I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [309]

"Oh? Isn't this Lady Nero?"

"Ah, I remember you… Lord Kyouya?"

Walking down the pristine white corridor toward Nero was a man clad in deep blue heavy armor, a massive sword radiating magical energy strapped to his waist.

It was Kyouya Mitsurugi, one of the most renowned individuals from Japan who had crossed into this world and the wielder of the cursed sword Gram.

Nero had met him during her previous time in the royal capital, where they had exchanged a few words. She had also heard that he visited Axel recently but had returned to the capital before they had a chance to meet again.

As Nero acknowledged him, she became aware of another presence—a sharp, unrestrained glare filled with hostility.

That blatant animosity came from none other than Claire, standing by Kyouya's side.

"Umu! Long time no see, Claire," Nero said, completely ignoring the hostility and flashing a bright, cheerful smile.

"…Long time no see, Lady Nero," Claire replied stiffly, her frustration evident as though she had thrown a punch only for it to land on soft cotton.

Beside Nero, Reine discreetly patted her chest in relief, while Yunyun remained uncharacteristically silent, focused on observing her surroundings rather than speaking. She understood her limits and didn't want to risk embarrassing herself—or Nero.

Less talk, more listening.

Nero's gaze swept over Kyouya, and her lips curved into a small smile.

"Umu! Your aura feels much more refined than the last time we met. It seems you've grown significantly stronger. Very impressive! I've always admired those who strive to reach new heights!"

"Well, it's not like we had a choice," Kyouya replied, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile. "With Lady Nero constantly raising the bar, it's impossible to slack off. When news of your victories against four of the Demon King's generals reached the capital, everyone at the guild was in an uproar."

"But somehow…" He paused, his expression turning reflective. "It felt strangely believable—probably because it's you, Lady Nero."

"Umu! Naturally! I am extraordinary, after all. If you wish to admire and rely on me, I'd welcome it with open arms!"

"You're quite the joker, Lady Nero," Kyouya said, waving her comment off with a chuckle. His demeanor then shifted to one of determination.

"But I refuse to stand idly by while one person shoulders the burden for everyone. That's the behavior of a coward, and I won't accept it. Watch closely, Lady Nero. We'll catch up to you soon. With four more generals and the Demon King himself remaining, we won't back down! Your actions have inspired everyone at the guild to sharpen their resolve. We're proud adventurers, after all!"

Seeing the resolve in his eyes, Nero's smile grew wider.

"Umu! That's the spirit!" she said, her voice full of approval.

"Go forth and display your bravery. I'll be watching with great anticipation!"

Driven by curiosity, Nero then asked why Kyouya was in the castle.

"Recently, the Demon King's forces have been attacking the capital more frequently. I'm here as a representative of the Adventurers' Guild to report the current situation to Lady Claire."

No wonder Kyouya and Claire were together.

"And you, Lady Nero? Have you finally returned to support the capital's defense? And… who might this be?"

"Umu! Why am I here? Alice invited me to celebrate my victories over four Demon King's generals. Incidentally, Sato Kazuma and Aqua received the same invitation. As for the one beside me…"

Nero suddenly wrapped an arm around Yunyun's shoulders, pulling her close. She turned to Kyouya and grinned.

"She's my trusted teammate, the Crimson Demon archwizard, Yunyun."

It was perfectly normal for girls to hug… but for some reason, Yunyun froze completely.

Her eyes widened, her face flushed, and her body went stiff.

The soft sensation pressing against her arm sent waves of joy surging through her chest.

"Oh! I remember now. I once invited you to join my party back in Axel… So you ended up joining Lady Nero's team, huh?"

Kyouya nodded as if a puzzle piece had clicked into place.

At that moment, Reine stepped forward, her expression apologetic.

"Lady Nero, Lord Kyouya, I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation. Her Highness is still waiting for Lady Nero, so may I kindly ask you to proceed to meet her now?"

"Umu… indeed. It wouldn't do to keep Alice waiting too long."

Nero and Kyouya exchanged a glance.

"Well, you'd better hurry, then. I've got some matters to handle at the guild, and with the Demon King's forces attacking unpredictably, I need to prepare. See you around, Lady Nero."

With that, Nero resumed following Reine toward Alice's location.

Nero noticed they weren't heading directly to Alice's chambers.

Of course, she thought. Officially, this is a formal banquet to honor the heroes who defeated the Demon King's generals. Going straight to the princess's private chambers would be scandalous.

Not that Claire would ever allow it, even though Nero had visited Alice's room plenty of times before.

"We're here," Reine said, pulling Nero from her thoughts.

They had arrived at the end of the corridor, where an ornate door adorned with intricate floral carvings stood.

Maids stationed on either side of the door opened it as Nero stepped forward.

The moment Nero entered, she was bathed in golden light as a radiant figure came into view.

"Sister…"

The soft, affectionate voice brimmed with longing.

Like a bird returning to its nest, Alice, dressed in a gown as white as angelic wings, threw herself into Nero's arms.

The sunlight streaming into the room seemed to bless their reunion.

Alice's delicate arms encircled Nero's slender waist as she buried her face in Nero's shoulder, inhaling the faint, familiar scent she had missed so much.

A profound sense of comfort filled her chest, a feeling only this person could evoke.

In Nero's presence, Alice let down all her guards, openly expressing the emotions she had kept buried.

"I… missed you."