Vol 1 Chapter 1 – The Immortal Hero【Vol 1 – Spoiled Princess Arc】

The scene before his eyes was that of the noble’s Private Soldiers—armed with swords, spears, and other weapons—absolutely confident in their overwhelming superiority and ready to prey on the weak.

He alone stood before dozens—no, hundreds—of Private Soldiers, each wearing a sadistic grin.

No one stood at his side.

A narrow path once led out behind him, but rubble now lay piled high, forbidding any chance of retreat.

“How pitiful.”

The portly, middle-aged man at the front of the Private Soldiers sneered down at him.

“Altruistic Charity Hero. No matter how much you sacrifice, royalty are the kind to abandon you in a place like this. Leaving the rearguard to a lone man… that’s tantamount to ordering you to die.”

At the man’s words, the Hero’s hand twitched.

The portly man, pleased to have drawn any reaction, let out a self-satisfied grin.

“You weren’t born into a knightly family sworn to serve the kingdom—you’re of peasant stock, aren’t you? For someone like you to die for country and crown… isn’t that outrageously cruel?”

He spoke with grand gestures, as if performing on a stage—drunk on his own rhetoric.

“Come to me, Hero. Lend your strength to my bid for the throne, and you’ll be freed from this suffering.”

The man extended his hand.

The Hero considered the offer…

“I refuse.”

He said it so flatly that the other man simply gaped.

“Wh–why!? You’ve been ordered to hold the rearguard all by yourself against these numbers! That’s worse than a death sentence! And yet… you still intend to devote such loyalty to royalty…!?”

“No, I think you’re mistaken…”

The Hero gave a wry smile.

“This was my suggestion, not the Prince’s or Princess’s command. I’m here because I chose to be.”

That he stood in this place of death by his own will—rather than at the royals’ orders—and still thought of them in the face of death made the Private Soldiers involuntarily groan with admiration.

“Grr… you fool! Then die here! Kill him!!”

“ROOOOOOOOOAAAARRR!!”

At the man’s command, the Private Soldiers surged forward.

The sight was nothing short of spectacular.

Burly men and women charged in unison, their voices raised in fury as they tried to kill a single adversary.

And even when faced with such a despairing scene—one that would break most people’s will—he offered a faint smile and lifted his sword.

(Freed from suffering? …No thanks!!)

Unaware of his true nature, they still mistook him for a noble soul as he braced himself against the oncoming tide of Private Soldiers.

This would happen a little ways into the future.

◆

“SKREEEEEE!!”

“Kuh…!”

I slammed my sword up to meet the downward strike, barely managing to catch it.

The force was tremendous—I could feel myself being driven back even though our blades were locked.

No wonder. Apart from one thing, I’m just an ordinary human.

My opponent is a different species entirely: a Monster.

A Monster—specifically, a Lizardman.

A bipedal lizard with a reptilian visage, and to make matters worse, it wields weapons it likely stole from humans.

This Lizardman carried both sword and shield.

I couldn’t help but wonder who it took them from… and what became of that unfortunate person.

Just imagining myself in their place… was positively thrilling…

“Ugh…!”

At last, the pressing blade cut me.

The sword sliced through my shoulder, and blood began to flow.

Hah… irresistible…

“Kishishishi!”

The Lizardman grinned in sadistic delight.

Heh… a win–win, wouldn’t you say?

What’s more, this creature seemed to enjoy tormenting the weak—twisting the blade deliberately to widen the wound.

Its sword was rusty from neglect, which only amplified the pain…

And increased my pleasure…

“Erik…!”

Miriam cried my name in anguish.

From her perspective, it must look like I’m cornered and suffering at a Monster’s hands.

She doesn’t know about my… preferences, so she has no idea I’m enjoying this.

Honestly, I’d like the Lizardman to toy with me a bit longer…

“Hang in there…!”

But with Miriam looking at me so sorrowfully, I’ll settle for this much.

“Haaa!!”

“GISHAAAA!?”

I mustered all my strength to knock the Lizardman’s sword aside and followed up with a slash to its torso.

This region isn’t home to many strong Monsters, so that single blow was enough to drop it.

“Erik, are you okay…? Let me tend to your wound.”

Miriam rushed to my side.

She’s so kind—always concerned for me.

At times, her kindness conflicts with my tastes, but she helps with pure intentions.

I could never refuse.

As I sheathed my sword and turned to welcome her—

“Miriam!!”

“Eh…?”

Another Lizardman appeared behind her.

It too held a sword, its blade glinting with menace.

From its hostile gaze, its intentions toward her were obvious.

Besides, Miriam can’t fight.

So even if I yelled, she couldn’t defeat it—at best, she’d notice and turn around in surprise…

Heh… that was exactly the situation I’d been craving!

Calling her name, I broke into a sprint toward them.

Should I draw my sword first?

No. Drawing while running would slow me down; I’m still an amateur.

And any delay would be fatal for Miriam.

She’s irreplaceable to me. I can never lose her.

Therefore…

“Ah… hic…!”

I threw myself between Miriam and the Lizardman.

Its sword slashed diagonally across my body.

Fortunately, its technique wasn’t great; I escaped the horror of being cut in half.

Still, the wound was deep, and blood gushed without end.

O-ohh…

“Kuh…!!”

That was close—almost let out a cry of joy.

I gritted my teeth and endured the pleasure.

“Haaa!!”

“GYAAAAAA!!”

Then, I cut down the unguarded Lizardman.

They really were inexperienced.

I’d heard Lizardmen who survive strong foes can eventually rival knights.

This one was a good match—hurt me enough.

“Ugh, cough…”

I spat up a bit of blood.

For a normal person, that’d be serious—but not for me.

The sensation of bleeding out… has its own charm.

Still writhing in pain, I saw Miriam hurry to me.

She probably hates such vigorous action… yet she did it all the same. How thoughtful.

“Erik… I’m sorry—it’s my fault.”

“N-no way…”

Seeing her slump in guilt, I shook my head hastily.

Truth be told, she was saved and I got my thrills—two birds with one stone.

Of course, I can’t tell her that.

…Now then, time for some more pleasure.

“M-Miriam… can you heal me first…?”

At my request, her face twisted with discomfort.

Heh… such a gentle soul.

“I—I can, but… my healing magic is…”

“I’m fine. Please.”

After a moment’s hesitation, resolve settled on her face.

My injury wouldn’t kill me, but left untreated it’d get bad.

…Well, I’d survive somehow, but kind Miriam couldn’t just stand by.

“O-okay…”

She nodded as I expected.

Placing her hand on my wound, warm mana began to flow in.

This healing magic is one reason she travels with me despite not fighting.

As the gash closed… agonizing pain washed over me.

Here it is! This is it!

“Grgh, aaaah…!!”

“E-Erik…”

Tears in her eyes, Miriam looked at me with concern.

I’m okay—as long as my fetish endures.

After writhing in pain and pleasure, my wound finally sealed.

Phew… what wonderful healing magic.

Both the speed of restoration and the pain… were sublime.

“Uh… ahh… phew, phew…”

I wouldn’t mind more, but if I asked, Miriam might cry—so I stopped.

To calm myself, I slowed my breathing.

“S-sorry… I’m useless…”

What is she saying?

Thanks to her magic, I always get my fill of pleasure.

“Haha, what are you talking about? You always save me.”

“…Yeah.”

Indeed, I’ve never felt anything but gratitude toward her.

My own skills can’t heal wounds, after all.

Nothing suits me better than Miriam’s healing magic.

…Alright, we’ve bought enough time; let’s get moving.

“Well then, shall we walk? If we fall behind, who knows what they’ll do.”

“…Yeah.”

Miriam gave a small nod.

We were already behind schedule, but that only made me more eager.

“Come on, let’s go. We’re headed for the Royal Castle.”

Miriam and I began walking toward the massive fortress faintly visible in the distance.

Heh… I wonder what unreasonable things await me there…

Just imagining it sends a thrill through me.