Similar to what I have imagined, even this [Goblin Shaman] cannot outspeed lightning. Man, who would’ve known that my science class, which most of the time became my napping time, would save us right now? I just used the basics, for god’s sake! A-Anyhow, the [Goblin Shaman] couldn’t stand a chance, and the only way for us to defeat it is by using Chloe’s underrated magical spells to their maximum potential.Above anything else, I look at Chloe and check if she is doing alright… which she isn’t. When the fight ends, the princess falls to her knees, blankly gazes at the [Goblin Shaman] corpse together with the rest of the goblins, holds her hand from shivering, and cries a few drops of tears. She also mumbles something, but my ears can’t make out what Chloe is trying to say.“Chloe… you did well,” I assure. “If only I had hands, I would’ve given you a hug right now.”“I was so… scared, Kuro… I thought… I was going to die… I don’t want to die… I want to… be a proper queen… I want to help
“Do you think they’ll be mad that a G=Rank adventurer not only presented all the information the guild needs, but actually defeated the monster?” I ask Chloe.But instead of a reply, the princess looks at me and smiles. “I’m sorry, Kuro… But I think… I need to rest…”All of a sudden, time stops, and now the princess kisses the ground head-first. Luckily, she doesn’t get any head injuries. The only thing Chloe experiences is the dirt forming around her hair and face, which is nothing I should be worried about.Fortunately, we’ve already cleared out all the corpses, including the magical beast known as the [Goblin Shaman], so we don’t have to worry about attracting other monsters from the carcass of the goblins or getting robbed by people passing by. But that also poses a different problem.If another rogue adventurer or a Bounty Hunter shows up, I can’t defend Chloe. The best I can do is slightly adjust myself and the pistol and shout at Chloe. But that, too, is risky. Not only would I
Zero looks like a person cut straight out from a fantasy plot. This hero wears platinum-like armor covering his body, a bastard sword resting in his scabbard, and a handsome face that could attract models back in my world. His muscles show, which adds to his charm. And most importantly, Zero White looks like a teenage kid around Chloe’s age. And yet he’s a hero of this world and a powerful adventurer who has reached -S=rank from the adventurer’s guild.Zero shows his identity card, proving to me he is really an adventurer from the guild. That can also be forged. But since he’s a high-rank person from the organisation, I might as well believe in what he should say.‘What is the hero of the North doing here beside the Nylsshys Forest right next to the Eastern border of the demi-humans?’ is what I want to ask, but couldn’t. We’ve just met. I don’t even know what a hero does in this fantasy world. All I can think about is that Zero, this hero, is someone who slays monsters and protects eve
I don’t know what’s even more terrifying: Zero escorting us throughout the night and accompanying us towards the Apis town, or the monsters residing in the area. Thankfully, Zero holds onto his words and fights whatever monster that appears in front of us. There are some goblins from here and there and a dozen of [Forest Cerberus]. But with one slash of Zero’s sword, he ends the one-sided battle and resumes sleeping back on the make-shift bed made out of leaves. By the time Chloe wakes up, it’s already morning. The weird-looking sun that takes the shape of a triangle rises above our heads, hinting that is already morning. The princess has been sleeping for quite a few hours right now, but it is acceptable. I never plan on waking her up despite this... enigmatic man watching our post. After what has happened, especially fighting against the group of goblins and a mini-boss called [Goblin Shaman], Chloe deserves a rest. And this is her reward. But I haven’t. Throughout the evening, I
Chloe and Zero continue talking with each other as if there is no tomorrow. Their topics include the environment, Zero’s lifestyle, and the creatures he has slain. Every time Zero tells something, Chloe immediately bobs her head like a seal and listens to his every word. From afar, they look like a perfect pair. But in reality, I know there is something up with Zero. And he ain’t telling us anything about it.Throughout the journey, I glue my eyes at Zero, showing him that I don’t trust this hero. And the most disturbing thing is… I also catch Zero throwing daggers in my direction, as if taunting me without raising his fists. I want to stop Chloe from continuing this relationship she has with the hero, but… who am I to stop her? Warning the princess about him is the best thing I can do.So I let the two have the time of their lives as we slowly reach the Apis town.One important conversation takes place, which is Zero asking Chloe why she wants to visit Apis town above anywhere else.
“Let me take it from here, milady, Zoe.” Zero White acts high and almighty. But the thing is, Zero backs up his arrogance with the sole title imprinted beside his name.Although flaunting one’s power is never enough to get what you want, his fighting skills, which I have already seen, are now more appealing in front of me.“I want to see Edwyrd Tragwyn. He’s an old friend of mine, and I know he’s going to open his gates for me. After all, your king owes me a favour.”I see. Edwyrd Tragwyn is currently the Nylsshys Republic King’s. And based on Zero’s words, the king of the Eastern Republic has some favours to settle with the hero. Not too bad. Although Zero is currently at our side, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s still a suspicious person with little to no backstory at all… At least, for my eyes and knowledge.I have no idea why this hero is helping us and pushing himself to this extent, but this greatly places us at an advantage.,“How do you know the Nylsshys Republic’s King
At once, we have arrived at the town’s entrance. The designs of these houses and other structures are comparable to the ones built in the previous village, Honeywood town. However, there are slight changes from here and there.One is the adventurer’s guild with fewer inns, more barracks, and training grounds for adventurers. This place is becoming more of a battlefield rather than a town where people spend the rest of their lives working on farms and their houses. But there are still taverns scattered in the area. Unfortunately, it seems like these pothouses are not quite famous, given what is happening in this place. Furthermore, most houses are either burnt into ashes or demolished to create more blacksmiths for forging swords, armours, and other weapons.The second part is the castle. The Honeywood town is the first place I’ve ever visited, so I don’t know much about other Kingdoms besides the ones existing back in my world. But the castle from Earth is no different from this, exce
Right beside the adventurer’s guild is a merchant’s stall, but not the merchant’s guild. This is far too different. And when I gaze around, the store has a limited choice of goods and sells them at a heftier price. Some people can afford such items, but… the merchant’s store, which is supposed to be the general convenience store in this world, seems to be ignorant of the idea.Chloe also mentions this to me, but not to Zero or to anyone else. I also tell her the same… Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it.We are not residents of this place nor someone who knows a thing about businesses or two. So Chloe and I let it be and move toward our destination.By the time we enter the adventurer’s guild, dozens of werecats, wolftaurs, centaurs, slithering humanoid creatures, and other demi-humans greet our eyes. But their gazes aren’t welcoming as it seems.{It feels like these people are not adventurers but Bounty Hunters… I don’t want to judge, but they’re giving off this wild f
“LAUNCH YOUR MISSILES IN THIS DIRECTION!”“I’M ON IT!”“WHERE ARE THE MAGES?! WE NEED MORE MAGES ON THE SOUTHERN GATES”“I-I’M SORRY, CAPTAIN! BUT THEY’RE ALREADY DEAD!”“FUCK! CALL ALL KNIGHTS! RETREAT AND STAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES! FALL BACK AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE! AND TO THOSE WHO WISH TO FIGHT, LET US GIVE OUR LIVES FOR THE CIVILIANS TO LIVE! LONG LIVE THE EASTERN REPUBLIC!”“LONG LIVE THE EASTERN REPUBLIC!” the crowd of soldiers shouts, as they charge to their ultimate demise.Those are the cries that can be heard in the distance. There is an old demi-human man, who is a warrior, leading the charge against the monsters. When he notices that these creatures are too much for them to handle, he snaps his finger and decides for the betterment of his people. Those who are fathers on the battlefield are advised to leave. And those who want to be alive have been suggested to run back to their families… to wish them goodbye. Even this old man right knows there is no stopping this horde o
Kuro’s Perspective__________________Even back in my world, the blaring sound of a horn just like that means that something is happening. And that something is most likely a war of some sort. And Chloe deduces the same thing.Just like what we have expected, that sound comes from starting a battle. And when I check my system, it appears that… dozens of red balls are blinking in the middle of the woods, telling us that there are multiple enemies heading in the Eastern Republic’s direction. Dozens of blue markings, indicating neutral individuals, are eliminated as soon as that happens. It just means that these scarlet hues are barbarians, bandits, or even monsters.But it seems it is the latter.Since we’re already here, we go to the highest cliff and witness what is happening. From where we are, hundreds… if not, thousands of beasts have already infiltrated the gates of the Eastern Republic, killing almost a dozen elven and demi-human guards protecting the post. Some even have committ
Prince Faelar’s PerspectiveJust before Chloe has left the Eastern Republic CastleBonus Chapter __________________________My father… has been a little harsh on Chloe, as well as my mother. I know what they want to tell, and it seems that Chloe is also misunderstood. But that’s… what she thinks is right. I don’t even know who to side with anymore.But even though I have promised Chloe that I will not help her, since my parents have different ideas compared to Chloe, I… I still ask them a question.“Father… Mother, why did you reject Chloe’s offer when an alliance can be beneficial for both parties? Why? Why did you reject such a wonderful offer that can help not only our people but also others? I thought that’s the reason why the Eastern Republic has been the lead country to develop dozens of things unrelated to military weapons… Chloe has said it herself! We are not going to kill or provide anything besides our word, and that should be enough to scare the Western Country and the So
Chloe also doesn’t beat the bush and tells exactly what she needs to say. She wants an alliance. And the only thing she can do is to beg on her knees, which… Chloe surprisingly does. Even I have been caught off guard about it, and I have not even begged for someone or go down on my knees.“Please… I’m not doing this for myself… but for our people… If we can somehow make an alliance, my brother will have to fall back and retreat. You won’t have to fight or anything. I just want your name listed on the alliance. I know, for a fact, that the Eastern Republic refuses to kill any individuals. Hence, your neutral state. But I can assure you that the only need is your word of alliance. Nothing more, nothing less… I’ll do anything you want. Just… I want my Kingdom back.”King Edwyrd pauses for a second as he scrutinise Chloe’s eyes. Now everyone knows this person right here is the princess of the Winfort, begging for an alliance with the Eastern Republic. I know that this is the last draw Chl
Once the gate has been shut and the people remaining in the place are just the five of us, the King and Queen finally rise from their seats and head towards us. They don’t have any malice in their eyes. But their glares are enough to judge whether someone is a traitor, a spy, or even an individual who wishes to wreak havoc against their Republic. But after a few seconds of scrutinising the hell out of Chloe, King Edwyrd and Queen Verrona finally give in and accept Chloe as a guest with hidden intentions. “I see you’re telling the truth, Zoe Sunstone… But it seems there is more than meets the eye…” the elf who has said that is the King. His eyes glues at Chloe. KLing Edwyrd desperately tries to see through the facial feature of Chloe from the hole of her hood, but… the ebony environment hinders his eyesight from peeking any further. These rulers of the Eastern Land do not have any abilities to check whether someone is lying or telling the truth. Their leers have just come from their
We don’t go through any meetings with Prince Faelar’s parents. Prince Faelar already knows Chloe has met dozens of nobles and leaders during her young age, so she shouldn’t be nervous at all. And if she is, Chloe is anxious not from the rulers but for what they are going to say.Prince Faelar also knows that I will be here with Chloe, suggesting the right thing to say. And even without my help, I too know Chloe. And she will not say anything rash, not unless the rulers of the Republic wish to provoke Chloe. This is the time we have been waiting for. The moment of truth is now in front of us. And the only thing for us to do right now is to let the guards know Prince Faelar and his guests, Chloe and I, would like to speak with the King and Queen. Usually, we need an appointment to meet the leaders of the Republic or Kingdom. But since we know Prince Faelar, we don’t have to go through that process.The only people standing before us are the pair of elven soldiers guarding their post. B
Throughout the meal, Dilya has striked a conversation with Prince Faelar and Chloe, asking about random things such as where he has been and what kind of event he has done. It’s not because Dilya is curious and worried about Prince Faelar. It’s about gauging and putting up the pieces if she trusts us or makes a mistake where our stories don't collide.But there’s nothing for us to hide besides me and the conversation Chloe has to do to build an alliance. Besides that, we disclose everything. Much to Dilya’s surprise, she believes it at the end of the day. However, she isn’t happy about it. As soon as Dilya is finished with her meal, she stands up, lets the servant take her plates, and leaves the room without a single word. But before she leaves the place, Dilya turns around and meets Chloe’s eyes. And then to Prince Faelar.“After what my brother has explained, I do not apologise for attacking you… since you’ve eaten our food and I believe you can stay for tonight… It’s not like ever
We are invited inside the castle. There are guards standing on their post, watching Chloe’s every move. They still suspect Chloe as someone else besides being a guest with Prince Faelar. These elven soldiers thought that Chloe is some kind of individual who would take advantage of the situation… or end up killing the royal family.“Why is Prince Faelar friends with… such a total stranger?”“Maybe he’s under a spell? That is likely the case… I think.”“Or maybe it has something to do with a bribe or forced deal that Prince Faelar had made… Maybe he has fucked up? I don’t know.”Those are the baseless rumours the soldiers have presented. But none of them are real. In fact, Prince Faelar is the one who made the request. And Chloe right here just accepted it. If it weren’t for Prince Faelar wanting to visit the Sanctum of Ugmjir, he wouldn’t be with the topic.But these royal members of the Elven Republic do not know a thing. And besides, Prince Faelar had a blast with us. Between Prince
As soon as the two show off their accessories, the three of us continue talking to each other, find a restaurant, fill our stomachs, and… end the journey right here.We continue the conversation until the three of us have reached the castle’s gates. It is a long walk. Fortunately, the sun is still out, and we still have a few minutes before the moon can rise again. There is a debate where we can meet with Prince Faelar’s parents tomorrow, but… we’re already here. Our group might as well talk to the King and Queen and get this over with.Besides, Chloe already knows what she wants to say. And so does Prince Faelar. Prince Faelar’s only request is that… he doesn’t want to be involved with this. And even if he does, he knows that this will just anger his parents. Chloe and I understand his circumstances, since in the beginning of this mission, we just asked Prince Faelar if we could meet his parents. And that’s going to be taken care of a few minutes later…“I guess… this is it, huh?” Pr