After saying goodbye to the court wizard, Nell led us through the streets of the royal capital for a few minutes, and we arrived at the building that is used as the headquarters of the church.

　I'm sure it's just a headquarters, it's quite large and ornate, and in a previous life it would have been registered as a world heritage site.

　You're going to be able to get the most out of it. So we'll talk about the latter later.

　Since Nell's position as a brave man is a little unstable right now, she's going to consult with her boss, a female knight, before she goes to the church.

　Therefore, as a complete outsider, I couldn't enter the church and waited for her to finish her report in a waiting room-like area.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information about the company and its products on the web.

　...... If I had been there, I would have been annoyed, so it was a good idea to wait.

　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you want to do with it.

　There are churches, and I thought they would make an oath to God like Christians do, but the king or duke does that kind of thing, and if the common people are satisfied with each other, they only report to each other's parents or acquaintances that they are going to marry each other.

　So while I'm over here, I'll be greeting Nell's parents - she's a single parent, so she'll be greeting her mother. ...... Honestly, that's the most difficult part.

　I'm getting nervous just thinking about it.
　I'll do some image training while I still can.

　And so, after finishing my report to the church, I returned to the castle - the next day.

............

"Humph, how about it!　I've prepared this place for you today!　Thankfully, you can play the game!

　You cross your arms high and mighty in front of me and say so, Mr. Fancy Armor.

What's the ...... game?

"Of course, it's a clash of swords!　Let's see who's better, you or me!

"Yeah, yeah. Sounds like fun. So, that's that.

"Huh?　Oh, wait a minute, why do you want to leave?

　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

The reason being ...... why I'd rather not have to follow what you have to say.

　I'm currently in a training arena, which is one of the facilities of the royal castle.

　It is structured like a circular arena, or perhaps it is actually used that way, with bleachers built around the stage.

　Why am I here in this place?

　I don't know why I'm here.

　In the morning, I woke up to the sound of En and Nell talking, which I took out of the item box, then ate the breakfast that the castle maids had prepared for me, and I was wondering what I was going to do today when the call came.

　Not to Nell, but to me. 　

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about the fact that you'll be able to get the most out of your time with the help of the company.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one for you.

　Is he thick-skinned or is he just plain stupid?
　Judging from the exchange so far, the latter is more likely.

I'm not sure if that's ...... the masked man over there?

"What?　...... Oh, indeed . It's the clown mask we've heard so much about. I've heard that he's staying at the castle now, but it's true. So that's the masked one: ......

"So, that guy next to you is ...... Manuel.

"An?　Why Masks and Manuel?

"See, that man is ......

"...... Ah. So, the masked master is also involved in ......

　There are soldiers around you who are peeking at you to find out what's going on, and the demon king's super-hearing catches their conversations.

　It seems that he is not well received, even by the soldiers.

　Well, he has that personality. I can understand why.

　At my words, Flamboyant Armor opens his mouth with a confident expression.

That's because I, the second son of the duke and the next generation of brave men, asked for it!

"What?　Who says I'm the next brave?

"I did!　Yesterday I was at ...... so I remembered to do something!　I left because I remembered something I had to do, but I didn't want to leave the next generation of brave men and women to be licked!　I'll show you what I'm really made of!

　What, this guy is Nell's next hero?

　Status, even though the status is so low?

　I'm sure he's one of the best human beings, but he's considerably weaker than Nell when I first met her.

...... So, you're the self-proclaimed next generation of brave men and women. That's great. I'm surprised you're a self-proclaimed next generation brave, I was mistaken. I was wrong.

"Shh, that's rude!　I didn't say I wanted to be a hero!

　You look exasperated and bite into my statement, your flashy armor.

...... Heh?　Who says you're fit to be a hero?

"Yes!　And if my power is for the good of the country, I've stepped forward as the next generation of brave men and women!

　...... Becoming, so .

　This is--lucky.

　The fact that someone is celebrating this idiot means that there are forces behind the scenes that want Nell to quit being a hero.

　The idea of having a flamboyant armor boy as a brave man also means that if he is of the duke's lineage and has decent ability, he may indeed be the best person to carry the mikoshi.
　You're a little stupid, but you won't be strangely misunderstood, so that can be considered a possibility.



　...... No, you can't do that because stupid is stupid. You can't do that because you're an idiot.

　Well, I don't mind that they are stupid.
　You came across a good source of information unexpectedly.

　And your armor is rather high-minded, Mr. Flashy.
　You'd be less disliked if you could learn to control your pride.

　That said, even if the arrogance were to die down, nothing could compare to the current hero, Nell.

"...... Hmm. Manuel, I've changed my mind a bit. We'll see if we can come together. But on one condition: if I win, can you tell me about the guy who asked you to be a hero?

"?　Are you sure about that?　If you're good enough to beat me, I can make you one of my future heroes, right?　Well, I'm strong, so that future won't come!

　While saying this, the flamboyant armoured man tosses one of the wooden swords by his side to you.

"No, I think I'll pass on that. --Is a wooden sword sufficient?

"Of course, it's just part of the training, we can't afford to seriously injure each other over this!

　Oh ...... What, you're a firm believer in that sort of thing.

　I've been surprised by the fact that the flashy armor is surprisingly decent, but then I heard a voice from behind me.

You're not going to be able to get it right.

"...... demon king?

Oh, no, you know what? When Ilir-san met you, he said you played the demon king with a hero. I heard that you played the demon king at that time, so I think that's what he's talking about.

"...... so

"?　Ilir, don't play such a fun game with Maou-sama--

"Oh, Ilir!　Come on, let's support the onii-san together!

"!　That's right!　Good luck, Maosama!

　When I turned around, I saw Nell, the court magician, and a buzzing and waving princess watching us from the bleachers.

　I wonder when ...... Nell called them.

　And, Nell, keep up the good work and keep fooling the court magician. You're on it.