Chapter 8: The Night Before the Birth of the Hero of the Ages (Part 1)
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There was a woman named Kiki. Currently, she was a high-class courtesan, a role arranged by the machinations of a certain kingdom. However, once this matter was resolved, she and her close colleagues, including Sanary and three others, were planning to open a shop together with the substantial money they would earn. Although they didn’t know when that would be, it was a conversation filled with dreams and hopes necessary for them to endure their harsh work.
This story unfolds just as those discussions were taking place. After finishing their activities in bed, Hero Ryuguin wiped the sweat from his face and wore a smug expression. Seeing that familiar face, Kiki felt a wave of exasperation wash over her, thinking, Here we go again.
“I’m heading to the Royal Capital to be praised for my achievements in vanquishing the Sealed Domain. They say it will take a week to get there by carriage.”
“Is that so? That’s amazing! As expected of you!”
As expected, his usual boasting began. Kiki, feeling exasperated inside, continued to shower him with compliments as she always did.
“Haha! Conquering the Sealed Labyrinth is just a given! So being praised this much is embarrassing! Please, don’t flatter me too much!”
Despite his words, his expression clearly begged for more praise, and internally, Kiki thought, I’ll give you what you want, you fool!
“I admire you! You’re incredible! No one but you, Hero-sama, could do this! You’re so cool! Everyone’s falling for you! You’re handsome! You’re the strongest! You’re so smart! A genius! You’re exceptional!”
Then, in a somewhat reckless manner, Kiki began to hurl a torrent of praise at him during their next encounter, to the point where it could easily be mistaken for mockery.
“Ah, ah, stop it! …Please, stop praising me so much…!!”
However, Ryuguin took her compliments at face value, wearing a mix of pride and blissful ignorance that was both pitiful and grotesque. What on earth was wrong with this man…?
But upon reflection, Kiki realized that once he left this town, her current life would come to an end. They had more than enough savings. Perhaps because other groups were also accumulating wealth, she had recently overheard conversations about wanting to open a local cuisine restaurant or even daring to start a high-end bar. Serving the Hero had been tough, but it had also allowed her to start anew, forge a connection with the reliable merchant Hilbert, and make friends. Looking back, it hadn’t all been bad.
While reminiscing, she felt a small thrill at the thought of an ending approaching.
However, life was not so sweet.
“Do you understand what it means to take a week?”
A sudden, unpleasant premonition surged through Kiki’s chest. If it were some Holy Knight, they would have been shouting, This is bad! This is bad!
“No, Hero-sama, I don’t understand. If you would be so kind, please bestow your wisdom and answers upon this ignorant one.”
“It seems it will take over a week to reach the Royal Capital. In other words, if it takes more than seven days, it means… we need at least seven women to accompany me to the Royal Capital.”
At his words, Kiki felt a bitter taste spread in her mouth.
“So, rejoice! One of those women has been decided to be you! Kiki, I’ve already informed Hilbert of your name!”
It’s not Kiki, it’s Kiki, you dimwit. And are you planning to start something in the carriage on the way to the Royal Capital? Is this fool on drugs or something? Ah, why is this happening…?
“You have the honor of being the one who conceived the name that represents my title, the Hero of the Ages. Recognizing the achievements of my subordinates is the duty of a superior. A good superior never neglects that.”
The Hero shot a confident glance at Kiki. But she was far from being in a position to appreciate it. How could he utter the words Hero of the Ages? There was no way she could have anticipated this outcome. If she could go back in time, she would absolutely avoid carelessly uttering such ridiculous terms…
“Th-th-thank you very much.”
She managed to stammer out those words, sounding like a broken robot.
“Hehe, to be so appreciated, being a Hero is tough.”
Hero Ryuguin smiled beautifully, completely unaware of Kiki’s inner turmoil.
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While Ichiro was running around over there,
Ryuguin was…
This episode ends here, and the next will gather in the Royal Capital.