Chapter 100

This story is a work of fiction.

The characters, organizations, and names are all fictitious and have no relation to any real entities.

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095 - The Princess's Bear (Chapter 3, End)

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"Baron Footsickle, thank you for your hard work in defeating the demon this time."

I gave a casual response and engaged in some small talk.

At the same time, I was concerned about the dark circles under the princess's eyes. They seemed darker than before. Is she okay? Managing her health is important.

"I've heard that you not only defeated a demon once but twice, and this time it was an intermediate demon. If it weren't for you and your party, the damage would have been much greater."

"The area around the Explorer's Guild suffered significant damage, but is the dungeon entrance safe?"

The building that resembled the Parthenon and covered the entrance to the dungeon had collapsed. If that blocked the entrance, I wouldn't be able to complete the mission I was given.

"The building has collapsed, but there's no problem with the dungeon entrance."

"That's good to hear."

If the entrance were blocked, the explorers wouldn't be able to come out. Being trapped inside the dungeon would be the worst.

"Now, I've called you here today, and I believe you can guess why—it's about the reward."

I had expected to receive a reward, so I was anxious about what the princess would offer.

The duke made me a baron as a reward. I wonder what the princess will offer.

"Normally, I would elevate Baron Footsickle to a viscount and grant him a fief, but—"

Of course, that's what I expected. I don't need it, though.

"Baron Footsickle does not desire such a reward. I believe he has a different character."

Oh, she understands. She must have done a lot of research on me.

"Normally, elevating Baron Footsickle would also benefit your vassals. If you really don't want to be elevated, I can consider other options, but please think about your vassals."

My vassals... Right, if I advance, so will Gandalban and the others. I'm in a position of leadership over many people, and I haven't really thought about that before.

I'm not alone anymore. There's Annelise, the reliable Gandalban, and others like Kanshima and Yamato. If my elevation makes everyone happy...

"I won't ask for an immediate answer. I need to consult with the Duke of Galdland. I'll send a messenger, but it will take at least a month for the duke to arrive in the capital."

Since I'm a vassal of the duke, the princess can't just give me a reward without his approval. There's still time before the duke arrives. I'll discuss it with everyone and gather our requests.

"The matter of the reward will be decided after the duke arrives in the capital. If you have any requests, I'll listen to them."

"Thank you."

"Now, the reward is settled, but there's one thing I need to confirm."

Here it comes. It's about my status, right? The appraiser must have reported it.

"Can you tell me about your job, Baron Footsickle?"

So, it's about my job. Let's start with a jab.

"My job is Heroic Sword King."

"Can you tell me your level?"

Even the level? Sure, I don't mind. My level is now higher than Barbados's, so the princess shouldn't see me as a threat. I think she has enough sense to know that.

"My level is 54."

The guards were surprised when they heard my level.

The princess coughed, and the commotion subsided.

After the battle with the intermediate demon Motrokt, my Heroic Sword King level increased by one.

"Heroic Sword King, level 54..."

Without the Sword Master job, it's hard to call myself a Sword Master.

I could use the Assassin skill Disguise to show my job as Sword Master, but there's no point in hiding it since it will eventually be revealed. Compared to a reincarnated hero, being a Heroic Sword King is better.

According to what Annelise told me, the job of a hero can only be obtained by someone from another world. However, the job of a hero can appear for someone born in this world. So, even if my Heroic Sword King job is known, they won't realize I'm a reincarnated person from another world.

"How did you change your job?"

"I evolved from Sword Master."

I had a prepared explanation. It's not about whether the princess believes it or not; I'm going to stick to this story.

"I've never heard of evolving from Sword Master."

"I was also very surprised when I evolved."

The princess glanced at the appraiser.

The appraiser nodded slightly in response.

"Can you tell me about your unique skill?"

So, you saw it then.

I changed my sub-job from Assassin to Reincarnated Hero to punch Grissom, and the Disguise skill was deactivated. I don't think the appraiser would miss that. Even though I'm prepared for any questions, I'm still nervous.

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you about my unique skill."

"…So, you admit that you have a unique skill?"

"Let's see…"

The guards directed a killing aura at me. You guys seem very loyal to the princess. Even Dren, her aide, is giving me a serious look.

I don't intend to reveal my unique skill, but the appraiser must have reported it. That's fine, right?

"To be honest, my appraiser has seen that Baron Footsickle has a unique skill."

"If that's the case, there's no need for me to tell you, right?"

"I want to hear it from Baron Footsickle."

"I can't tell you."

"Really?"

"Really."

The room's temperature seemed to drop by a couple of degrees from the guards' killing aura. A couple of degrees is a bit subtle...

"Understood. I won't ask any more."

"I appreciate your wise decision, Your Highness."

I intended to stick to "I won't tell you," but I didn't expect the princess to back down.

Since she already knows from the appraiser, there's no need to hear it from me. However, there's a difference between what she heard from the appraiser and what I say. Since I haven't confirmed whether I have a unique skill or not, she can't make any requests related to it. If she does, I'll just refuse.

But how does the appraiser see my status?

From the way the princess spoke, it seems she doesn't know I have the Reincarnated Hero job. If she knew, I think she would have made a bigger fuss. Maybe it's just my imagination? Or maybe she doesn't care about the Reincarnated Hero job? Haha, that's unlikely.

Could it be that the sub-job isn't visible? It's visible in my detailed appraisal, but it might not be visible in a regular appraisal. If that's the case, it's a relief, but it still hurts to know that my unique skill was revealed...

This princess, despite her cute face, seems to be a good person. Her appearance doesn't matter.

So, she won't ask too much of me, but if it concerns the survival of the country or the royal family, it's a different story.

If that happens, I'll have to flee the country, but I've grown attached to it, so I hope it doesn't come to that.

"Anyway, I may call you again, but you are dismissed for today."

"Yes, I will take my leave."

I bowed respectfully to the princess and left the room.

Phew, it worked out. But I still have questions. How did the appraiser report on me?

▽▽▽ Side: Princess Elmerda ▽▽▽

Dealing with Baron Footsickle is more challenging than dealing with the nobility.

He's an unpredictable person. I've dealt with many people who are driven by a desire for honor or power, but Baron Footsickle doesn't seem interested in those things. Such people are the hardest to handle. Sigh...

This time, the appraiser Samdahl witnessed Baron Footsickle fighting a demon.

According to him, Baron Footsickle's status temporarily glitched during the battle.

I don't understand what "temporarily" means. If it glitched all the time, I would think it was normal, but why only temporarily?

However, during the glitch, the unique skill section appeared.

Although the content of the unique skill was unclear due to the glitch, I believe Baron Footsickle has a unique skill.

From our conversation, I am convinced that he has a unique skill. I'm very curious about what it is, but it's clear that he doesn't want to reveal it.

I don't intend to leave Baron Footsickle alone, but I also don't want to be his enemy. I want to maintain a good relationship with him. I believe it's for the good of the country.

Heh heh heh. Relying on intuition and feelings is something I never thought I would do.

Does he have that much charm?

He's skilled in combat and not unintelligent. His origin is unclear, but his talent is outstanding in this country. He can be a bit stubborn, but he also shows a willingness to adapt to his surroundings.

I would like a partner who can make me happy, even if it's just half as much as Baron Footsickle. If no one like that appears, maybe I could consider him as a partner.

But saying that might make him run away. He's a real troublemaker for rulers.

Oh, how embarrassing. I showed such a terrible face. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone.

Thank you for reading.

I hope you continue to enjoy this story.

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Chapter 3 is now complete.

I'm currently thinking about the direction for Chapter 4.

The next update will be next Sunday, but updates after that are undecided.