Chapter 1 - The Hero’s Quiet Days Are Anything But

The warm morning sun filtered through the windows of the guild's sprawling manor, a home far larger than they truly needed now. Nestled on the outskirts of a peaceful village, the manor was a symbol of the group’s triumphs—a reward for saving the world, left standing long after the memories of the Demon Lord’s reign had faded into legend.

In the kitchen, Ari stood by the hearth, his sharp eyes calmly observing the sizzling pan before him. Breakfast wasn’t a grand affair today, just enough eggs and sausages to satisfy everyone. Despite his unmatched strength and genius, Ari had long since accepted that managing his overpowered guildmates required a skill beyond magic and swordsmanship: patience.

“How many times do I have to tell you, stop touching my staff!”

The shrill voice came from the adjoining room, and Ari didn’t even have to look to know who it was. Yuri was in one of her moods again.

“It’s not my fault your staff is so plain. I thought I’d decorate it a bit!” came Kimi’s cheerful retort, tinged with mock innocence.

“Plain?!” Yuri’s voice cracked, and a loud thud echoed through the house. “My staff is a masterpiece! You wouldn’t know craftsmanship if it hit you in the—”

The sound of something crashing interrupted her, followed by Kimi’s exaggerated gasp. “Did you just try to hit me?! Oh, you’re so childish, Yuri. Honestly, I’m just trying to help you improve your boring, outdated taste!”

Ari sighed, flipping the sausages with precision. He glanced toward the door as Finoria strolled into the kitchen, her golden hair catching the light. She carried her shield casually under one arm, as though it was no heavier than a loaf of bread.

“They’re at it again,” Finoria said, smirking as she leaned against the counter.

“When aren’t they?” Ari replied, his voice calm but tinged with dry humor.

From the next room, Yuri’s voice rose in an indignant shriek. “What did you just say about my taste?! At least I don’t dress like I’m trying to seduce everyone who walks by!”

Kimi gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? This is elegance! You wouldn’t understand. You’re too busy trying to look ‘tough’ to appreciate beauty.”

Finoria let out a laugh, the kind that made it clear she was enjoying the spectacle. “I don’t know why you let them get away with it, Ari. A little discipline might do them good.”

Ari gave her a sidelong glance. “And miss out on the entertainment? Besides, they’ll wear themselves out eventually.”

“I can hear you!” Yuri yelled, storming into the kitchen with her cheeks flushed. She looked as though she was ready to explode, her emerald eyes practically blazing. Right behind her came Kimi, her serene expression a little too smug, as if she’d already won whatever argument had been happening.

“I swear, Ari, you have to do something about her!” Yuri said, pointing a finger at Kimi. “She’s impossible! She keeps touching my things and making fun of me!”

“Oh, Yuri, don’t be so dramatic,” Kimi said, brushing a strand of silver hair over her shoulder. She turned to Ari with a radiant smile. “Good morning, Ari. I hope you slept well.”

“Morning,” Ari replied simply, setting a plate of food on the table. He didn’t rise to Kimi’s sugary tone or Yuri’s fiery outburst, his demeanor as steady as always.

“Did you even hear what I just said?” Yuri pressed, her frustration bubbling over.

“I heard,” Ari replied, fixing her with a level gaze. “And I’ll say the same thing I said last time: you’re both adults. Figure it out.”

Kimi snickered behind her hand, and Yuri turned on her immediately. “Don’t you dare laugh!”

“Oh, come on, you make it too easy,” Finoria said, finally taking a seat and grabbing a piece of toast. “It’s like watching two kids fight over a toy.”

“Stay out of this!” Yuri and Kimi said in unison, turning on Finoria with matching glares.

Ari sighed and sat down, gesturing to the food. “Eat before it gets cold.”

The argument subsided just long enough for Yuri and Kimi to take their seats, though the tension between them still crackled like a storm cloud. Finoria, meanwhile, helped herself to the sausages with a grin, clearly unbothered.

As they ate, the noise settled into a comfortable hum. Arguments and all, this was their normal. No demon lords, no armies, no grand battles—just the four of them, living their lives in a world they’d saved.

And for Ari, that was enough.