28

We arrived in a town that had been attacked by monsters.

It was in terrible shape, and the people looked depressed.

Sigh.

I hate places like this.

It ruins my mood.

Let's wrap this up and leave.

The princess went around talking to the townspeople one by one.

Of course, we had to follow.

What a pain.

Why am I doing this again?

While we were walking, some local kids started yelling at me, maybe seven or eight years old.

"What good is it to show up now?!"

they shouted.

Ugh, I don't care.

They should be grateful we bothered coming at all.

"Where's my big brother?!"

another sobbing kid asked.

As if I'd know.

I don't care if he's gone forever.

Get off me.

"Please forgive us for not being able to protect him,"

the princess suddenly said, bowing her head to the kids.

What the—?

You're royalty, remember?

Why bow?

"Your Highness, please stand,"

the royal knights pleaded.

Exactly.

If the princess bows, it's basically admitting guilt.

And I'm her lesser, so if she bows, it creates a weird chain reaction.

Why apologize when it's not actually her fault?

"Tsk, Magisa. Is that really what you should be doing right now?"

I quietly scolded her.

"Don't just go for the easy way out."

She raised her head and looked at me.

"But we failed them. We should at least say we're sorry. What's the problem with that?"

"What does saying sorry do? It only makes you feel better about yourself. That's just your own satisfaction."

"Then… what should I do instead?"

"If you truly regret not saving them, don't forget this scene. Carry it with you forever."

A half-hearted apology doesn't fix anything.

If you think it does, you're just belittling the people who suffered.

I don't really care about that, though.

But if royalty and nobles look weak, it could hurt me indirectly.

I don't want that.

"Don't mix up your priorities. Figure out what really needs to be done."

"…."

She clenched her fists, staring at the ground.

◇　◇　◇

The condolence speeches finally ended.

Some folks cried listening to the princess's words. Meanwhile, I almost yawned.

People died? That's too bad, I guess.

But tragedy happens all the time.

Not my problem.

I can pity their lack of power, but that's it.

At the end of the day, I'm not involved.

The royal knights have it rough, taking part in these "official duties."

I would never be a knight.

Putting my life on the line for someone else? No way.

I live for me.

Actually, I think everyone should live for me, because I'm so awesome.

Being born privileged is fantastic.

Considering how terrible my previous life was, I'm basically in paradise now.

Still, there are a few people who outrank me.

They're irritating—especially the princess.

She just wasted my time on this nonsense.

Once the condolence event was over, I hurried back to the inn.

It's supposedly the best inn in this small town.

But that's not saying much.

Oh well.

I'm exhausted.

I flopped onto the bed, finally free.

Then—

—knock knock.

Great. Who is it?

I want to rest.

Leave me alone.

I opened the door and saw a kid from earlier—Haube, I think.

Who let him in?

Those knights aren't doing their jobs.

I could get them fired if I wanted.

The kid glared at me.

"If you're so strong, why didn't you come sooner?! Then my brother Wolf—!"

Is this kid crazy?

Why do I have to help him?

"…You have the power to kill monsters, right?! Then why…why didn't you—?!"

"You sat around waiting for someone to save you. That's your problem."

"…!"

Weak commoners always wait for a hero.

"Who's the one with no power? Who couldn't save anybody?"

If you're born without privilege, tough luck.

Hahahaha!

Blame yourself for not being as lucky as me!

"There's nothing I can do…"

"Then accept it. Let the world walk all over you. But don't resent me for it."

I know you hate me because I'm rich, powerful, and downright perfect.

But your hate means nothing to me. It just makes me feel even more superior!

The brat yelled, "Damn it!" and ran off.

Hahahah!

See? You lose to my brilliance!

—knock knock.

Again?

Another kid?

"Excuse me."

It was the duke's daughter.

…What does she want now?

Also, can't I get one moment of peace?