissatisfaction has resurfaced.

"I still believe that you're unworthy of being the leader of this party. After all, it was you who appeared when this party became famous. Don't you think it's about time you put in some effort as well?"

"So, your issue is that I became the leader after coming out of nowhere?"

"Yes, indeed."

Regardless of how I became the leader of this group, I am now. Would it be selfish to want to achieve something and then step back? Besides, there are interesting, eccentric, and even foolish people. Somehow, I feel a strange sense of satisfaction in thinking that this is my group. It's comfortable, so to speak.

"However, I will tell you clearly. You will never be even a quarter of what Nei-sama is. That person may treat you as an equal or even superior, but don't get confused."

"I will keep that in mind."

Kiaris turns around.

"If I had fought seriously that day, I would have defeated you. I haven't lost yet."

Leaving those words behind, he walks away.

The image of Kiaris dropping his wooden sword to the ground in frustration came to my mind. He seemed to have great pride.

Observing the group members who began to dismantle the Vaicorn, I started to worry about the relationship I have with my subordinates.