Chapter 134
Chapter 134
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 134
Chapter Title: Artifact (1)
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A deep sigh escaped.
The head of the Venice family spoke with great difficulty.
“Cedric had no choice but to be conscious of you. Because I made him that way.”
The colossal wall that was the Crodain Family.
Shild had suffered from a sort of inferiority complex, and it had been passed down to his son.
He had pushed Cedric to surpass Jace. He may not have beaten him physically, but it seemed he had placed an even greater burden on him.
It was tantamount to mental abuse from a young age. In other words, just as he said, the responsibility for this incident was largely his.
“He must have been afraid of you, rising through the ranks so frighteningly fast. And on top of that, you became the Hero. That sense of defeat must have been terrible enough to make him hate the world.”
“……”
There might have been other reasons, but that was likely the core of it.
*So, in the end… it’s not my fault, is it? Then why did you do it!*
I was about to protest but held my tongue, reading the room. Well, I suppose he wanted to blame someone else, just like a proper villainous noble.
“One could say you are not at fault… but I still dislike you.”
“…If you tell me why, I’ll try to fix it.”
“You’re so exceptional that it’s off-putting.”
“───??”
“Someone overly pristine is just as repulsive as their opposite. And above all else…”
For a moment, a spark ignited in Shild’s eyes.
He radiated an intense aura, as if this was something he could never forgive.
“What’s wrong with my daughter that you dare refuse her?”
“……”
I hadn’t considered this possibility.
I didn’t think he was a doting father, but was he secretly offended?
“I have a fiancée…”
“Still!”
“…If I were to accept Chloe’s feelings, you would oppose it with all your might, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course.”
*Seriously, what do you want me to do!*
It was getting to the point where I wanted to ask him the same question. What’s wrong with me that you’re playing so hard to get?
I was the most eligible bachelor of this era. The reactions of the Emperor, the princes, and the princess had already proven that.
Anyway.
As if embarrassed by the confrontation between her father and me, Chloe had a fit.
*Huh? What are these men saying right in front of me!*
With that sentiment, she let out a strange shriek—*Uwaaaah!* After the commotion finally died down, the conversation was barely able to proceed.
“There’s been a lot said, but from my position, helping you is the best course of action.”
He said he would lend me as much support as I wanted. I never thought it would be so difficult to hear those words.
“However, there is a condition. No, I should call it a request.”
His face was set with firm resolve.
I couldn’t help but anticipate a rather shocking development.
“My son… I want you to eliminate Cedric with your own hands. You must.”
“……”
I had a feeling it would come to this.
His voice was firm, but I could sense an undercurrent of sorrow.
“I’d like you to end it as quickly and with as little pain as possible…”
If possible, grant him a peaceful rest.
It was a request made not for the sake of the family, but for his son.
Though long overdue, it seemed he wanted to act before his son’s honor could be tarnished any further.
“…I will do my best.”
I had planned to do so anyway.
I was bound to face the Four Heavenly Kings version of Cedric eventually.
“I will… omit my thanks. I wish you good luck. I hope you will act as befits a Hero…”
His head hung limply as he turned his back. Chloe followed, as if to support him.
I stared blankly at the backs of the father and daughter. With that, this matter was also settled.
I felt a little bitter, but no new problems had arisen.
Shild would not harbor any ulterior motives. His hatred for the Demon King’s army would surely outweigh his displeasure with me.
He wasn’t a good father, but it was an undeniable fact that he cared for his child.
In the end, this series of events was caused by a spy from the Demon King’s army.
The root of all evil that had corrupted his son… they were, in a sense, his mortal enemies. It was only natural for him to desire revenge, so I could expect his full cooperation.
“……”
I quickened my pace. I needed to go pet my little cutie right away.
That should make this unpleasant feeling disappear, right? To change my mood, nothing was better than a bit of healing.
Perhaps because she recognized her master’s state at a glance, Aruru was even more affectionate than usual.
“You worked hard. Should I give you a shoulder massage?”
Hmm, that’s alright…
How about you try stepping on my back?
“Ah! I didn’t know you had that kind of taste… But I’ll respect it!”
I don’t know what you’re thinking, but that’s not it!
Some people find it refreshing to have their backs stepped on.
It’s a form of massage, after all.
A beastkin’s weight was ideal—not too light, not too heavy.
Indeed, it was better than I expected. The thrill of being stepped on by a young girl… I didn’t even have a moment to feel it. My little cutie used her unique beastkin senses to rhythmically tread upon my back.
“Hmm? This is… actually kind of fun?”
She said my back was broad, which made it satisfying to step on.
It seemed we were a good match no matter what we did.
Content with the refreshing and novel experience, I slowly closed my eyes.
My last night in the Imperial Palace.
Tomorrow, the artifacts would finally be in my hands.
After that, I planned to wander across the continent. I could only hope that this grand journey would become the Hero’s heart-pounding adventure.
* * *
The next day, we were treated with the utmost courtesy by the imperial family.
They even prepared a departure ceremony to boost the Hero’s party’s morale. Since only key figures were gathered, it didn’t feel cumbersome.
*We look forward to your magnificent deeds.*
*Please thwart the ambitions of the Demon King’s army.*
Encouragement and support of that nature poured in.
Soon after, a grand banquet was held.
A feast of sumptuous delicacies, lavishly prepared.
The finest cuisine that could only be tasted in the Imperial Palace.
I had eaten my fill for a while, but that luxury was now coming to an end.
Perhaps that was why.
Normally… the fox beastkin, who would have pounced with a ‘Heeey! I’ve been waiting for this moment!’, was uncharacteristically quiet. She had an unusual air about her, her expression gravely serious, as if she had realized something.
My little cutie.
Did you lose your appetite because you’re sad?
“Mm, my heart is in turmoil… Should I say I’ve realized the preciousness of everyday life? I thought it would last forever, but that was a very foolish thought. Why did I only realize this obvious fact now? How should I fill this emptiness? And finally, what is the meaning of life? Ah, it’s such a difficult problem. Jace, what should I do in a situation like this? You would know, right?”
“……”
Wait, hold on…
That came out of nowhere! Why are you delving into the realm of philosophy over something like this?
I was at a loss for words, but the girl’s demeanor was more serious than ever. She stared at me intently, as if she wouldn't take no for an answer.
What should I do?
After a moment of thought, I stroked her head.
I know how you feel, but for now, let’s end things on a high note.
In the end, we are but mortals who must follow the truth.
“The truth? What’s that?”
“The true principle that what you eat is what truly stays with you. Of all things, that alone never changes.”
“───!!”
The girl’s fox ears perked up.
She was overcome with emotion, as if she had just glimpsed a cosmic mystery. My casually chosen words seemed to have struck her with great impact.
“Yes, it was a needless worry… I wasn’t wrong after all!”
A smile of enlightenment bloomed on her face. As always, she wagged her tail furiously.
Soon, the fox beastkin began to fill her belly as if she were in battle. I had no idea what had changed, but she was still cute, so it didn’t matter.
After the meal, the long-awaited moment finally arrived.
The Emperor bestowed upon us the imperial family’s treasured artifacts. The composition and performance of the artifacts we received were as follows.
-Star’s Twinkle
Activates Blink, the ultimate evasion tool.
Its number of uses was limited, but it was still quite useful.
-Shurell’s Ring
The only artifact with an evasion bonus. Upon activation, movement speed increases for a certain period.
-Frigid Gauntlets
The longer a battle lasts, the slower the opponent’s attack speed becomes.
The effect gradually stacked and was characterized by being impossible to dispel.
-Wand of Great Nature
An artifact that stores the wielder’s mana.
It also came with several other additional effects.
-Mantle of Verdure
Slightly enhances physical abilities and blocks one fatal attack.
The cooldown was quite long, but it was perfect for insurance.
-Pendant of Order
Upon activation, composure and concentration are enhanced.
Another effect was the ability to completely erase one’s presence.
The duration was short, but it was effectively like becoming invisible.
All of them were artifacts on par with S-rank.
For now, I received them on behalf of the party and put them in my inventory.
I would distribute them efficiently around lunchtime tomorrow.
The girls’ eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if they couldn’t wait until then.
Toward the excited girls, the Emperor poured cold water with a solemn voice.
“Remember that these are treasures that must be returned. If they are damaged or lost… you will be held responsible.”
“───!!”
They all flinched.
One wrong move and they could become slaves to the imperial family for life. That’s how priceless the artifacts were.
Well, it wasn’t a major concern. If we defeated the Demon King, what would a few artifacts matter?
Even if things went wrong, they would probably be lenient about one or two. Or we could replace them with artifacts found in dungeons or ancient ruins.
In any case, a tool is just a tool.
Rather than being afraid, we should have been demanding more. We had acquired about half of the imperial family’s artifacts, but that wasn’t enough.
The remaining half could be earned gradually by accomplishing great deeds.
Together with my party, I paid my respects to the supreme ruler of the empire. The Emperor, looking pleased, blessed our future.
With that, all our events at the Imperial Palace were concluded. There would be occasions to visit from time to time, but we had no luxury to stay for long.
As we were leaving the main palace with mixed feelings of relief and regret, the First and Second Princes approached us in turn to bid farewell.
“I look forward to your achievements.”
“Perhaps we will meet on the battlefield.”
“……”
I’m grateful for the well wishes, but…
Why didn’t you guys bring presents?
We already received a lot from the Emperor, but that was that, and this is this.
A question suddenly occurred to me.
*Could it be… that I have an image of being incorruptible? Did they just let it slide, thinking I would feel burdened?*
Hey, I don’t need that kind of consideration!
The princes were clueless, but the Imperial Princess was a bit different.
“It’s not much, but I’ve prepared a few things.”
“……”
A girl who called three carriages’ worth of goods “not much.”
Indeed, a generosity befitting an Imperial Princess. Aruru tilted her head with an interested expression.
“Hmm? What’s all this?”
“They’re gifts for all of you.”
“───!!”
Everyone cheered, overjoyed.
The princess’s gifts were always sweet, so it was a natural reaction.
The dresses worn at the ball.
A variety of everyday clothes.
Cosmetics and other essentials for women.
There were even special snacks just for my little cutie.
The princess had prepared everything with a refined sense of style. There was nothing for me, but what did that matter? Just seeing my party members taken care of was heartwarming. It might sound strange, but that actually made me happier.
Anyway… will all of this fit?
I was worried my inventory would burst at the seams.
Well, there should still be some room.
I immediately began loading the items into my subspace pocket.
I didn’t quite understand the principle, but just making the motion of putting things in was enough for them to be sucked inside. As I easily proceeded with the task, the party members expressed their gratitude.
“Thank you!”
Aruru smiled brightly and wagged her tail, eventually clinging to the princess to bestow her services.
As if she had been waiting for it, the girl melted into a puddle of delight.
The princess’s expression looked happier than ever.
“Well… we’ll be on our way now.”
Where there is a meeting, there must be a farewell.
We had spent our time here pleasantly and without any major issues. There might be some lingering regret, but there were no regrets.
“Um, Sir Hero. I have a few requests… if that’s alright?”
I nodded readily.
How could I refuse the princess’s request? I had already received too much to play hard to get.
“First, please take care of yourself. Second, please bring Aruru with you whenever you have business at the palace. Third, if the opportunity arises… could you hang out with me like before?”
“───!!”
“Actually, the second and third are just hopes. If you just keep the first promise, I couldn’t ask for more.”
The girl who admired the Hero.
Her eyes sparkled, as if to capture my image one last time. For her sake, I would have to create a magnificent tale of heroism.
* * *
I returned to the academy with my party.
Before we did anything in earnest, we needed to get organized. I would start by distributing the artifacts we obtained from the Imperial Palace.
Hmm, but…
Would the settings from the main story apply here? There were a few restrictions on equipping artifacts.
A maximum of three per person.
Restrictions based on gender and class.
But you never know.
A reality patch might have been applied, right? After a brief experiment, I found that the item limit was the same.
However, there didn’t seem to be any other restrictions.
Artifacts for mages and artifacts for women.
Even when I equipped them, their effects manifested normally.
*Huh? This changes things.*
It wouldn’t make me drastically stronger, but it would allow for a much more versatile build.
If I used this well, I might be able to have some fun with it.
Suppressing my excitement, I continued the experiment.
“This is strange. I don’t feel anything.”
“Hmm, I don’t think this artifact is compatible with me.”
“……”
No matter how many times we tried, the result was the same. I was the only one who could bypass the restrictions.
It seemed this body of mine… was a bug in and of itself.