Stupid Heroes ~We Draft Candidates~ (WN): Chapter 12

 

Chapter 12: Beginning of Approach

 Each country's intentions were set in motion. This was clearly evident in the actual classroom situation.

 Until now, there had been some kind of rift between the hero candidates and the rest of the students, but that rift disappeared at once. This was a result of the aggressive approach of the students other than the hero candidates.

"It's my first time greeting you. My name is Hyde Spencer from the Izrim Magic Kingdom."

"Ah, yes"

"Is it okay if I join the conversation too?"

"Eh. That's..."

 When Hyde said so, Yuya's gaze turned to Heinz Ruben of the Lemberg Empire. And Heinz simply shrugged his shoulders in response.

“You guys, who are hero candidates, should have an obligation to open the door widely to each country, right?”

"......Indeed."

"Then I would like the opportunity to get to know you."

"Okay. No problem."

"Thank you."

 Hyde joins Yuya's circle after saying this, but somehow there's an awkward atmosphere in the air. With a student from a different country entering, he didn't know how to interact with him.

 The one who broke the mood was Shizuru, who was also more attentive than the others.

"Hyde-san, what are you doing in the country?"

"I'm a royal guard knight, but I'm still an apprentice."

“Is a royal guard different from a normal knight?”

"My duty is to protect the royal family and defend the castle."

"In other words, you're the royal guard of the princess, aren't you?"

 The Izrim Magic Kingdom is sending its princess to the academy. As expected, even Shizuru knew this. They see each other in practical magic class.

"Yes. Eventually, I plan to officially become the Royal Guard Knight of Her Royal Highness."

"I see. And the princess?"

"She had a meeting today, so she went back first."

"Meeting?"

"A bit of diplomacy. It's rare for royalty to leave the country, so they are constantly on the schedule."

 This is half true and half false. It is true that there are meetings, but not as many as there are today. Hyde's statement was merely an excuse for Princess Milianea's absence.

"It must be hard being so young."

"Well"

“I heard that Her Highness Princess Milianea is a master of light magic. I think Shizuru-dono would get along well with her."

 At this point, Heinz entered the conversation.

“…Ruben-dono, you know a lot about the princess from the other country.”

"That's right. Her Highness Princess Milianea is famous for her talent as a user of light-attribute magic, which is rarely seen in your country in recent years."

“I am happy to hear you praise the princess whom I serve. But, as you can see, Ruben-dono is also known to be one of the finest young swordsmen in the Empire."

"No, no, I'm no match for you, who has a special talent as a magic swordsman."

 They are praising each other, but they don't seem to be in a very friendly mood.

“…I see. The empire is not to be taken off guard. You even have information on a mere royal guard apprentice."

"Hey! Get along!"

 Yuya, who felt a disturbing atmosphere between the two, cut in.

"...I'm strongly conscious, but it's not that we're on bad terms."

"Eh?"

“At least, I recognize and respect Ruben-dono’s skill with the sword. Just admiring him will not allow me to maintain my pride as a knight. I want to be recognized as a worthy opponent."

"...That's right. That's right! That's how you compete and become stronger!"

"Yes"

 Seeing Yuya happy with Hyde's words, a bitter smile appears on Heinz's face. He was beaten. It was a wry smile that came out of that thought.

"Have you two ever fought?"

“As I mentioned earlier, I am an apprentice. I'm not in a position to participate in any foreign competitions."

"Foreign competitions?"

 Yuya was intrigued by Hyde's words about foreign competition. Yuya strongly desires a place where he can test his abilities.

"It's irregular, but there are fighting competitions that bring together participants from all over the continent. That's the kind of competition I'm talking about."

"Heh. When is the next one?"

 Yuya is already planning to participate.

"I have not heard of it. What about you, Ruben-dono?"

"No, me neither. I heard it won't be held for a while."

"Eh, is that so?"

 There is no point in holding the event. The one who would be the strongest, the hero, would not be able to leave the Church for a while.

"Do you want to go?"

"Of course"

"There is no such thing as inviting participants from all over the continent, but it will be held in the Church, won't it?"

"......Oh, it's organized by the academy?"

 With Heinz looking at him, Hyde also agreed.

"Really!?"

"It's a competition in the academy's swordsmanship. However, since general participation is allowed, adventurers and others are likely to join in."

"Adventurers?"

 Yuya didn't know about the existence of adventurers. Ren, who wasn't here, would think that he wanted him to remain ignorant.

"Don't you know? The guild."

“Eh, there is an adventurer’s guild too!?”

 Yuya is reacting to the Adventurer's Guild more than he did to the swordsmanship competition. This would be the same not only for Yuya. Many students think of the Adventurer's Guild when they think of otherworldly transfers.

"There is. Moreover, there is a headquarters here in the country."

"I didn't know... Then I have to go register right away."

"Oh, that's probably impossible."

"Why?"

"Students need referrals, and the church won't allow them to join the guild."

 The more activities you do as an adventurer, the less time you spend training. That would devalue the hero. It's not something the church approves of.

"No way..."

"But Ren works in the guild."

 It was Shizuru who threw in the information. Hyde's eyes widen in surprise at this.

"You're kidding!?"

“It’s true. I believe he said he's only doing nomination requests."

"...How come such a guy can do it and I can't?"

“Ren is amazing.”

"How come!?"

"His mana is higher than mine!"

 Furthermore, Shizuru shouts out information about Ren in a loud voice.

"There is no proof of that!"

"I know!!"

"But Mei says she can't feel it!"

"That's……"

“Look at that. Shizuru is too much in favor of him. He'll be in trouble if you don't give him a fair evaluation."

"I'm evaluating him correctly!"

"You're not!"

"I am!"

 Then a childlike quarrel begins. Hyde stared at the two of them in amazement. He's not surprised by the quarrel. He was surprised at how easily Ren's information was obtained.

 He suddenly felt a gaze and looked over to see Heinz staring at him with meaningful eyes. Is he annoyed that his source has been discovered, or is he appealing to them to get along with each other? Hyde understood that it was probably both.

"That's enough, I'm going home."

"Speaking of which, are you going to go see him?"

"It doesn't matter where I go after class is over."

"...Why don't you just call him?"

“If I do that, Yuya will continue to argue with Ren again, right?”

"I won't do that. I promise."

"……I can't believe you."

 When it comes to Ren, Shizuru's and Yuuya's opinions don't mesh. Yuya thought it would be unwise to let Shizuru dislike him any more, so he tried to repair the relationship, but Shizuru was a bit more stubborn.

"Then I'll send one of my subordinates to call him."

"Heinz-san!"

"Shizuru-dono, isn't it fine? I have heard Ren-dono many times. I've always wanted to meet him."

"...But what would Ren think?"

“I have no intention of forcing him. I'm just going to make sure he's available and that's all."

"In that case..."

 After hearing Heinz's words, Shizuru readily agrees. Originally, Shizuru also feels that if Yuya is not possible, she would be happy to have Ren be friends with Mei and Jin.

“Hey, do you know Ren-dono?”

"Ha"

"Then please go and call him. Politely."

"Ha"

 Heinz sends his subordinate to call Ren. Now it is Hyde's turn to look at him meaningfully. Heinz is surely not unaware of Ren. Heinz responded with a wry smile.

 Hyde could somehow see what Heinz was trying to do. He thought that by involving Ren among the four "Four Heavenly Kings," he would be able to gather all the important people in one place.

 He is the second son of the Knight Commander, but he is not a man gifted only with the sword. Hyde's mind becomes even more wary and a little anxious. He wonders if he will be able to compete with him.

 However, a report soon came in that dispelled his fears.

"...What's wrong? Did you get turned down?"

 The subordinate who had called for Ren had returned alone.

"Yes"

"Reason?"

"A visitor, no. He said he couldn't come today because he was having a chat with another student."

"Couldn't that student come with him?"

"That's……"

 The eyes of the man who had picked him up turned to Hyde.

"Something wrong?"

"The student he is talking to is from your country."

"My country? Who is it?"

"Her name is Lang Millet.."

"No way?"

 Hyde's surprise was not an act. He had not expected Lang to contact Ren directly.

"Who is this Lang Millet?"

“It is true that she is from my country, but she is a general admission student.”

“Is she not a Knight of the Royal Family as well?”

"No. She is not a knight."

“Is she close to Her Royal Highness?”

"I can't say she's a close aide. Since we entered the school at the same time, we're in the same dormitory with the kindness of Her Royal Highness. That's about it."

"Hmm."

 Lang's presence has not been made public until now. Lang herself advised Princess Milianea that she should do so. She is in Class C under the guise of general admission, and until she returns to the dormitory, she has no contact with the people of her own country.

 But now Lang had come out to the public. The reason for this is not known to Hyde.

"It looks like it's impossible today. I'm sorry that our country's students got in the way."

“I wouldn't mind having Millet-dono with us.”

"I wonder about that?"

 He's not sure about that. She's an annoying person, but he approved of her ability. It's out of trust that Lang couldn't have imagined something like this.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. What did Millet say?"

"Ah, Millet-dono didn't say anything, but I have a message from Ren-dono."

"What is the message?"

"I'm embarrassed to go to Class A, which is full of honor students, so I can't go. I don't want you to call me again."

"You mean he won't come, whether Millet is there or not?"

"Yes……"

"Then, let's push our way over there."

 At this point, Yuya actively tries to go to Ren. It is not that he wants to see Ren. The reason is that he thought that Shizuru would go alone in this situation.

"Um……"

 Hearing that, the subordinate who went to pick him up hesitated and opened his mouth.

"What?"

"There is another message."

"What is it?"

"But that doesn't mean that you should barge in. If the Four Heavenly Kings of the hero candidates were to barge into Class C all at once, it would confuse the students."

“…………”

“Recently, I heard that even the son of an influential person from some great country is with you guys. I'm sure he's not the only one now."

"That far?"

 Ren even knows about Hyde's existence. Yuya was surprised at this thought.

"He wants us to understand the meaning of this roundabout way."

"……In short?"

"It's a nuisance, so leave me alone."

"……You're right"

 As expected, after being told so far by Ren, They can't say that they want to see him any more. The only exception is Shizuru.

"Then I."

"Ah."

"...What is it?"

"Actually, there's more."

"……Say it."

"There seems to be one person who won't back down, so I have a word for that person. No today."

"...I understand."

"That's all."

◇◇◇

 While such an exchange was taking place in Class A, in Class C, Ren was revealing his displeasure in front of Lang.

"You don't have to be so grumpy."

"If you know that I don't like it, shouldn't you withdraw?"

"Aren't we classmates?"

"...I don't think so. How old are you now?"

 Certainly, they are classmates. But Ren thought that Lang was clearly older.

"I just turned twenty."

"...It wasn't that much"

 It wasn't much different in age. He also counted his original age in the original world.

"Is that so?"

"Before I came to this world, I was 17 years old. When I came to this world, my body felt five or six years younger."

 A year has passed and Ren is eighteen years old. She is only two years older than Ren.

"Is that so?"

"It's not just me. It's all of us."

"Reason?"

"I don't know. But I think it's good to be able to redo the growth period. Maybe it's that kind of benefit."

"……Indeed"

 The hero candidates are training with swords and magic at the age when they are expected to grow the most. Even Lang can't believe this is a coincidence.

"It's strange about having an older person use honorifics."

"Even if you say so. I'm not conscious of using honorifics anymore."

"So what do you want?"

"I said it at the beginning. Let's get along."

"...What is the purpose of us getting along?"

 One can't have come just to get along. Everyone knows this.

"All sorts"

“All sorts. I don't think you're going to fulfill all those different goals, do you?"

 He doesn't know what the various things she's referring to. However, Ren thinks that it is definitely related to the hero candidate.

"I wonder about that?"

"I'm sure it is."

"...Then, let me ask you one thing."

"What?"

"If our country were to choose a hero candidate, who do you think would be the best?"

"What are you going to do after hearing that?"

 Lang's question was none of what Ren had in mind. He can't read her intention in asking this.

"It may or may not be helpful."

"So it depends on the answer, I suppose. Then there is no point in answering."

"I see. I found it helpful."

“…………”

 Even though Ren didn't answer anything, Lang said it was helpful. Ren thinks about what that means.

"I understand when you think like that."

 Lang herself quickly provided the answer.

".......So you came to that."

"But I'd like to hear the person's name too. Who is it?"

"Jin Takamiya."

 The name Ren mentioned wasn't Yuya or Mei, it was Jin.

"Reason?"

"You have no other choice."

"... I see. Who do you think the Luine Kingdom will choose?"

"Yuya Kisaragi."

 Without hesitation at Lang's question, Ren mentions Yuya's name.

"That's a quick answer."

“The Luine Kingdom, a great power, doesn't need to be adventurous.”

"Isn't there an option called Mei Katsuragi?"

"Mei Katsuragi will be chosen by the Lemberg Empire. I think you know that."

“…Why the Lemberg Empire?”

 Ren's answer was unexpected even for Lang.

“The Lemberg Empire's strength lies in the valor of its knights, who use swords, spears, and other physical weapons. On the other hand, it is slightly inferior in magic. If they wanted to compensate for that, they would take Mei Katsuragi."

“Why don't they think about developing their strengths?”

"Hero, Yuya Kisaragi. Even without him, they are strong. Don't they have this much confidence? Actually... this is good."

"Perhaps the son of the Imperial Knight Commander has cut corners?"

 Heinz lost to Yuya on purpose. Lang knew that, too. But there is a subtle difference between that and cutting corners. If you don't cut corners, you can win; if you don't, you have enough skill to not be detected while doing it.

"Not sure? I don't have the ability to see through that."

 This is the reason why Ren stopped the conversation in mid-sentence. If she thought that he knew that but Yuya didn't, he would be misunderstood in a strange way.

"...I see. Doesn't the Luine Kingdom need to strengthen its magic?"

 As for magic, Lang's country, Izrim Magic Kingdom, is the best. Lang has doubts about whether the Luine Kingdom will accept this.

"That's what I want to hear."

"What?"

"Does the Luine Kingdom have ambitions?"

"That's……"

"On the surface, they pretend to be a righteous country, but are they actually one?"

"Please ask someone who knows about such things."

 Lang definitely thinks there were ambitions, but she refrains from mentioning them. Ambition also exists in the Izrim Magic Kingdom.

"If there is no Mei Katsuragi, the Luine Kingdom does not need it."

"Why?"

"They would form an alliance with your country."

 They will compensate by allying themselves with the Izrim Magic Kingdom. Then there is no need to strengthen their own magic forces.

“…Would our country accept it?”

"Can you defeat the Empire alone?"

"......I cannot answer that question."

 This is the answer. The Izrim Magic Kingdom alone cannot stand against the Lemberg Empire. If that's the case, they have no choice but to form an alliance, even if they don't like it.

"But you know the answer. I mean, that's what you're saying, right?"

"......If the Luine Kingdom had no ambitions, would it still be Mei Katsuragi?"

 Ren said if there was no ambition. If it was the other way around, Lang thought, the bidding would be reversed.

"I wonder? In that case, I don't think they'll do something that can be easily guessed."

"For example?"

"One way is to make the others think they're bidding on Yuya Kisaragi, and then put it in Shizuru Tojo."

"Why!?"

 Ren mentioned an unexpected option. In her own country, the option of Shizuru was not in Lang's mind.

"If they can fool the others, Yuya Kisaragi will go unbid. If no competition arises, there will be no nomination. Then they can get Shizuru Tojo to invite him to come with them."

"That's impossible. Even if Yuya Kisaragi does well, Shizuru Tojo will be competing with him."

"Do you think it's that highly regarded? I don't think so, but I think there are a lot of countries that might be interested in nominating him. And I don't see any other candidate as a contender. It's not because they're not capable. Whoever comes in, there won't be that much difference in power, so I'm sure they'll make adjustments in advance as to which country gets whom."

 If there is no competition, the bidding ends with one bid. There are no countries left that can bid for Yuuya.

“…………”

 Listening to Ren's explanation, a thought was born in Lang's head that it might work.

"Well. This is a big gamble. As I said earlier, I don't think the Luine Kingdom, which is a major power, will venture. Even if they did, it would be a deliberate attempt to compete with the Lemberg Empire at best."

"...If they come out on top on terms, the Empire will end up without a superior hero."

 Bidding is a game of financial strength. The Luine Kingdom has an advantage in terms of financial resources. The Lemberg Empire knows this.

"The Lemberg Empire, who knows that, tries to blind the Luine Kingdom."

“…………”

 The game between the Lemberg Empire and the Luine Kingdom may turn out to be more complicated than they thought. The Izrim Magic Kingdom is no stranger to this.

“Don’t be so surprised. I'm just saying it randomly. There is one element missing from what I just said."

"What is it?"

"How will the United Kingdom of Mercenary react?"

"How will they react?"

"I don't know. I don't know much about the country."

"I see... Back to the topic, if there was ambition in the Luine Kingdom."

"What?"

"Even so, if the Empire and our country join forces, can't that ambition be outed?"

 If the Luine Kingdom and the Izrim Magic Kingdom were to form an alliance against the Lemberg Empire, there is an option for the Lemberg Empire and the Izrim Magic Kingdom to join forces against the Luine Kingdom.

 An alliance with the Lemberg Empire, Lang thought, would also protect the country from the imperial threat.

"Can you do it?"

 However, Ren spoke negatively about the alliance between the Empire and the Magic Kingdom.

"You don't think we can?"

"The positional relationship is... I guess this is as far as we go. It's not a topic to talk about in a place like this."

"Certainly. But you have more to say than I thought, though?"

"Because it has nothing to do with me"

"Eh?"

"I will not be a hero candidate. I don't care what happens to other hero people because I'm not going to be a hero candidate. I have a little to do with what happens to a country, but it's not like I'm going to work for a country."

 For Ren, this matter is someone else's business. Even if he talks about whatever he pleases if it's someone else's affairs,  it will have no effect on him.

"...How can you not be?"

“My goal is to stay that way. I'm interested in other matters, but I don't want to be involved in them."

“…Is this what you were trying to tell me?"

“It seems that there are a lot of people who are misunderstanding something. I thought it would be better for them to understand the facts clearly at this point."

 Ren is annoyed by those around him who overestimate him and make a fuss about it. He thought this would be a good opportunity to resolve this situation.

"However, this conversation has made me more and more interested in you."

"Why?"

"I think it's amazing that you can guess the country's intentions so far."

"...You mean being smart?"

"That's right"

"But smart was not inscribed on my status board."

“…………”

 Ren's line is ironic to the church and to the country.

"It doesn't tell you everything about a person's talents. Even if I seem to be better, there are people who are better than me. And you don't know that until you get to know them."

 Furthermore, Ren goes on to deny the mechanics of the world. Titles, skills, what's the point of it all?

"Don't say that to anyone."

"I won't tell anyone. It's about denying the ways of this world. But you're the kind of person who can think about things on your own. That's why I told you."

"...You think that's a compliment?"

"That's right. I just thought so."

"I see. Is it okay if I talk to you again?"

"It's up to you"

"Me?"

"A word of advice. Don't underestimate the guild. I may not care, but the guild may see being probed as a hostile act."

"……I see."

 Lang has a good idea of ​​what he's doing. And this advice comes from the guild, not from Ren personally. Ren's own words indicate this, as he says he doesn't care.

"That's why it's better to stop. If anything, this is what I wanted to say."

"Ren-dono?"

"I don't want you to get the wrong idea, so let me tell you, it's not because it's me. The guild reacts the same way to anyone who registers. That's just the way it is."

"I see."

 The guild is very strict about confidentiality, as it is the only way to gain the trust of both clients and adventurers. Without the trust of both parties, the guild would not exist. Therefore, the guild takes a firm stand against anyone who tries to violate that trust.

 A verbal warning is a rather lenient measure. It was not out of favor for Ren to get away with it. He thought that if he were to make Lang disappear, it would be misinterpreted to mean that he had something to do with it.

"If you can leave me alone, and if you want a third-party objective view, you're welcome to do so at any time."

"Yeah."

"...I look a little bossy. Can't we talk about such a big deal?"

"Nevertheless, I would be happy to talk to you again."

"……I see."

 It was Ren who was ultimately unsuccessful in getting rid of Lang.