I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [245]

She was born at dawn, not as the rightful heir to an emperor but as the last descendant of her line.

Perhaps because of her unconventional lineage, she loved others more than herself.

She adored the nameless citizens far more than the celebrated nobles.

And yet, this way of living was never understood.

Faced with the nobles' probing questions, Nero's lips curved into a faint smile.

"You ask what my Rome is like?"

"I am Rome! The land beneath my feet is Rome! The sky my hands touch is Rome!"

"The center of the world! The pinnacle of prosperity! The ultimate in grandeur!"

"This—this is Rome!"

Nero spoke these words with complete composure, as if uttering the undeniable truth, even though it sounded like the kind of fanciful nonsense a child might spout.

The nobles likely sneered inwardly, perhaps dismissing Nero as a lunatic.

She didn't care.

Unshakable, unapologetically self-centered.

This was Nero.

Not all the nobles were there to antagonize Nero, though.

It wasn't that they believed her claim of being an emperor—if anything, her bold declarations only made them less likely to believe it.

However, beyond her imperial title, Nero's display of overwhelming strength in the battle and her mysterious ability to empower others had undeniably earned their attention.

Even if they didn't see her as an emperor, they saw her as a formidable warrior worth befriending.

After all, in a world plagued by Demon Kings and monstrous creatures, strength often carried more weight than authority.

There were others, too, drawn to Nero for reasons beyond her power…

"Good evening, Nero-dono. To think the mighty warrior who felled the great demon in battle would also possess such stunning beauty. Your loveliness rivals that of the goddesses themselves. I am truly fortunate to have attended this banquet; otherwise, I would have missed the chance to meet you."

The speaker was a reasonably handsome nobleman, his smile practiced and smooth.

"Umu! You have an excellent eye. Your compliments are most appropriate! Don't hold back—feel free to praise me as much as you like! I adore being flattered, especially by beautiful young men and women."

And so, there were also those drawn to Nero's captivating beauty.

Ah, my irresistible charm…

The banquet was meant to reward the brave warriors, but its finale was Nero's much-anticipated performance.

Claire had gone out of her way to arrange for a temporary stage, specially constructed for Nero's performance.

Although everyone in attendance already knew Nero, Claire still gave a brief introduction before praising her contributions to the battle against the Demon King's army.

Once Claire stepped aside, Nero ascended the stage amidst cheers and applause.

"A performance? I didn't expect Nero-san to have such refined interests."

"With her goddess-like beauty and that melodious voice, I'm sure her singing will be extraordinary."

"Absolutely! I'm already excited!"

"I even brought a magical recording device. I'm going to capture Nero-san's performance and replay it over and over later."

"Hey, no fair! Make me a copy too!"

"She's gorgeous, incredibly strong, charming, and she can forge divine weapons—and now she sings, too? How can such a perfect woman exist? If only I could marry her…"

"If you meet a beautiful, talented, kind woman who excels at everything, she's not your wife—she's my wife! Go home to your own wife, idiot!"

"You trying to pick a fight? Fine! Let's settle this! Whoever wins gets to call Nero-san their wife!"

"Are you stupid? My wife is about to sing, and you think I'll miss her performance to brawl with you? What would you compensate me with if I missed her concert?"

When Nero stepped onto the stage, the lighting cast her in a radiant glow. Claire's preparations for the setting had been thorough.

Still... it was too modest.

It was, after all, a temporary stage that would be dismantled after the performance.

Such an impromptu arrangement was hardly worthy of Nero's stature.

As the Emperor of Rome and its finest artist, her performances deserved the world's most opulent venue.

Nero addressed the crowd.

"Umu! Brave warriors! You repelled the Demon King's army with your weapons, protecting the peace of this city once again! This victory, this honor, belongs to all of you!"

"I am deeply moved! Therefore, I have decided to grace this place with my voice! Sing! Celebrate! Rejoice! For the peerless artist, rivaling the god of music, Apollo, will now perform for you!"

Nero's proclamation only heightened the anticipation.

"However! This stage is insufficient to bear the weight of my talent."

Her words left the audience momentarily stunned.

Was she… not going to sing after all?

But they needn't have worried.

"For my concert to truly reflect my grandeur, I shall transform this venue!"

Transform the venue?

But at this late hour, was that even possible?

These questions filled everyone's minds—until they saw crimson petals begin to float through the air.

The source of the petals was a mystery. Nero extended her hand to catch a handful, then flung them skyward.

In an instant, a peculiar, ornate sword—Aestus Estus, the Original Flame—manifested in her grasp.

"Rise! My Domus Aurea!"

"Let the supreme light shine forth!"

With a dramatic flourish, Nero drove the sword into the stage.

In a single moment, the surroundings transformed entirely.

The modest temporary stage morphed into a breathtakingly luxurious golden palace.

Crimson carpets rolled out beneath their feet, golden columns and walls shimmered in the light, and vibrant roses adorned every surface.

"Behold my genius! Hear the thunderous applause! Feel the glory of power! Bloom like a flower in full splendor!"

"Ascend, heavens!"

"Blossom, roses!"

"Laus Saint Claudius: Imperium of the Maiden's Flowery Words!"

The crowd was left utterly speechless.

A golden palace—an embodiment of power and extravagance.

This was Nero's Noble Phantasm: Laus Saint Claudius: Imperium of the Maiden's Flowery Words

Rank: B. Type: Anti-Army Noble Phantasm.

The absolute domain of the emperor, brought forth by sheer magical energy.

It recreated the Golden Theater Nero had designed and built in her lifetime, amplifying her imperial authority to its utmost.

Legend had it that during her lifetime, Nero held a concert at this theater. When some spectators left during her first performance, she was so incensed that she sealed all exits during the second performance, ensuring no one could leave until the end.

This Golden Theater symbolized Nero's whimsy and tyranny.

Now, its reappearance in another world carried an unmistakable message:

The exits are sealed! You'll either die here—or listen to my song until the end!

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T/N: LMAOOO rip everyone, this world was quick (sorrege i wont be able to read all comments from now on)

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