Chapter 3: Hero Zect’s Redo (Part 2)
I bought a domestic slave, but if I'm doing the housework, it's meaningless.
I tried teaching Luna various things, but as I expected, she lacks common sense and is clumsy.
If I were to list her good points, unlike Maria and the others, she doesn't complain and never makes a disagreeable face. Well... at least she learned to bag the trash.
"Is it okay to put this in the bag too?"
"Yeah, that's trash."
It's not a big deal; stuff unnecessary trash into hemp sacks and put them out on the morning of collection day.
I decided to let Luna do this job.
For other things, naturally, letting her handle knives for cooking is scary. If she cut her hand and cried, my heart would ache. So cooking is my job. For laundry, it's better to leave it to pros.
I can do it too, but I am technically a former Hero; having my face known and renting the backyard of an inn to wash women's clothes in a tub is... I have a bit of resistance to that.
Besides, I don't want to hand-wash women's underwear.
Ceres would probably do it normally, but I have a little resistance.
When I asked at the Adventurer's Guild, I heard that most adventurers use something called 'cleaning.'
When I actually tried using it, it was incredibly convenient.
If you put dirty clothes in the hemp sack provided by the service, they wash them, dry them, and bring them back, all for three copper coins (approx. 3000 yen).
Since it's just Luna and me, two to three times a month is enough, so there's no reason not to order it.
With this, laundry isn't a problem.
Now if Luna just learns sweeping and wiping, we can maintain a room fit for human habitation.
"You aren't throwing this away, right? It can still be eaten."
"No, Oren Apple peels are trash."
"But they can be eaten, you know?"
"I'll buy you new ones, so throw that away."
"...Understood."
Perhaps because her origins were terrible, Luna won't try to throw away things even close to leftovers.
Even now, she is staring at the peels in the trash bag.
I have no choice but to have her learn these things gradually.
However, why do I think this troublesome life is more fun than when I was a Hero?
◆◆◆
Just as I finished cleaning and was about to make lunch...
Knock knock knock.
The door was knocked on.
What is it this time? Thinking that, I opened the door... and a knight of the Zamark Kingdom was standing there.
What business does the Kingdom have expressly with me, who quit being a Hero?
"Zect-dono, King Zamark IV-sama says for you to come to the Royal Castle."
How exaggerated, sending a knight to tell me to come to the Royal Castle... it must be quite urgent.
"I'm not a Hero anymore, just Zect the Adventurer! I have no business with the Zamark Kingdom at this point. I'm busy making Omelet Rice right now. See ya!"
Today I'm making Luna's favorite Omelet Rice.
The Omelet Rice I make isn't as good as Ceres's, and the egg doesn't come out fluffy.
Even so, since Luna eats it saying it's delicious, it's worth making.
Sitting at the table, hitting the desk with her spoon,
"Omelet Rice, Omelet Rice, Omelet Rice~" she waits happily.
Luna, who usually has a mask-like expression, is looking forward to it this much.
This takes priority.
"Please wait! Don't say that, please come!"
Don't jam your foot in the door, Knight.
It's a metal boot so it probably doesn't hurt, but what are you, a shady salesman?
"Don't make me say the same thing. I am not a He-ro! I'm an adventurer. I have no obligation to go anymore, and furthermore, this is the Empire. There is no need to obey."
"Please wait! I can't give details about this talk, but it isn't a bad story for you, Zect-dono. Please, I beg you, come with me."
I can tell from the knight's expression that he doesn't intend to back down.
In the current Empire, ever since that incident the other day, Luna's safety is protected.
But with the Zamark Kingdom, I'm a little worried.
However, at this rate, he's persistent so I'll be forced to go.
"Can't be helped, I'll go! However, my companion comes with me... Let's go! Luna!"
Luna looked at me with anxious eyes from the table.
"Zect, are you going out?"
"Yeah, we're going together!"
"Zect-dono, are you taking that half-demon girl too!"
"She isn't a half-demon, you idiot! She's an Albino! She is my current companion. If I can't take Luna, I'm not going!"
"...Understood."
"Don't give me 'Understood'! If you say half-demon or whatever next time, I'm going home halfway!"
"...I absolutely will not say it..."
"Luna, Omelet Rice will have to wait for next time."
"Eh, no way..."
Eating delicious things is one of the few luxuries Luna desires.
She's making a face like she's about to cry right now.
"...My bad. Wait for about one hour. Where should we go?"
"Then, I will be waiting outside the Imperial Capital gate."
"Understood... Luna, I'll make the Omelet Rice at lightning speed, so eat it quickly."
"Yeah..."
I made the Omelet Rice in a hurry and fed it to Luna.
"Delicious..."
"I see. But we don't have much time, please eat quickly."
"Yeah..."
Even while saying that, Luna is eating while savoring it.
She is enjoying eating it, so being late can't be helped.
◆◆◆
"An Air Dragon Airship, huh? Amazing."
I went to the meeting place and there was an Air Dragon Airship.
An Air Dragon Airship is essentially a ship attached to a large Air Dragon; many countries do not even possess one. For example, in the Holy Nation Gandal, only the Pope, Archbishops, and their attendants or guards are allowed to ride one.
Simply put, it’s VIP treatment... that’s what it means.
"Zect... are we riding this? It has a dragon attached, amazing..."
"That's right, Luna. We can fly in the sky with this. It's pretty amazing."
Perhaps because of my warning earlier, the knights didn't voice any complaints even upon seeing Luna's appearance.
Yes, this is fine.
"Can we fly in the sky? Amazing..."
Luna is looking at the Air Dragon Airship with sparkling eyes.
"That just shows how important the discussion is this time. Please, board the ship."
I boarded the Air Dragon Airship while pulling Luna by the hand.
"Zect, this is amazing, amazing..."
"Don't run around too much."
"Yeah."
Even though I said that, she wouldn't stop wandering around the inside of the ship with sparkling eyes.
Normally you can't fly in the sky, so I understand the feeling of excitement.
"Luna, we're going to fly now. It's dangerous, so sit in a chair."
"Yeah..."
The Air Dragon flapped its large wings and soared into the sky.
As expected of an Air Dragon Airship. Once it's flying, it's stable, and above all, it's safe because monsters won't come out in fear of the dragon.
"Luna, you can look around freely now. However, don't go outside!"
"Understood."
Saying that, Luna stuck to the window and looked outside.
I don't know her true age, but even though she looks about the same age as me... inside she is quite a child.
Living with Luna, I realized something.
What Ceres felt toward us might have been a 'desire to protect.'
However, unlike Luna, from Ceres's perspective, Maria and I must have been utterly unlovable brats...
◆◆◆
Thanks to the Air Dragon Airship, we arrived from the Empire to the Kingdom in just three days.
I have no idea how long this would have taken on foot.
We arrived at the Royal Castle, and no one criticized Luna.
Most likely, the knight had contacted them via communication crystal.
"Seeing it up close, it's incredibly huge..."
Of course it is, it's a castle.
Perhaps because she had only ever seen a castle from afar, Luna was moved.
Well, her expression doesn't change much, so maybe only I can tell...
"The castle is where the King, the Princess, and important people live. Behave yourself, okay?"
"Understood."
We followed the knight straight into the castle.
"Please wait here for a moment until the King is ready."
Saying that, we were shown into a beautiful room.
It's quite a luxurious room.
"Zect, this sofa is fluffy."
Well, it is in a castle after all.
"Is that so... I'm glad."
The treatment is too good... at times like this, they are definitely going to ask for something unpleasant. As we waited, a maid brought tea and sweets.
"I have brought tea and sweets."
When the maid poured tea and placed the sweets down, the color of Luna's eyes changed.
"Can I eat this?"
"I don't eat sweets much, so Luna can eat them all."
"Thank you, Zect... I love you."
Actually, I do eat sweets... but since she's happy, I'll let her have them all.
Seeing Luna munching on the sweets deliciously makes me feel glad I gave them to her.
Was Ceres like this too?
He often gave things to us since we were kids... maybe he was the same as the current me.
As I waited while sipping tea, I heard a knock.
"The King is ready."
"Luna, I'll be back soon, so wait here for a while."
"Understood... come back quickly..."
"Yeah, I'll return immediately, so wait with peace of mind."
Luna looked at me with a slightly anxious face, but this can't be helped.
◆◆◆
Guided to the audience chamber, I entered to find King Zamark IV, the Second Princess Marine, Prime Minister Dober, and the senior retainer Ota in the center.
"It has been a while, Zect-dono."
"It has been a long time, King Zamark, Princess Marine..."
In the past, because I was a Hero, I often had to attend these kinds of events, but honestly, I'm terrible at them.
I tried to kneel, but...
"No need to kneel. No need to be so stiff. The reason I called you today is regarding my daughter, Marine."
"Regarding Princess Marine-sama?"
"Yes, it is about the engagement."
According to the promise, if I defeated the Demon King, there would be an 'engagement.' That was the talk.
However, since I haven't defeated the Demon King, I shouldn't have that qualification.
"Has something happened with that matter?"
"I believe I previously recommended an engagement between Marine and you, Zect-dono. Do you not remember?"
"I remember that talk... but that was conditional on 'defeating the Demon King.' Since I haven't fulfilled the mission and have even quit being a 'Hero,' I think it is irrelevant now."
"Certainly that was the case, but I do not consider the engagement between Marine and you to be over yet. How about it? Since I approve, do you not have the will to strive again as a fiancé, as a 'Hero'?"
I looked toward Princess Marine... She was looking at me with gentle eyes full of affection.
She certainly is beautiful and cute.
But... it's impossible. I bowed my head to the King and the others and declared.
"The current me does not have that qualification. Though I had courage, I challenged a reckless battle and hurt my companions, fell behind Mamon, a subordinate of the Demon King, was saved by 'Hero Ceres,' and pushed the fate of the world entirely onto Ceres... that is the man I am. If I were to marry Princess Marine, I would have to become at least a noble. Unfortunately, I have neither the ability to govern a territory nor the education. I have decided... to live as an adventurer... and when I grow old, return to my hometown or somewhere to till the fields and live. Princess Marine-sama is far too good for the wife of an adventurer or a farmer."
This is fine... The current me desires neither power nor anything else.
Looking straight at King Zamark without averting my gaze, I answered.
"Zect-dono, it seemed your previous dream was different..."
"Certainly, the old me had ambition. Marriage to a princess, a noble with territory... I recklessly thought only of such things... But after losing and being saved by my best friend, such ambitions have disappeared."
"You have changed considerably."
I could read surprise on King Zamark's face. Those are words the old me would absolutely never say.
"Zect-sama, will you not consider my, my feelings?"
Princess Marine asked while staring at me with a serious gaze.
Honestly speaking, I have lingering regrets.
But, I, who am just an adventurer and not a Hero, have no qualification to marry Princess Marine.
Besides, the current me doesn't have the power to make a princess happy.
"Princess Marine-sama, that is a momentary whim. You and I have only had tea and taken a walk three times in our lives. You just fell in love with the Hero, you didn't fall in love with me... You should forget about the lowest of men who lost to such an enemy and in the end pushed the entire fate of the world onto his best friend."
"But, even so, I..."
Princess Marine spoke to me as if clinging on. It pulls at my heartstrings, but...
"It's impossible! In that case, will you throw away that crown and become an adventurer with me? And when we grow old, will you till the fields with me?"
"That, for me who has lived as a princess, I cannot do..."
The current me is an adventurer. A life with Princess Marine, who is royalty, is an impossible story.
"Princess Marine-sama is far too good for me... Surely you will find a good man."
Combining the meaning of cutting off my own feelings, I answered that way.
"Zect-dono..."
King Zamark looked at me with a disappointed expression, but I had no intention of changing my opinion.
"King Zamark, you must not give anything to me who has achieved nothing... If there is nothing else, may we conclude this?"
For me, who was saved by Ceres without achieving anything, to become the partner of a princess must not happen.
"Ah, very well... My apologies."
"Then, excuse me. Ah, sorry... you will transport me back, right?"
If I left just like this, it would be cool, but unfortunately, for me as an adventurer, the burden of travel expenses from the Kingdom to the Empire is quite tough.
"I shall arrange it. ...You may leave now."
Good thing I realized. Thinking about it, since I'm not getting engaged to the princess, if I didn't get a promise here, I would have had to pay for a carriage back out of my own pocket.
"Then, I will take my leave."
I turned my back on King Zamark and the others and left the audience chamber.
◆◆◆
"It's Zect and Luna's soup kitchen! We're giving out bread and soup, so line up! Luna, distribute the bread. One per person."
"Understood."
A few days after returning to the Garban Empire, we pitched a tent near the slums and were running a soup kitchen.
Currently, perhaps because Emperor Sizer gave the order, no nobles, knights, adventurers, or ordinary citizens lay a hand on Luna.
However, it is certain that Luna's appearance is disliked, and it would be trouble if something happened where I couldn't reach her.
In that case, if I get the slum residents on my side... thinking that, this is what I came up with.
In Jimna Village, Ceres is popular.
That is the result of devoting himself to the village.
Because he's a good-natured person, he often said, 'If you give charity to people, someday you will be helped.'
I don't go so far as expecting to be helped.
If people stop messing with Luna, that's enough.
Soon after starting the soup kitchen, a small boy wearing tattered clothes came over.
"Um... I don't have a bowl."
I've properly considered that situation too.
"Don't worry, I have bowls too. Here, soup."
I served soup into a wooden bowl prepared in advance and handed it to him.
"Here is bread too..."
Next to me, Luna handed over the bread as planned.
"Hero-sama, Big Sister, thank you."
"Go eat over there, don't trip."
"Eat..."
There's no need to say it to the kid running away happily while waving, but I'm not a Hero anymore... just Zect.
"Hey! Can I eat this for free... Heh, isn't it the Hero-sama!?"
This time a gaunt middle-aged man came.
"Old man, I ain't a Hero anymore! Today I'm running a soup kitchen on a whim. Do you have a bowl, old man?"
"Ah, my bad. Don't have one..."
"Then I'll give you the bowl too, here's soup!"
"Here is bread..."
"Thanks, Hero-sama and Missy!"
"I-told-you, I ain't a Hero anymore!"
"Is that so?! You look like a Hero to me! See ya, thanks for the soup and bread!"
While I was having that conversation with the old man, Luna tugged on my sleeve.
"Zect... it's fine. Hurry and serve the soup... they're lining up."
"Understood. I have bowls, but not that many; those who have one bring it! Those who don't, I'll give you one! Come on, line up in order."
"Thank you... this is quite a luxurious soup."
That man had lost his right arm. A former adventurer?
"I ain't a Hero, but even like this, I can hunt Orcs with ease. There's lots of Orc in it, so it's nutritious!"
"Here is bread..."
"I see... thank you, Hero and Missy."
The man without a right arm bowed and skillfully slurped the soup and ate the bread with one hand.
"Like I said, I'm not a Hero..."
Next is an old man.
"Can I have some too?"
"Yeah, I'll serve it right away... here."
"Here is bread..."
"Thank you."
For living in the slums, they are quite polite.
There are quite a lot of residents in the slums... glad I brought extra. They seem to be residents who observe manners; no one is lining up twice.
Even so, the soup filling the large pot and the two hundred loaves of bread I brought are running low.
"Hey... there's a little left. Kids only, first come first served—come on!"
"Here is bread..."
In the end, we finished distributing everything in about three hours.
"Bread... is gone."
"Yeah, didn't think it would run out this fast..."
In Jimna Village, even orphans didn't starve. The Imperial Capital... is tough.
If we repeat this kind of thing, Luna will be imprinted not as 'Half-Demon Luna' but as 'The Girl Who Gave Bread.' Not just relying on the law for protection, but if I don't make her liked by people, we might run into trouble in the future.
So, this is 'my calculation.'
If we run soup kitchens like this, surely even Luna will come to be liked.
The things tormenting the slums are 'Hunger,' 'Disease,' and 'Poverty.'
I cannot save them from 'Poverty'... but I can save them a little from 'Hunger' and 'Disease.'
Next is...
◆◆◆
Putting the pot away in item storage, I came to a slum alley with Luna.
Now then, next is medical treatment.
"Alright Luna, let's go!"
"Where are we going?"
"Ah, just walking around randomly."
"I see..."
Immediately, I found a middle-aged man lying in the alley.
Using the Appraisal skill to check, it seemed he had an ailment in his leg.
"Hey, aren't you feeling bad physically?"
"Ah, I injured my leg... so what?"
"I see... Heal... How's this?"
"Ah, the leg injury is healed, magic?"
"Well yeah... I'm bad at treatment but I can use Heal, High Heal, and Antidote... If there's anyone injured or with a minor illness, can you tell me?"
"You... I see, that face is the Hero. It's Hero-sama."
"I ain't a Hero anymore... I plan to treat people for free today, so if there are guys like that, go call them. Also, if there are guys who can't get up, tell me their house or location and I'll go."
"Understood, I'll call them right away."
Bowing deeply to us, the man disappeared into the depths of the slums.
When you say Healing Magic, it's the Saintess.
When you say Attack Magic, it's the Sage.
When you say Splendid Sword Skills, it's the Sword Saint.
Then what can the Hero do?
The Hero is the one who has more 'Courage' than anyone.
But, that isn't all... He has aptitude for all magic and attacks.
However, they are half-baked.
The Hero cannot match the Saintess in Healing Magic.
The Hero cannot match the Sage in Attack Magic.
The Hero cannot match the Sword Saint in Sword Skills.
But, flipping that around... I can use some of the Healing Magic the Saintess uses.
I'll treat those within the range curable by the four spells: Heal, High Heal, Appraisal, and Antidote... that's what I thought.
After a while, the man returned.
"Hero-sama, brought 'em."
Next to the man saying that stood an emaciated woman supported by two children.
"Um... will you really save Mom...?"
"Can you save her...?"
Two young children stare at me intently.
The mother hangs her head, perhaps because it's painful, and doesn't greet me.
"This much is probably an easy win! Appraisal, for this level Heal is enough! Heal!"
My hand glowed, and I pressed it against the mother's chest.
"How is it..."
"Ah...! It has become much easier."
The mother lifted her face. Unlike before, her complexion improved, and she could converse normally.
This should be fine.
"I see... that's good then. Hey brats, your mom is cured. Good for you!"
"Hero Big Brother, thank you!"
"If you're grateful, help my partner when she's in trouble."
Saying that, I pointed at Luna.
"You mean that Big Sister? ...Understood!"
"Enough with the thanks. Sorry but the next one is waiting. If you're done, get going, shoo."
"Thank you very much..."
The mother bowed deeply.
"It's fine... see ya."
With this, that mother is probably fine... but she lacks nutrition.
The illness is cured, but I can't do anything about that part.
"Hey~ Big Bro. My injury... can you cure it?"
Mercenary, or adventurer? A muscular old guy is the next patient.
However, there is a large wound on his arm, and his right hand is starting to rot.
If left alone, he'll die. I can cure him, but if it's me, I have to give up on the right hand.
"If you mean saving your life, I can cure it. But if you're asking me to make that arm usable, it's impossible."
To cure this man's arm, the ultimate spell used by Saintesses, Perfect Heal, is necessary.
With Perfect Heal, 'as long as they aren't dead, it can be cured,' so even missing limbs can be restored.
But even Maria cannot use Perfect Heal right now.
It would be good if a talented Saintess learned it at the very end, just before the battle with the Demon King. The only human who can use it currently is probably Cecilia.
Even 'Maria' cannot cure this man's arm.
"I was told the same at the church. I just want you to save my life; I don't even have the treatment fee for that."
"Understood."
I drew my sword and cut off the rotting arm.
"Gaaaaahhhhh—!"
Sorry, I can't use magic like anesthesia.
Endure it.
"It'll be over soon... Heal."
I chanted Heal and held my hand over it, and the wound on the man's arm closed up.
"How is it? Sorry... I can only do this kind of treatment."
"What are you saying! Even my life was in danger... The church wouldn't treat me if I couldn't pay... I'm grateful."
"Is that so... then if my companion is in trouble, help her."
I pointed to Luna.
"Her? Missy, what's your name?"
"It's... Luna."
"Face and name, memorized... If I see Missy in trouble, I will definitely help... It's a promise."
He's a roughneck, but men like this keep their promises. As proof, he is looking at Luna with gentle eyes.
"...Thank you."
It's an unpleasant way to say it, but the people of the slums are the bottom-layer humans.
However, no one used the word 'Half-Demon.'
There are many roughnecks, but maybe they are good guys at heart.
"Naturally my mana is getting low... Luna, take a Mana Potion out of the bag."
"Mana Potion?"
Luna, whom I had holding the bag, tilted her head cutely.
"Ah, my bad. The green liquid."
"Green?"
She doesn't even know color names?
"My bad, give me the bag!"
"Understood..."
I took the bag from Luna and chugged two Mana Potions.
"Alright, one more push..."
"Zect... amazing."
"Not amazing at all... well then, let's do this..."
Using Antidote, Heal, and High Heal, I finished treating everyone in the slums.
I threw away the name of Hero but... I still have the job.
If it's a world where I don't have to fight the Demon Race, using it this way should be fine.
◆◆◆
Today, I came hunting for the first time in a while.
The targets are Wyverns and Earth Dragons, Dragon species.
If I wanted money, I could earn as much as I wanted easily. But I make sure to work properly.
My father, Sector, was a man who didn't work.
Conversely, my mother, Shizuko, was a hard worker.
It's probably better not to show Luna a figure of me earning easily.
That's why I make sure to hunt a few times a week.
During that time, Luna is alone.
But as a result of steadily continuing the soup kitchen and treatments in the slums... Luna became popular.
There is almost no one in the Imperial Capital who doesn't know Luna.
There's no problem leaving her alone anymore.
The other day, I secretly followed Luna after leaving her alone saying I was going hunting but... there were no problems.
"Luna-chan, shopping? Good girl, here's a service (extra)."
"Luna Big Sis, do your best."
There is no one taking advantage of Luna's naivety.
Rather, if I let her shop, she often gets extras.
In this case, it's better to give Luna a little freedom for her own sake.
To create time alone for Luna, which also serves as learning about society, me going out to hunt is just right.
After a while, once she can live in the Imperial Capital, maybe I'll teach her adventurer work from scratch.
Buying a picture book and teaching her letters might be good too.
Still lots to do... the goal might never come.
◆◆◆
Because there are few beings who can hunt Dragon species, it's practically an all-you-can-hunt buffet.
Around the level of Orcs or Ogres, you still have to compete with other adventurers, but the strength of Dragon species is completely different.
Even the Wyvern, the weakest among Dragon species, is strong enough to prey on Orcs and Ogres, and is an opponent that requires several knights to deal with.
At this level, even A-rank adventurers risk their lives.
So, there is no competition in the hunting ground.
That said, the ones I can hunt are only Earth Dragons and Wyverns among Dragon species; anything above that is scary so I don't touch them.
However, today my body feels good. Luckily I found some solitary ones, so I hunted one Wyvern and one Earth Dragon.
With this, my storage bag is already full.
"You hunt dragons quite skillfully!"
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind.
Turning around, a man dressed in black was looking at me.
"Well yeah, to me, even dragons are just this much."
Where did he appear from?
"Ho... is that so? 'Dragons are just this much,' you say. A guy satisfied with defeating lizards sure talks big."
What's with this guy... is he making fun of me?
"You, don't you know who I am?"
"Unfortunately, I'm ignorant of the world."
No matter what, there's no way he doesn't know me, the former Hero.
"Is that so. I am the S-rank Adventurer Zect... don't mess with me too much."
If it were the old me, I would have punched him.
But... there is no need to pick a fight over every little thing like this.
"Is that so... are you somewhat strong? First, I will praise you for hunting dragons, albeit lower rank ones, while being human. But you underestimate dragons too much. Treating my race as 'just this much,' you're going to have a painful experience."
Does this guy really not know I'm a 'Former Hero'?
Unless it's Ceres, there is no one stronger than the current me.
"What do you mean by painful experience? 'My race,' you say? Do you feel like you've become a dragon or something? But even a dragon is no match for me. Because I am a former Hero."
"Hero? What about it?"
Is this guy seriously picking a fight with me?
Can't be helped. Worst case, I'll hold back, punch him, and end it.
"What do you want, messing with me since earlier!"
"I do not forgive those who make fun of dragons. My name is Black Dragon... Duel me!"
"Fine, can't be helped, bring it on! I'll hold back and... Ugh-gobaaahhh!"
What, I couldn't see his movement just now.
Strange... faster than Lida...?!
I feel like vomiting even though I was just lightly punched in the stomach.
The Black Dragon speaks as if provoking me.
"Hey, don't tell me that's the end."
"I won't say it."
This guy... is strong.
If I look him in the eye and measure his strength... I can tell.
He might be on par with Mamon.
"What's wrong? This time I'll take it... Come on."
In that case, I'll end it with my strongest blow.
One of the secret techniques only a Hero can use.
"Eat this———! This is my secret technique—Wings of Light-ahhhh——!"
A giant bird of light appeared from the tip of my sword. And it slammed straight into the Black Dragon.
Zugagagagaga——BANG!
Unless this guy is Mamon... this is the end.
"Pretty good for a human but... it doesn't work."
You're kidding... unscathed?!
"Is that sort of thing a secret technique? Doesn't affect me at all... Shall I go this time? I pity you, so I'll just punch you, here I go."
"Ugaaaaaah———!"
What is this guy, I can't dodge his attacks?!
Moreover, even though I'm just being punched, despite using the Pain Reduction skill, it still hurts.
In the end, I continued to be beaten helplessly until I couldn't walk.
"Haa, haa, haa... I lost... kill me."
"To be killed by this Black Dragon is proof of the strong. Die with that honor."
"In the end, I... haa, haa... couldn't become like Ceres... I'm worried about Luna, but can't be help..."
"Huuh~ Ceres-ahhh——!?"
What's with this guy, making such a surprised face...
"...Is something wrong?"
"You, are you related to Ceres?"
Does this guy know Ceres?
"Ceres and I are childhood friends and best friends... at least I intend to be."
"Is that so... then fine... Don't kill Dragon species anymore! I'm also, well, best friends with Ceres... That's right, I'll give you this potion. It will probably heal you with this."
"Potion... you're giving it to me?"
What is this guy, an acquaintance of Ceres... Even I, a former Hero, couldn't do a thing. The world is big.
"...Well then, I'm going now... If you meet Ceres, give him my regards."
"Understood."
Saying that, the Black Dragon sprouted wings and flew away.
Those wings... was he really a 'Dragon'?
However, I'm glad he was Ceres's best friend.
If he wasn't, I probably would have been killed.
◆◆◆
The terrace of the Royal Castle in the Zamark Kingdom.
Zamark IV was thinking deeply.
'A Hero is the strongest weapon of humanity, capable of defeating even the Demon King.'
Hero absolutists say so.
I was keeping a watchful eye on Hero Ceres and the Demon Race, but it completely slipped my mind that there was one more person I should have been watching.
It wasn't just me.
The Holy Nation Gandal and the Garban Empire had also completely forgotten.
The existence of 'Hero Zect.'
Certainly, he lost to a massive number of dragons... but at that time, he buried several dragons single-handedly.
Although he lost to Mamon, he exchanged blows for several hours.
Now that there is a ceasefire with the Demon Race, the greatest threat was 'Hero Zect.'
To Ceres-dono, all three countries have sent brides.
But to Zect-dono, we have placed no shackles.
If there is an existence in this world that can stop Zect-dono, it is only Ceres-dono. But... the two are best friends; he won't move.
According to reports, he stormed the Imperial Castle alone, half-destroyed the castle, and left leisurely.
Unfortunately, between my Kingdom and the Empire, the castle's military power is superior in the Empire.
In other words, if he wanted to, he could do the same thing against the Kingdom.
A human who can bring down a Royal Castle single-handedly.
Such humans are rare.
Because they underestimated Zect, the Imperial Castle was half-destroyed.
And setting aside appearances, practically everyone was made to know through that incident that they cannot win against a 'Hero.'
Even if the Imperial Castle is half-destroyed, Ceres-dono does not move.
Even though Princess Frey is among his wives.
With this, we learned that unless something extreme happens, even if we have a dispute with Zect-dono, Ceres-dono will not move.
I immediately schemed for an engagement with Marine but... it ended in vain.
Hero Zect has changed.
I understood that well.
That man who was loose with women and a lump of desire for fame... says he doesn't need any of it.
As a country, if we don't think of something, it seems like we'll be in trouble someday.
◆◆◆
I, Marine, have reflected deeply.
Do humans change that much? The Hero Zect I met at first was a lump of vanity.
He was a boring human, no different from other nobles.
I have no particular interest in 'ordinary humans.' However, since I was born a princess, I have no 'freedom of romance.' I marry the person my father the King decides and spend my life with them.
That is the life of a princess.
In exchange, I am allowed luxuries that other people can never have, so I can't complain.
'Hero Zect' just had a good face; I didn't like his personality much.
Only having a good face is slightly better, though.
Vanity and desire for honor. Just a person, no different from other nobles. That is 'Hero Zect' to me.
That's why he lost to Mamon. Even when he quit being a Hero, I didn't think anything of it.
A foolish man who abandoned his precious companions for a woman.
And an unsightly man who lost to Mamon as a result.
Since he isn't my 'fiancé' anymore, he is irrelevant to me.
But... such a human... has changed.
"The current me does not have that qualification. Though I had courage, I challenged a reckless battle and hurt my companions, fell behind Mamon, a subordinate of the Demon King, was saved by 'Hero Ceres,' and pushed the fate of the world entirely onto Ceres... that is the man I am. If I were to marry Princess Marine, I would have to become at least a noble. Unfortunately, I have neither the ability to govern a territory nor the education. I have decided... to live as an adventurer... and when I grow old, return to my hometown or somewhere to till the fields and live. Princess Marine-sama is far too good for the wife of an adventurer or a farmer."
"Certainly, the old me had ambition. Marriage to a princess, a noble with territory... I recklessly thought only of such things... But after losing and being saved by my best friend, such ambitions have disappeared."
I couldn't believe such words came from that man who was a lump of desire for honor and vanity.
To throw away noble status and marriage with me, a princess, is unthinkable for the previous Hero Zect.
Is the man standing before me really Hero Zect?
A dignified attitude and presence, desiring neither honor nor status.
He looks like nothing but a 'True Hero.'
That is why it just slipped out of my mouth.
'Zect-sama, will you not consider my, my feelings?'
I never thought such words would come from me.
I... most likely, truly have come to like Hero Zect. Perhaps that is it.
Even though they were words I summoned my courage to say... a momentary whim, he says?
'But, even so, I...'
The words returned were content like 'Unless you throw everything away, we cannot marry.'
Such a thing, 'For me who has lived as a princess, I cannot do.'
While I was hesitating... it was rejected with 'Surely you will find a good man.'
Since Zect-sama left, I have been thinking only of him.
When I take off my crown, I end up staring at it.
'If I could just throw this away rather...'
Today too, without reaching a conclusion, I continue to gaze at this crown.
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