I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

The weather had grown cooler.

A refreshing breeze swept across the grassy plains, brushing softly against their faces—a relief from the heat of the day.

Back in her military training days, Nero had often longed for such breezes while standing under the relentless sun. Even better would have been clouds to shield the sun or a downpour to last until the end of training.

Golden hair that shimmered like sunlight danced in the wind as Nero brushed it aside with a casual hand.

"To make me, the Emperor of Rome, wait… Such impertinence cannot be forgiven. But, since they are beautiful girls, I shall show mercy."

Today was the day Claire and Reine would arrive to escort Alice back.

Not wanting to draw unnecessary attention or reveal Alice's true identity to the people of Axel, Nero had chosen a discreet meeting place.

Before long, Alice arrived with Yunyun in tow.

"Did you say your goodbyes properly?"

"…Yes."

Alice's mood was somber. For a child, partings were often weighty affairs.

It reminded Nero of something embarrassing from her own childhood. Raised by her grandmother, she had once sobbed inconsolably when her mother left after a brief visit, searching the neighborhood in vain for someone who had already gone.

Seeing Alice's downcast expression, Nero spoke gently.

"Every farewell is a promise for a better reunion."

As Alice and Yunyun turned their attention to her, Nero's smile softened.

"There's no need to weigh farewells so heavily. It's not as if you'll never see each other again. A person's life is woven from meetings and partings, but it's the regrets in farewells that make us cherish the hope of future reunions."

"We grow through farewells, carrying hope forward."

"And is that not, in its own way, a form of Rome—a kind of romance?"

Yes, they weren't parting forever.

While this world lacked the conveniences of video calls, teleportation magic existed. Though the capital and Axel were far apart, travel between them was as simple as casting a spell—easier than even a high-speed train or a plane.

Alice might find it difficult to leave the capital again, but perhaps Yunyun could visit her there.

With enough skill points, Yunyun could eventually learn teleportation magic herself.

As Nero glanced at Yunyun, she noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

It seemed she hadn't slept well.

"Alice, have you told Yunyun your true identity?"

"Yes," Alice admitted with a nod, her voice tinged with unease. "She's my friend, and I didn't want to hide who I really am… Did I do something wrong, Nero?"

"No, you did the right thing," Nero replied with a warm smile. "At this point, there's no need for secrets."

Yunyun had suspected that Alice wasn't an ordinary girl, likely a noble—but she probably hadn't anticipated that Alice was royalty.

As a commoner, perhaps even a "lowly adventurer" in Claire's eyes, Yunyun felt the weight of their differences.

Yet, it hadn't created a rift between them, and that reassured Nero.

"Um… can I go with you?"

Yunyun's soft, hesitant voice broke the silence, her teeth worrying at her lip as she spoke.

Nero wasn't surprised by the question. She patiently explained.

"If you wish to come to the capital, that's possible. The monsters there are stronger, but with me around, I can help you level up and get through the early stages. However, if you're hoping to stay by Alice's side… I'm afraid that won't be possible."

"…I see. That's… fair."

Nero's response was what Yunyun had expected.

But to say she hadn't held out a sliver of hope would be a lie.

If she hadn't hoped, she wouldn't have asked.

Now, that last bit of hope was dashed. A mix of emotions churned within her, and Yunyun fought the urge to cry.

But she resolved to save her tears for when she was alone.

When saying goodbye, she had to smile.

Not far from Nero and the others, a sudden light flared to life.

Golden threads of light wove themselves into a magic circle on the ground. As the light reached its peak, two figures appeared out of nowhere.

One was a knight in formal attire, her blonde hair tinged with blue. The other was a mage with a flowing cape and striking orange hair.

Claire and Reine had arrived.

Reine, the mage, had used teleportation magic to bring Claire here.

As the glowing magic circle faded, Claire opened her eyes and spotted Nero's group.

Then, without hesitation, she drew her sword and charged straight at Nero.

"My, what a warm greeting, dear knight," Nero quipped.

Claire's blade was stopped—but not with another sword.

Nero had caught it effortlessly between two fingers.

The overwhelming disparity between them was evident to all.

Confronted with such a gap in power, even Claire found her resolve faltering.

"…Your strength is… undeniable," Claire admitted with a sigh, lowering her sword.

"Aside from you, no one else could have defeated a Demon King's general so easily. Sometimes, I wonder if you're even human…"

"Umu! I assure you, I am human. And if I weren't, what else could I be? But I'll accept your words as a compliment."

Nero crossed her arms triumphantly, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction.

Looking at Nero's smug expression, Claire's temper flared again.

"You should be grateful that nothing happened to Princess Alice. If anything had, I would have staked my life to see you executed!"

"Claire…"

"Princess Alice, please don't look at me like that. This is a matter of principle!"

Alice's soft, pleading gaze seemed to be Claire's one weakness.

For Alice, Claire might very well have been willing to defy the entire kingdom.

"Nero."

The quiet Reine stepped forward, bowing to Nero.

"What's this?" Nero asked.

"It's my gratitude."

Her words carried sincere respect.

"Claire and I both heard from Lady Lalatina about how you've adventured with Princess Alice in this city. Claire was furious when she first found out, but Lady Lalatina told us… that Princess Alice has been smiling more than ever during her time here."

Lady Lalatina, of course, referred to Darkness.

Darkness, knowing full well Claire's hostility toward Nero for taking Alice out of the capital, had observed Nero's character over the past few days and witnessed Alice's joy.

In her own way, Darkness was trying to bridge the gap between Claire and Nero.