Chapter 6

EP.6 Reunion - 1

The room prepared for me was quite nice. It was more like a house than just a room.

Not only the luxurious carpet, but everything in the room was splendid. I sat down and lifted the teleportation ring.

The red gem in the center of the black ring emitted a faint light, proving its magical power.

Perhaps because I obtained it as a reward for an achievement, it seemed usable even inside the palace where magic interference was in effect.

After confirming the ring's light, I immediately checked the remaining achievements.

There were still quite a few quests left to complete the ongoing achievement, "Now I'm an S-Rank Adventurer."

In the game, it would just take a few mouse clicks, but now that it's reality, it's a huge waste of time.

Including the waiting time and travel time, it's really...

Terrible.

But I can't just not do it. I need to try to overlap my routes with other achievements as much as possible...

"And..."

I unfolded the schedule.

One of the achievements that can only be obtained by participating in festivals or events in various towns caught my eye.

[Kingdom Summer Water Festival 2-peat]

[1-peat Participant – Claire Rayfield]

Those words brought back memories.

=====

"Festival?"

I defeated the third servant of the Demon King.

A powerful being known as the Doppleganger King, who had possessed a noble's body and turned people into undead, but I was able to reveal and defeat him using the Mirror of Truth obtained from the Succubus's cave.

Since there were no signs of another servant of the Demon King appearing, the Hero Party was able to take a well-deserved rest in the capital for the first time in a long while, and I took the opportunity to prepare for my achievement goals.

"Hmm... Can we still participate in the festival...?"

Claire, who was hesitant, glanced at me and nodded slightly.

"What about Tia and Eva?"

"Revenia has to return to the Knights and participate in the official summer training, and Evangelina doesn't like places with a lot of people."

"Is that so? Then it's just the two of us?"

"That's right."

"Ah, ahem. Are you okay? You must be tired. Or do you have other things to do?"

Me?

Of course, I'm fine.

Even though I'm in the middle of the main story, I need to clear as many achievements as possible as quickly as I can.

Especially for events like the summer and winter festivals, which have limited periods, I need to do them when I can.

Her sun-like eyes twinkled. Claire crossed her arms, shook her head, smiled, and then flopped onto the bed.

"Ah~ But I'm also tired and want to sleep..."

"If that's the case, then rest."

I need to grab someone and go. I don't necessarily have to take them as festival partners.

There's no need to force someone who doesn't want to go.

"Aah! Wait, wait! Sorry! Sorry! Go with me! Okay?!"

Claire, who had been grinning like a Cheshire cat a moment ago, grabbed the hem of my robe. Seeing her bewildered expression, I shrugged.

You're going, yet you're pushing me away.

The Kingdom holds a festival every summer and winter.

One of them is the Summer Water Festival, which uses the river running through the center of the Kingdom to help people beat the heat.

In the game, it's an event to show off the swimsuit outfits of female characters or party members.

But since participating in this event twice and enjoying it thoroughly is also an achievement, I need to do it.

While standing at the entrance of the festival grounds, thinking about the achievements I could complete during the main story, I felt someone tap my shoulder.

"Did you wait long?"

People around us were whispering and gasping in admiration.

It was understandable.

Her golden hair shimmered in the warm sunlight.

With her fair, slender face and sun-like eyes, she shone brighter than anyone else there.

Wearing a sleeveless dress that reached just below her knees and white sandals that complemented her fair skin, the beautiful woman, Claire Rayfield, looked as radiant and lively as she did in the game.

"Hehe."

"Isn't that a bit much?"

Claire had a beautiful figure and face that could turn heads, but she was still a country girl at heart.

The slightly revealing armor made her blush, and this outfit, which exposed her arms, armpits, and white thighs when she moved, was quite daring for her.

So when I asked, she blushed slightly.

"Y-You're the Hero."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"I mustered the courage!"

"Is that so? Anyway, it suits you."

She seemed to be fishing for a compliment, so I just gave her one.

To complete this achievement, I need to visit all the mini-games and shops during the festival.

There's no reason to waste time on unnecessary arguments.

"O-Oh~ Hyunwoo. You know how to look good? I wore this specially for today. Consider it an honor."

Claire, who was flustered by my compliment, puffed up and patted my back, then grinned.

"Let's go. We have a lot to do."

"Okay!"

Claire smiled.

So happily.

====

It was fun, even if it was for an achievement.

Now it's in the past.

But who should I go with this year?

While checking other achievements besides the Summer Festival 2-peat, I re-evaluated my future plans. There were no major deviations from my plan.

Some things were better than expected, and some were worse, but this was within the margin of error.

If there are no major issues, I should be able to complete all achievements within a year or two.

Yeah.

As long as there are no major issues.

-Knock knock.

I heard a knock on the door. When I allowed entry, the chamberlain politely opened the door. She bowed respectfully as she entered and continued in a calm tone.

"His Majesty is looking for you."

"Is that so?"

If he's looking for me, I should go.

I went out with the chamberlain and noticed that the outside was quite noisy.

"What's going on?"

"General Leodan has temporarily returned to the Kingdom."

General Leodan is a named NPC in the game. He is a renowned general leading the war against monsters and a loyal general to the king.

Of course, he is a bit old-fashioned, but he is a man who knows how to perform his duties.

The fact that he, whom I met a few times during the main story, is here means...

"Wait, are Claire, Revenia, and Evangelina here too?"

"I heard only the Hero came today."

"I see."

I had expected it, but the thought of seeing them again didn't make me feel bitter. I just thought, "Oh, that's how it is."

But the chamberlain's expression seemed dark, as if she knew about my relationship with the Hero Party. Did she think I might run away to avoid them?

Why would I run? What have I done wrong?

"Let's go."

"Yes."

The path to the audience chamber was not very busy. Most of the staff had gone to welcome General Leodan and the Hero.

So, after a minimal inspection, while waiting in front of the audience chamber,

-Clank! Clank!

I heard the heavy sound of moving armor. Turning my head, I saw her.

I paled.

My eyes widened.

The blonde beauty was trembling, unsure of what to do.

"...Hyun...woo?"

Claire, who called out to me with a hoarse voice instead of her once beautiful one, took a step forward. She seemed unable to recognize whether this was a dream or reality. As she approached me, an old, burly general with a scruffy beard raised his arm to stop her.

"The audience is about to begin."

"We just met! We just met! Hyunwoo!! But! But it's Hyunwoo!! Hyunwoo is right there!!!"

"Later. What's important now is..."

-Crunch

"...Don't interfere. I... I need to..."

"Her Majesty the Queen has arrived!! Everyone, enter!"

"None of that matters...!!"

"Shh."

When I put my finger to my lips, Claire, who seemed ready to draw her weapon and knock out anyone who tried to stop her, froze. She stared at me blankly, then bowed slightly, and General Leodan nodded at me.

Thank you.

What's there to thank?

We help each other.

I've received a lot of help from her in the past.

I turned my gaze away from them, entered calmly, and General Leodan and Claire followed.

Claire's continued gaze made the back of my head tingle.

"You have worked hard, General Leodan."

"I apologize."

"No, you have nothing to apologize for."

The queen, sitting arrogantly on her throne, looked down at us with a cold gaze. Despite her daughter, Princess Lucille Ermeier, being intimidated by her presence, the queen maintained her characteristic arrogance.

"Hero. According to reports, your shield and sword, Revenia Shuma, has been causing quite a bit of trouble on the battlefield. Is this true?"

What? Is that so?

This is the first I'm hearing of it.

"Excessive cruelty in killing monsters, refusing healing, pushing away priests who tried to heal her forcefully... In addition, there are a few instances of disobeying orders... and not taking proper rest."

"That... That's..."

"I allowed her to remain in the Hero Party instead of returning to the Knights as she wished... Hero. Are you unable to control your party members?"

Claire bit her lip and glanced at me. What do you want me to do?

"...It's my fault."

"Is that so? After defeating the Demon King, incidents that were never seen before in your party keep happening. The elf archer, Evangelina Rottweiser, is... refusing all communication and locking herself in her tent after battles."

"..."

"Apparently, she also mutters about someone being there when there isn't anyone. When someone tries to approach her to offer help, she becomes threatening. Sometimes she wanders the battlefield alone, looking for something. So far, there haven't been any issues..."

The queen, after reading the report dispassionately, asked.

"Is all of this true?"

Claire nodded slightly, her face looking haggard and drained.

"Wise One. In the past, you were a member of the Hero Party.

"I wasn't a formal member; I just followed along."

"Is that so? Then what do you think is the reason for the difference between the Hero Party members when you supported them and now?"

I answered, showing my displeasure openly.

"It seems to me, Your Majesty is already aware..."

"I have a general idea."

"Then why ask? There are many other things Your Majesty should be concerned about."

The officials around her showed their displeasure, not liking the warning to mind her own business.

But she was the one who asked the unpleasant question first.

And what can they do about my answer?

I'm not a royal subject, just a contracted employee.

If it bothers you, fire me.

Tapping the armrest of her throne with her long fingers, she chuckled, nodded, and spoke in a softer tone.

Her way of apologizing.

"Hmm. You're right. I apologize for the personal questions. Then, in the past, when the Hero Party was fine during your support, and now it's not... Can you support them again?"

Claire's expression brightened for a moment, then turned gloomy. She sighed, her eyes sparkling with a mix of emotions.

Glancing at her, I shook my head.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because there are more important things to do now."

The Hero's beautiful face contorted as if she was about to cry.

After a few more questions and answers, the audience ended. General Leodan, who had been holding back Claire, sighed and glanced at me.

I nodded, and he left, leaving Claire standing awkwardly.

Like a scared cat, unsure of what to do.

Like a dog with its tail between its legs, looking for approval after being scolded by its owner.

When we were alone, she, who had been so passionate earlier, couldn't bring herself to speak to me.

I looked at her. Claire, whose eyes met mine, contorted her face and smiled.

That awkward smile, unsure of what to do, was very similar to the one she gave me after I was criticized by Revenia and Evangelina, when she approached me, unsure of what to say.

But it was only for a moment.

Claire visibly flustered and quickly bowed her head.

"S-Sorry... I, I laughed without thinking..."

I haven't said anything yet?!

Author's Note

Thank you for the support, Fishman.

You asked about the Wise One's ultimate skill...

Of course, it exists. I can't reveal what it is without spoiling it, though. ｈ

Thank you for always enjoying the story.

I welcome any corrections for typos. I try to fix them, but I always miss some.

See you tomorrow. Have a good night~