Chapter 39 Heroes à la Carte Part ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Almea, calling me back so suddenly—what’s going on? I was just about to seal the deal with the Altena Kingdom. Now everything’s back to square one, and all our hard work is wasted. Is whatever this is really worth that kind of damage?”
Maya burst into the room and unloaded on Almea right away.
”Maya, I’m sorry. But…”
Seeing Almea bow her head in apology, Maya calmed down a bit.
”Almea, what happened?”
Maya moved closer and got ready to listen.
Maya had been a little hot-headed earlier. But thinking clearly, she knew Almea understood the stakes. The only human nation bordering the Alfheim Kingdom was the Empire in the Northern Region. That made the Empire their main potential enemy.
The Empire was huge. Even just its southern border forces were more than enough to threaten all of Alfheim.
From Alfheim Kingdom’s side, the Empire was their only neighbor. But to the Empire, Alfheim was just one of many small kingdoms along the border. Plus, with the Demon Territory nearby, the Empire’s army couldn’t focus only on Alfheim. That balance had kept things peaceful so far.
Still, no one smart thought it would last forever. Almea had long pushed the small kingdoms along the Empire’s border to form an alliance before things fell apart.
If that alliance formed, the Empire couldn’t invade Alfheim without the other small kingdoms stepping in. The same went for attacks on any of them.
It was a win for both sides. But talks dragged on because the Empire was so powerful.
If the small kingdoms teamed up, they could hold back the Empire’s southern army. But if the Empire’s central forces moved in, their massive troops would crush the alliance easily.
So why not just stay quiet and obey the Empire, like always? That idea spread, slowing everything down.
Then the Hero Summoning happened. The Alfheim Kingdom—and Almea—gained a new piece: the Heroes.
With that power behind her, Almea restarted alliance talks. Things were going her way, almost done.
But she called back the “Heroes” who were key to the deal. That meant something bigger was wrong.
Thinking that, Maya asked gently.
”Almea, what happened? Do you need my power?”
”Maya… I’m sorry. I have to ask for your help again…”
Almea clung to Maya, her face almost in tears.
”General Tuuran from Aran Fortress in the Northern Region asked for reinforcements. I argued we should ignore it. But the pressure from the Empire was too strong. In the end, we had to send the ‘Heroes.’”
”So you called us?”
”No. I sent Morita and the others. They’re already at Aran Fortress.”
”Then why?”
Maya did not fully grasp Demonkin power. She knew each Demonkin was stronger than humans. But based on her group’s recent growth, she thought she and the other ‘Heroes’—like Morita Kazuo—could match them.
From what Amelia said, the sent ‘Heroes’ were fighters: Morita, Joujirou, Kudo, Gou. Maya doubted they lost in battle. More likely, trouble with the kingdom’s soldiers.
”But the report is vague. It just says they ‘can’t move.’”
”What does that mean?”
”I don’t know. The site is in chaos. Even my ‘shadows’ sent back no word… So I need someone I trust to check in person…”
Almea looked up at Maya with a worried face.
Almea usually stayed strong as a princess. But with Maya, she showed her real self and leaned on her.
Seeing that, Maya—the “big sister”—could only say yes.
”No word from the ‘shadows’? That’s serious.”
The ‘shadows’ were Almea’s personal spy unit.
They handled intel, but also sabotage or kills when needed. They fought better than regular soldiers.
Maya had trained with them to hone her Gift. She knew their skills well.
No report meant someone stronger was blocking them.
Aran Fortress was a problem spot. The Empire’s army had pushed into Aran town and built it as a war base.
Aran town belonged to Alfheim on paper. But its location made it almost independent. So it couldn’t push back hard when enemy troops came.
The Empire said they came because locals reported more Demonkin in Aaren Plain lately. That was Alfheim’s job, so it was hard to complain about them stepping in.
If Alfheim challenged the Empire, Aran and other Aaren Plain towns would side with them for protection. To stop that, Alfheim thanked the Empire, cooperated until the Demonkin were gone.
So they helped build the fort and sent troops freely. For months, fights with Demonkin in Aaren Plain were stuck in a stalemate, or so Maya had heard.
But in the half-month Maya was away negotiating with Northern Region nations (T/N: Tense talks that mix words and show of force), things changed fast. That’s why she got called back.
”But Morita (Kazuo)-kun and the others are there, right? Maybe wait a bit, and it’ll sort out?”
”Maybe. But what if even they can’t handle it? Sending forces bit by bit is foolish.”
”…You’re right. Okay, I’ll head to Aran Fortress tomorrow. I’ll bring Mya-ko along. Saya returns the day after—tell her to go straight there.”
”Understood. Then, Maya, rest until tomorrow…”
Almea started to put on her princess face, but Maya hugged her tight.
”Let me hold you like this a while. Almea, you can be the little sister with me right now.”
”B-big… sister…”
Unable to fight Maya’s strength, Almea relaxed and let Maya hold her.
”Big… sister…”
Almea couldn’t resist Maya’s strength. She relaxed and let Maya hold her close.
Maya gently lifted Almea’s chin, bringing their faces closer.
”Mmm…”
Their lips met softly, a gentle warmth passing between them.
Maya deepened the kiss, their breaths weaving together in a quiet rhythm. Almea tapped Maya’s shoulder, catching her breath with a shy giggle.
Maya pulled back, her smile soft and warm. “Getting a little carried away, huh?”
”Phew! Oh, big sister…” Almea’s cheeks flushed a bright pink, her eyes sparkling.
”You’re just too cute,” Maya teased, brushing a strand of Almea’s hair behind her ear with a gentle touch.
Her hand lingered, trailing lightly down Almea’s arm, resting there with a comforting warmth.
”Big sister…?” Almea’s voice was soft, her body relaxing under the familiar touch.
”Mind if I stay close?” Maya asked, her fingers tracing a soothing pattern.
Almea’s shoulders softened, a shy smile spreading across her face.
”Oh…” Almea sighed, her heart fluttering with each gentle movement.
”Still so sweet,” Maya said warmly, her touch light and reassuring.
She carefully adjusted Almea’s sleeve, her fingers brushing softly, creating a moment of quiet connection.
”Big sister… that’s…” Almea murmured, her voice trembling with a mix of nerves and trust.
”Just relax,” Maya whispered, her smile full of care as she leaned in for another soft kiss.
Maya’s presence grew warmer, her closeness wrapping Almea in a comforting embrace. Almea’s breath hitched, a shiver running through her.
”Oh! That’s… a lot,” Almea squeaked, her cheeks glowing.
Maya chuckled, her touch steady and gentle, like a warm blanket on a cool night.
”Oh… big sister… you’re too much,” Almea said, squirming with a shy laugh.
”You’re adorable,” Maya replied, her voice full of affection.
Then, a quiet intensity built between them.
”Oh! I feel… something,” Almea gasped, her eyes wide with surprise.
”It’s okay, just let it happen,” Maya whispered, her voice soothing.
”Ohhh!” Almea’s breath caught, her heart racing as a wave of warmth washed over her.
A flush spread across her face, and she ducked her head, embarrassed but smiling.
”Oops, got a bit carried away?” Maya teased, her laugh light and playful.
Almea hid her face in her hands, her blush deepening.
”Now, let’s stay close,” Maya said, settling beside her, their shoulders brushing.
”No… I just…” Almea mumbled, her voice soft but trusting.
Maya’s hand rested gently on Almea’s, their fingers intertwining in a quiet promise.
”Oh…” Almea’s voice softened, her tension easing.
”Feel nice?” Maya asked, her tone warm and caring.
Almea nodded, her smile shy but genuine.
”Good. Let’s make it even better,” Maya said, squeezing her hand gently.
Their closeness grew, a shared warmth filling the space between them. Almea’s heart fluttered again, her breath quickening.
”No… that’s…!” Almea gasped, overwhelmed by the moment’s intensity.
Maya stayed steady, her presence grounding and warm.
”Hehe, look at you,” Maya teased softly. Almea glanced away, her cheeks pink.
Maya couldn’t resist teasing her a little more.
”Ready for more?” Maya asked, her voice playful as she leaned closer.
In a cozy embrace, she pulled Almea near, their warmth blending together.
”Big sister…” Almea looked up, her eyes full of trust.
”I’ve got you,” Maya said, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Their lips met again, a gentle connection filled with care.
”Okay, here we go,” Maya said, pulling Almea into a tighter hug.
Their closeness felt like a shared secret, warm and safe.
”Oh… I feel you…” Almea whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Maya held her firmly, their hearts beating in sync, soft sounds of laughter and whispers filling the room.
Their breaths grew quicker, wrapped in the moment.
”Oh… it’s happening again!” Almea said, her voice bright with surprise.
”I’m right here with you,” Maya murmured.
”Yes!”
They shared a quiet, overwhelming moment, holding each other close, trembling with the warmth of their bond.
After a while, Maya dressed and left the room, satisfied.
Almea watched her go from the bed, whispering to herself.
”About 70% depth, maybe? It feels… off, but no betrayal worries now.”
Thanks to the Goddess’s Gift, Almea’s control over Heroes was weak.
With men like Morita, using the Maids’ charm, she could reach near 100% control. But with Nomura, Miyabe, and Taichi, it barely hit 40%.
They felt… wrong, like creatures in human skin. Talking to them never clicked. They ignored most Maids, even the prettiest, making it hard to sway them.
Even then, control stayed weak. Almea half-ignored them, hoping they wouldn’t turn hostile.
Maya, Miyako, and Sayaka, with their rare Gifts, resisted differently. Almea learned their wariness blocked her.
So she opened up to Maya, showing vulnerability. Half was an act, half was real.
It worked. Maya trusted her, and Almea’s control deepened. Miyako and Sayaka followed, now firmly on her side at 70% (T/N: “Depth” refers to Almea’s magical influence over others’ loyalty).
Each time with Maya, the bond grew, but something felt off.
Almea didn’t know why, but the growing control gave her confidence. No betrayal.
”Work hard for me, big sister,” Almea said with a quiet laugh, alone in the room.
Notes:
• Almea – First Princess of Alfheim, poised and graceful, leads and guides summoned heroes, embodies calm authority and divine favor.
• Altena Kingdom – A small human border state facing the Empire’s southern forces, courted by Alfheim to join a defensive alliance. Its support could have balanced the Empire’s pressure, but negotiations collapsed when Almea pulled back the Heroes, undoing months of work. Reminder: the border kingdom whose broken talks weakened Alfheim’s alliance push.
• May – Blonde, soft-eyed shrine girl. ch14–15. Gentle and pleading (“Please… just let us go…”), timid but loyal, relies on Mina’s strength. Came with Mina to save Sara, but was disarmed and bound by Kanata as his captive maid.
• Maya – Cheerful brown-haired girl, naturally charming and social, Kanata’s classmate and morning conversation neighbor.
• Alfheim Kingdom – A demi-human realm of Elves, positioned among the powers bordering Florence. Its existence, along with Alefgard and Mercuria, kept Florence trapped in a triangle of stronger neighbors. Reminder: the elven neighbor whose presence tightened Florence’s cage.
• Aran Fortress – A heavily fortified base raised by the Empire in Aran town, land claimed by Alfheim but surrendered under pressure. Officially built to fight Demonkin spilling from the Aaren Plain, it also secures a permanent Imperial foothold on Alfheim’s border. Local towns rely on the Empire’s protection, making resistance nearly impossible.
• Tuuran – A commander stationed at Aran Fortress on Alfheim’s northern frontier, facing constant pressure from the Empire and Demonkin. His urgent request for reinforcements forced Almea to send Heroes despite her reluctance, triggering the chain of events that pulled Maya back from Altena negotiations. Reminder: the fortress general whose plea reshaped Alfheim’s plans.
• Morita – Kazuo’s Family Name.
• Kazuo – Silver-haired, confident class rep, natural leader and strategist, takes charge of classmates in the summoned hero scenario.
• Gou – A Ranger who coordinates attacks, balancing aggression and caution in training.
• Joujirou – A classmate and a wielder of Guardian’s Shield, anchors the training line with unyielding defense
• Kudo – A classmate and a Swordsman gift holder, slices through enemies with precision in training battles.
• Aaren Plain – Grassland east of Florence, flanked by Mercuria (south), Alefgard (north), and Alfheim (west). Trade artery for food, steel, and elven goods; lifeline in peace, choke point in blockade. Reminder: Florence’s survival hinges on this crossroads.
• Miyabe – Taichi’s loyal friend with the Porter gift, carries goods safely, bound by the Oath of One. Appears: During morning exercises, discussing plans with Taichi. Reason: Summoned as a hero, supports Taichi’s ambitions. Event: Joins Taichi’s scheme to accompany Hajime to town for trade.
• Nomura – The cunning otaku hero, wields Analyzer to master information, plotting a lavish harem empire in a foreign realm. Appears: A scheming figure amidst maids and training fields. Reason: To exploit his summoning for wealth and pleasure. Event: Enjoys maids’ service and schemes with friends for a harem.
• Taichi – A fierce friend of Otaku Hero with the Brawler gift, protects Taichi’s group, united by their sacred oath. Appears: Mentioned in Taichi and Ichiro’s plans, training with others. Reason: Summoned as a hero, serves as group protector. Event: Set to go to town with Kimura, accompanied by Taichi and Ichiro.
• Miyako – Quiet library girl with golden hair, intelligent and book-savvy, occasional silent companion to Kanata.
• Sayaka – Athletic blonde with sharp presence, expert in multiple martial arts, Kanata’s lunch-time sparring partner and admired distant figure.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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