67 The former hero wants to live peacefully.




 It was a very hectic day, according to later records.
 After all, not only did a demon appear in the capital, but no one from the royal city could notice it.
 It was only noticed after everything was over, and everyone involved in the matter was said to have been choked with blood.

 Still, they were able to make up for it at least because the First Princess was there and the First Order had encountered the demon.
 Even though it took some time to realize it, that's why they were able to react immediately.

 Most importantly, thanks to the princess's presence, the confused public was relatively calm.
 If there had been great confusion there, it would have been an opening for other countries to interfere.
 That was undoubtedly a major factor that enabled the kingdom to maintain the peace that followed.

 On the other hand, it was also the Duke of Westfeld that suffered great turmoil.
 The head of the family and the next head of the family teamed up with the devil and committed a national treason.
 Even though they are dukes and have made great contributions, it was inevitable that they would be demolished.

 But then, the remaining domains would be at issue.
 The lands are not only innocent, they are also very important from the point of view of national defense.

 And if you want to leave it to another family, there is no one to do it for you.
 Strictly speaking, there is no house that is willing to take it, but it's the same thing.

 So the idea of the royal family was to give the territory along with the title to the one who had done the greatest service in this matter.
 This was definitely an unusual thing.
 The man's identity was not even known (・・・・・) (・・・・・・・・).

 Moreover, the title that was to be given was a duke.
 It would have been no surprise if the sanity of the royal family was questioned.

 But for some reason (...) there was no opposition to it.
 Some speculate that he couldn't take the land if he opposed it... or that he was praised for his efforts in working with the princesses to capture the ringleaders... but the truth is unknown.
 Some of the rumors of the people were that they were actually exiled royalty, but this is unlikely.
 There are no documents that confirm this to be true.

 Anyway, that settled everything - or so I thought - but it didn't.
 The reason why this happened is still unclear: ...... At any rate, it is a fact that it did.







 The castle is still in a state of panic.
 But in the midst of all this, there was a different atmosphere.

 It's tense yet somehow resembles relief.
 Farthest away from the entrance, and seated higher than anyone else in the place, is the king of this country.
 It was in the audience chamber.

 And at the king's gaze is a boy.
 The boy, whose identity is unknown (・・・・・・), is about to be ordained, unusually, as a duke, for his great contribution to the case (・・・・・).

 After the long speeches were made, the stage was set for the actual decoration to take place, and an involuntary gasp escaped the nobles who were observing the speeches.
 It is a relief.
 There are a lot of people who are not amused to be suddenly decorated as a duke, and it is not surprising that there is jealousy, but it is not because they are trying not to show it, but because they are really relieved.

 After all, the family members who are thought to have dealt with the devil are in fact the ones who are in touch with the devil.
 Moreover, this fact has already spread among the people.

 Although the owners had been disposed of after careful interrogation, this was not the solution to the problem.
 Moreover, the interrogation uncovered problems with the gift of discernment, which can be ineffective if the person thought or believed it to be true, and many other problems occurred.
 It was necessary to find a replacement for the Westfeldt family and fill the void as soon as possible.

 But this would solve their biggest concern for now.
 To everyone's relief...

"And in recognition of the great contribution made by thee, I hereby confer upon thee the rank of duke.
"--I respectfully decline.

 --The air was frozen.

 Without metaphor, everyone forgot to breathe and stared at the boy, revealing a stunned face.
 The fact that such a response was never expected at this point in time, none of them - except for one person - even expected it.

 You will be able to have a look at a few of the most important things you can do with your life.

I'm sure you are aware of the fact that you have been given a dignity and even the most important land for this country. It is precisely for the sake of the country that I should not accept this award and therefore I will decline.

 When I said these words, the boy stood up and walked out of there as if he wouldn't accept an answer.
 If you want to call it an outrage, that's exactly what it is, and you couldn't complain if you were cut down on the spot.

 The reason why this did not happen is because the action was too unexpected and ...... knew it was impossible.
 The boy had defeated the old duke of Westfeldt, who overpowered the leader of the first knight and his brave men and women, who were considered the strongest in the country.
 You'll only get beaten back if everyone here tried to seize them.

 And most importantly--

"...... is that right?
"What, that's okay. I knew I'd see it coming.

 The only one who was not surprised by the boy's words and actions - the king, saying this, turned his attention to the door where the boy had disappeared.
 Yes, no one tried to move because as soon as the boy turned his back, the king showed that he didn't care and didn't care to be trifled with.

 As he said, the king had anticipated the boy's words and actions.
 I knew the boy in no small part, and above all, I had heard about him (・・・・・・・).

But this will not fill in the gaps in the land: ......
"That's not a problem either. Actually, I've already filled in the blanks.
"...... Huh? Is that so?
Hmm, so this was a farce that was supposed to be rejected. Well, we didn't tell him, so we exposed each other to the rudeness. It's honestly embarrassing if you've been accepted: ...... No, it was all right then and there. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

 Then the king's eyes narrowed with a smile on his face.
 It was somewhat amusing, but it was also that of a hunter looking for his prey.
 This was to be expected, but that didn't mean we gave up on him.

 Sure, he may be incompetent and inadequate according to our common sense.
 But that's just a matter of our inexperience.

 He's already shown his usefulness.
 He's shown his usefulness.

 Then I, as king of this country, cannot let him go.



...... but in that case, there is only one concern. Now, if possible, I'd like to make it all work without that girl (...) hating me, but I don't know what to do about .......

 While muttering about this, the king of the country smiled bitterly as he caught the image of someone who was not here in his eyes.











 Looking back, Allen suddenly tilted his head.
 To be honest, it was too easy.

 It would be natural to have something more ...... turned forward, but then reconsidered that it was okay.
 It's better to be out of trouble than it is to be out of trouble.

 Besides, Allen still has things to do.
 I thought about it, and then, well, he muttered.










 Leaning back in his chair in his room, the man let out a breath.
 The thought had crossed his mind just the other day and he let out another breath.

 As he does so, he thinks to himself that he's drawn a lot of bad luck in what should have been an easy job.
 A few days have passed since then, and I still can't calm down.
 I had a very cold feeling at that time.

But this should be a relief. Now that I've made it clear to everyone, no one is foolish enough to try to get in there again. Time will tell, but ...... then you're on your own.

 It is too big a risk to set up a situation with this thing.
 It is important to achieve the goal, but there is no point in dying for it.

 It's a good thing that you're not going to die for the sake of the next one, but ...... is just a waste of time and money.

Well, this was a big blow, but it was a good one. All we have to do now is get out of here and get back home.

 With a murmur, the man tried to get up to prepare for the--

Hmmm, I see. So that was good timing, huh? And I didn't mean to stir things up any more than necessary.
"--What?

 A moment later, a voice is heard that should not be heard, and the man quickly turns his attention to the direction of the voice.
 And there was a boy who was definitely not there ...... and the man's face twisted in surprise and fear.

"B- stupid, why are you here ...... no, how did you ......!
Now, I don't have to explain to you in detail ......, but why is that not quite right? Do you think you can ruin people's former homes and not get away with it?
"Wah, wah, ......!

 The man shuddered at the words.

 The man did not know who the boy was from.
 I didn't have time to look for such things at ......, but there was definitely another child in the house.
 I'm sure they never met because they were too good and useless, and they were also expelled from the house ...... no way!

"Wait, wait. ......! That was partly our fault, but it was also our fault that they approached us. ......! We have a--
"No responsibility, and? I don't have to tell you if it's passable or not, do I?
......!

 The man was shaken to the core by the all-seeing eyes.
 I've been trying to escape from the scene, but I don't think I can.

 I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make use of your own personal computer to help you get the job done.
 It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
 This is the time to greet the situation.

Well, I'm sure most of the blame lies with those two. But I'm not going to tell you what to do about it. They wanted to do that to themselves. That's for sure. And, incidentally, I'm the one who made a mess in the end. --But...

 At that moment, the man knew.

 It was his death and ...... above all else.
 It seems that we have touched something that should not be touched, far more so than the gods.









 --The corner where the devil had based his stronghold suddenly disappeared.
 No traces or traces remain, and how it happened is still unknown.










 After cleaning up everything, Allen arrived at the outskirts of the capital and raised his hand to the figure waiting there.

I'm sorry, I'm late.
"I'm not really waiting that long to see ...... but you're really here.
"Hmm? What does that mean?
"...... that stood up the ordination ceremony?
"Oh ...... no, I'm not slacking off, okay? I even refused right then and there.
It's even worse. ...... Well, it's none of our business, but that's okay.
...... like?

 Shrugging his shoulders with a wry smile at Noel and Milene, Allen urged them to move out of the way.
 There is no point in staying here when all the business is over.

Well, let's just go back to the city. I don't know if going back is a good idea.
"After all, you decided to stay there for a while, didn't you? Then why not?
"Well, it's pretty convenient. I'm going to stay until I get more information about the surrounding villages and such.
"...... then move on?
"Well, ...... we'll have to wait and see if that's the case.

 It's quite comfortable over there.
 If you don't get into any unnecessary trouble, then it is possible to live there.



 Well, to do that, we'll have to do something about the Adventurer's Guild first.

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot, thanks to you two for this one. You've helped me out.
...... I feel like you've been working alone most of the time, but that's okay. It makes me feel a little better.
"...... all right?
"I see. ...... It would be great if you could say that.

 They are here because Allen brought them here, of course.

 As soon as he heard that the general had appeared in King's Landing, Allen had predicted the general's arrival in King's Landing.
 I brought them with me because I knew that the two of them would be needed for a quick solution, and I'd say it was worth it.
 Without them, it would have been a little more trouble.

 Even Allen can't do everything on his own.

I think you would have managed it even if you were on your own in the end: ...... Oh well. You're walking from here, by the way?

 Noel asked me that because he came in a different way.
 When he came, he used the power of reason to cross the space--

Well, I've had a lot going on, and I'm still pretty tired. I'm tired, you know. There's no need to rush, so I just want to take it easy. Well, unless you want to come back soon.
Yes, ......, well, I'm not in a hurry and that's fine by me, but ......
"...... Milene is also willing to?
So that's that.
By the way, it's fine, but do you have to say something to ...... girl? Or is it after I've already said that?
"Oh, yes, I've told you so, and I'm sure you're busy with things right now.

 I'm pretty sure that girl is Leeds.

 But Leeds is the man of the hour now.
 She was supposed to be the saint who defended the kingdom from the devil's hand.
 And apparently decided to put the rumor of a saint to good use.

 But that being said, she should be very busy now.
 She has no time to meet with anyone who doesn't know anything about horse bones.

Horse bones are horse bones, but aren't they the ones that saved the country?
As long as I declined the honor, it's just a bunch of horse bones.
"...... sorry?
I didn't get to say goodbye to Leeds, in the sense that I did, but I didn't want to take on so much trouble for that that to keep me away from the peace. We can finally get back to our original goal.

 Well, I am sure we will never see each other again, but it is best for both of us.
 The next time you see Leeds, it will probably be when things are in trouble again.
 It was better not to do that, of course.

"Well, we can talk about it on the walk, for now--
"-- Ah, I finally found it: ......!

 Just as I was about to say "Let's go," a voice reached my ears that I couldn't possibly hear.
 You'll be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for, but there's no way you'll be able to mistake the silver girl in your vision.

Leeds ......? Why here ......
Why, Allen, you guys are going back to the city, right? I thought you could take me too.
"Is ......? No, why ......? It's over, isn't it?
"Surely the role is over, but is it so strange to go back to ...... your own territory (・・・・・)?
"Yes ......?

 I thought I just heard some incomprehensible words.

 In fact, the moment I heard those words, the thought "no way" passed through my mind, but...

Oh, yeah, actually, I changed my name a little bit. It's called Leeds Westfeld (・・・・・・・・).
"--

 At that moment, Allen couldn't help but look up at the sky.
 It's exactly what I thought it would be.

 I'll tell you what I think.
 The old dukedom of Westfeld will be treated exactly as the new dukedom of Westfeld.
 This is the least confusing measure, and I am sure that the same would have happened if Allen had been given the title.

 Still, there would have been a lot of problems with anyone other than Allen taking the position, but not with Leeds.
 This would be enough of a token of merit, and even more so if it was after reversing your claim to the throne.

 Moreover, Leeds would be the head of the family in name only, and the real power would be delegated to someone else.
 There would be no practical problems whatsoever.

 If there is one thing that bothers me, though, it's one thing.

...... So what's the advantage of doing that for Leeds?
Do you have? If I may say so, I wasn't much of a princess to begin with. And also ...... my friends are a bit of a strange lot. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to meet them easily.
...... I don't think the frontier is a place where the head of the dukedom is supposed to come casually.
"Really? I don't care if it's called a frontier area, it's still my territory, so I think it's necessary to see it for yourself,

 To begin with, the head of the duke's family would never confirm the territory with his own eyes, but it would be useless to say so.
 This is because, according to the master, if it is returned to him, it's over.

 Besides, ...... this question and answer was probably just a construct.
 When the whole problem is destroyed, it is just to say that this is the way it is.

 Because he knew that himself, Allen let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders.



...... Well, now that it's decided, it's time to go.
"Yes, it's the only way.
Oh, are you done with the questions and answers to which the answers were already predetermined? Well, let's get the hell out of here, shall we?
"...... hurry up, or the sun will set?
There's something about ...... that sounds like it might contain something, but it's definitely true. So, what do you mean by that? Speaking of which, Leeds, where is Beatrice?
Beatrice was once a Kingsguard. She was relieved of her duties when I was no longer a royal. But I hear she's in the middle of doing various things to keep up with me.
I see. ...... Yeah, so that means you're alone in Leeds? It's not like it's a top secret mission this time, right?

 He may not be royalty anymore, but he is the head of a duke family, albeit provisionally, and one of the most important people in the country.
 It's certainly not a good idea for you to travel alone.

 But...

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that ...... is with you, Allen, and you need someone else?

 I couldn't help but stare straight into his eyes and say, "I'm sorry, I don't know what to say.
 If I say so myself, it's certainly unnecessary.

 But it's not--

Well, sure, it's unnecessary.
"...... will only get in the way if it's done poorly?
"And that is to say,

 Once it was said with a big smile, I couldn't argue with it any more.
 Swallow the words you were about to say and smile.

 Well, if that's the case, there's no other way to go .......

Then, well, let's get going again.
"Yes, let's go.

 So Allen and the others went through the gates of the royal city and walked out.

 We're heading to a frontier area.
 Their goal is ...... to find some peace.
 God knows if that will happen.

 Suddenly, Allen looked up at the sky.
 It was a perfect day for travel.

 As he watched, he wondered what would happen, and with his mouth hanging open, he walked with the others.