Volume 2 - CH 1.2

The Hero Party Selection Examination

Translated by SoundDestiny

Edited by SoundDestiny

Through repeated meetings, we were able to work out the details of the test.

Of course, it was not only me, May and Rushia also took part in the meetings. In the end, His Majesty the King and many other nobles discussed the contents of the test, the funds and environment that had to be prepared accordingly.

Having shaken off the dark clouds that had been hanging over it for years with the defeat of the poisonous demon dragon, the country is now generous in its investment in the future. The budget is spent accordingly and the workload of the nobles has increased dramatically, but everyone was looking forward to the birth of the hero party.

Then, two months later, on the day of the examinations.

Many candidates  had gathered in the square in front of the Royal Castle.

“…… roughly, seventy parties?”

The Kingdom of Enuvidia had been telling the world for more than a month that it was officially recruiting Hero parties. As a result, seventy-four parties gathered here.

“The number of candidates is comparable to the selection tests in other countries, isn’t it?”

“Aaa, it does.”

In a corner of the square, looking at the assembled parties, May next to me replied awkwardly.

“May, are you nervous?”

“O–of course I am! The selection of the hero party is the most important thing for the future of our country! And yet, I never thought that a young girl like me would be the director…….”

“It’s proof that Rushia trusts you. You’re in good hands, director.”

“Uuu……”

In the first place, this examination was held at Rushia’s initiative. If that were the case, it could be expected that May, Rushia’s close associate, would be in that suitable position, but it seems that….she herself did not envisage it at all.

It is not that the king of the Kingdom of Enuvidia lacks charisma.  However, Rushia is the driving force behind the defeat of the Poisonous Demon Dragon, and had gained enormous popularity among the people in the past two months. Perhaps the king considered this current trend and put his daughter in the foreground instead of himself.

“But……they had to apply by party, We’ve got a good turnout for that.”

I look at the people who have gathered and mutter.

“I believe it was Ned’s idea to recruit by party, wasn’t it?”

“Aaa. The most common way for countries to choose the members of the hero party is one at a time. But there’s a drawback to that. The country chooses its own members, not the……individual, so when it comes time to form a party, there are many cases where the party member’s ideas clash. So, although it’s not very publicly known, sometimes the members of a hero party don’t get on well with each other.”

This time, the Kingdom of Enuvidia recruited not just one hero, but a party of heroes. Many of them may not have been able to apply because of this requirement to join forces with others.

However, a companion is not something that can be casually accepted with an [I understand] when told by the state to [team up with this person]. It is precisely because you are fighting a tough battle that a relationship of trust with your comrades is important.

In that sense, finding a trustworthy companion can be said to be the zero-test.

“They should at least choose their own partner to have their back…..It’s easier to work together that way”

Old acquaintances understand each other’s strengths and are therefore more likely to cooperate.

It is dangerous to think that…..if they take their time to slowly nurture their bond. There is no guarantee that the Demon King will match the pace of humanity.

When I was thinking like this, I suddenly realised that May was looking at me with a smile on her face.

“…..what’s with that face?”

“Nothing…… I just knew, it was the right thing to do to get you involved in this plan. Princess Rushia’s leadership was brilliant”

[Thank you], I reply appropriately.

A large crowd had gathered on the square. All that will be done here today is to greet the candidates and explain the first test, but the spectators are still looking at the square with excitement.

The birth of a hero party. They would like to enjoy this historical moment for as long as possible.

“『Ladies and Gentlemen, you are all here today!』”

While the candidates were leisurely watching the square next to a nervous May, Rushia appeared on the platform and greeted the candidates. In her hand, she holds a magic tool with a circular cone-shaped shape that makes her voice louder.

Unlike May, Rushia did not seem nervous. She is a younger girl than me and May, but she has royal blood in her veins.

“Shouldn’t May be ready by now?”

“Y,–yeah. I’m off now……”

“There’s a lot of spectators there, so if you say anything strange, it’s going to be bad for the reputation of the Knights of the Kingsguard.”

“Oooo, y-y–you! Why are you saying that at this time?”

May walked away shaking with nervousness.

Rushia stands solely as the administrator, so the role of the supervisor, May, is to explain the examinations afterwards. After this, May should be the one to give instructions to the candidates.

The faces of the candidates listening to Rushia’s greeting were serious. Although she may look like a young girl, Rushia has a penetrating presence that is as strong as that of a grown-up. They naturally feel their spirits lifted.

After Rushia’s speech, May stood up on the stage.

“I’m May Ascent, the director of these examinations!　First of all, let me explain the content of the exam!　The schedule, as previously announced, will last for five days, including today..”

May’s voice was a little shaky, but she still fulfilled her role admirably.

Watching May frantically giving instructions, I can’t help but smile.

“Looks like fun, doesn’t it?”

Before long, Rushia approached me.

“Do you know anyone here?”

“No, not a single one that I’ve seen…..that’s why it’s fun.”

Looking at the faces of the candidates, I say.

“One of these guys is going to be the hero.”

Frankly, looking at the assembled faces, I can’t imagine who will be the heroes.

But that is how it is with heroes. A suitable person suddenly appears from an unexpected place.

That’s why it’s interesting. People’s potential is unpredictable, and that’s why it’s fun.

“Ned. Once again, I would like to thank you. This selection test would not have been possible without your cooperation. I am really grateful….”

“Don’t worry about it. I get paid for it……and also it’s my own kind of hobby.”

This still leaves me with plenty of money. I took the job on top of that because I thought I’d enjoy it.

Seeing me like this, Rushia showed a little thought.

“Ned. The first round of interviews, would you like to participate as an interviewer?”

“Me?”

“Umu! You have confidence in your ability to see people, don’t you?”

That was the line I had said to the dragonised Rushia before.

I can’t deny those words.

“……Well.”

When I affirmed, Rushia smiled as brightly as the sun.

“『Well, then, I will now conduct the first round of interviews!』”

May was chewing grandly.

◇

The venue for the first examination was a villa owned by the royal family of the Kingdom of Enuvidia.

Since it is a villa and owned by the royal family, the exterior and interior are both luxurious. After passing through the well-kept gardens and entering the mansion, candidates can see a long corridor and a number of examiners.

The examinees were led to the hall at the end of the corridor and instructed to wait there.

In the order in which the candidates  arrived, they were given wooden number cards by the examiners. The party whose number is called is led to a private room where they are likely to be interviewed.

“Alex.” (アレック)

As soon as they receive their number cards, their peers call out their names.

Instantly, many of the candidates who had been waiting around turned to look at him. Feeling uncomfortable with all the piercing stares, the red-haired young man sighs.

“Don’t call me names, Rygan. We’ll stand out.”

(ライガン)

“Hahaha! When you’re a Class A adventurer, the fame tax is ridiculous.”

The one laughing boldly was Alex’s party member called Rygan. There are two other members of the party right beside him. Everyone was nervous, but only Rygan seemed unconcerned.

“You sure you want me to be your assistant for the interview?”

“Yeah. I’ve known you the longest.”

The first round of interviews takes place in each party.

Only two candidates can enter: the leader of the party and his assistant. Basically, the leader will be the only one to answer questions. The assistant is asked to provide only supplementary explanations.

Alex has been active as an adventurer in the Kingdom of Enuvidia since he was a child. After becoming a Class A adventurer after 15 years, he became famous for a while under the name Alex the Red-Haired, and then, another six months later, he moved to another country to broaden his activities.

Rygan had been a fellow adventurer since he was a young boy, even before Alex became a Class A adventurer. Therefore, they knew each other well.

There is no better person to accompany him than someone who he knows well. Rygan’s optimistic attitude was also encouraging to Alex.

“But I’m really surprised. I heard you were adventuring across the sea, but you suddenly came back to this country, and your first words to me after meeting me for a long time was 『Let’s become a heroic party!』 So this is why.”

“That’s enough of that……How many times are you going to tell me the same thing?”

“That’s how surprised I was.”

Somewhat happily, Rygan says. But Alec lowered his gaze.

“….. Rygan. I’m telling you now, I have a prediction.”

Alex said in a small voice so that the others could not hear him.

“The Kingdom of Enuvidia was late in dispatching a hero party because of the mess with the poisonous demon dragons. So many people, including us, thought that this country would not dispatch a hero party. As a result, the leading warriors in this country started to aspire to a different path from being the Hero Party.”

Alex speaks in a hushed voice. Rygan listened in silence.

“S-class adventurer Riese Von Aldiana is a good example. If it weren’t for the poisonous demon dragons, she would surely have become the country’s hero. But she is now the leader of the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』, and she is in a position to organise her subordinates. She has already borne a heavy responsibility, and she can no longer be a hero.”

“…..So in short, you’re glad your original rivals disappeared across the board?”

“Yeah. It’s a shameful story, though…….Unfortunately, the current Kingdom of Enuvidia does not have the immediate strength to match the heroic parties of other countries. This examination, it seems that they are recruiting from other countries as well…. but it will be the same either way. Most promising people have already been recruited by other countries.”

Besides, inviting someone with no connection to the Kingdom of Enuvidia to join the heroic party is unlikely to attract support from the people. The applicants probably understand this. So, basically, it is rare for people from other countries to respond to the recruitment process for a hero party.

“This country is slow on the uptake. If they search for a hero, men and women now, using the same criteria as other countries, they will not be able to find them. So, inevitably, they have no choice but to lower the difficulty of the examinations.”

“That’s logical, it’s a bit of a letdown that the first test is just an interview. Rather than cut the candidates in half with a difficult examination, they don’t want to lose as many potential candidates as possible.”

“That’s how it is. and because of the Poisonous Demon Dragon, the country is economically broke. The examinations are also limited. There’s always a chance there……”

Rygan nodded, without any particular cloud on his face, and said [I see.]

He is sure that most of the candidates are here solely because of their admiration for the hero party. Alex, on the other hand, stood here with a realistic calculation. He feels a kind of guilt.

“It’s all right, isn’t it? Luck is part of your skill.”

“….yeah.”

“Have a bit more confidence. Maybe the hero parties in other countries have been chosen in a similar way?”

‘Rygan is right. I should have a bit more confidence as a A-level adventurer….’

“Seventh group, please come in!”

The examiner says loudly.

The number seven tag was held by Alex.

“Let’s go.”

“Aaa. Well, if you’re right, it’s a loose exam. Let’s take it easy.”

Pushed by Rygan’s words, Alex entered the private room.

Sunlight shone through the large window opposite. Against the window, five men and women were seated. The silver-haired girl in the centre is Rushia＝Enuvidia, the kingdom’s princess. To her right sits a blue-haired knight who seems to be supervising the examinations. Further to her right sits the Prime Minister.

Sitting to the left of Princess Rushia was a young man with dark hair…….[Who is that young man?]　Alex doesn’t recognise him. He is not in the shape of a man who makes his living fighting, so even if he were an adventurer, he would be of a low rank. But he is too young to be a nobleman active at the heart of the country, like the Prime Minister.

To the left of the young man – a beautiful girl with brown hair was sitting next to him.

“Now we will begin the interview.”

Princess Rushia  announces the start of the interview.

But Alex’s eyes were glued not to Rushia, but to the girl sitting on the further left.

“………It can’t be!”

A shaky voice spills out.

Rygan, standing next to Alex, looks worried at the confused look on his face.

“Oi…..oi. What’s wrong Alex?”

“No, nothing. Nevermind ……”

Alex shakes his head, but cold sweat is dripping from his forehead.

“According to your papers, you seem to be a Class A adventurer. Alex the Red-Haired…..a name has reached my ears. Despite having an existence power of 4, you’re very good on your feet, and I hear that you do more than your existence power can measure.”

“Yes…..I am honoured”

Alex bowed deeply.

The other party is a princess of a country. It is natural to show courtesy. However, when Alex’s head was bowed in a somewhat awkward motion, it looked as if fear, apart from courtesy, was hanging over him.

“Next to you is a B-level adventurer, Rygan, isn’t it? Are the two of you partying now because you’re from the same academy?”

“Yes! Alex has chosen me to be his companion and assistant for this party! I will do my best to live up to his expectations and trust!”

Rygan answered in a cheerful tone of voice to the question posed by May, the examiner.

He was bold and direct, as is typical of an adventurer. The impression seemed to be a good one for May, who smiled softly.

Immediately afterwards, the brown-haired girl sitting on the far left opens her mouth.

“Alex-san, it seems that you were active as an adventurer in the Republic of Mystein until last month. What kind of request do you mainly make and take at that time?”

(マイスタイン共和国)

“───!!!”

Alex’s eyes are flustered.

A nasty sweat breaks out.

‘Calm down, this is an interview. I have to answer the questions.’

“Yes, for the most part, I was commissioned to take down monsters. So I’m confident in my prowess.”

“I see. You continued to hone your skills in the Republic, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I have.”

The brown-haired girl’s lips were pursed in satisfaction as Alex replied with a twitchy smile.

But Alex’s frustration did not disappear.

The girl’s silence──her eyes, which seemed to see through everything was unbearable.

“…….No. I’m sorry……that was a lie.”

As if driven by something, Alex corrected his words in a shaky voice.

Next to him, Rygan’s eyes widened. But Alex’s mouth does not stop.

“The truth is, while I was in the Republic, I hardly had any adventures and lived a disordered life every….day. I never thought that this country would be recruiting a hero party, so when I heard about the …… recruitment, I trained up in a big hurry.”

“…..I see.”

The girl, who had been silent, opened her mouth again and nodded.

The chills that had been swirling in Alex’s back chest fizzled out. But instead, he was left with the guilt that he had done something irreparable.

Alex does not remember about the interview that followed.

The next thing he knew, he was leaving the room with Rygan.

“Alex!”

Alex was walking down the corridor in a daze when Rygan grabbed him by the chest and slammed him against the wall.

All the other candidates turned their attention to Alex and the others. But Rygan’s anger was not appeased.

“Damn you! Why did you go to the trouble of making such a disadvantageous comment! It was like you were asking to be dropped yourself!”

Rygan’s words are absolutely right.

That’s why Alec decided to talk about the situation in a very abrupt manner.

“……WinrynーThemis was there.”

(ウィンリーン＝テミス)

Alex said with a pallid look on his face, and Rygan’s brow creased.

“Who’s that?”

“In the Republic, everyone knows her name…..She, who is endowed with the blessings of the God of Judgement, sees through all lies. I knew that a bad deception would be of no consequence.”

Rygan rolled his eyes. Alex’s grip on his chest weakens.

It’s no wonder he’s astonished. The ability to see through lies, the sheer magnitude of it, is something that even Rygan can imagine. With such power, every contract and negotiation would be advantageous.

“Impossible ……Winryn-Themis is a person who has decided to spend her whole life in a long, quiet, idyllic village, refusing even the solicitations of kings, popes and great merchants. How did she get here…..?”

Alex, who had completely lost his cool, muttered, terribly upset.

At that moment, small footsteps approached.

“Are you alright? If you don’t feel well, I’ll go and find a doctor.”

A girl in pure white armour called out to Alec.

Alex lifted his pallid face and put up a bluff as best he could.

“…… No, thanks. More importantly,is that armour from…..『White Dragon Chivalric Order』?　Why are you here in the exam hall …..?”

“That’s because we’re guarding this place!　From the first exam to the final exam, we’ll be guarding everything!”

The girl continued, [If you’re not sick, I’ll go back to my postー” and left the place.

Alex and Rygan watch the girl’s back with puzzled eyes.

“Oi, Oi…..it’s true that the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』 is the kingdom’s leading adventurer party, but they’ve been very bold to hire them. Since this kingdom and the Adventurers’ Guild are independent, hiring them wouldn’t be free of charge……”

Rygan mutters in a small voice.

“It’s too late now, but……the current perceptions must be changed.”

Alex says, somewhat in awe.

“This country, more than any other, is seriously trying to create a hero party……”

◆

The examiners leave the room.

I let out a small breath as I listened to the sound of footsteps moving away.

‘Well, it is supposed to be something like this…..’

The candidates were from different backgrounds, but there were three main categories. They were either adventurers, kingdom knights or others.

Some of them did not aspire to be a hero. Regardless of the circumstances of the candidates, the majority of them had some kind of achievement. Therefore, there were many examinees who knew their names even if they did not know each other. The red-haired Alex, who had just left this room, was one of them.

I am sorry to the candidates, but so far I have not been able to pinpoint anyone. I may not have the right to say that, having given up on being a hero man, but I am proud to say that I have a good eye for people.

“Princess Rushia, this concludes the morning session.”

“Okay! Everyone, take a short break!”

Rushia  nodded in a cheerful voice at May’s statement.

Each of the five interviewers relaxed their shoulders. 

[Don’t mind if I do] as I lightly straighten my back.

“Ned=Wolkinter.”

A man sitting next to May approached me and called out.

He was an old but dignified man. His hair was dark brown and his forehead was exposed by lifting his fringes. The wrinkles on his face were as brave as if they were proof of his accumulated achievements.

“I haven’t said hello yet. I am Galba＝Stellen, the Prime Minister.”

(ガルバ＝ステルレン)

“I am Ned=Wolkinter..I apologise for the delay in greeting you.”

This time, I had jumped into this interview at Rushia’s suggestion. Therefore, I had not yet exchanged greetings with the Prime Minister, but from what I saw during the interview…..he seemed to be a friendly person.

“I have heard of your exploits, Ned-tono. It seems that you led the『White Dragon Chivalric Order』to the aid of Her Highness in the recent battle against the Poisonous Demon Dragon. In the newspapers, Her Highness and the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』 were praised as if they were the greatest contributors, but in fact it was you who did it, wasn’t it?”

“No……that’s lifting the stone too much. It was the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』 and May and Princess Rushia  here who actually slayed the Poisonous Demon Dragon…..or rather, who did you hear such a story from?”

“This mistress/concubine!/ It is I!!”

(TL:As I previously mentioned on Vol1, Rushia calls herself 妾. It can be Mistress/Concubine/I/Me. Author didn’t put the hiragana so, it can be both.) 

Rushia  proudly puffed out her chest.

[You] I mutter inwardly. There are only a limited number of people who know the full story of that battle, but Rushia, who was involved, would certainly be able to tell.

When I let out an involuntary sigh, Prime Minister Galba smiled.

“Ned-tono, I would like you to keep your tone towards me simple. As it is, it makes me seem more respected than Her Highness.”

“……That’s true.”

Surely there could be a problem of appearance if I keep this up.

Let’s change to a frank attitude.

“….You, you always do similar things wherever you are”

Suddenly, I heard a girl’s voice from behind me.

When I turned around, I saw a neat and clean-looking girl with straight brown hair down, smiling good-naturedly.

She is the one I invited for this occasion.

“Winryn, it’s been a long time. I’m glad you agreed to come on such short notice.”

“It’s a call from Ned-san, of all people. Of course,I’ll answer from the ends of the earth.”

“……don’t ever say that line in the Republic.”

“Yes, I know.”

Winryn said with a gentle smile.

With her ability to spot lies, Winryn is immensely charismatic in the Republic. If she were to say that she would [respond from the ends of the earth], she would attract a lot of attention.

She looks like just another pretty or pathetic girl. Her smile is also innocent, but she can see through …… lies and knows a lot about people’s nasty sides. Despite her appearance, she has a tough personality.

“So, how responsive was the blessing of the God of Judgement?”

“We are compiling a list of those who have lied. This way.”

‘As expected,she’s fast’

A sheet of paper was handed to me with the names of several people on it. I read it silently.

“……there are fewer than I thought there would be.”

“The Hero Party Selection Examination is a country-wide initiative. They’re trying not to lie from the start, which could be exposed if the kingdom investigates. That’s a good thing.”

[Or did they know about Winryn  and was going to lie, but decided not to?]….Well, that’s one thing I appreciate about them, they’re good at being tactful. It’s an added bonus to be good at negotiating.

“Winryn-tono. We are very grateful for your cooperation. If you have any problems in the future, you can contact us. This concubine/mistress/I will help you next time.”

“Thank you, Princess Rushia.”

At Rushia’s thanks, Winreen bowed solemnly.

“But I wouldn’t be surprised if Ned introduces more extraordinary people now……. Why are you following Ned, Winryn-tono?”

To such a question from May, Winryn ponders a little before answering.

“Because Ned-san never lies.”

After stating simply, Winryn continued.

“Ned-san, who cares about connecting with others, doesn’t act against anyone on a regular basis, so there’s no need to lie in the first place…..I prefer people with that kind of integrity.”

“….that’s an exaggeration. I lie sometimes too.”

“Even if you do, it’s a kind lie…… to help someone, isn’t it?”

I was a little bit flustered with the gentle smile coming from Winryn while scratching the back of my head.

It’s hard to do. It’s a very uplifting day for the Prime Minister and for Winryn Themis.

“……As I said before, you must never utter such lines in the Republic.”

“I know.”

Winryn smiled.

I am sure she means what she says. But it is also true that she is teasing me. A faint hint of mischievous mischievousness shone through Winryn’s eyes.

“Is there something wrong with that line?”

I answer May’s question, which sounds somewhat fluent and carefree.

“The day Winryn, who has the blessing of the God of Judgement, says,『’This person never lies』, she was treated like a saint. I’m glad there are no Republicans here….right now.”

I’m sure Winryn is aware of the time and place, so I’m sure she’s paying attention. 

For those who are told to do so, it is a cold sweat.

“Ned-san doesn’t seem to be very good at attracting attention either…..so why don’t you come and live with me? It’s a nice, quiet place.”

“…… Is that a joke?”

“Hmm, who knows…”

Chuckling, Winryn smiles.

No one in this world knows what she really thinks.

Rushia watched such an exchange between me and Winryn with a complicated look on her face.

“I have a feeling that….Ned could live richer than a concubine if he wanted to.”

“I don’t think so. Even if I did get a good status, I’d soon be out of it. There’s not much I can do for myself.”

“Well…..I feel like you could be anything you want to be…..”

It is a matter of imagination.

At least I couldn’t be a hero.

“Your Highness, shouldn’t you be eating by now?　Time is finite.”

“That’s true. Then, once and for all, disperse!”

At Prime Minister Galba’s suggestion, Rushia nodded.

Each of us leaves the room. Just before I did so.

“Ned-san”

Winryn called out to me.

“As you already know, my blessings are not universal. In very rare cases, there are things that can nullify my blessings, so…..beware.”

“I understand…… surely, we should be on the lookout for special armaments?”

“Yes. The blessing of the God of Inquiry falls under the highest level of blessings, so it cannot be broken by the same blessing. It is also clear from the Republic’s research that there is no magic in existence that can nullify this blessing.”

“…… The more I hear about it, the more outrageous the blessing is.”

“Still, it can be broken by some special armaments, so it’s not…..invincible, you know?”

Humility, or rather, concern for us. The selection of a hero party is a national policy. Failure to do so could, at worst, plunge many of us into the depths of misery.

“Roger that….Well, we’re not going to rely on Winryn to do everything for us. We’ll look into it if they look suspicious.”

Rather, that possibility was factored in from the start.

So, after the interview I’m going to do one more job.

◆

“The first round of examinations, afternoon session, will now begin!”

May’s voice echoed through the hall.

The nervousness of the candidates is completely dissipated, probably due to the many announcements they had made in front of so many people in the morning.

The interviewers are also getting used to this job. The afternoon session will run more smoothly than the morning

“──I see.you’ve been active as a B-level adventurer for a long time. You must have already earned enough money, so what’s your motivation for wanting to be part of the heroes party?”

“That, of course, is because I want to help more people!”

The young adventurer answered Prime Minister Galba’s question with a vivid and lively reply.

I have heard similar answers countless times already.

When the interview was over, the adventurer bowed deeply and left the room.

Then another candidate comes in.

“──So, can you tell me what you think you are better than the other candidates?”

“As I said earlier, I served a lord as a knight in the provinces. However, I have given up my title as a knight in order to take this examination. I hope you will appreciate my resolve.”

A well-dressed, mature man announces that he is ready for the job.

As the interviewers exchange pleasantries, a young man standing next to the man raises his hand.

“As his assistant, let me add one point about him. He has not only a passionate determination, but also a calm and collected mind. He assesses the battle situation instantly and retreats once he realises that he cannot win. He also has the strength to retreat when the time comes.”

Hearing this explanation, Lucilla said, [Hmmm].

“So…..if you find yourself in a situation where you know you can’t win the battle, but if you don’t fight, people you care about will die, what will you do?”

It’s quite a nasty question.

But I am interested to see how he would answer this question.

‘Lloyd would probably say……[You’re a hero and you’re allowed to run away?] Yea, I can just imagine that word coming from him’

Lloyd in my head told me this with a scowl. That man would say that line as a genuine question, without any calculations about getting an interview or anything like that.

But people like that are in the minority.

“….. Anyway, I’ll try to avoid such situations on a regular basis.”

“Mm, I see.”

The mature man in front of me gave an uninteresting ……but definite answer.

The interview is over and the men leave the room.

“Phew…..we’ve only got a few more to go. I’m getting tired.”

“We’d be tired too if the examiner said that to us.”

“Kuu…. oh, you’re being so mean,……”

But perhaps taking it as a good argument, May straightened her back and regained her nerve.

I can’t help but wonder how May feels.

After a series of interviews, it is clear that everyone has the same point of view.

The knight I mentioned earlier is no exception. I’ve heard so many appeals for resolve that I’ve got calluses in my ears.

The size of your resolve doesn’t affect your reputation that much. The unwavering determination that is demonstrated at the last minute……and the foolhardiness that emerges from it are, after all, the result of daily training.

What matters is the daily effort.

After a while, the next candidate visits the room.

It was a blonde girl.

“My name is Seren Duvalis . Nice to meet you.”

I recognised the name and looked at the girl.

She was the person Riese had said and quoted as a strong candidate. In the Kingdom of Enuvidia, she is the second most famous adventurer after Riese. Rushia, May and the Prime Minister also appear to have been caught off guard by Seren’s appearance.

Her presence power is 5. Although she is one step behind Riese, she is one of the best fighters in the Kingdom of Enuvidia. She is only 17 years old, but her face shows no sign of slackness.

She came into the room alone.

“Do you not have any assistants……?”

“I have been alone in this examination from the very beginning. That’s not a breach of protocol, is it?”

The interviewers, including me, looked at each other as Seren asked in a strong tone of voice.

It is not a breach of protocol, but she appears to be somewhat overconfident.

For this exam, we recruited candidates on a party basis. This means that if they pass, they will work in that party. At least we won’t be looking for additional people. If Seren passes, she will go on her own.

Seren, perhaps seeing through my state of mind, told me sharply.

“In other countries, there is a pattern of a hero working alone. As long as I am competent, I should have no problem.”

The way she said that caught me off guard.

“Sure, there is a pattern, but……that’s an existence force of seven.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get there eventually.”

“It’s good that you’re ambitious, but are you going to walk a tightrope all the way until you reach that point? If you’re not strong enough, you have the option of relying on your friends.”

“Well, that’s an opinion that only you, a man who can only rely on his friends, could have.”

The air was tense with thorny words.

Apparently, this girl named Seren….. knows me.

“As the name…..Hero Party suggests, this one is designed to be taken by a party. You’ll be at a disadvantage in future exams if you’re alone.”

“I have not fallen so far as to be dictated by people like you.” 

(TL:Oooooooo)

“Wait a minute.”

Seren’s comment was met with a raised eyebrow from May.

“If you had listened to yourself earlier, you would know that you’re being very overbearing. Such an attitude is inappropriate for a hero representing this country.”

“No problem. I have my own personal feelings about that man there.”

Seren glares at me sharply with her eyes flashing.

Apparently, the thorns that Seren has been releasing since a while ago are directed only at me.

“Ned…..have you done something?”

“….No, I have no idea.”

I’m not sure why, but the way Seren looked at me was unusually severe. It looks as if she is interviewing me to kill me right here and now, rather than to become a brave warrior.

I am good at remembering people’s names and episodes with them. That’s why I’m sure. I have never met this girl, Seren, face to face.

“Once again, there should be no breach of protocol….. any misgivings you may be feeling, I will dispel them in the examination that follows.”

She started to speak out of the blue, but doesn’t she think we’re going to drop her from the interview?

The interview with Seren was then led by Rushia, the Prime Minister and Winryn. I seem to be disliked by Seren, and May doesn’t have a very good opinion of her. The interview proceeded in an awkward atmosphere, but Seren, as she had said earlier, conversed with everyone but me in a confident manner.

When Seren eventually left the room, May let out an uncharacteristic exhale.

“Quite a peculiar person, wasn’t she?”

May says with a complicated expression on her face.

I’m more bewildered than irritated.

“Why did she hate me so much…..”

Why was I being so openly hostile?

“She didn’t lie, by the way.”

“….didn’t want to hear that information.”

I let out a sigh at Winryn’s statement.

I’m glad to see that she’s so open and honest.

“Well, if anything comes up, we can look into it further…..Rushia. Was the next one the last?”

“Umu. Keep up the good work.”

That’s right.

People who aspire to be a hero cannot be mediocre. We are also prepared for the fact that they are unique and have strong habits. But no matter how strong their habits are, for them, as the candidates, this examination is their one chance. We have to be very aware of that fact and conduct the exam carefully.

There is a knock at the door.

When Prime Minister Galba replied [Come in], the door opened.

“Excuse me ──owww!”

A girl appeared from behind the door and fell, hitting her face on the floor.

Silence reigned the place……This is another appearance with quite an impact.

“…..are you alright?”

“Hiyaa!!! It’s all right!”

When I called out to her, the girl stood up vigorously. Tears were pooling in the corners of her eyes and her face was bright red.

A grey-haired young man enters the room from behind the girl.

These two seem to be the leader and the assistant.

“Aa, I’m Alice Feldrant! Pleased to meet you!”

(アリス＝フェルドラント)

The girl had bluish-black hair that reached down to her calves.

Her hair is very long, but it does not look filthy. Her hair is silky and shiny and shakes smoothly when the girl moves her body. Her skin is white and her face is young but well-defined. Compared to Rushia, she is taller, but rather petite, with a slender body. According to her papers, she is 16 years old.

The overall impression of her is that she is full of shyness. Because of her very long fringes, Alice’s eyes were hidden when she moved slightly. She is afraid of the gaze of others and does not make eye contact.

“My name is Exzair＝Sullivan, her assistant.”

(エクスゼール＝サリバン)

A grey-haired young man standing next to Alice bowed politely.

The leader is Alice, and her assistant seems to be this man, Exzair. It’s a strange party, a little …… strange, although it feels the other way round if I just look at the attitude.

Alice Feldrant…… I can feel an indescribable presence from her.

“Well, Let’s start the interview now…..”

Then Rushia took one look at Alice.

“….. you could relax a little more.”

“Sorry…”

Alice turns red up to her ears and turns her head downwards.

“According to your papers…..Alice, you were an adventurer in the Kingdom of Enuvidia, but moved to the Amdo Empire a year ago. Why did you go to the Empire?”

“Well, uh, it has to do with why I, uh, became an adventurer…..I was saved by Rin The Brave a long time ago.”

(リン)

Rin The Brave is a hero from the Republic of Mystein. He is now, I believe, around 20 years old and has already achieved a number of accomplishments, and is a hero of both name and substance.

“I became an adventurer because I was saved by Rin the Brave, and I wished I could help people like him. I heard that the Hero Rin was in the Empire at that time. I thought that maybe I could meet him, but I couldn’t in the end, so I spent my time as a normal adventurer in the Empire.”

It is quite a dramatic upbringing that she became a hero because she was saved by a hero. When I cast a light glance at Winryn, who was sitting next to me, she shook her head quietly. It seems she is not lying.

‘So it was because of Lynn the Brave’s influence that you took the exam this time?

“y,yes!”

Alice nodded nervously.

Once the motivation is known, I check Alice’s documents again.

“The power of existence is……5, huh?”

I muttered to myself.  Another thing worth mentioning.

Her competence is at the level of Seren.

The reason she is not as well known as Seren is probably because she has spent the last year in the Amdo Empire.

I was a little curious about Alice, so I decided to ask her a question too.

“How did you get your existential power up to this level?”

‘Well, um, that’s, you know, fighting monsters normally, but ……”

“All by yourself?”

“Yes. By myself. Back then, I didn’t have parties like I do now…..”

It’s a bold way of life.

She does not seem to have a very bold temperament, but she’s in the same league as Seren?

“一Were you obsessed with fighting alone?”

“No, no, it’s not like that. …..”

Alice replies with some difficulty.

“It’s just that……and I didn’t have many friends….”

“….I see”

I’m sorry, but I’m convinced.

At least she didn’t seem to have the same personality as Seren, who pursued strength as an individual. The reason that he has no friends is still more convincing.

“So you’ve only partnered up after you’ve increased your presence? ……Then, how did you get into the party with your assistant there, Exzair?”

“Well, I met Exzair-san at the Adventurers Guild of the Amdo Empire. After I had completed a few requests, he asked me if I wanted to take on a request with him. We hit it off…..and decided to work together.”

Although they hit it off, they don’t seem to be very close. 

As if seeing through my state of mind, Exzair opens his mouth.

‘It’s not so much a match as it is a conflict of interest. I wanted a strong vanguard, and Alice wanted an ally to provide logistical support.’

I nodded [I see] at Exzair’s addition.

“Whatever it is, a presence of five is worthy of recognition. How did you manage to train so well on your own?”

“No, no! I just happen to be strong……”

At May’s words, Alice was overly modest.

‘Her attitude…..’I’ve been wondering about it since a while ago…’

“From …… what I’ve seen so far, you seem a little timid.”

“I’m sorry!”

Prime Minister Galba spoke in a calm state of mind.

Alice apologised, her blank face turning blue. He is pointing out that attitude…..Her personality is not suitable to become a hero, even if it is flattering.

“For example……suppose you are a hero and you have to take on a battle you can’t win.”

Prime Minister Galba says.

This is another example …… of a nasty question.

But it may be the best question to find out about Alice’s character.

“Situations can be anything……Well, let’s say there are civilians being attacked by a monster. You are the only one who can protect them. But the monster is strong and you don’t stand a chance. What will you do then? ……Do you fight or do you run away?……”

“Ee?”

Alice uttered an unfamiliar voice.

“Is something wrong?”

“Aa, no, no, it’s not a big deal……”

Alice says, turning her previously averted eyes straight at us.

“You’re a hero, but can you run away……?”

When she said that – all the interviewers, including me, were surprised.

◆

The first round of interviews of the Hero Party Selection Examination has been completed.

“Now….we will now consider who to pass!”

Rushia says with a big smile on her face.

“We’ve got a lot of famous non-adventurers here. Mirei the Wind Dancer, who is active all over the world as a wandering entertainer. Lax, a moving fortress who leads a vigilante group on the frontier. Fusen, the Green Shadow, a survivalist who lives as a hunter in the Devil’s Forest. Fina, an expert in fighting and cooking, uses Iron Fire or Spear Fire. And Heisen, a scholar on grimoire studies. I was surprised that……scholars had applied, but as long as they are competent, it doesn’t matter.”

“Umu, Ned is right. We should make decisions with as few preconceptions as possible. 

Rushia agreed with me as I said this while rolling up the papers.

It seems that even students from the Royal Academy are applying to the Duke’s Vanhardt Knights. Incidentally, Kingsguard knights like May can also take the examinations, but they prioritise their loyalty to the royal family thus they refuse to participate.

“There are a few wizards, but…..this isn’t a problem, is it?”

“Umu!”

Rushia nodded cheerfully.

“Unfortunately, our country lags behind in the research of magic. But, because of our national friendship with dragons, we have a thriving monster industry!　In particular, the number of special armaments made from monster materials is probably one of the highest in the world!…..Our country’s strength is not magic, but special armaments. Of course, I don’t mean to deny magic.”

Some kingdoms in the world are known for their magical powers. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Kingdom of Enuvidia is a specially armed powerhouse.

Special armaments are weapons made from monster materials, and as the name suggests, they have special abilities. In particular, some special armaments are equipped with skills, which have even more special effects than normal special armaments.

“I have a point to discuss with you. Thanks to…… Winryn, I know which candidates are lying. However, this mistress…..does not think it is necessary to reject them for this alone.”

“Your Highness, I agree with that opinion. The brave party is also involved in the politics of the country and will eventually come to the negotiating table. …… Lie is necessary in matters of negotiation. If I may speak from the prime minister’s point of view, I wouldn’t want to entrust a brave man to someone who is not very good at integrity and who doesn’t understand politics.”

Rushia nodded her head in agreement with the Prime Minister’s unique opinion.

“The highest power of presence is 5? I would have preferred 6, but….”

“I don’t see a problem with it. Seren and Alice, with an existence of 5, are both young. If they’re going to be heroes in the future, they’ll definitely move up to 6. 7 is special so I don’t know.”

I give my thoughts to May, who speaks up while looking at the documents.

I want the heroes who represent the country to eventually reach an existential power of 6 or higher. So we need to pick someone who is both strong and growing.

“Alice=Feldrant……”

Prime Minister Galba muttered with a finger to his chin.

A person with Existence  Power 5. That girl was also, after all, unique, for better or worse.

“That…..I don’t mean to be sceptical about this, but is she really Existence Power 5? It’s good but she didn’t look like it….honestly, she looked unreliable to me.”

I agree with what May said.

The timidity that comes across just by talking to her. Throughout the interview, she behaved like a small animal.

“At least, my blessing hasn’t responded, but ……”

Winryn also tells me anxiously.

“I don’t know much about adventurers, but I’ve been told that, depending on one’s ingenuity, one’s powers of existence can be greater than one’s ability. Whether it’s defeating a higher-ranked monster by setting multiple traps or getting help from stronger comrades….She could be one of those hands.”

The argument from Prime Minister Galba is also undeniable.

She said she was raising her power alone, so there seems to be no reason that she relied on her companions, but there are many other ways to do it. Setting traps is not a problem in itself, but if the means used are too limited, she may not be useful in a real battle.

I reminded Alice once again.

Her skin was so pure white you could almost see her veins through it, and her body was small and thin.

She had a frightened demeanour and a very mature appearance.

Just by looking at her, you wouldn’t even think she was an adventurer.

“I was also surprised by her last answer. [You’re a hero, but can you run away]……In a bad way, the word sounds like thoughtlessness…….”

That statement took everyone by surprise, but it is certainly understandable that it could be taken that way. However–

“….doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve stopped thinking.”

In my head, I think of a man and I say.

“[Always strive on a daily basis to win any battle, whenever and however it comes.] Maybe it’s a sign of that kind of preparedness…….I know at least one guy is like that.”

There are people in the world.

People who think like that, as if it were natural.

“We have to choose carefully.”

Muttering this, May quietly looked over the documents.

In the first place, what we are choosing now is a hero. A hero is a human being, but one who is beyond human knowledge. It is impossible to select them only on the basis of logic. The only way is for each of us to meet face to face and discuss based on our values and senses.

‘Come to think of it, that man who is……Alice’s assistant didn’t make any remarkable remarks.’

Assistants are inherently involved in the interview process to assist the leader. But few of them ever defend that role in a ridiculously honest way. In most parties, the Assistants lifted their leader whenever the opportunity arose. And they tried to increase their chances of passing the interview as much as possible.

However, that man, Exzair, really only said the minimum necessary to assist Alice. The two of them could have gone in for the interview together, but they didn’t make the most of that feature.

Are they not very keen on this examination?

Or did he become an assistant for some other purpose?

“Ned-san”

Suddenly, I am approached by Winryn.

I turn around and she hands me a document.

“I also have a list here for you.”

“This is……?”

“The blessing didn’t respond, but it’s a list of people who I personally thought were suspicious….I’ve seen so many people, so I’m proud that I’m still a sharp intuition”

Several names were mentioned on the list. It was not my intention to ask for so much, but apparently Winryn  voluntarily did the work she felt was necessary.

“This helps……It’s almost the same as the list I made”

“Did you make it too, Net-san?”

“I’ve seen a lot of people on it myself. I told you at lunch break, didn’t I? I’m not going to solely rely on Winryn.”

I then showed Winryn the list of suspicious people I had jotted down during the interview.

Winryn’s eyes widened. Our list was almost ninety percent the same.

Winryn is by far the most charismatic person in the Republic. With her endorsement like that, I’m willing to trust this list.

“Rushia. As planned, it’s time for me to proceed to the next plan, okay?”

“Umu. I’m counting on you.”

With the two lists, I left the room.

With Winryn’s help, candidates who had lied in a way that could be detected would have been identified in the interview.

From here onwards, I must uncover the candidates who have lied in a way that cannot be detected.

“Now let’s deal with the uninvited guests.”

◆

There are risks associated with the Hero Party Selection Test.

After all, we are recruiting candidates on such a large scale. Among the candidates, there must be agents from other countries. As Prime Minister Galba said earlier, the relationship between the hero’s party and politics is inseparable. In other words, the deeper you get into the matter of the heroes, the easier it is to get political information.

My job from now on is to get rid of those agents.

I rented a guest room in the castle and spread out all the communication stones in my pouch on the table.

‘….Winryn’s blessing of the God of Judgement is extremely powerful.’

That is why her name is quite known in the Republic.

‘It’s rare to find a special weapon that can nullify that blessing. If someone has brought something that is rare and valuable into this country….it is almost certain that information has leaked out.’

And if the information is leaking, I should be able to find out.

I put two written documents on the table.The list I drew up and the list Winryn drew up.

The hastily prepared lie was spotted by Winryn.

From this point on, the meticulously planned lies must be exposed.

The enemy is the candidates who intended to lie from the start. Moreover, it is an opponent who has taken the trouble to take measures against the ability to detect lies, such as the blessing of the God of Judgement.

In other words – there is definitely a malicious intent.

Its malevolence has bare its fangs as early as today.

‘Well, the person I should rely on this time is….’

I know I don’t have any special skills.

That’s why I always need someone to help me.

It’s almost like choosing the best one from a myriad of cards in my hand, but I have to remember that I’m choosing a person.

I stroke the frame of the communication stone in a clockwise direction and transmit to the contact I’m looking for.

“…..sorry to call on such short notice. Do you have time now?”

The person on the other end of the communication is the one who knows where all the goods are.

From stationery tools to magic tools, special armaments and even national treasures, this is a man who knows everything that is circulating in this world. He is the man to turn to if I want to find out what special armaments are really out there.

“I want you to tell me about the whereabouts of special armaments that can nullify the blessings of the God of Judgement.”

◇

The city was completely quiet after nightfall.

With the start of the selection test for the hero party, the royal capital, which had been so lively during the day, was peaceful, as if the fatigue of the party had been healed.

But a disturbing presence crosses such quiet darkness.

Several men in black cloaks, blending in with the darkness, were lurking in the vicinity of the military base.

“Quite a tight security, as we’d expect.”

“Indeed. But there will be changes as the selection trials progress. We have a chance.”

These men then stared at the towering wall in front of him.

Beyond this wall is the base of the Royal Army of Enuvidia. The Kingsguard Knights, who directly guard the royal family, are stationed at the royal castle and the rest of the standing army stays at this base.

As it is a military base, security is tight. However, if an event as large as the selection test for the Hero Party is to be held, the security must be directed towards that.

These men wish to exploit this opportunity and break in.

“The exams last a week in total. We’ll find a way through before then.”

They’ll have to break within that timeframe or the security will be returned as usual.

A breakthrough should be found as soon as possible. These men, carefully observing the base..but──

“Unfortunately, you will never find that breakthrough.”

Hearing a voice from behind them, all of them turned around as one.

Each of them took out the weapons they had been carrying hidden inside their cloaks. Swords, bow guns and knives. The men held them up  but their will to fight instantly fizzled out.

“It’s impossible….Riese Von Aldiana…..! Why are you here?!!”

There she was, an adventurer with a power of Existence of 6 – Riese.

She is the leader of the famous adventurer party 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』.

The men instantly realised. ─ ─ When it comes to this battle, there is no chance for them to win.

The first priority is to survive. These men took a cautious look and tried to devise a plan – but…

“You are all suspected of espionage.”

Riese calmly and matter-of-factly saw through the men’s identities.

The men were overcome with agitation and continued to glare at Riese.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Where is your evidence!!!”

“Do I need proof in this situation?”

“Of course….. we haven’t done anything.”

Technically, these men haven’t done anything yet.

They were just about to sneak into the base.

This is what they are called by ‘in the nick of time’. As the men felt a faint sense of relief in the midst of their frustration.

“Hmm…..I didn’t want to bother you too much, but I’ve also been told to keep it as civil as possible, so fair enough.”

Riese muttered to herself and took something out of her pocket.

Throw throws at the man in front of her.

“It’s a communications stone. You’ll know why I threw it out.”

It is a magical tool made from a special gemstone. The man received the tool with alarm.

“Sorry, this is through the communication stone. Let me explain, briefly.”

“.. that voice, one of the interviewees?”

“『Ah, you remembered me』”

Uninterested, the other party to the correspondence said.

They had met during the selection test. He remembers that he has a …. puzzling figure. There were five interviewers. Princess Rushia, the organiser of the selection examinations. May, the knight of the Kingsguard, who supervised the examinations. Prime Minister Galba, the King’s right-hand man and Winryn, who is immensely popular in the Republic.

The only one amongst these eminent faces is a dull young man who is the recipient of this correspondence.

“『I’m sorry that you applied for the test under various false information, including your identity and name but your true identities have already been revealed…….Ionis＝Gilbert, Lagen＝Fravel and Diego＝Brazi. These are your real names』”

“Suu??!!….. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“『Did you think you wouldn’t get found out because you’re a small, elite criminal organisation?…. Six years ago, you were hired by the Bizen tax collector to take out the village chief of Kurt, who was opposed to the tax increase. You can accept it through the black market and it was also your first crime. Since then, you’ve mainly dealt with assassinations, but you’ve often complained about how little money you were making. The bar you patronise…..is the Golden Pig Pavilion, isn’t it? The waiter there was troubled by your bad manners. Time to pay your bills.』”

It was breathtakingly shocking.

All the information told in fluent fluency is true.

They were investigated until the very detail.

Everything──everything about them has been seen through.

“The client this time is a military officer of the Republic. The objective is to steal military secrets from the Kingdom of Enuvidia. You’ve even been lent a magical tool to conceal your information…..Your work is finished here. You’ll also have to give up the big reward you’re after. Of course, we’ll get your client too.”

“Oh ……ugh, ah ….!”

One of the three men has a cold sweat dripping from his forehead trickling down his chin and falling to the ground. He is a man who has been in the business for a long time. The man felt that the one on the other side of the communication was more frightening than Riese.

Where and how did he so quickly find out about them?

It would still be more convincing if he explained that he had dared to swim into such a situation, and that that person is now coming to catch him, sooner rather than later. But there is no reason for this man to do that.

“Looks like the story is over. I’d appreciate it if you’d stay…..unprovoked.”

The man returned the communication stone to Riese as he approached, nodding his head.

There is not the slightest intention of resistance. His heart is broken.

Riese received the communication stone while still being wary of the men, who no longer had the strength to resist.

“This is the fourth one……there’s more rats getting in than I thought..”

“『The selection trials for the Hero are a rare, large-scale event. Even though they know they’re being watched, a lot of them don’t want to miss this opportunity.』”

The voice of Ned can be heard over the communication stone.

I see. The enemy may be dispatching operatives with a certain degree of preparedness to throw away their lives.

“But you were very quick to gather information this time. You must have made use of your contacts as usual, but did you rely on an extraordinary partner again?”

“『I relied on the God Of Merchant to find out where the blessings and special armaments were. They’re called gods of distribution, so all of their information was accurate.』”

“I’m not familiar with the world of the God Of Merchant….but I know that alias. As I recall, he’s rumoured to be so busy that he’ll charge you money just to have a conversation with him.”

“『I used a discount coupon, so I got off cheap. I’ll have to go and pay you once the…..selection exam is over.』”

That’s not the point, but……this man is always doing extraordinary things.

He calls himself an ordinary person because everyone he relies on is unique.

“『Riese. Sorry, but I need you to do two more similar cases for me.』”

“No problem…..Fufu.”

“『Is something wrong?』”

“Nothing. I just think that Ned has been relying on me these recent days…”

“『Should I refrain from asking next time?』”

“No, you can keep relying on me……it’s me happy.”

‘Happy?’ Ned asked back.

“There are a lot of people in this world who are itching to be depended on by you. I’m one of them.”

“『I don’t think there are that many …… like that.』”

“Unaware or……still a guilty man”

Riese was about to say: [You’re going to get stabbed one day, you know?] but stopped herself from saying it, thinking that it would be better to keep it as a secret and defend it by herself.

◆

Riese then detained more fake hero parties. 

In order to catch the operatives working in secret without letting them get away as far as possible, I want to avoid any conspicuous action. For this reason, I am now cooperating not with the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』, but with Riese alone.

Again, I heard from various people and were able to find out who the agents were. Armin, the bakery owner. Themis, an employee of the apothecary. Lennon the hunter. Flip, the innkeeper. Shaina, a waiter at the tavern.

And – the God Of Merchant.

Among merchants, he is revered as a god. His personal history, in which he developed a small general shop inherited from his parents into the world’s largest trading house and opened a large number of shops at home and abroad, has now been written about and disseminated.

A man whose schedule is packed to the minute for the next 20 years, but when I asked him, he cooperated more readily than I had expected. He told me [you’re special] but what did he mean by that? It might have something to do with the discount coupons I’m getting.

‘So that’s one case left. …..’

I look out of the window while lightly straightening my back.

The completely darkened streets of the royal city were quiet, time was moving gently like drifting clouds, and the lights that could be seen pocketing around gave the impression of warm human activity.

The malice stirring behind the shadows was being dealt with by me and Riese in a nonchalant manner.

“『Net.』”

I hear Riese’s voice coming from the communication stone.

I turned my gaze back to the table again.

“『It’s not a big deal, but I thought I’d report it just in case. About the last set of candidates allegedly hired by Baron……are not where they were supposed to be.』”

“They’re missing? Their aim was to sabotage the exam, so I assumed they were setting something up near the second exam venue, but…… I guess I was wrong?”

The baron’s aim is to discredit the King by failing the selection test. It is a so-called power struggle. The King is a creature that is always both respected and opposed by the country’s nobility.

‘Did the enemy not make a move today?…… No. The selection examinations are over in a week. There should be no room in the schedule for them either.’

“『I’ll keep an eye on the perimeter just in case.』”

“Aa, please do. I’ll look around a bit too.”

I’m on the administrative side of the selective examinations, so I have free access to the exam rooms.

The candidate should have seen my face during the interviews. In other words, they must recognise me as one of the most powerful people on the interviewer side. And as such, they won’t do anything like killing me easily.

I went outside the royal castle and headed for the venue of the second examination.

On the way there. A blonde girl stands in front of me.

“Good evening.”

Under the night sky. The light from the street lamps illuminates the girl.

I recognised her face.

“……Seren＝Duvalis.”

A person who was once known as Riese’s rival.

She had also met him at today’s interview and dragged something out of the alleyway.

“Is this what you’re looking for?”

She then rolled the object she was dragging in her hand to my feet.

It was the candidates who were to be taken into custody by Riese. They are not dead because I can see they’re still twitching. They are just unconscious.

“You took them down?”

“Yes. They’ve been up to no good”

Seren told me plainly.

The fact that these men are agents should only be known to me, Riese and Rushia and the others involved in running the selection trials at this point. In other words, Seren must have caught the men red-handed.

“……I’m  not called the Thunder Emperor for nothing?”

With a [pikuri], Seren shows small sparks.

“A user of the special armoury 《thunder and lightning storm》 made from the blood and bones of the Thunder Beast Evol. …… It is said that to master that armoury, you need outstanding sense……Hence the user must be Existence Power of 5?”

“…..you’re quick to gather information.”

Seren also seems to know about my special skills.

But there was contempt there.

“I suppose I should have known about this before the interview.”

“It would be a quandary to check all the candidates. I’m sorry, but there are other examiners besides you who are paying attention.”

When I said this, Seren looked miffed.

She is highly competent, but her mental age seems to be appropriate for her age.

“Did you use…..Riese?”

Seren asks quietly.

“Tonight, there were signs of fighting in various parts of Royal Capita. If you are the one giving the orders, it should be Riese who is following….”

I nodded [Aaa] to Seren, who seemed convinced.

“─ ─ You did an unnecessary thing.”

With a resentful tone in her voice, Seren said.

I wondered what part of the conversation she didn’t like.

“It was you who gave Riese the weakness in the name of companionship.”

“……What do you mean?”

“You were the catalyst for the creation of the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』. Ned＝Wolkinter.”

Seren said with her eyes flashing sharply at me.

“I respected Riese. I thought she would even reach one of the world’s strongest……Existence Power 7. However, Riese has become feckless since she formed the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』. Putting her friends before herself and abandoning her obsession with strength…..Riese has lost her fangs.”

Eventually, Seren shook herself with a wince.

“In the past, we had meaningful conversations every time we saw each other. But since Riese met you, she’s been talking about you all the time……!　She talks about how great Ned is and how she wants to help Ned…..! She’s always talking about you ……, instead of me, her rival!”

I was quietly listening to the conversation, and then I said, [Hmm?] I tilted my head.

“…..are you perhaps jealous?”

“Ha, haaaa??!!! Why would you think that?!!”

“No, I thought you were mad at me because I made you not care about Riese anymore……”

“Pl,Please stop joking! I’m not going to let you get away with that!!”

Seren turned red in the face and shouted.

It is a neighbourly nuisance at this late hour of the night.

“A,anyway! I don’t approve of you.”

Seren breathes slowly to calm herself down and says.

“I don’t like the 『White Dragon Chivalric Order』and I don’t like you either. …..!”

With that, Seren heads back on her heels.

Just after the girl’s back was out of sight.

“Ned.”

From behind, Riese called out.

“I didn’t hear what you two were talking about but it looks like you were arguing with Seren……hmm? Are these unconscious men that we missed?”

I will explain more about that later…….

“……Riese. Did you maybe say some things to Seren about me?”

“Yeah, I used to talk about Ned a lot. I wanted Seren to know how great Ned is!”

I let out a big sigh.

Seren Duvalis ….. She is just, a big fan of Riese.