I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [253] [40 PS]

Some battles are planned, others are unexpected—but a true Champion embraces them all. Consider this bonus chapter one of those surprises.

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"Yes, we've received proof of your completed quest. Here are your Adventurer cards, the payment for completing the mission, and an additional reward for the recovered giant frog carcasses. Since the flesh was preserved in excellent condition, the payment is slightly higher."

"Thank you!"

Alice's joy was unmistakable as she held the heavy coin pouch in her hands, her expression glowing with accomplishment.

"Sister! Sister! Look! This is the reward I earned! I made it with my own efforts!"

"Indeed! I've seen it with my own eyes. Well done, Alice! Head pats for you…"

"Hehehe!"

Every time Nero interacted with Alice, she was reminded of Jasmine… and as a result, patting Alice's head had become an instinctive gesture. Fortunately, Alice seemed to enjoy it immensely.

"This means not only have we earned back the money we spent registering as Adventurers, but we even have extra to spare. We're now fully self-sufficient!"

Alice had brought plenty of money with her when she left home, but it was clear that she preferred living off her own earnings. It gave her a deep sense of pride, as though proving, Even without relying on my identity as a princess or the affection of others, I can still thrive.

"In that case, let's use some of this money to find an inn. As for dinner, let's eat at the guild. The receptionist mentioned that tonight's meal will be made from the giant frog meat we brought in. Since it's the result of your hard work, you should enjoy it!"

"Mm-hmm!"

Alice's sky-blue eyes sparkled with anticipation as she eagerly nodded.

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The two of them found a small inn.

Despite being an emperor and a princess, Nero and Alice weren't picky or spoiled. Even a modest inn was fine by them. Alice, in particular, seemed to find it delightful.

"This is amazing! So many rooms on one floor! The floors and beds are all made of wood? And from the window, you can see the pedestrians and street vendors outside!"

The room was simple, consisting of a single bed, a window, and a small wooden table and chairs by the window. It was, admittedly, a bit plain.

"For now, until Claire and the others find us, this will be our base," Nero said, standing at the door and watching as Alice kicked off her shoes and jumped onto the bed.

"So, this is our secret base, right?"

Sitting on the bed in a "duck sitting" posture, Alice hugged a pillow tightly and looked at Nero, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

"Spending the night together in a small room like this… It's really starting to feel like we're Adventurers!"

Initially, Nero had intended to rent two rooms. Money wasn't an issue, after all.

However, upon hearing this plan, Alice clung to Nero's hand and pleaded, her lake-like blue eyes shimmering with a hopeful glimmer.

"I… I want to stay in the same room as you, Sister. Is… is that okay?"

Faced with Alice's earnest gaze, it was impossible for Nero—or anyone with a conscience—to refuse.

With their room settled, the two headed back to the Adventurer's Guild.

Not for another quest, but for dinner, as it was getting dark.

As Alice reached for her cloak, Nero suddenly stopped her. "There's no need for the cloak. Let's go as we are."

"Eh? Really?" Alice asked, a hint of worry in her voice. "Won't that cause problems?"

"It won't. This is the kingdom's border. Few people here would recognize a lofty princess like you."

"Lofty? You're teasing me again, Sister Nero."

"The only ones who might recognize you would be the local lord or other nobles. But nobles usually disdain Adventurers and avoid the guild altogether. So, at least within the guild, you don't need to worry about being exposed. After all, who would believe a princess would become an Adventurer?"

"Well… if you say so, Sister."

Under the starlit night, the two walked along a cobblestone path, the cool air carrying the occasional waft of delicious aromas.

The chatter from nearby restaurants could be heard, one of them especially lively.

"Hey, newbie, don't tell me you don't even know what a Pacific saury is. What kind of life have you been living?"

"No! Of course I know! Pacific saury is a fish, right? You're talking about the salt-grilled saury set meal on the menu, right?"

"Exactly. Pacific saury. It's a fish with scales that jumps around and is especially plump and delicious this season."

"I know that! But… sorry, could you repeat what you just asked me to do?"

"Go to the fields out back and catch two Pacific sauries."

"You've got to be kidding me! What is this? Workplace harassment? Do you think just because I'm new here you can mess with me?! Making me do ridiculous tasks just to see me flounder—does that make you happy?!"

Pacific saury… caught in a field?

Nero frowned. Though she didn't know much about fish, she was fairly certain Pacific saury were sea fish.

Then again, this was another world. If asparagus here could snatch forks and fight back, the idea of saury being found in fields wasn't entirely absurd.

"Hey, Alice, can you catch Pacific saury in a field?"

"Eh? Why are you asking that all of a sudden? I… don't think so. I've never heard of such a thing."

Hmm. Even Alice didn't know. It seemed that poor fellow had indeed fallen victim to workplace harassment.

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Once inside the Adventurer's Guild, Nero and Alice found a random table and sat down to enjoy their meal.

"Sister Nero! This fried frog dish is so delicious!"

Despite having grown up in the castle with access to delicacies like dragon meat, Alice's eyes sparkled as she savored the frog meat.

"Good? Eat as much as you like. After all, this was made from the giant frogs you hunted today. That reminds me—I didn't contribute much to the hunt. Does that mean I don't deserve to enjoy this meal?"

"Eh?! That's not fair! I-I mean… we're in the same party, aren't we? So… so these giant frogs belong to all of us! You can eat too, Sister!"

Watching Alice struggle to come up with a reason, her cheeks flushed red, Nero couldn't help but chuckle.

"Since you've said as much, I'll accept. But after this, I'll have to prove my worth! Otherwise, I'll feel guilty eating this meal." Nero smiled. "Prepare yourself! Even on the harshest battlefield, I bloom like a rose in full glory! As Emperor, I shall cut down all who stand in my way!"

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A true Champion knows that every battle, every choice, and every unexpected twist shapes the path to mastery. Consider this bonus chapter a rare encounter—one that wouldn't be possible without the right support.

That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL]—where every pledge helps bring more high-quality translations to life, staying true to the original while flowing naturally in English. After all, excellence is in the details.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more to prepare for. But you? You should take this opportunity—you never know what rare finds await.

—Cynthia