To Deprive a Deprived Person

"Collet, did you hear that now? That gentleman is a hero"

Rebecca, who was watching Yuu and his friends from the reception, talks to Collet next to her.

"Rebecca-san, I'm at work"

"Say such a stiff thing. You're a maiden, so you like that kind of prince-like person, right?"

"I, I, that, emm......you don't have to be like a prince"

Collet turns her gaze toward Yuu and his friends, butting with the index fingers of her hands.

"I want about two or three children. So that's right, isn't it? And a house and it doesn't have to be big. I also work for the Adventurers Guild, so we go out with our children while living a normal life in a small family and sometimes, huu, the two of us......no, it's embarrassing"

A blushing Collet covers her face with her hands. Rebecca, who was watching the situation, muttered, 「This is the one that is embarrassing」.

"In the first place, you have enough money to not work for the amount of money Yuu has deposited in the Adventurer's Guild, right?"

"Uh"

Collet, immersed in a happy delusion, immediately shows her anguished expression. She tried not to think about the rewards paid by the Adventurer's Guild as much as possible. They keep it in the Adventurers Guild for safety because it's too much money to keep at home.

"Collet? Haa, this is no good"

Despite Collet's solidification like a stone statue, Rebecca turned her eyes to Yuu and his friends, who had a murderous air.

"So you're gonna kill each other here? Or change places?"

"Compete with......?"

Shocked by Yuu's bad mouth, Roy regains his mind and repeats asking him to confirm Yuu's words.

"Are you misunderstanding something?"

"Misunderstanding? Then what did you come here to?"

Roy looks straight at Yuu, who looks suspicious.

"Yuu Satou, why don't you become a hero?"

"Master――"

"......Hero?"

The noisy adventurer's guild calms down for a moment, and――

"Wahahaaa!"

"Buhahaa!! Did you hear that now?"

"I heard, I heard. Yuu is a hero? That's impossible"

"Kukuu. Speaking of a hero, it must be well-behaved. Isn't that the exact opposite of Yuu?"

The room was wrapped in a whirlpool of laughter all at once. The adventurers who were eavesdropping on the conversation between Yuu and Roy laughed unbearably. Although they didn't laugh, Lena and Marifa were surprised by the adventurer's guild staff. However, there were only two unresponsive people among them. One is Yuu, the other is Nina. Nina stared at Roy with a face like a Noh mask, as if all the emotions had fallen out of her face, wherever her usual rich expression was.

"Why do you laugh?"

Roy is confused by the reactions around him.

"Because you're telling me to be a hero"

"Is that so......you are"

To those words, Roy determines that Yuu understands his circumstances. Then he knew that he would take an aggressive attitude toward himself as a hero. And the impression of Yuu changes in Roy. His mouth and attitude aren't very good, but he says he lives in his own circumstances.

"No, there's nothing funny about it. You should be a hero"

"Is everything fine with your head?"

Despite this refusal, Yuu reveals discomfort to Roy, who looks positive.

"I'm very sane. You've reached A rank in just a few years. A rank adventurer isn't as easy as being qualified. You've been working tirelessly. Is not hard to imagine. You should use that power for the powerless, not as an adventurer"

"Did you become a hero and work for the human race?"

"There are no royalties to the race. I am a human, but I do not discriminate against other races. All the weak people are brave men with the hope of being happy even a little"

"I don't care what I use my power"

"We should fulfill the responsibilities of those who have power. The power given to us by heaven will be a great disaster if we use it incorrectly. We should use it correctly for the powerless and for justice"

The more Yuu tries to suppress his emotions and the more Roy speaks, the more angry Yuu gets from the bottom of his heart.

"It's stupid to sacrifice yourself for others in red. Who will be the hero? Heroes are less than shit"

The words of Yuu are so harsh that the people around him take a breath.

"Today's Yuu-chan is more radical than ever. That's what makes it so attractive. Well, I can't help but think the other party is a hero"

Fifi returns from the break and stands between Collet and Rebecca.

"What do you mean, Fifi-san?"

"N? What?"

"I can't help it"

Fifi looks embarrassed at Collet's question and she thinks a little, but she begins to speak in a light tone, 「Well, can I say that?」.

"Collet, look at the faces of those guys looking at Yuu-chan´s group from a long distance. Some of them are looking at the hero with their feverish eyes, right?"

As Collet looked around the Adventurer's Guild, as Fifi said, some of the adventurers were enthusiastic. Beyond that line of sight is Roy.

"The guys who initially made fun of the hero are starting to get intoxicated in a short while. Don't you think it's scary? The hero attracts people, whether or not they are aware of it. Yeah, how many adventurers have died because of that. From the adventurer's guild's point of view, it's not an accumulation. So for me, the hero Roy Buom needs to leave Comer quickly. But Yuu-chan is right. That's okay"

Fifi speaks happily as she manages her counter work.

"What would Fifi-san intend to do if Yuu-san was attracted to the hero?"

Suddenly, Collet asks Fifi.

"Do you want to know?"

With a scary face that can't be imagined from her usual lazy appearance, Fifi asks Collet back.

"N, No......forget it"

"Collet, remember. A hero is not a fool"

Rebecca, who was silently listening to her story, gave up her shoulders and turned her eyes to Yuu and her friends.

"Take it back"

Roy's words contained obvious anger.

"Take back? What is it?"

"Given your circumstances, I still understand that it's unavoidable to hate me, but I can't allow you to say anything that unfairly degrades a hero"

"What if you can't forgive me?"

Roy accepts the murder intent without taking a step back against Yuu, who gives off a dense murder intent. The adventurers who were watching from a long distance took a distance to keep themselves away from danger.

"The heroes of all time are those who endured the pressure of being heroes, kept their beliefs until the end and fought for the powerless people without regard for their lives. Stop insulting without knowing anything"

"『Soujin Hero』Ethan, 23 years old. 『Landslide Hero』 Fergus, 29 years old. 『Cold Sky』 Arnie, 18 years old. 『Flower Funeral Sword』 Zoe, 16 years old. 『Artillery Fist』 Garrett, 31 years old. 『Holy Axe Hero』 Gaston――"

One after another, Yuu mentions the name of the hero and the age at which he died.

"You think I don't know anything? I think I know more about the heroes than you. You're always being used by the country and dying prematurely. A hero is no different from a war slave. No, war slaves are still decent because there is an undestholy good reason. They're called heroes who like to become war slaves, and they're crazy idiots, if you ask me"

"No. It's true that heroes often die early from their harsh way of life, but they haven't been used by the country. Everyone lives on their own beliefs"

'It's like you're saying it to yourself"

"Naa"

Roy couldn't talk back right away.

"I just want to talk again in another place, not in a place like this"

"Don't be rude. This is a gathering place for adventurers who are proud and committed to their work"

"You should know that I didn't mean to insult the adventurers"

"I don't know. Maybe you´re trying to deceive me by pretending to be sincere"

"Even if I imitate such a mean thing"

"Then tell me how many adventurers were deceived and died in the Third Holy Devil War by believing in your words. A lot of adventurers listened to your words and challenged the demon king's army with adventure"

Involuntarily Roy clenches his fist.

"I'm not fooling you. Everyone fought for their lives for peace in the world. There is a world today because of that precious sacrifice. Satou, I want you to believe in me"

"For world peace......it's a lie"

"I――"

At that time, a roar like lightning and thunder echoes from the sword on Roy's waist in the adventurer's guild. The volume was so loud that the adventurer's guild staff hurriedly held their ears. Roy gently touches his sword to curb its anger.

"In addition to being called 『Pandora's Hero』 and 『Hero of Tragedy』, you're also called 『Thunder Hero』"

"That is?"

"The nickname 『Thunder Hero』that came from defeating the thunder dragon in the Tonail Mountains. IIt seems to have been a famous dragon. Why did you kill it? It is a dragon with a name. You could speak a word, couldn't you?"

"That is............. In order to protect the people from the invasion of the Demon King, by all means......I had to cross Tonail Mountains, but she......"

Roy stagnates.

"She? Was the thunder dragon a female and protected its eggs? Or was a young dragon hatching?"

Roy is completely silent. The expression seemed to be distorted due to some pain.

"If you can't say it, I'll tell you. You killed the thunder dragon Luo Gorenica, who was protecting its eggs, to cross the Tonail Mountain"

"Y, You know......"

"Yes, I knew. I told you I knew more about the hero than you did. Even so, you can often kill a thunder dragon that protects its eggs. It's about what you're going to do with the thunder dragon eggs that lost its parents"

"Eggs are......deposited in a reliable country"

"Did you kill the parent and keep the eggs? There was a big hero. The sword was made from the material of the thunder dragon Luo Gorenica, right? Isn't it embarrassing? But it sounds like a grudge against you. Oh, I forgot who I was, but there was a guy who wasn't so beautiful in the race"

Roy silently accepts Yuu's swearing without saying anything.

"What did you do to the thunder dragon? Is it discrimination, not distinction? What do you believe? You liar"

Just silently, Roy clenched his fist.

"Disappear from my eyes"

"Still, Yuu Satou, I want to talk to you"

"Do you want to talk about killing me instead of the thunder dragon this time?"

"You"

"What's those eyes? Did you finally feel like killing me? Don't get excited......just by defeating the devil king......"

Roy's fist clenched and relaxed, opening his eyes and staring at Yuu.

"After all......do you know?"

Roy takes an envelope out of the item pouch, saying it only makes the relationship worse.

"I want you to check what's inside later"

"I don't need it"

Roy whispers in Yuu's ear, who refuses to receive the envelope.

"I'm waiting"

Roy lets Yuu grab the envelope and leaves the Adventurer's Guild behind.

"What is it? That's it"

"I was wondering if they fight each other"

"Ah, but it's pretty interesting――uoo"

"Wh, What is it? Hey, this is bad!?"

Fledgling adventurers sit down on the spot. Mid-level adventurers jump behind desks and pillars and some advanced adventurers stare at Yuu with a surprised look. It wasn't that Yuu released his killing intent. However, they were driven by the urge to move away from this place as soon as possible.

"Yuu?"

When Nina calls out, Yuu doesn't respond. He was squeezing the envelope given by Roy.

"Yuu"

“............Ah? What is it?”

Yuu finally replies with Nina's voice calling again.

"Why don't we go to the labyrinth soon?"

"Dont go"

"Eh~, you said we´re going to see Agafon-kun and the others in the 『Bewitching Tree Garden Labyrinth』"

"Cancelled"

Aside from Nina who says boo boo, Yuu thinks about something. His expression tells that he is not angry.

"Master, I will dispose of it"

That said, Marifa holds her hands out towards Yuu's hand holding the envelope.

"No, it's good. It's more of a breakup today"

Yuu thrusts the envelope into the item pouch and heads straight to the exit of the Adventurer's Guild.

"Please wait. I will accompany you"

In a hurry, Marifa tries to chase after him.

"You don't have to come"

Marifa cannot go against Yuu's orders and Marifa stands on the spot.

"Nina-san"

"Ah, I remembered something important~"

Without listening to Marifa's request, Nina leaves the Adventurer's Guild with light steps.

"Lena. It's not too late now. Please chase after master"

"......There are times when Yuu wants to be alone."

"Kuu......"

Only at such times, Marifa bites her lips, wondering why Namari and Momo aren't always there. At that time, Marifa certainly heard. Roy´s whisper in Yuu's ear――

Do you want to go back to your original place?

-------------------------------------------

"Welcome! Come on, today we have fresh big boar meat!"

"Look at this magic tool. I ordered it from Set Republic in the east"

"Older brother, how about the juice made from apri fruit? Now one cup is 80 Madoka"

Yuu was walking along the main street of Comer, a city where many people come and go today. He isn't aiming for something and he has no purpose. He is walking in the crowd to put together his feelings and thoughts.

"Yoo"

A man in a robe calls out to Yuu. Yuu tried to ignore him as an unfamiliar man.

"Is it the Enchanter old man?"

At the entrance of 『Golgo's Labyrinth』, Yuu remembers that he was the man who earned small change by giving magic to adventurers.

"I'm sorry, but I'm busy right now"

Yuu was trying to pass by the man, but――

"Enchanter old man......? ......It seems that Stella's eyes haven't been solved yet to call me that

――Yuu's legs stop perfectly. Just stare at the man――Ansgar Foddo.

"Oh, I'm scared"

"Today is a really frustrating day"

"Well, don't say that. Let's talk while eating somewhere in a quiet place"

Ansgar smiled with a smile while receiving Yuu´s hostile gaze.

---------------------------------------

"He was a much scarier boy than I had imagined"

Roy murmured while touching the steel gauntlet with his right hand. Roy, who left the Adventurer's Guild, was just outside the north gate of Comer city. Roy's destination on the road leading from the north gate is the Bueruko Basin in the Zinba Kingdom, as originally planned. After a while, the road diverges on the way. Most merchants and travelers choose the right road to the royal road, but Roy chooses the less crowded left road instead of the road leading to the royal road. The number of people is steadily decreasing and eventually Roy is the only one walking on the road. Suddenly Roy stops at a sniffing scent. It smells of blood. It was mixed with the smell of rot and filth. He went off the road in the direction of the bloody forest, where a big man over two meters stood. Around the big man, bodies are scattered around from at least ten people or more.

"――Joseph-san"

"Oh, did you finally come?"

"What does this mean?"

"Thank me, these are Jardalk´s intelligence agency Broccoli"

"It's Hana Blossom"

"Ah? That was the name. I can't remember anything I'm not interested in"

Roy instinctively clasps his steel gauntlet as Joseph approaches, scratching his head.

"What's wrong? You don't have to be so vigilant, but you're the one who was having a party at one point, right?"

By all means, it's Joseph. But Roy didn't think the person in front of him was really Joseph Yorm. The impression is so different. He never saw Joseph smile at him when he was having a party. On the contrary, Joseph has been half-killed and his fingers are not enough.

"Why did you kill them?"

"Nothing. I'm being taken care of by a nobleman called Muss now, but if there's a Jardalk agent wandering around in that territory, I'll find out, right? Well, as you can see, they can't talk honestly, so I just disposed of them"

"Did you really need to kill them?"

In response to Roy's blaming question, Joseph seems uninterested by picking his ears with his little finger. If it is the usual Roy, the word does not continue though it admonishes it from here with stronger words.

"Are you still saying such sweet things? Is it only the appearance that has changed over the years? There was something I wanted to ask you more than that. It seems that they had different purposes. I'm glaring at you for that purpose, but what do you think?"

"I have no idea"

He thought he answered naturally, but Roy was worried that Joseph couldn't hear him.

"Hooh. So why did you come to Comer?"

Joseph talks to him in a friendly manner, but the pressure increases as if it were inversely proportional. That's enough for Roy to retreat.

"Yuu Satou――"

The moment he gave the name, Joseph turned his right arm around Roy's neck. That alone makes Roy immobile.

"Oh, tell me more"

"I just stopped by Comer when I heard that there were talented people in detail. As Joseph-san knows, I'm on a wandering journey"

"So?"

"I invited him to become a hero"

Roy felt the power loosen from Joseph's arm around his neck, albeit only slightly.

"Hoo, make Yuu a hero"

"It seems that Joseph has an acquaintance with Satou"

"Yes. I like this fellow. Well, this guy isn't the one who is honest? I can't leave it alone"

Laughing, Joseph taps Roy on the chest with his right arm around his neck.

"As Joseph-san said, he was an unscrupulous boy. He didn't seem to be interested in being a hero, so I was severely refused"

"Wahahaa! That's right? Yuu isn't suitable for a hero. And he seems to be creating a country and acting as a king. He's too busy to be a hero"

"Did he create a country?"

"Don't you know? Dwarves to beastmen and deprived people......no. Yes, he also gathered fallen demons and demi-humans to create a country called Nameless. I didn't even know until I asked Muss. What do you think, you think I should have a single question?"

"Deprived people and fallen demons, which are also oppressed by midgets and dwarves"

"It seems like that. Did you collect or pick up such guys? Even if you don't bother to take care of it――"

Joseph's words pass through Roy's ears. Roy is more emotionally moved by the fact that Yuu, a boy who was so foolish to sacrifice for others, created a country for the weak. He was so impressed that his eyes became hot.

"It wasn't wrong that I invited Yuu Satou to be a hero"

"Ah? He's not a hero"

"How about that? People's minds change. Then I'm in a hurry――"

When Joseph's arm is dispelled, Roy tries to leave quickly.

"Wait"

Joseph calls out to his back.

"What is it"

Roy replies without looking back.

"You didn't come to Udon Kingdom for the purpose of Yuu from the beginning, right?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"You know what happened to the guys who lied to me, don't you?"

"I know it better than anyone else"

Roy unknowingly squeezes his steel gauntlet with his right hand. The pressure released by Joseph was exploding. What Roy feels from Joseph is something that a hero must confront, which should not be distracted. That is, 『Fear』.

"Turn around and answer"

Roy looks back slowly. He pays close attention and doesn't have any doubts.

"Is this alright?"

Pretending to be calm, Roy looks at Joseph. He is not allowed to show a slight gap or look away. Because he knew that Joseph would judge by intuition, not by logic.

"If you´re done, I'll go"

"Ah, I'm sorry to stop you"

Contrary to his words, Joseph said so and walked toward Comer. Even if Joseph disappears, Roy goes on the road without being distracted. It was not long after several hours that he took a breath. He also hides in the woods off the road, smeared with sweat dripping from the whole body.

"Haahaaa....... That person hasn't changed at all from the past"