Episode 9: The Night Before the Birth of the Hero of the Ages②
Hilbert was given the unreasonable task of preparing a massive carriage that could accommodate a large number of people while still allowing for freedom of movement. He grumbled and complained, but somehow managed to fulfill the request. Inevitably, it turned into an exorbitantly expensive magical carriage, which made him gnash his teeth in frustration. While this expenditure fell within the budget for handling the Hero, he couldn’t help but think of how many people in need could have been helped with that money…
Hilbert shook his head, reminding himself that his duties extended beyond just that. He also had to reach out to the women designated by the Hero and arrange appointments with them. Among them, Kiki and Sanary, upon hearing the Hero’s name, wore expressions that could only be described as akin to having bitten into a hundred bitter insects—definitely not something one would want to show to a man.
“Ugh! Yuck!”
“Isn’t there a way for that guy to get run over by the carriage?”
“That would be cruel to the carriage.”
“Then I wish he’d fall into a mana pit and vanish.”
“A mana pit, huh? They say you’d be torn apart if you fell in.”
“Please, let him be torn apart! I beg you!”
“I’d rather be reduced to dust, honestly.”
Unable to bear it any longer, Hilbert covered his ears. They would be stuck in a confined space with him for several days, and while he felt sorry for them, he needed them to hold on until the very end. After all, the damage caused by the Hero had significantly decreased once they were assigned to him…
He needed Kiki and the others to do their best, while ensuring that the Hero remained in a thoroughly disheveled state until the very last moment.
It was the first day on the way to the Royal Capital. The discussion turned to the procedures for the summons, which were essential common knowledge for Ryuguin. However, having been pampered for so long, Ryuguin’s mind seemed to struggle with the weight of the topic, and he quickly grew bored, letting out a dismissive “Hmph.”
“First of all, you see…”
Hilbert felt a cold sweat trickle down his back, sensing something ominous.
“This event is meant to celebrate my achievements, right?”
“Indeed, that is correct.”
“Right? So, if you think about it for a moment, if I hadn’t destroyed the Sealed Labyrinth, this country—no, this world—would have faced destruction in the near future. In other words, I accomplished a great feat and saved many lives.”
“…That is true.”
“And yet, I’m being asked to show gratitude? Isn’t that a ridiculous notion? The very people claiming to honor my achievements are beneath me (the Arcana King). You should be grateful to me, not the other way around. But fine, I’ll be magnanimous and overlook that.”
It was a fallacy. No, it wasn’t even that. He had been holed up with Lemone all this time. Yes, he was insane. Even now, he was wielding absurd logic to cover up his ignorance of manners.
“However, it’s clear that it’s the ones who were saved who should be showing gratitude. I’m not asking for them to kneel and bow their heads… I understand he has a position. I’m an adult, after all. Still, I’d like to see some sincerity, like a proper 90-degree bow from those who were saved by me.”
To execute the plan, Hilbert knew he couldn’t let the Hero throw a tantrum here. He desperately racked his brain.
“This time, not only the Arcana King but also the Pope, who stands at the pinnacle of the Klaatel Church, will be honoring Ryuguin. Receiving accolades from the two most powerful figures in the country simultaneously is unprecedented… I never imagined I would witness such an opportunity in my lifetime. Truly, I am grateful to the Hero.”
“Is that so?”
One more push.
“And one more thing, Hero… can this conversation remain confidential?”
“What is it? I can’t promise anything, but I’ll do my best. Speak.”
“Understood… It’s precisely because it’s you that I wish to speak. There are rumors among the nobility that during this summons, the Hero will be granted a title of nobility. Moreover, it is said that you may be awarded the unprecedented title of ‘Duke’…”
“A Duke… you say?”
“It is believed that this is to prepare for your future as king, specifically with an eye toward marriage with Princess Puffy.”
“Is that so… That seems only natural.”
Ryuguin wore a lazy smile.
“I hear various formidable individuals who contributed to this matter are being summoned, but the Hero has undoubtedly achieved the most remarkable feats, setting him apart from the rest. It’s likely that the last name called and celebrated will be Ryuguin.”
“What? So the one with the greatest achievements gets honored last?”
“Yes, precisely. Everyone present, including those honored before you, will celebrate the one who contributed the most.”
Hilbert thought that was absurd, but he didn’t let it show. Ryuguin seemed pleased at the thought of being celebrated by the country’s dignitaries and renowned S-rank Seekers.
“If that’s the case, then that role will belong to me.”
Despite being a lazy and carefree Hero, he seemed to have one concern.
“Hmm, I wonder if Mika and the others have arrived at the Royal Capital by now? I ordered them to visit Lemone, but Eris can’t move due to the aftereffects of her injuries, and Mika and Angelica can’t leave town due to the aftermath of the Sealed Labyrinth expedition. I didn’t want to push them too hard since their efforts are for my sake. Thinking about it, being too understanding might be my only flaw. Heh. Such is the burden of a Hero.”
He rambled on, but Hilbert couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
What does he mean by “being too understanding is a flaw”?
What does he mean by “the burdens of a Hero”?
He hated being given opinions and would throw tantrums at the slightest provocation. Hilbert traced the scar on his forehead with his finger. Moreover, he was enjoying his journey without any discomfort, bringing along multiple women into the swaying carriage, doing as he pleased. He wanted to shout out loud if he could.
As he bottled up his frustration, gripping the reins of the Hero, they finally arrived at the Royal Capital, just the night before the summons from the country.
While he felt relieved to have managed to control the situation up to this point, Hilbert noticed he had lost nearly eight kilograms over the past week.
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They have arrived at the Royal Capital.
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