What is the banquet for now?
‘It must be a banquet to celebrate the fact that the great evil, Black Wolf, has been driven away by the Gardner Earl Family and the Hero Party – the Light Empire.’
Then, why are you attending here, you, the leader of the Black Wolf?
‘Only because of this one thing.’
Nahan’s gaze, after some internal questioning, moved to the woman walking right beside him.
Her radiant sky-colored hair,
Her sapphire eyes, slightly darker than her hair,
The expressionless look resting on her white skin.
—”Literally. It’s an invitation to the banquet hosted by Light and the Viscount.”
Because he was invited by Asha Mirabel, the leader of Light and the empire’s hero.
As Nahan’s gaze moved to the corner of his vision, a deep blue system window came into sight.
─「Sub-Quest Activated!」─
◆ I Am A Hero Indeed.
: Attend the party held by Gardner Viscount together with <Light>!
◆ Completion Conditions.
1. Apply ointment to Asha’s face. (Achieved!)
2. Attend the party with <Light>. (Achieved!)
3. Have a conversation with the survived <Hestia>.
4. Halt <Eclipse>‘s attack.
◆ Reward.
: <Light>‘s trust in <Ian Red>.
◆ On Failure & Rejection.
: <Light>‘s trust in <Eclipse>.
Nahan, currently not as ‘Black Wolf’, but as ‘Ian Red’, was here to clear the Sub-Quest – ‘I Am A Hero Indeed’.
If he succeeded, he would gain Light’s trust, and if he failed, as per the original storyline, Light would be taken by Eclipse, so he had to clear it no matter what.
Even though there was a risk of being exposed as Black Wolf and a battle with Eclipse could break out, he wasn’t worried.
‘Asha is here.’
Already, he had helped with Hestia’s rescue by posing as Ian Red and had earned Asha’s trust because of it.
Considering his proximity to Asha Mirabel, even if other heroes may not understand, he felt he was close to her.
The plan was to stay closely by Asha’s side and then, when something happens, pretend to not know and just pass on the information.
…That was the plan.
Which meant that the laid-out plan had failed.
The biggest reason for the failure was,
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“What a coincidence. I haven’t eaten either. Shall we just grab a quick bite before moving on?”
“Alright. Bring it.”
“Hehe… No, I will pass as well.”
Asha’s attitude suddenly changed.
‘Why is she suddenly acting this way?’
None other than Ian Red.
The iron-blooded knight,
The silent empress,
The emotionless hero.
He was so close to Asha that he could draw out just a hint of emotion.
“Let’s enjoy ourselves separately.”
“Excuse me? Didn’t you lead me here to walk together?”
“Yes, but my mind has changed.”
Why is she suddenly acting this way?
As Nahan, bewildered, tried to say something, Asha took something out of her bosom and handed it over.
“It’s a guarantee badge. I’ve prepared a private carriage, so after the banquet, use it to travel. When you get to the gate, show it again and you will be sent back to the city free of charge.”
In simple terms,
Since everything is ready, go play by yourself and come back on your own.
The person who delivered the invitation told him to move separately after arrival, effectively abandoning him.
An ordinary person would at least pretend to feel sorry, but Asha didn’t.
“…”
She only waited for the reply with her usual cold expression, looking at Nahan.
As if,
‘…Want me to apologize?’
Even though I don’t know what happened, one thing is certain:
A shiver.
Despite pretending to be indifferent, Asha was also feeling guilty.
Then what should I,
Or rather, what should ‘Ian Red’ do?
“It’s fine.”
“Huh? What, wait, stop pushing me… !!”
Approaching by the distance he was pushed,
“I don’t know what you’re afraid of and why you’re pushing me away, but instead of hurting me, please don’t hurt yourself.”
Unconditional acceptance, a faint smile, taking Asha’s side completely.
“I have no intention of burdening the Hero. Please enjoy the banquet without worry.”
Asha’s furrowed brow slightly distorted when her presented token was refused.
“Take it anyway.”
“It’s fine.”
“But…!!”
“Then I will leave.”
Where to feel easy?
‘If I pile up her guilt now, she will come back to me.’
After confirming her heightened emotions, Nahan quietly turned around.
Tap, tap, tap.
The calm pace of a Free Priest retreated from Asha who was left alone.
“Ah…”.
As she stared blankly at his retreating figure, Asha unconsciously twitched her hands but,
-Living is necessary, Asha.
-No matter what, I have to survive.
-That’s the only way to get revenge.
She clenched her fist after a forgotten memory resurfaced.
“… Right.”
Because I must not be happy.
Finally, Asha turned her body in the opposite direction of Nahan, holding onto a small attachment.
2.
Left alone,
Or rather, Ian Red avoided the splendid ballroom and strolled around Gardner Viscount’s residence.
With two conditions left.
◆ Completion Conditions.
1. Apply ointment to Asha’s face. (Achieved!)
2. Attend the party with <Light>. (Achieved!)
3. Have a conversation with the survived <Hestia>.
4. Halt <Eclipse>‘s attack.
Find Hestia and have a conversation, stop Eclipse’s attack.
To be honest, having a conversation with Hestia was the biggest problem.
‘The attack by <Eclipse> will somehow be handled by the Hero Party.’
But Hestia?
An already once-kidnapped by <Black Wolf>, family power yet to blossom, bedridden, fragile woman could not freely walk around the venue.
Besides, this banquet was not just any banquet.
A provocative banquet mocking the Black Wolf who has been defeated by them.
Black Wolf, enraged, might launch another attack. It was improbable that a family would let their daughter wander freely at such a banquet.
“…I wonder where she is.”
Just a simple greeting would help me clear my Sub-Quest.
Gurgle.
“…Uh.”
While patting his growling stomach and trying to return to the ballroom to eat something,
A thunderous voice suddenly echoed in his quiet mind.
-[Someone’s approaching!!]
“Ah, you gave me a start.”
Ah, I forgot about this guy.
Nahan quickly swallowed back the surprised words and spoke mentally.
‘Please quiet down.’
-[I’ve been quiet!!]
‘Please be quiet when you speak as well.’
-[Whatever!]
Even though this guy tried to reduce his voice, it was still loud.
-[Then, what’s your name again?!]
This noisy elder is none other than Balak Gardner, the progenitor of the Iron Wall.
Due to a mishandled use of the definite reinforcement, the ‘Divine Protection’ was strengthened to Ex grade, and thus the latent will within the artifact was awakened.
The awakened Divine Protection settled on my left hand, and this elder was forcibly bound by the artifact.
Although I don’t know much,
【Divine Protection (Ex).】
◆ Effects: “Gardner’s shield is the best in the world!”
If you steady your feet on the ground and raise the shield, whatever you defend becomes an <absolute defensive judgment>. This can be transferred to another based on your will.
*However, the transfer to another requires the consent of the hero – <Balak Gardner>.
With a shield that can block any kind of attack, except for the noise caused by Balak Gardner, it was a definite gain.
Even though it wasn’t the Ring of Healing, as long as I prevent injuries, it should be fine.
‘Hmm, wasn’t this artifact supposed to play some important role…?’
I think I was allowed to take it, but maybe I shouldn’t have.
While pondering Balak Gardner’s question,
-[What’s your name again!!!]
“…!!”
Nahan frowned at the shout that pressed for an answer.
‘Master, I’ve told you countless times, my name is Nahan!’
-[Ah, right!! Nahan!!]
As if finally remembering, Balak laughed heartily and added,
-[Someone was approaching, right? Now, just by turning my head, I can see someone!!]
‘Why didn’t you say so earlier…!!’
Just then, he felt someone’s presence from behind.
-[Judging from the fine looks, this might be my successor!!]
‘…Yes?’
-[You’ve been fidgeting, and now you’re on guard!]
Balak’s words turned out to be true.
“…Are you alright?”
The polite voice heard from somewhere carried a deep sense of alertness. Recognizing it, Nahan slowly turned around and greeted.
“Free Priest Ian Red pays his respects to the wise Miss of the Gardner Family.”
At the same time, the floating window appeared.
◆ Completion Conditions.
1. Apply ointment to Asha’s face. (Achieved!)
2. Attend the party with <Light>. (Achieved!)
3. Have a conversation with <Hestia>. (Achieved!)
4. Halt <Eclipse>‘s attack.
‘Done.’
Now, I just need to wait till Eclipse’s attack is stopped by calming down the situation a bit.
With that thought in mind, Nahan was trying to think of an appropriate conversation starter.
Then, staring at his crimson eyes, Hestia mumbled unconsciously.
“…Black Wolf?”
“…”
I’m really going crazy.
