In this world, there were 21 countries led by 9 races. Separated into the east and west by a vast mountain range with only a single valley to cross between the two sides and surrounded by the vast ocean, these 9 races lived peacefully with each other for hundreds of years.

The most numerous and ingenious of the 9 races, Humans.

Blessed with long lifespans and incomparable wisdom, Elves.

Possessing traits and strength that belong to animals, Beastkins.

Short in stature but masters of craftsmanship, Dwarves.

Powerful creatures with the ability to transform, Dragons.

Born prodigies in magic and spells, Demons.

Large beings with mountainous strength, Giants.

Excelling in combat and curses, Ogres.

And living off of other’s through sexual pleasures with their seductive characteristics, Succubi.

These 9 races are the ones who had at least 1 country that was led by them.

The first 5 races lived in the west while the latter 4 lived in the east.

However, 30 years ago, an incident occurred in the east. The specific circumstances are unknown, but a ‘Demon Lord’ had taken over and united all 7 countries in the east. Consequently, this included the races living here. Aside from the Succubi who had escaped to the west, the Demons, Giants and Ogres were soon gathered under one flag.

Then, 25 years ago, the peace that lasted hundreds of years was broken by a large army from the east. Due to being surprised and unprepared, the country located right next to the mountain range and valley pass was swiftly conquered.

Refugees flocked to the bordering countries with news of an invasion. With the spread of this information, citizens panicked and fear for the 3 invading races caused many to categorize them into one word.

‘Demons’. This word no longer referred to the magically inclined race with horns on their heads and wings on their backs, but a collective term for all Giants, Ogres and Demons themselves.

For the past 25 years until today, the frontlines have remained at the borders of the 3 countries led by Humans, Elves and Beastkins as the remaining 11 countries provided support. Whether it be through troop deployments, supplies or information, these countries did their utmost to ensure that the ‘Demons’ did not break through and continue towards them.

However, a year ago, messages were sent to the oracles of 7 countries nearest to the frontlines.

“The time to summon a hero has come. We have heard your sufferings and give you the chant and process necessary to bring one who will save your country from the invading Demons.”

Apparently, each country received different chants and processes.

Also proven was that these chants and processes could not be repeated, either by the original country or another country.

“So, excluding me, there are 6 other heroes in this world who have been summoned, correct?”

I direct my question at the secretary-like lady who was currently pouring tea into an expensive-looking cup.

“That is indeed correct, hero-sama.”

“And, this country we’re in, Helgas, is right after the 3 countries fighting with the Demons?”

“That is also correct. To the south is the country of the Dragons, Farbrent. So it is completely unlikely that they will be attacked or need a hero.”

Hm? Are Dragons really that strong?

Probably from seeing the questioning look on my face, she continues speaking.

“Yes, they are very strong. However they are few in numbers and even they too can die after sustaining enough damage. To prevent this from happening, they have created a barrier that encircles their country. This barrier completely repels anything that holds impure intentions from entering Farbrent.”

“Even from underground or the sky?”

“Well, no one has ever tested it to find out but that is most likely possible.”

“I…….see.”

Closing the book with the title of ‘History So Far’ in my hand, I finish drinking the tea and head towards a nearby sofa. After having finished reading every single book about magic and combat with my inhuman processing speed, I decided to immerse myself in the history of the world I was transported to.

“May I ask something, hero-sama?”

“Hmn? Go ahead.”

“What is it……that you did to Princess Stephaly?”

Checking her pulse, I confirm that there is none.

Before answering her question, I point at the necklace the princess was previously wearing,

“Do you know the effect of that necklace?”

I question her. From the look on her face,

“Yes, I do. It nullifies any manipulation-type skill used on the princess.”

“Exactly.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, that’s right. It’s already been 5 days but I haven’t told you yet, have I?”

Shaking her head, I continue my explanation.

“You’ve seen the other people in the palace, right? Wait, no, not just the palace, even the citizens outside.”

She nods.

“The reason why everyone isn’t moving, why even though they have no pulse they are truly alive, why things that were in the air are stuck in the air, is because of my skill.”

“Skill? Are you sure it’s not magic?”

“I’m sure. How? Because she was able to attack me when I used it.”

Pointing at the unmoving princess, then to the necklace, my words start to sink into her.

I confirmed this myself.

After I made her fall asleep, I tried removing various accessories on her body and using my skill on her multiple times.

I didn’t remove her dress though, so don’t worry! I have not committed any crimes, so absolutely don’t worry!

Making excuses to no one,

“And so, when I removed the necklace and used my skill, her pulse disappeared and even after 5 days, she hasn’t awakened.”

“But why did you unfreeze me?”

She referred to herself, who I had removed from the targets of my skill.

“Well, there’s a simple reason for that. I needed someone to help me look through all the books in this palace’s library. Luckily, you were still here when the summoning took place.”

“H-ha…….”

“Oh, don’t worry! After I leave this city, I’ll unfreeze everyone.”

I reassure her about her comrades, but it seems she has another problem.

“L-leave?! You can’t!!! Who else will protect this country if the Demons break through the 3 countries?!”

Shouting at me in panic, I try to calm her down before replying.

“According to the information you received, those 3 countries also summoned their own heroes a month ago, right?”

She nods in response to my question.

“These heroes are also supposed to wield substantially more power than most inhabitants of this world, correct? And right now, there are three of them simultaneously keeping the frontlines in check. Then if all that information is accurate, the frontlines won’t be shifting any time soon. In fact, it’s even more accurate to say that the frontlines might even be pushed back to the east a month or two from now.”

I give my opinion on the current state of the war.

Looking at me with bewildered eyes, I only sigh.

“Well then, after I’m finished preparing my things and practicing the magic I learned in this library, I’ll be leaving immediately. Oh, I’ll leave a letter here before I go. Be sure to give that to the king and the princess as soon as you see it, okay?”

“Eh? Wa-wait!!!”

Standing up with an arm outstretched, she tried to grab me.

But that arm was only able to grab the air of where I once stood.

===

Wearing leather armor normally used for training, a small leather bag with a handful of coins and a sword strapped to my waist, I leave the palace without looking back.

Everything that I have are all from the palace. Previously, I unfroze a palace maid and asked her if there was anything I could take on my journey.

Without revealing my being a hero, I was able to procure everything I needed for a journey.

“What a waste……she was totally my type.”

Thinking back on the maid’s appearance and personality,

“But kidnapping’s also bad. And they might come after me once they find out I disappeared with her.”

Although the chance of that happening even if I didn’t kidnap the maid is also highly likely, I did not mind it since I could just use my skill to put a larger distance between us.

“Now then, where should I go?”

My plan after leaving the city was to just venture towards the south. I really wanted to see a living, breathing Dragon, after all. Having set a goal for now, I pass through the city wall’s south gate and head down the winding dirt road.

===

“Stop……STOP!!!”

Quickly rising up from my previously sleeping position, I start regretting it as my head becomes dizzy from the sudden motion.

“Eh? What?”

Looking around me, I wasn’t in my father’s throne room but the palace’s library.

To my left were piles of books stacked on each other. In the center was a circle big enough for one person to sit in.

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That man! He was here!

Waiting for the dizziness to disappear, I stand up from the sofa.

Thud.

Hearing a sound from a corner, I head there with a book on hand as a blunt weapon.

“I’ve got you now……..”

“Oh, princess! Good morning!”

What greeted me was not the summoned hero but the head librarian, Mariya.

“Ma-Mariya! Y-yes, good morning……wait! Where’d that man go?!?!?! Mariya, have you seen him?!”

“Do you mean hero-sama?”

My head nods furiously. That man will pay for what he did to me and my father.

“I’m not sure how long it’s really been, but the last time I saw him, he said that he would be leaving and left this letter to give to you and his highness.”

Recounting the last time she interacted with him, Mariya hands me an envelope with the royal stamp.

That man!!!! Going as far as using the exclusive stamp of the royal family!!!!!

Not caring about the letter inside, I use my bare hands to rip the envelope apart and take a piece of paper out.

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, I’ll be putting back all the books hero-sama used. Then princess.”

With those words, she disappears after turning the corner.

I open the piece of paper. Written in surprisingly neat handwriting and the Humans’ language,

‘Greetings!

By the time you are reading this letter, I have most likely arrived at the nearest town away from the city.

As for the direction of this town, that I will not state. However, you need not worry, for in the event the Demons are close to your city, I will make haste to return and defend it.

This is the least I can do for the country that has summoned me as their ‘hero’.

I have also tied up and thrown into your palace’s prison the Ogres which attacked me after I had been summoned.

Also, the nobles whom they used as disguises have been found. I placed them in various guest rooms so please take care of them once they have regained consciousness.

Lastly, regarding the skill I used upon arriving, I apologize for I cannot disclose its name nor its abilities. As you most likely will not feel its effects once used, aside from Stephaly who possesses a skill nullifying necklace, you may also need not worry about it.

I am most grateful for the chance you have given me to live in this world.

My regards,

Kinji Shirokawa’

So the hero’s name is Kinji Shirokawa, huh. Kinji……..Kinji……Shirokawa…….

“Stephaly…….Shiro……kawa………”

“Hm? Princess, what’s wrong? Your face is turning red.”

In a hurry, I turn the other way for Mariya not to see me blushing furiously.

“It---it’s nothing! Yes, yes, it’s really nothing!”

“If you say so…….your highness, Princess Shirokawa!”

“Gaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!”

I throw the book I was holding to where she was, but by that time she had already left.

“Hah……….hah……….”

While catching my breath, I notice another set of writing at the bottom of the letter.

‘PS: I apologize for the current state of your training grounds.

At the same time, I am also immensely grateful as it was the perfect place to practice my new magic and close combat techniques that I had learned from the library.’

Re-reading it several times in order to make sure that I had read it correctly.

Normally, no one would state their gratitude for using the training grounds. However, he not only thanked us for using it but also apologized for what had become of it after using it.

“If that’s the case, then---!!!”

Reaching an impossible conclusion, I hurry out of the library and head for the training grounds.

It was a ways away from the library, but with my stamina and training, I arrive in only a few minutes.

The sight there leaves me speechless.

I was not alone. Before arriving, there were already other people here. Mostly the palace guards but there were also maids and other servants who had flocked after seeing the crowd that formed.

Like me, they were also speechless.

But after seeing its current state, who wouldn’t be.

The training grounds was now littered with dozens of holes large enough to fit five grown men.

Training dummies situated against the wall either had gaping holes in them or strewn into pieces across the area.

Bricks were falling down from the walls. Some sections of the wall showed signs of melting, being frozen and even had entire parts missing.

Amongst all these debris and damage, there is only one area of the training grounds that is free from any of the sort.

A small circular area. Big enough for only one person to stand on.

“Don’t tell me, this is the result of a simple practice?!”

Saying this, I leave the training grounds.

With the purpose of hunting down the hero who had left without prior notice, I head for my father’s room to receive his permission.

===

“Denied!”

Was my plan, but an unexpected obstacle appeared, my father, the king, his highness Edgard Helgas.

After showing him the letter Kinji---the hero left for us then explaining to him my plan of bringing him back, I was instantly and swiftly rejected.

“But why?!”

“I know you are furious that he showed disrespect to us just after being summoned…….but also take note that we were the ones who unreasonably took him from his previous world, something akin to kidnapping.

“….”

“Normally, would you not show aggression towards those who kidnapped you instead of asking questions?”

“That……is true.”

“And with that, in these circumstances, we are the ones at fault.”

“But father! We did this because we are in danger of being invaded! Of being slaughtered and enslaved by the Demons!”

“That is also true. But just recently, this was not his problem. This has and always will be our problem, my daughter. The three heroes currently fighting right now all expressed their willingness to fight, so is it not surprising to see a hero who will not fight?”

“But---”

“Furthermore, did he not state that he will return if we are ever in danger of being invaded?”

“……”

“That is all for this conversation. If you have nothing else to say, you can do anything else you want, Stephaly.”

“Eh?”

“Did you not hear me? I am ordering you take a break from your duties for at least a month! I know you have been working tirelessly ever since you’ve been stationed in the borders of our country, so I think it’s only normal you are granted this opportunity.”

Realizing my father’s true intentions,

“Father, do you really mean it?!”

“But of course! Oh, and also, I believe taking a break all by yourself is lonesome, is it not? How about you take some of your friends with you? It will be more enjoyable, right?”

Saying those last few words, father shows a mischievous smile.

Although he is the king, back when he was still a young man, he had a reputation for always going off and doing anything he wanted to do.

Becoming the king reduced the amount of shenanigans he could do, but this did not stop his mischievous personality.

“I appreciate this father! You’re the best! Don’t worry, if ever there’s a sign of danger to the capital, I will return with utmost haste!”

“Hahaha! Well said Stephaly! Then, be off! And bring back my son-in-law who had run off without even signing the marriage contract!”

“Fa-father!!!”

Trying to hide my blushing face, I shout at him to stop.

Yes, there is also another reason why I intend to follow him and get him back here.

The original plan after the summoning became successful was to greet the hero, explain to him our ordeal and whatever response he gives, father would offer me as a bride to tie him down to our country.

In short, I am to become his bride………..and now, no matter the cost, I will make sure that happens!!!

“I mean, how rude! To ignore your wife on the first meeting!!!”

“Oh-hoh! My daughter, you seem to be fully willing to become his bride now! Hahahaha! What happened in that instant where the both of you disappeared from the throne room? Could it be you have already tied the knot?!”

“Fa-father! Nothing of the sort happened! It was even in the letter, right?! I fought him with all my strength, even using my Limit Breaker, and yet……….”

“Hmn?”

“He…..he……beat me! So……I just thought that…..if we could bring such a powerful person to be…….to be part of the family, won’t we gain many……..benefits?”

Muttering those words under my breath, I exit my father’s room without waiting for his reply and prepare for my journey.