Chapter 1

It's a new series!

"There might be rumors that Noah's presence is a disadvantage to the party. Therefore, I'm expelling you as of today."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Suddenly called to the guild, I, the hero Oliver, was told I was being expelled. There might be rumors that my presence is a disadvantage? That can't be true. Since joining the hero party, I've worked hard for the citizens and everyone else. I haven't done anything wrong. So why would my presence alone lead to such rumors?

"Does Noah understand his profession?"

"Yeah, I'm an assassin. But since joining the hero party, I haven't killed anyone. If anything, I've been helping people."

"Helping people? That's expected in this party. The problem is your profession as an assassin."

"..."

What's wrong with being an assassin? Sure, the term 'assassin' doesn't bring up good images. That's because some people make a living out of assassinations. But most assassins become adventurers to kill monsters. They do it for themselves or to reduce harm to others.

"Do normal professions have bad images? No, right? But assassins are different. Just your presence can lead to more negative rumors than positive ones."

"But that's just a possibility, right? If I work harder, maybe the image of being an assassin can change!"

"That's not acceptable! As a hero party, we can't afford any negative rumors."

"Why now..."

"Now? It's because your family is a noble house directly under the royal family. But we've also secured funding from the royal family. So you're no longer needed."

"..."

So I was just a bridge for the hero party's funding? Then what was the past few months all about!

"Can you leave the party quickly?"

"Do I really have to leave?"

Even after all this, I still wanted to stay in the party. They were some of my few friends of the same age. That's what I thought.

"No. All the party members agree. Plus, your presence is affecting the party's atmosphere. So please, just leave without any fuss."

"Alright... Thanks for everything. It was fun."

"Yeah. I was depressed every day since you joined."

I left the scene, almost in tears.

(Why!?)

I thought they were my friends. I thought they were the few people I could trust. Maybe even my best friends, irreplaceable people...

While crouching in the square, someone spoke to me.

"Noah? What's wrong?"

"Huh? Why is Rubia here...?"

My childhood friend and the second princess of this country, Rubia Rolley, was standing in front of me.

"Just taking a walk? So why is Noah here? Where is everyone from the party?"

"I was expelled..."

Then Rubia's chest came close, and she stroked my face.

"I see... That must have been tough."

"Yeah..."

"How about becoming my bodyguard?"

"Huh?"

From Rubia's proposal, my life changed. At this moment, Oliver and the others still didn't know how essential I was to the hero party. And how the hero party would decline due to my reunion with Rubia.