Chapter 92: Blessed Side Quest 2
TL/Editor: Raei
Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun
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It seemed that just as there were many adventurers who were fond of me, there were also many knights who regarded me favorably.
Just as the priests of the temple maintained their faith without corruption, most of the kingdom's knights revered chivalry and honor, valuing camaraderie above all.
Essentially, they were a group of sweaty, muscle-bound men.
My imposing stature and well-defined muscles had earned me their affection.
As an adventurer who had never abandoned a comrade, I had their respect.
The only downside might be that these muscle-bound knights tend to cling a bit too affectionately.
In my view, I wasn't particularly noble-minded or heroic.
After all, I was just a military service returnee who became obsessed with a female character in 'Heroines Chronicle', only to reincarnate in another world.
There's no way I would have any heroic qualities.
I just aimed for benefits without getting hurt.
But, given my 6 status, my threshold for "not getting hurt" was far greater than most.
"So, at that time, Roland, that guy!"
"Sullivan, has your swordsmanship improved or just your chatter?"
"My muscles have definitely grown too, see! And call me James."
"I don't want to, it feels informal"
"Ha! You're just shy."
Yet these muscular guys, unaware of the reality, see me as the most honorable man in the world, which can be a bit overwhelming.
If they were criticizing me out of malice, I could have brushed it off.
But when they showered me with over-the-top praises, it was almost embarrassingly overwhelming.
Moreover, every time I spent a passionate night with the beauties of the capital, they'd praise me as a 'true man who understands women,' doubling my embarrassment.
Seeing Grace listening intently to his exaggerated tales of me gives me a headache.
There he is, flaunting his bulging biceps.
Indeed, those muscles of his are notably larger than Irene's head.
If my physique is reminiscent of a Greek statue, his would be a miniature Hulk.
"Did you come all the way here to talk about the request?"
"Huh? Um, yes."
"Why do you say it like that?"
"To be honest, there's not much to discuss, I just ran over to grab a drink."
"...You ran over?"
"Just a day's distance by carriage. Thought I'd get a workout, so I ran since morning. Took a bath, and waited for you."
No surprise the stables were empty even though he was around.
James Sullivan, who was showing off his muscles and chatting away, finally took his seat properly.
Just being around such an enthusiastic, muscle-bound man was exhausting.
The party members, who had been listening to my highly exaggerated tales, now gazed at him with bright eyes.
For all his showiness, he was good a story-teller.
It wasnt for nothing that he was assigned as the adventurer representative.
"First off, the external request involves scouting for orcs in the Obernu Forest."
"What do you mean by 'external'?"
"Roland, let me ask first... Did anything happen the last time you were in the capital?"
What is he talking about?
James, with a tone hinting at some hidden circumstances, spoke, and all eyes turned to me.
The last time I visited the capital, it was before Han Se-ah logged into this world, so there wasnt much that left an impression.
Other than completing usual quests and sneaking into the bedrooms of noblewomen under the pretext of rewards, I hadnt done anything of note.
With no suspicions in mind and seeing my puzzled expression, James gave a reassuring nod.
"Don't take it too seriously. Even within the Knights Division, we just found this request a bit odd. Its not a big deal."
"Do you mean it's strange because the request was passed on to adventurers?"
"Exactly. Frankly, if its about exploring the Obernu Forest, it would be more appropriate for our Knights Division to handle it. Even with our tight schedule and limited manpower, it's a forest blessed by the Goddess. Theres enough reason for us to postpone everything else and dispatch men. But they specifically chose an adventurer party."
Upon hearing Jamess heavy voice, the group unconsciously nodded in agreement.
A mission in a forest blessed by royalty, merely to hunt orcs, did sound suspicious.
But no matter how hard I thought, there was nothing that stood out.
Even the noblewomen I'd interacted with were merely figures sidelined in politics, seeking solace in social gatherings.
There wasn't anyone among them with the power to deploy adventurers to the Obernu Forest.
"Well, I don't know where such talk started, and it's not bad that the request went to you guys. There are quite a few in the Knight Division who recognize your skills."
"It sounds like it won't be an issue then. We will explore the forest as planned and deal with the orcs."
"That's the spirit. By the way, Roland, this sinful friend of mine. When you came to the capital last time, you didn't happen to charm some noble princess*, did you?"
"Out of the blue, a noble princess... What?"
I involuntarily turned towards Kaiden at this abrupt remark.
Suddenly, my eyes inadvertently darted towards Kaiden.
A young noble princess 'Sword Princess' Kaiden, was sitting right at our table, listening.
It wasn't just me; Han Se-ah's gaze also unmistakably shifted to Kaiden.
Thankfully, Kaiden's attention was firmly on James, so she didn't catch our suspicious reactions.
And, adding to our luck, the utterly clueless James laughed off the situation and redirected the conversation.
"Well? Sending adventurers to a blessed forest would require considerable influence. Roland, Ive heard about how popular you are among the ladies in the capital. Rumor has it that a high-ranking lady fell in love at first sight and wanted to see you again."
"Really, to that extent?"
"Of course! The exploits of a free-spirited adventurer have always been popular among nobles. Tales of hunting foxes in a forest versus battling monsters in vast plains are worlds apart. Add to that, you have a face more handsome than most young lords in the capital. Itd be strange if you werent popular."
It was evident that James enjoyed the limelight, especially with Graces encouragement.
Grace herself seemed eager for more tales, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Irene looked mildly entertained, but Kaiden seemed utterly disengaged from the conversation.
The focus in her eyes blurred, her lips parting slightly.
Anyone could tell she was lost in thought.
Even as Han Se-ah stared intently at her, turning her head to get a better view, she seemed completely oblivious, deep in contemplation.
'Could it be? A character quest intertwined with a side quest?'
Considering the order, I thought the secret of the 'Saint Candidate' would be unveiled before that of the 'Sword Princess'.
Of course, it might not come to light even after reaching the capital.
Her current reaction felt like... a teaser for an unfolding story.
Irene, who had been listening politely, noticed Kaiden's distant expression.
"Oh my, Kaiden? Are you tired...?"
"Ah, yes?"
"You must be tired from the day's carriage ride. How about you go up and rest? We can send food to your room."
The vacant gaze, the restless fingers, and lips slightly parted more than usual.
Upon hearing the term 'noble princess', Kaiden's face turned pale.
Irene, thinking it was the after-effects of the carriage journey, offered a gentle smile.
The usual Kaiden would have just silently held her ground, insisting she was fine.
However, noticeably affected by the mention of 'princess', she gives a faint nod.
"I'll head up and rest for a bit."
With a humble bow, Kaiden wobbly makes her way up the stairs, disappearing from view.
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Raei Translations
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Filling his stomach with a warm stew rich in meat and then spending some time web surfing in bed, the day brightens as the coachman readies the carriage again.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Yes. After resting for a full day, I'm much better."
While Irene lightly ate her soup, she stayed close to Kaiden's side, looking after her attentively.
Given that Kaiden tends to be quite reserved and doesnt talk much, she seems to think she wouldn't show his fatigue or pain.
Treating Kaiden like a stubborn child, she stays close to him.
Perhaps it's because she's in her male disguise, but she appears slightly flustered by Irene being so close, the first person to do so.
The atmosphere between the two women was growing warm and pleasant when
"Roland! Why don't you get off the carriage and run with me?"
"Are you crazy?"
James, my greatest admirer and someone who seems to have let muscles replace his brain, was trying hard to have me run by his side.
The journey from the city of adventurers to the capital takes roughly two days.
Given that this rest stop is about halfway, suggesting we run on foot for the remaining distance doesn't sound like something a sane person would say.
I understand that the carriage is just big enough for our group and can't accommodate any more, but... to suggest running.
"I prefer comfort, so you can run on your own."
"You always say that, but I know you never take the easy path! Your perfect physique is proof!"
"Ugh, damn it."
That was when I naively relied on my strong body and acted recklessly.
Now, I simply want to sit back in the carriage and catch up on the videos I've missed.
From various game streams to playthroughs of games I'm not familiar with, there's so much to watch.
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