Chapter 3 (2/2)

That's why I work in the guild, to diminish the damage of the demons.

But she continues,

”...Yet the danger is not limited to demons. There's likely to be conflict between humans now.”

Sounds like war. You'd think after killing the Demon Lord there'd be a little bit of peace.

Even though it's a fantasy world, war still exists between humans.

”In particular, there's rumors that the Gallis Empire, a militarized nation, has already begun preparing weapons.”

”But what does that have to do with me?”

“Even in the Clariness Kingdom, each country has begun ama.s.sing the most talented people. Already, there's a mountain of engagement talks for the Hero from every nation's princesses and young n.o.ble ladies.”

As expected of Hero-kun.

Rather than politics, it appears he's drowning in fervent pursuers.

”It's not only the Hero, the rest of the party has also received such proposals.”

I just heard something I really didn't need to hear.

”They're even coming in for you?!”

I leaned in and pressed her for an answer.

”Of course, I've received some...but I've refused them. ...And, don't interrupt when I'm in the middle of talking.”

I returned to my original position after being relieved.

”So what I was trying to say was, there's a good possibility that if you become famous now the other nations will want to recruit you as well.”

”Then what exactly do you want me to do?”

If I temporarily leave the guild, what am I supposed to do with myself?

”And therefore, I'd like to personally hire you, and compensate you with payment.”

If that's the case, then my renown would certainly be less than if I worked at the guild.

”...Are you sure you can afford that much?”

A n.o.ble lady though she may be, there must be a limit to the amount of money she can spare.

”You are undoubtedly strong, and I’m sure you would achieve no less than an S-rank in your guild. Honestly, there's no way I could afford someone so superior by myself.”

Well, I wouldn't mind if she took advantage of my love for her to hire me cheaply,

However, she's the type that would hate that sort of thing.

”I am aware that you harbor feelings for me. That's why...don’t...”

She hugged her body inward with a sad look on her face...I see where this is going...

“Don’t say anything else!”

I stopped guessing what she was trying to say. I spoke with zeal in a firm tone.

”I want my love for you be fulfilled, but not like this! ...Bwahahaha, you forget, I have my cheat. a.s.sa.s.sins and spies from other countries are no match for me. Being seduced is out of the question. The only one for me is you!”

Halfway through in my excitement I started into my chuunibyou act. So at the end I struck a pose. Around the time my mind froze, her essential reaction was...

“...*snicker*”

She tried to stop herself from laughing.

However she couldn’t handle it and busted a gut.

”....Ahahahahahaaa, I'm sorry...I couldn't take it anymore. Pahaha...”

And so she just kept laughing. As time went by she settled down and caught her breath.

”...Haaa, my apologies, I didn't expect such a reply and was laughing before I knew it.”

“ No no, I got too pa.s.sionate and it looks like I said some outrageous things.”

I desperately explained myself. Apparently that was funny too and enticed a bit more laughter from her.

When the laughter settled down again, for some reason she spoke in a low whisper.

”More and more I'm starting to believe your story that you're not a demon. No other demon could be so funny.”

”Eh?! You still didn't believe me? ...And why the whispering?”

I was shocked.

I was under the impression she believed me about my death.

”Oh no, I guess you could say I was double checking. As for the whispering, I think you'll understand soon. That reminds me...lets talk a little more. It's just a small personal request.”

...Could it be I've missed a lucky chance?

Just like that, this snickering and laughing girl steeled herself as she looked at me.

So she and the resurrected me had a chat.

Time pa.s.sed, and because she had plans after this it was time to leave.

”I had fun today. Let's meet again, ok? I'll contact you.”

”I had fun too. Also, before I go I have one last request...”

My face was hot. Should I do this? Won't she turn me down?

“What is it?”

With grim determination I said,

”Would it be alright if I call you just Cecilia from now on?”

I went and said it.

After I finished my face got hot.

I'm sure it was burning bright red right about now. A small smile alighted her face.

“That’s fine. And I shall call you Youki-san.”

h.e.l.l yeeaaah!

In my heart I had a little victory dance.

”Well then, once again, I'll see you soon, Youki-san.”

“See ya, Cecilia.”

I made my way out of her mansion.

Now, I laid down on an a bed at the Inn, but couldn't stop grinning.

I feel like my relations.h.i.+p with Cecilia took a step forward. What a day. By the way, although inconsequential, the next day when I went to the guild I was shoved around and bombarded with questions.

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