The Hero’s Party Members Treat Me Well for Some Reason - Chapter 91



Ian von Pildoor (2)

“…”

“…”

A moment of silence enveloped the banquet hall. The previously lively atmosphere felt like a lie, as all eyes were drawn to one place. No one had anticipated this.

Who would have thought the crown prince would be the first to speak to the hero? Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem for someone of high standing to speak to a well-known figure, but…

The issue was that this well-known figure was infamous in many respects.

It was said he learned dark magic, that he acted recklessly because of his status as a hero, and that he even embarrassed the emperor last time because of it, among other things.

It was astonishing that all these rumors were true.

Nobles are a breed that live and die by authority. Among them, the royal family is especially severe.

If they are looked down upon even slightly, there will always be someone trying to rise from below.

Due to their need to control those beneath them through power, having anyone who underestimates them can be quite bothersome.

That is why they adorn themselves with all sorts of luxuries and gather troops to assert their authority.

The royal family, in particular, is the most extreme in this regard. That’s why the nobles were so audacious at the last banquet.

But…

‘Who would have thought he would come this close?’

Even though it could ruin his own face.

‘Does he not care?’

After all, that guy was practically the number one in the empire. Not like the setting sun of an emperor, but rather, the sun that has just begun to rise.

As for authority or face, it didn’t matter if it took a slight hit.

After all, dozens of nobles supported him.

‘Or perhaps they want to forge a connection with me, even more than that.’

Whatever it was, it was equally uncomfortable. From my perspective, he was merely someone I would have to eliminate someday.

“By the way, you really do love your drinks. I can tell you have quite the capacity.”

“… Sorry, but I don’t have a hobby of drinking with gentlemen.”

“What? Hahaha!”

His casual tone could have been quite offensive, yet he just laughed heartily. Even though he was likely under a curse at that moment.

Is this level of shamelessness really necessary to eye the top position?

“Don’t worry. It won’t be that boring. I’ll share a story that might interest you.”

Saying that, he sat down at the table where I had been seated. Following him, the second princess Elvira sat down with an uncomfortable expression.

“Speaking of which, I heard not long ago that you killed a noble.”

Damn, he’s coming straight to the point. I blew into my glass again to hide my expression.

Nothing beats champagne for a raw intake.

“The name was… Vicklon, right? What a shame. He wasn’t a close aide, but we did have our fair share of conversations.”

“So then…”

I deliberately sharpened my tone.

“Should I have spared that guy? He wouldn’t have returned anyway, being brainwashed and all?”

“Haha, that’s not what I meant. Killing him was absolutely necessary. It’s just a bit unfortunate.”

He laughed and smoothly brushed it off. His tone was quite gentle, but I could sense the hidden meaning behind his words.

‘That guy was my subordinate.’

‘Was he really brainwashed?’

It was clear he was asking that. If not, there would have been no need to bring it up at all. There was no reason to beat around the bush like this.

Of course, I wasn’t particularly anxious.

I scoffed inwardly.

‘Feel free to doubt as much as you want.’

After all, my alibi was solid. It would be hard to find evidence.

Even if they did, it would be difficult for them to confront me. Given his actions, he was someone who deserved to die anyway.

No matter how much the first prince’s faction tried to protect him, there were limits.

—

But it seemed he knew that too.

“Let’s get straight to the point.”

After all, it appeared that the Vyclon was merely bait for intimidation.

“Do you have no intention of forming a bond with me?”

From the start, his goal was to sway me. Even though he phrased it indirectly, the underlying meaning was all too clear.

Join my faction. Even now, with the succession to the throne nearly assured, he was still seeking greater power.

“If you come to my side, I’ll provide you with various conveniences. You won’t have to worry about money, and if you seek honor, I can grant that. If you desire anything else, I’ll do my best to procure it.”

Honestly, I didn’t quite understand. Did it really have to go this far?

From my perspective, he was someone whose claim to the throne was almost guaranteed, even without my help.

No, perhaps he was making this offer to maintain a good relationship once he became emperor.

If not that…

‘Could he have caught on?’

That I might have an accomplice in the Third Princess, Deila.

Thinking back, it had been quite some time since the deputy commander of the assassination squad had gone missing.

I was confident that no evidence had been left behind, but the circumstances were more than suspicious.

First of all, that deputy commander had disappeared on the very day he attacked the Third Princess.

Moreover, that day was the banquet when the hero returned to the empire.

In the midst of all this, Deila had shown no significant strength.

It was entirely reasonable to suspect that someone had been assisting her. And that suspicion had reached me. It was a rather troublesome situation.

“To form a bond…”

Of course, my answer was already decided. Naturally, it was a refusal.

But I had no intention of making that refusal in a normal manner.

“My goodness, are you gay?”

“What?”

Feigning ignorance. Acting dumb.

“Goodness, it’s the first time in my life I’ve been confessed to by a man. I’ve heard that among the highborn, there are many with strange tastes, but… I never thought you’d be gay.”

“What? No, wait, I didn’t mean it like that…”

The face of the one who had been maintaining his composure finally broke. Perhaps he hadn’t expected to hear such a crude remark, as confusion spread across his face.

Regardless, I continued speaking.

“So, which is it? Top? Bottom? Sorry, but I have no interest in either topping or bottoming with a man.”

—

“What is this…?”

The guy momentarily lost his words. But my statement was not yet finished.

A rogue is supposed to flirt with any woman. I gazed at the Second Princess Elvira sitting next to me and spoke softly.

“More than that, I find you more to my taste. The figure is a bit disappointing, but… what do you think? Would you consider forming a bond with me? I have quite the skill, heh heh…”

“What? How dare a lowly scoundrel like you…!”

Elvira’s expression crumpled like a wrinkled cloth, rapidly contorting. The reaction was quite good. I decided today’s concept was that of a randy dog.

“How dare you speak such nonsense to royalty… Stand up, brother! No matter how much of a hero you are, there are lines that must be respected. There’s no need to converse further with such a person!”

“…Elvira.”

Ian called her name in a serious tone.

“…Even so, he is the hero. Let’s maintain some decorum.”

“Y-Yes… I’m sorry, brother…”

Hmm, even after I threw a flirtatious remark at my sister, this was the reaction. It was fascinating to see Elvira, who was usually so composed, become modest at Ian’s single word, and Ian, who was so cold, was equally intriguing.

“W-Well, if that’s your answer, I understand. We shall take our leave now.”

He spoke politely until the very end and stood up. I watched the siblings as they gradually distanced themselves for a long time.

…It seemed like quite a troublesome matter would arise soon.

*

“Phew…”

In a corner, the woman named Dayla, who had been drinking wine alone, let out a small sigh of relief.

When her rival and brother Ian approached the hero, she was quite startled.

Ian, who always desired his own faction, was bound to make a proposal to the hero.

He must have urged him to side with him.

But seeing Ian’s reaction, it seemed the conversation hadn’t gone as he wished.

Thanks to that, she could set her worries aside. The concern that the hero might side with the First Prince.

…To be honest, the possibility of her seizing the imperial power was now almost nonexistent.

The person who felt the most troubled when the First Prince stood on the platform was none other than her.

She hadn’t even properly established her own faction yet, and it was practically certain that the succession to the throne was decided.

Of course, it had always been that way, but now the outcome was slowly approaching.

The game was nearing its end before she even stood at the starting line.

No matter how much of a hero there was, supporting just that one wouldn’t change much. If time passed like this, Ian would likely become the emperor without a hitch…

She would have preferred it if he had been confined like the Second Prince; Dayla absolutely did not want to see him become emperor.

—

I hope this captures the essence and atmosphere of the original text!

Perhaps that was the reason I had been feeling so down all day.

As I was drinking alone in a pitiful manner, someone approached me from the side.

Daila, who had not expected anyone to come near her, couldn’t help but be taken aback.

She looked at the person who had come closer and grimaced as if she had bitten into something unpleasant.

“Count Gregonieu…”

“Ha ha, it’s a pleasure to see you, Your Highness.”

Count Gregonieu.

He was a prominent figure representing the first prince’s faction, with a physique reminiscent of a wine glass and a long mustache. He primarily handled the financial aspects for the first prince.

Naturally, being one of the core members of the first prince’s faction, he was someone entirely unrelated to me.

His reputation was not particularly good, so I had deliberately kept my distance from him.

Daila asked in a cold tone.

“What is your business?”

“Ha ha, it seems that the first prince’s succession to the throne is almost assured. I thought I would come to celebrate together.”

Even knowing that I was an opponent of the first prince, he casually said such things. It was clear he was trying to provoke me.

The count did not stop there.

“By the way, what are your thoughts on what you will do, Princess Daila?”

“… What do you mean?”

“If the first prince becomes emperor, your position will become quite precarious.”

“······.”

Daila furrowed her brow.

“Isn’t that right? The prince is not exactly known for his mercy, and it’s clear that you will face a miserable fate. You could end up confined like the second prince… or perhaps even be cast out from the royal family and left on the streets.”

“… Even if that happens, it’s my own affair, so mind your own business.”

“Oh dear, how disappointing. I have a suggestion for you; would you like to hear it?”

Daila shot a sidelong glance at Gregonieu.

In noble language, it meant she had no interest and wanted him to get lost.

But regardless, he continued speaking.

“You could become my concubine.”

“… What did you say?”

“If you become my concubine, at least you won’t end up on the streets, right? Well, you would have to put in some effort, of course.”

He said this and then chuckled to himself.

Daila felt utterly humiliated. Here she was, having to endure insults from such a wretched human.

The fact that she couldn’t take any action despite being openly insulted was what stung the most.

There were words that could land him in prison for royal insult, but the soldiers wouldn’t follow her orders.

Because she had no power. He knew that, which was why he dared to insult her like this.

What kind of power allowed such a person to act so brazenly? She truly resented that power.

‘…Damn it.’

It was then, as she trembled with shame and anger, that it happened.

Drip, drip.

“…Huh?”

Suddenly, red wine began to pour over Gregonue’s head.

His pristine white tuxedo was gradually stained a deep crimson. His meticulously styled hair was ruined by the wine.

Gregonue’s grotesque smile began to decay.

“How dare you! Who the hell…!”

He glared at the one who had poured wine over his own head, his face twisted in rage. Who could possibly have the audacity to insult him like this?

“Oh, was it a person?”

In the direction he was looking stood a hero.

With a face flushed from drink, he laughed and spoke.

“My apologies. I mistook it for my wine glass and accidentally poured it. Hahaha!”

The hero showed no sign of remorse whatsoever.