Stupid Heroes ~We Draft Candidates~ (WN): Chapter 82

 

Chapter 82: Conclusion of the Contract

 [The Nord Federation grants Ren Takashiro the throne of our country.] The cathedral is in a tumultuous atmosphere due to Ralph's shocking offer of conditions. Giving a country is such an outrageous condition that other countries would never think of it.

"...R-really, that condition?"

 Even Pope Mikhail could not suppress his agitation at the unexpected content of the condition.

"We have the approval of the state. I have the letter in my possession and can show it to you if you need it."

"No. The Church cannot verify that it is genuine."

"That's right! What kind of a ridiculous condition is that!"

 Hearing Pope Mikhail's words, Ramsey finally came to his senses.

"Even if you say so, there is no doubt that the condition of our country is to make Ren Takashiro the king."

"How can you prove that!?"

"Well, let me ask you. How do you prove that your conditions are really the conditions of your country?"

"What?"

"How do you prove it?"

"That's……"

 The people here are representatives of each country. This place is built on the premise that the intention is the intention of the country. Not only the United Kingdom of Mercenary, but many other nations cannot prove anything.

"In the first place, what will happen if I tell a lie here? Our country will be subject to sanctions for violating the agreement. You know what will happen to our country if I did something like that, right?"

 Since its defeat in the past, the Nord Federation has been on the verge of collapse, but has somehow managed to maintain its form as a country. If sanctions are imposed, the country will collapse.

"Are you serious?"

"That's what I've been saying from the beginning."

"No way..."

 No matter how good the terms are, there is nothing better than the throne. Of course, if the throne of the United Kingdom of Mercenary were a condition, the Mercenary would be higher in comparison to national power, but there is no way they could make such a condition.

"I have a question for you"

 Pope Mikhail asked on behalf of the speechless Ramsey.

"What is it?"

"How do you plan to donate to the church? How do you plan to convert the king's reward?"

"I will hand over 50% of our country's territory to the church."

"What?"

 If the conditions presented to Ren were exceptional, the rewards for the church would also be exceptional. It is not normal to cede territory.

"I thought about tax revenue, but our country is in the red. We would have to get donations like the church."

"…………"

 The joke that was intended to lighten the mood did not go over well with Pope Mikhail at all. Pope Mikhail's mind was now occupied with what Ren's intentions were. He was lost in thought for a while, but there was no way he was going to find out what Ren was thinking anytime soon.

 Giving up, Pope Mikhail decided to proceed with the ceremony.

"What about the Saint Miriam Kingdom?"

"...I will abstain"

 Princess Amalia had already offered her marriage as a condition, rather than being given the throne to Ren. She doesn't need to embarrass herself in a situation where things have already been decided.

"Then, Ren Takashiro's contract partner will be the Nord Federation. Is that correct?"

"Yes"

"Then let's move on to the contract ceremony."

"Ah, a moment, please."

 Ralph stopped Pope Mikhail, who was about to move on to the contract ceremony.

"What is it?"

"There are some things I need to confirm in order to decide on the terms of the contract, except for the throne. I need time for that. It won't take that long."

"……I understand"

 Pope Mikhail thought he was going to have a discussion with Ren because he said he was going to confirm, but Ralph left the place.

 He stopped in front of a hero candidate.

"Kotaro Iguchi-dono"

"……Yes"

"This is an official request from our country. We would like you to come to our country to accompany our king."

"What!?" "What did you say!?"

 Jin and Riko reacted.

"Don't joke around! What do you mean!?"

"I want you to keep quiet. I'm not negotiating with you. I'm talking to Kou-dono."

"Kou is with me"

"It hasn't been decided yet. I have the right to negotiate."

 Ralph is right. The fate of his companion has not yet been decided. The heroes who have completed their contracts with the state and country have the right to negotiate, and the hero candidates who have not been nominated have the right to choose.

"But……"

"Kou-dono, before I state the conditions for our country, I would like to inform you that your master has already given you his consent to come to our country."

"Master!?"

"The position prepared is a state-selected arms master. The content of the contract is to give priority to the country’s work and to spend time training the next generation."

"I see."

"Now, here are my terms for you. Would you like to continue your apprenticeship under the master? As I said before, you will be guaranteed a minimum living as an apprentice. If you are accepted as a full-fledged apprentice, you will also have the right to work as a state-appointed arms maker."

"Why me?"

 It was too low a condition, but Kou didn't immediately refuse and asked why he was invited.

"The king is thinking about the whole country. The power of craftsmen is essential to make the country rich. And this is not the situation in our country, but you still need more time for training. You are not a hero, but a craftsman.”

"……Yes, that's right"

 Kou, who almost got the answer he was looking for, agreed. It was Jin who panicked.

"Kou!?"

"Sorry. Actually, I was determined to continue my training. I just didn't know what Ren was going to do, so I didn't want to talk about it."

"Had he asked you before?"

 Jin learned for the first time that Kou had been talking to Ren for some time. He had also learned that Kou's feelings had been almost finalized.

"I was not only invited. I was also entrusted with work."

"Work?"

"I thought it would be necessary to do a lot of work to hone my skills. He gave me quite a few orders. I wasn't even halfway there yet, and Ren gave me a mountain of work to do."

"Is that the deciding factor?"

"Yeah. Ren needed me as an armor craftsman. That made me happy."

"Wait a minute. That man is a person who doesn't care about people. He doesn't need Kou. He needed an armor craftsman who happened to know someone."

 Seeing Jin's momentum dwindle, Riko intervened. Although she speaks of Ren's thoughts with malice.

"That's why I say so."

 It doesn't work for Kou. Even Kou knows Ren. He knows him better than Riko does.

"Jin needs you, you know? Why did you choose that man?"

"…Jin didn’t need me."

"That's not true!"

 Kou also has the same reason as Manami. Riko can't accept that.

"Then why are you trying to make me train with the sword? I am an armor craftsman. Not a swordsman. Why didn't you try to use my talents as an armor craftsman?"

"That's……"

 If Kou had wanted to train himself as a swordsman. If he had not been satisfied with the talent he had been given as an armor craftsman, things might have been different. But the fact is that neither Jin nor Riko confirmed Kou's thoughts.

"I am grateful to Jin for taking good care of me, but Jin doesn’t need me. Jin doesn't make my talent useful. I don't want to live my life being fed by others."

"Kou!!"

"Riko! Enough!"

"But"

"That's enough. Kou, I understand. It's your decision. I won't say anything."

 He understands Kou's thoughts. Jin didn't have the audacity to ignore that and forcefully keep him.

"My bad"

"Ren!"

 Jin's feelings were directed toward Ren.

"Hmm?"

"Take care of Kou"

 Jin appeals to Ren with a serious look. However, there is no way that Ren would accept such feelings.

"…What are you talking about? I don't want to be asked to do something I don't need to do."

"What?"

"Kou will be taken care of by the master. The master supports it because he is worth it. Now Kou doesn't have that value. I am only inviting him to come to my country because he has the potential to be valuable in the future."

"You……"

 Jin expresses his anger at Ren's dry way of speaking. However, Ren's words turn his anger into regret.

"You don't understand, you know? Kou himself is the one who carves out his own life. If he wants to be extravagant, all he has to do is acquire skills that will allow him to earn enough money. If he wants to master his skills, he should continue to train hard, otherwise, he should moderate his efforts and look for something else to enjoy. In this case, I only presented Kou with one of his choices. It's up to him what he will do with that choice."

"I... I see what you mean."

 Jin had done what he thought was a good thing, but he had never made sure what the other person wanted to do. He realizes that now.

"You got convinced on your own again. It can't be helped that it will take time if you guys get involved. Ralph, let's finish the contract quickly."

"Yes, let's close the deal quickly. Then, Kou-dono, are you willing to accept the terms I just gave you?"

"Yeah. No problem."

"Then it is settled."

 Ralph turned around to go back to the altar after getting the final confirmation from Kou.

"Um!"

 There is another voice. In the direction of the voice, Shizuru was standing up with a distressed look on her face.

"Yes"

"Um... well..."

 Although she stood up, Shizuru was unable to start a conversation.

"Shizuru? What's wrong?"

 Yuya called out worriedly at the situation. However, Shizuru didn't react to that and asked Ralph with a slightly trembling voice.

"...M-me?"

"Perhaps you would like to accompany us?"

"...Y-yes"

"Shizuru! What are you saying!?"

 Yuya gets up from his seat with an angry look on his face. Yuya was not the only one in a panic. Voices were also raised from the representative's seat.

"Shizuru-dono! Don't say stupid things!"

 It was the voice of Ryan of the Luine Kingdom. Surprised by the turmoil around him, Ralph asked Ren.

"...Um ...Ren. What are you going to do?"

"It's fine if she had made up her mind."

"How about…… a light treatment?"

 Shizuru's value now is very different from what it was before the swordsmanship tournament. The Nord Federation does not have the luxury of presenting conditions that are appropriate for Shizuru.

 It's just that Ralph thinks this way and the value of Shizuru to Ren.

"Then as before, you can continue to use..."

"Ah! Um... a maid! A maid is fine!"

 These were the words that came out in a hurry to counteract Ren's attempt to call her a comforter.

"Huh?"

 Ralph, who was told that, was more surprised.

"Um..."

"Are you okay with being a maid?"

"Um… is it great to be a maid of the king?"

"…A maid is a maid, you know?"

 A maid is a maid no matter who she is with. Unless she becomes a head maid.

"Then, how about a Queen?"

"You know that's impossible, right?"

 Even if Ralph says it's a good idea, Ren won't accept it.

"Yes... then..."

"Ah, I just thought of a good one."

"What is it?"

"What about a king's guard?"

"King's guard?"

"If you're the king's personal guard, you'd always be close by. Isn't that what you want?"

 It's a wonderful condition. She wants to be by Ren's side. Shizuru's hope is just that. Moreover, it can be used as an excuse to go see Ren. In reality, it wasn't that convenient, but Shizuru thought so.

"...That's good"

"But don't expect any reward. Our country is too poor to afford luxury in any position."

"I know that."

"Then it's decided."

 Ralph and Shizuru agreed on the terms.

"It's not settled!! What do you mean!! Shizuru is going with me to the Luine Kingdom!!"

 But Yuya doesn't agree. That doesn't mean anything, though.

"...I think you heard it earlier, but it's not yet contracted."

"I mean, that one's not signed yet either!"

"That's right. I'm not troubled by that. Because it's all about the person's will as to who to accompany."

 Unlike bidding, there is no compulsion to be accompanied by someone. If you don't like it, you can just refuse.

"Shizuru, think again! No, come back to your senses!"

"...That's terrible. I'm not crazy."

"You promised you would go with me."

"I never promised. You never asked me to come with you in the first place."

"That's not true!"

"If I said you didn't, then you didn't. So I didn't break any promises. Correct that."

 Shizuru has the brazenness to be able to argue with Yuya. Even if Yuya tries to force his way, she has the power to strike back at him.

"No, but"

"Correct it"

"...You're also in the dormitory of the Luine Kingdom."

"Because they told me to stay. And they wouldn't let me out when I tried to go out."

 This is a fact. Shizuru didn't want to stay in the Luine Kingdom's dormitory.

"...The treatment is much better in the Luine Kingdom."

"It's up to me to decide which is better. And I've decided."

"You will regret it"

"It was my decision. I won't regret it even if I have a hard time with it."

 Yuya's pushiness doesn't work against Shizuru. But that doesn't mean Yuya will agree. She knows that no matter how much they discuss, they will never reach a conclusion.

"You're persistent. The fact is, it is none of Yuya's business where I am going. I have nothing more to say to you."

"Shizuru!"

 With one last word, Shizuru leaves Yuya's side. The place she will go to is very close by. It's Ren's side.

"...Why are you here?"

"Because Yuya is noisy. And in the back, Ryan is standing there like he wants to say something."

"Well, I understand that. Then we'll just close the deal and get out of here."

"Yeah, let's do so."

"......It pisses me off when you talk to me that way."

"...Please do so. Please. Your Majesty the King."

"It’s too early to call me that. It’s still before the contract. So, Your Eminence Pope Mikhail. Make a contract."

"Ren-kun. You are..."

 Pope Mikhail had been watching the situation for a long time. He had expected something to happen, but he had not expected it to go this far.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, you are always going above and beyond my imagination, so I'm never bored."

"Is that something to be pleased about?"

"Yes. Probably. Let's get started."

 As before, he confirms the terms of the contract with Ralph. When Ralph states that he will give Ren the title of King of the Nord Federation and the treatment of his two companions, the details are written on the status board.

 Confirming Ren's will, the status board was enveloped in a faint light when it was declared by Pope Mikhail.

 Afterward, a blood print. Each of them cut the tip of their finger and dripped blood onto the status board. The light on the status board brightens even more. The contract ends when the light subsides.

"What!? This number of titles!?"

 Shizuru's surprised voice echoed around. At the sound of her voice, all the people who had been looking on in disbelief focused their gazes on the podium.

 There was Ren, who was covering Shizuru's mouth with his hand, and Shizuru was panting in pain because of it. And there were Pope Mikhail and Ralph, who were frozen in place, motionless.

"Alright? I'll let go of my hand, but don't say anything."

 Saying this to Shizuru, Ren slowly removed his hand.

"Ha, ha, haa"

"Seriously. If we're going to act together from now on, definitely fix that carelessness."

"But..."

"It's okay, don't say anything. The contract is over. Oh, and you should prepare as well. Let me tell you, I'll be leaving the church capital in two or three days."

"Eh, is that so?"

"The Nord Federation is far away. Besides, there's nothing more to do in the church capital."

"I see"

"Kou! You too! Complete the contract!"

"Ah. Yeah"

 Kou comes forward after being called by Ren. His gaze was glued to Ren's status board.

"...Ralph. Put it away already."

"Yeah. But... no, good. I knew it would be like this."

"It's fine, just put it away. Your Eminence Pope Mikhail."

"......Two contracts, I see. Yes, let's hurry. It would be better that way."

 The contract between Shizuru and Kou has the same arrangement. The terms of the contract are confirmed, agreed upon, and the blood print is performed. That's the end of the contract. Ralph will also take the status board for the two of them.

 With this, the three of them had completed their business here. They left the platform and proceeded at a quick pace toward the exit. They knew there was no way they could get away with it. Sure enough, they were quickly surrounded by familiar faces.

"Ren-dono."

 Lang was the first to speak.

"Yeah, um. What?"

"Because of my lack of strength, Ren-dono escaped."

"Ah, it's not Lang-san's lack of strength."

"No. I should have persuaded His Majesty no matter what."

"Isn't it impossible? I know a little about what Elected King Selim thought and what kind of decisions he made. No one can persuade him."

"I see……"

 Ren knows. He knows why Elected King Selim did not want to bid on him. It was a good thing for Ren that he didn't have to go through more trouble, but what about his servant Lang?

"Is that what you wanted?"

"No, I need you to set up a diplomatic meeting with him immediately."

"Yes?"

"Diplomacy between the Nord Federation and the Izrim Magic Kingdom."

"Whose idea was that?"

"……Mine."

 Lang's momentum quickly fades. Lang has no authority to offer diplomacy to other countries.

"In other words, it's not the country's idea. That kind of talk should be done only after you get authority."

"I understand that. But we can't wait for that."

"I've learned one thing this time."

 Interrupting Lang's words, Ren opened his mouth.

"What?"

"In the Izrim Magic Kingdom, Lang-san's abilities will not be put to use. It's a far more closed or conservative country than I first thought."

"Yes……"

 Lang, who serves it, knows it well. When you hear that the people elect the king, the hero candidates think it is a progressive political system, but the reality is the opposite.

"I'm impressed that you've made it to the entourage of Her Highness Princess Milianea. But that's it. There's nothing beyond that."

"That's……"

 The country is not a place where one can rise in the ranks on the basis of ability alone. she knows that, too.

"So you'd better give up quickly."

"Give up?"

"If you come to my country, Lang-san will be given the position of prime minister."

"Huh?"

 The Nord Federation is a small country. Still, the position of the prime minister of a country is attractive. The actual situation varies from country to country, but in general, it is a position with political authority second only to the king.

"You're always welcome. You specialize in intelligence, but it looks like you'll be able to do diplomacy as well, right?"

"……Yes."

"Then I'll be waiting."

 Ren said what he wanted to say and tried to leave. The surroundings would not allow it.

"Wait a minute"

"...Who?"

"Millianea of ​​the Izrim Magic Kingdom. I would appreciate it if you would stop trying to recruit my subordinate."

 The first to stand in front of Ren was Princess Milianea. She couldn't keep quiet when he acted like he was trying to recruit Lang.

"……Why?"

"Because Lang is my subordinate."

"Since she's your subordinate, do you mind killing that talent?"

"What's that?"

 Ren doesn't hold back even if the other party is a princess. At those words, Princess Milianea showed her anger.

"Are you angry?"

"Of course."

"But isn't it true? You didn't try to make use of Lang-san's information. It would be fine if you considered me unworthy of evaluating me. But you think Lang-san's information is correct. In spite of this, you desperately did not try to persuade His Majesty, Elected King Selim.”

"Is the information true?"

"Would you mind not changing the subject? We are talking about the fact that you have wasted your subordinate's efforts."

"...And if so?"

 Ren's point is that Princess Milianea is fully aware of it. Looking at this situation now, her feelings of regret became even stronger.

"Keeping Lang-san under you is a loss of talent. This world treats talent as the only absolute and wastes it. It's a funny thing."

"…………"

 Ren's words are ironic about this world. It criticizes the contradictions in the thinking of the people of this world.

"If you want to use your talent, come to me. I'll make you work until you don't like it."

 Ren shifted his gaze from Princess Milianea to Lang.

"I……"

 Lang's heart trembles in response to that strong gaze. But that doesn't mean she can't give her approval at this point.

"I'm not looking for a conclusion. You just need to know that there are such options."

"Yes"

"Then, I'll leave it at that."

 After silencing Princess Milianea and saying his last words to Lang, Ren tried to leave.

"Don't think you can get away with that."

"...No good, huh."

 There are other people around. Things didn't go the way Ren wanted. The next person to call out was Mei.

"I just have one question."

"Even after all this?"

"Because it's the last time. What is a hero?"

"...As expected, it came to this."

 Mei escaped the church's influence early on, but she hadn't arrived at the truth yet. Ren is a little taken aback. Mei should be able to understand this. The reason she doesn't understand is that she is blinded by her position as a hero.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not going to answer that right now. There's no need. You'll find out soon enough."

"How will I know?"

"You ask that much? The person who contracted with you will tell you. Maybe a little further? That part I don't know."

 Eventually, everyone will know the truth. Even if they do know, it's too late. To be precise, there are still some hero candidates who still have a chance, but Ren has no intention of reaching out to them.

"......What are you trying to do? You said you weren't going to be a hero."

"I'm not going to tell you that either. Besides, I still don't intend to become a hero."

"You were a king. You were blinded by the throne."

 A little sarcasm. But the sarcasm triggered a counterattack.

"Could it be jealousy? If you want to be king, you can be."

"Me?"

"Why did you choose the Lemberg Empire? You should have chosen the Izrim Magic Kingdom."

 Ren's demonic whispers attract the listener's attention without making them think otherwise.

"……Why?"

"The King of the Izrim Magic Kingdom is chosen by the person who excels in magic. Isn't your goal to be the world's number one mage?"

"…………"

"You could have become a king, but you abandoned it. Yes, but in the past they have made mages from other countries kings."

"Ren!!"

 The voice that broke in hastily belonged to Heinz. The decision was made not to let Ren talk any more.

"……What?"

"I'm going to have to ask you to stop right there."

"Stop, you're the one holding me back."

"I'm sorry. I won't hold you back anymore."

 This is the word Ren wants. Even if he knew, Heinz had no choice but to say it.

"I see. Well, then. Hopefully, we won't see each other again."

 Some people still tried to say something, but Heinz stopped them. With no one to stop them, Ren and the others calmly withdraw from the spot.

"...Why did you stop him?"

 Reluctantly, Princess Milianea, who saw it off, pointed her dissatisfaction at Heinz.

"Don't you understand? It was an attempt to drive a wedge between our country and the Izrim Magic Kingdom."

"No way?"

"Don't be offended, listen. Elected King Selim is a self-preservationist. He avoided inviting him to his country out of fear of the prestige he might gain."

 The more powerful Ren was, the more Elected King Selim could not allow him to be the hero of his country. He should have been a sword, like Yuya. However, a special person such as a user of spirit magic would threaten his position. This is what Elected King Selim thinks.

"...I know that. But it was surprising to me."

"He won't even try to get close to Mei."

"But she's... no way, a wedge to the alliance?"

 What popped into Princess Milianea's mind was a military alliance between the two countries against the Luine Kingdom. If that is realized and Mei does what she envisions, Mei's fame will certainly increase in the Izrim Magic Kingdom.

"I thought so"

"You mean to say he thinks that far?"

"He didn't become king by accident. He needed a country. What does he want with being king?"

"But he's a contracted king. Even if he denies that he's not a hero, he has no choice but to act as a hero."

"There must be something. Something he thought was okay to do the deal."

 Ren knows what a hero is like. He's always thinking of something. Even if he can't imagine what it is at all.

"......Do we need to have a meeting for the first time in a long time?"

"Maybe."

"Is it possible for our country to participate in that meeting?"

 The voice that suddenly cut in was that of Prince Albert.

"...If you wish."

"Then let me participate by all means. If possible, can we keep no secrets about Ren Takashiro? He will be the king of a country, and that country is the Nord Federation."

"Does the Luine Kingdom have information we don't know?"

"Yeah, I have some information I just got. I missed it because I was busy."

"......It is fine. I just want to clear things up a little. How about first thing tomorrow afternoon?"

"I don't mind. How about the place is the dormitory that our country uses? There is no problem with the meeting room."

"I understand. Does the Izrim Magic Kingdom accept it?"

"It's fine, but I won't invite Father."

"That would be better. I don't think we should listen to him right now."

"Yes. Unfortunately."

 That is how seriously both Heinz and Princess Milianea are taking this situation. The Nord Federation is not a country to be feared. It is a country that was originally a frontier and is in such a state that it is a wonder it has not collapsed due to the sanctions following the defeat.

 However, not only Ren but even Shizuru belongs to the Nord Federation. If the power of these two and the children were to be surpassed, it would only be the heroes led by Mei and Yuya.

 Elected King Selim did not care about such human resources. How would Elected King Selim feel about being thought so? This is the common thought of both of them.

 It's a correct understanding, but it's still not enough. The wolf they let loose in the wild is a monster beyond their imagination. It is about to become such a being.