I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [332] [40 PS]

The sky was dim, heavy with the fading light of dusk.

A few stars flickered faintly above, but the poetic image of "crows flying south under a moonlit sky" wasn't quite fitting for this world—especially since there didn't seem to be any crows here.

Traveling through the night was too dangerous, so as evening approached, Nero and her companions decided to set up camp nearby.

"Alright! While it's nothing extraordinary, I do have some camping experience. Leave it to me to show off my skills!"

Kazuma rolled up his sleeves with an eager grin, only for Darkness to mercilessly quash his enthusiasm.

Pulling out a mysterious object, Darkness turned to Alice and said, "Now, please step back, Your Highness. I'll prepare the camp."

She casually tossed the item into the air.

The next moment, the magical device emitted a faint glow, and when the light faded, a small but elegant noble's mansion stood on what had previously been an empty clearing.

Kazuma's eyes nearly popped out of his head.

"...A Capsule House? This is straight out of that series! Darkness, did you even pay the licensing fees for this?!"

"What… what Capsule House? I've never even heard of it! And why are you so worked up about this?"

"Of course, I'm worked up! Do you have any idea how iconic Dragon Ball is in the world of Japanese manga? Even Natsume Sōseki supposedly said, 'We cannot live without Dragon Ball, just as the West cannot live without Jerusalem!'"

"You… you're just spewing nonsense I don't understand!"

Not that she needed to understand, given that Kazuma was obviously making things up.

Bringing up Natsume Sōseki? Really? If the man himself could hear this, he'd probably look bewildered and protest, "I didn't say that! Stop spreading rumors!"

Alice, who had been listening to their exchange, quickly gave up trying to make sense of it.

"Nero, do you understand what Kazuma and Lady Lalatina are talking about?"

Nero offered a simple explanation:

"They're merely arguing over their respective beliefs."

With such a convenient magical device at their disposal, Nero and her companions didn't have to spend the night fending off mosquitoes in the forest.

After moving their belongings into the mansion, everyone prepared to settle in for the night.

However, curiosity got the better of Kazuma and the others. After choosing their rooms, they began exploring the magic house like a pack of invaders.

"Hey, Darkness, how is there running water in this place? There's no plumbing, no sewer system, and yet the faucets still work?"

"How should I know? You'd have to ask the creator of this magic tool."

"Fair point. A muscle-for-brains like you probably wouldn't have a clue…"

"Don't call me muscle-for-brains!"

When Nero descended the stairs to the first floor, she was greeted by the sight of Darkness, her face flushed with anger, throttling Kazuma by the neck. She had lifted him clean off the ground.

For a brief moment, the scene reminded Nero of a certain Dr. Kal'tsit grabbing the throat of the Doctor from Arknights.

Unlike the Doctor, however, Kazuma wasn't wearing a helmet and had already turned purple from lack of oxygen. He looked seconds away from being sent to meet Eris.

Deciding it was better not to lose her cook for the evening, Nero intervened. Today's meal was Kazuma's responsibility, and if he passed out, Nero would be left dealing with the headache.

Just to be safe, she asked, "Do you need my help?"

"No need!" Kazuma wheezed, somehow managing to wriggle free from Darkness' grip. "Let me handle this. I've got to show at least some masculinity, right? As the only guy in the party, it's the least I can do."

Only now, with Kazuma's reminder, did Nero realize he was indeed the sole male in their group.

Surely no one was mistaking her as part of Kazuma's "harem," right?

"Nero, why don't you relax on the couch over there? I've specifically honed my cooking skills so I can someday open a restaurant. My abilities won't disappoint! Trust me. You've been dealing with all the monsters on the road—now it's your turn to take it easy."

As Kazuma spoke, he grabbed a kitchen knife under Nero's watchful gaze.

"Umu… your intentions are noble, and I'm pleased by your effort. But I still have some concerns—"

Ding!

Before Nero could finish, the sound of metal striking wood echoed through the kitchen.

Kazuma stared blankly at his hand, now empty. The knife he had been holding was gone. Turning around, he saw that half the blade was embedded deep in the wall.

On the cutting board sat a pristine, freshly cleaned fish. Its beady eyes seemed to glare at Kazuma mockingly.

Nero couldn't explain it, but somehow, the fish's gaze exuded a distinct air of ridicule.

"This," Nero said, shrugging nonchalantly, "is exactly what I was worried about. You might not be able to handle the ingredients here."

"..."

Kazuma stood frozen for three seconds before taking a deep breath and shutting his eyes.

"I really can't deal with this stupid world!"

Nero retired to her room earlier than usual. After all, they had spent the entire day traveling, and such days would likely continue for another ten days.

The bedroom was inviting, with its crisp white sheets and soft mattress that felt like lying on a cloud. A faint floral fragrance, impossible to name yet utterly pleasant, filled the air.

"Umu, umu! Who would've thought camping could be this comfortable? This magic tool is truly remarkable."

Nero had already changed into a white nightgown, her figure curled up against the pillows. A faint smile tugged at her lips, revealing her satisfaction.

Her bare feet, smooth and pearl-like, peeked out from beneath the hem of her gown. Her toes, rounded and delicate, curled slightly as if beckoning attention.

Her golden hair, usually tied up in an elegant bun, now flowed freely like molten gold, spilling across the pristine sheets.

"Sleeping with a bundle on the back of my head would've been unbearable..." she murmured softly.

Rather than going straight to sleep, Nero lingered in bed. In her previous life, she would have scrolled through Fate/Grand Order or watched short videos before dozing off.

Unfortunately, there were no smartphones in this world—nor could she play FGO.

Just as she began to contemplate her boredom, a gentle knock echoed at her door.

"Umu? Who could it be at this hour?"

Curious, Nero slipped off the bed and padded across the floor, pillow clutched to her chest.

Umu… I used to scold Jasmine for walking barefoot on the floor, saying she'd catch a cold. It seems I'm a bit of a hypocrite.

Chuckling softly at herself, Nero opened the door to find Alice standing there.

The young princess, also dressed in a white nightgown and clutching her own pillow, had a faint blush on her cheeks. She stood quietly in the dimly lit hallway, as delicate and pure as a lily under the starlit summer sky.