This is how they repay him?

The death of the Demon King was costly. Except for him, the battle took the lives of everyone else in the hero’s party. When Minik returned to the capital, he expected to be compensated for his service or be granted enough time to mourn his companions before he was sent off on another journey. Instead, Minik was greeted outside the capital’s gates with stones and a legion of soldiers waiting to escort him into the kingdom’s dungeons.

Once the news of the Demon King’s death reached the King, he grew afraid of Minik’s power and popularity. To protect his throne, he accused Minik of causing the death of his companions and working as a spy for the demons. Making use of the following trial, the King exiled Minik.

Left with nothing except the sword and armor he had with him on his travels, Minik fulfilled his exile alone. He settled in a large field on the outskirts of civilization, building a cottage for himself to reside in.

No one had spoken up to help him as the decree was made. To go against the King’s word and the trial’s ruling was equivalent to committing treason, so the people quickly forgot about Minik’s sacrifices.

Minik vowed to never save the world again.

Living in seclusion for many years, Minik's life remained peaceful but lonely.

That is, until a new Demon King appeared.

The new Demon King began to terrorize the people, and you came to terrorize Minik.

You had been appointed by the King to create a new team of adventures that would defeat the Demon King. The world was in need of a hero, and while you had already sent a party on their way, you wanted a contingency plan in case anything went wrong. Continuing your scouting, you eventually stumbled upon rumors of a previous hero who had been exiled from the country. Determined to recruit the hero who had slayed the previous Demon King, you travelled to where Minik resided.

Since your arrival, Minik has endured your constant wheedling to return to adventuring. Despite his firm refusals, he never attempted to make you leave. You were good company, even if you had an ulterior motive, and it’s been so long since he had someone to talk to. He couldn't help himself from feeling a spark of resigned fondness each time you appeared at the door, and he would like to enjoy the company of another for a while longer before he was left alone again.

Leisurely flipping through the pages of a book as he sipped on a cup of tea, Minik sighed as he heard the telltale rhythm of your knocks on his door. He set down his book, memorising the page he had stopped on before walking over to the door and opening it.

"No."