Chapter 1 ◆ Dragon Slayers and Heroes
“All the dragonkind around the capital have been hunted to extinction… Could it truly be…?”
As the king of the Zamaal Kingdom, I could scarcely believe my ears.
Dragons, even the weakest among them, are fearsome adversaries.
To think they could be “hunted to extinction.” Is such a thing even possible?
“Indeed! The reason is unclear, but it appears Ceres-dono has been hunting them relentlessly.”
“Give me the report.”
Six flame dragons, an advanced species of fire dragons.
Four rock dragons, an advanced species of earth dragons.
Three ice-water dragons, an advanced species of water dragons.
Five wind king dragons, an advanced species of wind dragons.
And over a hundred ordinary dragons and wyverns.
What is this battle record!?
Even a single advanced dragon species would require an entire battalion of knights!
“And Ceres-dono accomplished this alone… Is that what you’re saying? And then…”
“Yes. There are no longer any dragonkind in the vicinity of the capital. It seems they’ve fled in fear of being hunted, and sightings of dragons have ceased entirely. That’s what I’ve heard.”
What strength! To think one could earn the “Dragonslayer” medal for slaying a single dragon, yet this individual has eradicated entire species.
Is he truly inferior to the Chosen Four? Inferior to the Hero or the Demon King? I cannot believe it.
“Ota, am I losing my mind…? I can’t help but think Ceres-dono is stronger than the Hero or even the Demon King.”
“I cannot say for the future, but in terms of current combat strength, the Hero and his party can only manage to hunt wyverns solo. Moreover, I’ve heard they’ve been struggling lately, even against an Ogre King. There’s also a troubling rumor circulating.”
“A rumor, you say?”
“Yes. Some claim the Hero’s party is actually weak, and all their achievements were, in fact, due to Ceres-dono.”
“That’s surely an exaggeration.”
“Perhaps, but… they once felled wyverns with ease, yet now they struggle with an Ogre King. The fact remains: their decline began after Ceres-dono left.”
Acquiring Ceres-dono… There may be no higher priority.
◆◆◆
Some time later…
“Ota, what’s the latest on Ceres-dono?”
“Indeed! He’s recently been thriving as an adventurer based in the capital.”
This is most convenient. If he’s in the capital, I can summon him for an audience.
“Come to think of it, I’ve heard a large quantity of wyvern and dragon materials has been circulating lately. Could it be…?”
“Most of those are likely from Ceres-dono’s hunts.”
I want him. If he settles in the capital permanently, the economic benefits alone would be immense.
Simply by hunting nearby wyverns and dragons, he ensures safer trade routes and supplies valuable materials—a boon in every way.
“As expected, Ceres-dono is exceptional. Has he still not been officially expelled?”
“Indeed, his registration remains intact.”
“I see… The moment he’s removed is our chance. Keep a close eye on this.”
To think we succeeded in separating him from the Hero’s party, yet things still aren’t going as planned.
“Understood! If an opportunity arises to make contact, how should we negotiate?”
“That’s the issue… In terms of wealth, Ceres-dono has already amassed considerable riches. As for a noble title, we haven’t even granted one to the Hero Zect, so it would be improper to offer one now. Marriage is also complicated, as Marin has been promised as a potential fiancée to the Hero Zect, and there are no other suitable candidates among my kin…”
“Your Majesty… What about the First Princess, Marianne-sama?”
“Ota, Marianne returned after the fall of the Balda Kingdom, her husband’s homeland—she’s a widow, essentially. Moreover, she’s twenty-eight years old. Far from a reward, any suitor would likely demand a dowry. There’s no way a fifteen-year-old like Ceres-dono would—You know this!”
What is Ota thinking? From some perspectives, it could look like we’re foisting her off!
Yet Ota shows no sign of remorse.
What’s going on?
“In fact, Ceres-dono currently has four wives… all of whom are older than Marianne-sama.”
“Is that true?”
“Indeed.”
Marianne may be older and a widow, but she was once hailed as the kingdom’s treasure, a stunning beauty. As the First Princess, her status surpasses Marin’s. If he’s fine with women of that age, there’s no issue.
“I see… Then including an engagement with Marianne in the negotiations could work.”
This could turn into a fine match.
I ordered Ota to summon Marianne.
“Father, you called for me?”
It’s been a while, but her golden hair and translucent white skin are as radiant as ever.
At twenty-eight, few princesses could match her beauty.
“Rejoice, Marianne… We’ve found a candidate for your betrothal.”
“Father, I’m already twenty-eight… Am I to be bestowed upon someone? Having lost my family and kingdom, and returned as a widow—and a mother—I won’t complain, no matter who it is. But please, let him be kind.”
“We’re still in the discussion phase, but the candidate is Ceres-dono.”
“Father, please, no! An engagement with someone young enough to be my son would bring nothing but shame!”
That’s the natural reaction, but this time, it’s different.
“You see, according to Ota, Ceres-dono lost his mother at a young age and seems to prefer older women.”
“Truly…? A handsome Dragonslayer youth?”
“I couldn’t believe it myself, but all four of his current wives are older than you.”
“Is that so? If it’s true, I have no objections.”
“It’s only a proposal for now, but we’ll move forward with it. Is that acceptable?”
“To think a widow like me could become the wife of that reserved, beautiful boy… It’s more than I deserve. Please proceed.”
◆◆◆
The day after our shopping trip, I was supposed to go hunting with Shizuko-san and the others…
But a unicorn-drawn carriage was parked in front of our building.
A unicorn carriage is exclusive to the Zamaal royal family.
No matter how luxurious the condominium we’re renting, that’s among commoners. Nobles live in their own district, so the only person in this building the royals would have business with is likely me.
I should’ve left earlier.
“Today’s hunt might be canceled.”
“What, Ceres? What’s that supposed to mean? We promised to go hunting today! Depending on the reason…”
Nee-san puffed out her cheeks and raised her fist. Her punches sting more than you’d think.
“Nee-san, it’s not that… Look!”
I pointed to the carriage visible through the window.
“A royal carriage?”
“Ceres-kun, what’s that about?”
“I hope I’m wrong, but in this building, I’m probably the only one the royal family would have business with.”
This is depressing. What could they want?
Sure, I was in the Hero’s party, so I’ve met important people occasionally, but I’m just a villager.
If I could avoid meeting royalty, I would.
*“Since you’re still registered with the Hero’s party, you must defeat the Demon King.”*
*“At the very least, Ceres-dono, take down one of the Four Heavenly Kings.”*
In the worst case, they might say something like that.
With a single word, nobles and royals can alter someone’s life, sending them to their death.
*Knock, knock, knock…* The sound of knocking echoed.
They’re here.
“Yes, come in.”
I opened the door.
Three kingdom knights stood there.
“Ceres-dono, we come on behalf of King Zanmaruk IV. Please accompany us.”
My bad feelings are usually spot-on.
That they’re only asking for me is a small mercy.
“Sorry, everyone. The hunt’s postponed to tomorrow… I’ll be back!”
““““Ceres(-kun)(-san)(-chan)!?””””
The four of them looked at me anxiously, but a royal summons leaves no choice.
I hope it’s not something too harsh.
◆◆◆
Upon arriving at the palace, I was immediately ushered into the audience chamber.
Normally, one would be made to wait, but this treatment—without any delay—is exceptional.
“You’ve done well to come, Ceres-dono.”
My bad feeling was right.
Besides the king, Prime Minister Dobell and his confidant Ota are present. This is undoubtedly a political matter.
In this situation, the odds of an unreasonable demand are high.
I must offer my greetings. Kneeling on one knee, I recite the formal address.
“May His Majesty King Zanmaruk be in good spirits…”
But the king himself interrupted, speaking directly.
“No need, no need. I’ve called you to commend your achievements, Ceres-dono. Let’s keep this informal.”
The king seems in good spirits.
If that’s the case, I might not be saddled with something too outrageous.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Now, Ceres-dono, normally, the Dragonslayer title comes with a medal. Since you’ve come to the capital, I thought to present you with it…”
“I am deeply honored.”
The king descended from his throne, knelt, and personally pinned the medal to my chest.
Typically, Prime Minister Dobell would do this…
There’s something more to this…
His expression is calm, his mood pleasant. That much is clear, but as the pinnacle of seasoned nobles, I can’t read him further.
Instead of returning to his throne, the king continued speaking.
“What an astonishing record. Over a hundred dragonkind, including advanced species—what a lion’s roar of valor! Among the nobles, many call you the ‘Guardian of the Kingdom,’ Ceres-dono.”
“That’s… merely a coincidence.”
“No need for modesty, Ceres-dono. The king speaks true. Your exploits have reached even my ears as Prime Minister. Some even call you the ‘True Hero,’” Dobell said.
Prime Minister Dobell rarely praises anyone, yet he’s given me such words.
“I was shocked when I heard,” Ota added, nodding in agreement.
“And so, I’ve been thinking,” the king continued. “For someone with such accomplishments to have no title simply because their job is Magic Warrior seems unjust.”
My bad feeling was correct…
As I hesitated, unsure how to respond, the king pressed on.
“In this kingdom’s history, there were those granted titles apart from their jobs. That title was ‘Hero’—bestowed upon those who served the nation and its people, regardless of their innate job. Your deeds, Ceres-dono, surpass even Dragonslayer. Thus, I shall grant you the ancient title of ‘Hero.’”
Such a title would make a peaceful life impossible.
“I cannot accept such a grandiose title.”
I tried to refuse gently, but…
“Ceres-dono, His Majesty has always lamented your mistreatment,” Dobell interjected. “Despite fighting alongside the Hero and achieving such feats, you received no support funds or proper recognition. You’ve surpassed the Chosen Four. Thus, we offer you the title of ‘Hero,’ equal to them. Please accept it.”
Being pressed even by Prime Minister Dobell makes it hard to refuse.
“Prime Minister Dobell, what does this title entail?”
“Let me explain,” the king said. “While not a job, this title is equivalent to the Chosen Four. In other words, you can ‘oppose even the Hero.’ In times of crisis in the Zamaal Kingdom, you may directly request cooperation from me, my vassals, or nobles. Simply put, you can meet me or any noble without formalities and ask for aid.”
To meet the king or nobles at any time and request their cooperation… That’s extraordinary.
It feels almost… as if it surpasses even the Hero’s authority.
“Such a title…”
“Enough. I have high expectations for you. Depending on your future deeds, I’m considering a marriage to a princess or the granting of a noble title. Continue to strive.”
It’s no use. They won’t let me refuse.
Something’s off. Princess Marin is set to marry Zect after defeating the Demon King. There shouldn’t be another princess.
“Such a…”
“Ceres-dono, this decision has the unanimous agreement of not only the king but all the nobles of this kingdom, including myself,” Dobell said.
If I reject this, I can’t stay in this kingdom anymore.
It’s over.
“I am deeply honored and humbly accept. However, Princess Marin is to wed the Hero Zect… Wouldn’t that cause issues?”
Taking a princess as a wife would ruin any chance of a peaceful life.
“The princess I intend to offer for your accomplishments is not Marin but Marianne. I’m aware of your taste in women, Ceres-dono. I look forward to your future achievements… ‘Hero.’”
Marianne-sama!? The First Princess, who returned after Balda’s fall?
I’ve heard she’s renowned as a stunning beauty, but… this is bad.
King Zanmaruk IV has no male heirs.
A marriage to the Second Princess would be one thing, but the First Princess? That could make me a prince consort.
“Ceres-dono, you are now equal to the Chosen Four. With effort, you could gain privileges surpassing even the Hero. I, Dobell, have high expectations. Come to me if you ever need help.”
Ignoring Dobell’s words, I began to scheme.
…That’s it. If I don’t achieve anything, it ends with the ‘Hero’ title.
That’s the way to go.
As I stood there, stunned, the conversation concluded.
◆◆◆
In the end, our party, “The Light of Hope,” decided to rely on the church and continue our journey.
(But this is so dull.)
Sure, this ensures a clean lifestyle.
Our clothes are washed, and meals are provided.
But…
“Let us offer our prayers to the Goddess today as well.”
The meals have little meat.
As the Hero and the three Chosen, we bathe first, but with others waiting, we can’t linger.
The beds are clean but hard and uncomfortable.
Paperwork is handled for us if we give verbal instructions.
It’s certainly easier.
But that’s all.
How did it come to this?
“Zect, you’ve gotten weaker, haven’t you?”
“Rida, so have you.”
“Yeah… I feel it too.”
Maria and Meru say nothing.
It’s not that we’ve truly weakened.
Individually, our skills have slightly improved.
Maria and Meru have learned new spells, and Rida and I have honed our techniques.
Yet I can say with certainty—we’re weaker now.
The proof? Rida struggles against an Ogre King.
Unthinkable for someone who once felled wyverns.
Our skills have grown, yet we’re struggling more than before.
Ever since Ceres left, our coordination has been off.
At this rate, forget the Demon King—we’ll likely fall to the Four Heavenly Kings.
◆◆◆
“Zect, this can’t go on. No matter the cost, we need Ceres back.”
Rida, fed up with our current state, declared this.
“But that would mean convincing the church. That’s…”
“We can’t afford to care about appearances anymore. If this continues, we’ll lose Maria or Meru soon… and then we’re done. Blame me if you want, but please, I’m begging you.”
“I’m asking too.”
“We can’t keep going like this.”
Rida bowed her head to me, followed by Maria and Meru.
They all look utterly exhausted.
Their pale faces and gaunt appearances are obvious at a glance.
I realized it then.
The Hero, me, and the Swordmaster, Rida, handle offense. The Saintess, Maria, and the Sage, Meru, provide magical support from the rear.
Before, Ceres protected our backline, allowing Rida and me to fight freely. Maria and Meru could cast spells without worrying about their surroundings.
But now?
While Maria and Meru cast, either Rida or I have to protect them.
That cuts our offense in half.
Neither Rida nor I are used to guarding, so our defense is thin.
Just the other day, an Ogre Archer’s arrow hit Meru and Maria.
Maria’s healing spell saved them, but a critical hit would’ve been the end.
We tried adding others to the party, but it didn’t work.
They couldn’t coordinate, interfering with Meru’s magic or Maria’s healing—useless.
Now I understand Ceres’s importance. He joined the frontline when needed or fell back to protect the rear when danger arose. He was that rare all-rounder.
And as our childhood friend, he knew all our quirks and patterns.
He was *“a companion made for us.”*
The Adventurer’s Guild and the church say there’s no one else like him.
Even if there were, it would take years to build the synergy we had with Ceres.
I know this…
But would the church or the kingdom permit us, who’ve made so little progress, to return to Jimna Village for such a selfish request?
◆◆◆
Desperate to bring Ceres back, we burst into the church of a nearby town.
As the Hero’s party, we were immediately connected to the bishop in charge.
“You wish to bring back Ceres-dono, no matter what?”
At another church, priests and nuns risked their lives to stop us.
This bishop will surely oppose us too.
His expression is visibly clouded.
As expected, he’s against it…
But we can’t back down here.
“Everyone…”
I sent a resolute glance to my companions, determined to persuade him.
The three nodded firmly.
But…
“Regarding that matter, we’ve received word from His Holiness the Pope.”
“From Pope Romalis-sama?”
“Yes. He instructed us to connect you via communication crystal if the Hero arrives.”
A communication crystal is a rare item that allows visual and verbal communication over long distances, managed by nations or the church.
From the Pope himself? We haven’t had much success lately… I’d rather not speak with him…
“Understood.”
Even as the Hero, I can’t refuse a conversation with the Pope.
*“Hero Zect, it’s been a while. I’ve heard your recent exploits have been lackluster. Is this, as expected, due to Ceres-dono’s absence?”*
Pope Romalis-sama began speaking gently, as befits a holy man.
Has Ceres’s absence reached even the Pope’s ears?
There’s no point in hiding it.
“Yes, it’s because of Ceres. He was an essential part of our strength. Without him, our coordination is a mess. I… out of my own ego, let go of someone so vital.”
“We need Ceres!”
“Your Holiness, please permit us to bring Ceres back.”
“Please forgive us.”
The three followed my lead, expressing their resolve to the Pope.
*“Hmm… I’ve heard Ceres-dono is quite the asset. But can you so easily bring him back?”*
“What does that mean?”
Is there something I don’t know?
*“For his past achievements, the Zamaal Kingdom has formally granted Ceres-dono the title of ‘Hero.’ Furthermore, the king himself informed me that, depending on his future deeds, they’ve promised an engagement to the First Princess, Marianne-sama, or a noble title.”*
“No way…”
The three exchanged shocked glances with me.
Ceres, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us.
What price must we pay to bring him back?
*“In the Zamaal Kingdom, Ceres-dono is treated as equal to the Chosen Four—no, to the Hero himself. Moreover, they’ve lodged a protest: ‘Why is someone expelled still registered and treated as a separate unit?’”*
“So, bringing him back is impossible… Is that what you’re saying?”
*“Not necessarily, but… this is likely your first and last chance. You’d best assume as much. Do your best.”*
I see… We have no choice but to offer everything we have to get him back.
The three nodded slightly, their eyes reflecting the same resolve.
“Then, will you permit us to go retrieve Ceres?”
That’s the most important thing to us right now.
*“As the church and the Holy Nation of Gandar, we recognize Ceres-dono, who easily hunts dragonkind, as a vital asset for defeating the Demon King. By all means, bring him back.”*
““““Yes!””””
The four of us nodded firmly.
*“As for our support, we’ll offer the possibility of an engagement to the former Saintess Cecilia-sama, depending on your achievements. Additionally, the Holy Nation of Gandar will grant a noble title based on your accomplishments. Use these as leverage in your negotiations to bring him back.”*
The Holy Nation won’t grant us noble titles.
The Hero and the three Chosen already hold status equivalent to nobility in the Holy Nation of Gandar.
Nowadays, we’re below the Pope, but in ancient times, we were considered “Messengers of the Goddess,” treated as equal or greater.
But one thing bothers me.
Cecilia-sama. True, she’s called the “Reincarnation of the Goddess,” a stunning blonde beauty coveted by kings and nobles worldwide. To avoid conflict, she renounced love and became a nun.
She was indeed one of the “Three Most Beautiful Women in the World.”
But that was a decade ago. Now in her late twenties, no one pays her much attention.
A woman of that age, no matter how beautiful she once was, would need a dowry to be considered. For Ceres, she’s practically old enough to be his mother.
“Titles aside, why Cecilia-sama? She’s noble, yes, but taking someone near my mother’s age as a fiancée would make me a laughingstock. I’d need a dowry to even consider it…”
What’s that? The Pope’s face suddenly darkened.
The brightness from earlier vanished.
*“Enough. You’ll never bring Ceres-dono back. Are you truly childhood friends?”*
“I’ve been with Ceres since we were kids. I know him better than anyone.”
The three nodded beside me.
We’ve been together since childhood.
We know everything about Ceres.
*“Then why don’t any of you know what kind of women he likes? Sigh… I’m disappointed by how shallow your bond is. The church and the Holy Nation will handle the negotiations. Continue your journey. We understand Ceres-dono far better than you do. Leave him to us and focus on your travels.”*
What does the church mean by “knowing Ceres”?
We can’t say anything to that.
““““Please!””””
All we could do was bow and plead.
◆◆◆
The Hero, Zect-dono, knows nothing about Ceres-dono.
Even I, the Pope, have heard such basic information.
For childhood friends, you’d think they’d at least know his taste in women…
Having lost his mother young, Ceres-dono seeks maternal qualities in a partner.
He prefers women much older than himself.
That even his friends don’t know this is unthinkable to me.
The kingdom got a head start, but we can’t afford to fall behind in negotiations.
His power, dubbed “Hero,” is too valuable to lose.
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