Scent of Chaos

The next morning, a paper summarizing the work content from the minister was sent to us through the maid.

We decided to read it while eating sandwiches for breakfast in our room.

The sandwiches were actually created using DP, separate from the ones the maid brought. We couldn't be sure what was in the ones she prepared for us, so.

"Huh, it's surprisingly more like a proper job than I thought."

"The content still seems outrageous."

To summarize what was written:

• The hero is to work toward the subjugation of the Demon King, or the prevention of the Demon King's army and the Empire's invasion.

• The hero will receive rewards for each achievement in battle.

• If the Demon King is defeated, the hero will be allowed to return home if they wish.

• The hero will be granted a citizenship equivalent to an earl in the Daido Kingdom.

• The hero will receive basic education about this world, as well as combat training.

• In the event of the hero's injury, the Daido Kingdom will take responsibility for treatment.

Come to think of it, Wataru was an earl too, wasn't he? I wonder if that's the standard rank for heroes.

"In any case, they want us to make some achievements in battle."

… I couldn't help but wonder if the [Rencarnate] issue that Prince Harks mentioned was taken care of. Or maybe they'll contact us on their own, being [Rencarnates]?

By the way, as a result of our scouting, we were able to see the map used in this country. The Raverio Empire we knew was to the north, the Demonlands to the south, and the Holy Kingdom to the east sitting on the other side of a mountain range. Daido was a landlocked country without sea access.

It seemed that we were not transported beyond the world's barrier but merely teleported.

"So, what do you want to do Kehma? We have more information now."

"Even if we run away, we'll be summoned again and end up in the same situation…"

Remembering the description of the magic circle in that room, it seems that I would repeatedly involve those around me in the summoning if the same magic circle is used.

"Damn you, Leona…"

"In that case, I'll stay with Kehma… They mentioned education and training, so it doesn't seem like there will be an immediate threat to our lives."

"It depends on the extent. Being drugged in the name of education isn't a joke either."

Naturally, there's no mention of compensation in case a hero dies. Nor was there anything written about the country not killing or restraining the hero… Well, I guess we'll probe further and ask questions later.

 

＊ ＊ ＊

 

I had another meeting with the minister.

The place we were in was the castle's reception room. With a luxurious yet firm sofa interposed between us, I asked the minister about the contents of the documents.

"In these job description documents, it's not mentioned how Daido will treat a hero. When it says [a citizenship equivalent to an earl], does it mean that a hero must handle all the king's orders on their own?"

"Of course not. It's just that it was too obvious to write down. The royal commands to a hero are limited to the battle efforts written here. We will support you as much as possible. If there are other ways you can excel, feel free to do so."

"With citizenship, will I be restrained, imprisoned, or falsely accused by Daido even if I don't do anything? I'm very worried about that topic."

"Of course, if a hero commits a crime, the appropriate punishment will be applied. However, we are also planning to provide education on common sense. We won't arrest you if you haven't done anything."

"So, to be frank, is it okay to think of myself as a mercenary in the war against the Demon King and the Empire?"

"Your insight is accurate. That is one way to look at the matter. However, we have justice on our side in this battle. There is no doubt about that."

"What kind of education and training will be provided?"

"For your education, we will cover common sense, basic law, and a history of our country. As for the training, we plan to have you learn magic skills in addition to the general training that our soldiers undergo. Also, I am to understand that heroes have special powers, so we would like you to explore what kind of powers they are."

I see, the more I ask, the more it seems they were willing to accommodate me. However, there was no guarantee that they'd keep their word, so it's not like I could just blindly trust them.

There's nothing I could do about it. I couldn't think of anything that would make me believe them nor could I believe anything they said even if I managed to ask.

The minister may have also understood that trying to make me believe them for sure before they'd done anything for me was a pointless endeavor.

So, at that point, I decided to ask a question I had to ask while asking other questions.

"Speaking of magic skills, are there any important magic users serving the country? Like a Minister of Magic or director of a Magic Research Institute?"

"We actually do have a Magic Research Institute and its director."

"Oh, really? I'd like to meet them. What's their name?"

"By all means, please do. The magic formation that summoned you, Hero, was constructed by Director Tindalos from the institute."

Director Tindalos.

That's right, the name the prince mentioned was Toy Tindalos. This is it.

After confirming a few more things, I finished asking my questions.

"Thank you for explaining everything so thoroughly."

"Not at all. It seems that you, Hero, have become much more amiable since yesterday. We were prepared for another confrontation."

"Ah, that was just because I was sleepy and irritable."

Being summoned with no preparation and being on high alert played a part in that, but…

I took the chance to warn them that I couldn't guarantee what I'd do if they disturbed my sleep or push work and training that kept me awake.

"Oh, I see. I heard that you slept until morning right after that. We apologize for summoning you just before you went to bed."

"As long as you understand, that's all that matters."

At this point, the minister took something out from his chest pocket, as if he'd just remembered.

It was a disc with a hole in it, attached to a pendant-like string. It looked just like…

"Our country believes in a religion called Beddhism. It's a religion that values rest. This here is its holy seal. What do you think? Would you like to join the faith as well?"

It was indeed the holy seal of Beddhism.