Disillusioned Daido

"Even so, it's not something that can be done immediately. Whenever you find her, please put the detection curse on Leona again."

"… I really don't want to get involved anymore, you know?"

"It can't be helped, she seems to have taken a liking to you, Kehma-san. All you have to do is visually confirm Leona and destroy this crystal."

Saying that, Haku-san handed me a small crystal the size of a thumb. Unable to refuse, I reluctantly accepted it.

"In actuality, the king of Daido at the time of the Empire's founding was truly excellent. If it were him, one who secured his territory against the Empire, the Demonlands, and the Holy Kingdom, Leona wouldn't have been able to do this much. I have to wonder if humans can't help but become more foolish with each passing generation? The previous king was just killed by a summoned hero and the reign changed. The prince is still a child in his teens… they've caused quite a bit of trouble. What should we do?"

Haku-san complained, saying there weren't enough heads to replace everyone. It seemed that even without a hero, Daido's country wouldn't be destroyed… but the king's head wasn't guaranteed.

"By the way, I heard that Leona doesn't like eggplants. Did you know that? If you make an eggplant field, it might work as a Leona repellent."

"… Well, I'll consider it. There's also the option of importing them from the Holy Kingdom, however."

Huh? Import? Eggplants should be a vegetable that can be grown as usual in the Empire. It's even in our village's field and a favorite of the Succubi. Maybe there's some sort of misunderstanding?

"Alright then, Kehma-san, I'll leave this Daido matter to you."

"… Could I get a reward for it?"

"I'll forget about what happened in Daido… including the matter with Rokuko-chan."

"Yes, I'd be delighted to help."

So, leaving Rokuko in front of Haku-san's smile, I had to return to Daido. Man…—[Teleport] [Teleport].

 

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Upon returning to the town, there was a crowd of people. Wondering if something had happened, I peeked in and saw a girl vendor squatting and muttering to herself by a stall.

"This world isn't… the world of [Kao☆Mite]… there wasn't even… a game called [Kao☆Mite]… Geh, game? What's a… game…? Aaaaaaah!"

What the heck's a [Kao☆Mite]? But then I realized it must have been something Leona did.

This vendor girl was probably a [Rencarnate]. Her well-groomed hair and skin suggested she might be a young lady from somewhere.

"Hey, miss. You okay?"

"It'll work itself out if you just leave her alone, we've had these things happen before."

"Should we clean up the stall for now…? That young man over there looks like he's in a similar situation."

… Well, there doesn't seem to be a problem. She already looks harmless.

I decided to head for the royal castle first.

By the way, I'd received a certificate as an imperial envoy from Haku-san. I still had the Hero's Bracelet hanging around my neck, so there shouldn't be any issues.

However, in order to avoid causing any trouble by suddenly using [Teleport] to enter the castle, I decided to enter through the main gate in a dignified manner.

The soldiers seemed to have returned to their posts and were guarding the gate. I raised my hand lightly to greet them.

"Hello there, thank you for your hard work. May I pass?"

"This is the royal castle of Daido. Who are you?"

"I'm the hero who was summoned here the other day. Oh, did you forget my face already?"

"… Wait. No, please wait. I'll make an inquiry."

As I showed them my bracelet and spoke, I was led to a rather luxurious waiting room… It seems there's some confusion going on. However, they seem to be handling it properly.

"Hero, were you outside the castle? I apologize, our country has been in chaos since this morning…"

"Is it because of the confusion in people's memories? I saw something like that in the town."

"Y-yes, that's correct. Many of us have been experiencing hazy memories spanning from a few days to several years… I'm sorry, but we might not remember you, Hero. Although there's no doubt that bracelet is the proof of a hero…"

Since I wasn't wearing it on my arm, they may have thought that it could be fake or that I stole it from a hero. They told me that it wasn't removable when worn on the arm and could serve as identification.

I see, so that's what this thing is. I'm glad I didn't wear it. It definitely has other functions… Ah, but maybe they could be disabled by the [Divine Alarm Clock]?

"Hero, we've confirmed your identity and the king would like to meet you. Allow me to guide you."

"The king?"

The development was rather quick. However, I remembered Haku-san saying something about the [previous king being killed by the summoned hero]… maybe this was a top priority matter?

As I arrived at the audience chamber, the king stood up from his throne to greet me and bowed his head.

"I apologize, Hero. Please calm your anger."

"Well, Your Majesty, you seem quite different from when we met the other day."

"… I-I apologize. It's just an excuse, but we were being manipulated."

Hmm, I wonder if that's true? It probably was though.

"Please raise your head. I came here to talk."

"Y-yes. Your exceptional consideration, Hero, is truly humbling… However, depending on the contents of our conversation, if your anger arises again, I ask that you spare everyone else and only take my head…"

The king swallowed nervously, with a determined, tragic expression on his face.

"… We have no means to return you, Hero, to your original world…! What a disgrace, after summoning you… No matter how much we apologize, it will never be enough…"

Ah, I see.

"… Ah, but two bracelets had disappeared. We must also apologize to the other hero who should be here…"

Ah, don't worry about that, man. She's not here right now, but she's my friend.

Anyway, Haku-san told me to handle the situation here… but what should I do with this?