Chapter 5: I Quit Being a Hero
I contacted His Holiness Pope Romalis via the communication crystal.
The other three can no longer fight. So, I wanted to discuss removing them from the party.
In the end, I couldn’t come up with any ideas and ended up consulting him anyway.
“Do you wish to dismiss the three? Could it be, Zect-dono, that you also wish to resign as the Hero?”
“…”
“Silence at your age? Very well, resign then. …That is all.”
My request was granted far too easily.
“Your Holiness… is this truly acceptable?”
“Truly acceptable? It’s what you desired, is it not? Fine. Zect, you truly are pathetic, pushing everything onto your childhood friend. As of now, your status as Hero is revoked. The other three are also dismissed. I’ve accepted your request.”
It was so straightforward… What did he mean by “pushing everything onto your childhood friend”?
“What do you mean by that?”
“I once spoke with Ceres-dono. There was more to that conversation, Zect. Well, fine. I’ll tell you.”
With a sarcastic sigh, His Holiness began to explain.
“It’s a simple! Make every human fight. That’s all there is to it. Villagers, merchants, harlots, sisters—force them to abandon their jobs and dreams and march to the Demon King’s castle. Declare, ‘By the Pope’s command, those who refuse to fight will be excommunicated; those who flee will face execution on top of excommunication.’ With that, humanity will be victorious. All of humanity versus the demons. Victory is assured.”
“Do you recall this discussion? You were shocked when you heard it.”
I remember. I was stunned when he told me.
“Yeah, I heard it.”
“After that, Ceres-dono said something else, with a calm face: ‘There’s someone who could give that order without Your Holiness’s permission, isn’t there?’”
“No way… No one but Your Holiness could do that…”
Who was Ceres talking about?
I had no clue.
“No… there is someone. The Hero can do it. Thanks to those accursed ‘Hero Absolutists’ and their ‘Hero Protection Law,’ there’s a single clause: ‘In battles against demons, the Hero may freely requisition forces.’…”
“That means…”
“Ceres-dono said, laughing, that if you, Zect, wanted to resign as Hero, he’d ensure you couldn’t. He’d order, ‘Lend me all the forces of the Holy Nation, the Kingdom, and the Empire.’ Then, he’d declare to the demons, ‘All of humanity will wage war.’ A perfectly legal way to force a total war. And since the ‘Hero Protection Law’ was signed by a former Pope with the clause ‘No amendments permitted,’ even I cannot change it. You truly did a fine job exiling such a person and letting him roam free, Zect.”
Ceres said all that for my sake?
“Ceres did that…?”
“When I told Ceres-dono that such an action would lead to countless casualties, what do you think he said?”
“What did he say?”
“‘A single childhood friend matters more to me than strangers I don’t know.’”
“He said that…?”
“He kept poking at sore spots. He said the Central Church could save every slum dweller by giving up its wealth. That the royal family could eliminate poverty by relinquishing their fortune. That kings and nobles hoard wealth for their own luxury while people starve to death in the streets. ‘In the end, they’re no different from me,’ he said. His words are logical. I know people are starving. But even I cannot make enemies of every king and noble.”
“That’s… true, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. Then he laughed and said, ‘See, Your Holiness is the same, isn’t you?’”
“I… don’t know what to say…”
“No need to worry. You’re just Zect now. The other three are just village girls. Neither I, the royalty, nor the nobles will have anything to do with you anymore. Return the holy equipment, including the holy sword, to the nearest church immediately. Keep the money. Farewell, plain Zect… Thank you for your efforts.”
With that, the communication ended.
Ceres… what kind of person is he?
He was negotiating like this behind my back.
He studied with books borrowed from Uncle Shoot since we were kids…
But to talk to His Holiness like that?
I could never do it.
For now, we’re free.
◆◆◆
Some time earlier.
As Pope, I was discussing Ceres-dono with Archbishop Roanne and the bishops of the Central Church.
“Ceres-dono is quite troublesome.”
“No need for ‘-dono.’ Ceres is enough. We should just ignore him.”
“Archbishop, really? Have you considered what it means that Ceres-dono can hunt dragons? In simple terms, ‘If he gets truly angry, he could storm the castle, slay the king, and walk away laughing.’ Never forget that.”
“Your Holiness, indeed, a being who can single-handedly hunt multiple rock dragons is no longer human—almost like a miniature Mammon. So what do we do?”
“We must use indirect methods. Ceres-dono’s weakness is his childhood friends. Ensure the Heroes align with Ceres-dono’s wishes. If they wish to resign, let them. But in exchange, make it clear to Ceres-dono that ‘we won’t let him escape.’ That’s our only option.”
“Indeed.”
“‘Indeed’ won’t do, Archbishop Roanne. Why haven’t you rewarded Ceres-dono yet? He’s continued hunting dragons, so why haven’t you arranged his engagement to Lady Cecilia? She’s fond of him, so hurry up and proceed.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Ideally, we’d have him face the Demon King alongside the Hero… but if it’s between Zect-dono and Ceres-dono, Ceres-dono is the priority. Fortunately, the issue lies in the clause, ‘The Hero may freely requisition forces in battles against demons,’ which doesn’t apply to Ceres-dono since he’s not the Hero. Our urgent task is to figure out how to make Ceres-dono fight the Demon King. No one leaves until we reach a conclusion.”
“““““““Yes, sir!”””””””
The Church began to move.
◆◆◆
Zect arrived at the nearby church with the members of the “The Light of Hope” party.
As if the matter had already been communicated, a priest and a sister approached us immediately upon entering.
“We’ve received word from His Holiness. Please return the holy equipment.”
Their eyes held clear contempt, unlike before.
So…
“Sorry.”
“““Sorry.”””
The four of us instinctively apologized.
“Truly pathetic. To cast aside the glory of Hero, Saintess, Sword Saint, and Sage? There’s no precedent in history. I’ve heard of one or two withdrawing due to injuries, but for the entire party to abandon their roles is deplorable. The only one left in the Hero’s party is Ceres-sama.”
Ceres!? …Ceres didn’t resign and stayed?
“Wait a minute! Ceres can’t resign?”
“Zect! You’re just a commoner now. Watch your words. It’s Ceres-sama… and you will address me as Father. Understand, Zect? When someone flees from responsibility, someone else must bear it. Because you ran, Ceres-sama must shoulder that burden. I have no desire to see the face of someone who fled from the duty bestowed by the Goddess. Now, leave.”
I couldn’t say anything, and the other three just stayed silent.
We walked from the church to the Adventurer’s Guild.
“Zect-sama, please submit a request to change the party’s name.”
As an S-rank adventurer, they still add “-sama” to my name.
But why do we need to change the party’s name?
I don’t understand.
“What are you talking about? I’m Zect, the leader of ‘The Light of Hope.’”
“‘The Light of Hope’ is registered as a Hero’s party. Zect-sama and the other three have lost those titles. Therefore, Ceres-sama, who holds the title of ‘Hero,’ is temporarily the leader. If you wish to rejoin, the party has been disbanded, so you’ll need to ask Ceres-sama to let you back in.”
How could I face the person I pushed everything onto and say, “Let me back in”?
Especially after I exiled him.
“Zect, isn’t this fine as it is?”
Everyone agreed with Rida’s suggestion.
We bowed slightly and left the place in silence.
Not deciding on a new name here likely means the three of them are considering quitting as adventurers altogether.
The four of us walked to a nearby inn without speaking, heads down.
I thought we needed to discuss our future carefully.
As soon as we reached the room, I asked the three for their opinions without resting.
“So, what do you all want to do from now on?”
“I want to retire from being a frontline adventurer… Maybe go back to the countryside or a local town and live a life dealing with orcs or something.”
Rida plans to continue as an adventurer?
It might be called a fall from grace, but it’s a decent enough life.
“Yeah… I want to go back to the village for a bit. I want to take it slow and think things over.”
“I also want to take it easy for now. I’m for going back to the village. Jimna Village is peaceful, so maybe I’ll look for some clerical work around there.”
“Sounds good. Let’s head back to the village for a visit and figure out the rest later, individually?”
I divided my entire fortune, 120 gold coins (12 million yen), into 30 coins each.
Now our wallets are separate. Since we’re no longer in the party, the bonds between us have grown thin. The issue is…
“I want to ask the three of you. What do you want to do about our relationship?”
I’ve lost my Hero privileges.
Polygamy is no longer legally allowed.
I can only marry one of these three.
“What do you want, Zect? Who among us do you want to choose? Well, it’s Maria, right? Considering our past, that makes sense.”
“If you choose me, Zect, I’d want to start as friends, not fiancées. All of us together. After being lovers, going to Ceres, being tempted—it’s all so confusing! My head’s a mess. We’re finally free, so I want to think it over slowly.”
“It’s definitely not me, right? Rida? Maria? I’ll bless whoever you choose!”
I no longer have prospects of marrying princesses or nobles.
Seeing them cry, I thought they couldn’t handle the journey.
I didn’t want to see a future where they died.
That’s why I had to do this.
But I hadn’t thought about what comes next.
Since we’re no longer the Hero and the three, there’s no obligation to stay together.
We’re free now, so we can probably find true love.
Whether they choose me again or someone else, I don’t know.
There’s plenty of time now. We can think it over slowly.
“Yeah, we can start over from the beginning. For now, let’s all head back to the village. Unlike before, we have plenty of time.”
“Sounds good,” Rida said, and the other two followed.
With mountains of time ahead, we can take it slow.
While we were discussing the future at the inn, the door was pounded furiously.
“Just now, a demon has infiltrated the town and is rampaging. An emergency quest has been issued for S-rank adventurer Zect-sama and your party to subdue it.”
“How many enemies? What kind of demon?”
“One enemy. Humanoid. No further details.”
For A-rank and above, refusing an emergency quest incurs penalties.
The four of us can handle a single demon.
Hearing the voice, Rida, Maria, and Mel looked at me.
“It’s an emergency quest. Let’s go!”
“““Understood!”””
We accepted the quest, equipped ourselves, and headed toward the demon.
◆◆◆
When we reached the area where the demon was rampaging, screams echoed from all directions.
“Help me—!”
“Daddy… Mommy, waaah—!”
“Someone, please save my wife and daughter—!”
The scene ahead was hellish.
Buildings were destroyed, and countless people lay injured on the ground.
Beyond the dust, a giant over two meters tall was wreaking havoc.
“That’s the demon…?”
“…Yes.”
I thought I saw the man who summoned us avert his eyes.
“First strike wins… Explosion, Icebind, go—!”
Meru the Sage, can cast two spells simultaneously, unlike most who can only cast one at a time.
She freezes the enemy after an explosion—a brutal spell.
“Good! Rida, let’s go!”
I signaled Rida, and we unleashed our ultimate techniques.
“Raaah—! Iron Slash, Cleave!”
“This is my ultimate, Wings of Light!”
Rida used her Sword Saint’s ultimate, Iron Slash, capable of cutting through steel.
In sync, I unleashed my Hero’s ultimate, Wings of Light, combining light and holy magic.
It’s ineffective against many foes, but when striking first against a single enemy, it’s a sure-kill move only a Hero can use.
But Rida’s sword shattered with a crack.
“No way!!”
Rida doesn’t have a magic sword now, but a Sword Saint can’t be limited by their weapon.
Even with a cheap sword, they draw out its full potential.
A sword shouldn’t break in one strike.
If Iron Slash broke the sword, the enemy must be harder than steel.
And my ultimate—a giant bird with four wings slashing the foe—vanished with a loud crash.
What? What’s out there? It’s no ordinary demon.
The demon emerged from the dust.
I knew that face.
I looked at the man who guided us here.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry…”
Trembling and apologizing, he ran off.
He knew and didn’t tell me. He thought I wouldn’t come if he revealed the demon’s name.
There’s no way I wouldn’t know him.
“You’re the Hero Zect? I’m Mammon, the Iron Fist of the Four Heavenly Demon Kings. Come, let’s kill each other!”
“Damn it!?”
“Nooo—! It’s Mammon!”
“Nooo—!”
It’s hopeless. Rida and Mel are reliving the terror from the dragon.
Their faces are pale, hands trembling.
That one moment of fear broke them.
I tried to instruct Maria to shield us, but…
“Maria, quick, cast Holy Wall—!?”
“Help… help…”
Mammon was already behind Maria.
Her dominant arm, staff and all, was crushed in his grip.
Maria screamed, panicking in pain.
“Noooo—! It hurts, it hurts—!”
I rushed to save Maria, charging at Mammon.
“Kaiser—Slash—!”
My sword broke too.
“My body can shatter even mithril sword. That sluggish swing can’t scratch me.”
This sword can’t even nick MammonMammon.
Right—I’ve returned the holy sword, Deoral Deoraulf. It’s no good.
“Then…”
“Too slow—!”
Mammon grabbed my arm and “just swung.”
That alone snapped my arm with a crack, and I was sent flying.
I used my skill Pain Reduction, to dull the pain.
“Rida, Mel—! Move, now—!”
“No, no, no—!”
It’s too late. Mammon appeared before Rida, crushing both her arms in his grip.
“Nooo—! My hands! No, please—!”
Damn it—he’s toying with us.
“Don’t come closer, don’t come closer—!”
Mammon circled to Melina. I gripped my spare sword with my unbroken arm and blocked his punch.
Taking a mere fist with a sword broke my other arm.
Mammon approached, grabbed my shoulderface, lifted me, and threw me.
I crashed into a house’s wall.
I can’t stand—must’ve hit my hip.
Mammon had already struck Meru leaving her motionless.
This is it. Forcing my broken arm to move, I drank a potion and stood.
Mammon looked down at us with scornful eyes.
“Are you really the Hero’s party? You’re too weak. Is there anyone stronger around?”
“I’m the strongest Hero of humanity. No one surpasses me.”
We’re done for. I won’t mention Ceres.
“Boring. Then die…”
“You’re my dad’s killer—!”
A kid ran out and threw a rock at Mammon.
“Idiot! What are you doing, kid? Run—!”
“I don’t spare those who attack me, even kids.”
“You’re nothing! Ceres-sama will defeat you!”
“Ceres? Who’s that?”
“He’s a hero! He slays dragons! You’re no match for him!”
Mammon smirked, loosening his lips.
“So, the Hero’s party was five, huh? Bring him here. I’ll wait seven days. I’ll delay your execution, including you lot, until this Ceres arrives. Kid, I’ll spare your life. Go tell someone to fetch him!”
With that, Mammon shoved me aside.
Unable to stand, I pathetically rolled onto the ground.
I have no strength left to fight. The others are the same.
Ceres… please… don’t come.
◆◆◆
Some time later, Ceres was summoned to the Adventurer’s Guild.
“This is a major incident, so a gag order has been placed.”
The guild staff’s face was pale.
They only say that when it’s bad news for me.
And they even guided me to a private room. Three communication crystals sat before me.
A matter requiring rare communication crystals—likely involving royalty or His Holiness. My intuition was spot-on.
“First, please look at this.”
An image appeared on a recording crystal.
No way! Zect, Rida, Maria… and Meru all chained and hanging.
Around them, corpses were stacked high.
The Hero’s party… only a few could do this.
It must be him—one of the Four Heavenly Demon Kings.
“No need to ask, but who did this?”
“Mammon, the Iron Fist of the Four Heavenly Demon Kings. …As of now, no one among Zect-sama’s group has been harmed fatally. Mammon says he’ll wait seven days before executing them.”
“Why…?”
I want to kill Mammon. But he’s called “stronger than the Demon King,” a “bug created by the Evil God.”
Going there would be suicide.
I’ve strategized endlessly about defeating him. The conclusion: “Impossible.”
If I were to defeat Mammon, it sounds absurd, but only by using countless humans to overwhelm him with numbers. That’s all I could come up with.
“But why would Mammon wait seven days?”
The guild staff answered my question.
“To fight the last member of the Hero’s party—you, Ceres-sama. He’s waiting for you. If you don’t show, fight, in seven days, he’ll execute Zect-sama’s group and slaughter everyone left in the town.”
Why aren’t the townspeople aren’t fleeing? It’s just one enemy.
“Why haven’t the townspeople fled?”
“Well…”
Another image appeared on the recording crystal.
Countless knights and soldiers’ corpses were stacked, blocking the gate.
Like hundreds of bodies stuffed into a hole.
No one could pass without moving the corpses.
Most people would be too terrified to try.
They’re probably trembling in their homes.
With the four captured, I can’t choose not to go.
But the problem is How how to save them.
Going without a plan would just add my corpse to theirs.
I can’t solve this alone.
The three communication crystals are likely from the Garbadin Garban Empire, the Zamaal Kingdom, and the Holy Kingdom of Gandalar.
I have a request for the Zamaal Kingdom.
So, I chose to speak with King Zamaal IV of the Zamaal Kingdom first.
“Ceres-dono, I assume you’ve heard the situation… What will you do?”
“I can’t choose not to fight.”
“You’re going up against Mammon… No one would blame you for fleeing.”
I’m grateful he’d let me escape.
But…
“No way… The four in the Hero’s party are my childhood friends. I can’t run. I have a request.”
“If you’re willing to face Mammon, the kingdom will provide maximum support.”
“Then—”
My request to the kingdom concerns Shizuko-san and the others.
Knowing their personalities, if they learned I’m fighting, they’d know they’d follow me.
Mammon is simply too strong.
No tricks work against him.
Shizuko-san and the others, skilled in duels, are a terrible match for him.
So I asked King Zamaal IV to keep them away.
“Ceres-dono, with the gag order in place, this news hasn’t spread. Fortunately, your wives and Mariane are acquaintances. We’ll issue a named summons to them, to come to the castle. How’s that?”
“Thank you so much. I owe you greatly.”
“Ceres-Dono, say nothing. Just come back alive.”
“Yes, sir.”
That resolves one worry.
Next, the Holy Kingdom of Gandalar. I must speak with Pope Romalis.
I know what he’ll say and what I’ll answer.
“Ceres-Dono, I believe you understand the situation. The question is what to do with the former Four Celestials?”
“Your Holiness, what do you mean?”
“Apparently, I never imagined it would come to this. Zect-dono recently requested to resign as Hero, and I approved it. …So, how will you move, Ceres-dono?”
“What do you mean, how will I move?”
From the discussion, I learned the Church is split: some say, “Since they’re no longer a party, there’s no need to send Ceres-dono,” while others argue, “His past deeds merit sending him.”
More shocking was that, because Zect and the others resigned, I became the leader of the Hero’s party “Beacon of Light,” Hope,” with Shizuko-san and others as regular members.
My mind is set.
“Of course, I won’t flee from this duel. But I don’t want to die pointlessly. I’m devising strategies to find a weakness in Mammon.”
“I see, you’re doing it. Challenging Mammon alone makes you a true hero in my eyes. The Church would like to advise, but all we know about Mammon is that he’s simply strong. ‘Countless heroes and champions have failed to wound him,’—that’s all the records say. An invincible foe, that’s the phrase that fits him best.”
Something’s off. In my mind, there’s a memory of someone who wounded Mammon.
I thought it might have come from a book I read somewhere, but if it was in a book I could access, the Church would surely know about it. For now, I have no choice but to rely on this memory.
“I have a request.”
“You are a member of the Hero’s party. A true hero who would face even Mammon… Speak, and the Church will support you with all its might.”
What I requested was the dispatch of a healer unit and a personal favor to His Holiness.
No matter how much I think, I can’t win. But I have to go.
“Understood… We cannot send them to the battlefield, but I will dispatch a healer unit nearby. As for your other request, I will ensure it is prepared.”
With that, negotiations with two nations were complete.
Next was Emperor Saizer of the Garban Empire.
“Is there anything I can do for you? The Garban Empire favors strong men. A hero who would fight Mammon—we’ll support you with anything you need.”
“Then, could you send knights to ensure civilians aren’t caught up in my battle with Mammon?”
“Understood.”
With that, preparations were set.
◆◆◆
When I returned home, Shizuko-san and the others were hurriedly preparing.
“Ceres-kun, we got a named summons we can’t refuse, so we’re heading out.”
“Sorry, we’ll be gone for about a week.”
“Ceres-san… sorry, it’s a women-only request.”
“Ceres-chan, we’re off.”
Shizuko-san and the others are so beautiful and adorable.
This might be our farewell.
The thought made it impossible to take my eyes off them.
“Good timing. I’ve also got a named summons, so I’ll be heading out for a bit… Take care.”
““““We’re off!””””
I’m sorry, everyone. If I make it back alive, I’ll apologize until I’m blue in the face… Please forgive me.
After seeing Shizuko-san and the others off, I began preparing for my journey.
◆◆◆
The fortress city of Dominik, surrounded by sturdy walls on all sides.
That’s where Mammon is.
I rode my tamed wyvern to that place.
Perhaps because of the black dragon’s curse, I’m strangely favored by dragons.
In exchange, their emotions flow into me, making it impossible to hunt them.
Calling it a wyvern feels odd, so I named the one carrying me Ganta.
Once tamed, they’re adorable, almost like dogs or cats.
Thanks to Ganta, I reached Dominik in less than half a day.
In an open area created by the city’s destruction, it almost looked like a coliseum amidst the surrounding rubble.
At its center, Mammon stood with arms crossed, imposing like a statue.
An ambush from the sky—surely even Mammon wouldn’t notice.
Or so I thought, but I was wrong.
“You’ve come, the last of the Hero’s party, Hero Ceres. They say you’re quite strong, don’t they? To face this Mammon—”
This is a fight to the death.
No need for introductions.
As soon as I landed, I pulled a single-shot gun from my storage bag and fired at Mammon.
I aimed for his eyes. This bullet was the personal favor I asked of His Holiness.
A silver bullet, sanctified by the Pope himself—one of a kind. Surely it could blind him.
“Hoh~ A ‘Holy Silver Bullet,’ eh? Was that your idea?”
Why did I think this would work on Mammon? He simply closed his eyes.
To think a mere eyelid could block this bullet.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“This reminds me of eight hundred years ago. That man didn’t introduce himself either and shot at me the same way… If this were my first time, you might’ve taken my eyes. But it won’t work twice.”
I see. So my knowledge came from some past event?
Near Mammon was a stone structure like an execution platform.
Zect and the others were hanging there.
“…Ceres, run.”
Zect’s hoarse voice sparked the others to shout for me to flee.
They were in worse shape than I expected. Untreated wounds, carelessly strung up—if they stayed like that, their lives were at risk.
“Mammon, you’re a strong one. You could’ve easily crushed them. Was it necessary to go this far? Why do this!?”
Mammon grinned wickedly.
“What are you talking about? Humans slaughter goblins, orcs, and ogres. Isn’t it the same? I kill humans because I hate their kind. That’s all.”
Going head-on is futile. I need to find an opening.
Just for a moment, I need a gap.
“I see. Then there’s no choice but to do this.”
“If you’re going to try something, I’ll take it. I won’t dodge. Come at me.”
Now… this is my only chance…!
I pulled a hammer from my storage bag and swung it down at Mammon’s horn.
This wasn’t just any hammer.
I’d spent years searching for a weapon surpassing the holy sword. And I found it—this hammer, the ‘Holy Sword-Forging Hammer.’
A hammer used to forge holy swords. The horn is a demon’s symbol and source of power. If I smash it, surely…!
As promised, Mammon didn’t dodge, taking the hammer’s blow on his horn.
“I did it! This will break Mammon’s horn… Huh!?”
“Hoh, the ‘Holy Sword-Forging Hammer,’ eh? Your fighting style is just like that man’s. But it’s futile… I lost my horn to that trick once. Since then, I’ve trained my horns. It won’t work anymore.”
With that, Mammon approached, tore off my right arm along with the hammer, and ripped it apart.
I’d consumed a large dose of ‘anesthetic herb’ beforehand, so I could endure the pain.
Everything up to this point had somehow come to mind…
But not what comes next.
Zect and the others groaned again.
“It’s not too late—run!”
“We’re already doomed. You at least escape—!”
“Ceres, run…”
“Please, escape…”
I decided to tell Zect and the others something important.
“I’ve got something to say. I married Shizuko-san. And not just her—Haruka-neesan, Sayo-san, and Misaki-san are all my wives.”
Their faces shifted from terror to shock.
“What!? Ceres, what are you saying?”
“Our mom?”
“No way! How!?”
“You stole them?”
“Shizuko-san was sold as a slave, so I bought her. The other three, I discussed it properly—and sorry, I had them divorce. Pretty terrible as a friend, right? But at that moment, I made a decision.”
Even in this situation, all four stared at me, dumbfounded.
“I resolved to take it upon myself. To become ‘your dad’! No father abandons his kids.”
Well, I don’t know about Uncle Sektol, though.
“I’m not running… So shut up and watch!!”
““““Ceres!!””””
“Have you said your farewells? You’re boring. I’ll end this quickly… What’s that!?”
I had another trick prepared for Mammon.
A ‘hallucinogenic drug,’ released into the wind.
Some female demons in this world are fond of hallucinogens.
I figured it might work on demons…
But—
“Here I go—!”
I charged, picking up the hammer with my left hand and swinging at Mammon again.
“It won’t work, won’t work, won’t work—! My body can’t be cut by even a mithril sword—! Blunt attacks are useless—!”
It’s hitting, but as he said, harder than mithril, it doesn’t seem to affect him.
No matter how much I strike, I probably can’t even scratch him. But stopping means the end.
“Haa… haa…”
“Done? Then it’s my turn—!”
Mammon grabbed my hand and pulled. In an instant, my left arm was torn off.
Now I’ve lost both arms.
“Sky Step—!”
I escaped into the air with my sky-walking skill, but—
“Here!”
In an instant, Mammon leaped up and slammed me into the ground.
(He’s strong.)
He probably broke a few of my ribs.
My legs are still intact. Kicking with mithril prosthetics would be useless. My real leg won’t do anything either.
“You’re strong…”
“I’m Mammon. Of course. Now die!”
His fist came at me. I closed my eyes.
…Strange, I’m still alive.
“Gwaaah—!”
Opening my eyes, I saw Ganta, my wyvern, shielding me.
“Hmph. A mere wyvern dares to interfere with me.”
“Ganta… you protected me…”
I couldn’t protect my childhood friends.
But this one died as my shield.
Then I won’t give up until the end.
At least one blow. I’ll make Mammon regret this.
◆◆◆
Goddess Ishtas watched this battle from the heavens.
Even this isn’t enough…
I waited eight hundred years.
For a being with a ‘soul’ capable of facing Mammon…
Finally, a strong soul appeared. As a goddess, I cannot interfere directly in this world.
Mammon, now stronger than even the Demon King.
Purely, simply ‘strong.’
The embodiment of pure destruction… If this continues, he may eventually become a ‘god.’
Perhaps a ‘God of Destruction,’ coming even to the divine realm.
I placed my last hope in Ceres.
I showed him fragments of Rudy’s memories in dreams.
I avoided making him a Hero to keep him from being targeted.
There may never be another soul like this.
If Ceres cannot win… then likely, no human will ever defeat Mammon.
This world may end.
A victory for the ‘Evil God and demons’…
That would be the end of this world.
The ‘hero’ I crafted over eons, surpassing the ‘Hero.’
My last hope… is now fading.
There’s nothing more I can do.
If Mammon reaches the divine realm… I, with all my divine power, will eliminate him.
Even if it breaks the taboo…!
It’s the only atonement I, a powerless goddess who couldn’t protect the world, can offer.
As I watched this battle in despair, Goddess Altenas, who oversees another world, spoke to me.
“Ishtas, why the despairing face?”
“This, this… It’s almost over.”
Altenas peered into my world.
“Indeed… the end is near.”
“I know… It’s hopeless…”
I already know that.
“The humans will win, Ishtas. Why are you despairing?”
I couldn’t understand what Altenas was saying.
◆◆◆
Both arms are gone.
One leg is broken.
“Sorry… Ceres.”
“Ceres, Ceres is going to die…”
“Ceres… your arms… aaah—!”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
I hear the sorrowful voices of my childhood friends. Nearby, Ganta lies dead.
At least one blow… I can’t die without that.
My vision blurs.
My consciousness fades…
At least… at least one blow…
Mammon approached.
“You fought well to get this far. Only one leg left to move… It’s over.”
The only attack I can manage…
I hopped on one leg. My final attack—absolutely ineffective, but I’ll do it. I’ll at least bite him.
“Hoh~ Biting, eh? Fine, that’s your last attack. I’ll take it. But my body can’t be scratched by even mithril weapons. It’s futile.”
I bit Mammon. My teeth shattered.
Mammon struck me. The pain was excruciating.
My body creaked, bones breaking.
Mammon kept hitting me.
Strange—my body isn’t tearing apart.
Mammon, who easily ripped off my arms, kept punching me.
Is he toying with me?
The pain is intense, but I’m still alive.
I can feel my flesh tearing, bones breaking.
But I don’t die. That’s strange.
“Haa… haa… Why, why won’t you die—!?”
Mammon isn’t holding back.
“Ceres…! Mammon, if you’re going to kill him, do it quickly!”
“Kill us too—!”
“Have you no mercy…? If we’re insects, kill us swiftly—!”
“We humans don’t kill like that, we kill cleanly…”
I hear the cries of Zect and the others.
My body’s flesh is crushed, my face caved in. I’m like an undead.
But I don’t die?
“No, I’m trying to put him out of his misery, but he just won’t die—!”
Mammon’s shout rang out, and I saw his finger before me.
My teeth are gone, broken. But I’ll resist until I die.
With no teeth, I bit down.
This is just holding it—huh!? I’m biting.
“It hurts—! Let go, let go—!”
My teeth are growing back!?
It’s like when my first teeth grew in, tingling.
Mammon swung me around wildly.
I won’t let go!
He slammed me into a nearby building.
But I absolutely won’t let go! I bite harder, harder!
“Gaaah—! It hurts, it hurts—!”
For the first time, Mammon is in pain.
Bite, bite, bite—stronger, even stronger!
Mammon struck me again.
Dom dom dom dom… Strange…
It hurts, but my flesh isn’t tearing.
My body feels like it’s become tough, like rubber.
The sound changes, like punching a tire with bare hands.
I strengthen my bite.
Rip rip rip!
Mammon’s finger tore off.
Munch munch, gulp… “Tastes pretty good.”
“You—! You ate my finger—!”
I bit off and ate three fingers of Mammon’s right hand.
Strange… I’m standing.
The pain in my body is gone. My crushed face is back to normal.
Mammon, who was so terrifying, now… isn’t scary.
In fact…
“Mammon… you look delicious…”
“What are you… What’s with that body…?”
Somehow, both my arms regrew in an instant.
They look the same as before.
But this body is completely different now…
In simple terms, it’s like the same appearance but with hundreds of times the muscle packed into a small frame.
“Just a human, right?”
I charged and struck Mammon upward with all my might.
His body flew up to the height of a small mountain.
I jumped, following him, and slammed an elbow strike.
Mammon crashed down, creating a crater in the ground.
“You, just a human!? No way—!”
“What I am doesn’t matter, does it? You want to fight the strong, don’t you… Here I go!”
I bit into Mammon’s neck.
“Stop—! You—!!! It hurts—!”
Mammon’s flesh tore away easily.
Munch munch, gulp… “Phew—!”
My fear of Mammon had vanished.
◆◆◆
In a room in the Central Church, Pope Romalis peered into a communication crystal alongside priests and sisters.
I couldn’t hide my shock.
I was watching Ceres-dono’s battle through the crystal.
He was completely outmatched, defeat seemed certain. If he lost, the world would end.
But then… suddenly, Ceres-dono began to turn the tide.
The problem is…
“A monster… Regrowing arms in an instant…”
“Eating Mammon, who’s tougher than mithril… He’s not human.”
Watching the footage together backfired.
The bishops began saying Ceres-dono isn’t human.
Indeed, humans don’t regrow arms instantly.
Even to me, he looks like a horrifying monster.
“Truly, this is neither human nor hero. Ceres-dono—no, Ceres—is a monster.”
I didn’t know what to do.
Can we treat such a monster as a ‘hero’…?
“Once this battle is over…”
“What were you about to say, Pope Romalis!?”
Before I realized it, someone was standing behind me.
“You are Honorary Pope Rosman!”
I couldn’t hide my shock. Standing there was Honorary Pope Rosman, who had retired and rarely appeared in public.
“What do you mean, calling Ceres a monster…?”
“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that… Holy Knights, slay the Archbishop and the sisters who just called Ccloser Ceres-sama a monster! From now on, address him as ‘-sama,’ not ‘-dono’!”
“Absurd… For such a thing…!”
The Archbishop’s face paled, muttering incoherently.
“Holy Knights, slay them now.”
“Yes, sir!”
Before my eyes, the Archbishop and four sisters were cut down.
“Honorary Pope, why go this far… That mon—”
“Speak another word, and even you will not be spared.”
“Why… Why…?”
“Pope Romalis… Why do you think the ‘Hero Protection Law’ was created? What is a Hero?”
“A Hero is the ‘messenger of the Goddess,’ a being to be revered… Or so it should be.”
“Wrong._that That’s the public story. A Hero is ‘humanity’s ultimate weapon, capable of defeating even the Demon King.’ It’s been so long since a Hero capable of facing the Demon King appeared that you forgot. The ‘Hero Protection Law’ was made for someone like Ceres-sama—the real deal. Listen, ‘the ultimate weapon has a heart.’ If a Hero’s spirit breaks and they lose, humanity suffers catastrophic losses. That’s why the law was created—to ‘protect their heart.’”
“But…”
“No ‘buts’! Against Mammon, even entire nations can’t win. To him, we are insects, ants! And when a lion-like being saves ants like us, we must offer everything—power, wealth, people, everything. Ceres-sama is a ‘hero,’ so the ‘Hero Protection Law’ will become the ‘Heroic Protection Law.’ In this world, Ceres-sama is the greatest. You, Pope Romalis, are no longer the top—you are beneath Ceres-sama!”
I knew… I said it myself.
“‘If he truly got angry, he could storm a castle, slay the king, and walk away laughing.’ Never forget that.”
I see. That’s the kind of being the law was made to protect.
Ceres-sama is now beyond any nation’s control.
A law to make an uncontrollable being protect us—that’s the ‘Hero Protection Law.’
Indeed, if a ‘monster capable of defeating the Demon King’ fights for us and saves tens of thousands of knights, offering women, wealth, or power is a small price to pay.
“The holiest, most supreme being in this world is Ceres-sama! Do not look away. Behold his valor and offer your prayers!”
“Pope Romalis… That is the way.”
The true ‘ultimate weapon’ has appeared… We can only revere him.
“Your Holiness, that is Ceres-sama… Oh, how splendid! He is the one I should serve for life… Oh!”
From behind Honorary Pope Rosman, former Saintess Cecilia appeared, her face flushed.
How can she blush at such a terrifying sight?
“Cecilia, he is the one worthy of being your partner.”
“Honorary Pope Rosman-sama… When this battle is over, please arrange our union.”
“Of course. Since we’re sending a healer unit to save the town, let’s go together…”
“If it’s healing, that’s my moment to shine. Yes, I’ll go!”
Their desired ‘true hero.’
The ‘Hero Absolutism’ was reborn here as ‘Heroic Absolutism.’
◆◆◆
“To tear off my flesh… You’ve done well to wound me this much. You are strong… I respect you. Even if I forget the Demon King’s name, I won’t forget yours…”
That’s what a battle-crazed Mammon would say.
“Is that so…”
“Using this will cost me much of my power. I won’t remain one of the Four Heavenly Kings. But even so… I want to fight you seriously.”
Mammon broke off his splendid pair of horns and began eating them, crunching loudly.
This isn’t good.
The moment I grabbed Mammon, he threw me.
My body crashed through over twenty brick houses before stopping.
“Guh, you got me.”
I noticed Mammon’s body had darkened slightly and grown about three times larger.
“The horns of a demon are a symbol of power! Especially mine, which store immense magical energy. By consuming them, I can unleash several times my usual strength. But after this, I won’t be able to use this power again for decades. Now, let’s go!”
Mammon swung his fist at me.
“Guh… Wait, that’s all you’ve got? Here I come—!”
I struck Mammon with a hand chop.
“Gwaaah—! What are those claws!?”
The moment I thought of defeating Mammon, claws extended from my hand.
Those claws pierced Mammon but broke… and the broken claws had already regenerated.
“I don’t know myself.”
But I could guess what was happening.
It must be the influence of the black dragon.
“Oraaa—!”
“Uooooh—!”
My claws clashed with Mammon’s fists.
The claws pierced him but broke… and then regrew.
Neither of us could land a decisive blow.
We struck and were struck, and with each clash, the town crumbled further.
Seeing our powers evenly matched, the townspeople began to flee.
“I don’t care about you lot! Get out of my way—!”
Mammon’s attention turned to the people.
I focused my consciousness on my mouth, just as the black dragon had done.
“Mammon, take this—!”
Flames erupted from my mouth, surging toward Mammon.
“If that had hit me before, I might’ve been burned. But now, it won’t work!”
Grinning boldly, Mammon emerged from the flames.
Even flames that could melt rock didn’t affect him.
I felt an instinct awakening within me.
“Don’t get cocky for a mere demon—! Dragon Wing!”
Wings appeared on my back. But they were small—normally, wings like these couldn’t fly.
Yet, defying physics, I could soar.
I circled behind Mammon and drove my claws into his back.
“Gaaah—! What are you doing—!?”
Looking around, I saw the town was more than half-destroyed.
People stared at us with terrified eyes. Many had died, caught in the battle.
“Let’s change the location.”
I took flight with Mammon in tow.
My destination: the Fire Dragon Mountain Range!
“You—! How long do you plan to keep this up—!?”
“Who knows? I’m just heading to a place fitting for our final showdown.”
Leaving Dominik behind, the Fire Dragon Mountain Range came into view.
“Hoh, you want to settle this where no one can interfere? Fine, I’m in!”
That’s part of it, but not my true goal.
“…”
The summit of the Fire Dragon Mountain Range—the volcano—was my target.
“About time, right?”
“Yeah, about time.”
I was certain. My body was more heat-resistant than a fire dragon’s.
I dove with Mammon straight into the sea of lava.
“You—! This was your plan—!?”
I didn’t let go of Mammon.
The lava’s temperature exceeded 1,000 degrees.
Unlike a momentary flame, we were constantly exposed to that heat.
What happens when it flows into your eyes, nose, and mouth?
In my past life’s anime, no enemy survived this.
“Now, Mammon, let’s start over—!”
“You…!”
It’s a matter of species.
Until now, it was human versus demon… but now, it’s dragon versus demon.
No matter how strong Mammon is, his insides likely can’t withstand this heat.
This body, even its organs, is surely dragon-like… I can probably endure it.
Wait? Mammon’s movements seem to be slowing.
What!?
“Mam, Mammon—! Hey… Hey—!”
I dragged Mammon out of the lava.
He had almost no external wounds. But his face was lifeless, his eyes gone, his hair burned away.
I drove my claws into his eye sockets… but he didn’t move.
If he were alive, he’d react at least a little.
The lava must have entered through his eyes, mouth, nose, and other openings, burning and melting his insides. That’s likely his state.
Like a crab cooked with its shell intact.
That might be what happened.
(Burned crab is delicious.)
For some reason, that thought crossed my mind.
Mammon’s exterior was incredible, almost lifelike.
I tried storing him in my storage bag, and he went in easily.
In the end, I didn’t get to eat Mammon.
Oh well… It’s all over now.
I took flight toward the town.
◆◆◆
Cecilia was entranced, recalling the image of Ceres she had seen through the crystal.
His heroic figure through the communication crystal—‘Truly breathtaking.’
We once challenged the Demon King and were utterly defeated.
The Hero and mage who fought alongside us were killed instantly.
‘I’m going to die,’ I thought… but thanks to something my mentor Shizuko and ‘Tear-Eyed Ice Princess’ Sayo did to the Demon King, Frey, the former Sword Saint, and I were allowed to return.
Since then, I realized there’s ‘no such thing as cowardice’ in battle.
After that, I got nothing but terrible marriage proposals, so I grew to dislike men and became a nun.
Then Pope Romalis-sama brought me a marriage proposal at my age, of all things.
And the suitor was a boy less(cc) than half my age.
A beautiful boy, ‘cute,’ I thought.
A boy with the title of Dragon Slayer.
Completely different from the men in my past proposals.
Looking at his achievements, I could understand why he’s called a hero.
I’m getting on in years, so if a boy like this wanted me, I thought it wouldn’t be bad to spend my life with him.
But this boy is too incredible… To think he’s married to my mentor Shizuko and those three others.
Maybe he’s no ordinary person? That’s what I thought…
But it was more than that.
The ‘true Hero’ I wanted to fight alongside. He was the one.
Fearless courage against any foe. Overwhelming, unreasonable strength, and an irresistible charm.
The Church—no, the ‘true’ Hero I longed for with all my heart—was Ceres-sama.
My heart races. Just watching him turns despair into hope. A magnificent being.
I think I’m truly in love right now.
I’ve met someone I can genuinely adore from the bottom of my heart.
◆◆◆
“Healer unit, Mammon has left. Rush in and save the people!”
Hero Ceres-sama spread his wings and took Mammon away.
With his divine power, he will surely triumph.
Many healers, under Honorary Pope Rosman-sama’s orders, came to save the townspeople.
Rosman-sama and I…
We’re in a tent with four pieces of trash.
“So, what do we do with these people, Rosman-sama?”
“What indeed? If they were the Hero or Saintess, we’d heal them fully with Elixir, but they’re just commoners now. Shall we cast a basic Heal and toss them out?”
“Please, help us, I beg you!”
“My hands and legs… please, I beg you!”
The four pathetically pleaded.
Former holders of the Four Celestials’ titles, now ‘mere commoners.’ To heal injuries this severe, only Elixir, the ultimate remedy that cures any ailment or injury, would suffice.
Such a thing can’t be used on commoners.
It can’t be used on those who abandoned their duty.
“Oh? You abandoned your obligations, yet you crave the Hero’s privileges? Elixir is a national treasure, something even kings rarely use. Former Hero’s party… now mere commoners!”
“No way…”
“Please!”
“We can’t live normally like this!”
“Help us… please!”
Truly pathetic. If they were still the Hero’s party, they’d be helped without question.
“I owe a debt to Shizuko and Sayo. Fine, I might help you under one condition.”
““““Please…!””””
“Then be the bridge for my love with Ceres-sama! For the sake of my future son or daughter by marriage, I might consider it.”
“No, that’s impossible… Ceres doesn’t like older women. He loves my mother… since childhood, he looked up to her like his own mother…”
Is that so? With that attitude… I shoved Zect and stepped on his body.
“Ow, owww—! Stop—!”
Of course it hurts—I stepped on his wounds.
“Older women, you say? Do you not care what happens to your limbs? Or perhaps I could place you before Ceres-sama as a ‘too late’ corpse, crying?”
“Alright, alright, get your foot off Zect’s arm!”
“I’ll support you, I’ll support your love!”
“Fine… Mother-in-law… Mother-in-law… Is that good?”
Good, you understand.
If they’d agreed to support me from the start, they wouldn’t have had to suffer… Idiots.
“Yes, you get it. ‘Mother-in-law’ has a nice ring to it. I’m pleased… Now, Rosman-sama, please.”
“No choice… Here’s one Elixir. That should suffice for you.”
I received a small vial of Elixir from Rosman-sama.
“Here we go.”
I opened the vial and sprinkled a small amount of Elixir on the four’s limbs.
And then…
“Perfect Heal!”
I chanted the Perfect Heal spell.
I can’t use Perfect Heal perfectly.
The Elixir compensated for the shortfall, healing them.
It looks like… it worked out somehow.
“Keep your promise.”
With that, Rosman-sama and I left the tent and headed to the next.
Rosman-sama had business here—apparently, some called Ceres-sama a monster.
“So these are the heretics?”
“Yes, Rosman-sama!”
“Why… Why are we here without treatment?”
“Let me go back to my mom… My leg hurts, heal it—!”
“Why am I here alone?”
“Why aren’t we being treated!?”
They called the one who saved them a monster—shameless. Of course they wouldn’t get treatment.
“You don’t understand? You called Ceres-sama a monster. We confirmed what each of you thought of him.”
“No way… Regrowing arms instantly, eating a demon—that’s a monster…”
“It’s obvious he’s not human…”
“Is that so? Thank you for your valuable opinions… Holy Knights, slay these two!”
“Yes, sir!”
At Rosman-sama’s command, the two heretics were cut down instantly.
Well, of course.
They called the one who saved them a monster.
They can’t complain about being killed.
They’d be dead if Ceres-sama hadn’t fought.
“Gyaaah—!”
They screamed, but I paid no mind.
We won’t kill them all, but they should feel the pain.
“Think carefully. Ceres-sama fought desperately to protect your lives, and you call him a monster? Those who say such things are ‘on the demons’ side.’ Who kept you alive? Ceres-sama, because he fought. If he hadn’t come, you’d all be dead. If you call your savior a monster, let’s put you in a world where you weren’t saved—a world of death. Now, considering that, what kind of person is Ceres-sama?”
As expected of Rosman-sama, well said.
“Haa… haa… Ceres-sama is our savior. I’ll pray and offer thanks before the Goddess every day.”
The other heretic followed suit.
“You’ve repented… Someone, take them back to the tent and treat them. Don’t forget that resolve… Now, if others have repented, step forward.”
Everyone present followed, offering words of gratitude.
This is how it should be. If they properly revere Ceres-sama as a ‘hero,’ there’s no need for unnecessary sacrifices.
I’m relieved everyone repented…
Hurting people, even for Ceres-sama’s sake, is painful.
With a sigh of relief, I put away my staff.
◆◆◆
It was all over, and Ceres stood near the crater.
I defeated Mammon.
But now… I’m no longer human.
My appearance is human, but my body is that of a dragon.
And likely, one with power close to dragon royalty.
While fighting Mammon and swimming in lava, I began to understand this body’s strength.
“Dragonize—!”
The moment I used the skill that came to mind, I transformed into a massive yellow… no, golden dragon.
Not black?
I thought it’d be black due to the black dragon’s influence, but yellow?
In my past life’s memories, gold or white meant albino, weaker.
Perhaps that’s why I’m slightly smaller than a black dragon.
But even so, I know.
I probably can’t beat a black dragon, but in this state, I could instantly kill Mammon.
If Mammon is truly stronger than the Demon King, then as the black dragon said, capable of slaughtering everyone alone, I could likely storm the Demon King’s castle and wipe them out.
The ones ruling this world aren’t demons but dragons.
In my current state, only dragon royalty could defeat me.
But why does no one know of true dragons’ existence?
The dragon royalty, centered around the Nether Dragon Bauwer.
No one else could defeat me. I’m certain of that.
Conversely, if Bauwer and his kin came, I’d absolutely lose.
I chanted the ‘Humanize’ skill that came to mind.
I returned to my human form, unmistakably.
But even in this state, I’m not human but a dragon.
I can feel immense power sleeping within me.
I lightly gripped a nearby pebble, and it crumbled to dust.
My species has changed from human to dragon.
Though I look human, this is a dragon’s transformed state.
I can embrace women, but I likely can’t have children.
More than that, will people accept me after seeing how I fought?
I was a monster while fighting Mammon.
The human side might not accept me anymore.
And… I thought Mammon, a demon, looked ‘delicious,’ and I was drooling.
Perhaps dragons are omnivorous, even eating demons as food.
Will anyone accept a non-human like me…?
“Dragon Wing!”
I flapped my wings and headed back to the town.
◆◆◆
In the Dragon Kingdom of Dragonium, Nether Dragon Bauwer sensed the birth of a new kin.
“Strange… Why was a sixth Dragon Duke born…? Impossible.”
Ordinary dragons and Dragon Dukes are different.
In this world, the stronger a creature, the fewer offspring it produces.
Dragon royalty, the dragons among dragons, cannot bear children.
They can increase their numbers by giving their liver, but only once, with the liver they’re born with. And even then, those who eat it usually become ‘failures,’ mindless monsters neither dragon nor their original species.
The odds of becoming a Dragon Duke are infinitesimally small.
As proof, of the five Dragon Dukes, four who received livers became hideous monsters, barely dragons.
Only the one who ate the black dragon’s liver had a slight chance. This is likely the last Dragon Duke to be born in this world.
Currently, the Dragon Dukes are Black Dragon, White Dragon, Gold Dragon, Red Dragon, and Blue Dragon.
Each color governs a different power.
The sixth Dragon Duke—what is its color?
First, I must summon the Black Dragon and hear the details.
I teleported the Black Dragon to my space.
“Black Dragon… Who did you give your liver to?”
“This place… Bauwer-sama. The liver? I gave it to the one you sent me to check on, Ceres. I accidentally killed him during our fight, but by the rules, he won… As atonement, I gave it to him. He was supposed to be dead.”
He must have barely been alive.
“He didn’t die. He became the last Dragon Duke.”
“A new Dragon Duke after thousands of years… The sixth and final one.”
Someone who eats Ceres’s liver could become a Dragon Duke, but since Ceres became one through the liver of one of the five, the odds are low. And since he was not a dragon but another species, his liver, mixed with human blood, likely wouldn’t produce a Dragon Duke.
“Indeed… Now, go investigate this new Dragon Duke.”
“Me again? Can’t someone else—”
“You know his face, so you’re the best fit. And when you meet him, explain the ‘Dragon Code’ thoroughly.”
“Bauwer-sama… You know that’s not my strength, right?”
True, he’s a self-admitted musclehead.
“Fine. Take the Blue Dragon with you.”
“Understood… A Dragon Duke, and I’m still an errand boy!”
“You caused this.”
“Right… Sorry. I’ll go immediately.”
“Especially make sure to identify his governing color.”
“Got it.”
The sixth Dragon Duke. Why it was born now, even I don’t know.
◆◆◆
In the Emperor’s Chamber of the Garban Empire, Emperor Saizer listened to his subordinate’s report and watched the recording crystal, unable to hide his shock.
“Is this true!?”
“Yes, Emperor-sama…”
I’d heard Ceres was strong, but not to this extent.
“Then, could you send knights to ensure civilians aren’t caught up in my battle with Mammon?”
Ceres’s face then was that of a man resolved to die.
A man who, even in his final moments, thought of civilians, not himself.
From the moment I saw that face, I was captivated by Ceres.
The Empire favors ‘strong men.’ We don’t care about titles like Hero.
We judge only by actual martial achievements. Even a Hero is just a youth until they grow strong.
But this man, Ceres, I’d been watching him. Hunting dragons, honing himself stoically—a splendid man.
To think he’d defeat even Mammon. Truly the ‘strong man’ the Empire admires.
I had my subordinates investigate him because I was curious about a man married to ‘Black Mad Knight Misaki’ and ‘Smiling Slasher Haruka.’
It turned out he was married to the other two as well.
To have those four troublesome women as wives—there’s no way he’s ordinary.
I remember thinking that.
If he’s fine with older women, my daughter Frey is quite beautiful.
Ceres, who defeated Mammon… I must arrange a union.
And with Ceres, he’s already cleared the impossible conditions Frey sets.
All I need to do is introduce them. Once I do, Frey will surely pursue him.
“Someone, fetch Frey!”
“Yes, sir!”
A knight hurriedly went to get Frey.
Led by the knight, Frey appeared before me with a scowl.
“Father, what is it? Another marriage proposal? I may have lost to the Demon King, but I still consider myself a strong warrior. My condition for marriage is a man stronger than me. That’s non-negotiable.”
Even so, Frey is already twenty-eight. The sense of being past marriageable age is undeniable…
With her personality and absurd conditions, marriage proposals have stopped coming.
No one can normally beat a ‘former Sword Saint.’
But this time is different! A man strong enough to defeat Mammon.
He meets Frey’s conditions. And he’s young and good-looking.
There’s no better match.
“Yes, he meets your conditions. The one I want to introduce is ‘Hero’ Ceres-dono.”
“That hero? I’ve heard he holds the Dragon Slayer title. Fine, if he beats me in a match, I’ll marry him.”
“No need for that. Ceres-dono’s wives are Haruka-dono and the other three.”
“My mentor’s husband? But that doesn’t prove he’s strong.”
“Then watch this.”
I showed Frey the recording crystal.
“He’s fighting Mammon as an equal…!”
“You don’t need to fight him to know he’s far stronger than you.”
“It seems so. I have no objections… Proceed.”
Her face flushed, showing a rare feminine expression.
Now, Frey’s marriage and the next imperial succession. Time to start negotiations.
◆◆◆
I reached the town in a single flight.
Looking down, I saw Zect and the others, walking normally.
Looks like their limbs were properly healed.
Good, good.
I folded my wings and landed on the ground.
“Hey! You guys look well!”
Feeling nostalgic, I called out like I used to.
“Uh… Father-in-law, I’d like to form a party with you again…”
“Maybe I’ll call you Father-in-law too? Come on, let’s travel together!”
Zect… Maria, ‘Father-in-law’…? Well, it’s not wrong.
But what’s with that overly sweet tone?
“How about calling you Papa instead…? Help us!”
“Uh, Father…-in-law…”
Even Rida and Mel… This feels creepy.
I thought Zect and the others would be the ones hurt, but am I the one taking more damage?
“This feels kinda gross, what’s up?”
“Well… Father-in-law…”
“Zect, this is getting weird, so stop with the Father-in-law. Just call me Ceres.”
“Ceres, there’s someone I want to introduce.”
Who? Someone to introduce?
The beautiful woman standing behind the four? Oh!?
“Ceres-sama, it’s an honor to meet you! I’m Cecilia, formerly a Saintess!”
“I know. You’re famous.”
She’s renowned as a beauty said to be the spitting image of Goddess Ishtas-sama and a former Saintess. There’s no way I wouldn’t know her.
“Then that makes things quick. I’d like to become your fifth wife, Ceres-sama. What do you say?”
What do I say? I don’t even know what kind of person she is.
No matter how famous or beautiful she is, marrying someone out of the blue is unthinkable.
Besides, I already have four wonderful wives… I should decline.
“I don’t know anything about you, Cecilia-sama, and I already have four amazing wives, so…”
I just turned her down, right? So why is she holding my hand and smiling so brightly?
“Then it’s no problem at all. My mentor is one of your wives, Shizuko. We used to be like sisters. And I’m close with the other three as well, so I think it’s a perfect fit.”
What!? Shizuko-san’s disciple and an acquaintance of the other three? Now that I think about it, I recall Shizuko-san and the others mentioning they were close with her.
“Don’t rush things like that. You’re troubling Ceres-sama, aren’t you?”
Rosman Honorary Pope-sama was here too? I didn’t even notice.
“But…”
Cecilia-sama made a sad face, but… marrying someone right after meeting them is just not something I can consider.
“I understand your feelings, but matters like this need to be thought over carefully. By the way, Ceres-sama, what happened to Mammon?”
I pulled Mammon’s body out of my storage bag to show them.
“This is Mammon’s corpse…! Even seeing it, I still can’t believe it… He’s really dead!”
“Incredible! As expected of the only one I’ve ever thought worthy of serving for life. I’ll adore you forever, Ceres-sama! Please become my husband! Like serving the Goddess, I swear my lifelong love to you alone!”
“Here, please accept this. As promised, the deed to Kohane’s small castle and its surrounding lands. I’m sorry, but we cannot grant a noble title. As of this moment, Cecilia will serve you as your wife for life.”
Why is Pope Romalis here too? Where did he come from? He wasn’t here a moment ago.
Having two of the Church’s heavyweights here is, no matter how you look at it, bizarre.
And… they’re talking as if it’s already decided that I’ll take Cecilia-sama as my wife.
Sure, she’s beautiful and stunning, but… I can’t just accept a woman who’s practically a symbol of the Holy Kingdom of Gandalar, said to be the living image of the Goddess.
“Let me clarify. Titles are irrelevant to Ceres-sama anymore. As the ‘true Hero,’ he stands above me and Pope Romalis over there. Granting a title to such a person would be absurd. That’s the only reason we’re not offering one. There’s no one in this world above you anymore.”
Better than being hated, I suppose. But isn’t this turning into a huge mess?
“Even if you say that so suddenly…”
“As Rosman Honorary Pope-sama just said, in this world, aside from the Goddess, the greatest is ‘Ceres-sama.’ It’s not sudden. Including Cecilia-sama’s matter, I made a promise before. I’m merely fulfilling that promise now.”
With that, an image appeared on a recording crystal.
‘Let’s grant you Kohane’s small castle and its surrounding lands as your territory. You can have any noble title you desire. Depending on your achievements, we’ll even consider an engagement with the former Saintess Cecilia.’
So they had a copy of that recording crystal from back then.
“Understood… I’ll humbly accept the reward. But as for Cecilia-sama’s marriage, could you allow it only if my wives agree…?”
“I have no issue with that. Shizuko-sensei and Sayo-san are close enough to be called best friends, so I doubt they’d object.”
Seeing Cecilia-sama’s beaming smile, I could tell she wasn’t lying.
“Is that so… Understood.”
Indeed, Cecilia-sama is strikingly beautiful.
Long golden hair, a slender figure. As someone said to resemble the Goddess, she’s a refined beauty. Once called one of the three great beauties, her appearance alone is a perfect strike… But no matter how beautiful, I’m troubled by being told to marry a woman I just met. Plus, as a village-born guy, having such important people around makes me nervous.
“Then, let’s get started…”
With that, Cecilia-sama pulled out a communication crystal.
On the crystal—unbelievable… Shizuko-san and the others appeared.
‘Ceres-kun~! You deceived us! We heard from King Zamaal IV!’
‘Ceres, what were you planning to do if you died!? Make me a widow? You’re getting a lecture when you get back!’
‘Ceres-san~! This time, I’m with Haruka.’
‘Ceres-chan, what do we do in times like this?’
Oh no… Shizuko-san and the others are scary when they’re like this.
“I’m sorry—!”
I prostrated myself before the communication crystal.
But Cecilia-sama stepped between me and the crystal.
“All four of you, please forgive Ceres-sama. Your children were taken hostage by Mammon, so he had no choice. If you must blame someone, blame Zect and the others.”
‘Cecilia-chan?’
Seeing Cecilia-sama, Shizuko-san and the other three looked surprised. Maybe they don’t know the full details yet?
“It’s been a while, everyone.”
‘Um, Cecilia-chan… What happened with Mammon? Ceres-kun doesn’t look injured, did you heal him?’
“I healed your children. Ceres-sama defeated Mammon unscathed.”
‘Against Mammon? Really?’
All four had expressions of disbelief and shock.
“Yes, he showed me the corpse. And one of the rewards includes marriage with me… but Ceres-sama says it depends on your approval! As your cute disciple, you’ll approve my marriage as mentors and friends, right?”
‘So that’s how it is… Cecilia-chan, you want to marry him of your own will, not the Church’s, right?’
“Yes, I adore him with all my heart.”
For some reason, Shizuko-san’s face broke into a wide smile.
But this isn’t her usual kind smile. It’s the smile she has when she’s scheming something.
‘Then, Ceres-kun. It’s fine if you marry her, but if you do, think about marrying not just Cecilia-chan but also Princess Mariane and Princess Frey—all three together.’
Huh!? How did it come to this?
Before I could respond to Shizuko-san, Cecilia-sama cut in.
“Shizuko-sensei… What do you mean by that?”
Cecilia-sama’s face visibly darkened with displeasure.
‘It’s simple. If he marries only you, Cecilia-chan, it plays into the Church’s hands, right? But if he marries all three, it’s the same as now… meaning he won’t be swayed by any one nation. We discussed it and decided. It’s up to Ceres-kun, but I won’t object.’
Cecilia-sama alone is already a big deal, but adding Princess Mariane of the Zamaal Kingdom and Princess Frey of the Garban Empire… Shizuko-san just casually dropped something huge.
“Ceres-sama…”
Cecilia-sama is looking at me. This flow is bad… Right, I’ll postpone it.
“This involves three nations, so we’ll discuss and decide. Let’s talk later. Dragon Wing—!”
The Pope and Honorary Pope are here, but if I’m the greatest, it shouldn’t be an issue.
I soared high into the sky—escaping the scene.
Post a Comment