Hero Smackdown (4)
Sorry.
Ferio and I both woke up late.
I should apologize to the servants here in advance for the trouble.
And yeah... this one's on me.
Honestly, even I got excited seeing Ferio in a whole new light.
No matter how familiar a woman is, if she dresses up differently or tailors it to your tastes, you can't help but react.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be the one unfastening a garter belt with my own hands.
Ah... sorry, I refastened it.
"I'll head out first."
Ferio reached out with a soft smile, no words needed.
I planted a light kiss on the back of her hand.
Unlike yesterday, when everything felt on the verge of exploding, today my heart was calm and spacious—she didn't try to hold me back.
The reason I came out first...
Well, with people around, it's awkward for a man and woman to emerge from the same room in the morning.
Ah, not morning anymore, though.
Anyway.
The door opened easily.
Liard!!
Kirgil will remember what you did yesterday!
But.
"Liard, the diligent lumberjack who serves Prosek Castle.
I have zero regrets about yesterday's actions.
Because I got to see the lady's satisfied smile.
The servants here are all thrilled by that soft, gentle expression we've never seen before."
After lunch.
Sipping tea elegantly post-meal, he says this, and I can't even get mad.
"Seriously, I can never tell where your jokes end and the truth begins."
"Hahaha! I haven't lied to you, Sir Kirgil.
It's all true."
Hmm, this guy's impossible to read.
No malice, but his loyalty runs deep—that much I know.
"You seemed to be pushing for me to become a hero here.
But I really have no interest.
Never wanted it to begin with."
"Of course. I know.
I saw how disappointed you were at yesterday's press conference."
"Bet you don't believe I took down Katona either."
"Hmm. Honestly? No."
Straight shooter. No complaints about that assessment.
Even Ferio didn't buy it.
"But heroes in heavy armor and wielding mighty weapons can drop like flies on the battlefield.
And a kid soldier who happens to chuck a rock that cracks the enemy commander's skull can become one.
That's war. I don't care to judge whether you felled Katona."
"Then what are you judging me on?"
"The positive changes happening through you.
That's what I value highly."
"...No idea what you're talking about."
"Sir Kirgil.
Yesterday, you said people can change a lot with age.
Do you know what else I've learned for sure from all my adventures and commanding soldiers?
A person's core nature doesn't change."
Back home, we say you can't fix a black-haired beast.
Worlds apart, but people are people everywhere.
"But Lady Ferio has changed.
A small crack, but a positive one in her true personality.
You probably don't grasp how shocked and moved I was that day you two chased down those fleeing goblins on your own and came back."
Of course, I just figured it was exaggerated praise from a loyal subordinate.
Like, "As expected of the lady! So impressive! A true heir to lead the family!!"
Some cartoonish line like that.
Plus, with what happened the night before, admitting it felt... kinda embarrassing.
"That's first."
"What, there's more?"
"You're a mystery yourself.
At your age, most folks live off skills they've built up or chase a quick fortune like a washed-up adventurer.
But you? No interest in easy riches, and full of passion like you're restarting life from scratch.
I'm excited about that potential in you."
Yeah. Because I am restarting.
But that's a secret between Agnes and me.
"Hey, I do have some interest in striking it rich."
"Hahaha, naturally.
No one has zero interest.
But you didn't try to cash in on the lady.
At least, I know that much."
This old man's got me uneasy whenever he claims to "know" something.
How much does he really know?
"You've saved the lady's life twice now, Sir Kirgil.
A penniless drifter, not even a liege's subject.
Yet you've never asked for reward or title. Not even hinted at it."
Eh? What?
Is it normal here to flaunt that stuff?
I seriously never even thought about it.
"That confused look on your face right now? That's why I trust you.
If a man like you became Prosek's hero, you'd help this house in some big way, no doubt."
Liard's hyping me up so much, it's melting away my grudge from yesterday's trick.
Snap out of it.
This guy's a real sly fox.
Don't grin like an idiot, my mouth!
"Even so.
I have zero desire to stand before the lord or that countess."
Especially not that bitch who treats people like passing dogs.
I don't wanna get tangled with her—Ferio suffers more around her anyway.
"Kirgil, kept you waiting? Let's go."
Ferio finally emerged, changed into her outing clothes.
We'd agreed to tour the village together, so I'd been killing time chatting with Liard while she got ready.
"Ahem. Lady, your preparations took over twice as long as usual."
"Sorry to keep you.
They kept suggesting outfits, so I got delayed."
Liard's comment didn't sound like criticism about the lateness.
Anyway, no armor—instead, a short skirt perfect for moving around.
The blue-accented two-piece skirt made her look like a high schooler in uniform. Cute.
Mm...
The ribbon in her hair too—she put real effort in.
Looks great.
"But come on.
Sword's one thing, but the shield? Overkill, no?"
"Th-that's... to replace the armor I ditched.
This outfit leaves me too exposed."
Normal guys like a lady a bit vulnerable!!
I swallowed the words.
Instead of pointing it out, I snatched the shield, hooked it on my backpack, and told her to grab it if needed.
That hint should do it.
"Liard, coming with?"
"No.
I just wanted to talk with you, Sir Kirgil.
You two have a good time."
Liard flashed a warm smile even Ferio's father might envy.
"You two look great together, by the way."
Ugh... something's up. Makes me uneasy.
Afraid I'd get roped into another scheme, I grabbed Ferio's hand and hurried out of the mansion.
Truth be told, we probably looked like a couple heading out on a date.
Not denying it.
Ferio's face and vibe screamed it: "Let's check this out," "That too," "Buy this."
I'm carrying this backpack for that, not random shopping bags.
Anyway, strolling with Ferio revealed new sides to the merchant district.
Alone, I'd get wary stares like a potential thief at tidy rice shops.
With her? They usher us into clean, upscale jewelry spots, showing off fine clothes, gems, weapons just for her.
Me? From thief to baggage boy.
I shrugged it off, but Ferio got annoyed and wanted to leave.
The manager dashed out, bowing and apologizing profusely.
We just bounced anyway.
These merchants must keep killer records on faces.
Manager's attitude showed he clocked Ferio the second we walked in and adjusted.
Local shopkeeps here have eyes sharper than our world's corner stores.
We hit sundries shops for potions and tools, the smithy next—Ferio vouched for me to the owners, telling them to treat me right.
She pointed out religious spots too: temples, shrines.
No monotheism shoving out others here—gods coexist freely.
Small altars, street stalls for them.
The biggest was a modest cathedral for the sun god Kalderan.
She said it blesses warriors and doubles as a hospital for injuries.
Wonder if they do healing magic? Turns out, only for critical cases.
Hope it doesn't cost a fortune.
And finally, the real goal: the adventurers' guild office.
Basically the game guild.
Register as an adventurer, snag quests for pay, get world info— that's the plan.
I wanna test if I can change this world through small adventures.
To do big things, build a name first, get famous.
...Hero title's a shortcut, but screw that now.
"Kirgil, I shouldn't meddle here.
Sorry.
Circumstances make it unfair if I introduce you."
I get the gist, even without details.
Nobles meddling in free adventurers? Favoritism drama, or looks like secret mercenary recruiting.
Could spark guild-noble beef.
I've heard that kinda thing before.
"It's fine. You've escorted me this far—that's plenty.
I'll handle the rest solo."
"Then I'll wait at the tavern ahead till you register."
"You won't drink again, right?"
"Booze without you is no fun.
I'll sip tea with hometown pals, kill time."
Makes sense—her turf, friends I don't know.
Hm. Hope no guys in the mix.
Tch. Possessiveness creeping in uninvited.
"Don't worry. I don't let my guard down with just anyone.
Yesterday was 'cause it was you."
Wasn't worried about that.
Hm...
I see.
You get picky about who sees you drunk too.
Like Liard said, Ferio's changed big time.
I admit it.