Prologue: The "Kukkoru" Sword Princess Inarsha

(T/N: "Kukkoru" (くっころ): Slang for "Kuh, kill me!" (Ku, korose!). It refers to the trope of a female knight who refuses to beg for mercy.)

—Oho-goe Monastery

I had arrived in front of a monastery within the Ackersen Kingdom, a sacred place forbidden to men where only pure maidens could enter. The monastery’s color scheme was a calm white, but the decorations on the cloister pillars drifted with an elegance reminiscent of the Alhambra Palace.

Resolved, I knocked on the monastery door, and it opened. An older sister wearing a white wimple appeared from within, and I gave her my false name.

"My name is Norn Soln."

It was entirely against my will, but since men were forbidden, I had used transformation magic to undergo TS (gender-swap)—just like when I called out Kain before the Holy Sword—and become Norn once again. When I greeted her in my girl form, the sister’s cheeks relaxed.

"Ah, you're the child who submitted a request to become a nun. The Elon religion welcomes a child like you."

Perhaps she had taken a liking to me... or rather, to Norn; the sister placed her hand on my waist and guided me inside the monastery. The sisters are kind to young maidens, but when Kain visited the monastery in Rising Hero, quite the commotion occurred. Back then, female knights who also served as nuns swarmed out, surrounded him, and ordered him to leave...

Of course, Nord from Rising Hero could have cut them down without effort, but since they undergo mental training daily, their magic defense stats are absurdly high. Successfully landing debuffs like Sleep or Paralysis would be a feat of extreme difficulty.

If it were the Rising Hero Nord, his gender equality principles would mean he’d slash down even female knights if they stood in his way. I, however, want to resolve things peacefully with anyone who doesn't hurt my family, like Marie or Meina-san...

The reason I went through the trouble of gender-swapping to visit this men-forbidden monastery is this:

It wasn't out of worry that if I encountered a sister in Nord's form, the world's corrective force would make me blurt out something incredibly rude like "Are you a virgin?"

It was because I was summoned by Wald before the dust from the internal strife in the Oiraan Empire had even settled.

Wald had his back to me, hands clasped behind him as he gazed out the window at the Villance family’s proud garden. I was getting fed up with the fact that he hadn't opened his mouth despite summoning me, and I was on the verge of displaying some "Nord-attitude" rather than just speaking "Nord-ish."

As I grabbed the hem of my trousers to suppress the urge to cross my legs on the low table and display extremely bad manners, Graham, who was waiting by his side, whispered to me.

Upon hearing it, I immediately pushed back against Wald...

'You want me to infiltrate a monastery and gather intelligence? Why don't you give talking nonsense a rest? That is a place of training for sacred maidens, strictly forbidden to men.'

'Hmph, if you refuse, I will simply order Marianne to do it. I've received reports from Principal Lillian that the girl has become quite useful.'

Dammit! That bastard Wald... he realizes that Marie is capable. Marie is so cute it wouldn't hurt to put her in my eye—no, I wouldn't mind if she lived in my eye sockets. I absolutely cannot let Marie do the dirty work ordered by Wald.

'Wait, do you think I’d let Marie cross such a dangerous bridge!? I’ll go get the information you want.'

'Hahaha! You should just obediently comply without useless resistance. I won't treat you poorly.'

I was fed up with Wald's words. It’s nothing but a scam; after working us to the bone, he plans to use us as materials for Dalia's resurrection...

However, I had intended to infiltrate the monastery even before Wald ordered me.

In Rising Hero, upon learning that Wald intends to use him as material for Dalia's resurrection, Nord flies into a rage and commits patricide. But I suspect the Elon religion holds a method where Marie and I don't have to be sacrificed. Reluctantly obeying Wald's order was nothing more than an act. The older nun seemed to believe I was an unsullied maiden.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the information Wald desired was found immediately.

As I walked down the corridor, following a few steps behind the nun...

【Founder Elon is an Unsullied Saintess】

Phrases like "Reconcile with Cats" hung on the wall at the entrance of the chapel in the back... I thought it was just a slogan, but it changes weekly and serves as the password to enter the Elon Papal Agency headquarters.

It is secretly conveyed to high-ranking pro-Elon nobles, like Count Magdalia, the leader of the Holy Alliance. If I asked Elise, she’d probably answer with a single "Yes, with pleasure!" Though I’d never ask her, since I have no idea what she’d demand in return later...

But since Papa Magdalia hit them with a "However, I refuse" regarding cooperation with the Elon religion during the Oiraan Empire's internal strife, that doesn't seem to be the case right now.

There is a limit to staying in a girl's form. I could have politely declined the nun's guidance and left, but then there would be no meaning in coming here specifically via TS.

"I'm terribly sorry... I seem to have an urge due to nervousness... May I go pick some flowers?"

"Yes, I don't mind. Founder Elon is generous even on days when your stomach hurts."

Days when my stomach hurts!?

She’s completely misunderstood... I was relieved by her relaxed expression, but...

"Since it is your first time here, you won't know the way, so I will accompany you."

What!? I almost cried out at the unexpected offer, but I managed to keep it inside. However, the nun took my hand and began to lead me, as if she were taking a fresh high school girl for a joint toilet trip.

Led by the hand of the enthusiastic older nun, I arrived at the toilet.

"Don't worry, I'll watch over you right here."

That is totally unnecessary extra care!!

Contrary to the nun who wore a beaming smile, I entered the toilet with a strained grin. Although she was technically waiting outside, she was close enough to hear the sound of pissing...

Hard to do...

No, that’s not it! Just in case, I had practiced peeing in Norn's form, but the resistance to squatting and urinating without a rod... no, a tremendous sense of immorality assaulted me. It wasn't like anyone was peeping, and it was Norn's own body, yet...

Oops, no time for a farce.

I placed a certain item on the toilet seat. Immediately, water began to trickle out from the sea cucumber-shaped device. The item's name is Maiden's Secret Water. It works by letting it absorb water for a set time, then lightly stimulating it with lightning magic to release the absorbed liquid.

I slipped out of the stall without making a sound, and while stealing a moment from the nun's attention, I escaped outside through the ventilation window. Since there was no voice from the nun, she must still be under the impression that I am taking a piss.

If I take too long, the transformation will wear off, and it will be a disaster.

It was just as I was heading toward the library, my objective.

"I do not recognize your face. Are you a nun aspirant?"

I-Inarsha!?

Standing before me was a beautiful girl with an honest air, as if she might say "I ask of you, are you...", and an appearance like a certain Knight King.

Inarsha Clazit...

Her ice-blue hair, befitting her title of Ice Sword Princess, reached down to her waist, swaying and shining in the breeze that flowed between the buildings. Her sharp features and deep blue eyes glared at me; the mixture of beauty and awe nearly stopped my heart.

Her dignified bearing as a female knight commanded reverence in all who saw her.

I panicked at this unexpected encounter with Inarsha, but primarily because in Rising Hero, Kain and Nord meet her in the Elon Theocracy... Nord is the one who holds her weakness and impregnates the heroine. Naturally, Nord received his retribution for that, but...

Being stared at with such piercing eyes by an openly wary Inarsha made me feel like a Death Flag was being raised, and unpleasant sweat ran down my back.

"I was being guided by a nun, but it seems I got separated..."

If Inarsha interrogates me here and my transformation wears off, a battle with her will be unavoidable. A barrier against offensive magic is erected within the monastery, and I am constantly under a debuff.

Even for the current me, against Inarsha... I’m not sure if I can get through this situation unscathed.

Damp sweat dripped from my temples. Should I launch a preemptive strike while still in Norn's form? No, then I'd lose the chance to see the library...

However, ignoring my anxiety, Inarsha took an unexpected action.

"What is wrong?"

"Eh?"

She pressed a handkerchief against my cheek. A large speck of dust had just gotten into my eye, causing tears to overflow more than I expected, but Inarsha treated me with great kindness despite it being our first meeting.

"Thank you very much. I was scheduled to have the nun guide me to the library, but which way might that be?"

"I see. You were sweating profusely and crying, so I was worried. The library is the building to my left. Compared to the main agency's library, the number of books is small, but there are various documents preaching the teachings of Elon. If you touch upon Lord Elon's teachings, surely you (kikou) will also deeply devote yourself to the Elon religion as a nun."

I trusted the nun's reaction to Norn and attempted a dialogue. The sharp glare from earlier vanished, and Inarsha looked at me with a gentle gaze, like a holy mother watching a shrine maiden.

Perhaps realizing I was harmless, Inarsha said a few words and walked away. The clinking sounds of the plate armor on her shoulders, chest, waist, and legs faded into the distance.

But watching her retreating figure, I thought to myself. Is there any defense in the back...? Even though the front was heavily armored, from behind, I could see a bikini armor design that exposed her translucent white skin.

"I would like to talk it over carefully with my parents before deciding. If I truly wish to become a nun, would you accept someone like me?"

"Yes! From the look of it, you don't seem to have any defiled blood... a daughter like you is very welcome."

Defiled blood... she means beastmen.

The older nun held my hand in both of hers, showing a welcoming attitude, but I was dejected. I rummaged through the promising books in the library of the Ackersen Kingdom's oldest Oho-goe Monastery, but obtained only minimal information.

I left Oho-goe Monastery safely without arousing suspicion. The female knights led by Inarsha were not chasing me on the way back to the Hero Academy.

Damn it, stop looking at me!

—Ah, how lovely!
—Which noble house's young lady is she, I wonder?
—Look, that uniform, she’s a child from the Hero Academy.

Oho-goe Monastery was in the suburbs right outside the royal capital's castle walls, but wearing the Hero Academy's girls' uniform, which exposed the navel, stood out helplessly on the way back.

However... I should have turned back into Nord by now, yet my body remained as Norn. Although it's better than being stared at intently by Kain, being ogled by men is tough.

I felt embarrassed, as if I were cross-dressing, and instinctively held down the hem of my short skirt. I couldn't laugh at Elise being made to wear that erotic maid outfit by Nord at all. It was long past time for the TS to wear off, yet my body wouldn't return, feeling as if I were being punished by public exposure. For now, I just needed to get back to the Hero Academy and change clothes calmly. The only concern was encountering Kain; I had to avoid that at all costs...

I walked briskly down the highway, trying to avoid people's gazes.

Something is strange... Given the distance between the monastery and the capital, I should have arrived before running out of breath even at full sprint, but with Norn's body, I was winded just from walking fast.

Even with my mental strength—which supports my magic power—this exhausted, I still wasn't reverting to Nord. What the hell is going on?

While puzzling over the mystery, I returned to the main gate of the Hero Academy, and a beautiful girl in a maid outfit crossed in front of me. Silver hair fluttered softly, and a natural, refreshing citrus fragrance tickled my nostrils. The beautiful maid noticed me, bowed deeply, and then hurriedly entered the faculty building.

Why is Ray at the Hero Academy!?

The maid's name is Ray Marc. Meina-san's child and my milk sibling, sporting a boyish style with beautiful short silver hair inherited from Meina-san. Of course, his features are exceedingly fine as well.

Just now, I instinctively thought beautiful girl in my mind, but Ray only looks like a beautiful girl; he isn't a girl... For certain reasons, he serves the Villance house as a cross-dressing maid—a boy in maid clothes.

Since I hadn't shown Ray my Norn form, he probably didn't realize it was Nord.

Could it be that Ray finally feels like joining the Hero Academy?

I had invited Ray to join the Hero Academy after he was chosen as the successor to the Marc barony. I thought it would be a waste not to utilize Ray's skills, which he honed in my shadow.

My, Marie’s, and Ray’s bodies were essentially raised on Meina-san’s milk. Being milk siblings, I think we should all get along, but Ray alone is always cold... However, it seems he finally responded to my invitation, which makes me happy. As I stood there nodding with my arms crossed, a voice called out.

"Nord-sama! Welcome back."

Whoa!? I was surprised to be called by a cute, familiar voice.

Turning around, I saw Elise.

Waving her hand widely, causing her chest to bounce boing-boing, she came running toward me.

"I'm Norn right now! More importantly, how did you know it was me?"

"It is love. Even if your appearance changes, the love between me and Nord-sama is eternal."

Elise is dangerous, after all...

She so easily pierced through my disguise as Norn...

"Never mind that, move away."

"I am terribly sorry, Norn-sama."

Even though I was in the form of a girl, Elise’s attitude remained unchanged as she pressed her bountiful melons right up against me.

When I'm Norn, I involuntarily start using girlish speech patterns, which is frustrating when dealing with acquaintances. It's convenient with strangers, but... engaging in what felt like 'girl talk' with Elise made me miss the rough 'Nord-speak' that usually raises my death flags.

—【Kain's Perspective】

I, returned to the Ackersen Kingdom from the Oiraan Empire. I was swaying in a carriage, but sitting to my left and right were not Carla-chan or Rinne-chan... but filthy old men. Not only that, a bald military officer sat opposite me, glaring at me the whole time.

Restricting my hands were Magic Sealing Shackles. Because of them, my magic was sealed, and the Holy Sword had been confiscated.

The reason I was detained was something truly trivial.

'Your Majesty, please give me Nirvana-chan!'

I thought it was a natural reward since I saved the country, but after being gently refused, a banquet was held for me. The next thing I knew, I was handcuffed, and the Holy Sword was gone.

What ungrateful people!

I’m the hero who rescued the imprisoned Emperor of Oiraan and saved the empire from crisis!!

The carriage stopped in front of the Hero Academy gates, and I was treated like a criminal as I was forced off.

Perhaps hearing the horses' neighing, Principal Lillian came running toward me with a look of demonic fury.

Surely she’s going to protest that I, the Hero, am being treated like a criminal by a neighboring country!

"Principal! Look, even though I'm the Hero, I'm receiving such terrible treatment! Please sue them for a diplomatic issue!"

I winked at the Principal, signaling her to get them, but she was trembling as she bowed her head to the men. As if she were saying, 'Please take my leftover daughter as a bride,' almost pleading...

"I am terribly sorry that a student of our Hero Academy caused such great trouble for your country... We would be grateful if you could handle this matter leniently."

"Principal Lillian, please raise your head. As for the Oiraan Empire, we owe a debt of gratitude to the Black... ah, no, the Guardian Knight from the Ackersen Kingdom for saving Her Highness Nirvana and the nation, so we have no intention of punishing him."

At the Principal's words, the bald soldier spoke with lowered eyebrows.

"Thank you very much for your consideration..."

"Even so, it must be tough..."

"Ah, yes..."

It is absolutely unforgivable for the Principal of the Hero Academy to bow her head to a mere soldier and even be consoled by him. I called out to the Principal, who was taking a weak-kneed attitude that let them walk all over her.

"Principal! Why are you apologizing! This is where you should tell them off firmly!"

"Kain! Watch your mouth!!"

The Principal’s lightning struck…

【Lightning】

"Gyaaaaaahhhh──!!"

Not metaphorically, but literally!!

Amidst the smoldering of my hair, I finally became a free man.

—The Next Day.

The fact that I, a hero, received such unjust treatment in the Oiraan Empire is entirely Nord's fault. If only that guy hadn't snatched Nirvana-chan from my hands, everyone would have become my bride...

Nord is the root of all evil!

I made a Villainous Noble Son doll that resembled Nord, stuffed the black hair he had dropped into its cotton-filled back, and sewed it shut. It truly had a devilish expression, and despite being made by me, it wasn't cute at all.

Step on fluffy poop right in front of a girl and fall flashilyyyy!!

It's a perfect strategy: the girls seeing that will be disillusioned with Nord and come running to me.

—【Inarsha’s Perspective】

Norn Soln...

I happened to meet a lovely black-haired girl at the Oho-goe Monastery where I was staying. It was only a brief exchange of greetings, but she had sharp eyes and refined features.

And her tears... I have never seen such a beautiful crying face. Perhaps, I have found my destined person.

It was a shock similar to when I first met Lucitania, an illusion that lightning magic capable of burning a body to ash had coursed through me. I almost forgot the mission from Ellis, but suddenly returned to my senses. Right, black hair.

Assassination of the Black Hero...

Can I defeat Nord Villance? It is said that the Hero Kain defeated the Blue Demon Lord Azure, but according to the Elon Church's Anti-Demon Intelligence Bureau, a report suggested it might actually have been Nord.

However, there is something inexplicable.

Why did Ellis order me to assassinate Nord...? If I kill Nord, who is strong enough to defeat a Demon Lord, wouldn't that be a loss for the Elon Church as well?

Furthermore, even though I am a descendant of the hero who defeated the ancient Demon Lord Carales, and was born into a family that produces the Grand Master of the Holy Knights protecting the Elon Church for generations... can I really defeat Nord, who boasts the power to slaughter a Demon Lord?

The public calls me, a mere sword shrine maiden, the Ice Sword Princess and praises me as the reincarnation of the Original Sword Saint Emeila...

But ever since Lucitania left me, I have been unbearably anxious about everything I do. Fortunately or unfortunately, those around me haven't realized it...

Ellis told me to use a woman's weapons if push comes to shove, but there is no way the seductive attempts of a muscle-brained woman who spends her days training would work on Nord...

The position of Grand Master of the Holy Knights is promised to me as my father's successor, but that is merely a formality. It is obvious that no one will acknowledge me if I become Grand Master through nepotism.

That is why I dedicated myself to strict daily training to meet my parents' expectations, but as a result, my thighs have become thickly muscular, which is a little embarrassing...

I changed from my armor into the Sanct Maiden Academy uniform for reconnaissance and arrived in front of the Hero Academy. But at that moment, I felt a tremendous chill and placed my hand on the hilt of my Spiral Blade, dropping my hips.

Ready to draw my sword at any moment... A disgust so severe that the stench of Goblins or Orcs seemed preferable. It was the first time I felt such murderous intent toward someone I had just met.

"You there, which student are you? Did you come to the Hero Academy? Shall I, the Hero, guide you?"

"Who are you... being so overly familiar."

My father taught me to use you (kikou) to respect others, but I inadvertently let slip "Omae" (You).

Perhaps this man is Nord.

"I ask! Are you (kikou) Nord Villance!"

"Me, Nord? Stop joking. I'd be sad if a cute girl like you mistook me for Nord..."

"Is that so? Then I have no business with you."

As I tried to avoid the man and move forward, he daringly circled around and blocked my path.

Does he not know common sense—that persistent men are hated? I was already fed up with this man following me, adding to my general dislike of men, and a deep sigh nearly escaped me.

"Wait! My name is Kain Sope! The S-Class Hero boasting of the Ackersen Kingdom."

Showing his white teeth, he grabbed a single pink rose from his breast pocket and held it out.

"I'll guide you through the Hero Academy hand and foot. Follow me!"

"No, thank you."

I pointed to the posted guide map and stated that guidance was unnecessary.

If that girl named Norn had offered to guide me, I think I would have accepted. The uniform she wore seemed no different from the one at this academy.

"Don't say that. Maybe love will sprout between you and me and... Goal in! Such things might happen, you know."

Impossible. If Father told me to marry this person, I would undoubtedly take my own life! I’d rather die than be made to marry a man who calls out to a man-hater like me.

"I am in a hurry. Farewell."

I shook off the creepy man and hurried ahead.

—【Nord’s Perspective】

What!?

I doubted my own eyes. Before me, Inarsha and Kain were in a volatile atmosphere. No, it would be more accurate to say Inarsha was unilaterally directing hostility toward Kain.

Either way, in Rising Hero, the two deepen their friendship as comrades in arms and eventually get together, but seeing the current situation, that doesn't seem likely to happen even if heaven and earth were flipped.

"I'll guide you through the Hero Academy hand and foot. Follow me!"

"No, thank you."

Annoying! Creepy!

Kain was so damn creepy that the abusive language of a downer-type JK almost flew out of my mouth. Because he was stalking Inarsha, who was openly displaying her disgust...

I looked around, searching for a place to vomit out of sight. A nausea worse than riding a bus on a winding road during a field trip assaulted me.

I even thought Kain's creepiness might have the power of vomiting poison gas.

Amidst the dizziness, the Inarsha Route from Rising Hero came to mind.