Chapter 2: Gathering of Heroes
The day of the gathering of heroes had arrived.
I headed to the designated location, completed the check-in at the entrance, and temporarily separated from Leti to enter alone. Following the instructions, I walked for a bit and arrived at my destination.
The spacious hall was transformed into a party venue. There were many elegantly dressed individuals, probably invitees. I felt incredibly out of place in my usual attire.
Feeling uncomfortable, I noticed a white-haired man across the room who then approached me.
“Thank you for coming. Isn’t Letinoa-san with you?”
“Thanks for the invitation. Leti said she’d come after changing.”
The man, Norman, nodded in understanding. Leti may seem like an airhead, but she’s actually a noblewoman. She probably has to maintain a certain image even as a hero. Unlike me.
Norman, too, was dressed formally. I was probably the only one who came in casual attire. The stares from others were intense, making me break into a cold sweat.
“I didn’t hear anything about other guests coming.”
I thought it would just be us heroes. I was told casual attire was fine, and I didn’t expect such a formal party venue. It was different from what I heard.
“Oh? Letinoa-san was supposed to be informed…”
It seems that idiot forgot to inform her. Unforgivable!
“I’m sorry. Originally, it was supposed to be just us, but we were persuaded…”
“Well… there are many who want to associate with heroes.”
“The church can’t neglect it either. There are many influential nobles here…”
Looking around, I saw only famous nobles I’ve heard of before. The perimeter of the venue was swarming with guards, and the security level was off the charts. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this place is where influential figures from various countries gather.
Each noble values their connection with heroes. By becoming a patron of a hero, they can expect not only profit when the hero defeats the Demon Lord but also further advancement. It’s natural for everyone to want to be involved.
There are heroes affiliated with countries and free-roaming heroes. Except for Leti and Norman, I think the rest are not affiliated with any country, so they probably targeted me.
Speaking of which… I wonder which country Leti is affiliated with.
I only know that she’s not unaffiliated, but I haven’t looked into it. We don’t talk about those topics (she only talks about inviting me to parties), and I don’t even know what kind of hero activities she’s doing.
…Come to think of it, I hardly know anything about Leti.
“Don’t be too stiff and enjoy the moment. We’ll gather in a separate room later.”
Before leaving, Norman turned back. “Oh, by the way.”
“If you happen to see Kaas-san, could you bring him over?”
“Kaas… the Hero of [Curses], right? Hasn’t he arrived yet?”
“Probably. He’s someone whose presence is so faint that you wouldn’t know if he’s here or not… Maybe he’s lost or something. He’s unpredictable.”
“I see.”
That’s pretty harsh. Is he directionally challenged or always late? He’s definitely a weirdo.
With that, Norman bowed and left. Maybe he was considering my discomfort. I silently thanked him and reached out for the feast laid out on the table.
“This is delicious!? So good!!”
Rafine and Eve aren’t here today. They’re staying behind. In this gathering, there are heroes, noble invitees, and, as an exception, me, a D-rank adventurer. So, it’s best to relax and enjoy. As they say, let’s have some fun! Free food is the best!
With a plate in one hand, I make my way around the table. It’s not every day you get to see a spread like this. I tear into giant shrimp, crunching them from head to tail, and savor expensive-looking meat with every bite. Happiness spreads through my mouth like wildfire. Right now, I’m savoring every moment of this meal. Life is good.
“Hey.”
“Huh?”
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Just as I’m enjoying myself, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Don’t bother me, or I’ll kill you!
I turn around, glaring. There’s a vein-popping man standing there. Red hair, golden eyes. It’s Lucas.
“Can you give it a rest? I’m busy here.”
“Don’t you have any sense of decorum?”
Shut the hell up! I tossed that out the window ages ago!
“There’s a complaint. They say a suspicious character is ravaging the food.”
“How rude. I’m a guest here. What’s wrong with eating the food that’s been prepared for me?”
Plus, I won’t get another chance like this. I’m just a D-Rank adventurer. No connections, no money. And I don’t even have any pride. Even if I get banned, it won’t hurt me at all!
Ignoring him, I go back to my meal. Lucas seems taken aback by my attitude, hesitating before shooting me a cold glare.
Looking at the nobles around me, I realize they’re people I’ll never have anything to do with. It doesn’t matter what they think of me. I’m not dressed in formal attire, and I’m a D-Rank adventurer with a dull plate hanging from my neck, but I’m still observing the basic table manners. There’s no reason for me to be treated unfairly.
Sure, my social status is as low as it gets. To them, I might as well be a peasant.
But I’m a guest here. That means, in this situation, I should be equal to them, and it’s absurd to be criticized just for eating. That’s right, I’m not wrong. It’s society that’s wrong! I’ll protest this feast thoroughly, just to get my point across!
“…Well, fine. Seems like there’s no point in talking to you.”
Lucas leans against a nearby wall, arms crossed, staring blankly into space.
Who the hell is this guy… Such a nuisance.
“Get lost.”
“I’m tired. Here’s fine for some peace and quiet.”
He lets out a small sigh. Seems like he’s fed up with something.
I feel someone’s eyes on me. When I turn, it’s the daughters of the nobles.
Ah, I see. They were probably restrained until a moment ago. I may not be as good-looking as I am (I pride myself on being handsome), but he’s got his looks together too. If he’s popular as a hero, there are plenty of nobles who want to get to know him. Humans have it easy if they’re good-looking. I’m handsome too, so… wait, something’s not right. I’m handsome, but… huh? I can’t think of anything particularly advantageous about it. Weird, I should be handsome, but…?
“You’re free, aren’t you? It’s a contemptible way to live.”
“A bit too much. Would you trade bodies with me then?”
“…Hmm, that might not be a bad idea.”
“Sorry, but just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.”
While I grimaced in disgust, Lucas chuckled.
After about ten minutes, Lucas, who had been resting with his eyes closed, said, “That helped,” and tried to leave… but before he could, I remembered something I wanted to ask him and stopped him.
“What is it?”
“It’s not a big deal, but… remember that time?”
“What time?”
“When we fought. You… at that time…”
I casually said,
“You weren’t serious, were you?”
There was silence. Lucas’s expression didn’t change.
“…What do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb. A hero like you should understand.”
“I don’t get it. I was giving it my all.”
“True, you were at that stage. But… you still had more in you.”
Lucas turned away without saying a word. It seemed he had no intention of talking further.
He’s a tough one. There’s no way a hero with that much power has an inactive holy sword.
In that battle, Lucas only showed me the holy swords of past heroes. It’s not hard to imagine he still has an ace up his sleeve.
“I can’t believe you’re not giving it their all in this mock battle. It’s not like you’re underestimating me, but it’s infuriating. Even though I wasn’t giving it my all either, I don’t know what would happen if you did. I don’t plan on losing, but there’s no rematch scheduled.
I resumed my meal. As I filled my stomach and took another sip of cold water, my body shivered.
Oops, I have to go. …Wait, where’s the bathroom?
I hurriedly rushed to pick flowers….
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Insert Initial D Deja Vu meme here.
On serious note does Volume 4 Chapter 1 part 9 exist? Novelupdates seems to pick up link to it but it leads here. A dud? I doesn’t even noticed when reading last time.
There’s no Volume 4 Chapter 1 part 9, my mistake