The Hero
“How should I put it? I don’t have that much confidence,”
I muttered without thinking. As Felip and Elliot glared at me, I realized too late, “Oh no,” but there was no taking it back now.
“What do you mean by that? Don’t you even believe yourself to be the Hero?”
“I have accepted the title, of course, and I fully intend to defeat the Demon King. But…”
“But what?”
Prince Carlos looked at me suspiciously.
“I’ve never considered myself a perfect Hero. I’m not talented with swords or magic, and my companions are even stronger than me.”
“Then why do you claim the title of Hero?”
“Because I want to become one… I can’t give up. Even if I’m not perfect, I can still move forward. I can still take a step.”
If I gave up thinking I couldn’t do it, there’d be nothing left I could accomplish. That thought terrified me. The idea of convincing myself that I could never become anyone important was truly frightening.
“I see…”
Strangely, Prince Carlos’s stern expression softened.
“And to be honest, I believe anyone could take the title. The one who defeats the Demon King is the Hero, after all. It doesn’t have to be me. It would actually make things easier.”
After saying that, I couldn’t help but laugh a little.
My resolve to become a Hero and defeat the Demon King hasn’t changed. I don’t intend to leave it to others, nor will I stop striving to accomplish it.
Because I know this is something only I can do.
—Still, if someone else did it, I’d feel relieved. That too is an undeniable fact.
“Hmph, so you’re saying you wouldn’t mind if I were the one to defeat the Demon King?”
Prince Carlos’s lips curled into a smile.
“Of course, Your Highness. Still, that won’t stop us from continuing our journey. We will travel until someone defeats the Demon King. The more people striving to become the Hero, the better, after all.”
“I see… Indeed… Hm. You’re right. You truly are the Hero, aren’t you?”
“Your Highness! How can you call someone like this a Hero?!”
Felip cried out in protest.
“Enough, Felip. The title of Hero is earned through deeds, not boasts. As Ares has said. It’s not about who speaks loudest, nor is it acceptable to trample others to seize the title.”
At the prince’s words, Felip fell silent, clenching his teeth.
“I cannot leave the country. As a prince, I cannot abandon my nation to chase after the Demon King’s territory. For now, Ares is clearly our leading candidate for Hero.”
“However…”
Felip’s face twisted with frustration.
“Be that as it may, we must deal with the traitors nearby before worrying about the distant Demon King. Secure our foundation first. We can worry about the future afterward.”
“…Understood.”
Felip reluctantly nodded.
“Indeed, King of Ludonia does not permit you to leave the country?”
Leon asked the question.
“It’s not about permission or denial. It’s simply the duty of royalty. Leon, your father, Lord Mueller, wasn’t exactly thrilled when you set out to defeat the Demon King, was he?”
“That’s true.”
Leon gave a wry smile. Ever since the war’s situation worsened, Lord Mueller had been reluctant to let Leon become a Hero. From what I’d heard, he’d also strongly opposed Leon joining my party, though Leon rarely spoke of it.
Perhaps Prince Carlos had faced similar circumstances.
“But that’s beside the point. However, Ares, you’re currently residing in the Country of Ludonia as an adventurer, correct?”
“Well… yes, that’s true…”
I exchanged glances with Solon. Solon looked as though he’d figured something out, his expression sour.
“Then I’ll make you a request. I happen to be short on capable hands. We’ll discuss it at the castle. Come along.”
With that, Prince Carlos turned his horse around. Felip and Elliot flanked us on either side, clearly determined not to let us escape. How very princely of him—so forceful.
Since I knew there was considerable distance to the castle, we negotiated and were allowed to ride in our own carriage.
“So, what are you going to do, Ares?”
Leon spoke to me from the driver’s seat.
“We haven’t even heard the request yet, but I don’t think we can refuse. Heroes of old were known for solving the problems of every country they visited. It’s the same in every era. We’ll just have to accept it as part of being a Hero.”
“I agree. It might be a hassle, but we can’t afford to make unnecessary enemies. We also have to consider what comes after defeating the Demon King. We’ll just have to handle it as smoothly as possible.”
Surprisingly, even Solon, who had seemed most reluctant, agreed. Perhaps he realized there was no help for it, given the circumstances.
“If Ares thinks it’s fine, I suppose I have no choice.”
Maria gave in easily, though I could feel her clinging gaze on my back.
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The castle of the Country of Ludonia was larger than the royal palace, built for practicality. Perhaps this was evidence of the many wars the Country of Ludonia had endured.
We were ushered inside the sturdy, no-frills castle and led to the prince’s private chambers.
The spacious room’s walls were adorned with tapestries of brave warriors, and there was a large bookshelf packed with books, including grimoires.
This scene proved Prince Carlos truly aspired to be a Hero. The coexistence of warrior tapestries and grimoires in the same room showed his determination to master both sword and magic.
After removing his armor, the prince offered us seats and gave orders to Felip and Elliot.
“Stand guard outside.”
To my surprise, even his close retainers were ordered to leave.
Felip and Elliot reluctantly stepped out, understanding it was an order.
Solon immediately spoke after they left.
“Are those two suspects as well?”
Leon looked surprised, but the prince remained unshaken.
“I can’t say for certain they’re not. There are many reasons someone might conspire with the Demon King’s forces. It’s not always about personal gain. From your tone, I take it you’ve already guessed my request?”
“To find the conspirator?”
I answered in a hushed voice, glancing at the door.
“Well, that’s the only possibility given the conversation earlier.”
Prince Carlos gave a wry smile.
“Exactly. I want you to find whoever is conspiring with the Demon King’s army. Frankly, I can’t identify them myself. You may use any method you like, and I’ll provide every convenience possible. I’ll reward you handsomely as well.”
“Why us, exactly?”
Leon asked politely.
“In any case, I was planning to hire skilled adventurers. If it’s Hero of The Kingdom’s party, all the better, wouldn’t you say?”
“We don’t know much about the Country of Ludonia’s internal affairs, Your Highness.”
Solon feigned ignorance, though the wise man had certainly researched the Country of Ludonia beforehand and gathered information along the way.
“You can learn what you need to know. As I mentioned before, what I need are neutral hands above suspicion. Those already familiar with the internal affairs might themselves be the conspirators.”
“Do you have any suspects?”
The prince hesitated slightly at that question.
“… Shape-shifters. Have you heard of them?”
“Shape-shifters? You mean those legendary monsters that can take any form? Are you saying the traitor among you isn’t betraying but has instead been replaced by a Shape-shifter?”
Solon furrowed his brow. Even I knew of Shape-shifters—they were legendary creatures said to cause chaos by imitating people. However, no one had ever confirmed seeing one, making them more of a myth.
“I wish it were just my imagination. The Demon King’s forces are openly claiming it.
‘There is a Shape-shifter among you. It’s the one aiding us.’
Whether that’s a blessing or not is unclear, but only the demons within the Demon King’s army can speak our language. That’s why most people who haven’t fought demons on the battlefield don’t even know. I learned of it myself when I fought one directly—though I quickly cut it down then.”
With that, the prince proudly patted his bicep.
“Demons don’t lie. So is there really a Shape-shifter?”
Solon rubbed his chin, skeptical.
“But demons don’t lie. That’s a well-known tale, and apparently, it’s been proven true in this war.”
So there must be a Shape-shifter.
“For now, I’ve imposed silence, but it’s only a matter of time before the truth spreads. I’d like to deal with it before that happens.”
“But how are we supposed to find it? It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”
Solon expressed his concerns.
“Whoever it is, they must have prior knowledge of the knights’ movements. That limits the possibilities.”
“I see. So your two attendants are suspects as well?”
“Precisely.”
The conversation between the prince and Solon continued without pause. Meanwhile, Maria seemed entirely indifferent, sinking into the plush chair with her eyes tightly shut, treating it as someone else’s problem.
Leon, however, was visibly on edge, aware of the possibility of a traitor in our midst.
TLNOTE:
Because of that volume 1 and 2 fan translation in this site will be removed in the near future
otherwise check the internet archive
As usual, please consider reading other novels written by Daken sensei listed below :
- Monster Meat Led Me to the Throne
- The Wicked Princess and 12 Eyes – The Strongest Squires and the Legendary Evil Woman, the Second Time in Her Life
- The Suspects of Necromancy
- The Exiled Merchant Saves the World with the Power of Gold (translated by my friend meerkat)
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
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