Ch.151Chapter 151. The Hero’s Peculiar Daily Routine

“Make way for the Hero’s visit to this street!”

About two months after the leader of the rebels fell into my hands.

I was carrying out orders from the imperial court, touring various parts of the empire.

It was merely participating in a parade, showing my face around, but even that would be meaningful to the public who needed hope.

“Is that the famous Hero everyone’s talking about?”

“Well, from what I’ve heard, he defeated a demon tribe executive and the Red Knight.”

“Both of them were dangerous enemies.”

“I guess that’s why the imperial court is sponsoring him.”

As my recognition grew, the procession of carriages following me lengthened, and I could feel the public’s evaluation of me gradually changing to become more positive.

Despite the fact that negative opinions could be expected due to the karma accumulated by previous Heroes, the evaluations were mostly positive.

This was probably because unlike those who were elevated to Heroes solely based on innate abilities, I was recognized as a Hero based on achievements I had already accomplished.

“Thanks to him, we can breathe easier now. We won’t have to worry about being attacked by the Undead when going on expeditions outside.”

“Come to think of it, the Undead haven’t been causing as much trouble lately, have they?”

“Their forces have been reduced by half, so I guess we can’t really call the Undead enemies of humanity anymore.”

“Now if we could just do something about the Demon Lord’s army and the Beastmen like before…!”

In this way, the impact of my actual achievements, combined with the propaganda led directly by the imperial family, had reached a level that defied comparison with anything before.

The hope created by all these elements moved the crowds, and soon led to enthusiastic cheers wherever I set foot.

“Keep up the good work, Hero Hyoseong Woo!”

“You are truly our hope!”

“Woo-hyo~! Woo-hyooo~!!”

…If only I didn’t have to hear that damned “Woo-hyo” sound, that would be great.

Damn it, my ability is to engrave my name in people’s minds, so why does everyone call me that?

-Swoosh!

At that moment, a small shadow leapt out from the crowd, cutting through the air and quickly flying toward where I was.

No, I sensed the threat before I could even react visually.

Having recognized it so quickly, responding shouldn’t be difficult.

-Crack!

Nevertheless, I didn’t dodge it but instead gathered mana to block the attack.

It didn’t hurt, but the surprise attack was enough to make me feel uncomfortable.

A soldier who belatedly noticed the situation urgently called out to me, and starting with him, soldiers who had been following the procession began to quickly gather around me one by one.

“Hero! Are you alright?!”

“…Yes, I’m fine.”

The procession that had been moving smoothly came to a halt, and the crowd that had been cheering also became aware of the situation and grew restless.

Concerned that the atmosphere might be severely disrupted, I casually brushed off my head where the stone had hit me and smiled nonchalantly.

“I apologize. I was slow to respond and caused you worry. Let’s continue.”

“No, we cannot let someone who dared to attack you go unpunished. We’ll identify and apprehend them immediately…”

“Please bear with it.”

The reason I endured despite feeling insulted wasn’t because I was generously accepting the malice directed at me.

Suppression only intensifies resistance, which would create greater chaos later.

“I must endure to some extent. Not everyone will welcome what I’ve done.”

I had deeply realized over the past two months that an idol must not only receive the cheers of the crowd but also bear their hatred.

****

Nihil, the rebel organization.

Known as revolutionary fighters resisting the empire’s corruption, they had now been declared to have been established by some nobles seeking to replace those in power.

Naturally, the nobles known to have cooperated with them were scheduled to be purged soon.

The reason for the cold response was that a rebellion focused on profit rather than principles could not gain public support.

After all, if people dislike both sides, they tend to prefer the existing leader—that’s typical human psychology.

“Hero Hyoseong Woo, an imperial order has been delivered to you, so cease your current activities and listen!”

Of course, some believe the rebels were falsely accused, but regardless of the actual suspicions, I wanted to focus only on carrying out the situation at hand.

Whether Nihil was truly a clean organization or not, whether it was right to suppress them to increase support for the imperial family…

Such discussions about principles or perspectives of good and evil seemed too distant to me, and above all, I had experienced to the point of exhaustion that what meets the eye is not all there is to the world.

I couldn’t even imagine that the Leader of Nihil was actually a doppelgänger created by the crown prince, so how could I presume to take sides in matters beyond my comprehension?

“With six months remaining until the succession ceremony of Crown Prince Orion Seis, the next heir to the current empire… During this time, there is a need to block as many threats targeting the empire as possible, and for this purpose, I feel the necessity for a large-scale subjugation operation in the empire’s territories and frontier areas.”

So let’s put aside all the incomprehensible things and focus on just one thing.

As wished by the one who provided me with an opportunity to rise high, even at the cost of his own neck.

And as wished by the crown prince who, despite being the reason I betrayed him, urged me only to move forward without any particular reproach.

“I believe you are the most suitable person for the following mission, so I hereby command you to embark on a six-month subjugation expedition under the support and guidance of the imperial court!”

At this order bestowed upon me, I bowed my head to the imperial messenger, who was also the crown prince’s proxy, and gave my answer.

“…I will comply.”

Becoming stronger, gaining power, and further engraving my existence in the minds of everyone in the empire…

The thought that I needed to follow the orders from the imperial court to achieve this had been strengthened by what Irie had told me when I returned home two months ago.

***

‘It’s, two months.’

‘Two months? What do you mean?’

‘…Ah, the baby.’

Yes, Irie was now pregnant.

At first, it didn’t feel real, but as I watched her belly gradually swell, I began to feel a sense of reality.

Naturally, as the one responsible for her, I couldn’t help but strongly feel that I shouldn’t be satisfied with the current situation, for her sake as well.

And separately, thoughts about whether this was really okay.

“…Is this really alright?”

Honestly, it felt quite sudden.

Even though we had been consistently intimate since becoming a couple, and we hadn’t paid attention to contraception each time we got caught up in the moment… thinking about it now, it wasn’t strange for this to happen at any time, but putting that aside.

Originally, although we had feelings for each other, we had tried to avoid crossing the line because we both had too many things to worry about.

Since those feelings remained, Irie also seemed unprepared at the time, showing a restless appearance.

Is it really okay for me to accept becoming her husband and a father to a child like this?

“Um, Hero, we’ve arrived…”

At that moment, the space jolted with a clattering sound.

Belatedly regaining my sense of reality, I quickly looked toward the driver’s seat of the carriage I was in.

“Is there something bothering you? If so, we could still call for the clergy…”

“Ah, no. It’s nothing. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

Right, today’s schedule ends here.

After greeting the driver who had escorted me as usual, I took a moment to stand and look up at the front gate of my residence.

A mansion that looked impressive at first glance. Compared to the first house I had, it was vastly different in size and internal structure.

Of course, that’s to be expected from a house provided directly by the empire’s crown prince.

“…No matter how many times I see it, I can’t get used to this house.”

Of course, as a hero representing the empire, where I stay shouldn’t be shabby, and especially since Irie is currently pregnant and needs rest.

If we’re talking about a place where she can stay with peace of mind, such a place is much better than our previous residence.

Nevertheless, if there’s something to worry about… right, I just got scheduled for a large-scale expedition.

The succession ceremony starts in half a year, and during that time, I’ll have to travel outside the system to tour territories and frontier areas, which means being away from her for that long.

Is it really proper as a man to leave her when she’s about to give birth?

“…I should consult with her first.”

Whatever the case, I need to deliver the news to Irie and the rest of the family.

So, with the imperial directive in hand, I passed through the main gate, crossed the garden, and entered through the waiting front door.

And just as I was about to greet everyone, a loud ‘crash!’ was heard.

Alert to this, I materialized a weapon in my hand and quickly ran toward the source of the sound.

What’s this noise? Could it be that remnants of the rebel army have attacked the mansion?

“…Irie Haven.”

No, it wasn’t an attack, it was Merilyn.

Though for Irie, it might mean the same thing, but anyway.

“Ms. Merilyn, what are you doing showing up after so long?”

Irie was sitting on the sofa, curling her body.

Her hands were positioned protectively over her belly, and her eyes showed clear wariness toward Merilyn standing in front of her.

“What am I doing? Are you really asking because you don’t know?”

And I could immediately understand why.

Merilyn, who had been scarce for the past two months, had now changed unrecognizably and was expressing hostility toward Irie.

“Do you know how lonely I’ve been since you announced your pregnancy? You monopolize what little time Hyoseong has when he finally comes home, leaving me alone…! And now you’re gloating about receiving Hyoseong’s love and attention for another half year!”

“…I’ve never gloated. And Ms. Merilyn, you know that this is unavoidable.”

“What do you mean unavoidable! Are you bragging about getting pregnant from having sex all year round?!”

“Please stop saying such vulgar things!”

“Your swollen belly is the evidence of vulgarity!”

-Rumble rumble rumble.

An ominous aura began to rise from Merilyn.

As Irie tensed up and her expression hardened, Merilyn began to clench her fists tightly.

“I’ve been patient and watching until now, but I can no longer stand by and watch Hyoseong be played by a sex monster!”

“So prepare yourself, Irie Haven. I’m different from before now.”

“W-wait, Ms. Merilyn. What is that appearance…?”

“What else? I’m trying to test the results of my training to defeat you!”

She thrust her tightly clenched fist forward.

Merilyn glared at Irie with wide-open eyes.

At the same time, as the surroundings reacted to her magical power in the reversed atmosphere, it felt like an illusion that Merilyn’s appearance was gradually changing to resemble a sturdy man.

No, an illusion… is it really an illusion?

“Hehe, can you feel it now? The power of ‘Star Platinum’ that I, Merilyn Sutherland, obtained after great hardship to counter the star power you wield!”

“…Platinum?”

“But it’s too late to regret now! From now on, I won’t stop hitting you until the baby in your belly cries!”

In the midst of confusion from this inexplicable situation, Irie, like me, was looking at Merilyn with tense eyes.

But Merilyn, unconcerned with such stiffened appearances, was only focused on expressing her anger.

“Dragging this out will only make it more painful, so quietly expose your belly and receive my deadly barrage! ORA ORA ORA ORA!!”

Merilyn began charging forward with a battle cry.

Her tightly clenched fists turned into a flurry of punches flying toward Irie’s belly.

“HAH!!”

At that moment, Tashian’s back smash, as if he had been waiting for this, mercilessly knocked her body to the floor.

-Crash!

This had been a routine repeated throughout the past two months.