Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 97

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

Chapter 97   At the party venue that day

Ars, who has continued to save people through numerous accomplishments, was recognized as a hero on that evening.

At the royal castle of the magic kingdom of Rulans, nobles and dignitaries from various countries gathered for this day, celebrating the appearance of the hero who had returned to this world after a thousand years, albeit unofficially. They held a grand party in his honor.

“From this moment on, we shall hold a commemorative party for the birth of the hero Ars, recognized as the savior of the world by the nations of the southern continent! Everyone, raise your glasses… Cheers!”

Cheers!

Cheers indeed, hoo!

There was a slightly overexcited little girl whose enthusiasm was a bit too much, but the attendees raised their glasses and laughed together.

Surely from now on, humanity would rally around the hero, advancing as one to defend the world with a strength that wouldn’t even yield to the invasion of the demon race, and they believed unwaveringly that they would achieve peace with their own hands.

“Free food at the hero’s festival tastes great. Everything in this venue is all-you-can-eat. Could it be that I’m finally rewarded?”

“Hahaha! What a lady you are. Who would have thought you’d boldly fill your stomach like this in front of the king? Well done indeed! That’s the mark of someone worthy of being a hero’s companion!”

And so on.

For some reason, there was a little cherubic angel sitting on the knee of the king of this country, Hared Rune Ria Rulans, receiving gourmet food in small portions from the gathered nobles and storing it in her tiny belly. Apparently, the king had taken quite a liking to the cheeky yet utterly charming Mermel, treating her as if she were his own grandchild, stroking her head with affection.

Having continued his journey relying on the kindness of others for meals, Ars didn’t particularly feel uneasy about the situation. It was rather frightening.

Surely, this little cherub was learning and adapting, knowing that as long as the hero continued to achieve feats, she could enjoy delicious food to her heart’s content.

“Hmm, everything tastes delicious. Being treated so generously, I must be a sinful woman.”

“No, that’s not it, milady. You’re not being indulged; you’re being warmly welcomed and honored for your past achievements. It’s a rightful acknowledgment. You should be proud, not belittle yourself. Do you understand?”

The weighty words from the king, born from a lifetime of experiences, elicited an impressed “Ohh” from her.

With a newfound sense of appreciation for the kind yet sober evaluation, Mermel, while still radiating compassion, jumped down from the king’s knee. Declaring, “Then this is a gesture of gratitude for the hospitality,” she arranged a camping set she had gathered from somewhere at the center of the square and started a grand campfire.

Moreover, this campfire wasn’t just an ordinary one. As a token of gratitude to those who treated her, she used her angelic powers to conjure colorful flames, turning it into a performance.

In a way, this was quite fitting as part of the festivities.

“Hey, isn’t she starting a campfire here? And nobody’s stopping her. That’s… impressive. Do humans really like this sort of thing?”

“Hahaha… Well, I guess it’s not a bad idea. This is like a festival, after all. I remember at Isha-chan’s birthday party, there were all sorts of performers doing street acts.”

“Really?”

The conversation flowed between Ars, now a hero, and his companion, Hades, who clung tightly to his arm, using it as a deterrent against other noble daughters. Despite her unyielding bust size, her attempts at flirtation seemed to have little effect on Ars, who responded with earnestness.

Meanwhile, Gaius and Amanda watched from afar, laughing at the bittersweetness of their companionship. Despite being on the cusp of adulthood within a month, they still acted as protectors for the hero, who was technically still a minor, managing the interactions with the nobles.

“But being a hero feels like a dream… I don’t really feel it, you know?”

“Is that so? I had a feeling it would turn out like this. After all, that golden power, it kind of… how should I put it? It tingled when I touched it, quite stimulating. Well, not that I minded at all?”

With a slight blush, she continued,

“And besides, traveling with you has brought changes for me too. But it’s not just me; everyone we’ve met in this world, our comrades, even that evil old man, there must have been some change in them too. I can’t quite put it into words, but everyone has been saved because you were there. Have confidence, Ars.”

With a broad smile, Hades spoke from her heart, always there for Ars, always affirming him wholeheartedly.

Loved by such an amazing woman and blessed with connections to various people, Ars silently admitted to himself that he was the one who had been saved.

“Yeah, I understand, Hades. It’s just… sometimes, I feel a bit lonely without my parents here.”

Even as strong-willed as Ars was, he couldn’t deny the desire to be praised by his parents, to have their blessings for his achievements. He was just a fourteen-year-old boy on the brink of adulthood.

He wanted to be noticed by his parents, to receive their praise, and to indulge in their affection. Yet, he knew that being solely reliant on his family’s love, neglecting the growth and progress of his companions, would be a waste of the time they had together. So, he kept moving forward.

However, it seemed Hades had a slightly different perspective, as she shook her head in response to Ars’s feelings and offered her answer from another angle.

“No way? Even though we can’t see him, I’m sure he’s somewhere, watching over you. I can’t imagine that evil old man would miss his son’s big moment.”

“Hahaha! You’re right. That’s dad, after all. It’s totally plausible.”

At that moment, a mysterious sneeze was heard from somewhere, causing the two to chuckle together.

With everyone having spent meaningful time, King Rulans decided it was the right moment to stand up and address the gathered crowd.

Firstly, he promised the utmost support from the nations of the southern continent to the heroes who would embark on their journey again from tomorrow.

Secondly, it seemed there were suspicious activities, presumably of the demon race, in the scorching deserts further south from here.

He expressed the hope that the heroes would head there and gather information about the demons, potentially preventing another disturbance.

“Though you all have your own circumstances, can you do it, heroes?”

“Yes. Regardless, we cannot leave this disturbance unattended. If there’s something happening in the desert country, then we’ll naturally head there.”

With Ars’s resolute decision, his companions nodded in agreement. Setting aside Mermel, who had eaten too much and fallen asleep, they accepted the visit to the desert country as the new destination for their journey.