Ambush
After the battle at the border, the Ludonian Knights held a triumphant return parade in the royal capital.
According to Prince Carlos, this was also an important matter.
“The Ludonian army is strong.”
“We are safe.”
“The nation’s actions are just.”
If these sentiments were not made clear, the people could easily waver in their faith.
The crowd welcomed us enthusiastically as we rode toward the castle on horseback. The streets were packed with people chanting the names of Ludonia and Prince Carlos.
It was heartwarming, but the truth was, many soldiers were still on the battlefield, retrieving the dead and handling the aftermath.
Only the Order of Knights had returned early—this grand spectacle was nothing more than a display for the public. Later, I heard that the bodies of the fallen would be returned to their families or buried in mass graves.
Thinking about that, my expression darkened.
“Smile, Ares.”
Prince Carlos called out to me. For the triumphal march, the prince had summoned me to his side, riding alongside him.
“If you don’t smile, the people will grow suspicious. Right now, they’re uneasy. They might think, ‘We won, but was it a close call?’ If that happens, our hard-earned victory will be ruined. Smile, Ares. Even if you don’t feel like it.”
Indeed, the prince was smiling—a warm, reassuring expression.
“You are the Hero. The Hero is the light of hope for the people. That light must not waver or show doubt. So, no matter how painful or sorrowful it is, you must smile.”
I realized he was right. And so, I forced a smile.
“Hmph. You can do it if you try.”
Then, Prince Carlos took a deep breath and shouted:
“Hear me, people of Ludonia! In this battle, the Hero Ares fought alongside us! And Ares slew a hundred monsters, proving his power beyond doubt! I am certain—this man is truly the Hero destined to defeat the Demon King! In the near future, he will surely bring us victory!”
The crowd erupted into cheers at the prince’s words. Soon, they began chanting my name.
“Hero Ares!”
Over and over.
With a strained smile, I waved in response.
“I’m giving you the seat of the Hero. You owe me this much.”
Saying this, Prince Carlos winked at me.
But then, in a low voice, he continued:
“You must carry the hopes of our people on your shoulders, too. Along with my own wishes. That’s what it means to be the Hero. Stay strong, Ares. No matter what happens. It’s fine to look back—but never let it trap you. Never.”
For some reason, the prince’s expression as he looked at me seemed painfully burdened.
After the triumphant return, I went back to the castle—only to find my companions waiting, not even bothering to hide their displeasure.
※ ※ ※
“Don’t act so recklessly. What if something had happened to you? Do you even realize the weight of the world on your shoulders?”
Leon’s handsome face twisted with anger.
“Sorry, Leon.”
Though he didn’t say it, he must have been conducting the investigation alone while I was gone. The thought made me truly regretful.
“That’s right, Ares. There might be people in Ludonia who wish you harm. What if someone had attacked you from behind during the battle? What would have happened then? If I had been nearby, I could have healed you, but if not… you might have died!”
Maria’s eyes glistened with concern, her expression like that of a saint from a religious painting. It genuinely pained my heart.
“Prince Carlos suddenly asked me, and I couldn’t refuse… I’m sorry, Maria. I messed up.”
Though I had gained a lot from the experience, an apology was the only thing I could offer now.
“I see. If you truly regret it, then promise never to leave my side again. It’s too dangerous. Specifically, you must stay within arm’s reach. Understood?”
Maria’s worried face instantly shifted into a disturbingly sweet smile.
Uncomfortable with that, I laughed it off awkwardly.
“Well, given that prince’s nature, he probably had his own agenda.”
Solon, his brow deeply furrowed, showed some understanding of the situation.
“An agenda? It was a good experience, but…”
“Not that kind of agenda.”
The Great Sage sighed.
“He may have been trying to draw out any traitors by taking you with him. The prince likely kept you by his side during the battle, didn’t he? If anyone made a suspicious move, they could be cut down on the spot and labeled as killed in action.”
“I see. A ‘heroic death’ preserves their honor. And the fact of their betrayal would never come to light.”
Leon stroked his chin, impressed.
“That prince may not be The Hero, but he is undoubtedly a hero in his own right. He’s more than capable of such tactics. And there’s one more thing—after returning to the capital, he publicly declared you The Hero and praised you. That was a masterstroke. On the surface, it reassures the people, but by loudly proclaiming his recognition of you, he effectively ends any debate within Ludonia about the Hero’s identity. The prince must have considered the possibility of traitors among his own faction. By solidifying your position as the Hero, he could make any potential turncoats hesitate before siding with the demons.”
Solon might have been right. That Prince Carlos truly thought of everything. Maybe he was far more suited to be the Hero than I was.
“Shape-shifters aside, it’s best if there are no human traitors. Fabricating them as monsters or labeling them as war casualties would just create unnecessary complications. The prince must have considered that too. However, this could also backfire.”
“Backfire?”
“Some might panic and try to eliminate Ares in desperation. Not that it’s a bad thing—it’ll make them easier to catch.”
Solon said this so casually it was unsettling.
※ ※ ※
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
Some time later, on a quiet night, Solon sensed a figure moving from the castle—one who had been waiting for things to settle, their presence marked by traces of paint.
“Whose turn is it tonight?”
Solon glanced between me and Leon.
“Mine.”
I raised my hand, and after receiving the exact location from Solon, I left the room to follow the target.
Normally, sneaking out of the royal castle would be difficult with so many guards, but Leon and I had borrowed talismans from Solon that masked our presence, making it relatively easy.
Though, these talismans didn’t make us completely undetectable—they only dulled our presence. As Solon put it:
“It’s like how women see men they have no romantic interest in—as little more than insects.”
A harsh analogy, but Maria nodded with a bright smile.
“Exactly.”
…I’d like to think that way of thinking is unique to Maria.
Either way, we succeeded in leaving the castle undetected.
Following the given directions, I searched for the figure.
Soon, I spotted a man walking cautiously, glancing around.
Under the dim starlight, it was hard to make out details—only that it was a man.
Trailing him, I saw him head toward a moderately sized mansion.
Probably a noble’s estate. Though, often, such movements were just secret rendezvous.
Maybe tonight was the same.
But the moment the gate’s torchlight illuminated the man’s face, I froze.
It was Felip.
He looked tense—understandable for someone his age meeting a lover in secret. Still, I had to be sure.
After Felip entered the gate, I quietly approached the mansion. Going through the front was impossible, so I had to climb the wall. Fortunately, it wasn’t too high. Gripping the top, I pulled myself over in one motion.
But when I landed in the garden—ten men were waiting. Unarmored, but swords in hand. Their practiced stance suggested they were all knights.
And then, Felip stepped forward.
“We’ve been waiting, False Hero Ares.”
His voice was flat as he drew his blade.
TLNOTE:
Because of that volume 1 and 2 fan translation in this site will be removed in the near future
otherwise check the internet archive
As usual, please consider reading other novels written by Daken sensei listed below :
- Monster Meat Led Me to the Throne
- The Castle of Canaan ~ The Lost Kingdom’s Princess, the World’s Hidden Treasure, and the Grand Adventure of the Mightiest Band of Thieves Versus an Empire ~
- The Wicked Princess and 12 Eyes – The Strongest Squires and the Legendary Evil Woman, the Second Time in Her Life
- The Suspects of Necromancy
- The Exiled Merchant Saves the World with the Power of Gold (translated by my friend meerkat)
- The Last Magic (translated by my friend narwhal)
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
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