Kays Translations

Chapter 228: The Complicated Hero and the Saint’s View on Love

After having lunch together,

I headed alone to where Seiria was in the Empire. It seems there have been movements related to the Beastman Nation.

It’s been over a month since we last met… I wonder what the situation has turned into. Thinking about such things, I activated the teleportation circle…

“Oh, you’re alone today. Is it okay not to bring guards?”

“Tsubaki is busy with something else. Besides, I don’t think I need guards anymore.”

“You really trust me a lot, I’m very happy about that.”

We exchanged light greetings, but… I’ve been feeling somewhat uneasy since arriving here. However, I don’t know what it could be.

(Oh well, never mind. Let’s get to the main topic for now.)

Since there were no abnormalities in her status, I proceeded with the discussion about the Beastman Nation…

According to her, the transfer of power in the northern town was completed smoothly. Many Beastmen are already in the midst of resettling there. A fox-like lord has assumed leadership of that town. It was originally supposed to be that person from Keimos Town.

“I’ve never seen him before… but he’s alive, huh? Well, should I say he’s been kept alive.”

“It just happened to turn out that way this time.”

“You were probably expecting it all along, though.”

Seiria smiled without saying anything, that’s probably what it was. Ultimately, things have settled smoothly, and the impression of the Beastmen, especially the fox people, has somewhat improved.

(Actually, she’s quite something. She really gives off that empress vibe.)

Including food and technical support, they are still providing substantial aid. With backing from the parliament, they seem to be successfully shifting responsibility onto Ryuunosuke. Conditions were improving enough for trade to begin.

After hearing the general story, it was my turn to provide information. I talked about the situation in Japan, the dungeons, and the establishment of the Adventurers’ Association…

“It’s completely like modern fantasy now. The Japanese government’s maneuvering is more flexible than I expected… It’s a bit surprising.”

“That’s because they have prominent people at the top. They seem to be pushing quite aggressively. The people in the Countermeasures Team are also quite peculiar. In a good way, of course.”

“Now I’m curious to visit Japan.”

“Oh, so you’re finally interested?”

“I’m interested in your viral videos.”

“Please spare me from that…”

After that, we continued chatting, exchanged information for a while… 

By the time I realized the source of the discomfort I had been feeling since earlier,

The Japanese men around the lord’s mansion are noticeably younger. At a glance, I couldn’t see any middle-aged men anywhere.

“Seiria, what happened to those middle-aged guys who were here? Where did they go?”

“Oh, about that…”

According to Seiria, it seems those middle-aged guys who were here moved to the western town. However, it seems some of them still remain.

The reason for their relocation is said to be for the town’s security. With the handover of the northern town, the population of the western town has rapidly increased. To maintain public order, many middle-aged men were dispatched.

Certainly, those middle-aged guys tended to have higher levels compared to others. They were suitable for security duties.

“Hey, sorry for the blunt question, but…”

“What is it? I’m quite curious.”

“Seiria, do you really have a thing for middle-aged guys? Somehow, I feel like there might be another reason…?”

Even if she were to create a harem.

That number is just too many. It might sound a bit lewd, but I don’t think I could handle that physically. Moreover, there didn’t seem to be any skills like inexhaustible endurance…

“People of that age tend to be quite sincere.”

While I was thinking about such things, Seiria began to speak softly. What does she mean by sincere?

“… Are you talking about middle-aged guys?”

“Yes, they could also be seen as having low ambition.”

Hey, doesn’t that basically mean… they’ve lost their edge? I wanted to interject with that retort, but I urged her to continue without breaking the flow of conversation.

“The balance between reason and desire is well-maintained. I happen to prefer such people.”

“In other words, they’re easy to handle?”

“Of course, that’s part of it. In fact, if those men weren’t here, the empire’s public order would have collapsed long ago. I’ve been diligently gathering them since the early days.”

“So, it has nothing to do with sexual preferences?”

“It’s true that many of them fit my preferences.”

(Huh? So what’s the conclusion here?)

I don’t really understand, but I did understand that it’s not just an ordinary middle-aged guy harem. Since I can’t see loyalty like mine, I have to rely on others’ ethics and reason… But, I feel like she was particularly attentive to the former Margrave…

“Right now, you’re thinking about the former Margrave, aren’t you?”

“Hey, mind-reading? That’s correct.”

“I could tell without it. He has someone he loves and many children. By the way, you haven’t heard anything from Tsubaki?”

“No, I haven’t asked.”

“I see. Maybe it’s still too early.”

(I don’t know what was rushed, but it seems like this was the topic they were talking about last time together. Even though it seemed enjoyable… I still don’t get it at all.)

In the end, the vague conversation petered out, and this mystery was left unresolved. Meanwhile, my younger sister Nozomi(Hope) joined us. The three of us spent about an hour discussing things related to Japan.

Hero Nozomi didn’t exude the same sense of desperation as before. Lately, she’s been holed up in dungeons or actively exterminating monsters around the town. By the way, she doesn’t form parties and always goes solo in her conquests.

“I know it’s none of my business, but aren’t you in danger? Aren’t you scared?”

“No, not at all. Actually, I find it scarier when there are other people around. You never know when they might attack.”

“Wow, you’re really fixated on that…”

It slipped out because she said it so nonchalantly.

But she didn’t seem bothered by it at all. Is this her true personality, casually continuing the conversation with a poker face?

“As long as there’s no malice from others, isn’t the other world the best? With big sis here too, and leveling up in dungeons!”

“I see… By the way, how far have you gotten? Up to which floor?”

“Just recently, I defeated the boss on the 25th floor!”

“Oh, that’s the Behemoth, right?”

“It was insanely strong, but I managed somehow thanks to the information from Haruka-san!”

I knew she had been meeting Haruka frequently, but this was still quite alarming. Her level is over 100… She’s truly a real battle maniac.

“But this girl can’t handle interactions with others. She gets scared and withdraws immediately.”

“Well, big sis, humans are scary creatures.”

(This hero is growing up in a really twisted way. Deep down, she’s a kind child… In a way, she might be the closest thing to a Demon Lord in this world.)

With a hint of unease in mind, we spent a pleasant time together…

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