“Let’s talk about something else. …So, Leti, which group of heroes do you belong to?”
“Huh? Um… I don’t really know! I heard it’s with the nobles!”
“What kind of vague answer is that? You should know since you’re getting support from them, right? Didn’t you decide for yourself?”
Basically, being chosen as a hero means you have a mission to defeat the Demon King, and there aren’t many fixed rules beyond that. Conveniently, the Hero Church is responsible for managing heroes, but there’s actually no binding force.
So, even if you’re summoned like this, you don’t have to obey. It’s up to the hero’s discretion.
…Well, heroes are often expected to be praised by those around them, and if they refuse, they often receive cold looks, so practically, it’s like being forced. There are also cases where heroes are expected to perform tasks like monster subjugation and helping people, and I’ve heard of cases where heroes were used as errand runners. It’s horrifying.
And most of the time, it’s unpaid. Even though they work hard, they can’t get rewards like adventurers. And there’s no vacation. It’s a working style that would shock even the Black Guild.
However, in return, heroes often have patrons who support them. They can be countries, nobles, or merchant guilds, but if a hero shows promise, they can receive huge support on an annual basis.
Leti is also highly ranked among the heroes. So, I thought she would be supported by a very famous noble family, but–
“You didn’t decide for yourself?”
“Huh? No… didn’t they come to you to ask if they could support you?”
“No, it’s not like that. It became necessary for me to act as a hero.”
“Hmm, I don’t really get it, but you’re not being deceived, right?”
Leti’s a bit of an airhead, so I’m a little worried. If she were sold something shady like “Heroes should buy this~” in a sales pitch, she’d probably buy it without a second thought. Wait, that was me in the past! Hahaha (cries).
Leti put her hand on her chest and confidently replied,
“Don’t worry! I’m not getting any money or anything!”
“That’s not the point!”
A cold sweat trickled down my forehead. Seriously, seriously, you. I’m getting seriously worried.
“Leti, I won’t say anything bad, but you should stop that. Right now.”
“But, thanks to that, could I become a hero?”
“What does it matter if you become a hero? Anyone can become a hero with the right [seal]. Just forget about it. I’m telling you for your own good.”
Despite my persuasive shoulder touch, Leti’s expression showed she wasn’t convinced.
“Well, Leti might not care about money, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay for people to exploit her. Yes-people who are only good for being obedient end up being used. If you care about yourself, you should think about your future and join a good organization. In other words, to sum it up, you should just give me that money you received.”
Perfect logic. Ultimately, I was just explaining to her that I wanted the money she received, despite pretending to be concerned about her. Leti was probably clueless. I guess I’m suited to be a scammer or something. Not that I’d ever do it.
I expected Leti to say something like, “Oh, I see! I understand, I’ll do it!” and run off somewhere as usual. I planned to stop her and explain properly without making any jokes this time.
Leti lowered her face and simply said this.
“I… I can’t do that. Because I’m a hero.”
Her clear refusal left me dumbfounded.
Her face, lowered unlike usual, lacked its usual liveliness and looked weak.
“…What do you mean? It’s not like you have to be a hero–“
As I reached out to Leti to question her, it happened.
“Letinoa, what’s the meaning of not greeting me?”
With a threatening voice from behind, a large figure was projected onto the floor.
I turned around. There stood a man of such refined appearance that he towered over me.
Leti swallowed quietly.
Protecting herself, she grabbed her left arm with her right hand and remained silent, bowing her head. In that moment, her eyes, visible when she glanced up, seemed terribly anxious.
“You… who allowed you to become a foster of my Innocent family? Say it.”
“……”
The man approached the speechless Leti–grasped her peach-colored hair carelessly, and pulled it roughly.
Leti fell over as if thrown, and crashed into the table, scattering the luxurious meal and several glasses on the ground.
“Does trash like you understand words? Fine then–“
Grabbing Leti’s hair and forcing her to stand up, the man raised his fist aggressively.
“Stop!”
Just before that fist was about to strike down–my hand firmly grabbed the man’s arm.
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“What… about you? Let go.”
“What about you? I’m the one talking. Do you even know what you’re doing?”
“I do. This is our problem. I’d like outsiders to stay out of it.”
“Huh? Someone I know is getting beaten in front of me, and you expect me to just stand by and watch?”
The man looked down on me with cold eyes, sighed, then released Leti’s hair. I also let go of the man’s hand and faced him, shielding Leti.
“…Fine. Let’s forget about this. Be careful from now on.”
Leti nodded slightly. As the restless surrounding guests received the man’s graceful bow, they averted their eyes and returned to their conversations.
The man gave substantial tips to the staff clearing the scattered food. Everyone behaved as if nothing had happened.
…What’s with these people. It’s creepy.
If there were a Norman or another hero here, they would have at least given a warning. But in this wide hall, filled with the sound of conversations, their voices didn’t reach them.
I remember now, they said the Innocent family. It sounds familiar. Leti, Leti, calling her by her name made me forget, but it’s Leti’s family name.
I understand now why the surrounding nobles ignored it. The Innocent family is one of the prestigious nobles who have supported many heroes over the years. Their position, which has walked hand in hand with the history of heroes, is solid, and within the Granhelt Empire, they hold strong political power. There’s no one here who can directly oppose such powerful figures.
I felt a rapid chill in my head. Power, money, fame… The fact that the people I despised were present here made me feel such a strong sense of discomfort that I wanted to spit out phlegm from my throat.
The man elegantly tilted his glass and finished its contents, then turned to me.
“…Are your hero activities going well? Make sure not to tarnish the family’s reputation.”
Leti didn’t respond. Perhaps the man didn’t expect a response either, as he snorted and began to leave.
“Wait.”
I grabbed the shoulder of the man larger than myself and stopped him.
“What’s the matter?”
The man turned around. His mouth formed a polite smile, but his eyes were filled with disdain.
“Adopted… you said. If you’re Leti’s father, you should have more appropriate words.”
“Well, I’m not sure what you mean. What are you trying to say?”
“I’m telling you to apologize. You come here suddenly and threaten, ‘Don’t tarnish the family’s reputation’? Cut the crap.”
“Apologize…? Why? Me?”
The man’s expression remained unchanged. His gaze seemed to be directed at me yet not seeing me. It was as if he were looking at a roadside stone.
“You’re talking nonsense. I’m not the father of that trash over there. I only adopted her reluctantly to use her as a hero.”
“What…!?”
“I’ve never thought of her as a daughter. …Could it be, you see her as a person? This is a masterpiece. Just a tool—”
There was a sound of wind cutting through the air. My fist was about to punch the man’s face.
Without thinking, acting on impulse, I made the best choice. I have no regrets. Details don’t matter. I just wanted to punch this guy with all my might.
But—my fist never reached its target.
“Leti, don’t stop me.”
Standing in front of the man and me, Leti blocked my fist.
“Shisho, I’m fine.”
“Are you okay? No way, right?! Just move out of the way!”
“I’m okay!”
Leti looked up at me and smiled.
“I’m okay…”
Her usual smile. A cheerful smile that seemed to have no thoughts behind it.
Although her expression remained the same, at this moment, it created an intense sense of discomfort, and I found myself stiffening.
“Well done. That’s how it should be done, as a tool.”
The man walked away. My hands are in Leti’s grasp and I can’t move.
Leti released my hand, and as soon as the man disappeared from sight, she let go. Then, she spoke as usual, with her usual smile and words.
“Shisho! I’m hungry, let’s go eat that over there together!”
Leti pushed my back eagerly. Her voice was full of energy. But I couldn’t overlook the slight trembling in her small hand pushing me.
Seeing that I didn’t move, Leti ran to the table, filled a plate with food, and came back to me. She even brought me food.
I didn’t touch the food she forcefully handed me and asked her.
“Why did you stop me?”
“Hmm? Mmgmg…!”
She chewed and swallowed the food in her mouth and said with a smile.
“Because Shisho would be caught! I don’t want that!”
“…I’m okay with that. Anyway, I’m not the kind of person who gets caught easily.”
“But, people who commit crimes can’t join hero parties! That’s a problem!”
“I wouldn’t join anyway, so don’t worry. …Hey, Leti.”
“Hm? What is it?”
Chewing on food, Leti and I made eye contact. I had a rare serious expression on my face.
“I’ve said this before… if you have something to say, you can tell me. Whether you’re hiding something or anything.”
“Oh! I want you to join the party!”
“Other than that.”
I chuckled at her usual response.
“Even if you have any secrets, I won’t be surprised or change my attitude. You’re you, and you’ll always be the same to me. So… well, you know.”
Leti looked puzzled for a moment, then her face lit up with joy.
“As expected, Shisho is Shisho!”
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“But, telling you is a no-go! It’s a secret!”
“A secret~?… Even though you’re Leti, you’re pretty cheeky. Come on, spill it! Spill!”
Tickled on the side, Leti giggled happily. Somehow, I also got caught up in the excitement and, without caring about the eyes around us, we playfully roughhoused like children.
“Come on, that’s enough. Tell me.”
“Mmm, still nope.”
“You stubborn brat… Shall I tickle you until you spit it out–“
I wiggled my fingers. From the perspective of those around us, I was a complete lolicon criminal. I was one step away from being reported.
As I moved to resume tickling, I stopped my hand at Leti’s next words.
“Because I’m not as strong as Shisho yet.”
That’s right. Continuing, Leti smiled faintly.
It was supposed to be a smile, but it seemed strangely lonely, on the verge of tears.
“I can’t tell Shisho.”
With a smirk, Leti laughed cheerfully and turned away as if rejecting me.
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