Chapter 80
Chapter 80
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: The Imperial Representative (1)
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Cedric collapsed on his own.
A sense of unease washed over me.
“…”
No, wait a minute…
I feel a strange sense of déjà vu.
These annoying types always seem to self-destruct before I even have to do anything.
From the looks of it, he must have pushed his mana too far and lost control.
Well, it doesn't really matter.
I've shown everyone what I needed to, and now I don't even have to get my hands dirty.
“Ooh, so that’s the power of the Hero…”
“You can tell just by how he wields the Holy Sword…”
“…To think he’d defeat Cedric so easily.”
A continuous wave of cheers.
Everyone, without exception, was singing my praises.
Hmm, it's a bit early to be this surprised.
This is just a taste of what's to come.
In any case, this was bound to change a lot of things.
Now that I was a Hero, it was obvious I'd be drawing attention from all over.
Starting with the Emperor, high-ranking nobles would try to make contact.
I'd be very busy for a while.
It’s like I’m entering the politics and diplomacy… or perhaps the socialite part of the story.
My body might get a rest, but it seems my mind is in for a workout.
I'll have to discuss that with Esterize and get through it.
As a former princess, she had high stats in politics and charm.
Well, it wasn't a huge deal.
There were several routes, but cooperating with the Empire was the best one.
The higher my favorability and fame…
…the more support I'd receive, making future developments easier.
First, I should take care of the princess's business.
I wonder how she's feeling right now.
She must be eager to tell her retainers that she's become a Hero.
What they need is hope.
Just showing them the Holy Sword would surely send their morale soaring.
“So, go on. Hurry back.”
“---??”
The princess was acting strange.
Jace is a Hero, and now I'm a Hero too?
This is so unexpected, I don't know what's going on!
She seemed to be lost in a state of utter chaos.
Has her character changed a bit?
She might seem cheerful, but she was always serious when she needed to be.
Then again, facing the unprecedented situation of two Heroes, I can't blame her.
“Show them. The fact that you're a Hero.”
My constant urging finally snapped her out of it.
The girl looked burdened and whispered quietly.
“There will be many people looking for us. If I just slip away…”
“I'll handle that. It's more important for you to take care of your business. You've been waiting for this moment, haven't you?”
“…”
Was it because she was thinking of her followers?
As if realizing her priorities, she nodded.
“Thank you. I won't be long.”
She turned away, leaving a faint smile behind.
I gazed at the princess's retreating back.
I need to organize my thoughts.
Does this make her the protagonist of this world?
Since she was chosen by the Holy Sword, she can't be a heroine…
As always, there were too many variables to make any predictions.
In any case, from my perspective, this was the best possible outcome.
I'll use the princess to my advantage and reap the sweet rewards.
I looked into it, and it turns out fame is a shared system.
A simple calculation makes it double. That alone promises a huge benefit.
“That was amazing! I guess I should call you the Hero now, huh?”
Aruru wagged her tail cheerfully.
My little cutie. Are you that happy I became a Hero?
“Yes!”
She's always the same.
She rejoiced as if she had the whole world.
“So you were this generation's Hero after all. My sincerest congratulations.”
Ceria's praise continued.
She looked like she was dying to hug me right then and there.
See? My man is this amazing!
Her proud expression brought a smile to my face.
“Wow, I never expected this… but it all worked out. Two Heroes is a surprise, but the more the merrier, right?”
Ilensia glanced at me, trying to read my expression.
#BiggestBetOfMyLife #Success #Jackpot
Her face was so bright, it was as if she had those tags written all over it.
So far, so good, but the last one was truly baffling.
“Jace… no, Sir Hero. From now on, you must stay by my side. I will serve you with all my heart and soul.”
“…”
Aah, this is so embarrassing!
I was planning to make full use of the Saintess's abilities, but…
She was coming on to me even more strongly herself.
My favorability with her was skyrocketing.
It even shot past 80.
“A fate ordained by the Goddess… That is what I believe. I hope you'll think of me as special, too.”
“---!!”
The holy maiden pressed her body close against mine.
I had received Luciel's trait, but I hadn't had a chance to check it.
To make matters worse, Ceria couldn't contain her agitation.
Stop right there! Jace is my man!
Even if you're the Saintess, you've crossed a line!
With that thought, she snatched me away, linking her arm with mine.
Just as I thought.
Unlike how she treated Aruru like a pet…
…she seemed to view Luciel as a formidable rival she couldn't let her guard down around.
My fiancée, narrowing her eyes, and the Saintess, smiling with hers.
I was just standing there, but I got caught in the middle of their war of nerves.
“…”
It wasn't unpleasant.
To be honest, it felt like I was living out a man's fantasy.
But apart from that, it was suffocating.
It made me fear the future repercussions, so to speak.
As I grew more flustered, Aruru's eyes suddenly lit up.
The fox beastkin followed Ceria's lead and clung to me as well.
I can't resist. It's instinct, I can't help it!
With that kind of feeling, she showered me with affection.
My little cutie.
You too? This is just making things more awkward.
“It's because you're too cool. Just accept your fate.”
“…”
That remark hit the nail on the head.
As long as I'm in this body, I'll have to endure it.
-Not only did you become the Hero, but you also took care of Cedric! If I could, I'd throw myself into your arms… Hmm, but you seem to be in a tight spot right now.
Even Chloe sent a belated message.
The content was a bit startling, but she seemed to understand my situation.
Just as I was thinking it was one thing after another…
The development I had anticipated unfolded.
“Jace Crodain.”
A middle-aged man called my name.
Just from his well-dressed appearance, I could guess he was of high status.
“First, congratulations on becoming the Hero. As a representative of the Imperial Family, I couldn't simply pass by. If you have a moment…”
Someone dispatched from the Imperial Family approached me.
The conversation seemed like it would be long, but it was a necessary step.
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I was waiting.”
“Hmm…”
I was as courteous as possible.
Just like with the Dwarf Tribe, the Imperial Family also has a favorability rating.
I benefited greatly from that last time.
This time, I'll play along and try to raise it as much as I can.
***
The Imperial Family's representative, a royal named Marcel.
I thought it would be a serious, private conversation just between him and me.
But with two girls occupying the seats next to me, the atmosphere was thrown off.
From now on, we're together always and everywhere!
Luciel projected that sentiment with confidence.
My little cutie was present in her capacity as a pet.
Marcel looked just as perplexed as I was.
But since they were technically involved parties, he seemed to let it slide.
“This is highly unusual. For two Heroes to be born in one era… Still, I'm glad that you're one of them.”
The heir to a great family belonging to the Empire.
This body's identity was more certain than anyone's.
It was predicated on the belief that I, at least, wouldn't do anything foolish.
“The Crodain Family has fought the Demon King's Army for generations and achieved great merits. Perhaps you are reaping the benefits of that.”
This is truly a joyous occasion for the family.
As expected from the best family, they're on another level.
That was the gist of it, but I grasped the hidden meaning.
You've done well so far, so you'd better do well this time too, right?
Please just do what you've always done. It'll be a problem if you go off track.
He was definitely implying as much.
The Hero's authority was so great that even a representative of the Imperial Family had to tread carefully.
“Thank you for thinking so highly of me. In accordance with my family's ideals, and my own personal convictions, I declare that I will cooperate with the Empire to defeat the Demon King's Army.”
“Indeed…”
He nodded in satisfaction.
My noble speech and conduct seemed to put him at ease.
“By the way… why don't I see the other one? You seem to know the reason…”
“…”
He asked about the princess's whereabouts, clearly displeased.
Well, considering the circumstances, it looked like she'd suddenly fled.
Was there anyone who needed more watching than a Hero?
From his perspective, he couldn't help but be anxious.
“She went to take care of some urgent business. She'll be back soon, so you can rest assured…”
“And the Holy Sword?”
The Hero is one thing, but the location of the Holy Sword is more important.
He pressed the issue, so I showed it to him immediately.
When I summoned the Holy Sword from my subspace, he stared at it in wonder.
“The symbol of the Hero… You already handle it so skillfully. I suppose my expectations are warranted.”
“You're too kind. In any case, I will relay your message to Esterize when she returns. She will likely follow my lead.”
“It sounds as if you can control her…”
“No. We simply have a relationship built on mutual trust.”
A comrade you can entrust your back to.
I emphasized that point again.
He looked unconvinced, but as if deciding to trust me, he didn't press the matter further.
“We should get to the main point. First, you must enter the Imperial Palace and have an audience with His Majesty. After that, we may hold an event. Do you understand what that means?”
Announcing the birth of a Hero to the world.
Most people would surely rejoice, filled with new hope.
It had the effect of stabilizing public sentiment, which was also very good for the Imperial Family.
“Yes. I will follow whatever is decided.”
“I like your straightforwardness. Now then, it's time to discuss the details…”
This is where it gets important.
Now that we're in a cooperative relationship, I need to get everything I can out of it.
The right to command elite legions.
The authority to mobilize the Knight Orders and the Mage Tower.
If possible, I wanted to be in charge of strategy planning as well.
“…Are you being serious?”
No, what have you been smoking?
There's no way that's possible, common sense dictates as much.
He looked at me as if I were insane, which was a perfectly natural reaction.
My future was promising, and I had even become the Hero, but…
…this body hadn't proven anything yet.
In the original story, that was only possible after building up maximum fame.
At this point, I couldn't complain if it was dismissed as nonsense.
Still, I threw it out there just in case, but the wall of reality was, as expected, solid.
“I suppose it's too much to ask.”
“I don't mean to disregard you, but who would hand over military authority to a non-expert?”
Yes, I suppose you're right.
If I were in his shoes, I'd think I was about to screw things up royally.
But I have a complete understanding of this world's setting.
There might be some minor variables, but it was no different from having seen the future.
But it wasn't like I could reveal that fact.
Should I just quietly raise my fame? With the princess around, the time required would likely be shortened considerably.
“You should give a little more thought to your position.”
“I'm not sure I understand what you mean…”
“The Crodain Family is excessively powerful. And now, you've even produced a Hero. Personally, I don't mind, but some might find it… displeasing.”
“…”
He didn't say it directly, but judging by the nuance…
…it seemed there was a faction that feared the Crodain Family's power.
Perhaps even the Imperial Family was part of it.
It was understandable, but at the same time, it felt a bit unfair.
To think that being the heir of such a distinguished family could be a problem.
“It may not be my place to speak, but I must say something. Jace was chosen by the Holy Sword. In other words, he has received a mission from the Goddess.”
“…”
“As the Saintess representing the church, I strongly support Jace.”
Luciel finished speaking with a cold expression.
Huh? Who dares defy the Goddess's will? I won't stand for that!
She seemed to be flaring up with that sentiment, but this time, it felt strangely reassuring.
Is this the charm of the Saintess character?
Her faith was enough to make my shoulders straighten without me realizing it.
Aruru also widened her eyes, adding her support.
My little cutie. It's no use, even if you do that.
She wasn't threatening at all, but her effort was admirable.
Well, it wasn't entirely without effect.
Marcel, as if cornered, chose his words slowly.
“There is… one way.”
“…”
No, wait a minute!
Isn't that a line that hints at the worst possible move?
Just as a sense of dread washed over me, he made an unexpected proposal.
“Most problems can be solved with a political marriage. What are your thoughts?”
“---!!”
Aah, Easy Mode just suddenly switched to Hard Mode!
Accepting that proposal would be a disaster, and rejecting it would be a disaster.
I don't see any way out of this…
It seemed the Hero's trials had already begun.