Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: The Dwarf Tribe (1)
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The next morning.
The time had finally come to visit the Dwarf Tribe.
The plan was to go with a few of the Hero candidates.
But an unexpected person showed their face.
The Vice President, Isabel Presti, had come to visit.
As the de facto leader of the Student Council, her influence was not to be underestimated.
*Hmm, what does she want?*
*I can't think of any particular reason.*
She glanced around Aruru's training room.
A moment later, she stared at me with a meaningful gaze.
“…”
“…”
*You're living in the same place as a girl?*
*I know you're different races, but still, isn't that a bit… much?*
For some reason, it felt like she was interrogating me with that sentiment.
“Aruru isn't awake yet, I see.”
“She tends to sleep a lot…”
“She's an excellent student, so it hardly matters.”
*My little cutie is excellent?*
I thought about Aruru's daily routine.
Eating, sleeping, playing…
Hers was the ideal life of a pet, so carefree it was almost enviable.
Despite that, I couldn't deny the Vice President's words.
At the Hero Academy, strength was prioritized above all else.
In other words, my little cutie was no different from a model student who maintained a single-digit rank in the entire school.
“It seems you've grown quite close to Aruru…”
“…”
“Well, I suppose it's not a problem.”
As if it were none of her business.
Isabel adjusted her glasses with a businesslike demeanor.
I inwardly sighed in relief.
*If she had come a little earlier, it might have been dangerous, huh?*
Every morning when I opened my eyes.
a small fox beastkin was nestled in my arms.
It was a daily routine now, so it didn't stir any particular feelings, but it wasn't a sight for others to see.
“In any case, I'm personally quite pleased. You're the only one who gets along with the various Hero candidates.”
She wished for peace at the academy.
In the original story, the factions would clash, but my presence seemed to have prevented that.
Isabel must have known that, too.
There was a reason she trusted me.
“I heard you plan to visit the Dwarf Tribe today. As you already know, it's up to them to judge your qualifications. So, about that…”
She handed me an envelope containing some documents.
At a glance, it looked like some kind of official document.
“It's a document stating that we will provide the Dwarf Tribe with more concessions. I should have presented it myself, but having you deliver it paints a better picture.”
“—!!”
Wow, how could I not be grateful?
I'd received some unexpected help.
I had been worried about this very thing.
With this, I should be able to win the dwarves' favor.
“It may not have a huge effect, but it's better than doing nothing at all.”
*It's fine, a gift is all in the presentation!*
*I'm just the messenger, but I'll make sure to take all the credit for it.*
“This is a bit unexpected… but I suppose I should thank you.”
“Don't mention it. I'm just sorry this is all the support I can offer.”
Her sincerity was palpable.
Isabel continued speaking carefully.
“I once almost had you expelled. It couldn't be helped at the time, but I now feel it was too rash. While it may not be something to beg forgiveness for, I will admit it was my mistake.”
*Hmm, there's no need for that.*
She was just doing her job as Vice President.
Whatever the reason, it was a fact that I had been a scoundrel.
“Not at all. That was solely my own transgression, and I intend to take responsibility for it in some form.”
“Yes, that's the kind of person you are. Personally, I will always support you. I hope you achieve your goals.”
The girl who looked good in glasses.
Isabel left with those words of encouragement and departed.
She scratched an itch right when I needed it.
Last time, when I needed a sparring partner, she dispatched personnel from the Student Council.
I receive help from her in various ways.
To repay that trust, I had to charm the pants off the dwarves.
I wouldn't know until I actually faced them, but…
I had a feeling things would go just as I planned.
As I was reviewing my plans, Aruru woke up.
She rubbed her eyes and let out an adorable yawn.
After finishing her little routine, she circled around me, sniffing.
“—??”
In an instant, as if doused with cold water.
The girl's drowsy expression turned sharp.
“The scent of a strange woman… Explain yourself, now!”
“…”
An unparalleled sense of smell.
She reacted decisively, as if she'd caught me red-handed.
My little cutie.
*Sorry, but can we save the games for later?*
We needed to start getting ready if we wanted to arrive on time.
*If we dawdle, we might not have enough time to eat, you know?*
“Aah, I can't compromise on that!”
Food was more important than anything else.
With that thought, she hurriedly changed her clothes.
The thought of going on a trip seemed to fill her with more energy than usual.
In any case, it was a relief to see her in such a good mood.
Because she was the key to this plan.
***
Isabel recalled her recent meeting.
“Jace Crodain…”
They had only talked for a moment, but he was still a mystery.
It was astonishing enough that he'd recovered his dantian, but to think he'd already become so strong.
You could feel the aura of a powerful individual just by looking at him.
It was enough to easily surpass the average A-rank.
Seeing his progress, he would soon reclaim his rightful place.
Becoming a Hero candidate again was practically a foregone conclusion.
She could even see the potential for him to become not just a candidate, but the master of the Holy Sword.
A being one couldn't help but notice.
Isabel held Jace in high regard.
Who could possibly belittle him as just a young master born with a silver spoon?
Despite suffering a setback, he had stood up proudly on his own.
That effort and grit were dazzlingly cool and beautiful.
That wasn't all.
Befitting the heir of a great family, he spoke of responsibility.
*“His intention to drive out the Demon King's Army, the sworn enemy of humanity…”*
When the time came, he would surely stand at the forefront, ahead of anyone else.
Given his disposition, he seemed determined to strive to protect everyone.
It naturally explained why his character was a cut above the rest.
In comparison, the other Hero candidates were lacking.
“Cedric, Gale, Baken, Crow, Erich…”
They had their own personalities, but they weren't particularly appealing.
They were simply stronger than others; in every other aspect, they were disappointing.
Consideration for others.
The leadership to guide comrades, and so on.
Only Jace possessed the qualities of a Hero.
In many ways, he was promising…
No, he had shown more than just promise, which was why she could trust him absolutely.
“I envy Ceria…”
Isabel let out a light sigh.
If he hadn't already been taken, she would have tried to make a move.
*How reassuring it would be to have a lover like Jace. If I were in his arms…*
“…”
She quickly shook off the delusion.
She didn't run the Student Council for nothing.
Just as she was strict with others, she had to be strict with herself.
Anyway…
As someone who supported Jace, all she could do was wish him well for the future.
***
All the members for this trip had gathered.
Esterize, Ilensia, Aruru. And including me, there were four of us in total.
The princess had ordered armor, and the elf girl said she was going to get a bow.
“Dwarven equipment… It must be incredibly expensive, right?”
“…”
*Ah, I just want to sell it!*
The princess was tormented by that internal conflict.
*When will she fix this habit of converting everything into money?*
*Why would you sell an S-rank item you could use until the very end?*
A sense of anxiety crept over me, as it seemed she might actually do it.
I'd have to keep an eye on her and stop her if necessary.
“Dwarves hate us elves. I'm worried those shorties will make me something defective.”
“…”
The elf girl sighed.
Her concern was quite reasonable.
The two races were so averse to each other they hated even breathing the same air.
*Well, what can you do.*
We had no choice but to trust in the dwarves' craftsmanship.
They had high dexterity stats, so they were good at making anything.
The setting was that the higher their proficiency, the more special functions were added to the items they crafted.
However, for magic-related items, the effects were minimal.
That's why mages and spirit masters don't seek out dwarves.
This was the reason Cedric, Gale, and Skadi weren't participating.
And Baken and Crow were of the mindset that they didn't need to rely on S-rank equipment.
*A master calligrapher doesn't blame his brush.*
*Extreme training is more important.*
They just acted foolishly with that kind of thinking.
*How should I deal with those problem children?*
It might be fine for now, but eventually, they'd need the boost from items.
In truth, I didn't need to look after all the Hero candidates.
Raising five or six who listened to me well would be enough.
Still, you never know.
If a variable popped up, I'd have to mobilize the rest of them.
“…”
*But I don't want to take care of those guys.*
*How about I monopolize the items meant for them and become stronger myself?*
*No, wait a minute…*
*Then I'd have to work that much harder, wouldn't I?*
It was quite the dilemma. I'd have to think about that problem slowly.
“Um, I don't really have any particular thoughts… But maybe you could get an extra piece of gear for yourself with my share?”
Aruru's fox ears perked up.
She was saying she would willingly give up her chance for my sake.
My little cutie.
*When she hits me with something like that out of nowhere, how can I not be moved?*
*How can she be so admirable?*
When I stroked her head, she grinned bashfully.
It was a tempting offer, but how could I take away the girl's opportunity?
“Nn, it's okay. I just want you to get stronger!”
“—!!”
*Ah, a two-hit combo is cheating!*
At this rate, I might actually fall in love with her…
“Because if you're holding the front line reliably, it makes things easier for me.”
“…”
*Huh?*
If I interpreted that, it meant she wanted me to be her meat shield.
*You're my personal tank.*
*You have to take hits for me!*
She beamed with that sentiment.
In a way, it was to be expected.
But her attitude was so confident that it felt strange.
Well, there was no reason I couldn't do it.
How could I ignore my little cutie's request?
I'd rather sacrifice myself than let her get hurt.
Although I wasn't specialized for tanking.
I was practically an all-rounder, so I could handle the tank position just fine.
“Alright, just trust me. I'll block any attack for you. I'll live for you.”
“—!!”
The girl couldn't compose herself at my passionate confession.
She wagged her tail fiercely, as if unsure whether I was serious or joking.
“Ugh, that's embarrassing… But I love it!”
She wrapped her arms around my waist and rubbed her face against me.
It seemed the more embarrassed she got, the higher the level of her affection became.
A flawless, clear purity.
She was just being honest with her feelings.
“E-excuse me… I'm confident I can do a good job, too…”
“—??”
I stared blankly at the princess.
Of course, she would also handle the front line splendidly.
*So she's saying she'll take an extra piece of dwarven equipment?*
*She's not planning to sell it off without anyone noticing, is she?*
“No, I just mean… that's all…”
“…”
I was lost in thought for a moment.
Esterize's abilities were outstanding, so it wouldn't be a problem to give all the items to her.
*Actually, that's great! It's easier for me that way.*
It would mean entrusting the girl with a difficult role, but this case was a bit different.
The princess had a great cause and conviction.
Until she defeated the Demon King's Army and rebuilt her kingdom, she would never waver.
In comparison, I was a bit… soft.
I was trying my best, but I lacked a sense of desperation.
Yes, what was there to hide.
To be honest, I wanted to take it easy and reap the benefits.
In other words, it was a difference in mindset.
Pushing the princess forward looked good in many ways, but I'd have to put that issue on hold for now.
“We should get going.”
We passed through a series of gates.
After riding on horseback for about half a day, the dwarven territory appeared.
A village built like a fortress against the backdrop of a rugged mountain range.
It was a scene that revealed the characteristic insularity of the dwarves.
At that very moment, the system window threw a quest at me.
[Main Quest]
[Achieve Max Affinity with the Dwarf Tribe]
[Reward: +100,000 Achievement Points for each rank increase]
[The response of all dwarves will change according to the Affinity rank]
*Not favorability, but affinity.*
They were similar, but this had a slightly broader meaning.
I slowly mulled over the system message.
Now that it had come to this, I couldn't just end it with getting a single weapon.
*Hmm, I smell a jackpot.*
*S-rank items can be duplicated!*
Perhaps that joke could really come true.