Heroes (1)
I must've seriously underestimated Ashushikara's pent-up desires. Well, she chased me all that way from afar, so it was bound to be no ordinary thing.
She was radiating this vibe like she wanted some intense paternal love, but Ashu ended up craving maternal affection from me too.
Who knew the most useless organ on a man's body could turn into a fatal weakness? My chest still aches thinking about it.
Her Status Window had vanished completely, like she'd lost all reason, but even in that state, she wouldn't take her own clothes off.
Was that her last shred of sanity? Or true madness?
In the end, I had to peel them off one by one. Except for a couple.
She grabbed my hand and placed it on her scars, like a cat begging to be petted. But doing it on spots where scars shouldn't even be... well, that's a bit much.
"Uwaaaah! Don't explain it one by one!!"
Come morning, she was buried under the blankets again, drowning in self-loathing.
She'd prepared wash water for me, so I cleaned off last night's sweat and came back out.
While I was washing, Ashu had tidied the room, wiped away all traces, changed the bedsheets—basically launching a full-scale evidence destruction operation.
So, as the victim, I immediately started grilling her.
I'd imagined her greeting me in the morning with a sultry smile or just staying in my arms since everything outside the blankets was a hassle.
But no, this princess was so embarrassed she didn't mind playing hotel staff or doing chores to hide it. Impressive.
I approached and flipped back the blanket, revealing a face flushing like her skirt had been lifted and her underwear exposed.
To this new, adorable expression, I gave her the morning greeting I hadn't managed earlier. A light kiss.
But now she's wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling with force.
At this rate, her switch'll flip again right from the morning.
"You take your medicine?"
"Yes? What medicine? I'm not sick or anything."
Uwaaa... that was close. She has zero experience with this! I breathed a sigh of relief knowing Agnes had slipped in those pills too.
But seriously, what was Agnes thinking giving me these?
It's like parents packing contraceptives—embarrassing just to imagine. That's exactly what Agnes did.
...Probably because of Ferio. Don't overthink it.
Ashushikara stared at the pill in her palm with a dissatisfied look, the medicine to avoid her monthly cycle.
"If you don't take it, I'll run away again."
"Pii..."
She swallowed it and even stuck out her tongue to show me. Good girl.
When I suggested heading out for breakfast, she said she'd go ahead and wait. When I finished getting ready and stepped out, there she was, demurely waiting outside the door just like yesterday.
Ashu must like this kind of thing. Guess I need to be more mindful when I head out too... Or so I thought, but then she came over, straightened my clothes and hair, and flashed a bright smile.
She really loves this stuff.
"Ashu, not that I should be saying this, but... is it okay for a saintess to give in to carnal lust and forget her god?"
"Kirgil, you say the strangest things sometimes. The union of man and woman is the foundation of the world. Why would the gods forbid it?"
That cleared it up—purity and virginity aren't big deals in this world. I still hadn't shaken off my old world's mindset.
Ethics here are different, so adultery or cheating probably aren't crimes. But jealousy? Same as my old world. People are people, after all.
"The moment I woke up this morning, I offered a prayer of thanks that this wasn't a dream."
Ashu had woken up earlier than me, washed, dressed, and even done her makeup.
I was the one who thought it was a dream.
"I'm more grateful to Kalderan than ever. He answered my prayers and rewarded my faith like this. My belief is clearer than before—not a shred darker."
Instead, I'd strengthened her faith.
And it actually showed! Visible in her
Status Window
!
Ashushikara's abilities are base stats plus blessing bonuses. So despite appearances, she's strong and quick.
Just like the saying—strong faith brings power.
I feel weird, like some cult leader or false prophet. But it's a recognized religion here, and no harm done, so it's fine?
Lots to do after breakfast.
First, prep for adventuring. Can't come to an isekai and skip the dungeons!
I scoured the shopping district again for a weapon with instant, powerful strikes.
Eventually found a decent sword.
Oddly pitch-black blade, like it'd been charred. The moment I picked it up, the name
[Magical Sword]
popped up. Names in this world avoid harsh sounds, except gods'.
Average folk probably couldn't even pronounce it.
Unique name aside, it showed a debuff: User's Mana Absorption. Doesn't suck on pickup—command-activated, it seems. But the debuff label suggests it might drain slowly if held long.
The shop treats it like a normal magic sword—doesn't know its value.
Still pricey. 30 gold? No way.
I set it down with a regretful look.
"You need that?"
Ashu pulled it from the display, took it to the owner, pulled a gem from her pouch to pay, sheathed it, and strapped it to my belt herself.
Is this what dating a chaebol heir feels like in dramas?
If I were a girl, I'd fall for that boldness!
Too shocked to even say thanks!
"Oh my, are you that moved? What a cheap guy. If you were this easy, I wouldn't have suffered pointlessly all this time."
Even her snark sounds delightful.
Expensive sword came with a manual. Basic stuff: no maintenance needed, stays sharp, sharpening magic embedded.
'Killgent' is so unique—gotta look it up later. Agnes might know.
But how to repay this? Can't act like a drama lead fawning over her. I'm a grown man.
Sudden gift has me stumped.
What would make Ashu happy?
Ugh... only naughty ideas. What to do...
"Hehehe. Seeing you fret over me feels nice. Like watching a play in the sunlight."
"You gave it just to see this?"
"Still, thanks... but."
"While we're here, let's get you new armor. Something fitting for Hero Kirgil."
"That's a bit..."
My leather armor's comfy, handpicked carefully by Ferio and Agnes—got attachment.
I explained why I didn't want to replace her rare kindness, but did Ashu look disappointed?
"I'll head out alone then."
She strode off.
Ah, mistake. Even with looser morals here, bringing up another woman in this situation is tactless.
Unintentionally acted like a jerk to someone pampering me.
Alone now, use the time to prep something for Ashu.
As a princess, her emergency funds are gems, not gold. No point in just expensive junk.
Oh, right! Gems from the forest.
Find a processor. Can't wear a fist-sized red lizard eye around my neck.
Spotted a shop: fangs, giant bat wings on sign, 'Jasgiria's Monster Parts Workshop'.
Opened the door.
"Hey, those materials on the table out front? If you're selling that junk, turn around and leave. This ain't a trash bin."
Gruff old man in gray robe and wizard hat, puffing a pipe from his chair.
Despite the rudeness, table materials were neatly displayed with labels.
Giant rat claws, wolf fangs, horned deer antlers... goblin claws and teeth too.
Basically, no junk.
I get it—sold trash to shops in games too. Even games with priced pebbles.
Luckily, mine weren't there. Pulled out one eye from my bag.
Owner slammed down his pipe.
"Bring that here NOW!!!"
Smoke billowing from mouth and nose as he charged—pure force.
Like a steam engine coming at me.
Just one. Pull all three, and I'd get hit.
Probably-mage owner examined the eye with a loupe, poked it, tapped with a tiny hammer.
After checks, shaky hands refilled and lit his pipe.
"First time anyone's brought a basilisk eye in perfect condition. All mana concentrated in the eyeball, killed precisely. Impressive skill for how you look.
Spit it out. What do you want? Money? Empty my safe."
Ah, that komodo lizard had a basilisk's death gaze. Thought it was just paralysis.
But freezing solid mid-fight? You'd die after. Nearly did.
Anyway, valuable.
Told him I wanted it processed into jewelry for Ashu—a necklace or bracelet.
"She an adventurer? Or a pig with pearls!"
This old man's energy is off the charts. That exciting?
"...Kalderan's priestess."
"Bracelet then! I'll make my masterpiece, good for an engagement gift. Wait three days!"
"Three days? That fast for jewelry?"
"Idiot!! How could I sleep with this?! All my knowledge, skill, mana—I'll pour it in. She'll love it!"
"...And the cost?"
"The scraps from carving? Mine!"
"Sure, as long as you don't overdo it."
"Kahahaha!! No thanks! Don't ruin my fun after so long!! Get out! Closing shop! Come back in three days!"
Kicked out, door locked.
So abrupt, old man's aura overwhelming.
Could feel robbed, but no suspicion.
That vibe... like an otaku expert craftsman. Couldn't not do it—pride wouldn't allow.
Back at the inn...
...What the hell!?
"Oh, still tidying. Back already?"
The room... the inn room...
Tablecloth and vase on the table.
Frilly curtains at the window.
Fluffy white carpet under the bed, perfect for bare feet.
Bed upgraded with soft mattress and bright bedding, black bear plush between two pillows.
Just add another bed...
This is a fancy, feminine newlywed suite now!?
That's why she went ahead.
"But this is a rented inn, not home?
Staying a week max—what's with the makeover?"
"Just light decor for a week...?"
"Light? Not complaining, but you're planning to live here the whole time in town."
Ashu smiled brightly, took my bag, and stacked it in her chosen spot.
A week more, and there'd be a wardrobe.
This woman's post-decision action is top-tier. Near rampage level. Explains the mace-swinging adventurer side.
Whoa, packed lots of changes too. Hmm...
Her miko-like adventurer outfit isn't just cute—blessings and magic woven in. I can tell.
But now, no functions... wait, there is. Can't help inspecting closely.
Goth loli short skirt? Fits her sneaky personality. No wonder she liked Lirisa—living goth loli doll.
Oh? Turning to show off more?
This casual wear? Or full hobby reveal.
Total coming out.
Worlds apart from cathedral white robes or adventurer whites, but work and tastes differ.
Cute, pretty, no harm—fine.
"You write letters daily, so I added a writing board."
Wow, this thoughtfulness is scary.
Makes me want to do something, but results in three days.
Ugh, only hugs for now.
"I did it 'cause I like it—no need to worry."
This answer shows her slippery personality. Normally it'd be 'I did this, now you do that' vibe.
"Oh right! There's something you must do!"
I happily agreed.
And so...
"I'm Kirgil. Joining this adventure as Princess Ashushikara's aide and porter."
Next day, at Inadia's party intro meet, I introduced myself beside beaming Ashu.
"Hey, beast man uncle, what the...
..."
In stark contrast to Ashu's bright smiles, Inadia's handsome face was twitching with veins bulging.