Chapter 3: Chancellor Madison III / Behind the Scenes: Challenge to the Labyrinth of Time
◇◇◇
Chancellor Madison let out a sigh as he read the message from Lemone’s Guild. The sender was Balen, the Guild Master of Lemone, but the letter was from the Hero himself. The contents were as follows:
“As the Hero, I shall embark on an exploration of the newly constructed ultimate labyrinth for the tranquility of the people living in the Arcana Kingdom. First, prepare a sufficient amount of funds to satisfy me, and send me a list of the S-Rank Party members who are absolutely necessary for the conquest. Please ensure that they accompany us as a matter of state.”
Madison rubbed his eyes, feeling the weight of the request. To request assistance from an S-Rank Clan meant that a corresponding reward would be necessary. Even if he paid the required compensation, it would inevitably create a “debt” to the other party beyond mere financial transactions.
Even if he offered appropriate treasures as a reward for fulfilling the request, the fact that they had obeyed the nation’s command would not disappear. Someday, when they found themselves in need, it was an unspoken rule that the nation would provide them with assistance, even if it wasn’t legally binding.
However, the Hero Party was claiming they would conquer the Labyrinth of Time, the most notorious of the newly constructed ultimate labyrinths. If they could indeed conquer this labyrinth, it would be a small price to pay. Weighing the debt to the S-Rank Clan against the conquest of the ultimate labyrinth, Madison mentally calculated the costs.
The trust, respect, and passion he once held for the Hero had long since dissipated during the Hero Party’s extended period of inactivity. Madison’s stance toward the Hero had boiled down to mere self-interest—how much he could utilize him in the future.
◇◇◇
The reason Chancellor Madison had lowered his evaluation of the Hero Party to this extent was not due to a single significant blunder.
It stemmed from the reports sent to him by his subordinates regarding the Hero Party—reports that were shockingly base and vile. The Hero indulged in decadent indulgence daily.
He had heard that, not content with the support sent by the princess, he had already squandered much of the wealth earned from conquering the labyrinth.
Yet, there was an old saying: “Heroes are fond of pleasures.” If that were the case, perhaps he should turn a blind eye to the Hero’s barbaric behavior, Madison forced himself to accept this notion.
However, there was another emotional aspect that made it impossible for Madison to recognize the Hero.
◇◇◇
Of course, Madison had also heard about the meeting between the Hero and Balen, the Guild Master of Lemone. It was said that the Hero had hurled insults at Balen, who had selflessly offered his counsel. This was the very definition of repaying kindness with malice.
By this point, Chancellor Madison had come to a realization based on past events. The Hero, who casually threw around malicious words toward others, often used terms like “barbaric,” “uncivilized,” “primitive,” and “monkey” when belittling people.
What this implied was that the Hero looked down upon all humans in this world.
Whether they were commoners or nobles, and even priests and Saintesses serving the gods of this world, they were all subjects of his disdain.
Above all, what Madison could not forgive was that he directed similar insults at the very party members he had entrusted his back to.
His anger accelerated his judgment. Madison had always believed that the people of this world should conquer the labyrinth themselves, and he had been tirelessly seeking ways to make that happen. He had run countless simulations in his mind about what would happen if the Hero were to suddenly disappear due to an accident or illness, and how he would respond to such a situation.
“Don’t underestimate me, boy. It was indeed us, the Arcana Kingdom, who asked for your help. But that doesn’t mean I have to smile and forgive you for everything you do.”
Chancellor Madison—he was a man who had supported the king’s rule for many years by ruthlessly eliminating those who threatened the nation or became his political enemies.
────────
If you found this interesting, please consider supporting with a “☆ review,” “review comment,” or “♡”! The author will be delighted!