Chapter 11: The Hero’s Triumph – Merchant’s Side
Hilbert was not only a renowned merchant but also a devout follower of the Klaatel Church. During his childhood, he suffered a near-fatal injury after being struck by a carriage. It was a chance encounter with a Sister from the Klaatel Church that saved his life. As his fading consciousness slipped away, his mother bowed her head and vowed to offer any price for his life. The Sister smiled and said:
“It was pure coincidence that I happened to pass by at this time and place. Your presence here is surely God’s will, urging me to help you. Therefore, no thanks are necessary.”
From that day on, their family converted to the Klaatel Church and became fervent believers. Although Hilbert lacked the magical talent of the Sister, he aspired to be someone who could help others just like her—this became one of his lifelong beliefs.
They say that when three women gather, it can get quite noisy. Hilbert sighed at the scene before him.
“They’re annoyingly persistent, aren’t they?”
“I know, right? That persistence really shows their personalities.”
“How many times do they have to ask, ‘Does it feel good?’ ‘It feels good, right?’ It’s so gross!”
“I get that too. It’s like, stop making me repeat the same thing over and over.”
“And they lecture while they’re at it!”
“Ugh! Just die already!”
“Yeah, I’ve seen that type before. There was one at my last job too. You just want to ask, ‘If you’re so great, why are you here?'”
“Seriously, perish already.”
“Right?”
“Honestly, they’re good-looking, but their brains and personalities are a disaster.”
“Exactly! All show and no substance.”
“If you shook them, they’d probably rattle like a bell.”
The three women before him were no exception to the saying about being noisy, as they enthusiastically gossiped about the Hero Ryuguin. Hilbert rubbed his temples at their antics. He clapped his hands together twice.
“Alright, everyone! Your work for today is done! Please take your time to rest and recharge for the next time you’re called!”
Responding to his call, the women began to move, each saying, “Okay!” “Woo!” “I’m off now!” as they left the scene. As they departed, they each thanked him in their own way: “Thank you, Hilbert!” “Thanks!” “See you later!”
He waved them off with a casual “Yeah, yeah.” Though he felt a twinge of guilt for making them do such work, he had no intention of stopping. The anger that no one noticed still simmered within him, eagerly awaiting the moment when the Hero would be burned to ashes.
He had a rough understanding of the Hero’s routine. Although he had some time before he would be called again, he had still heard some interesting news.
Hilbert picked up the Communication Orb and contacted one of the top officials responsible for the Garden Plan, which involved keeping the Hero in check. He relayed the information he had just gathered from the women.
“It seems he believes that this time’s Sealed Labyrinth is entirely his achievement.”
When Hilbert shared this, the usually carefree man on the other end momentarily lost his voice.
“Whoa… that’s quite something—”
Hilbert understood all too well what he meant and felt the same way. When he first heard it from the women, he had doubted his own ears.
“Isn’t this the perfect material for that plan?”
Hilbert suggested.
After some discussion about future plans, Hilbert finally got to enjoy a late lunch. Just as he finished eating, he heard a voice.
“Lord Hilbert, the Hero is calling for you.”
With a sense of urgency, Hilbert left the dining hall. He made sure to act out of breath as he entered the Hero’s room. He knew this would stroke the Hero’s ego and satisfy him. This buildup was crucial for the plan to keep him under control like a “pig.”
“Ah, Hero-sama! I see you’ve called for me, pant, pant!”
“To think Hero-sama would say such a thing! I shall tell my descendants that I was praised by the Hero-sama!”
“Of course! As your self-proclaimed partner, I, Hilbert, will surely provide whatever you desire!”
He had become quite adept at playing the fool. Hilbert thought to himself that as long as the Hero’s head was on the line, he could act as foolish as needed. The Hero, oblivious to his inner thoughts, requested a meal.
They all knew that the accessories he wore, including the many rings, were expensive magical items. Moreover, they were aware of the effects of those magical items, with a few exceptions.
Among them, the Ring of Poison Immunity was simply marvelous!
Because he could feed him anything without worry!
And he could give him any drink without concern!
A pig will climb a tree if you flatter it.
“Truly, Hero-sama, you embody the phrase ‘knows quality’!”
The Hero would eat anything if flattered. It was perfectly fine to feed him anything!
When the Hero grandly asked, “What about you all?” and Hilbert replied, “Oh no, we could never share a table with Hero-sama… (trembling in fear),” Ryuguin beamed like a fish in water.
“Hmm. You have a sense of propriety. That’s commendable. If you continue to work hard, you might become a fine merchant too. Though I can’t guarantee it.”
With a broad smile, he offered advice to Hilbert. Hilbert responded with, “Thank you for your kind words,” but he struggled to suppress his laughter at the thought of what the Hero had just eaten.
After the meal, a knock sounded at the door. Hilbert couldn’t wait to see how the Hero would dance for him next.
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Next time, we will switch to the protagonist’s side.
I’m enjoying the feedback I’ve received.
I’ve gotten quite a bit over the past few days, so I’ll respond to a few!