Chapter 1

Net Translation Version Translated from the Land of Light

Translation: [email protected] No Line Break Hanization Group

Proofreading: ShadowChaser @ No Line Break Hanization Group

Image Source: The Great Demon King

This was neither a premonition of something about to happen nor an extraordinary scene. If there was any difference from the usual, it was the sight of boys and girls in their alma mater's uniforms on the way home from university in the scorching afternoon sun.

These two boys and two girls were chatting happily, probably members of the same club. The sight was a bit dazzling for me, a lone elite student. Especially the two girls, who were as cute as class beauties, made me envy the boys walking beside them.

The ratio of boys to girls was exactly two to two, perhaps they were two couples... It would be great if the overachievers exploded...

Everything was fine on the way home until the four of them were stopped by a red light, and I stood a few steps behind them—when a strange magic circle appeared under my feet—

Before I could react, the scenery in front of me turned into static, and the surroundings suddenly changed. The asphalt ground turned into stone, the bright and annoying sunlight turned into dim oil lamp (??) light... and so on, it was a bit absurd.

"Welcome, 'Your Highness, the Hero'"

Before my ears could adjust to the current situation, I heard a clear, bell-like voice from behind. Turning around, I saw a beautiful woman in a spotless white dress, with golden hair and blue eyes, and two high school girls and one high school boy from the group of four I had seen earlier...

Huh? Is someone missing?

"Given the sudden turn of events, I'm sure you—eh?"

The beautiful woman looked at us with a smile that made us lose ourselves, but stopped halfway through her sentence.

Then there was silence... Not just me and the three high school students, but the beautiful woman who was about to speak and the people in robes around us were all frozen in place. The scene was enveloped in silence.

"...Ah, Miss? I think I saw four people?"

"...Coincidentally, Luna, I also saw four people"

One of the people in robes spoke to the beautiful woman as if making a decision, and the beautiful woman replied with a slightly confused look. Unfortunately, my thoughts hadn't caught up with the sudden shift into the extraordinary. If I were a computer, the mouse cursor would have turned into an hourglass by now. I should be using an Intel processor... No, no, what am I thinking?

Glancing at the three high school students in the same situation, they seemed to be in the same state as me, looking at me with confused expressions after a quick glance.

006

"This is it, right! Pulling three people into a 'summoning', this kind of thing, right!?"

"Yeah, probably... What should we do, Miss?"

"Anyway, we can't just say 'Oops, failed, hehe' and be done with it. We need to explain the situation to everyone... Ah, but first, we need to identify who the 'Hero' is..."

"Hehe... Miss, aren't you acting too young for your age...?"

"Why are you calmly nitpicking here!?"

What is this disappointing conversation? The sense of crisis over the unknown situation is gradually being eroded... The two high school girls also looked stunned, and the boy—why is he clenching his fists and striking a pose? In this situation, striking a pose?

Hmm? Wait... Hero? Summoning? Pulled in? These words sound familiar. Thinking about it, there was something similar recently—

"Cough. Welcome again..."

"Sorry, I was thinking, can you please wait a moment?"

"Ah, sure. Sorry."

My thoughts were interrupted by the voice, so I asked them to wait. Ah, that's right, I remember now, this is a light novel I just read recently!

Although it's not something to be proud of, my hobby is what the world calls otaku stuff. I just like games, and I'm somewhat interested in light novels, but I don't watch anime at all... Anyway, the current situation is very similar to the plot of a light novel. The classic story of a hero being summoned to a different world to fight the Demon King, I've read quite a few of these types of novels.

"...So, that..."

Ah, but even if it's called a different world, there are various scenarios. Some really become heroes and fight the Demon King, some find out the royal family that performed the summoning is the real villain, and some are just ordinary people who are branded as useless but actually have hidden powers...

"...Eh, that..."

So, what we need now is information, right? Even if someone says "reality is stranger than fiction," we can't confirm this is a different world at this stage. The current situation is clearly extraordinary, so we need to grasp the current state... Eh? Did I forget something?

"...That..."

"...Eh?"

At this moment, I finally noticed the beautiful woman looking at us with a confused and worried expression, and my consciousness returned to reality. At this point, I remembered that I had interrupted the woman's speech and was lost in thought. My face slowly turned pale.

"...I think it's about time to continue the conversation... Are you ready?"

"Sorry!! I always get lost in thought and forget about my surroundings..."

Hearing the somewhat hesitant voice, I quickly bowed my head. Oh no... This bad habit of mine is showing up again. For a long time, I've had the habit of focusing on one thing and not noticing my surroundings. To put it nicely, it's called high concentration, but to put it bluntly, it's called narrow-mindedness.

Anyway, I messed up again. The two high school girls looked at me with a somewhat exasperated expression, and the people in robes around the beautiful woman seemed to be smiling wryly. The high school boy... was muttering something to himself with his head down... Ah, I might be able to become friends with this guy.

"No, given the sudden turn of events, confusion is to be expected. I welcome you, visitors from another world, to the 'Kingdom of New Fania'"

Hearing my apology, the beautiful woman smiled gently and elegantly bowed, lifting the hem of her dress. After that, it was pretty much as expected, she talked about a kingdom in another world.

Hmm~ This graceful feeling, and being called 'Miss' just now... Is she a noble? Maybe even a princess.

"I am Lilia Albert. We are very sorry for the sudden summoning. Given the sudden turn of events, I'm sure you are confused. We will explain the situation... But first, could we ask for your names?"

"...Ah, sure. Um... I'm Kaito Miyamae"

As the oldest, I answered the beautiful woman—Lilia, who had just introduced herself. In a light novel, there would usually be someone who goes berserk or shouts in confusion... But in real life, the confusion and bewilderment are so great that you can actually answer calmly.

"...I'm Aoi Kusunoki"

"...I'm Yuna Yagami"

"...I'm Masahiro Mitsuaki"

The three high school students also reported their names. By the way, the high school boy's name is so cool. You should be the hero, right? Masahiro, it sounds like a name given to be a hero... But he wears glasses and looks more like a liberal arts student.

"Mr. Miyamae, Miss Kusunoki, Miss Yagami, and Mr. Mitsuaki, right? Please take care of me. Sorry, please wait a moment more"

Lilia nodded to another person in robes, who then took out something that looked like a crystal ball. Seeing their actions, I stiffened. Lilia quickly reassured us, "It's fine, it won't harm you." Acting on my own might not be a good idea, so I chose to stay put.

"...It seems that Mr. Mitsuaki was summoned as the Hero. The others were affected by the summoning, right?"

"Is that so?"

It seems the Hero is Masahiro Mitsuaki. If I had to say, my guess was right, but what is going to happen here? In this situation where I know nothing, Masahiro, who was suddenly called a Hero, striking a small pose is impressive. You're the No. 1, go and deal with the trouble or something.

"Then, the explanation for the Hero will be your responsibility?"

"Sure, that's fine. Miss Lilia, please explain to the three who were affected"

Hearing this conversation, Lilia told us that the explanation for Mitsuaki—the Hero—would be different from ours, so it would be done separately.

"Wait a moment. Why is only Mitsuaki being separated?"

"What are you going to do to Masahiro?"

This point was contested—by Aoi and Yuna...

For me, the most important issue right now is... Lilia, who is calming Aoi and Yuna in front of me. What kind of person is she, and what does she intend to do to us.

While it's not right to compare everything to the plot of a light novel, the pattern in these stories is that the royal family that performs the Hero summoning treats the Hero like a slave and neglects the others. In fact, she is saying she will explain the situation to Mitsuaki separately, which naturally raises suspicions of some kind of plot.

"I understand your concerns. However, I swear that we will not harm you in any way. This action is for our reasons, and I hope you can understand our request."

Lilia bowed deeply. The other three, seeing this gesture that represents an apology even in a different world, seemed to still be hesitant but Aoi and Yuna stopped arguing, and Mitsuaki nodded in agreement. Of course, I also nodded in agreement.

The other three probably understand the current situation, and resistance is probably meaningless. A quick glance shows that the people in robes outnumber us by more than two to one. If we believe what she says, this is a different world... and there must be some kind of magical ability.

Mitsuaki, who is called the Hero, might have some special ability, but I, who was just affected, probably don't. So, to protect myself, I can only choose to listen to their explanation.

Lilia led us out of the dark, basement-like place to a luxurious hall. The explanation for the Hero, Mitsuaki, would be done here, and he stayed in this room with some people in white robes that reminded me of clergy. I and the remaining two girls were led to another room.

This room was less than half the size of the previous hall, but it was spacious enough. The decor was in a medieval style, with a large rectangular table and chairs... so far, there was no sense of being in a different world, and no real feeling of being in another world.

"Please take a seat. Luna, bring some tea for these three."

"Yes, ma'am."

Lilia urged us to sit down and instructed a woman named Luna, who had taken off her robe and was now in a maid outfit, to bring tea. In the dark room, Luna's hair, which was a beautiful aqua color, had been hidden by a hooded robe... Ah, the sense of a different world is here.

Seeing Luna bow and leave the room, we cautiously pulled out chairs. I sat down first, slightly to the right of Lilia... Aoi and Yuna sat down, leaving two seats between us.

A short while later, Luna returned with a cart of tea, placed cups in front of us, and moved to stand behind Lilia. Lilia nodded and began her explanation in a gentle tone.

"First, let me apologize again. We suddenly called you to another world and it took so long to start the explanation, I'm very sorry."

"Ah, no..."

"That, what will happen to us?"

The question that most concerned me was asked by Aoi. With her long, lustrous black hair, she looked more composed than me. She must be a strong woman, and this has nothing to do with me being a coward.

"As a basic premise, I swear by the name of the 'House of Albert' that we will not harm any of you four, including Mr. Mitsuaki."

"...House of Albert... Duke?"

"Ah, my apologies. I should have explained my position first. My name is Lilia Albert, a noble with the title of Duke in the Kingdom of New Fania"

"Lilia is the half-sister of the current king, and has the fourth position in the line of succession. Therefore, the oath made by Miss Lilia, representing the House of Albert, can be considered the will of the state."

Duke!? Line of succession!? Just as I thought, she is a high-ranking noble.

"By the way, she is 22 years old, which is quite unusual for a single Duke in the Kingdom of New Fania, where people usually marry between the ages of 15 and 19."

"...Luna? Why did you add that? We don't need that information right now, do we?"

"No, I think the title 'Miss' is becoming less appropriate..."

"...I'll have a word with you later"

What is going on. Despite Lilia's noble and beautiful appearance, her polite and elegant behavior and tone... the lingering sense of disappointment... and Luna is merciless.

"...Let me continue answering Aoi's question. Your greatest concern is probably whether you can return to your original world, right? Please rest assured."

"Can we go back...?"

The hesitant voice that asked the question was Yuna's, with her short chestnut hair that gave off a cute, animal-like charm. From the way Aoi gently held her hand and Yuna's small stature, I could guess they were senpai and kohai. But Yuna's chest is bigger... No, no, what am I thinking!?

"Um... but..."

Hearing Yuna's question, Lilia looked a bit troubled. Is it as I thought? There's a Demon King or something, and you can't return until you defeat them...

If that's the case, Lilia's words can't be taken at face value...

"The magic circle can be used again... in one year's time"

"One, year!?"

Eh? This is a bit different from what I expected. Aoi's scream was probably due to the length of one year, and I was surprised for a different reason. Yes, the conditions are surprisingly easy...

In these scenarios, isn't it usually that you can't return until you defeat the Demon King? Ah, maybe it's only Mitsuaki in this case. If that's the case, it makes sense that his explanation is different.

Even if the conditions are easy, being missing from the original world for a year will have an impact. Considering the effects on the original world, it's not something to be accepted lightly.

"...How can this be, I'm the representative for the 5000-meter run at the upcoming meet..."

"Yuna, that's not the issue..."

Is Yuna naturally air-headed? Worrying about the club meet in this situation is already at a commendable level.

"Ah, please rest assured. According to the 'Goddess,' time flows differently in this world compared to yours. When you are returned, it will be to the moment right after you were summoned. The changes in your body over the year will also be reversed by the Goddess, so there's no problem with that."

The immediate resolution of the concern was followed by the introduction of a new, unknown element—the Goddess.

Hmm, in summary, it will take a year to return to the original world. But there's no need to worry about the passage of time there, and even if you gain a lot of weight here, a Goddess will reverse it...

"Of course, we will guarantee your safety, food, and lodging while you are here. Although we can't provide a luxurious life, I will ensure that you live a free and convenient life."

"...Phew, ah..."

"Ah, thank you"

Because of the continuous favorable information, Aoi and Yuna were a bit confused and even a bit dazed, expressing their gratitude without much thought...

However, we can't be complacent. Mitsuaki's situation is still unresolved. If the Hero is summoned to fight the Demon King, it means this world has corresponding dangers.

"...Can I ask a question?"

"Of course, Mr. Miyamae"

"Um, in the other room, Mitsuaki... Is he called the Hero because there's a Demon King or something, and he has to fight it?"

I asked the question with determination. This is the turning point. Whether Lilia will explain honestly or try to deceive us will determine to some extent my approach to my future life here. So, how will you play your hand?

My heart was pounding as I asked the question. Lilia and Luna both... looked surprised and puzzled.

"Demons? They were defeated by the first Hero about a thousand years ago"

"...Eh? Then are demons and humans enemies?"

"No, humans and demons have a very good relationship. Trade and exchange are very prosperous."

"...What about wars?"

"To my knowledge, there hasn't been one in about eight hundred years."

"...Are there monsters everywhere?"

"Monsters do exist, but their extermination is the job of the Adventurer's Guild and the Knights. You and Mitsuaki don't need to go to the battlefield."

"..."

Eh? What is this conversation? Wait, please give me a moment to think...

Hmm, no Demon King? Good relationship with demons? No wars in eight hundred years? Monsters exist but we don't need to deal with them?

"...Then, what is the purpose of the Hero summoning?"

"A thousand years ago, to be precise, 1009 years ago, the first Hero defeated the Demon King and became a bridge for cooperation between humans and demons. To honor this achievement and pray for future peace, a Hero is summoned from the same world every ten years, and a grand festival is held. The responsibility for the Hero summoning rotates among the nobles of each country, and this year it's my turn."

"...A festival?"

"Yes. Therefore, Mitsuaki will be the main character of the 'Hero Festival' in exactly one year. He will participate in ceremonies and visit various countries, and is currently receiving relevant instructions in the other room. Of course, we will respect his will, and he can decline if he wishes."

"Ah, he can decline?"

"Yes, in the past, there have been cases where a substitute was used to hold the Hero Festival. If the Hero accepts, he will enjoy the ultra-high treatment of a state guest until the Hero Festival. If he declines, his life will be guaranteed, and he will be returned to his original world after a year of sightseeing in this world."

"...Um, so... about our future...?"

"Yes... Although you may still be confused, please enjoy this world with different cultures, interact and sightsee, experience the once-in-a-decade festival, and then return safely to your original world."

"..."

Dear Mother, Father— I have been summoned to a different world. But, the world— is peaceful.