Chapter 31: Holy Knight vs. Hero ③
Hero Ryuguin not only stole my achievements but also manipulated my precious companions through his mysterious ability, forcing them into heinous acts.
Finally, I spoke up. Seeing Chancellor Madison nod in agreement, I continued.
“The women I knew were always good-hearted individuals who acted for the sake of others. Now that they have regained their former selves, they deeply regret their actions and assert that it is all their own fault. But is that truly the case?”
I directed my words toward the nobles and church officials present.
“There must be many here who knew them before. Some may have even been saved by them. Perhaps some of you have realized the truth of my words. Yes, their true nature was altered by Hero Ryuguin. They were forced to twist their beliefs and hearts, compelled to act as he dictated. Therefore, rather than being perpetrators, they were victims. I sincerely hope that everyone here will respond to them with kindness.”
I had already heard from Anon about the countless irreparable sins committed by Ryuguin. This information had also been shared with Chancellor Madison and the church officials.
“In conclusion, all sins lie with Hero Ryuguin.”
No matter how painful and arduous it may be, he must atone for his sins. Ryuguin had done enough to warrant it…
Chancellor Madison let out a sigh.
“Well then, Hero Ryuguin. Isn’t it enough? Your arguments have been thoroughly dismantled, and even the Holy Knight you called upon is present here.”
As Ryuguin remained silent and downcast, Madison internally derided his previous disgraceful behavior, preparing to speak on his fate. It was then that Ryuguin slowly raised his face.
“I’ve been regretting this all along.”
His expression was filled with remorse.
“I should have been kinder to you…”
I could see the regret etched on his face.
“If I had, you wouldn’t have left the party…”
But I understood. Beneath that expression lay a fierce affirmation of self, a confidence intertwined with an inexplicable joy.
“Yamada—ever since you left, I’ve been regretting it. After my dear friend vanished, it seems I lost my way. Everything that had been going smoothly turned into a lie, and nothing went right anymore. Still, I tried my best. I kept pushing myself. But no matter how hard I tried, everything just spiraled out of control, leading to failure. And so, I was tormented by an overwhelming anxiety…”
He referred to himself as “I” again—
“Isn’t it sad, Yamada?”
Ryuguin tilted his head, asking me.
“I’m truly envious of you. Just look at this situation.”
Surrounding him were at least me, Mika, the church officials, Anon, Pul-san, and the nobles led by Chancellor Madison—
“This is like a bed of needles. Enmity, enmity, enmity, enmity, enmity, enmity, enmity—360 degrees of hostility directed at me…”
Ryuguin spread his arms and spun around dramatically.
“And how about you?”
The once-timid Ryuguin seemed to gain momentum, his voice rising with excitement.
“Your companions’ speeches earlier were fantastic! They really gave me chills! That’s what true camaraderie feels like! It was like a scene straight out of a shonen manga!”
He grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
“It seems that I’ve finally regained my composure. And with that, I found myself envying you once again.”
With a theatrical flair, Ryuguin asked, “Why, you ask? You really want to know?”
Without waiting for my response—no, he had no intention of waiting—he continued.
“Let me tell you. It won’t change anything anyway. Actually, I’ve been keeping a secret: I can see it. Your companions here—especially the women—all have incredibly strong feelings for you. It’s amazing. It’s almost maxed out. You’re like the protagonist of a manga or light novel. You’re so loved, Yamada.”
Ryuguin smiled, the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. It was a smile that could only come from someone who truly felt joy and happiness. He raised his arms, stretching his body lightly.
“But isn’t that unfair?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m going through all this suffering, yet you’re adored and loved by everyone. That’s just wrong, isn’t it?”
Even Chancellor Madison, usually so composed, showed signs of confusion at Ryuguin’s bizarre demeanor. It was hard to tell if he was merely a cornered rat or something more.
Having said what he wanted, Ryuguin shifted topics.
“I never believed in God. But now, I’m truly grateful to Him.”
A wicked and alluring light sparkled in his eyes. I glanced back at Anon and the others, gripping the three rings on my right hand tightly.
“God, oh God, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for keeping my Yamada alive. Thank you for keeping my Yamada whole. Thank you for making my Yamada someone so loved. Thank you for allowing my Yamada to shine so brightly. And above all—”
Like a classical conductor, Ryuguin spread his arms wide, tilting his head back toward the ceiling.
“—thank you for bringing my Yamada this far!”
He moaned in excitement, his voice rising in fervor.
“And Yamada!! Thank you so much!! Thank you for coming this far!! Thank you for standing before me!! Thank you for all the hardships you’ve endured for me!! Thank you for being loved by so many women on my behalf!! Above all… yes! Above all!! Thank you for remaining a duck burdened with leeks!!!”
The atmosphere turned bizarre, and many were caught off guard. Finally, a few church officials began to move, their anxious voices echoing in the Throne Room, shouting, “Stop him! Stop the Hero!”
“To avoid any troublesome situations, I’ll use both at once.”
With a casual tone, as if he were saying, “I’ll pay with points at the supermarket,” Ryuguin declared.
“By the way, everyone here is so beautiful and cute! I’m so happy! My future is looking rosy!! What should I do with them? What should I do for them? I want to do this! I want to do that! Just thinking about it makes my body tremble! Ah! Ah!! Ah!!! I’m so excited I might lose my mind!!!”
He envisioned a bright future, standing on his toes and spinning around.
“Looks like you’re thinking, ‘This guy is talking way too much!’ But don’t worry!! This ‘I’ talking so much is probably all thanks to what ‘you’ did!!”
With a grin stretched to its limits, Ryuguin let out a triumphant shout.
“I vow to you once again!! I will never let your efforts go to waste!!”
He raised his voice, his usual charming tone ringing out.
“Now then, let’s dig in!!”
From his body, something pitch-black erupted. That was the very source that had once altered the world. I understood that Ryuguin had flipped the switch.