The Hero Stole My Lover, So I Decided to Steal the Hero's Lover Instead - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

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The Hero. It was a title granted to the one tasked with defeating the Demon King, the leader of the evil forces seeking to dominate the world. The pride—not just of the Holy Kingdom, but of the entire world. A symbol of hope, a figure of admiration.

That was why a little arrogance from him was tolerated. But when that arrogance went too far, someone—someone—should step up and speak out against it. Someone else, not me. That was my passive hope.

I let out a heavy sigh.

Of course, I knew who the Hero was. I even knew his face. I’d heard from acquaintances that the Hero had come to our town. But there was no connection between me and the Hero, and I didn’t think there ever would be.

Or so I thought…

Yesterday, my life changed drastically and not for the better.

I was an adventurer. That day, like usual, I completed a quest. Most adventurers formed parties to tackle quests, but I wasn’t part of any fixed party. I usually worked solo, occasionally joining temporary or forming parties with acquaintances. My skills as an adventurer were average, or maybe a little below average.

After finishing the quest, I returned home.

I lived in a small house with my childhood friend, who was also my lover.  My lover—Sheryl—was a woman so beautiful that she honestly felt out of my league. Not that I was putting myself down. Sheryl really was that beautiful.

Of course, as her boyfriend, I loved her. But contrary to her appearance, Sheryl’s personality wasn’t exactly great—at least not by normal standards.

Even so, I didn’t just love Sheryl for her looks. Her selfish and haughty nature as well… In other words, her inner self—I loved that too. She was demanding, arrogant, but I believed she wasn’t the type to cheat. Or rather, I wanted to believe that she wouldn’t cheat.

When I unlocked the door and stepped inside—

“Wha-…?”

On the bed, Sheryl was naked, wrapped in the arms of another man.

The shock rendered me speechless. I blinked, unable to process it.

Is this some kind of nightmare?

My head spun violently. My vision warped and twisted. I felt dizzy.

“Oh, Luke. You’re back early.” 

Sheryl said, looking completely unfazed.

“I thought you wouldn’t be back for a while…”

“Uh, wha-…”

I couldn’t form any coherent words. My mouth opened and closed uselessly, caught in confusion.

“Nice to meet you, Sheryl’s boyfriend—no, I guess ex-boyfriend, Luke-kun.”

“You… You’re the Hero, Cain… Aren’t you?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

He admitted without any hint of hesitation. 

“Why are you in my house…? No, more importantly, what the hell are you doing with Sheryl?!”

“Luke, you’re not worthy of Sheryl.” 

Cain said.

“A beautiful woman like her deserves a handsome man like me. Don’t you agree?”

“Wh-Why the hell would I agree to that…?”

I replied with a trembling voice. His words didn’t make any sense.

“Oh, by the way, this house belongs to Sheryl, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

That was not true. Sure, Sheryl had put in more money. But I had also chipped in—money I’d saved up by grinding through quests. We bought this house together. It belonged to both of us. But…

“In other words, the ownership of this house lies with Sheryl. Do you get what I’m saying, Luke?”

“I don’t get it at all…”

“I’m telling you to get the hell out!”

Still stark naked, Cain closed the distance and jabbed me sharply. The blow struck my solar plexus, and I collapsed pathetically onto the floor.

“Guh…”

A groan escaped me, but I barely managed to hold back the urge to vomit.

“Sheryl… This is… This must be some kind of joke, right…?”

“It’s not a joke. This is reality.”

She said mockingly.

“Luke, you’re seriously such an idiot. Look. You’re just an average guy while Cain is a Hero and he’s handsome too. Of course anyone in their right mind would choose Cain over you.”

With a tilt of her chin, Sheryl signaled Cain. He snapped his fingers. That alone activated a spell. A small explosion erupted, and I was blasted outside.

“My days living with you were boring and not very enjoyable. I don’t think we’ll ever see each other again, but I’ll give you a little bit of gratitude, at least.”

She said it all in one breath and then waved her hand.

“Goodbye, Luke. Take care.”

The ending of our relationship came far too fast. And just like that…I was robbed of my lover by the Hero and cast down into the depths of despair.

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