Ch.32Chapter 32. Their Contract Was as Follows

# “Everyone has gathered.”

The meeting hall contained only the Hero’s party.

Holy Maiden Arsil, her religious garments torn and scorched in various places.

Likewise, Mage Tigria, with the hem of her robe completely shredded.

In contrast, Archer Naidrian in pristine attire.

And Shield Knight Rainfold, wearing gleaming golden armor.

The Hero’s party had assembled—without their Hero.

More precisely, a Hero’s party without both their Hero and their porter.

“Even though this seems to be highly confidential, the messenger who delivered it seemed to know all the general details.”

“That’s because it was information that couldn’t be controlled.”

Naidrian, who could at least speak properly when only party members were present, was the first to speak up.

Rainfold answered while elegantly brushing back his golden hair, but judging by the wrinkles between his brows, he was extremely irritated.

Even so, his natural condescension was displeasing.

After the Demon Lord’s subjugation, there was no longer any trace of kindness to be found in Rainfold.

“When demons openly invaded Valtercrua, it was only a matter of time before word got out.”

“I heard that Arsil and Tigria also encountered demons?”

Having received what could hardly be called encouragement from the Elder, Naidrian was quite assertive.

Rainfold glanced at her briefly in response to this unexpected behavior, but that was all.

Arsil, on the other hand, felt somewhat disappointed.

No one even asked if she and Tigria were alright, despite their obvious signs of hardship.

Lucy would certainly have asked that first.

But Arsil knew well that she had no right to think that way.

Even if they had sufficient justification, it was petty of her to expect concern from companions who had excluded their teammate.

“I’d like to know exactly what happened. Quickly and concisely.”

“Understood.”

Tigria explained what had happened in chronological order, as Rainfold requested.

She told them about encountering Salamei, a blue demon spearman who claimed to be part of the Demon Hero’s party, on the way from Efalterga to Valtercrua. After being thoroughly defeated, they barely made it to Valtercrua, which was also under attack by an illusionist. She also related the conversation Arsil had with Ravin there.

However, Tigria cleverly avoided mentioning how often the porter appeared at the center of these events.

She deliberately omitted what Salamei had said about Rin, as well as her own judgment that Rin seemed deeply connected to Arsil and Ravin, including the fact that the Holy Maiden and the thief were acquainted.

“So the Hero went to the Zramun Archipelago…”

“Based on the circumstances, I think Lucy was indeed in Valtercrua, and the illusionist from the Demon Hero’s party targeted her, don’t you think?”

Though slightly different from the actual situation, Naidrian’s conjecture was the most plausible assumption the Hero’s party could make at present.

“The Valtercrua Guild Alliance and Lucy joined forces to fight the demons. After the illusionist retreated, Lucy deliberately had her destination conveyed to us.”

“Ha, what is that bastard thinking?”

Arsil cracked her joints as she pondered, but nothing came to mind.

Indeed, the Holy Maiden wasn’t accustomed to using her head.

“Isn’t it obvious? She’s trying to lure us. She wants revenge.”

“Revenge… is it.”

“Why pretend to be troubled? Lucy Ena Estel has always shown extremely dangerous words and actions. We had no choice but to eliminate her. Everyone should have understood that.”

Tch, as if such rationalizations could cover up the truth.

Though Arsil found the Shield Knight distasteful, she was also anxious.

She couldn’t get the image of Ravin laughing hysterically when asked about Lee out of her mind.

“But it’s strange. Why is the destination the Zramun Archipelago?”

“Perhaps because fighting us would inevitably cause significant damage to the surrounding area? She’s probably waiting on some uninhabited island in the archipelago to confront us.”

Another plausible guess.

Lucy was considerate of others, despite her rough manner of speaking. Well, except when it came to the porter.

Was she always this smart? Rainfold secretly admired Naidrian.

Though his narcissistic tendencies would prevent him from admitting it, when it came to pure academic knowledge, the scholar Naidrian was far superior.

But Tigria stepped in to refute that conjecture.

“That’s not it.”

“You sound quite certain. What’s your basis?”

When Rainfold asked, Tigria hesitated slightly.

It wasn’t something she particularly wanted to bring up, but she had no choice.

“A demon sword is sealed in the Zramun Archipelago.”

“A demon sword?!”

Arsil reacted sensitively to the mention of an evil item.

“I’ve never heard that a demon sword is sealed in the Zramun Archipelago.”

“Only those who have studied history and scripture deeply would know.”

“I’d appreciate a detailed explanation.”

“…”

“Tigria, I’m requesting an explanation.”

Though the Shield Knight pressured her with an authoritative voice, she wasn’t the type of mage to tremble at such shallow intimidation.

Her silence stretched unusually long.

‘If Rin were here…’

Would she have been able to speak without this strange fear?

If Rin, who knew her secret, had been by her side.

Suddenly, she missed Rin.

Clinging to that one desire, Tigria painfully opened her mouth.

“It was the greatest achievement of the 2nd Hero. The world rejoiced when he took the demon sword from the Demon Lord and sealed it in the Zramun Archipelago. However, a thief of that time, envious of his popularity, slandered the 2nd Hero, claiming he intended to rule humanity with the demon sword. The other party members sided with the thief, and eventually the 2nd Hero was captured and executed.”

“…”

“And what happened afterward is as everyone knows.”

What she calmly unfolded was a lost piece of history.

The story of a Hero’s party betraying their Hero made even Rainfold sigh.

The only one who could speak up was Naidrian, who had just been thoroughly scolded by the Elder.

“I understand that the demon sword lies dormant there. But what connection does that have with Lucy?”

“Demons are a race born when humans are placed under extreme pressure amid negative emotions.”

The world calls this corruption.

“The same applies to the demon sword.”

Everyone except the mage felt chills down their spine at this tremendous truth they had never imagined.

“The demon sword was created when a holy sword became corrupted.”

“When? I can’t follow what you’re saying at all. You said the 2nd Hero sealed the demon sword, right? Then when exactly did the holy sword become corrupted, and what about the holy sword Lucy has been using all this time? It doesn’t add up!”

“The 1st Hero.”

She gave back in spades what she received.

Just as he tried to refute her, increasingly shocking facts emerged.

Rainfold also stepped in to deny it.

“The 1st Hero is the one I respect most. She was the lonely hero who first revealed the existence of demons to the world when no one knew about them, and single-handedly charged against the advancing demon army, sacrificing herself to stop them.”

“The 1st Hero didn’t die. Or more precisely, she didn’t die then.”

“What?”

“She halted the demon army’s advance, but the demons took her with them as she was on the verge of death. Then the Demon God personally tortured and corrupted the 1st Hero.”

“A Hero becoming corrupted?!”

“I don’t understand why you’re surprised. Even you, Rainfold, suggested the possibility of Lucy Ena Estel’s corruption in our last meeting.”

That was merely a political show.

Finding himself suddenly fighting against his past self, Rainfold struggled to conceal his displeasure.

“Fine, so you’re saying that when the Hero became corrupted, her holy sword also became a demon sword?”

“Correct, but because the Demon God directly interfered with the human Hero, the Goddess forged a new holy sword and bestowed it upon the 2nd Hero.”

“If everything you’re saying is true and historical, where is this corrupted 1st Hero now, and what is she doing?”

“She’s dead.”

“When, where, and how?”

Tigria counted on her fingers.

“Two months and one week ago. In the demon realm.”

Arsil wanted to cover that mouth.

Naidrian covered her lips in shock, and Rainfold bit his lip until it bled.

Why was it always the mage who revealed unpleasant truths and facts no one wanted to accept?

“She was killed by us, led by Lucy Ena Estel.”

The Demon Lord had been the 1st Hero.

“And to return to the main point, since the demon sword was originally a holy sword, it could potentially be used to strengthen the current holy sword. This is speculation. I don’t know for sure since I haven’t tried it.”

The relentless final blow delivered without blinking left everyone in the Hero’s party, except the mage, clutching their heads.

—

Naidrian gathered her greaves and bow.

She placed specially crafted arrows in her quiver and, befitting a plant scholar, put several small vials into her inventory.

“Are you going?”

“Yes, Elder.”

“This time, we must erase the demons from the world and prevent the extinction of our elves.”

“I will certainly accomplish it.”

“Did you properly remind the Imperial Princess and the Shield Knight of our contract?”

“Yes.”

Nodding, Naidrian recited exactly what she had told Rainfold during the meeting.

“If we secure Hero Lucy Ena Estel and eliminate threats to the world, including demons, another vast forest will be provided to the elves to replace the diminishing elven forest.”

“That’s right. At this rate, we cannot avoid extinction.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“The survival of our race rests on your shoulders, Naidrian!”

Once again, the heavy burden pressed down on her.

But Naidrian had to overcome it.

The fate of the elves depended on her.

“I’ll be going now.”

“Complete your mission and return alive without fail.”

The reason for wishing her safe return was probably because of her political value.

With a bitter feeling, Naidrian headed toward the plaza in front of the imperial palace.

“Holy Maiden, the prestige of the Goddess and the Church depends on this journey.”

“I know, so stop chattering! Make sure you and the Empire keep the contract you made with me!”

“I always keep that contract in mind.”

“Then let’s hear it. The terms of our contract.”

What kind of Holy Maiden is so selfish?

But acknowledging that he too was a politician full of greed, the Cardinal feigned serenity.

“Our Church and the Empire agreed that if the Holy Maiden secures the Hero and eliminates threats to the world, including demons, we will establish an academy in your hometown, the Sewage Alley, and appoint you as its principal.”

“You’re missing the details. The Empire would provide all funding for the academy, and the Church would give blessings and baptisms to everyone in the Sewage Alley. And I would step down from my position as Holy Maiden.”

Had it not been for that last condition, this contract filled with ridiculous lies would never have been concluded.

There was no reason to refuse when she offered to step down voluntarily after completing everything.

Of course, whether the contract would be fulfilled remained uncertain.

“Hey, Cardinal. How’s the Sewage Alley these days? I’m sure you’re keeping it under surveillance. Is anyone spreading rumors about me being from there?”

She subtly tried to confirm Lee’s existence, but the Cardinal remained noncommittal.

“There have been no such impious individuals.”

“…Really?”

Since they had cleaned out the entire alley, there was no one—or rather, no living being—who could do such a thing in the first place.

Mocking the ignorant Holy Maiden, the Cardinal saw her off.

“May the Goddess’s blessing be with you.”

“That’s ridiculous. I’m the one who bestows that blessing, you know?”

After packing all her belongings in her inventory, Arsil headed to the plaza.

Did she know?

That the price she paid for forcibly obtaining the ability to bestow those blessings was her entire past.

Surprisingly, the mage was with the Shield Knight.

“Are you really going to just observe?”

“That’s what our contract stipulates.”

“Hmm.”

Though the Shield Knight appeared experienced in front of others, he was uncomfortable around Tigria.

“If you want to research true affection and love, why does it have to be me?”

“Because I felt that Rainfold’s affection for the Imperial Princess was genuine. All the affection I’ve seen so far has been fake, driven only by political, material interests, and sexual desire. Therefore, Rainfold and the Imperial Princess are suitable models for my research.”

Tigria’s dissatisfaction stemmed from the fact that despite agreeing, Rainfold rarely showed her his interactions with the Imperial Princess.

Since they enjoyed their rendezvous in private, it was difficult for Tigria to research true love.

“It’s not my place to say, but is that research important enough to betray the Hero?”

“A foolish question. The collapse of the 2nd Hero’s party and the kingdom was due to betrayal driven by lust rather than true love. As a mage seeking truth, it’s a research topic I absolutely cannot miss.”

“You don’t have any other motives, do you?”

“I have no other motives. However, if you don’t help with my research, I’ll have to find another model. You still need my assistance. I hope for your maximum cooperation.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Shuddering, Rainfold moved away from the mage.

He immediately approached Rinasien, who was waiting for him.

“Be careful, Morgan.”

“For the peace of this world, I absolutely cannot die.”

It was a sense of justice without a trace of falsehood.

His wish to become the world’s protector was pure and blind.

Embracing the reliable man, the Imperial Princess whispered.

“I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“This ordeal we’re facing feels like punishment from the Goddess for harming the Hero.”

Just like the incident with the 2nd Hero.

Though she swallowed the rest of her words, Rainfold understood perfectly.

He smiled gently and lightly lifted Rinasien’s chin.

“There’s no need to worry. The Hero didn’t know her place and acted roughly, giving rise to the possibility of becoming a new enemy to the world. The Goddess was angry at injustice and wrongdoing, not at the Hero personally.”

No one knows.

With whom he made a deal to become the world’s protector.

Even if the Goddess were to rebuke him for it, he was confident in defending his justice, and he had gained the power to respond even if the Goddess tried to undermine that justice.

That person had made it possible.

The ignorant Rinasien smiled along with him.

“That’s one way to interpret it. I’m sorry. I’m still not prepared enough… mmph…!”

He couldn’t resist.

He had to kiss this subtly noble woman whose status was slightly beneath his.

This is what a woman should be.

Far better than someone like Lucy Ena Estel, who only flirted based on appearances.

As they shared a respectful yet greedy kiss, Rainfold…

The mage, observing the couple from a distance, tilted her head.

“It is true affection. But I keep feeling like the surrounding air is distorted.”

Despite getting to do the research she wanted, she wasn’t satisfied.

Only questions remained.

‘I need to meet Rin soon.’

That was the conclusion Tigria had reached.

“Waaaaaah-!!!!”

The people cheered.

“Truly a magnificent sight.”

“May we see this spectacle again after ridding the world of evil.”

The nobles maintained their dignity.

“The Hero’s party’s healer (physical)! Holy Maiden Arsil has arrived!”

The massive doors of the imperial palace opened, and the Holy Maiden walked out.

She presented a dignified figure with her coarse religious garments and shiny brown bob haircut.

“The Hero’s party’s archer! Elf Naidrian has arrived!”

The archer with long green hair advanced without hesitation.

Her neatly braided hair swayed with each step.

“The Hero’s party’s mage! Magic Scholar Tigria has arrived!”

The mage in a black robe.

Though she carried an ordinary staff, people gazed curiously at her long purple hair that naturally floated slightly upward even when she stood still.

“The Hero’s party’s shield knight! Sir Morgan Rainfold has arrived!”

Finally, a handsome young man with golden hair.

The shield knight with a gentle impression but sturdy build appeared carrying a large shield in full armor.

Thus, the Hero’s party advanced steadily toward the outside of the capital, neither looking at each other nor turning back.

“Waaaaaaaaah!!!!”

The people cheered even louder at the assembly of the Hero’s party.

While the other party members were all tense, only Rainfold leisurely enjoyed the cheers.

Following them, central nobles and imperial family members including the Imperial Princess came to the plaza, but they weren’t announced.

Today’s protagonists were the Hero’s party.

No one could assert their status or authority before those departing with such a noble duty.

But this golden opportunity with all eyes on them couldn’t be missed.

After walking what he deemed a sufficient distance, Rainfold suddenly stopped.

As the de facto leader halted, the other party members naturally had to stop as well.

Rainfold, who had been gazing at the sky with a melancholic expression, very slowly turned to look at the Imperial Princess.

Rinasien, meeting his gaze, already had tears in her eyes.

“Morgan… I pray for your safe journey.”

The Imperial Princess’s voice echoed across the now-quiet plaza.

Though soft, that poignant voice firmly lodged in everyone’s ears was enough to draw sorrowful sighs from many women.

Only then did Rainfold smile brightly and nod.

“Let’s go.”

He began to lead the way again with a resolute expression.

The Hero’s party, led by Rainfold.

But a Hero’s party without their Hero.

They began their journey to eradicate the threats to the world once more.

And the first objective of that journey was to secure Hero Lucy Ena Estel.

Royalty, nobility, and commoners alike all hoped with one heart and mind that they would safely find and rescue the Hero.

No one remembered that the Hero’s party was also missing their porter.