Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~

Welcoming the arrival of spring, in the radiant and illustrious nation of faith and history, the Omnia Empire.

Elisha Rosmond Balbastre, who had been appointed as a holy knight the previous year, continued to train within the nation. Receiving the highest honor as a knight was a rare distinction. However, the challenges one had to overcome for that honor were more grueling than imagined. Even though the title of "Princess Knight" sounded elegant, the reality was enough to make one cry out in agony.

"Now then, Lady Balbastre. There have been four saints canonized in the year 782 of the ascension. Name them all."

“Dewa Barubasutoru-kyou. Nobori-reki nana hachi ni-nen ni ressei sareta seija wa shi-mei iru ga, sono subete o kotaeyo.”

"Yes, Your Eminence! ...I have no idea about any of them!"

“Hai, Suukikyou-geika! …Hitori mo wakarimasen!”

Elisha raised her hand straight up and thrust her chest forward, surrendering with an attitude that was undeniable. Seeing her demeanor, Cardinal Gianfranco Paolo Phantony, who took the teaching personally, stiffened his face like a rock.

"...Listen, Lady Balbastre."

“...Naa, Barubasutoru-kyou.”

"What is it, Your Eminence?"

“Nandearimashou, Suukikyou-geika?”

"I believe I presented this question just the other day."

“Kono mondai wa, senjitsu mo shutsudai shita hazu da ga.”

"Yes! I remember that as well."

“Ha! Watashi mo sou kioku shite orimasu.”

Phantony placed his fist against his forehead as if enduring a headache.

"Then why can't you answer? If you didn't know before, couldn't you have looked it up in books or asked someone?"

“Dewa, naze kotae rarenu? Kono mae ni wakaranakatta no naraba, shomotsu o himotoku nari hito ni tazuneru nari sureba yokatta dewa nai ka.”

"Yes! I did think like that and asked a Sister."

“Ha! Watashi mo sono you ni omoi, shisutā ni shitsumon shimashita.”

"Then why do you claim you don’t know?"

“Naraba naze, wakaranu to iu?”

"I did asked about the answer, but I forgot!"

“...Kiki wa shimashita ga, wasuremashita!”

Elisa looked upward, straightening her spine and answering loudly. This was a stance she had learned since her days as a junior member of the Second Royal Knights Order. When admitting a mistake to a superior, she was taught to clearly explain her error, maintaining a rigid posture in preparation for any reprimand. To acknowledge mistakes meant taking responsibility and making amends. That was the protocol.

However, things seemed to be handled differently in Omnia. Elisa had been bracing herself for the formidable Cardinal, known for his martial tendencies, to reprimand her with his stone-like fist. But there was no sign of him resorting to such measures. Instead, he seemed to be trying to patiently convince her.

"Why is it that you can't answer such a simple question? Memorizing the names of four individuals shouldn't be difficult, isn’t it? You should have been able to easily memorize more complex sacred magical incantations."

“Kikei, doushite kono you na kantan na mondai ga wakaranu no ka ne? Jinmei o yon-nin hodo soranjiru dake dewa nai ka. Kore yori nankai na shinsei mahou no saimon wa, tayasuku anki shite otta dearou ni.”

"Yes, Your Eminence. I struggle with academic fields unrelated to combat."

“Hai, geika. Tatakai ni kakawaranu bun'ya no gakumon wa, dou ni mo nigate deshite.”

"Even though you remember the years of the holy wars and various battles in our religious history."

“Kyoushi ni oite mo, seisen no nengou ya moromoro no gassen wa oboete oru to iu no ni.”

"Yes, because I’ve been learning those valuable past wars lessons."

“Hai, kichou na senkun o manabemasu yue.”

"...You really have nothing on your mind except warfare, do you?"

“...Hontou ni ikusa no koto shika kangaete oranu na.”

"Yes! Because I believe I was born to be a warrior!"

“Ha! Watashi wa onore o tatakau tame ni umareta ningen dearu to kangaete orimasu no de!”

"Don't say it as if you're proud of it. A woman of your age... Listen closely. The duty of a Holy Knight is not merely to battle demons and heretics. It is also to exemplify the teachings to the people through one's attitude――"

“Mune o hatte iu denai, ii toshi o shita joshi ga… Yoi ka? Somosomo sei kishi no yakume to wa, tanjun ni mamono ya haikyou-sha to tatakau dake denaku, sono shisei ni yotte shujou ni kyougi no nantaru ka o shimesu koto mo――”

The conversation continues, touching upon the Cardinal's perspective on the broader role of a Holy Knight and Elisha's focus on combat.

"――The suppression of heresy entails not only eliminating it through combat, but also completing it by teaching the correct doctrine to the misled populace and leading them onto the right path. Therefore, in addition to learning sacred magic, a holy knight must also possess knowledge of religious history, theology, rhetoric, and more. These are the required――"

“――Itan no toubatsu to wa, sentou ni yotte kore o haijo suru dake denaku, akuma ni madowasareta tamigusa ni tadashii oshie o toite seidou ni fukusaseru koto o motte kanryou to suru. Sore o omoeba, shinsei mahou o oboeru dake denaku, kyoushi ya shingaku, benron-jutsu nado mo sei kishi ni hitsuyou na――”

(This is not good... I'm feeling exceptionally sleepy today...)

(Ikan… kyou wa ichidan to nemuke ga hidoi…)

Struggling to stay awake and prevent her head from nodding forward, she bites her tongue to endure it. Elisha did not approach today's training with a sense of idleness. She thoroughly reviewed the parts she couldn't answer before or had answered incorrectly, and she participated after studying all night. Yet, this is the result she obtained. She couldn't help but think that she might just not be suited for this fundamentally.

As if seeing through her thoughts, Phantony directs a sharp, white gaze towards her.

"――Are you listening, Lady Balbastre?"

“――Kiite iru no ka ne, Barubasutoru-kyou?”

"Y-Yes! I am listening, Your Eminence!"

“Ha- ha! Kiite orimasu, suukikyou-geika!”

"I wonder. It seemed like your mind was wandering."

“Sou ka na. Dou ni mo ki mo sozoro deatta you ni miukerareta ga.”

If he was doubtful whether she was genuinely listening, maybe he should have just punched her once. Having spent most of her teens among rough individuals, Elisha believed this without irony.

However, this man, who could seemingly take on a bear or an ogre with his appearance alone, appeared to dislike resorting to violence against those he imparted teachings to. Perhaps he was being cautious due to her being female. It was regrettable as an educator. Even though there were people in the world who wouldn't understand unless shown physically, regardless of gender――and such irreverent thoughts ran through the mind of the perpetrator himself.

"Hm, it seems time is up."

“Mu, jikan ka.”

Hearing the sound of bells that resonated from a distant bell tower, Phantony announced the end of today's training.

"Well then, Lady Balbastre. As you will be presented with the same problem at a later date, please make sure to study it once more."

“Dewa, Barubasutoru-kyou. Gojitsu, saido onaji mondai o dasu yue, mou ichido benkyou shite kuru you ni.”

"Yes! Thank you for your guidance again today!"

“Ha! Honjitsu mo go shidou, arigatou gozaimashita!”

"Indeed. That's a good response... Only your response is good though."

“Umu. Yoi henji da… Henji wa yoin da ga naa.”

Saying so, the cardinal left while scratching his short hair with his thick fingers. Watching his departing figure, Elisha flopped down on the long table in the lecture hall, devoid of strength.

"Phew, I'm tired... Is this actually a more intense battlefield than Volden?"

“Tsu, tsukareta… koko wa Vorudan ijou no gekisen-ku ka?”

The words that escaped from lips that had lost their color due to lack of blood were her honest feelings. Facing studies that could make the crown of one's head itch and never-ending sermons, it was honestly easier to be in a war. People in the world might deny it, saying "No, that's absurd," but Elisha thought that from the bottom of her heart, so she couldn't be saved.

(While the title of Holy Knight is honestly delightful... Could it be that it's not suited for me?)

(Sei kishi no shougou wa sunao ni ureshii no daga… hyotto shite, watashi ni wa muiteinai no dewa nai ka?)

Such anxieties rose in her mind, but it was a self-awareness that came too late.

The duty of a Holy Knight was to abhor bloodshed and minimize it, yet her inclinations were exactly the opposite. When she heard about battlefields soaked in blood, her heart raced before the pain set in. She didn't feel completely indifferent about innocent civilians getting caught up in it, but once she was in the midst of battle, sword in hand, she forgot about it in three seconds and became completely absorbed in the fight. A person as bloodthirsty as her being a Holy Knight candidate was a sign of the world's decline.

"Good job, Lady Balbastre."

“Otsukare-sama desu, Barubasutoru-kyou.”

The person who called out with those words was the same Sister who had accompanied her from Broussonne to here last year. At the beginning of their acquaintance, the woman had an odd stiffness and darkness about her, but now she was a completely familiar companion. Come to think of it, she had once earnestly asked, "I heard that you have a unicorn as a beloved horse. Is that true?" What was the intention behind that?

Suppressing trivial questions that drifted through her mind due to sleepiness, Elisha weakly raised one hand in response to the voice.

"Oh, It’s you, Sister... I might be hopeless... The duty of a Holy Knight is indeed challenging. Ugh, I thought I was prepared to endure any harsh training, but I never imagined it would be this tough..."

“Aa, shisutā ka… watashi wa mou dame kamo shiren… yahari sei kishi no nin wa muzukashii. Ku, donna tsurai shugyou ni mo taete miseru to kakugo shiteita tsumori da ga, masaka kore hodo to wa…”

"I-It's alright. Normally, most people would give up during swordsmanship or magic training, but you completed that in just three months, right? I'm sure the academic exams will be fine too... probably."

“Da, daijoubu desu yo. Futsuu deshitara, kenjutsu ya mahou no shuuren de zasetsu sareru kata ga taihan desu ga, kijo wa sore o san-kagetsu de shuuryou shita no deshou? Gakumon no shiken mo, kitto daijoubu desu wa… tabun.”

Receiving encouragement from an acquaintance and exposing one's pitiful state wasn't preferable. Slapping both of her cheeks lightly, Elisha quickly changed her mood and recovered her composure.

"...Yes! That's right. Probably, I'll be fine… Selling myself short like this isn't like me. If that's decided, I should probably swing my sword for a change of pace."

“...Umu! Sore mo sou da na. Tabun, kitto, daijoubu da… Konna tokoro de abura o utte iru no mo watashi rashikunai. Sou to kimareba, kibun tenkan ni ken demo futte kuru to shiyou ka.”

"E-even if it’s a lie, shouldn't you say something like you're going to review historical teachings in the library?"

“So, soko wa uso demo, toshokan de kyoushi o oboe naosu to iu beki dewa?”

"What are you saying? A Holy Knight candidate, who's supposed to uphold the ideals of all believers, shouldn't tell lies."

“Nani o iu ka. Zen kyouto no kihan taru sei kishi kouho ga, uso nado haite wa ikan darou ni.”

"No, it's not about that――"

“Ie, sou iu mondai janakute――”

"By the way, Sister."

“Tokoro de shisutā.”

Elisha suddenly changes the topic as she just remembered something.

"I feel like today's training from His Eminence the Holy Knights’ Commander has become considerably shorter. Could it be just my imagination? Normally, even if the bell rings, the sermon would continue for at least a quarter to half an hour."

“Kyou no seikishi danchou-geika no kyouren wa zuibun to mijikaku natte iru you ni omou no daga, ki no sei darou ka? Fudan deareba, kane no oto ga natta to shite mo shihandoki kara han-toki wa sekkyou ga tsuzuite ita hazu da ga.”

The sister's face remained in a wry smile, visibly tense. ‘Isn’t it because he is frustrated with your attitude in class?’ she swallowed those words. Instead, what came out of her mouth was different.

"Perhaps because he has been taking care of the person recently entrusted to the Holy Knights Order."

“Osoraku, sakigoro ni seikishidan de azukarareta kata no osewa o nasatte iru kara ka to.”

"Hm? That’s kind of a peculiar way to put it."

“? Nandaka myou na mono ii da na.”

She tilted her head at the strange choice of words.

What did she mean by "entrusted to the Holy Knights Order"? If someone was entrusted, it wasn't as if they had been recommended as a candidate for a holy knight like Elisha. Regardless of whether it was Arquell or St. Gallen, or even Morbaehr or other small countries, all the nations on the Itucera continent had the Holy King's Teachings as their state religion. Therefore, all the holy knights chosen from among the followers of the Holy King's Teachings were members of the Omnia Order of Knights. It just wasn't appropriate to phrase it as "entrusted."

"I don't really understand it either. It's been said that a certain noble person has been receiving assistance from the Order of Knights for their training."

“Sore ga watashi ni mo yoku wakaranai no desu. Saru kouki na o-kata ga, shugyou no tame ni seikishidan no chikarazoe o itadaite orareru no dewa, to mo iwarete orimasu ga.”

"Even so, it's hard to believe. I can't imagine His Eminence Phantony devoting this much time and attention to a pampered child from a noble family."

“Da to shite mo shakuzen to sen na. Ano Fantōni-geika ga, meika no bonbon zure nado ni eko no sata o kudasu to wa omoen.”

After nearly half a year of interaction, Elisha understood the personality of that big man, uncharacteristic of the clergy in a positive way. It was hard to believe that someone like Phantony, who values strict discipline for himself and others, would dedicate such time to someone who isn't a legitimate candidate, even if it's for training. He didn't seem like the kind of man who would readily approve of such special treatment.

However, if that were the case...

"...Perhaps it's because that person is an extraordinary exception."

“...Soitsu ga tobikkiri no tokurei dakara, dearu kamo na.”

"Lady Balbastre?"

“Barubasutoru-kyou?”

The sister let out an anxious voice to the woman knight who had a sly smile, but Elisha rose energetically as if she hadn't heard it.

An individual whom that Phantony had no choice but to treat them with special consideration. What kind of person could that be? Was this person someone so remarkable that it was worth drawing favor, a young warrior with a promising future, or perhaps an unpredictable explosive force that one couldn't take their eyes off?

Whichever it was――,

"Sounds interesting, I'm curious now! I'll go take a look at the training ground for a bit!"

“Omoshiro-sou da na, kyoumi ga waita! Sukoshi shuuren-ba no yousu o mite kuru zo!”

――For Elisha as well, it was a subject that piqued her curiosity. She couldn't stand still and immediately left the lecture hall.

"...Looks like the next lecture is a lost cause as well, I suppose."

“...Kore wa tsugi no go-kougi mo dame mitai desu ne.”

The words, mixed with a sigh, spoken behind her, didn't reach her ears.

~~~

A day had passed since the summoning, and Erimiya Yuuto, also known as the Hero Yuuto Erimiya, was still in a state of confusion. Naturally so, considering that he had been suddenly transported to another world and then asked, "You are the hero. To save this world, please fight and defeat the Demon King," and had promptly accepted without a second thought. Of course, he was an ordinary boy, as recognized by himself and others, and his personality was far from being such a rare exception.

(No matter if it’s such a cute girl’s request, what’s impossible is still impossible.)

(Ikura kawaii onna no ko no tanomi darou to, muri na mon wa muri daro.)

Shaking his head lightly, as if trying to shake off the lingering soft sensation on his lips, he thought about it. Even though it was part of the ritual of their contract, she had been his first kiss. But, it was just impossible for him. After all, he was being asked to risk his life in battle for a land and people he had no connection to whatsoever. The value of a delicate maiden's lips was certainly significant, but demanding one's life in return for it was quite an extreme deal.

(Though she probably doesn't realize she's doing something like that from her perspective...)

(Mukou to shicha, sonna koto o shite iru tte jikaku wa nain darou keredo…)

He recalled the demeanor of the girl who had summoned him to this world, Irmaella. Because he had responded to her summons――at least, from her point of view――she seemed to have a one-sided affection for him. When he once called her Irmaella-san,

"Please don't be so formal, Yuuto-sama. Please feel free to address me casually."

“Sono you ni go kenjou nasaranaide kudasaimase, Yuuto-sama. Watashi no koto wa dou ka kiyasuku o-yobisute kudasai.”

"No, it feels a bit presumptuous..."

“Iya, sore mo nandaka oohei na kanji ga shite…”

"Then, if you are okay with it, how about calling me Irma as a nickname?"

“De wa, anata-sama ga yoroshikereba, Iruma to aishou de oyobi ni narareru no wa ikaga deshou ka?”

Such a conversation was a first for him, being asked by a girl to use a nickname. In any case, being treated with such respect made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. It dulled his desire to pursue the matter of being abruptly kidnapped to another world. Thoughts like, "If she's doing this intentionally, she's quite the cunning woman," also crossed his mind.

"What's the matter, Yuuto-sama?"

“Dou nasaremashita, Yuuto-sama?”

Being addressed by the person walking ahead of him, Yuuto felt a bit embarrassed.

"No, it's nothing, Irma."

“Iya, nan demo nai yo Iruma.”

"I see. Hehe, it's nice that you're calling me by that name."

“Sou desu ka. Fufu, chanto sono na de watashi o yonde kudasaru no desu ne.”

Even though she was only being called with a nickname, Irmaella paced, unsure of what made her happy. Yuuto was currently being guided by her through the interior of a building called the Grand Cathedral of Omnia. The large stone church, resembling European cathedrals in some ways and featuring elements reminiscent of Islamic mosques, had an architecture that seemed to blend various styles. As a normal highschool student, he had no deep knowledge about it, but there were also elements that vaguely reminded him of Jewish synagogues. In essence, it was a structure where the images of monotheistic religious churches and their characteristics had been somewhat mixed and confused.

"It's said that this Grand Cathedral has undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the thousand-year history of the Holy King's Teachings. As a result, architectural styles from different eras have mixed in, giving each section its own distinctive features."

“Kono dai-seidou wa, seiou kyou issen-nen no rekishi no naka de, nando mo kaichiku to kakujuu o kurikaeshita no da sou desu. Sono eikyou ka, jidai-goto no kenchiku youshiki ga hairi majitte, kukaku-goto no tokushoku ni natte iru no da to ka.”

Irmaella explained, seemingly anticipating Yuuto's impression.

"It might be a bit confusing if you're not used to it, but it can also serve as landmarks when you walk through the spacious interior, you know?"

“Narenai to tomadowareru kamo shiremasen ga, gyaku ni hiroi naibu o aruku toki no mejirushi ni mo naru no desu yo.”

"H- Hmm..."

“Fu- fuun…”

Yuuto could only respond with a non-committal grunt. Even though she mentioned these details, he had no knowledge or interest in architecture or religious studies. He acknowledged that it was a solemn religious facility with a valuable historical heritage, but he couldn't summon any deeper emotions. He was a modern teenager who wasn't particularly devout. If he were to encounter excessively fervent faith, he suspected that he would feel a sense of skepticism mixed with preconceived notions before experiencing awe or repentance.

Of course, in his current situation, surrounded by priests and nuns, he didn't have the courage to voice any of these thoughts.

"Ah, we've arrived. This way."

“A, tsukimashita. Kochira desu.”

Irmaella had brought him to the outskirts of the eastern side of the cathedral. The sky was visible overhead as there was no ceiling, but it was an area surrounded by high stone walls, more like a sparse, open space with exposed compacted earth than a garden. To call it a garden would be misleading. It resembled a large area, with the ground packed solid underfoot. It was roughly equivalent in size to a small sports field or a school gymnasium that he was familiar with—a place designed for physical activity, with all other elements stripped away.

"What's this place?"

“Koko wa?”

"This is the training ground where the members of the Holy Knights Order conduct their regular training. Today, you are scheduled to meet the Holy Knights’ Commander here."

“Seikishi-dan no katagata ga, higoro no kunren o okonau tame no renshuu-ba desu. Kyou wa koko de, seikishi danchou-sama to o-ai ni natte itadaku koto ni natte orimasu.”

Upon hearing that, Yuuto had a bad feeling.

(Why would they choose a training ground as the place to meet?)

(Nande au tame no basho ga kunren suru tokoro nanda?)

If it was just for a meeting and conversation, an indoor location should have sufficed. Why would they specifically opt for a knights' training ground?

However, before he could delve deeper into this thought,

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Hero-dono.”

“O-hatsu o-me ni kakaru, Yuusha-dono.”

A burly man with a robust presence appeared from a different entrance than the one they had entered through.

He was big, square, and hefty—those were the immediate impressions he gave. He resembled solidified rock, with a heavily muscular physique. He wore a simple white robe, and one could barely discern any clerical motifs, giving the impression that he might be a martial artist rather than a clergyman.

The giant approached them with heavy, earth-shaking footsteps and knelt down, placing his right palm over his left fist.

"I am Gianfranco Paolo Phantony, the Commander of the Omnia Empire's Holy Knights Order, and one who holds the rank of Cardinal in the Holy King Church. I am grateful for the privilege of being in your presence, guided by the benevolence of the Lord on High."

“Sessou, Omunia-koukoku seikishi danchou no nin to, seiou kyoukai suukikyou no i o azukaru mono dearimasu. Na o Janfuranko paoro fantōni to mousu. Tenjou no aruji no o-michibiki ni yori onmi no chiguu o erareta koto e, kansha o.”

Despite not being a loud or threatening tone, it was a deep bass that seemed to resonate in his abdomen, causing Yuuto's stomach to churn. If the other hadn't offered a greeting, Yuuto would probably have fled without a second thought.

He swallowed hard, uncertain about how to respond. Given that the man had introduced himself, it was only natural for Yuuto to return the courtesy. But in a situation where the other person was being so humble, how should he respond? Should he kneel down like the other, with both knees on the ground? However, the bear-like man who introduced himself as Phantony seemed to be humbling himself. Would it be okay to salute him properly, or would that be a mistake? Yuuto didn't know what the correct approach was. As a boy who was a member of the soccer club, which placed him on the athletic side of things, Yuuto felt that it was customary to bow his head to the older and superior man who had that intimidating appearance, but…

Irmaella prodded his rigid back with her slender fingers.

"Don't worry. I think it's fine to approach this in your usual way, Yuuto-sama. After all, you're a hero who has come from another world."

“O-ki o raku ni. Yuuto-sama no fudan nasatte iru yarikata de daijoubu da to omoimasu. Yuusha to wa ikai no ji yori okoshi no kata na no desu kara.”

Her advice was almost whispered, reassuring him that he didn't need to force himself to conform to the other's manner. Relieved by her words, Yuuto relaxed, offering a slight bow.

"Uh, nice to meet you. I'm Yuto Erimiya. Um, I guess I'm supposed to be a hero."

“Do, doumo. Yuuto Erimiya desu. Eetto, nanka yuusha rashii desu.”

He added a slight gesture, placing his hands together like when one prays to a Buddha statue. It was partly due to the solemnity of the Holy Knights’ Commander, which reminded him of guardian deity statues or sumo wrestlers.

After precisely three seconds from Yuuto's greeting, Phantony straightened up, brushed off the dust from the hem of his robe, and then faced Yuuto again.

"I am deeply grateful for your prompt response to this sudden summon."

“Kotabi wa kyuu na meshiyose ni o-kotae itadaki, makoto ni arigataku zonzuru.”

"Uh-huh…"

“Haa.”

Yuto didn't really respond, only because Irmaella had called him, so he merely did as she said without knowing anything. However, he wasn't the kind of person who could easily bring that topic up in front of such an intimidating figure, when the person in question was right by his side.

Whether the big man before him knew this or not, he continued without cracking a smile.

"It has been a night since your summoning. How are you doing? Though I can understand that being summoned to an unfamiliar world can be bewildering."

“Shoukan yori hitoban tatta ga, ikaga ka na? Mishiranu sekai e yobidasare, tomadowareru koto mo ooi no dewa nai ka to zonjiageru ga.”

"Well, everyone has been very kind, so it's not that harsh..."

“Iya, mina-san yoku shite kudasattemasunde, sonna ni wa…”

Of course, it’s just flattery. There weren't many students who could remain unfazed after being abducted to another world. The dinner lacked meat and sufficient seasoning, resulting in a rather bland taste, which made him dissatisfied. In the end, he had left about half of his meal untouched. However, it could also be attributed to the mental exhaustion from adapting to an unfamiliar environment, which might have affected his appetite. He hadn't been able to take a proper bath, and the toilet was inconvenient and dirty. It was a relief that the bed had a luxurious canopy and was so fluffy that you could sink into it, but his eyes were so clear last night that he hadn't been able to fully enjoy its comfort. It wasn't that he was being mistreated. He could clearly feel that the people around him were considerate of his needs. This made him realize once again how blessed he had been to live in 21st-century Japan.

Whether he sensed Yuuto’s hidden frustration, Phantony flashed his eyes.

"No need for restraint. Since we all rely on your power, if you have any requests, feel free to ask without hesitation."

“Enryo wa muyou. Warera wa mina, kiden no o-chikara o kariukeru mono de arimasu yue. Go shomou no mono ga araba, kitan naku youkyuu sarete mo kekkou.”

"Huh? Then, what if I say I want to take a bath?"

“E? Sore jaa, furo ni hairitai to itte mo?”

"Understood. I'll make preparations for today right away. Of course, it won't be every day, if it’s just once every three days, there’s no problem."

“Ryoukai shita. Sassoku kyou no bun no junbi o saseyou. Muron, mainichi to iu wake ni wa ikanu ga, mikka ni ichido to itta teido de areba.”

"As for the meals, I'd be happier with a bit more meat. Also, I prefer rice over bread. And I think I want more spices..."

“Shokuji no hou nanda kedo, mou sukoshi niku ga ooi to ureshii desu. Ato, pan yori mo kome no hou ga. Koushinryou mo, mou sukoshi hoshii kamo…”

"We can arrange for meat and rice immediately. However, when it comes to spices... since they are primarily produced in a different continent, it might be difficult. There are also things that can’t be helped with only budget."

“Niku to kome wa sugu ni demo tehai o. Ga, koushinryou wa… itairiku ga omo na sanchi dearu yue, muzukashii ya mo shirenu na. Yosan dake dewa dou ni mo naranu koto mo aru.”

Surprisingly, as he voiced his complaints and desires, he was met with understanding. Despite his humble appearance, the person before him had a dignified demeanor and treated him with great respect. What Yuuto felt there was not joy or satisfaction but rather anxiety and fear.

(They're going to this extent for someone like me, who just appeared out of nowhere... It's not just Irma. All of these people seem genuinely intent on treating me as a hero.)

(Pottode no ore o aite ni, soko made suru no ka yo… Iruma dake janakatta. Kono hito-tachi zen'in, honki de ore no koto o yuusha to shite atsukau ki de iyagaru.)

For what felt like the umpteenth time since arriving here, he swallowed hard and felt a lump in his throat. He seemed to have been led down a one-way path, with no escape or excuses, in the form of this generous treatment. It was as if in a soccer game, he was given the ball but continuously had his passing options closed down by the opponent's press. Or perhaps, it was like being made to shoot the ball right where the enemy wanted when facing the goalkeeper. The fact that his opponent wasn't aggressively cornering him added an extra layer of unease.

"So, what if... I said I wanted to go back to my original world?"

“Sore jaa, moshi… ore ga moto no sekai ni kaeritai, tte ittara?”

With determination, he voiced the crucial request. Last night, amidst the confusion of being summoned and the unfamiliar surroundings, he hadn't been able to bring himself to say these words. He sensed a slight tremor from Irmaella, who was standing nearby.

Yuuto stared intently at Phantony's face, waiting for a response. He was summoned to another world as a hero to defeat the Demon King. But what happens after he fulfills that purpose? No, depending on the circumstances, one might even refuse to fight immediately after being summoned, arguing that they haven't heard about it. If Yuuto were to say something like that, what would Phantony do?

Summoning him was one thing, but it’d still be better if they turned their backs on him, saying that he wasn't worthy of being a hero. At worst, to avoid admitting the mistake of summoning an unsuitable hero, they might even kill him.

While he didn't want to provoke such an extreme reaction, the situation was what it was. He felt that leaving this part unaddressed and being carried away by the circumstances could be even more dangerous.

"If you desire to return, then you may return."

“Kaeritai to nozomareru naraba, kaerareru ga yokarou.”

"...Huh?"

“...E?”

He was taken aback by the unexpected response. However, right after that,

"Of course, it's about what happens after you defeat the Demon King."

“Muron, onmi ga maou o datou shita nochi no koto dearu ga.”

With that statement, his hopes of returning dwindled.

Disappointment and frustration caused Yuuto's body to stagger slightly. However, his frustration wasn't directed at Phantony, who had skillfully chosen his words.

(Idiot! Of course, they would want to assess me as well!)

(Manuke! Mukou datte kocchi o misadameyou to shite iru no wa, atarimae darou ga!)

His frustration was directed at himself for behaving as if he could easily see through someone as perceptive as Phantony. Despite his stern appearance, he was undoubtedly over twenty years older and had ample interpersonal experience. He held grand titles like the Commander of the Holy Knights or the Cardinal. There was no way such an adult would be so carefree as to readily open up to a student barely half his age, especially someone he had just met today. He should have assumed that this man was sizing Erimiya Yuuto, the brat that was summoned as hero, up. In this manner, he unintentionally revealed the extent of his desire to return, which was his greatest hope.

Turning towards Yuuto, who was gnashing his teeth in regret, the imposing giant calmly spoke.

"The summoning of a hero is a grand ritual that requires immense magical power. It's not something that can be done repeatedly within a short period. The return to your original world is similarly limited. ...However, there is a loophole that involves using the magical energy obtained from the defeated Demon King. Therefore, if you wish to return, defeating the Demon King is the quickest way, in my opinion."

“Yuusha shoukan wa bakudai na houriki o mochiiru dai gishiki. Tanjijitsu no uchi ni, sou nando mo okonaeru koto dewa nai. Moto no sekai e to onmi o kaesu soukan mo mata douyou… Ga, kochira ni wa taoshita maou kara kangen sareru maryoku o tsukau to iu, nukemichi ga aru. Sore yue ni, kikan o negawareru no de areba maou o taosu koto ga nani yori no chikamichi to zonjiru.”

He stated this without any embarrassment. In the end, his argument remained the same: if you want to return to Japan, defeat the Demon King. The young boy thought bitterly.

"...Why me?"

“...Nande, ore nanda?”

He muttered with a tone that abandoned the unfamiliar polite language.

"Why, you ask?"

“Naze, to wa?”

"Because isn’t it strange... I'm just a student who has never fought before, I'm not even a resident of this world. So why was I summoned and forced to fight as a hero!?"

“Datte, okashii daro… ore wa tada no gakusei de, tatakatta koto mo nakute, sore dokoroka kono sekai no ningen demo nai janai ka. Nanoni doushite, wazawaza yobidasarete, yuusha to shite tatakawanakya naranain da!?”

Finally, his voice grew so loud that it reached the point of shouting.

A day had passed, and the initial confusion had given way to frustration. Trying to calm himself and make sense of his emotions and situation had only made the current irrationality of it all even more infuriating. Another world? Summoning? A hero? What was all that, and why him? It was true that his life in Japan had been mundane, with no clear goals. He had longed for something new and exciting in his daily routine. However, that desire was to fill the gaps in his life. It was not a desire to throw away everything that had defined him up to that point, let alone to make such a reckless pact. No, absolutely not. Why would he, Erimiya Yuuto, be forced into such an unreasonable contract? What's up with the Holy King? Even the devil would have offered him a more reasonable contract. His frustration and pent-up anger exploded during his first meeting with the seemingly know-it-all adult, Phantony.

"That... is because Yuuto-sama was chosen by the guidance of the Holy King――"

“So, sore wa… Yuuto-sama ga Seiou-sama no o-michibiki ni yotte――”

"Stop right there."

“Tomesu ga ii.”

Phantony interrupted Irmaella, who had spoken with an almost desperate tone, by raising his thick palm.

"Why you were chosen as the hero. We want to know that just as much."

“Doushite onmi ga yuusha to erabareta ka. Sore o shiritai to negatte iru no wa kochira mo onaji koto.”

As he spoke, he turned on his heel and headed towards the wall of the training ground. There, he effortlessly lifted a sword that seemed to be for training, with a casual grip.

"Originally, a hero is not necessarily someone strong enough to defeat the Demon King right after being summoned. It's through daily training and battles with monsters that one gains strength. I've called you here today to start your training, but――"

“Moto yori, yuusha to wa shoukan chokugo kara maou ni uchikateru hodo no tsuwamono to iu wake dewa aranu. Hibi no tanren, soshite mamono-domo to no tatakai ni yotte, chikara o tsukete iku mono. Kyou o tanren no hajime to iu tsumori de o-yobi shita nodaga――”

With a free hand, he gestured towards Yuuto.

"――If you're feeling frustrated, it might be just right. I've also called you here to assess your abilities, so it's also a way to vent your frustrations."

“――Funman yaru hou nai to araba choudo ii. Sessou mo onmi o hakarasete itadaku yue, usabarashi mo kanete mairareyo.”

In essence, it seemed like he wanted to have a match right there.

"...Are you saying that this time, you'll resort to violence instead of words?"

“...Kondo wa, kotoba dake janaku bouryoku ni uttaeyou tte iu no ka?”

"N-No, His Excellency, the Commander of the Holy Knights, is not that kind of person."

“Se, seikishi danchou-geika wa sono you na kata dewa arimasen.”

"It’s fine, Irmaella-dono... If you're so afraid of me, how about we impose some restrictions on myself? In this match, I'll only use my non-dominant side."

“Yoi, Irumaerra-dono… Sonna ni mo sessou ga kowai to iu no nara, kono mi ni seiyaku o kasou dewa nai ka. Kochira wa kono shoubu, kesshite kikiude dewa nai soba shika tsukawan.”

He said as he switched the grip on the sword to his left hand.

That wasn't the issue at all. Without sufficient understanding, Yuuto had been brought to this Itucera continent, or whatever it was called, to be declared a hero and forced into battling this so-called Demon King. What he was frustrated about was why he had been chosen as a hero in the first place. On top of that, they want to know why he was chosen as a hero? Making him fight because they want to measure his strength? What was that all about? It was insulting beyond words. He had no desire for violent conflicts like fighting or killing.

"But that doesn't mean I—"

“Dakara tte, ore ni sonna tsumori wa――”

"If you're going to say you're frightened, that's fine too."

“Kowa kidzuita to mousareru nara, sore wa sore de kekkou.”

For the first time, there was a change on Phantony's usually stern face. It was a smile. A smirk, a condescending and mocking grin.

"I have no intention of forcing someone without courage to be a hero. We can consider this summoning a mistake and you can go on living, perhaps making a meager living in the common folk. You don't have to worry. Aiding the weak is also a teaching of the Holy King's faith, and Irmaella-dono here is a compassionate woman in that regard."

“Isamu naki mono o yuusha to, muri ni matsuriageru tsumori wa nai. Shoukan wa nanika no techigai to iu koto ni shite, onmi ni wa shisei de sutebuchi demo morai nagara ikite moraou. Nani, ki ni suru koto wanai. Jakusha kyuusai mo seiou kyou no oshie dearu shi, soko no Irumaerra-dono wa jihibukai josei de mo aru.”

If you don't want to fight and you're a coward who lacks the spirit to take on a challenge even with a handicap, there's nothing more to be done. Like a feeble coward who hides under a woman's skirt, go on pretending you can't do anything...

It was a blatant provocation. The intent to anger him was crystal clear. Responding to such a trivial taunt would be beyond foolish.

"Don't screw around, old man...!"

“Fuzakeru na yo, ossan…!”

Then, it’s fine if I am a fool, Yuuto thought.

He had been abducted, burdened with a dangerous role, and now, if he couldn't perform it, he was being scorned as a coward. This was the height of unfairness. Someone who pulled such nonsense and wore a carefree expression while doing so was not worthy of forgiveness. This was the first time in his seventeen years of life that he had been so infuriated by someone.

"Fine, if you like violence that much, I'll play along till you get sick of it...!"

“Ii ze. Sonna ni bouryoku ga o-konomi nara, ore ga iya tte hodo furumatte yaru…!”

"Well said."

“Zenzai.”

Seeing Yuuto had picked up his provocation, Phantony grinned fiercely. As much as Yuuto hated it, things were going just as the man had planned. However, there was no guarantee that it would stay that way to the end.

(...I'll definitely make him sorry.)

(...Zettai, hoezura kakasete yaru.)

Yuuto thought, filled with seething anger, as he prepared to face his first battle as a so-called hero.

~~~

TL Note:

And that was the end of part 1😀

Since this chapter is very long I’ll divide it into parts (I was very reluctant to do this, tho). And I’m very sorry I took quite a long time because of 12th-grader’s business. Study, mock exams, and the likes.

Also this chapter was brought to you by my patrons, Sier, McConnaheyhey, TheHunt3r Gaming, and Viks. Thank you guys!

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