第１０４掘：勇者と書いて傀儡と読む (Part2)
If the state of war between Roschur and Gartz were still ongoing, providing material support to Ranks in order to pit them against the Demon Lord would be the correct course of action.
"If the war with Roschur were still continuing, I had intended to support the Hero and Ranks with supplies as a means of keeping the Demon Lord in check, but..."
"So, that necessity has vanished?"
"Yes. Setting aside support for the Hero himself, there is no longer any reason to provide supplies to Ranks, so I have rescinded that aid. However, Ranks has protested, claiming that since we made a promise, we should see it through to the end."
"Ah, so you’ve concluded that Ranks is using the Hero as a shield."
"Yes."
"The Hero from another world wouldn't know the state of affairs on this continent, nor would he have any way to learn the truth. ...How is he, exactly?"
"Regrettably, he trusts Ranks completely. They’ve assigned a princess to him, using her charms to ensnare him. At his age, I suppose that is to be expected."
"How troublesome. And yet, as a Hero, he is an exceptional one from another world. Honestly, to resort to something akin to kidnapping and then try to exploit him for national gain—how shameless!"
Seraria slammed her hand against the table.
"Indeed. As you say, Seraria. To begin with, trade with Ranks has never been favorable; they’ve only managed to scrape by until now by using the Hero as a bargaining chip. It was always unreasonable trade. They even forced Gartz, a region famous for its wheat, to purchase their inferior-quality grain at a high price."
"Are they idiots? And this is the first I’ve heard of a Hero other than the one in Rumel. What’s the situation there?"
"It seems Ranks kept it a secret. Well, that’s only natural. If it were known outside the four nations, he would have been poached easily. Besides, even a Hero from another world starts at level one. They likely intended to keep him hidden until he was sufficiently developed."
"...And what is the track record of Ranks using this Hero?"
It is an infuriating story.
That Hero is nothing more than a puppet.
A convenient doll.
The Heroes of Rumel managed to escape their country, claiming they were going on a journey to train, and have been traveling between other nations.
Yet, the Hero who arrived in Ranks has been completely wrapped around their finger.
It would be cruel to blame the Hero, perhaps...
If only he weren't from Japan.
"By centering their strategy around the Hero, Ranks has successfully toppled three neighboring hostile nations. Naturally, they utilized Gartz and other friendly nations for supplies. They have also neutralized two dungeons. His aptitude as a Hero is certainly genuine. Ranks itself has seen its profits multiply several times over after conquering three countries. The nation has grown stronger, but their territory expanded too rapidly, leading to recent stagnation and a shortage of supplies."
"So, they came to Gartz seeking support under the guise of trade again."
"Yes. And having been soundly rejected, they have come to this Weed Independence Festival to proclaim to the various nations that the Hero is on their side, and that justice, too, lies with Ranks."
"I see... What will you do?"
Seraria turns to look at me.
Well, since I’ve been called upon by my wife, I cannot help but answer.
"There are a few ways to handle this. Which one shall we choose?"
Now then, you self-proclaimed Hero.
Did you topple three countries without a second thought, or were you forced into it? I shall see for myself soon enough.
If you truly have no mind of your own, then as a fellow countryman, I will make sure to guide you to your final destination.
So, another Hero has appeared.
Unlike the one at Tanaka’s place, this is a textbook Hero.
He’s getting carried away. He doesn't doubt for a second that he is justice incarnate.
On a side note, are there any interesting MMOs out there?
I'm getting tired of Gundam Online.
Is there an MMO where you can get a house and customize it with various furniture?
It’s lonely playing by myself, so I’d be happy if someone joined me.