Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 85

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 85   Fear and trust

Good grief, the Holy Maiden’s headstrong nature is quite troublesome.

Three years ago, on that day.

Since returning from the intense battles with the high-ranking demons and the Three Demon Generals during the dungeon conquest commissioned by the Margrave Drashade, she’s been tirelessly working to improve the country every single day without pause.

I understand her drive, but still, the exhaustion accumulates day by day. Even today, as we walked all the way to the outskirts of the capital city, it seemed more like a break from the daily grind.

It’s heartening to see her pushing towards her goals and giving her all every day, both as her protector and as her childhood friend… Well, complaining about it won’t change anything.

Since meeting Hades-san that day, the Holy Maiden has changed somewhat. While she never harbored discrimination against demi-humans before, now it seems like she’s learned to love her neighbors in a deeper sense.

Yes, it feels like she’s learned to truly love her neighbors, regardless of their race.

She’s learned to see the person’s heart rather than their race.

…Even if it’s coming from someone like me who’s only walked the path of the sword, it might not carry much weight, but it’s the truth that I feel that way.

While recalling such thoughts, I now focus my attention on the cautious figure standing before me.

“Now then, what information are you looking for? But of course, as a middle-ranked merchant like myself, I can’t just hand out information for free, you know?”

Addressing us is Chukyu, the mysterious informant who claims to be a middle-ranked merchant. He exudes an aura of suspicion.

Informants, by nature of their profession, must maintain a minimum level of combat prowess to protect themselves from those who might bear a grudge against them.

From that perspective, he appears flawless, and I can anticipate that he would react swiftly if I were to suddenly attack. Hypothetically speaking, if we were to become adversaries here, I can’t envision a scenario where I would emerge victorious.

I’m at a loss, truly… Even though I’m hailed as the Sword Saint in the country, surpassing even my father, who was already considered the strongest Holy Knight, this situation…

In this scenario, I cannot confidently claim that I can protect the Holy Maiden till the end. It’s a dire situation.

If possible, I hope the Holy Maiden will handle this situation delicately and avoid provoking him.

“If you need compensation, then I’ve brought plenty of money! These gold coins are enough for a commoner to live a lifetime of luxury. Come on, take it!”

“Huh? I don’t need that. Just go home.”

“W-What did you just say!?”

T-That’s right, Holy Maiden… He’s clearly not ordinary.

No matter how much money you prepare, it doesn’t seem like he’s the type to be swayed by gold alone. Of course, money is important, but individuals of his caliber often aren’t in need of it for their daily lives. More importantly, they consider whether there’s any benefit to lending their power to clients.

Given my experience as a seasoned Knight, I understand the implications of what he’s saying quite well.

And as expected, Chukyu, the informant, seemed to realize that we were misunderstanding something. He then offered us a hint of sorts.

“Yes, indeed. Before we negotiate, let me give you some very valuable information as a prelude.”

“W-What is it?”

H-Hey, hold on!

Don’t get too carried away like that.

While it’s understandable that the Holy Maiden, who isn’t skilled in close combat, might not recognize the abilities of her opponent, I wish she’d at least consider my position as her protector…

“Please be cautious, Holy Maiden. This man is… unpredictable. I don’t think it’s possible, but if by any chance he’s stronger than me, there’s a chance I won’t be able to protect you if you let your guard down.”

Saying this, I step forward to create some distance between us and Chukyu, forcibly establishing some form of defense. But perhaps my reaction struck a chord with him, as his demeanor softened slightly.

Why does protecting the Holy Maiden affect his favorability?

Or is it something else that’s influencing him?

“Hmm. Your judgment as the Sword Saint was good, so let me offer you a little something extra. First, about the information I mentioned earlier… The blond-haired, blue-eyed boy you’re chasing after has already elevated his presence to a far-reaching extent. To be more specific…”

The enigmatic informant, Chukyu, speaks.

My rival and the object of the Holy Maiden’s affection, Ars, has uncovered the corruption of the second prince in one of the top three magic kingdoms in the southern continent, saving countless lives. Furthermore, after numerous adventures, he’s begun to master the power of his golden eyes.

His power already surpasses that of elemental dragons, and he’s said to have single-handedly defeated even the legendary beings known as saint dragons and demonic dragons, which possess the highest levels of light and dark attributes among elemental dragons.

If this is indeed true, then he’s entered a realm where I, with my current abilities, would stand no chance. However, as much as Ars is capable, surely he couldn’t be the legendary hero… But even as I want to believe that, reason compels me to consider the truth in his words.

It makes sense.

As a basic premise, there’s no reason for someone like him, who holds even the most secretive of information, to deceive us. If he wanted to deceive us, he could do so subtly, without my notice. The fact that he hasn’t done so means that…

“So, do you understand now what it is that you lack?”

“Gh…!”

Everything, without exception, was just as the informant said.

At this point, it’s clear that we’re already at a disadvantage in negotiations.

Just as I was considering whether it was time to retreat, the Holy Maiden, who had been quietly observing the situation, made a move.

“I believe you mentioned Chukyu, correct? Who exactly are you…? It’s extraordinary that you possess information that only Ein and I would know, and that you’re aware of our exploits on the continent across the sea… However, I’ve painfully come to understand that your information is indeed credible.”

“Oh, looks like the Holy Maiden is finally taking me seriously. Yes, that’s how it should be.”

It seems that the Holy Maiden has chosen to trust this informant, who provides remarkably realistic and valuable information, and has switched to a policy of sincere engagement, perhaps even with the intention of bringing him into the fold.

Her previously bold demeanor has now subsided, and she is fully emphasizing her role as a princess and a saint.

With this approach, perhaps we can make a beneficial deal…

“Well, who I am is a rather irrelevant story. What you want to know is the evidence of wrongdoing in the Duke’s household, isn’t it? Alright, let’s make a deal. I’ll give you a glimpse of the information now, and you can pay me later.”

Saying this, he paused for a moment, then retrieved a document from under the counter.

What now? What could possibly be coming this time?

Please, don’t tell me the evidence of wrongdoing is already prepared.

“And this is the evidence of wrongdoing.”

“You… How did you get hold of something like this?”

“…”

“…”

No, this can’t be right!

Why is evidence of wrongdoing just casually appearing like this!?

Where did you gather this evidence from, and how are you able to submit documents that not even the princess, with all her subordinates and resources, could access?

Oh, this is suspicious…

It’s not about the credibility of the evidence, but rather, it’s too credible, which makes this man’s identity extremely suspicious.

For now, since he doesn’t seem to be hostile, it’s somewhat reassuring, but could it be that if this man wanted to, he could manipulate the entire Calamiera Kingdom from behind the scenes?

N-No, that’s too far-fetched.

I hope it’s impossible.

“Well, regardless of how I obtained this evidence, I’ll leave it to you, Miss, to decide how to use it. However…”

“However?”

There’s still more…!

“However, if possible. I hope that you, who have obtained this information, will bring about an outcome that exceeds my expectations.”

“…!!”

“I’m looking forward to it, Miss. No, Saint Isha Grace de Calamiera. How far your power will reach against the incurable immortality disease, and how you will deal with the Marquis… It’s truly something to behold.”

Does he really understand everything…?

Certainly, among the information desperately gathered by the princess, there were talks about Marquis Galeria Frankel conducting research on the immortality disease.

But that was the latest clue that the princess managed to obtain with great difficulty, right?

Why does he know about it, and how does he understand that we’ve come to that conclusion…?

Terrifying.

I find this information broker called Chukyu more terrifying than ever.

“Is that so…? With the unimaginable level of corruption from the Marquis so far, and the heavy taxation… His movements were unnatural, so I had some suspicions, but…”

“Princess…”

However, precisely because he’s such a terrifying opponent, having him as an ally right now is more reassuring than anything else.

It’s strange, but I feel both fear and an indescribable trust towards this man.

“Oh, but aside from that. I must receive payment from you.”

“T-That’s…”

“It’s simple. I was just wondering what the saint thinks of the swordsman over there as a man… ──Ah, forget it. You don’t have to say anything. The deal is done with this. I did receive my reward, indeed. But, as I suspected… Kuh, kuku ku ku ku…”

Having asked such a nonsensical question, Chukyu, with his eyes glowing red, chuckles and emits an evil aura at the very end.