Volume 4 Chapter 46-2 Convergence and a New Spark
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
So, the Hero turned on the kingdom, teamed up with the Demon Race, and caused a Stampede.
How will the castle handle the remaining heroes?
The Hero joined forces with the Demon Race, used necromancy, and caused a Stampede.When the castle is faced with that truth… what will they do?
They put their hope in the hero, so his betrayal will shake the kingdom’s prestige.
The reason for the betrayal was unfair treatment from the kingdom, but they can’t announce that.
And… what if the heroes themselves learned the truth?
What would they think when they found out the castle used Neguro and then discarded him when it became inconvenient?
That their former classmates were abandoned, and in despair, went over to the Demon Race.
And that the kingdom they trusted was the cause?
The possibility of a crack forming between the kingdom and the heroes is high.
That’s a convenient development for me.
That’s why I hurried the investigation team and brought them here.
Before Neguro’s body was damaged and lost its value as evidence.
Because I was hoping his death would be a spark that sets off a chain reaction.
The investigation team gathered the necessary information and proceeded efficiently.
One soldier opens a magic bag.
The black-robed corpse, equipment, dragon zombie parts, and magic stones──they stored everything that seemed relevant.
The seeds of future turmoil are being collected.And so, all investigations and collections were finished.
We looked back at the battlefield one last time, and then left the forest without a word.
Back at the temporary base camp set up outside the forest.
The sun was already setting in the west, and the long day was finally coming to an end.
* * *
For the next few days, we continued to hunt monsters near the forest entrance.
The hordes of monsters that spilled out from the Stampede were decreasing day by day.
We defeated the dragon zombie, which was the cause.
They’ll decrease, but they won’t increase anymore.
The adventurers who had been stationed in front of the forest were also gradually withdrawing.
The monsters, their prey, had decreased.
The merit of staying put was diminishing.
The kingdom’s army, which had set up camp in front of the forest, also seems to be starting to pull back their soldiers.
I could feel the tension in the air slowly start to fade, bit by bit.
”Tomorrow, the official suppression declaration for the Stampedes is supposed to come out.”
That’s when Tifi told me.
”Good. That’s a relief.”
”Yes, really…”
As she spoke, Tifi’s eyes started to glisten, and tears gently trickled down her cheeks.
Without wiping them away, she bowed her head, still smiling.
”Thank you so much, Mr. Taro. Everyone too…”
I gently pulled Tifi into a hug.
”Just did what had to be done. It’s for our family, right?”
Tifi let out a small laugh and shed more tears.
”Yes, it’s for everyone.”
”For our Elder Sister and the children. Of course it is!”
”We couldn’t let them cry anymore, could we?”
Lifia and the others crowded around Tifi, offering warm words of comfort.
”Thank you, everyone…”
Tifi cried uncontrollably, yet she still smiled through her tears.
We held her close, comforting her as best we could.
We came here to protect Tifi’s hometown, the town of Saoriba.
It was because her home was here that we took action.
And now, finally, we’ve reached the situation we’ve been hoping for.
Her family’s church, the priest and the children there, they can all live in peace again.
We can get back to our normal lives, freely exploring dungeons without a care.
That’s what I thought at the time.
* * *
The next day, we were summoned to the local branch of the Adventurers’ Guild for the Stampede strategy.
They said it was for a detailed debriefing on the battle with the Dragon Zombies.
We were guided to a large tent set up near the forest.
This was the local branch of the Adventurers’ Guild.
As we stepped inside, we saw 3 figures: officials sent from the kingdom, a blonde guy, and a black-haired kid.
They were heroes, just like me and Yomi, high school students summoned to this world.
They’re supposed to be serving the kingdom now, officially recognized as heroes.
I was surprised.
I didn’t expect them to show up now, especially when the Stampede threat was almost over.
Is the kingdom planning to act like the hero’s the one who solved the rampage?
Or do they have some other reason?
I quietly send a careful glance towards Yomi, hiding my suspicion inside.
Yomi notices that, and with a small nod, she naturally steps closer behind me.
Then she presses her hat’s brim with her fingertips, hiding her face.
Her appearance has greatly changed since those days when she was with the hero team.
Now, she’s transformed into a striking, elegant beauty.
Her image has completely shifted.
But… if her true identity gets out, trouble might start.
On the other hand, they probably doesn’t remember me now.
Well, even if they do, there’s no real reason to care that much.
Inside the tent, amid the stiff atmosphere, the official stands up and introduces himself in a formal tone.
Next, he introduces the 3 high schoolers standing behind him… the hero party.
”These are the heroes who came all the way from the royal capital.”
The heroes offer a polite bow, just for form’s sake.
The boys make no particular notice of me or Yomi.
Instead, they just seem captivated by the beauty of Lifia, Kéa, and Yomi.
I just pretend to be an adventurer, acting like it’s our first time meeting.
Then, the official turns back toward us, about to get to the main point.
”Now then, I would like to confirm some details regarding this matter. About the dragon zombie you encountered──”
”That doesn’t matter.”
The voice cuts off the official’s words.
”More importantly, I want you to handle our request first. It’s far more urgent than a monster outbreak, you know.”
As he says that, the man behind the heroes steps forward.
His presence is stronger than anyone else in the room; he naturally draws attention.
His eyes are a clear, sparkling blue.
Long, flowing golden hair that reaches down to his back.
His face is very handsome.
Judging by his appearance, he looks to be in his early twenties.
But, in truth, his age isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from his looks.
The reason is his ears.
His ears are clearly different from ordinary human ears.
Long and pointed, they tell you instantly: he’s not human.
Yes, that man was an elf.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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