I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

"Hmm! So thou wishest to know my name?"

Nero's opinion of Kazuma was… mixed. Not particularly favorable, but not entirely unfavorable either.

Sure, he was a bit lecherous, cowardly, and sleazy. Yet those very flaws made him feel more dimensional, more human. Perhaps that was why so many people liked him. Compared to those overly perfect protagonists, Kazuma was a more relatable, living, breathing person.

He had plenty of strengths, but his weaknesses were just as abundant. Brave in critical moments, yet often a letdown elsewhere.

"Very well! Listen closely and remember it well, for it is an honor to know the name of I!"

Straightening her posture, Nero raised her swan-like neck, her melodious voice ringing like the song of a nightingale.

"I am the Flower of Olympia, Emperor of Rome—Nero Claudius!"

"Radiant as the red rose, noble as the ruby!"

Though she was likely being hunted frantically back in the capital, along with Alice whom she'd brought along, Nero had no intention of concealing her identity.

Hiding in fear? Such a notion was laughable for the illustrious Emperor Nero. She would always remain resplendent, standing tall and proud.

"That said, apart from my imperial identity, I am currently working as an adventurer in this town for certain reasons. You may simply call me Nero."

Smiling faintly at Kazuma, Nero added, "I've only recently become an adventurer, so perhaps thou hast more experience than I."

Nero wasn't just being polite—she had her reasons for saying so. When she registered as an adventurer, the receptionist, Luna, had mentioned that someone before her possessed even higher magical power than her own.

As a Servant, Nero's magical power was rated at B—not the highest compared to A or the exceptional EX, but far from weak. Without sufficient magic, she couldn't even use her Noble Phantasms, such as her Reality Marble.

Even the famed Crimson Demon genius, Megumin, likely didn't surpass Nero in magical power. The only one who might was the so-called goddess, Aqua, who had been dragged down to the mortal world by Kazuma.

It was true Nero hadn't been an adventurer for long, but Kazuma probably wouldn't believe her. After all, her demonstrated strength didn't resemble that of a rookie adventurer.

Should she explain?

No, it didn't seem necessary.

Kazuma, meanwhile, prepared to drag Aqua away. The two had barely stepped out of the beginner's area—not even leaving the "starter village" properly—only to almost be wiped out by giant frogs, monsters even rookie adventurers could handle. The humiliation was palpable.

Watching the two slime-covered companions, Nero couldn't help recalling Megumin, who had yet to find proper teammates.

"I have a suggestion for thee," Nero said. "Seek out one or two more comrades. Though sharing rewards with more people reduces earnings, it makes battling monsters easier and ensures thy safety. A party of four is ideal."

Kazuma had already been contemplating recruiting teammates—his current sole companion, Aqua, was simply too unreliable. Hearing Nero's advice only solidified his resolve.

Before dragging Aqua off, Kazuma stole one last glance at Nero.

Her silky golden hair shimmered like radiant sands, framing her crimson dress embroidered with golden threads along the hem and sleeves, exuding an aura of opulence. Even her boots gleamed like polished gold.

She was breathtaking, a vision that seemed almost unreal in its beauty.

Her peculiar manner of speech only added to her charm in Kazuma's eyes, making her feel all the more endearing.

She was so dazzling, Kazuma felt unworthy of her presence. Earlier, he had been so nervous speaking to her that he nearly bit his tongue.

If she existed in his former world, suitors would probably queue from Japan to America just for the chance to talk to her. Someone like him, utterly average in every way, would never even be permitted to speak to her.

The bitter truth stung—but truth often did.

Honestly, Nero felt more like a true goddess than Aqua did. With her stunning appearance, dependable nature, and compelling words, she easily outshone Aqua, who seemed more like a fraud.

Kazuma couldn't help but glance at Aqua again.

If I sold her off, could I get Nero to join my party instead?

Of course, Nero couldn't read minds and had no idea Kazuma was mentally comparing her to Aqua.

At the moment, she was lost in thought, wondering how Alice and Yunyun were doing in town.

Nero had invited Yunyun to join their group, not because of her strength—though their two-person team of Nero and Alice already surpassed any adventurer squad in power.

Alice was the strongest human in this world, and Nero, with her record of battling Awakened Beings, was an equally formidable Servant. Their party could likely storm the Demon King's castle outright.

But Nero had invited Yunyun so Alice and Yunyun could each have a peer, a true friend of the same age.

To most people, Alice was first and foremost the royal princess, making genuine friendships nearly impossible. Meanwhile, Yunyun had grown up in the Crimson Demon Village, surrounded by eccentrics. As the only relatively normal one, she too struggled to connect with others.

Megumin might count as Yunyun's friend… though that stubborn tsundere would never admit it.

"Hmm! I do hope those two become close friends. Both Alice and Yunyun are such sweet children."

Nero's purpose in bringing Alice along was to fulfill her wishes. Becoming an adventurer had already been checked off the list, but making friends was another of Alice's dreams.

Lost in thought, Nero's gaze sharpened suddenly.

She sensed an unusual magical presence rapidly approaching.

A massive shadow fell over them, prompting everyone to look up.

It was a creature with vast leathery wings that blotted out the sun, its dark metallic skin gleaming ominously.

With a hulking body that seemed capable of crushing an ogre with ease, horns and sharp fangs that exuded menace, there was no mistaking its identity.

It was a demon.

Though unfamiliar with this world's specific demon ranks, Nero could easily tell this one was formidable.

The towering demon descended, its wings stirring gusts of wind that bent the grass beneath them.

Lowering its massive head, its eyeless sockets scanned Nero, the strangely motionless Aqua, and finally Kazuma, whose face had gone as pale as a ghost.

Then, to their astonishment, the demon opened its mouth and spoke.

"Ah, my apologies. Did I frighten you?"

…It seemed oddly polite?

---

"Gar~de! Voir voir."

- Gardevoir

(End of Bonus Chapter—If you like my work, consider supporting me at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)