Chapter 119
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 119
Chapter Title: Revolution and Ruin Are a Hair's Breadth Apart. (1)
"But... is it really okay?"
"Hm? What's wrong?"
We were preparing to depart for the Mera Union when Scarlett suddenly spoke up, looking worried.
"That place is basically enemy territory, right? Are you sure it's okay for me to come along with you?"
I'd thought she seemed a bit down, uncharacteristic for Scarlett. So that's what was bothering her.
Jenny and Lin were Heroes, after all, and they'd been putting on incredible shows of strength.
She must have felt like she was falling behind a little.
But heading into half-demon, half-human territory.
A place where subordinates of the Demon King Krakserus—real demons, even—might be lying in wait.
She seemed uneasy about being chosen to go right into the heart of enemy territory.
That made sense. They were Heroes, after all.
It was only natural to feel overshadowed by two of the top-tier Heroes.
But...
"Miss Scarlett is the strongest person with Hero aptitude that I know. Most Heroes couldn't keep up with you."
Scarlett was strong.
Not as empty flattery—as a simple fact.
Her innate physical prowess from childhood, her exceptional aptitude for physical skills, and her own rigorous training had all combined.
Among Heroes, there was no one who could match her.
"That's why I'm not worried at all. I have the strongest Hero by my side."
No intent to comfort her there—just the honest truth.
"R-Really?"
She looked a bit relieved.
Earlier, her face had been full of uncharacteristic worry.
Now, her expression had softened a little.
Hm, but this still wasn't the usual Scarlett.
I needed to pump her up more.
"Melee strongest! A genius Hero who surpasses even Heroes!"
"H-Haha."
Praise really does make even whales dance, huh?
It worked wonders on the rarely glum Scarlett, too!
"Strongest among S-Rank adventurers! Pure and Pitiable peerless beauty!"
"Uh, yeah?"
"You're totally gorgeous! So beautiful and so strong! You're just the best!"
"Wh-What..."
I was getting into it with the compliments when suddenly my body got shoved backward.
"...?!"
Whoosh—
My body flew back nearly a meter and toppled over.
Right in front of me stood Scarlett, arm extended, face flushed with embarrassment.
"What the heck was that, Big Brother!!"
Seeing her embarrassed like that, I must have overdone the praise a bit.
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to..."
Scarlett hurriedly apologized for shoving me.
Whatever, that wasn't a big deal.
But seeing her embarrassed again this year... My luck's been good... Gah?!
Pow! Pow!
"Hahaha! S-Sorry! Why'd you say weird stuff like that?!"
She was smacking my back like usual.
Her mood seemed completely lifted now.
...Though no matter how much I train, Scarlett's back-smacks still hurt.
#
"...So, the half-demons have occupied the Pacific Kingdom, and you're requesting support?"
"Yes. That's correct."
Upon arriving in the capital of the Mera Union, Aphenance, we had no trouble meeting with the Central Seven Councilors.
A young man with a very neat appearance: 16th Chairman Stick Raberud.
A beauty with a cold demeanor: Councilor Blossom Nain.
A girl who looked like a child but was actually in her thirties: Councilor Neoca.
A slender, strikingly handsome man: Councilor Kii Masca.
A peculiar man wrapped head to toe in bandages: Councilor Rune.
A voluptuous woman in revealing clothes that accentuated her succubus-like figure: Councilor Oscar Denain.
...One's missing.
Probably Sieg Councilor, the big burly guy.
I'd researched the Seven Councilors as much as possible before coming.
Each from similar family backgrounds, similar ages and abilities.
Even the consistent gender ratio: always four men and three women succeeding the central council seats.
Their appearances and families varied, sure.
But appearances and families could be changed at will.
They were probably the ones who received power from Demon King Krakserus 300 years ago, still alive and holding the reins of power.
Something felt off.
Like they were subtly signaling their own oddity?
If they were the type to fester in the shadows, devouring the world, they'd hide their identities completely.
It almost seemed deliberate.
At first glance, it was nothing much if you didn't think about it.
But dig a little deeper, and it was enough to raise suspicions.
Were they the ones who spread the hypothesis about Heroes' short lifespans on purpose?
Anyone who tried to probe even a little would get lured in deliberately.
Then dealt with.
...Am I the fish on the hook this time?
"Doesn't the Karr Empire have enough power to handle it alone? So why request help from us?"
Chairman Stick's sharp gaze.
He was suspicious of me.
Makes sense... After all, I'd caused a commotion here before, fighting Marco who was possessed by a demon.
I might be seen as Lin's sidekick, but they were definitely wary.
"And an instructor from the Hassler Guild branch and S-Rank adventurer Scarlett... You standing here as proxies for His Majesty the Emperor means the Hassler branch is involved too. Doesn't that mean you have more than enough forces?"
The peculiar bandaged man, Councilor Rune, asked.
He was right—this was a highly suspicious situation.
Anyone would think we were here to test the Mera Union.
Screw up here, and we might leave empty-handed.
"......"
Fine. Being the hooked fish works for me.
I'll slyly wriggle off the bait and slip away.
"Truth be told, we suspect the Mera Union."
Going bold.
In situations like this, brazenness actually helps.
"Suspect us? Suspect us of what?"
Chairman Stick played innocent.
If he wanted to hear it straight, I'd spell it out.
"We suspect the Mera Union—you lot—might be connected to the demons."
"...!"
Several councilors' faces twisted at that.
Even amid the reactions, Chairman Stick remained expressionless, speaking dryly.
"...To say such things in an official setting. It's quite offensive from our perspective. Can the Karr Empire take responsibility for those words?"
As expected from those who'd maintained the Mera Union for 300 years.
No flinch even after I skipped straight to dropping the demon bomb.
And he didn't start demanding evidence or proof—that alone showed he was no amateur.
He knew such questions could only fuel more suspicion.
If this leaked to the international community, the Karr Empire would face backlash.
Accusing the Mera Union's top leaders of being demon puppets based on suspicion alone, with no hard evidence.
But at the same time, some would think:
'Does the Karr Empire know something, that's why they're saying this?'
It wasn't baseless warmongering.
Quite the opposite—they were speaking out even when it could disadvantage them.
Even as mere suspicion, it carried strong persuasive power.
Enough to plant seeds of doubt across the continent.
Well, if they caught on...
They'd keep this meeting under wraps.
In that case, no holding back.
"If you're truly innocent, we can take responsibility. That's why I'm here—to confirm it."
Not that Parus Principal had already marked them pitch black.
"If you're not connected to demons, you can surely aid the demon-occupied Pacific Kingdom. Demons are... a common enemy to the entire continent, after all."
"......"
That should secure support for the Pacific Kingdom.
Refusing to act after this would be as good as begging for suspicion.
They couldn't whine about why bother helping us~.
Demons were literally the continent's public enemy.
They'd requested help slaying a public enemy themselves.
They knew full well how absurd "why should we help?" would sound.
Plus, it wasn't entirely without gain.
A little support in exchange for trade rights to one kingdom?
All profit.
"...Understood. Then we'll assemble forces on our end..."
Chairman Stick nodded, finally promising to dispatch support.
Oh, right.
Something I almost forgot that I had to do.
"But that's strange."
"...What's strange?"
Chairman Stick asked in an annoyed tone, like what now?
Wonder if he can afford to sound so exasperated?
This was gonna shock him.
"Principal Parus must have come first and explained everything."
"...Pardon?"
He was flustered.
Visibly so.
Chairman Stick hurriedly schooled his expression, realizing his slip.
But even I, with my slow reactions, could tell he'd panicked.
"We're the official envoys, but Principal Parus and Sir Mercen came secretly beforehand. Principal Parus was surely meant to pave the way for smooth talks."
I tilted my head, genuinely puzzled.
"We received word of their arrival. You didn't hear anything?"
Playing it innocent.
As naturally as possible.
"......"
Thanks to that, I got to see Chairman Stick and all the Central Councilors flustered.
Perfect. Now for the Mercen rescue op.
The finishing blow.
"Could I see the two of them for a bit? They're in the capital right now, aren't they?"
I smiled.
Hand them over now, unless you want things to go south.
"......"
They tried to stay calm, but it was obvious.
Fluster, anger, irritation.
Yeah, no idea what to do, huh?
Wondering if Parus was a double agent.
Or if he'd already exposed all their secrets.
"...Please wait a moment."
Chairman Stick finally stood.
Off to fetch Parus and Mercen, no doubt.
Ah, Principal Parus.
I wonder how flustered he'll be?
I almost wanted to follow and watch. For real.