Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Connecting Hearts
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Cedric furrowed his brow.
A string of unpleasant news had reached him.
Jace Crodain.
He had been one of the top contenders among the Hero candidates.
Cedric had hoped he would simply disappear, but he had returned like a specter from the grave.
“This is problematic…”
Cedric held Jace’s abilities in high regard.
He had even believed that as long as Jace was around, he himself would never become the Hero.
The other candidates probably felt the same.
The only chance to deal with him was now, while he was weak.
He should have acted, but Jace, as if sensing the danger, had moved one step ahead.
He had brought Aruru to his side.
She was strong. She could easily take on multiple opponents by herself.
“He’s fast. A bit too fast…”
A growth speed that defied common sense.
And recruiting Aruru, as if he had planned it all in advance.
Suspicious points stood out.
It made him wonder if Jace’s damaged dantian and delinquent behavior had been some kind of ruse.
There was something else he couldn’t overlook.
The incident where Ilensia had abducted Jace.
The process had been somewhat aggressive, but in the end, Jace hadn't been harmed.
What could the two of them have discussed?
Could they have already joined forces?
If that were the case, it would mean two Hero candidates and Jace, who would eventually regain his original power, forming a powerful trio.
“This is not good…”
They had to be plotting something.
Nothing was certain, but the signs were all there.
He had been wary because of this possibility, and now the very problem he had feared was unfolding.
“And Chloe is sniffing around Jace, too…”
His half-sister.
Cedric easily guessed her intentions.
She surely hadn’t forgotten ‘that incident’ from the past and was seeking revenge.
It was deeply unpleasant. He disliked everything about this situation.
Jace’s innate ability to draw people to him without even trying.
At first, Cedric had tried to get along with him, but after realizing he could never be like Jace, he had changed his approach.
“…”
There couldn't be two suns in the sky.
After long deliberation, Cedric made his decision.
The lesser of two evils…
He had no choice but to form a temporary alliance with his rivals.
***
I attempted to negotiate with the man in the black suit.
“I cannot sell student information.”
“…”
I had tried to get a grasp on the students who had no right to refuse, but it was a complete non-starter.
Well, I was just testing the waters.
What could I expect from that detestable guy?
Since it had come to this, I would just have to be aggressive.
If you swing ten times, you’re bound to hit at least once.
The central plaza.
I stood there, observing the students passing by.
Was it because of my obsession?
They looked less like people and more like point dispensers.
After waiting patiently, a suitable prey came into view.
“I challenge you to a ranking match.”
“—!”
He spun around in surprise, but it was too late.
The man in the black suit was already standing behind the male student.
Gotcha!
I felt a thrill, like I had just won the lottery.
Resignation. Despair. And then, a desperate struggle.
The student fought with all his might, but as expected, he was no match for me.
“Jace Crodain. Current rank: 571.”
As per the established system.
The man in the black suit updated me in real time.
Shortly after, the system window announced the quest was complete.
The sun was beginning to set.
I could probably call it a day. It had been a reasonably productive one.
“I’m hungry.”
Aruru whined, pestering me for food.
It seemed she had been waiting all this time to eat with me.
“Where should we go?”
“Mm, we can just eat at the dining hall today.”
Her words meant the evening menu featured a special meal.
On our way to the dining hall, we happened to run into Ceria.
“Perfect timing.”
A very welcoming smile.
My heart pounded every time I saw her.
My body was reacting to the elegant words and actions of my fiancée.
A single-minded devotion that paid no attention to other women.
It was a trait that clearly showed what kind of person Jace was.
We chatted in a friendly atmosphere.
Just having Ceria in front of me was enough to lift my spirits.
*Nom, nom, nom.*
Our little cutie was quietly doing her thing.
Her speed surpassed that of a food fighter.
But if you looked closely, you could see she was adhering to proper table manners.
It should have been impossible, yet Aruru managed the impossible.
What was this? A bug?
It was a sight I saw every day, yet it never ceased to amaze me.
She devoured everything with that tiny mouth of hers.
Seeing that adorably hearty sight, a smile blossomed on Ceria’s lips.
As if she was fine with eating a little less herself, she passed some of her food to Aruru.
In return, she gently stroked her.
A sort of transaction.
Both seemed satisfied, as if they had reached an unspoken agreement.
It felt a little strange, but…
I guess you could say they’ve gotten pretty close?
“How are you feeling?”
She cautiously asked about my well-being.
She was terribly worried that my dantian might break again.
Her constant concern for her fiancé.
For some reason, I felt sorry. At the same time, my resolve to take responsibility for her grew stronger.
“I’m fine. Things are going well, so I think I’ll recover my strength soon.”
To reassure her, I briefly summarized the results of my training.
“I know you’ll be careful, but… you shouldn’t push yourself too hard.”
What to do about this?
I was already pushing myself to the limit.
Thank goodness for Aruru; otherwise, something terrible might have happened.
“I know you. You’re probably working your body to the bone.”
“Well…”
“Please, for my sake, take care of your health.”
For a moment, my heart ached with emotion.
It might be an old-fashioned expression, but I could only describe her as an angel.
Perhaps Jace was her everything.
If so, it was only right for me to return her feelings with sincere love.
I anticipated many trials and errors.
I had his memories, but I wasn't Jace.
Still, I would do my best.
I was growing to like her more and more, so I was sure it would work out in the end.
“…”
“…”
Our eyes met in a silent exchange.
Ceria slowly reached out and covered the back of my hand with hers.
How should I respond?
I let my body follow its instincts.
My other hand moved on its own, placing itself over hers.
Warm.
The girl’s warmth put my heart at ease.
This level of affection was something we could share openly, even in a public place.
It was nothing extraordinary, yet a tender feeling blossomed between us. It was an atmosphere no one could disturb, but…
“You two are so close. How far have you gone?”
“…”
“…”
There was no countering Aruru’s bluntness.
If she were just a little less cute, I would have flicked her forehead…
Well, thanks to her, I got to appreciate the sight of a girl blushing shyly, so I guess it was fine.
***
The next afternoon.
While I was meditating in the training room.
While Aruru was curled up, enjoying a nap.
“I can’t take it anymore!”
The 97-year-old girl, Ilensia, stormed in.
It was a fresh reminder, but for an elf, she had incredible proportions.
“What is it?”
“You’re asking me because you don’t know?”
“First, lower your voice.”
“And if I don’t want to?”
“Do you think Aruru will let you off easy for disturbing her nap?”
“—!”
An immediate reaction.
She was probably the only one who would be so terrified of our little cutie.
“Come outside.”
“I refuse.”
“Why not?”
Even if she was napping.
Just being near Aruru gave me the upper hand.
I didn’t know her purpose, but I was going to start this conversation from a position of advantage.
“If you have something to say, just say it here.”
“…”
“Is it because I brought Aruru into my group?”
“Yes. That in itself is a challenge to me!”
Well, it wasn’t entirely wrong to interpret it that way.
It wasn’t entirely right, either, but I decided to play dumb.
“I don’t understand. Why are you overreacting like this?”
“Because your intention to keep me in check is obvious.”
“So what should I do? Let you abduct me again?”
“Ugh, I already said I was sorry about that…”
Her momentum faltered for a moment.
Then, she glared at me, adding that she couldn’t give up on me.
Tsk, this popularity of mine is really something else.
In truth, the situation made it inevitable.
The ten Hero candidates had already established their positions. The only one left was me.
Of course, they were probably trying to win over the unaffiliated A-rank students as well.
But it was only natural that the expectations for me, a former S-rank, were much higher.
Being pestered by an elf girl wasn't so bad.
Imagine some dark-haired guy coming on to me, saying, ‘I want to be with you.’ The thought alone is horrifying, isn't it?
Well, fortunately, there was only one guy like that.
And even he was currently away, so I was safe for the time being.
‘Rather, I should be wary of the others…’
The proud and insidious Hero candidates…
They must find my existence unpleasant.
They should have made a move by now, but they were quiet, likely because they were conscious of Aruru.
That was only a temporary state of affairs.
The higher I climbed, the more they would resort to any means necessary.
To counter that, it was wise to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Conclusion.
I would have to try and make the easy target, Ilensia, my ally.
I didn't know if it would work, but there was no harm in trying.
“Do you want me that badly?”
“Of course. I want you more fiercely than anyone else!”
“…”
Anyone listening would get the wrong idea.
That was practically a confession, wasn’t it? In any case, she seemed to be sincere.
“Think about it. This isn’t a bad deal for you either. I’ll support you with all my strength until you regain your power, and…”
She poured out her words like a plea.
Then, realizing it belatedly, she huffed in frustration.
“Wait, why do I have to beg like this?”
“Beats me. I’m wondering the same thing…”
“Why don’t you be a little more honest?”
“Hmm?”
“You’re a man, so you must be interested.”
“—?”
“I can see you trying hard to deny my charms. Depending on how you act, I might even entertain you a little.”
I see now, you have a severe case, don’t you?
It seemed the time to treat it had long passed.
Then again, it wasn’t strange for her to have a princess complex.
It was all because the human male characters treated her like royalty.
She held her nose high in the air with pride.
She seemed to firmly believe she could seduce me.
Not a chance.
I had a beautiful and graceful fiancée.
Even if a truckload of elves came at me… Hmm, maybe that’s not quite right?
Anyway, in my eyes, Aruru was far prettier.
Get it now? Go and defeat our little cutie first!
“Let me ask you this. How exactly will you ‘entertain’ me?”
“Hmm, a date?”
“You’re not in any position to negotiate.”
“Then what were you expecting? D-don’t tell me…”
As if something occurred to her, her face turned red of its own accord.
Hey, why are you covering your chest? This makes me look like the weird one here.
“There’s nothing to ‘don’t tell me’ about. I had no expectations in the first place.”
“What did you say?”
“However, I think forming a cooperative relationship is a good idea.”
“Does that mean…”
“It would be best for you to join our side.”
A three-person alliance.
She mulled over the meaning with a cautious expression, then glanced at the soundly sleeping Aruru.
“But I don’t like that fox…”
“Aruru said she doesn’t mind. You’re the only one getting worked up.”
“…”
She was about to retort but swallowed her words.
The girl closed her eyes, lost in thought.
She seemed to be considering the possibility that it was all her own misunderstanding.
From her perspective, turning a natural enemy into an ally was the right move a hundred times over.
She might be a bit of an airhead, but she was still a proud Hero candidate. She would have been able to figure that much out.
“I need time to think…”
Perhaps because of all the built-up feelings.
She couldn’t sort out her emotions all at once.
Still, this was a pretty positive development.
“I’ll come back later.”
“Ilensia.”
“Yes?”
“I like you.”
“—?”
“Strictly as a person, of course.”
“…”
“Enough that I’d step in without hesitation if you were in danger.”
It was the simple truth.
She was a key character, connected to major events.
Of course, the same went for Aruru.
All ten Hero candidates were like that.
Things could change from what I knew, but each of them would still face danger at least once.
As long as my abilities allowed, I would try to save them.
When facing the Demon King's army, it was better to have every person we could get.
Surprise. Relief. Joy.
The girl’s expression gradually changed.
Soon, she spoke with her usual arrogance.
“Hmph! You should worry about yourself. What nonsense are you spouting when you’re so weak…”
Analysis complete.
You’re a tsundere, aren’t you? That’s exactly it.
A blonde tsundere beauty.
As cliché as it was, it suited her very well.
After sending the elf girl on her way, I gazed at Aruru.
“…”
This frail girl would also face trials.
Since I was indebted to her, I had to get stronger quickly so I wouldn’t be too late…
At that moment, Aruru tossed in her sleep and muttered something.
“Mmm… This time… I’ll definitely protect you…”
I, in reality, and she, in her dreams.
We were thinking similar thoughts.
Is this what it’s like…
To have a lifelong companion animal?
She was so endearing that I stroked her head.
As if she had been waiting for my touch, the girl smiled faintly.