Chapter 9: The Hero’s Triumphant Return③
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Prince Ryuguin sent three of the four women away, keeping only his favorite by his side.
“Thank you for choosing me!”
With a sweet voice, she leaned over from behind Ryuguin, pressing her chest against him. The sensation revived his spirits once more.
“Alright! It’s time for one last push!”
With the determination of a manager finally seeing the end of a grueling schedule, he covered the remaining woman with his body.
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Immersed in work, Ryuguin finally noticed his hunger in the early afternoon. He instructed the woman to fetch Hilbert—a merchant who had long been associated with him as a Hero. She dashed out of the room, and within moments, Hilbert appeared, panting heavily.
“Ah, Hero-sama! Thank you for calling for me!”
The stout merchant must have run here, as it took him a moment to catch his breath. His flustered state stroked Ryuguin’s ego, filling him with satisfaction.
“Hilbert! Glad you could make it! But you’re a bit late. As a merchant, you should know what it means to keep a customer waiting. Still, I see potential in you, so keep up the good work.”
“I never imagined Hero-sama would say such a thing! I will tell my descendants that I received praise from the Hero-sama!”
Hilbert beamed at Ryuguin, his face lit up with joy.
“Now, Hilbert, do you know why I called you?”
Hilbert rummaged through the bag he brought and replied, “Of course! As the self-proclaimed partner of the Hero, I shall surely guess what you desire!”
He laid out several sheets of paper featuring beautiful women on the desk.
“What you seek, Hero-sama, is undoubtedly food and women, correct?”
Hilbert grinned, and Ryuguin glanced over the materials he had brought. He felt a familiar stirring in his loins. However, he tossed the papers onto the desk with a snap.
“Five points.”
“What…?”
“Disappointing.”
“What exactly was wrong with my answer…?”
“What I sought were ‘beautiful women’ and ‘delicious food to satisfy my hunger.’ Your answers were merely ‘food’ and ‘women.’ That doesn’t even cover half of what I wanted.”
For a brief moment, the women and Hilbert exchanged glances. Then Hilbert exclaimed, “I see! As expected of Hero-sama! To weave multiple intentions behind a single phenomenon… Truly the work of a Hero of the Ages! You’ve got me this time!” He comically slapped his forehead and laughed heartily. However—
“Wait.”
Ryuguin’s voice halted the laughter, sounding deliberately dramatic. Did he catch on… Hilbert stiffened.
“Hmm, I will graciously accept your praise. However, there is one thing I cannot overlook. You referred to me as ‘the Hero of the Nation.’ I understand your sentiment, but from now on, please call me—’the Hero of the Ages.'”
Hilbert’s worries were unfounded. Ryuguin’s mind, thoroughly muddled from days and nights of Decadent Indulgence, could no longer grasp the subtleties of others.
“Indeed…!! ‘The Hero of the Ages’… you say!!”
The woman beside him, having uttered this title, caught Ryuguin’s favor and was destined to remain here. It was quite unfortunate for her.
“Ah! ‘The Hero of the Ages’!! What an incredibly fitting title for Hero-sama!! I am so moved that I cannot hold back my tears!!”
He dabbed at his dry eyes with a handkerchief.
“Enough, Hilbert! I understand your feelings!!”
Striking a dramatic pose, Ryuguin pulled Hilbert close and embraced him tightly. It was a scene of beautiful friendship.
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Once the farce concluded, a feast of Ultra-Super Premium Ingredients, prepared with great care, was brought in under Hilbert’s direction. Ryuguin’s eyes sparkled at the sight. He devoured the dishes before him with fervor, sometimes letting out satisfied exclamations, and at other times, relishing the flavors with “Delicious! Delicious!” He rambled on with his usual nonsensical food trivia, speaking like a gourmet reporter.
After the table became a mess, Ryuguin’s stomach finally full, he commanded, “Clean this up.”
With his appetite satisfied, his next dilemma was deciding which establishment to dive into for fine sake today. As he and Hilbert engaged in a lively discussion, a knock echoed through the room.
“What is it?”
“Excuse me, Hero-sama. An envoy from the Royal Capital has arrived. They wish to speak with you, Prince Ryuguin.”
“What’s the matter?”
“According to the envoy, your name has been mentioned as the person who contributed the most to the conquest of the Sealed Labyrinth. Therefore, your achievements have been recognized, and a ceremony to award you a medal and noble title from the Arcana King and Princess Puffy is to be held. The envoy wishes to discuss the specific details with you.”
A broad smile spread across Ryuguin’s face.
“Let them in.”
He turned to Hilbert and the woman.
“You both want to play with me, right? I’d love to, but please wait just a moment. It seems I have some unavoidable business to attend to.”
For some reason, he stretched his arms and began to loosen up. Then he declared, “Alright! Hilbert! Prepare my formal attire! Bring someone with the taste that befits me!”
Hilbert, hiding his true feelings, rubbed his hands together and replied, “Understood, Hero-sama!” as he complied with Ryuguin’s orders.