The Simple Job of Only Perishing to the Hero

Book 10: Chapter 21: (4)

Oi.

Eh? What?

Ein glared at Kain who was napping looking comfortable underneath a tree.

Even Kains authority as the rumored Hero-sama held no meaning whatsoever to Ein.

Ever since he came a few days ago, Kain secluded himself in the forest the whole time.

As for why, it was because this place was Einsor rather, the Majuu (magical beast) Blackbirds residence, which was the race that Ein belonged to.

In this eastern forest that was distant from the central Arkverm which was famous as a tourist attraction, there were few members of mankind that came here to sightsee, and since this was a forest where Majuu (magical beasts) live, there shouldnt be anyone that approaches it. 

To have purposely come to a place like that, Kain was undoubtedly a weirdo.

You, how long do you plan on staying in the forest?

Un. I have this whole week. Its a bit troublesome over there right now.

So its about women.

Hearing Ein spit that out, Kain groaned with an ugh. He didnt want to admit it, but that was exactly it.

I thought it would turn out like that someday. Its a miracle you havent been stabbed until now.

H, hey! Could you not say it like Im some sort of playboy!

You might not be a playboy, but theres no mistake that youre a lady-killer, right?

UuI cant really deny that at this point.

Kain was a bit relieved to have been recognized as not being a playboy, but it couldnt be helped by the fact that he could be said to be a lady-killer.

Right now, the royal capitalor rather, the whole kingdom was wrapped up in a Hero boom. 

The St. Altlis Kingdom which was the Heros nation, and the young man that magnificently appeared together with the God of Life Philia.

He was worshiped as the Hero, and it took no time at all for that to spread throughout the kingdom.

His episodes as an Adventurer were dug up, troubadours sang about him, books that were extremely dramatized came out, people gathered in the Adventurers Guild to try and see himall of that was still fine.

The problem was after that.

Kain was a son of the Stagius Baron House that was out on the frontierIn other words, he was a noble, but, in the end, since it was a Baron House out on the frontier, they would be luck enough if a third-born or fourth-born daughter from a higher ranking noble would be sent to the Stagius House with objective of taking them into their faction, and normally, they would have a position where no one would even look in their direction.

However, due to the Hero uproar, the signboard called the Stagius Baron House had abruptly started to shine.

After all, it was the House that birthed the Hero. With his grandfather also having been a former chivalric order member that was brimming with valor, it was a precious lineage that should have birthed a Hero. That is how they were evaluated.

Like that, the debate that since the rank of baron, which was on the lower side as a noble, wasnt appropriate from him, should they make a new peerage of Hero Count or not ended up seriously going around the royal capital.

As for why that happened, it was because they had plans to make their own daughters to Kain. 

At the Stagius Baron House, it was currently having requests for marriage meetings to the point that he would think that the estate would be buried with just the portraits of the applicants.

Not just that, if he went into town, every day he would get surrounded by women he didnt know saying Kain-sama or Hero-sama and be unable to walk around.

That sort of thing didnt happen in the royal castle that he became able to freely go in and out of, but Princess Elia would tag along with Kain, and King Aljuel, who has been particularly in a good mood recently, would suggest that Kain get engaged to Princess Elia at every chance he had.

Plus, after having learned about Kains situation, his two friends at the Edius Adventurer Schoolcoming from both Sharons Tianot Company and Seiras Necros Duke House, the how about getting engaged soon attacks became relentless.

Explaining the general situation, Kain smiled at Ein.

But look, Ein, you might think about me, but you wouldnt say that sort of thing, right?

Whats with you, did you think I liked you? That is some outrageous self-consciousness.

Seeing Ein look at him with eyes that looked like she was surprised from the bottom of her heart, Kain burst out a *puh* and started laughing just like that.

Right, right, thats the part that is relieving. As things are now, there are fewer people that would say something that sternly to me.

Indeed, the title of Hero had, for better or worse, given a strong influence to Kains life.

His days of continuing to hide that fact had passed, and now, Humans charmed by his title were gathering around him in swarms.

People like Sharon and Seira were probably attracted to Kain himselfbut even that had become a bit painful to Kain, who was submerged in a storm of stale kindness.

In other words, it probably meant that he ran away while he couldnt feel the weight of the people that truly liked him.

Well, occasionally resting is necessary. Things will become busy soon enough anyway.

Kain turned his eyes to the sky, and let out a large breath.

Wentas (Warped God), huh. Honestly, its scary.

Whats this? Now youre whining?

Although it wouldnt be allowed for the Hero, right now, I am just Kain after all

Going Haha, Kain laughed with a complicated look.

Putting aside if it was the Kain who was just an Adventurer, a Hero who carried the hope of the world being faint hearted would bring about dark clouds to the world. 

It would be different if he were as farsighted as Vermudol, but being a normal Human, it was only natural for Kain to feel the world as being heavy.

Putting aside if it was from the time when they met, the current Ein was able to understand Kains anguish.

Even though there was a clamor over the Hero or whatever, Kain held normal feelings for a man appropriate of his age, no matter where he went.

Ein?

Before long, Ein, who was silently looking down at Kain, breathed out a sigh and spoke.

If you are that tired, how about you just abandon everything and live in this nation? It probably work out right now, but once even the Wentas (Warped God) is defeated, youll probably be released from that obligation.

Kain went blank from that suggestion of Eins, and then he expressed a small smile.

Abandon everything, huh.

Yeah. If you say that you cant live in a way that is like you, then that is also an inevitable choice.

Being a bit surprised by the kind words that werent like Ein, Kain became silent for a while, and then muttered that, sounds fun too.

However, he slowly shook his head sideways.

But, thats no good. I am carrying too many different things to do that. To abandon all of that, would be the greatest case of irresponsibility in history.

I feel like that isnt something that you should exchange yourself for though.

But, Im sure that even that included is a result of my choice. If I were to run away from that place, I feel like I would surely lose the qualification to choose anything anymore.

I see.

Seeing Kain making a slightly refreshed looking face, Ein answered with just that.

Some of his doubt might have vanished.

However, in a manner of speaking, that was all.

The path that Kain was going on was surely different from what he had desired at the beginning.

Even after this, he might not ever go down the path he desired. Straying from the path that was paved with expectations of him should be extremely difficult.

If you ever want to run away, you can come at any time.

Eh, in that case, Ein, would that mean you would take me in?

I will disparage you to the point that you would think that returning to your nation would be a blessing.

Thats scary.

As Ein made another sigh over how Kain laughed with a hahaha, Zwei, who came after noticing Kains presence, threw a fruit at him.

With the scene of Kain reacting to that and throwing it backBefore he knew it, it wasnt just Vermudol, but everyone was enthusiastically gazing at the crystal ball.

How do you think that combination really is? For me, I think its pretty possible though.

I wonder about that. I think its a friendship that surpassed gender though.

Its possible to make both of those conclusions, isnt it. However, to think that Ein would be that touched.

Nino also wants to have a nap in the shade of a tree with Demon King-sama.

Rather, this crystal ball-looking thing is foul playWhat kind of theories are behind it?

When the Demon God cheerfully asked that, Ykslaas and Ichika properly answered, while Nino and Rokuna expressed their own thoughts.

Compared to the female group that was saying whatever they liked, Vermudol was making a serious expression.

Ichika looked into Vermudols face, looking worried.

Vermudol-sama? Do you have a concern?

Nn? Ahh, at present, there isnt anything grave enough to be called a concern, but

Seeing Vermudol say that as if he had something stuck in his back teeth, Ykslaas expressed a question mark.

What the heck, youre not being clear. If you have something you want to say, isnt it fine if you just say it.

Is that so? Thats true

Putting it simply, it was about Kain and Eins relationship.

He knew that the personal relationships surrounding Kain were having complications, but although it was through the crystal ball, it was his first time hearing Kains sentiments. It seemed that he was considerably tired from the noble society on their side.

The possibility of the Hero having his mind fall ill would definitely lead to grave problems in the future.

Even just looking at the Canal Kingdoms case, Humans with power whose minds had fallen ill had the possibility of running with considerably extreme actions. 

Even how Hero Kain would turn Vermudol into a foe once his mind fell ill would need to be taken into consideration. 

Particularly in the case that he is brought into the St. Altlis royal family, there was no denying the possibility that he could become King KainAnd before they realized it, it would be a war with the St. Altlis Kingdom army lead by King Kain who was the Hero. If that were to turn into that situation, it would be unbearable to watch.

So, we should think of a method to make Ein Kains wife, and bring him into our side?

Uwah, thatd be interesting. Lets do it right away.

Hey, stop that. That isnt something that should be done from just an idea.

However, I believe there is value in trying it. There is a need to consider the timing though.

The Demon God instigated him, Ykslaas remonstrated him, and Ichika demonstrated an understanding of Vermudols idea.

Through this splendid combination, the Bring Kain in plan had been officially decided within Vermudol as a matter to considerbut if Ein were here, she would probably shout Please stop. If her little brother Zwei were here, he might immediately go to challenge Kain to a duel.

Still, fufu. If the Hero really were to come over to this side with thatWouldnt this Mazoku continent, really become the Strongest Continent? Even that companion of the past Hero gets along really well with the Hero on this side, right?

Thinking about Luuty and Sancreed, Vermudol shook his head.

That is something that I cant make a judgement on butto begin with, from the moment I am around, something like military balance greatly collapses.

Pretty much. But, the world wouldnt judge it like that. The Hero being an existence that defeats the Demon King is globally acknowledged after all.

Indeed. Under the cover of the turmoil, the Demon King snatched the Herothere would surely be Humans insisting that.

There was also the possibility that the Altlis Grand Temple, which was in the process of losing their influence, might clamor for a new Hero summoning.

What a bothersome story.

It was like that from the beginning, right?

Pretty much.

In response to the Demon Gods teasing sounding words, Vermudol made a wry smile.

Thats right, the bothersomeness started from the moment he was born.

What he saw when he opened his eyes were the ruins called the Demon King Castle, and his only subordinate, Ichika.

Not having even proper tableware or food, let alone weapons or treasure, it was a state where he ate a soup that Ichika had made by only boiling water that had potatoes and salt mixed in using her handmade tableware.

The entire Dark Continent was in chaos, and there were countless self-proclaimed Demon Kings in the western region.

Once he suppressed all of that and stabilized domestic affairs with some drastic measures, events that would immediately make people say things like its because of the Demon King in mankinds territory sprung forth in succession.

There wasnt a single bit of information to use to try and search for the Gods, and when he investigated the Hero legends of the past, all he could find were fairy tales that tricked children.

There was also plenty of turmoil with the self-proclaimed Demon Kings attack, and the Alva uproar.

And once he turned around, after ultimately getting firmly entangled even in the Canal Kingdoms family troubles, now he was the world conferences initiator.

Thinking about it from his initial objective of not perishing to the Hero, it had turned into quite a lot of work.

But still, as a result, we still have the now. It still isnt done, but the things up until this point have been excellent.

That might be true. It probably isnt a bad result. I think its a satisfactory place to be, ya know?

Hn, you say that pretty condescendingly.

Seeing the Demon God chuckle, Vermudol said Dont get on the desk, and removed the Demon God from on top of the desk.

Although the removed Demon God seemed dissatisfied with that, she grinned at Vermudol.

Well, what I did doesnt matter. Vermudol, you are in the process of creating a future where you dont perish to the Hero at the end of your hard work.

Yeah.

And, so. Right now, where you are surmounting that, what is your next objective?

Thats right, at the beginning, that was his objective.

A simple job of only perishing to the HeroIn response to the Demon God that told him that, he fought back as if to say as if he would accept that sort of fate.

He created the Zadark Kingdom, and awakened to his awareness as a King. From there, he moved not as an individual, but as a King. If I am to protect this nation, as if I could perish to something like the Hero, that is the kind of awareness he shifted to.

And then, if that was accomplishedWhat was it that Vermudol needed to do from now on?

Lets see

There was no doubt that what he should be focusing on was the future.

But, what was it that he should draw in that future?

Thinking thatVermudol laughed with a fu.

Oya, did you think of it?

Yeah, there was no need to even think about it.

The Demon God muttered a heeh sounding like she was interested, but there was no telling if it would be an answer that would satisfy her or not.

However, Vermudol felt that that should be the future he should be aiming for.

What I am aiming for, is this nations prosperity and stabilityA path other than that, doesnt exist.

Thats right, Vermudol was the Demon King as well as the King of a nation.

A Kingno, a leader is a position that constantly carries responsibility. Guiding others by saying Since I am taking responsibility, I want you to advance through the direction I point out. The future is there is what a leader is, what a king is.

A nation was a form of a promise. Vermudols promise to the Zadark Kingdom was, in other words, to construct a stable society for the Mazoku that were guided by the Demon King.

At present, that was accomplishedand even after this, it needed to continue.

UnWell, I suppose thats reasonable.

Reasonable, huh. Well, naturally it is. It is something that you said after all.

Nn?

Seeing the Demon God tilt her head, Vermudol grinned.

According to you, being the Demon King was a simple job of only perishing to the Hero. But, I desired more than that, and therefore, this nation was made.

Yup. And?

But, there is nothing absolute or eternal in this world. If Ior someone that will follow after me, make a mistake, the possibility of perishing to the Hero will appear once again.

Thats right, and then after the Demon King has perished, the Zadark Kingdom will also slowly advance down the path of collapse. It is because if they were to lose the support known as the Demon King, the Mazoku would have extraordinary difficulty in staying together as one.

For this reason, I need to continue to protect the world of not perishing to the Hero that I obtained. I need to ascertain the state of the world, and occasionally intervene and adjust it.

Hearing that much, the Demon God understood what Vermudol wanted to say.

Ahh, I see! In other words, you want to say it like this.

Becoming idle is simple. After falling as much as you can, you will surely perish to the Hero.

The Zadark Kingdom will collapse, and the world will once again accelerate its move towards chaos. 

If you dont want it to turn out like that, you need to stick to being diligent and being the strongest, and constantly be sensitive to the worlds movements.

Polish yourself, polish your nation, polish up the world. You arent allowed to say that you cant. 

Yes, that is it. In other words, it can only be like that.

Glancing over at the Demon God that said that so proudly, Vermudol nodded.

That is how it is.

The Demon God and Vermudol grinned simultaneously.

From the start all the way to the end, that part would not waver. 

Even if Vermudol, who was an egg of a God, were to become a God with some sort of impetus, that would not change. If one looked out over the numerous worlds, there were as many stories of an Evil God perishing to the Hero as there were stars in the sky, and there were also plenty of stories where a virtuous Demon King perishes to an evil Hero.

Therefore, in this world, as a Demon Kingif he was to stay as the king of a nation, he needed to always continue challenging things.

Gaze at people, gaze at the world, continue to polish your senses. Unless you can do that, you cannot survive.

For better or for worse, perishing if your timing or luck is bad is a constant of the world.

However, manipulating both timing and luck, and drawing them in was the job of a king.

Even if it is impossible for a simple king, if he is both the Demon King and the king of a nation, it was possible.

Ahh, I see. So thats how it is.

I suppose it is.

AhWell, up. I get it.

Ykslaas, Ichika, and Rokunathey nodded looking like they understood.

If by any chance that I or the next generation Demon King shirk in doing that

Thats right, if he was unable to do thatthere was only one conclusion that was prepared.

It can only turn into a simple job of only perishing to the Herothat is what it means.

For that reason, there was no end to the path that Vermudol should advance through.

Aiming for even further beyond and abovehe could only continue advancing forward.