Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Return - 5
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A brilliant light burst from the tip of the sword.
Infusing mana into a sword wasn't particularly unusual in itself.
Elenor was already the Emperor's daughter and the leader of the knight order. She had proven her worth in countless duels and battles, and even before the Demon King's subjugation, no one had doubted her strength.
But the beautiful, holy light emanating right before their eyes made it clearer than anything that she was the Hero.
The fact that this Hero hadn't set out to defeat the Demon King brought warm comfort and solace to everyone present.
"Incredible!"
"Truly, the undeniable Hero herself!"
Elenor, looking slightly fatigued, promptly sheathed her sword.
The imperial dress was a bit cumbersome, but even in that attire, she was stronger than anyone else here.
"The Demon King's invasion is over, and we have all emerged victorious. The emergency summons will be lifted, and as soon as administrative procedures are complete, merchants will be free to travel again."
And then she said the words these nobles had been waiting for most.
The Demon King's invasion was a massive disaster, and in its wake, the freedoms of commoners and nobles alike across the lands had inevitably been suppressed.
Frontline territories would instantly become war zones, while rear territories had to make enormous sacrifices to supply soldiers and resources.
If the Hero's party failed or delayed in defeating the Demon King, nobles with little else to boast of would have no choice but to end up destitute.
With Demon King spies potentially infiltrating anywhere, trade was restricted, and as taxes became chaotic, even angelic nobles had to squeeze their subjects.
Many had secretly stockpiled private soldiers and food in preparation for ruin, and many prayed to the gods, but now those nobles felt all their worries vanishing from the Hero's sword tip.
"Long live Hero Your Highness!"
"Long live Princess Elenor!"
As a few pre-arranged cheerleaders raised their hands and shouted, cheers began to echo through the banquet hall.
But no one found the atmosphere unwelcome.
Setting aside the grand joy of the world being saved from destruction, everyone could relate to the happiness of resuming normal economic activity starting tomorrow.
Still, Elenor bit her lip slightly. This sword was the most reliable senior in battle, but outside of it, it was nothing more than a nonstop noise generator that chattered incessantly.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ -Send me away send me away send me away send me away send me away send me away send me away
'My head hurts. Behave like a proper sword and stay quiet.'
-The Demon King subjugation is over, right? How long do you plan to keep pretending to be the Hero?
'I am the Hero. You obey. You'll remain my sword from now on, and I won't let you go anywhere.'
-I have no interest in getting confessed to by a girl?
A voice like that of a teenage girl buzzed in Elenor's mind. She fully sheathed the sword and gracefully sipped from a nearby glass of wine.
"This means the next Emperor will surely be..."
"It's a delicate topic, but His Majesty is advanced in years, and there are no other children."
After gaining the Hero's power, Elenor could now hear conversations around her without filtering them out.
It was a useful ability on the battlefield. There were no idle chatterers, and it was natural to tense up at any unusual sound.
It was often inconvenient now, but at least no one dared speak ill of her.
Except for that noisy sword.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Is your body alright?"
When the maid's sparkling eyes met mine, I involuntarily turned my head away.
"I'm fine."
"There could be post-battle aftereffects, so please tell me right away if anything feels off!"
Being fussed over felt strangely uncomfortable. It had been far too long since anyone had genuinely cared about my condition.
The Saintess or Mage might have offered formal concern at best, but it was meaningless lip service.
Saying such things wouldn't grant me rest, and even if they allowed it, the Hero would have refused.
"I don't know when you'll leave, but I hope you enjoy your time here!"
"Not sure if I can. I'd be happy if you just sent me back without all this."
As I muttered my lament, a sudden doubt crept in.
My time as a porter was a secret, and being the Hero was an even bigger one.
No matter that she was a maid, this wasn't something to blurt out casually in a place like this.
"W-Wait, what do you think I've been...?"
"Your hometown estate, obviously!"
"Oh, never mind."
I saw her off, then lay back on the empty bed and gazed at the scenery outside.
Having nothing to do was nice. The view was good, and lounging was pleasant.
I wanted today to pass peacefully just like this.
"Are you in there?"
A deep, resonant voice called out. Seizing the moment with no one around, I scowled.
Only after a heavy sigh could I finally respond.
"Yes. I'm here."
The door opened to reveal the Emperor, accompanied by a single guard knight.
"Let's... sit and talk for a bit."
For some reason, the wrinkles on his face seemed even deeper.
I wished he'd leave quickly, but his presence here suggested it wasn't a trivial matter.
Ideally, he'd bring good news like 'The reverse summoning ritual is ready sooner than expected,' but that seemed unlikely.
"You two, step out for a moment."
"B-But Your Majesty's safety..."
"Don't do anything pointless."
After ushering the maid and guard out of my room, he lightly tapped the teapot with a finger. A thread of blue light sparkled, and soon the water inside began bubbling vigorously.
I hadn't realized it was a magic tool. Unable to use mana myself, I'd just left it as mere decoration.
With trembling hands, he poured the tea and set the two cups down on the round table where I sat.
"Wouldn't it be easier to have the maid do it?"
"Sometimes... I need time to sort my thoughts. Pouring tea is a fine hobby for an Emperor."
He sat across from me and took a sip.
"People make mistakes. No matter how good their intentions or how capable they've been before, everyone slips up eventually."
His golden hair and beard gleamed with dignified majesty.
"With tea, failure is fine. After drinking one that's too bitter or too bland, you've paid the price in full."
I took a sip; it was masterfully brewed. Did this empire's Emperors have to be experts in tea as well?
"Reality isn't so forgiving. To pay for a failure, you can't just accomplish something alone. Sometimes you need others' mercy and forgiveness."
"...I don't follow."
"I'm asking for a chance to make up for my failure."
"..."
"You've endured much hardship here. Others have too, but at least they could pay the price for their choices."
The Emperor's eyes were filled with kindness, consideration, conviction, and dignity.
Just like the day we first met.
"I want to go back."
"I am the Emperor. You hold a level of trust and favor no one else has. Unless it's the Demon King's territory, now that you're in the Empire, it's time to enjoy it."
Now he looked not like an Emperor, but like a mischievous grandfather next door, gazing at me with a friendly, relaxed expression.
"At the very least, wouldn't it be wise to see what you could do here? You'll be stuck for a month anyway."
It sounded like he was suggesting a prank or an exciting adventure. Listening longer might make me accept without thinking.
"You can take on dangerous tasks or things that might cost you face without hesitation. Since you're leaving anyway, why not enjoy it a little?"
"No need."
"If it were up to me, I'd give even greater rewards to someone who's devoted himself to this world and nation. You deserve it. It's time to rest and enjoy life."
"I'm neither particularly capable nor all that moral. I have no need for authority, nor do I want it."
Hearing my response, the Emperor let out a deep sigh.
"Then there's no helping it... Still, you should know this much. Leodrín Enel. That's your name. Eldest son of the Leodrín family, discovered near the imperial palace after being in hiding."
"My fake identity... Is that necessary?"
"We can't just let someone into the palace without reason, even for a month. Make the most of the short time."
He trudged wearily toward the door, then glanced back slightly.
"And... don't hate me too much."
"I don't hate them."
It was a blatant lie.
But at least, I believed it to be true.
Love without action is empty, just as hate without action is empty.
I kept my dislike of them tightly locked away in my heart. I wouldn't condemn them or do anything deliberately harmful.
I would simply leave this world without lingering. That was enough for me.