The Hero’s Party Members Treat Me Well for Some Reason - Chapter 90



Ian von Pildor (1)

Gwaereusa is dead.

The hero party has already defeated the second of the Four Heavenly Kings.

And thinking of this as simply one of the Four Heavenly Kings being killed is a shallow analysis.

Originally, Gwaereusa was the most well-known name among the Four Heavenly Kings in the human realm.

He was the one who invaded the human realm the most, and naturally, he was also the one who caused the most deaths.

As such, the terror of Gwaereusa had spread throughout the continent.

Just looking back through history books reveals how he attacked people. He had lived long enough for that.

Yet, such a Gwaereusa has died. Thanks to that, the human realm was in a festive mood.

Even more so than during the reign of King Balkhan. Now, while doubts might be cast on the hero’s character, no one questioned his abilities.

Capturing the second of the Four Heavenly Kings was certainly no mere stroke of luck.

And those words soon······.

“Now your voice will gain a bit more strength.”

There are those who worry about his political influence. Whether he wants it or not.

Thanks to that, many have started to pay attention to the hero.

A man with silver hair just like Deila and purple eyes.

“Should I start some gentle persuasion···?”

The First Prince, Ian Phildoor, was one of them. He had begun to take notice of the hero.

*

I wanted a quiet return journey, but unfortunately, we had no choice but to endure hardships from the moment we arrived in the Empire.

This was because various knights and nobles were lined up from the very entrance of the Empire. Fortunately, they were not hostile toward us.

Rather, they were there to welcome us.

“Welcome! You’ve worked hard!”

“Congratulations on your safe return!”

As soon as they spotted us, they immediately bowed at a 90-degree angle. They maintained that posture for the next few minutes as we approached. To be honest, it was a bit burdensome.

“I’ve already heard the news. You captured the puppet lord, Net, didn’t you?”

“Truly, you are the hero. What kind of achievements did you make this time?”

The reason this was burdensome was not simply due to excessive kindness.

More precisely, it was because I knew that this kindness was feigned.

‘How ridiculous.’

I was definitely thinking, ‘Is this really what a hero is?’, ‘Still, I should endure this for the crumbs they might give me’ in my heart.

I could bet my remaining 40 years of life on it.

I knew that the curse was still affecting me. Unfortunately, just because the curse was lifted in exile didn’t mean it was permanently gone.

Yulis’s sullen face immediately after leaving exile was proof of that.

Anyway, because of this, the people currently showing me kindness appeared utterly insincere.

Thus, I had no choice but to speak a bit sharply.

“Everyone shut up. I’m already tired, and you’re chattering unnecessarily. From now on, anyone who speaks will have their tongue pulled out by me.”

“Ah······.”

“I-I’m sorry···.”

Only then could I proceed in relative quiet.

Everyone had expressions like they had bitten into something sour, but no one said anything.

—

It was because both my reputation and achievements had risen since then.

Though I appeared to be a mere third-rate scoundrel, I had nonetheless defeated two of the Four Heavenly Kings.

Now, it was a situation where even speaking carefully from behind was necessary.

“Phew…”

It seemed I wasn’t the only one feeling the pressure; my party members could finally walk at ease.

Still, they had prepared the carriage and other conveniences, making the journey itself comfortable.

After arriving in the imperial capital, a banquet was held a few days later.

“Presenting the hero Luke, who has once again driven away disaster!”

With the host’s voice, now more skilled than before, the doors of the palace opened.

Once again, there was a large crowd.

Nobles from various countries across the continent, their servants, and numerous strong individuals. Among those strong individuals was Farell Douglas, whom I had met last time.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see Jess Cuban or Balley McGuff.

While Jess was likely absent due to his injuries, I couldn’t fathom why McGuff wasn’t there.

However, what was even more surprising was that this time, the Emperor himself was not in attendance.

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“I warmly welcome you, who have safely completed your arduous journey.”

Instead, someone else stood on the platform.

The Crown Prince, Ian Phildoor.

A cynical handsome man with the royal family’s distinctive silver hair and purple eyes. Even beside him stood the Second Princess, Elvira, as if to assist him.

“This time, I have the honor of congratulating you. I apologize; my father is currently unwell.”

“… The Emperor?”

“… It seems his condition is quite serious.”

At the mention of “unwell,” the nobles around began to murmur. I too couldn’t help but stiffen my expression for a moment.

To think of it simply as the Emperor being unwell was a shallow analysis.

‘It seems he’s slowly preparing to pass on the crown…’

The Emperor was gradually getting ready to choose the next heir. The problem was that the Crown Prince stood on the platform, especially at such a grand event celebrating the hero’s return.

In this gathering were not only the empire’s nobles but also diplomats and high-ranking nobles from other countries.

And they would imprint the Crown Prince’s face in their minds instead of the Emperor’s.

Perhaps in the future, there would be many occasions where the Crown Prince Ian would represent his father.

‘This isn’t good…’

I inwardly sighed. The time for the transfer of power was approaching much sooner than I had anticipated.

At least I hope the power of the Third Princess, Deila, has been somewhat established before this happens.

“Come to think of it, you’ve always disliked unnecessary formalities. I won’t bother with empty compliments, then. I hope you enjoy the banquet.”

With those words, the Crown Prince gracefully descended from the platform. The Second Princess, Elvira, trailed after him like a shadow.

Damn, I was so flustered that I missed my chance to make a scene.

With no other option, I made my way to a nearby table and drowned my sorrows in drink.

I had to at least pretend to be drunk. Grabbing a bottle of expensive-looking wine, I took a rough swig.

“Ugh, damn… it’s been a while since I had a drink.”

Bang!

After downing the bottle in one go, I slammed it down on the table. I didn’t forget to flush my face red with ‘blood flow acceleration.’

“Hah…”

“Still as ignorant as ever…”

The nobles murmured their comments, as usual. However, the frequency of their gossip had noticeably decreased; now, hardly anyone dared to dismiss my achievements.

In the past, I was a third-rate punk, suspiciously labeled a hero, but now I had risen to a level where, despite my trashy personality and ignorance, my skills were undeniable.

Thanks to that, I couldn’t be easily ignored, even from behind.

It was nice not to waste my energy unnecessarily. Besides, the nobles’ attention was likely focused on the Crown Prince anyway.

I could see it even now.

Countless nobles were flocking to Crown Prince Ian, who had just stepped down from the platform.

Most were from the First Prince’s faction, and some nobles were eager to align themselves with him.

With the succession to the throne practically confirmed for the First Prince, they were trying to get in line even now.

As someone who supported the Third Princess, it was truly a disappointing sight.

Anyway, they were having their own fun over there.

‘Where is Deila?’

If the First Prince was participating, Deila would surely be there too.

As I scanned the inner banquet hall, I spotted Deila sitting in a corner.

True to her status as the outcast of the political world, she sat alone, looking lonely and desolate. Her drooping shoulders made her seem defeated at a glance. Yet, the light in her eyes showed her remarkable determination.

‘I wish I could at least say a word to her…’

Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. The alliance we formed was strictly a secret one.

On the surface, we were nothing more than strangers. In a place with so many watchful eyes, I couldn’t approach her without hesitation.

So, I decided to just drink. As usual, I played the fool and munched on delicious snacks.

“Good to see you, Hero. If you don’t mind, may I have a moment of your time…?”

“Get lost.”

I wanted to drive away the low-quality nobles approaching me as well.

Perhaps due to my experience at the last banquet, fortunately, there were hardly any nobles coming near me.

Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy the banquet relatively comfortably. Indeed, being in the palace made the food delicious. I hoped they would continue to keep their distance so I could eat in peace.

However, this wish of mine was soon shattered.

“I’m glad to see you’re having fun.”

This was because a particularly large man approached me. He was primarily from the power faction.

The man who had been chatting merrily with his faction just moments ago. Ian von Pildoor.

“So, how about it? If you have a moment, would you care to have a chat with me? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

He brushed aside his subordinates and stood before me, wearing a feigned smile on his face.

I could see nobles behind him, looking at the prince with astonished expressions.

‘Really…’

My expression was deteriorating in real time.