第７３９堀：新たな力を (Part2)

第７３９堀：新たな力を (Part2)

"It’s not a problem, but if things go poorly from here on out, Kagura and the others will have to fight again, won't they?"

"...I would prefer that not to happen, but I cannot say there is no possibility of it."

"Then, it would be better for Kagura and the others to have their combat strength increased, right?"

"Yes. That goes without saying. However, combat strength is not something that increases so easily, and since they have already received rings and armaments from Narjia-sama, I don't think there is much cause for concern."

No, honestly, aside from the rings of protection, I would like to return the staves and swords. The firepower is so high that I can't even use them.

"Yeah, yeah. If they have those armaments from Narjia-san, they'll be fine. Wait, no, that's not it. There is a way to drastically raise the base abilities of Kagura and the others. So, Kagura, Mikos, Solo, Enora, come over here for a second."

"???"

I didn't understand what was going on, but we all stepped out in front of Hairen-sama. Was she going to perform some kind of spell? As I was thinking that, Yuki chimed in.

"What, are you going to grant them a divine protection? If so, that would certainly raise their base abilities."

"Exactly. It’s not a problem as long as we don't go spreading it around elsewhere, and it's not like this is something to be stingy about, right?"

"Well, I suppose. It was a bit of a thing with Lilishe, but with this group, it doesn't really matter anymore. Everyone around already knows Hairen is a goddess."

Ah, I think I’ve heard something like that before. You get recognized by a goddess and your status goes up, right? There’s no reason to go around declaring that I’ve received a goddess's favor, and since it’s to keep me from dying, it’s a very welcome thing.

"So, do you want to try receiving my protection? I don't think I can make you instantly master recovery magic like Lilishe-sama did, but I think I can raise your basic stats a little?"

"Please do."

We answered without hesitation. If we are going to be with Yuki from now on, I have a sinking feeling that if we don't boost our foundations like this, we won't be able to keep up—or rather, we won't be able to be of any use.

No, I’ve hardly ever done anything resembling combat outside of training. But our opponent is that wicked Akenoki. If he finds out we are no match for Yuki, he will surely reach out with his demonic hands toward us weaklings. This is preparation for that.

"What about you, Carrie? I think you can do it too."

"Is that so? Then, please include me as well. I don't think I will be fighting much, but is that alright?"

What a lie. She’s always the first to rush to the front lines. As I was thinking that, the Princess turned her head toward us with a sharp, mechanical motion.

"Kagura? Is something the matter?"

"N-no, nothing at all."

Please don't imitate the special skills of some manga-artist ghost. It’s traumatic for various reasons.

"Alright, here we go!"

When Hairen-sama said that, a pale light began to well up beneath our feet.

"Blessings upon these individuals!! Become heroes!"

Eh? What was that!? Isn't "Hero" a title for legendary figures in the Rogali and Ifu continents?

"Huh. So that's what it's like to become a hero. Ria, did you receive a blessing like that?"

"No? It felt more like I just realized it had happened. Well, Hairen-sama is still in the middle of learning, so to speak."

"Ah, like a provisional license, then? But didn't they say it only happens once every hundred years or so?"

"They did say that. Well, perhaps not everyone who receives it becomes one?"

"Ah, right. One success for every four failures. When it comes to future diplomacy with the Rogali and Ifu continents, the brand value of being a 'Hero' is something I want. For once, she’s actually doing something useful."

Wait, I understand what Yuki is saying, but doesn't that mean we won't be able to leave Hairen, or this continent, anymore!? If I become a hero, I won't be able to marry Yuki!? What is this, a title of a plague god!!

I instinctively tried to escape the pale light, but it was too late, and the light began to fade...

"No way..."

It was over. Mikos and Solo were both looking pale. And of course they would be. Mikos, like me, hopes to be Yuki’s bride, and Solo hopes to be Eoid’s. I don't want a "blessing of despair." What should I do? I don't want to look at my status.

Just then, I heard a voice from the Princess.

"...So, I am the hero here?"

"Oh, congrats, Carrie. I thought it might be Kagura, but Carrie is the hero. Well, that makes sense, right? Kagura is more of a shrine maiden, after all."

*Phew*, I was saved. Indeed, for a Princess who is brave, courageous, and wise, it is a fitting title. Her position as Princess should become even more solidified.

Just as I thought that, the Princess looked incredibly gloomy.

"Um, Princess? Are you feeling unwell?"

"...At this rate, I will be made the next Queen. If it reaches my uncle or His Majesty that I have become a hero recognized by Hairen-sama, they will gladly hand over the throne."

Ah, true. His Majesty did seem like he wanted to go back to playing freely.

"Kagura. You seem to be taking this lightly, but in this situation, having Hairen split between the current royal family and the pro-Queen faction would be nothing but a massive nuisance. Especially in this continent, where men are held above women, even more so. Stasia-oneesama, General Georgin, Archbishop Enol, please keep this a secret."

"Of course."

"I saw and heard nothing."

"Yes. I, too, saw and heard nothing."

The adults were very understanding. And Hairen-sama, who had granted the blessing, was...

"Huh? Everyone has such a subtle look on their faces. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, the timing was just bad. Well, don't worry about it. And don't you dare go around saying Princess Carrie became a hero."

"Why?"

"Hairen-sama!! I truly beg of you!! Please, keep this a secret at all costs!!"

"Ah, okay."

It was rare to see the Princess so flustered and pleading. Well, the preparations are complete now. The classic, "Do you desire power?" And the goddess's troublesome hero-making. We did it!!