I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

"Umu…"

Nero rubbed her chin thoughtfully, her emerald eyes focused intently on Yunyun standing before her.

Wrapped snugly in a fluffy white hooded cloak, with matching mittens and warm boots, Yunyun looked every bit like a winter sprite.

Perhaps Nero's gaze was a little too intense, as Yunyun shifted awkwardly under the attention, her body slightly stiff.

"Umu! Such an adorable outfit—truly refreshing to behold," Nero exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration. "A winter elf, perhaps? Yes, that's the feeling you give me. Chin up, my dear! You look stunning."

"T-Thank you," Yunyun stammered, her cheeks tinged pink.

Winter was approaching.

The biting chill in the air wasn't the only sign—the streets were filled with people bundled in increasingly thicker layers of clothing.

"Nero… aren't you cold like that?"

Yunyun's expression betrayed her concern. Nero, after all, was still clad in her signature crimson ceremonial dress.

Such a revealing outfit might be fine for summer, but in the dead of winter? Even just looking at Nero made Yunyun feel a chill.

"Umu? Worry not! This is nothing to me," Nero declared, puffing out her chest confidently. "I am an Emperor! A mere winter cannot possibly hinder me."

"I… see. Just don't push yourself too hard. Catching a cold would be awful," Yunyun said hesitantly.

"Why, you're getting quite naggy lately, aren't you? Oh, and remember to lock the door properly when we leave."

"I won't forget!"

Nero and Yunyun had pooled their adventuring earnings to purchase a house.

When the seller learned that Nero was the one who had defeated the Demon King's general, they had enthusiastically offered her a discount.

In this world, most adventurers didn't bother buying houses. Long expeditions often kept them away for days or weeks, and accidents on dangerous quests meant many never returned home. Owning property was seen as a waste, so most adventurers simply stayed at inns.

Nero, unbothered by the expense, had purchased a grand mansion—complete with a garden.

"If it belongs to me, it must be the very best!" Nero had proclaimed. "Lavish extravagance is my style! Gold to symbolize prosperity, red to embody roses—nothing less will do!"

Frugality? Financial prudence? Such concepts didn't exist in Nero's vocabulary.

If only the garden had a fountain, it would have been perfect.

Inside the adventurers' guild, winter had brought a notable increase in patrons, most of whom were huddled together drinking.

Adventurers were notoriously lazy, typically taking on quests only when they were strapped for cash. Now that it was winter, the cold weather had made them even more reluctant to step outside.

Who in their right mind would willingly brave the freezing temperatures? Only lunatics.

Moreover, weaker monsters like giant frogs hibernated during winter, leaving only the strongest and most troublesome creatures active—further discouraging adventurers.

As Nero and Yunyun entered the guild, all eyes turned toward them.

"Ah! It's Nero!"

"No way, Nero-sama. Are you really here to take on another quest today? You don't need the money, so why work so hard?"

"Seriously, it feels like you and Yunyun-sama have been taking every quest lately. Now, when I finally feel like doing something, there's nothing left!"

"Oh, please. Like Nero-sama doesn't know your skills as well as we do. Even if she left some quests for you, you'd just end up as monster chow and fertilizer for the forest."

"You son of a… Do you have to ruin my image in front of Nero-sama and Yunyun-sama? I swear, I'll tell everyone about how you drunkenly confessed your love for Nero-sama the other night!"

"You're full of crap! I never said anything like that!"

The adventurers, as rowdy as ever, were clearly fond of Nero.

Ever since Nero had single-handedly defeated the Demon King's general, the Headless Horseman, her popularity had soared. Her striking beauty only added to her allure, making her a figure of both admiration and envy.

As Nero approached the counter, she noticed Luna, the receptionist, sitting with her chin propped on one hand. Her smile was strained, and her eyes glinted with barely concealed jealousy.

"Nero-sama, you're quite the sensation, aren't you?" Luna said, her tone light but tinged with bitterness. "These days, I can't go a single day without hearing about you. Even though it's not spring yet, all these lovesick adventurers are constantly talking about you. So many are eager to confess their feelings—how lucky you are! Surely you won't have trouble finding someone to share a meal with?"

Nero could practically feel the waves of single-woman envy radiating off Luna.

"Umu! Of course, it's only natural that I'm adored. When you think of radiance and magnificence, who else comes to mind but me? After all, I am a truly exceptional person! Say it again—I am magnificent!"

Completely oblivious to Luna's pointed remarks, Nero struck a dramatic pose, exuding confidence like a performer in the spotlight.

"Maybe the reason I'm not as popular is because I lack Nero-sama's overwhelming self-assurance…" Luna murmured, her voice tinged with resignation.

Before she could wallow further in her envy, Nero stepped forward.

"Umu! My brilliance is undeniable. But even though it pales compared to mine, you too possess your own charms."

To Luna's surprise, Nero produced a bright red flower seemingly out of nowhere. Bowing slightly in a gallant gesture, she continued, "Your melancholy tugs at the heartstrings, but to me, your smile holds far greater beauty. So, please, have more confidence, fair maiden. You're more beautiful than you realize."

Nero's words struck like lightning. Luna's cheeks flushed crimson as she stared at the flower Nero held out to her. Her lips parted slightly in shock before she covered her mouth, trying to compose herself.

What was this fluttering in her chest?

Her heart raced wildly, and her face burned with an unfamiliar warmth.

And then it happened—Nero took her hand.

"Fair maiden, there's no need to doubt your charm or worry yourself. If this were my era as Emperor, I would have adorned our meeting with the world's finest roses. Beneath the gaze of all and under the moonlight's witness, I would propose to you and welcome you into my harem."

As Nero spoke, her voice brimming with romance, she brought Luna's hand to her lips and planted a gentle kiss on its back.

When Nero released her hand, the vibrant flower was left behind, nestled in Luna's grasp.

The lingering warmth of Nero's touch and the vivid red of the flower filled Luna's thoughts with a fiery, blissful haze.

Mom… I think I'm in love.

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T/N: GAAAAAAAAH IT SHOULDVE BEEN ME WHERES MY YURI LOVE WITH NERO?