Right now, I am in the middle of a huge room filled with furniture made with gold, or at least covered in gold. There are two huge bed in the middle of the room with a gold closet in the side and a large bookshelf in front. This is the room that King Targon offered us.

I tried to rest, but the sheer grandiose-ness of the bed make me feel uncomfortable despite of it being a very fluffy bed. I don’t know why, but every time I try to find the right spot, I ended up wanting to sleep in the floor. I guess that’s natural considering that I have never slept in such a huge bed like this before in my entire life. My body seems to adapt to me sleeping on grassy plains and inn’s bed ever since I was transported in this world.

I looked at Eri who’s in the other bed, and it looks like she’s not a fan of the bed either.

“Hey Eri, are you ok?”

“And what, in all of these mess, makes you think that I’m ok?”

“So, that’s a no?”

Eri glared at me with killing intent.

“Uhm…”

I shut my mouth so that I wouldn’t carelessly tick off the wild bomb next to me. Even more so when Eri’s pent-up anger is partly my fault.

Silence filled the entire room as I lie in my bed. Lying in bed in silence makes me notice small and rather insignificant details in the room. Like the cobwebs in the corner of the ceiling, and the patterns in the wall. By the looks of the room, I could say that this room hasn’t been used in a long time. I guess this room is reserved only for those that has incredible influence like royalties or, perhaps, previous heroes. This might be suitable for the aforementioned people, but for a party like Eri and Me, I don’t think that this will be a very comfortable stay for us.

Time slowly passed by while were lying on the bed. I can’t tell how much time had passed but it felt like hours when you can’t relax.

Finally, I heard a deep sigh beside me. I look beside me and saw Eri sitting on the side of her bed, facing me.

“So?”

I sat at the side of my bed facing her.

“So what?”

“What’s the plan now?”

“Plan?”

“Plan! What are we going to do now? Should we escape stealthily or just hack and slash our way out? I personally want to behead that coward king, but if you want to take him as hostage, then I’ll just beat him until he’s almost dead.”

“First of all, can you stop talking about killing every single time? Not everything can be solved by killing. Second, I really have no plan, at all. Heck, I didn’t even think that we’d end up in Grandiosa, you know. Right now, I just want to go with the flow and avoid getting involved in needless fights. That’s why I will participate in the ball. Besides, it is better to gain allies than enemies, right?”

“Is it really better? I can deal with those weaklings easily. I can’t even think of any benefits that we could gain if they became our ally.”

“I understand what you’re saying. It’s true that you can easily annihilate all of them without breaking a sweat. But what would we gain from that action? Only the Animosity of others towards us and a wanted poster, that’s all. Personally, I don’t want to kill anyone if it can be avoided. I don’t want to dirty my hands only because they pissed me off a little. I might not look like it but I appreciate life. I don’t want to view others with prejudice towards their gender, race or anything that can be used to discriminate others. If Grandiosa became our ally, on the other hand, we will have an entire kingdom to back us up, not that we need them, but it might become handy in the future.”

“Even if you said that… You still killed my former comrades and the demons that attacked Oreius, not that I care about them.”

“I killed those Demon Generals and the Demon King because they show animosity towards me first. I killed the demons that wants to invade Oreius because I don’t want to see innocent people die. They attacked a Town, it’s only natural that there will be casualties, the only difference is that, all the casualties came from their forces, not ours.”

“So, we won’t be doing anything at all?”

“That’s right… is what I want to say, but if we still idle, that won’t be fun at all. For now, let’s stay calm and follow their lead. I am sure that something’s already brewing in this kingdom, particularly, surrounding our arrival. I am certain that there will be factions who will not agree with how I do things, all the more so since I have a demon companion, and a former Demon King General at that.”

“You mean, an opposition towards you, A Hero?”

“Yeah. And this will be the fun part, -”

I looked at Eri with anticipation.

“- I want you to deal with those guys.”

It seems that I got Eri’s attention with those words, she’s now looking at me with curiosity.

“Hoho, so that’s what this talk’s about, huh? But won’t it contradict what you said earlier?”

“No, not at all. I mean, you’re the one who will do it, after all. Besides, once they bare their fangs on me and you, that will be the final mistake that they will make in their whole lives…”

No reply from Eri.

“You know, Final Mistake because they will die, right? You got it?”

“Just stop. That’s not even funny. But, I can’t help but get excited just by thinking about it. It might not satiate me in full, but that will do… for now.”

“For now?”

As if trying to avoid the topic, she looked away for a moment and looked at me again.

“Don’t worry about it. By the way, how long do we have to wait inside this uncomfortable room? They said that they would send someone to pick us up and prepare us for the ball, right?”

“That, I’m not sure either. There’s no clock in this castle so I don’t know how much time had passed.”

“Clock? What’s that?”

“A tool from my world that tells time.”

“…”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not that important. No need for you to know.”

“Are you mocking me?”

“No, I’m not, I’m not.” I replied sarcastically.

Suddenly, the Door burst open and 4 people entered. 3 Female Lareans and a Beastfolk.

One of them dressed more proper than the others, looks like she’s the leader. The Leader stepped forward and bowed, the three others followed the Larean leader and bowed as well.

“Greetings, esteemed hero and his companion. I am the head of the Maid operations of this household, Lori Lalatei. It’s a pleasure to meet the both you.”

Lori once again bowed.

“I have brought 3 of the best maids of this household to assist the two of you in preparing for the ball.”

The three other maids introduced themselves.

“Good afternoon, Sir Hero, I’m Leila Hana.”

“Frela Florel.”

“Uhm… Erm… M-my name ith -”

She bit her tongue.

Yup, she bit her tongue.

“U-Uhm… Erm… My n-name is Ayaka Nagi.”

Lori continues.

“It’s a pleasure to work for the both of you. Do you have any questions?”

Eri looked at me. Well, I don’t have any questions, but I have to confirm something.

I stood up and head towards the Fox-eared Beastfolk.

“Your name is Nagi, right?”

“Yes! -“

She looked surprised, but quickly returned to her meek self.

“- Uhm… I mean, yes sir. But how did you know? I am always being mistaken as Ayaka by other people. Are you familiar with us, beastfolk?”

“Kind of? Well, I have a Beastfolk companion back at Oreius so… that’s it, I guess?”

Well, not really. I don’t even know Izuna’s Surname. I don’t even know if Izuna is her given name or surname. I just took a wild guess since the name reminds me of a Japanese name, with their Surname-first-Given name-last.

“Well, I just want to make sure, really. I have no further questions, Eri?”

“None.”

“Well, that’s about it.”

Lori then approached me.

“It’s time, Sir. You need to start preparing. Nagi and I will be your helpers.”

She then looked at the two remaining Lareans in the room.

“Leila, Frela. Take care of the hero’s companion”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Ok.”

They both replied.

Leila and Frela proceeded to guide Eri out of the room.

“Wait, where are they taking her?”

“Sir, the preparations of a Lady is different from yours.”

“But, is there a need for us to be separated?”

“Of course! A Lady needs to prepare, and when I say prepare, I mean extravagantly.”

I can’t help but sigh. I really don’t want her out of my sight, to be honest. I’m worried about everyone else in this castle once they ticked her off.

“Sir, let’s begin our preparation.”

“Okay.”

Lori murmured something loud enough for me to hear.

“This’ll be fun.”

“Wait, what?”

“Nothing, let’s begin, shall we?”

I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.

“You look great, Hero!”

“Really? So, is this the right one?”

“No! next!”

“Wait, you just said I look good, right?”

“Yes, you look good, but good is not enough. You need to be the best person in the hall since you’re the main Man of the Night!”

“*sigh* Will this even end?”

Hour or two have passed, I guess, since we’ve started preparing. Until now, I still have nothing to wear. I am starting to get exhausted, really. Basically, I’ve become a dress-up doll for Lori. She will point to a set of clothes for me to try then Nami will help me get dressed. That’s what happened since we started.

“Hey, this far too long even for someone special. What about the ball?”

“I guess they are waiting for you right now.”

“Hey! Hurry up!”

“Don’t worry, the Man of the night always arrives late, after all.”

“There are plenty to worry! Come on, Lori, let’s get this over with.”

Lori crossed her arms and seems to be thinking. After that, she sighed and looked at me.

“Okay then, Hero. This is what you’ll be wearing.”

Lori handed Nagi the clothes. Nagi looked at Lori with concern.

“Uhm… Are you sure about this, ma’am?”

“Of course! That’s really what I want the Hero to wear, the others that he tried were just for my amusement.”

“Huh?!”

“Well, never mind that. Nagi, help the Hero wear that.”

“Y-yes ma’am!”

Nagi helped me wear the clothes that Lori provided me. As soon as I am done wearing the clothes, I looked at the mirror. What I saw was really… unexpected.

I was wearing a glossy looking black long-sleeves with white highlights and what appears to be cotton or white feather, whatever, surrounding the hem in the wrist, the pants were also black with white highlights, black shoes that looks like it’s made with animal skin and a white cape on my side, covering the left part of my body. Everything looks like it was made with only the exclusive materials. I was overwhelmed on how simple, yet jaw-dropping the clothes were.

“Just like what I thought! It’s gotta be Black, I’m right!”

Lori looks like she’s celebrating or whatever while Nagi looked at me with amazement.

“I… don’t know what to say. Lori, Nagi, thanks for helping me preparing. This looks really good on me!”

“Right? That suits you really good. Now, get going! Don’t let your companion and the crowd wait any longer.”

Lori pushed me out of the room and pointed me to where the Dance Hall is. She then slammed the door on me.

“That’s our room, right? *sigh*”

I head towards the Dance Hall where the party is being held.

The corridors where noticeably empty. There are also various painting hanging in the wall, some are self-portrait and others are different things and places. Everything gives an expensive vibe around them, no less from a real castle. This corridor alone might have cost thousands of gold coins from the paintings alone.

Soon after, I heard the music playing at the end of the corridor. Looks like the party has started. I walked faster to reach the hall immediately. As I stepped foot on the Hall, all eyes were on me. Everyone looks confused. Looks like they don’t know who I am yet.

The King then looked at my direction then smiled.

“Everyone! May I have your attention?”

Everyone looked at the King.

“The Ball tonight is held to celebrate the arrival of the Hero who slayed the Demon King Troskaldt. Let us welcome, Sir Johannes Aarvold, The Hero of Laotea!”

He then pointed at me, causing everyone to look at me. Suddenly, the Hall is filled with cheering and applause.

I can hear different cheers from every person in the room. Some were thanking me, some were praising me and others are shouting my name or their cheers.

“Sir Johannes, would you mind offering a cheer?”

I head up front and looked at the crowd.

“Everyone, I offer my thanks to all of you who came in this ball. I thank all of you for the warm welcome. And for the King, I thank you for letting us visit Grandiosa. I can only say that Grandiosa is a really beautiful Kingdom with a very welcoming citizens. Let’s enjoy this night and have fun. Cheers!”

“““Cheers!”””

Everyone was in the mood for the party. After I left the stage, the music resumed and the people started to talk to each other, is what I thought.

After I went down and settle in a corner, several people came to me.

“So, you’re the Hero huh.”

“Oh, he looks so valiant!”

“No wonder the Demon Lord doesn’t stand a chance.”

They bombarded me with praise and greetings that I became overwhelmed.

“Uhm… I apologize for being rude but, who are you all?”

“Oh! We apologized for the late introduction. We are the lords of this Kingdom.”

“Lords?! I apologize for my rudeness. I appreciate all your praises.”

The Lords then started praising me again.

“As expected of the Hero!”

“He’s even humble!”

“What a really good man.”

“Oh, how I wish he could marry my daughter.”

The moment someone said those words, the lords stared among themselves then looked at me.

“You can marry my daughter, if you want!”

“Please marry my daughter!”

“My daughter is exquisitely beautiful, I’ll gladly give her hands to you.”

Those are just some of the proposals I received from the lords about marrying their daughter. I am starting to get uncomfortable by now, they’re endorsing their daughters to me without their consents. I can’t help but feel sympathy for those girls.

Suddenly, A voice called out on me.

“Sir Johannes?”

I looked and saw the King,

“Your Highness! What’s the matter?”

“Can I talk to you?”

The moment the King said that, all the lords dispersed and I was left with the King.

“What do you want to talk about, your highness?”

“You see, I want you to meet someone.”

“And who might it be.”

“You’ll see.”

A girl approached us. She was wearing a yellow gown that reflects the light in the hall. She’s also really beautiful. So beautiful, it seems dreamlike.

“Johannes, I want you to meet my Daughter, Lorelei. Lorelei, this is Johannes, the Hero of Laotea.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Brave and Esteemed Hero. I am Lorelei Targon, Daughter of Lucar Targon, the King.”

Her voice is hypnotizing, just like the origin of her name. She has an aura of someone with high regards to themselves and that shows in her talking as well. She looks dreamy and troubled at the same time, contributing to her cold yet beautiful persona.

She’s a bona fide Princess, is what I thought.

“Pleased to meet you, Princess Lorelei.”

“Lorelei, I want you to accompany Sir Johannes for a little while. I’ll just greet the other nobles.”

“I’ll gladly do it, Father.”

“Well then. Lorelei, Sir Johannes, I’ll be going.”

“Your Majesty.”

I bowed to the King before he goes. After that, I looked at Lorelei.

I don’t know what to say! It’s awkward!

“Uhm… Sir Hero?”

“Your Majesty, can you please stop addressing me as Hero? You can call me Hans, instead.”

“Okay Sir Hans. If so, then I implore you to stop addressing me as a majesty or a princess, as well. Just call me Lorelei.”

“Okay, Miss Lorelei.”

“No! just Lorelei.”

“Uhm… If that’s what you want… Lorelei.”

“Good, Sir Hans.”

“You can drop the sir now.”

“No can do. I like calling you this way, after all.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Okay then. So, Sir Hans, where are you from?”

I offered the Princess a seat before I sit as well.

“I’m from a faraway land, you see. Where science governs everything.”

“How intriguing. Are you a noble in your land?”

“Actually, the concept of Royalty in our land is not common. It is practiced on some parts but majority is being govern by the people.”

“Govern by the people? How does that work?”

“In short, the well-being of the people is a top priority, not the one in power. The one who hold the power is selected by the people and if they don’t want him, they can replace him.”

“That sounds barbaric.”

“Not at all, Everyone is equal and free. That’s a really wonderful place for me.”

“As expected of the Hero. You prioritize your people than power. I like that side of you.”

She then sticks close to me while looking at me in the eyes and trying to appeal. To be honest, I can fall for her any minute because of her features. But there’s something that’s keeping me from falling.

“Thanks, Lorelei.”

“If you want, we can discuss it personally in my room. We can also do something else, if you want. I will allow it, if it’s you.”

She then tried to kiss me. Seriously, I am so close at grabbing the opportunity. She’s so beautiful, and I’m a Hero, what’s wrong with that. But I can’t.

Before her lips reached mine, I whispered something to her.

“Can we please stop this, Lorelei, no, Princess?”

She opened her eyes and looked at me.

“What are you saying?”

“If you really want to, then I’ll gladly accept your offer. It’s really appealing, after all.”

“Then why?”

“Because Princess, Uhm, Lorelei. Because you looked like you’re hurting.”

“Wha-”

“You can’t hide your feelings to me. after all, it’s written on your face.”

The Princess looked shocked.

“So, can we please stop this now, Lorelei?”

“But… Father will-”

“Let’s forget about your father. Right now, I don’t want to see you hurting.”

After that, she teared up.

I reached in my pocket and get a handkerchief.

“Here. If you don’t mind, would you like to tell me more about yourself and the source of your sadness?”

She stared at me in spite of her, tearing up, as if she’s trying to determine whether I’m trustworthy or not. After a few moments, she started talking.

“It’s an unrequited love, you see. The Apple of my eyes, my dearest, is the Prince of Farendal. He’s a Prince of a Human Kingdom while I’m the Princess of a Larean Kingdom.”

“Are Humans and Lareans not on good terms?”

“Not really, but Lareans can’t trust Humans. Before the Demon King’s reign, Lareans and Humans are enemies. They treat each other with hostility. But since the start of the reign of the Demon King, all the Kingdoms joined forces, of course, Humans and Lareans too. Despite of that, the scars left from the countless fighting hasn’t been healed. That’s why, even though not boldly, the two races still harbor hatred towards each other.”

“And you fell in love with the Human Prince. That’s why it’s unrequited. Your father won’t agree.”

“That’s right.”

“Mind telling me about how you two met?”

“Sure.”

She looked like she’s reminiscing while talking to me.

The story goes like this: The Human Prince named Raphael saw the unconscious and injured Lorelei while he’s travelling. He disposed of the Demons and helped Lorelei. She was brought to a Manor to rest and get treated. At first, Lorelei do not trust Raphael. But still, he continued to nurse her. As time goes by, they got to know each other, and at the same time, the seeds of love began to grow in their heart. After Lorelei was completely treated, she said her goodbye to Raphael and promised him that they will meet again. Lorelei went back home and told her father that she was ambushed. Before she can tell the whole story, her father pointed the blame on humans. It’s not after Lorelei explained that Demons are at fault that her father stopped accusing the Humans. But still, the look in her father’s eyes made her afraid to tell him about Raphael, the human who saved her, the one that she loves.

“What a bittersweet story.”

“Some nights, I thought ‘if I were not a princess, will we be able to nurse this love into fruition?’ But I can’t just compromise my kingdom just because of my feelings. That’s why I keep it hidden.”

While she’s looking at me, waiting for my reaction, it reminds me of something.

“You know, your story reminds me of yet another story from where I came from. Two kindred spirits, born from opposite families.”

“What happened to them?”

Well, I can’t say that they both commit suicide. That would ruin the mood. Why did Shakespeare made that story a tragedy, I wonder?

“Uhm… they faced every problems and oppositions until the love they have were realized, resulting to uniting of their families.”

“Really?”

“Yes?”

“I see. I wish that I, We, can also do it. Both of us.”

“Uhm, I don’t think you would want to be like them.”

“Why is that? They fought until their love won, right?”

“I mean, you can…surpass them? Right! You can surpass them!”

“Do you think we can?”

“Yes! Of course!”

“Thank you, Hans. -”

She held my hands and thanked me, with tears in her eyes.

“- You gave me the courage that I need, the push that I need. Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, Lorelei. Also, one more thing. Avoid any medicine that slows your heart beat or poison or any sharp weapon if you can.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Just to be sure. Don’t worry about it. Just steer clear of those things.”

The Princess looked at me for a moment then she burst on laughter.

“HAHAHAHAHA! You’re a weird one, Hans.”

“That’s rude!”

“That’s a complement, you know.”

“I don’t know about that.”

“I know! Can we be friends, Hans?”

“Are you an idiot? We’re already friends, right?”

“HAHAHAHAHA! You really are a weird one. No one will even think of telling the princess that she’s an idiot.”

“That’s just who I am, I can’t change that.”

“I think I know your personality now. Don’t change! I like you that way. Thanks Hans, thanks for being my friend.”

“Sure! If you need my help, just call me and I’ll come to your aide.”

“Thank you, Hans.”

The princess smiled. The first genuine smile that I saw from her.

“Can I change my mind? I want to accept your offer from before.”

She looked at me, blushing.

“Forget about it!”

She hit me lightly. After that, we both laugh. She’s more likeable now when she smiles genuinely.

“Oh, the two of you are already close, huh.”

The King was in our backs without us noticing.

“Yes father. Hans became my friend!”

I can see discontentment on the Kings eyes. Looks like she’s the one who ordered Lorelei to seduce me.

“Really? That’s good to hear!”

“That’s right, your highness. Thanks for allowing us to talk.”

“No problem.”

The King glared at Lorelei for a moment. He probably thinks I didn’t notice it.

“Well then, I’ll leave you two be.”

“Okay, your majesty.”

Lorelei didn’t reply, while the King walked away.

I can see that Lorelei is scared. Looks like she’s afraid of her father. That’s why I decided to help her.

“Lorelei, I want to give you something.”

She looked at me as if nothing happened.

“What is it?”

I materialized a small bag. Lorelei appears to be amazed about what just happened.

“This is my ability. I can materialize everything that I can imagine.”

“What a powerful and useful ability.”

“Right? Anyways, this is what I want to give you.”

I materialized a bracelet, a taser gun, a dagger with a very sharp edge like my wakizashi, and a smartphone like the ones I gave to Izuna.

“This bracelet will create a barrier that will protect the wielder to any attack and will reflect the attack to the attacker. But this bracelet is not that durable if you were to defend yourself in a fight with a strong magic user or in any strong physical attacks so be careful.”

I put the bracelet on her wrist.

“Next is this, A Taser gun. Basically, it’s like a staff but you can aim with it and if you pull the trigger, -”

I showed her where the trigger is.

“- it will launch two wires that will connect to your target and electrocute it until they are unfit for combat. You can charge it again with thunder magic.”

I gave her the taser gun.

“next is this dagger. Be careful because that is a very sharp one. The sharpest that can be created. If you think it is necessary, then use this dagger. It can even cut other swords. Be careful in using it.”

I hand over the dagger to her.

“Lastly, this is a smartphone. You can do many things with that. But the main purpose of that is to contact me in case of emergency.”

I hand over the smartphone.

“You’re really giving this all to me?”

“Yes, because I know that you will use it as you deemed fit. Remember, all of this is not for bragging but for your protection. Don’t brag it to someone, they might want to steal it from you if you’re not careful. That’s all, I hope that you won’t have to use that, but if it comes to that, then I’ll help you.”

Lorelei became teary-eyed again.

“Thank you very much. I can’t express how much I want to thank you for all your concern.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just live your life. I’ll be there to support you. Besides, that’s what friends are for, right?”

“Really, thank you.”

“If you’ll excuse me now, Lorelei. I still need to find my companion.”

“Okay, see you later, Hans.”

“Sure.”

I went ahead and proceeded to search for Eri.

“I thought she’d be here before me. I should’ve asked where her preparation room is.”

I continued to search for Eri in the Hall, but she’s not there.

“That Eri, I hope she’s not in a bad mood. Please, don’t attack anyone while I’m not present.”

Looks like she’s not in the Hall, might as well try to go back to our room.

I went towards the corridor heading to our room.

I was about to go when I saw someone walking towards me. As the light on the Hall began to shine on that person, it revealed who the person was. It was Eri and something’s wrong. She’s… She’s…

“Beautiful.”