Vol 1 Chapter 2 – The People’s Reactions【Vol 1 – Spoiled Princess Arc】

After the Lizardman attack, Miriam and I set out for the capital and, encountering no more monsters, arrived safely in the capital.

And now we’re cutting straight across the capital on our way to the Royal Castle…

“Hmm… it still feels so lifeless, doesn’t it…”

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

As the kingdom’s largest city, the capital naturally boasts bustling markets and throngs of people—yet it still feels lifeless…

Everyone looks drained.

A gloomy, worn-out air hangs over everything.

“I’m not surprised. With a king like that, who’d have any spirit?”

“Now, now, Miriam. You never know who might be listening, so let’s keep those comments to ourselves.”

Miriam, stone-faced yet clearly sulking, had spoken; I gave her a light hush.

If the king finds out and blames me, well, so be it, but there’s no need to make it obvious.

Even so, Miriam still harbors no love for His Majesty—or any of the royals.

Frankly, unless one shares my… tastes, life under that king’s rule isn’t exactly pleasant, so I can hardly blame her.

In fact, I suspect many citizens feel the same way Miriam does.

“Ah—It’s Altruistic Charity Hero-sama!!”

While we trudged through the dispirited market, someone pointed at us and shouted.

Oh dear, we’ve been spotted.

Well, we’re not in disguise, so of course we have.

“Ohh, it’s Altruistic Charity Hero-sama…!”

“How’ve you been, Altruistic Charity Hero-sama?!”

A whole crowd swarmed around Miriam and me.

Some even pressed their hands together in prayer toward us…

Honestly, that epithet is still outrageous.

It could not be less fitting for the real me.

“Hero of Overactive Lust”… “Masochist Hero”… those feel far more appropriate.

“…I never get used to being worshipped like this, no matter how often it happens.”

“With royals like ours and you being so kind to everyone, Erik, it’s only natural. You deserve even more praise.”

“Is that so…”

I quite welcome glares full of hatred or anger—like lying on a bed of nails—but all this good will is… unsettling.

They call me “kind,” yet every deed was simply to satisfy my own desires…

Still, Miriam looks almost proud.

Rather than attention on herself, she seems happy that the eyes are on me.

Truly, she’s a gentle girl.

…Her hostility toward the royals is still ferocious, though.

“Hero-sama!”

“Oh? And you are…?”

Forcing her small body through the crowd, a little girl—more child than “young lady”—popped out before me.

She looked up, beaming.

Had this been our first meeting, I’d have been taken aback, but I recognized her face.

Ah yes—back then she begged my help to cure her mother’s illness. A dutiful daughter indeed.

“Is your mother doing better now?”

“Mm-hm! After I gave her the medicine you gave me, she kept getting better! When she’s healthier, she wants to thank you properly!”

Ah, that medicine. Fetching it was quite an experience.

If need be, I’ll gather more anytime.

She’s happy, and I find joy—splendid.

“Oh, that’s wonderful news. But you needn’t thank me. Just stay healthy and happy. For that, I’ll spare no effort—work me to the bone if you like.”

“Thank you, Hero-sama!”

At my words, she flashed a sunflower-bright smile.

Something fresh and clear swept through what had been heavy air.

Heh… now when this child is in trouble, she’ll surely seek my help again.

And that, in turn, is my delight!

“Erik. Kindness is good, but don’t do anything too dangerous.”

“But of course. I’d never put you in harm’s way, Miriam.”

Miriam rose on tiptoe to whisper in my ear.

Yes, yes, it’s fine.

I’m reluctant to drag others into my proclivities…

…but if it absolutely comes to it, I’d appreciate her company!

“I’m happy you care, but that’s not it. Value your own life more. Even when you went after that herb, it was so—”

Right, that herb grows on a sheer cliff.

While rock-climbing, a giant bird attacked me…

Ahh, being pecked alive was a rare thrill.

Naturally, I couldn’t let Miriam suffer such wounds, so I scaled the cliff alone.

“It’s fine, Miriam. This is what I want to do.”

“…………”

At that, Miriam fell silent, pouting.

It truly is what I want.

While I gave her a wry smile, the little girl tugged at my sleeve for attention.

Well, what is it?

“Um, Hero-sama! When I grow up, I want to be your wife!”

“…………!!”

For some reason Miriam squeezed my hand hard.

Oh my—a reverse proposal?

Seems I’m not entirely undesirable.

Yet the path of an M like me is lonely and steep, beyond ordinary understanding.

I cannot drag an innocent child into it.

Still, I’m genuinely flattered.

“Ara, ara… that’s very sweet. Then please stay safe and sound from now on.”

“Okay! I’ll stay safe and sound!”

Heh, she clearly doesn’t grasp the phrase.

But that’s fine.

If she grows up healthy and unhurt, she’ll find a man worthy of her.

By then, I hope I’m enjoying even greater pleasures.

“Outta the way!!”

Just as the girl’s words filled the air with warmth, an obnoxious shout rang through the plaza.