The Hero and 'But I Refuse'

"… I challenge you to a match with Rokuko-san on the line, Narikin-san!"

"I refuse."

Even if he says it a second time, no means no.

"Why?!"

"Isn't it obvious there's no benefit for us? Combining what you said earlier, you're just trying to drag us into your own heartbreak. This is nothing but a 'nuisance to others', wouldn't you agree?"

"Ugh! That's true!"

"Come on, why not accept the match?"

For some reason, Rokuko was enthusiastic about this.

"But of course, there'll be some merit for us if we win, right, Hero-sama?"

"Eh, ah, ummm, let's see… Well then, if Narikin-san wins, I'll keep quiet about the whole Japanese thing? How about that?"

"… … That sounds like you're saying I'm Japanese, doesn't it?"

"Am I wrong?"

No, he's right. He's right, but admitting it here would just be a confession. Even if I denied it, if he's using a lie-detecting magic tool or spell, that would be the same as confessing. All I can do is deflect.

"Hypothetically, even if I were Japanese, what trouble would it cause if you talked about it?"

"If it would cause you trouble, that's why you're hiding your face, right? If not, let's talk face-to-face as fellow Japanese."

"I simply have an ugly scar that I don't want people to see. It's something like that… Could you please stop prying?"

"I-I'm so sorry! I didn't think of that!"

And with that, Wataru honestly bowed his head and apologized. What an unexpectedly honest guy.

"Well, I was sure that Narikin-san built this inn, and with a name like 'Narikin (Upstart)' that sounds exactly like someone who rose through the ranks as an adventurer, I really thought…"

Close, but not quite. It's related to the shogi piece. My real name is 'Keima (Knight)', so my flip-side name is 'Narikin (Promoted Knight)'. Of course, I'm not telling him that.

"So that's how it was. The name is… well, probably just a coincidence. To Hero-sama, it might seem like an unusual name. Also, this inn was built referencing an inn that a hero from the past supposedly built. And then, I've placed some rare magic tools that are produced in this dungeon, [Cave of Desires]. Like that [Massage Chair] over there."

"Aha, I see… Would you mind if I took it apart? I could even buy it…"

"I've already presented the spare to Haku-san, so please give up."

"Mumumu, so I need to find one in this cave…"

Well, whether he finds one or not depends on luck. Actually, it depends on my discretion. For now, anyway.

"… Then, let's see. If we win, I want a magic tool that can detect lies. If that's the case, I'll consider accepting the match."

50,000 DP. If I get it with gold coins, I just need to convert 50 coins to DP. The suite is 25 gold coins per night, so two nights' worth. I can easily get it… I've been wanting to get one and see what kind of thing it actually is.

If I can also confirm how easily obtainable these are, well, that would be good enough.

"Ah, w-well, umm, I've heard of magic tools like that, but… I'm sorry. I don't have one. Magic tools like that are forcibly bought up by the country, you know?"

"Even for an S-Rank Adventurer-sama?"

"… Oh! Right, since I'm S-Rank now, there might be a chance…! Oh, but wouldn't I need Haku-sama's permission… ah, ah, but if it's for Rokuko-san, maybe I could get permission… um, I-I'll try asking, but if it doesn't work out, would something else be okay?"

Well, there's no problem with me having one since I'm a Dungeon Master.

Man, what an honest guy. It throws me off. By the way, I only said I'd 'consider' it, so I haven't agreed to anything yet.

"So, what'll you do? Accept?"

"By the way, what happens if we lose?"

"… Umm, in that case, please allow me to approach Rokuko-san."

Oh, he's humble about that part. I totally expected him to say something like 'I'm taking Rokuko-san with me!'

"Well, as long as you respect Rokuko's free will."

"Yes, of course… Rokuko-san may be small, but I think she's already a proper lady, you know?"

Hero Wataru glanced at Rokuko. Rokuko was grinning smugly… Yep, she's definitely happy about being called a lady. But that was phrased as a question, wasn't it? Is that okay?

"Well, I won't accept the match. There's still no reason for me to accept."

"I see, that's disappointing."

He said that, but he didn't seem all that disappointed… Don't tell me he's planning something.

I felt a little suspicious, but the day ended without incident.

… For now, let's say Narikin went out for restocking, for about a week. That way, I won't have to deal with any more troublesome conversations.