I am Shannon Flem, a priest who serves as the healer for the party known as the Sword of the Hero.
I joined this party about five years ago, prompted by an invitation from my childhood friend, Rogue.
It seems Rogue hit it off with Alfred, whom he met by chance, and they formed an adventurer party. At that time, I was just an apprentice priest, and Rogue requested that I join them.
Apparently, Alfred was also from the same orphanage and was alone in the world.
Since then, our party has grown in number, and we have evolved into a group of clan-level status, with me rising to a position of prominence within it. Our momentum hasn't waned, and we are now recognized as one of the top platinum-class parties in the Rumirio Kingdom.
However, to be honest, I disliked Alfred.
After becoming the leader, he soon started to belittle Rogue, treating him as if he were a slave.
No matter how much I pleaded or preached, Alfred ignored me and did as he pleased. Many women were likely hurt by his lecherous behavior. Yet, curiously, he never seemed to make advances on the women in the party, which was perhaps his only redeeming quality.
Larisa is an exception, though. She's known for easily forming relationships with men she fancies.
Despite this, my dislike for Alfred was profound.
I was aware that many in the party speculated that Rogue and I, being childhood friends, might have a special relationship. In reality, we are more like siblings, and there is nothing more to it.
Nevertheless, I didn't deny the rumors and intentionally allowed them to spread. This was both to protect myself and to shield Rogue. Indeed, Rogue's supposed romantic link to me served as a deterrent against bullying from others.
It might also have been a strategy against Alfred. Occasionally, he would look at me with a lecherous gaze, which I found incredibly unpleasant.
I really disliked him... I even suggested to Rogue several times that we leave the party together. But for some reason, Rogue always refused, saying, "I love this party and sincerely wish for everyone's happiness."
While I admired and took pride in my childhood friend's idealism, I also felt a slight discomfort from the look in his eyes he never blinked, and his gaze seemed devoid of light.
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but...
In any case, I still find it puzzling why Rogue holds Alfred in such high regard. I believe their first meeting involved Rogue being rescued by Alfred from some thugs, which might explain Rogue's sense of debt. But I absolutely hate Alfred.
-Or at least, I used to think so.
But recently, Alfred has changed significantly-no, he's changed drastically.
He now behaves as though he's a completely different person, treating Rogue with fairness and even showing concern for him. The greed he once exhibited is gone; he now appears to be focused on the development of the Sword of the Hero and the welfare of our members.
It seems his decision to refuse the title of Hero was influenced by our recent struggles against monsters in ancient ruins. If Alfred had become a Hero, the Rumirio Kingdom would have assigned us even harsher quests, leading to potential casualties among our less capable members.
This was indeed a wise decision and a hallmark of a great leader.
I still can't quite believe that the former embodiment of greed has become someone I respect.
But it's true-Alfred has changed.
He now treats Pearl, who was once treated poorly, with the kindness of a younger sister, and he's even become popular among the townsfolk.
One day...
"-Alfred, are you around?"
A woman from the bakery inquired.
"If it's Alfred you're looking for, he's not here," I replied, assuming it was another complaint.
"This is a thank-you gift for what happened recently. Please give it to him. You all can eat some too," she said, handing over a large amount of bread.
It turns out Alfred had intervened during a commotion with some troublemakers at the bakery. He helped with cleanup and even awkwardly repaired some damaged furniture.
And Alfred's deeds didn't stop there. He's been praised for various acts, such as playing with orphans, distributing sweets, helping the elderly across the street, and retrieving balloons stuck in trees.
He's become a hidden hero in the town.
I can hardly believe it.
But now, I don't hate Alfred as much as I used to.
In fact, I... well, I'm not sure what I'm thinking.
This feeling in my chest... it's tightening. Am I... developing feelings for Alfred?
It's unbelievable... I used to hate him so much.
Why does my heart ache so much at the thought of him? Why does my face flush just think about him?
I... I can't believe it.