I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [254] [50 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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The small room was bathed in the warm, flickering light of an oil lamp.

Having bathed and changed into a clean, white nightgown, Nero glanced at Alice, who was still excitedly bouncing on the bed.

"It's time to sleep," Nero said. "We need to wake up early tomorrow to take on a new quest. If you oversleep, don't blame me for being merciless. This isn't the capital—no one here will indulge your laziness."

"Even in the capital, I wake up early! I have classes, after all," Alice replied, sitting upright on the bed with a pillow hugged tightly to her chest.

Perhaps because they were discussing life in the capital, Alice's expression turned pensive.

"I wonder how Claire and Reine are doing now," she said, her voice tinged with worry. "Do you think they're worried about me sneaking away like this?"

"Undoubtedly! They're probably causing an uproar that's turned the entire capital upside down," Nero replied, patting Alice on the head. "But don't fret. To Claire and the others, you're always the sweet, obedient girl who never acts out. In the end, they'll probably blame everything on me."

"That's not fair! You only did it for my sake! It's all because—"

"Enough," Nero interrupted, gently tapping Alice's forehead to stop her. "I know what you're about to say. Something dull about how this is all your fault, about how you're being selfish. I don't want to hear it."

Nero crossed her arms confidently, her tone firm yet reassuring.

"I am Nero Claudius, Emperor of Rome. I bear the weight of Rome's future. Since you've called me 'sister,' that makes you part of Rome too. And as Emperor, it is my duty to teach you what it means to pursue happiness without regret."

Placing her hands on her hips, Nero continued with unwavering conviction.

"When I desire something, I act. I never leave room for regret. If Claire and the others want to call my decision a mistake and oppose it, let them try."

"Y-You're not really planning to fight them, are you?" Alice asked, her voice a mix of shock and concern.

"If it comes to that, drawing my sword would be the simplest solution," Nero replied nonchalantly. "But I doubt it'll come to that. The key is you. As long as you make your intentions clear, the situation shouldn't escalate."

"Do you think so?"

"I know so. Now get to bed. Did you brush your teeth? You didn't eat anything after, did you?"

"Of course I did! Ugh, why are you as annoying about these things as Claire and Reine?"

Nero extinguished the oil lamp, plunging the room into darkness.

The bed was small—much smaller than the grand beds Alice was used to in the castle—but it was just big enough for the two of them to lie down.

It was also much harder than the beds in the castle, as it was made of wood. Even with a sheet over it, it was still quite firm.

Nero recalled her mother saying that children should sleep on hard beds to promote healthy bone development. Whether or not that was true remained a mystery.

Despite sharing a bed with an undeniably adorable and beautiful girl, Nero felt completely at ease. Even as Alice clung tightly to her arm, she remained unbothered.

"Hehehe!"

"What's so funny? Aren't you going to sleep?"

Nero could feel the softness of Alice pressing against her arm. Though it wasn't immediately obvious, Alice was definitely growing up.

"It's just… thinking about everything that happened today makes it impossible to sleep," Alice said, raising her head to look at Nero. Her eyes, sparkling like stars, mirrored the brilliance of the night sky outside.

The moonlight streaming through the window illuminated Alice's blushing face, making her look even more endearing.

"Fighting monsters with you, completing a quest, earning a reward… eating a meal made from the monster we hunted, and now sharing a bed while reminiscing about it all… It feels like a dream. What if it is a dream? I wouldn't want to wake up…"

"If it were me, I wouldn't dwell in a dream," Nero replied confidently. "I'd turn the dream into reality because I have the power to make it happen."

The room fell silent once more.

The faint scent of freshly washed hair and the warmth of two bodies filled the space. Even the sound of their heartbeats seemed audible in the stillness.

"Thank you…"

Alice's sudden, dreamy whisper broke the quiet. Her voice was so soft that the wind almost carried it away, but Nero heard it clearly.

"You're part of Rome too," Nero said gently, lifting her free hand to pat Alice's back. Her voice was calm and tender.

"As Emperor, it is my duty to grant the people of Rome happiness. There's no need to thank me."

"Living in your kingdom must be such a blessing," Alice murmured, her voice growing quieter.

She nuzzled her face against Nero's arm, her words barely audible as sleep overtook her.

"I'm… a little jealous…"

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The next day arrived right on schedule.

Alice was bursting with energy, reminiscent of an excited child on a school field trip.

"Sister! Sister! What quest are we taking today? Are we going to hunt more giant frogs like yesterday? I really want to eat more of that fried frog leg!"

"I see your motivation is entirely food-based," Nero teased. "But before we leave, sit still and let me brush your hair!"

After a simple breakfast provided by the inn, the two headed to the Adventurer's Guild.

Arriving early, they found the guild much quieter than usual.

Their goal was clear: the quest board visible as soon as they entered.

Since most of the tasks were for beginner Adventurers, Nero and Alice found them relatively easy. By the end of the morning, they had completed several quests.

Their efficiency didn't go unnoticed. It wasn't long before someone approached them.

"You want us to join your party?"

A burly man stood before Nero, impressed by the skills she and Alice had displayed.

Nero's response was swift and decisive.

"I refuse!"

The reason? Equally straightforward.

"My party is reserved for beautiful boys and girls only! Strength is irrelevant because I am strong enough for us all. As long as I desire victory, it is already mine. But beauty? That is non-negotiable! Male or female, my one condition is beauty!"

Nero declared this boldly, leaving everyone in the guild momentarily stunned.

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T/N: SOO MEE

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