episode_0002

Returning to my study as usual, I sat on the chair and got lost in contemplation.

I used to imagine meeting the protagonist at times like this, but now it was a completely different situation.

“What should I do?”

The original plotline.

It deviated from the fake hero being defeated and executed by the real protagonist, who then ascends as the true hero.

It was the most crucial event in the original story that had gone awry.

Even after years of preparation.

“Sigh… my head hurts.”

Due to the unexpected turn of events, I couldn’t figure out how to deal with the current situation. Lost in thought over the headache-inducing dilemma, someone knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

Opening the door, the person who entered was someone who took care of me exclusively, someone I could consider as my secretary.

I tried to maintain a composed expression as I asked Lena, “Lena, what’s wrong?”

“Your expression doesn’t look good.”

She noticed.

Though I was taken aback, trying to manage my expression as much as possible in front of others, she saw through it.

“Just some personal matters.”

Lena gazed at me with a subtle look in her eyes.

Typically, such a gaze would imply a hidden message urging one to confide in oneself, but this time, no matter what the issue was, I couldn’t talk about it.

It wasn’t that I didn’t trust her.

She had been there for me more than anyone else.

However, this was not just a matter of trust, so I tried to act nonchalant and said, “It’s nothing important.”

“Even if you defeated the arrogant hero and your expression still isn’t good, I can only think that something significant must be bothering you.”

“…”

It seemed like Lena was already convinced that something was wrong.

No matter what I said now, it would likely be perceived as an excuse.

I sighed.

“Should I just tell her?”

Honestly, it felt like too heavy a burden to bear alone.

There were many things like that.

But even if Lena could understand my situation to some extent, I hesitated, wondering if she would believe me.

“She might understand, but…”

While helping people, Lena had quietly handled all the rumors and gossip, pretending to do bad things. Despite this, she never questioned me once.

Thinking about Lena’s actions, I believed she would understand, but doubts lingered.

“I’m fine.”

Amidst my inner turmoil,

Suddenly, Lena spoke up, “If you can’t tell me yet, it means I haven’t earned your trust. I’ll continue to assist you diligently. Perhaps one day, you’ll be able to confide in me, just like you do with Kariel.”

“Lena…”

Honestly, my conscience pricked me.

She had been more supportive than anyone else.

I trusted her enough to confide in her.

“If I trust her, there’s no reason not to speak up.”

It felt ironic that despite trusting her, I couldn’t bring myself to talk.

Looking at Lena’s slightly softened expression, I said, “Sorry. I’ll tell you later. I hope you understand that it’s not because I don’t trust you; it’s just that things are a bit messy right now.”

With a more improved expression, Lena replied, “I’ll wait for you to tell me someday.”

“Okay.”

I nodded, and Lena bowed before leaving the room.

Alone in the study room, I muttered softly.

“By the way, what should I do now?”

Perhaps due to the conversation with Lena, I felt calmer than before, but it was still a matter of concern.

The original storyline had veered off course, and to resolve this, some method was necessary.

However, it wasn’t just a simple deviation; fate itself had been reversed to such an extent that it was quite a headache.

“The Demon King can only be defeated by a hero.”

In terms of the story’s progression,

The demons revealing themselves typically occurred after the mid-point.

Considering the timing, the protagonist would drive out the fake hero, gain recognition as the true hero, and then appear shortly afterward.

However, since the protagonist had found me a bit earlier than in the original plot, there might be a longer interval, but with the accelerated timing, the possibility couldn’t be ruled out that the demons would also appear sooner.

“But I managed to defeat the only hero who can defeat the Demon King.”

Without the abilities of a hero or the holy sword to defeat the Demon King, it was almost a foregone conclusion that the world would face destruction if things continued this way.

Even if the protagonist didn’t manage to drive me out, she wouldn’t give up. However, as she hadn’t been recognized as the true hero, her chances of growing further were significantly diminished, eliminating the possibility of defeating the Demon King.

Ultimately, for the Demon King to be defeated, the protagonist had to drive me out.

“…There’s no other choice.”

If that’s the case, there was only one way.

Before the demons appeared, she needed to challenge me again and defeat me.

“To do that, I need to meet the protagonist first.”

Unfortunately, the protagonist was currently imprisoned.

Accused of impersonating a hero and trying to drive out the real hero, I was now facing a crisis where I could be executed, just as I had foreseen.

Fortunately, there was a way to rescue her from prison.

“First, let’s go to the prison.”

Rising from my seat, I headed towards the prison where the protagonist was held.

—

The true hero who would defeat the Demon King, Arienne, was currently imprisoned for impersonating a hero and attempting to drive out the real hero.

She bit her lip.

“This can’t be happening.”

She was a hero.

Believing this fact without a doubt, she had thought she could easily defeat the fake hero.

Because she was the real one.

However, contrary to her thoughts, Arienne was soundly defeated.

In just one blow.

As she had never considered the possibility of losing, this fact came as a shock beyond measure.

Looking at the handcuffs binding her, Arienne thought,

“…I have to escape.”

Impersonating a hero was a serious crime.

Moreover, combining this with the charge of plotting against a hero led to a definite death sentence.

Knowing that if she died here, the world would be doomed, Arienne desperately wanted to break free.

Luckily, the handcuffs weren’t too strong.

Arienne exerted her strength to unlock the handcuffs, threw them behind her, bent the iron bars, and tried to escape.

If only someone hadn’t suddenly appeared.

“…”

“Planning to escape, huh?”

“You damn bastard.”

Arienne glared fiercely at the figure that had appeared before her.

The cause of her current imprisonment, known in the world as the hero, Karriel.

Seeing Arienne, Karriel sneered.

“Where did that boldness from earlier go? It’s quite amusing to see you locked up in prison.”

“Shut up, you fake hero.”

“That’s right. Arienne may be a hero, but she lost. And she lost terribly. Even if she were to claim herself as a true hero, the chances of her reclaiming the qualifications of a hero after being so thoroughly defeated by Kariel, who is currently known as a hero, were slim. Unless there was clear evidence that he was not a hero and clear evidence proving her own heroism, there was no way she could prove herself as a hero. In fact, Arienne did have clear evidence proving her heroism – the legendary sword known as the Holy Sword, said to be wielded only by heroes. She possessed it. However, ‘I still can’t wield the Holy Sword…’ Not only was it impossible for her to wield the sword at the moment, but until she became stronger, there was practically no way for her to prove her own heroism. It would have been a symbol of heroism, but since Kariel also existed, it was not conclusive. Arienne looked up at Kariel with a strong gaze. His eyes were arrogant and greedy. A trash who pursued only his own interests through power in the position of a hero. Arienne could not forgive such a Kariel. But with no strength, she couldn’t judge him yet. She was even caught before she could escape. It was a hopeless situation. Her gaze remained unyielding. If anything, it grew even more resolute. ‘Someday, I will definitely bring you down.’ ‘You’re about to be executed, so why are you saying such things?’ ‘I’ve experienced situations far worse than this countless times. But do you really think I can’t get out of this one?’ Arienne smiled. ‘Now.’ As soon as her words ended, the ceiling collapsed, revealing four figures. They were Arienne’s companions, who would later be known as the hero party. In an instant, they surrounded Kariel. Arienne looked at Kariel with a relaxed smile. ‘I have allies.’ Each of her companions, seeing Kariel imprisoned, spoke a word. ‘Arienne, are you okay?’ ‘He seemed quite powerful for a fake.’ ‘Things will change when we unite.’ ‘Everyone, be prepared.’ In an instant, they had Kariel surrounded. However, Kariel showed little reaction. Instead, he looked at her as if she were something beneath him. ‘Pathetic. You’re not even worth facing.’ Saying this, Kariel turned his back and headed towards the exit. Despite the blatant disregard, some of those surrounding him tried to rush forward. Arienne could see it. In an instant, when he grasped his sword, everyone’s throats would be slit. ‘Stop!’ At her shout, the other companions stopped moving. Kariel paused his hand reaching for his waist. ‘Wise choice.’ With those words, Kariel left completely. Arienne and the other companions could only stand there, dazed.”