Chapter 1: The Journey of the Demon Lord’s Subjugation

The day after the Demon Lord was defeated, I was invited to a victory celebration held by the entire nation.

"To Lord Kamiya, the strongest Hero in history—our greatest thanks and glory!"

At the King’s booming voice, the nobles gathered in the hall raised their glasses in unison. Under the sparkling chandeliers, lavish dishes were laid out, and beautiful music filled the air. It was a scene straight out of a dream, and my tension was through the roof.

Amazing... I really did become a Hero. The looks of respect from everyone made my heart flutter.

It was an exhilaration I’d never experienced in my previous life.

"Hero-sama, thank you so much for everything."

Princess Loresia, sitting next to me, blushed and smiled as she leaned into me. Her dress emphasized her ample chest even more than yesterday, and while I almost let a smirk slip onto my face, my heart remained strangely calm. This must be the effect of the <Charm Resistance: Perfect Rejection> skill. It was a bit of a shame that I didn't feel even a little bit 'excited.'

"No, I only did what I had to do. I’m just glad I could protect everyone from the Demon Lord."

"Truly, you are humble, Hero-sama. However... the truth is, a problem remains."

The King chimed in with a solemn expression.

"We do not know the details, but the source of the Demon Lord’s power, the 'Abyssal Mana Stone,' should still be in the Demon Lord’s Castle. There is a legend that unless that stone is destroyed, the Demon Lord will one day be resurrected."

"So, you’re saying I need to go to the Demon Lord’s Castle and break that stone?"

"Yes, exactly. However, the path to the castle is treacherous. Even with the Demon Lord gone, powerful monsters and the Demon Lord’s subordinates, the Four Heavenly Kings, are waiting."

It seemed that even after defeating the Demon Lord so quickly, things weren't quite settled. To be honest, I’d been a bit disappointed that it had ended so easily.

"I understand. Then I, Kamiya Kisaragi, shall reach the Demon Lord’s Castle and destroy that stone."

"Oh! Truly, you are the Hero."

When I gave them the answer they wanted, the King and the nobles erupted in cheers.

Hahaha! I even killed the Demon Lord in an instant. The Four Heavenly Kings or whatever won't be a match for me, right? And if I kept performing well, maybe I’d even have some 'tasty' events with cute girls.

"Of course, we won't ask this of you for nothing. Once the Abyssal Mana Stone is destroyed, you may ask for any reward you desire. A noble title, money... even my daughter’s hand in marriage, if you so wish."

"Father... please stop saying such things in front of everyone..."

Giving away your daughter like that is a bit... I looked at Princess Loresia, and she gave me a shy smile while waving her hand. Ugh... cute.

Is it okay if she's being a bit calculating? Makima-san, I think I'm falling for this girl. For a moment, I was about to be swept away, but my skill activated and I immediately calmed down.

"And to support the Hero’s journey, I have gathered the finest companions from across the land!"

At those words, three beautiful girls approached and bowed to me. My heart raced with anticipation at the appearance of these three, each one beautiful enough to take one's breath away.

"I am Cecilia Caliburn, the greatest knight of this kingdom, granted the title of 'Sword Saint.' It is the greatest honor for a knight to be part of the Hero’s party. I look forward to working with you. You may rely on me without hesitation, regardless of my gender."

The first to introduce herself was the female knight, Cecilia. Her ample chest was encased in silver-white armor, and the longsword at her waist was proof of her strength. She was a dignified, beautiful woman who looked like a handsome prince, with cool blue eyes and golden hair swaying in the breeze. Her greeting was stiff and knightly, but I could see an aura of strength deep within her eyes.

"My name is Fiona. It’s a bit embarrassing, but everyone at the church calls me a Saint. Hero-sama... let us work together to bring peace back to this world from the hands of the Demon Lord."

Next, blushing and smiling shyly, was the Saint Fiona, sent by the Holy Kingdom. The pure white robes that hid her ample chest only served to highlight her purity, and her compassionate smile was enough to wash away any worries just by looking at it. Just having her by my side made me feel like I could overcome any trial.

"I’m Iris. People in this country call me the Supreme Mage. Don't go getting cocky just because you defeated the Demon Lord, okay?"

And the third was the girl who’d spoken to me with her arms crossed, looking away—Iris. She had fiery red hair in twin tails and wore lavish robes that screamed 'high-ranking mage.' She had a prickly attitude, but I thought I saw a hint of wariness in the way she glanced at me.

Wait, this girl... somewhere...

I searched my memory and remembered that she was part of the robed group near the magic circle right after I was summoned. So she was involved in my summoning, too.

Cecilia, Fiona, and Iris.

A knight, a saint, and a mage—a perfectly balanced party. And they were all beautiful girls.

Uooooooh...! This was exactly the kind of isekai harem party you see in light novels and games. The pure saint, the dignified female knight, and the tsundere mage—they were all my type. Isekai is the best!!

"Yessssssss!!"

"He suddenly started shouting... is this guy okay?"

"Hehe. To look so happy about going to the Demon Lord’s Castle is very encouraging. Truly, you are the Hero."

I’d shouted out of pure joy. How embarrassing...

But the dream that had never come true in my previous life might be becoming a reality right now. I’d wondered what would happen when I died in that car accident, but I was so glad I’d been reincarnated.

Of course, my goal wasn't just to be popular. It was to create a 'Pure Love Harem.'

If I could get intimate with these three types of beautiful girls... Buoyed by that expectation, I gave them my best smile.

"I’m counting on you all. I’m Kamiya Kisaragi. I just got to this world, so I might cause some trouble, but let’s work together to reach the Demon Lord’s Castle."

"Yes, you can leave your back to me, Hero."

"I will heal your wounds, Hero-sama. Please don't hesitate to rely on me."

"Hmph. Don't get carried away just because you beat the Demon Lord. I’ll show you that my magic is even more amazing."

At my words, Cecilia nodded firmly, Fiona smiled happily, and Iris muttered something while blushing.

I was excited to go on an adventure with these cute girls, but I didn't feel 'turned on.' I wondered if this was also because of <Charm Resistance: Perfect Rejection> as I prepared for the journey, feeling a little bit disappointed.

"Now, first, once we leave the Royal Capital, let’s head for the Magic City on the way to the Demon Lord’s Castle. There is a library there with all sorts of hidden knowledge, and it is said that the previous Hero left a message for the new one. We might find more detailed information about the Demon Lord or the 'Abyssal Mana Stone' there."

The girl called a Saint, Fiona, spread out a map with a gentle smile. And so, we set out on our journey toward the Demon Lord’s Castle.

"Hehe. An adventure with beautiful girls... maybe I’ll trigger some flags with them..."

I was grinning as I fantasized about a bright future, not yet knowing...

That their true goal wasn't the destruction of the Demon Lord’s source of power... it was something else entirely. If I had been thinking clearly, I should have realized how suspicious it was that everyone in the party was a woman.