I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

The plan had been completely disrupted.

Originally, Nero intended to take on a monster-hunting quest, but running into Darkness had thrown everything off track.

To make matters worse, Darkness recognized her. Nero had assumed that without Alice by her side, even if she encountered Darkness, it wouldn't be a big deal.

Still, being discovered by Darkness wasn't entirely bad.

Nero knew that bringing Alice along would have caused a massive uproar back in the royal capital. Given Alice's importance, her disappearance would have thrown the entire kingdom into chaos.

If Nero truly wanted to remain undetected, she would have acted far more discreetly. Instead, she had carried on boldly, almost inviting attention.

"So, there's no need for you to treat me like a criminal," Nero said, glancing back at Darkness with a calm expression. "I only brought Alice out to have a little fun. It's not as though we're not going back."

"But what you did was too reckless," Darkness replied coldly. "Taking Princess Alice without informing anyone—do you have any idea how dire the consequences could be if something happened to her?"

Nero's gaze grew peculiar at Darkness's words.

"Aren't you the one who ran away from home yourself? With what authority are you chastising me?"

"I-I… I had my reasons!" Darkness stammered.

Nero, of course, knew exactly what those "reasons" were.

Darkness had carefully hidden her masochistic tendencies from her father and suitors. Her father had tried to set her up with suitors who were perfect on paper—kind, handsome, wealthy—but none of them were remotely within her "strike zone."

Darkness had once openly admitted her ideal partner: a grotesque, lecherous drunkard who would treat her cruelly. She fantasized about marrying such a man, enduring his abuse, and pleading with him not to squander their money on gambling—only to be berated, degraded, and used further.

Though, eventually, she fell hopelessly in love with Kazuma.

Because she despised overly perfect suitors, Darkness had fled her noble life and started fresh in Axel as an adventurer.

Despite her infamous masochistic nature, Darkness was surprisingly serious around Nero—likely because the situation involved Alice. She didn't want to tarnish the good image Alice had of her by revealing her true self.

Darkness had originally come to Axel with Chris, but now she stuck close to Nero.

It was clear she wouldn't leave Nero alone until she saw Alice safe and sound.

"Honestly, I'm not going anywhere," Nero muttered.

"Even if you claim to have good intentions, taking Princess Alice without permission is a serious crime. We can't just trust you," Darkness said firmly.

"You're mistaken. My words are law. My actions are justice. After all, I am a tyrant. Hm!" Nero responded with a confident smirk.

As they walked toward the inn where Nero and Alice had been staying, Darkness's reaction was unexpectedly strong upon seeing the building.

"You let Princess Alice stay in a place like this?!" Darkness exclaimed.

"If I, the Emperor of Rome, can stay here, why can't the princess? If you have complaints, go ahead and voice them, though I don't plan to listen," Nero said, her imperial demeanor on full display.

Once they reached the room, Nero flopped onto the bed unceremoniously.

"Alice and Yunyun might not return for a while. If you don't mind waiting, you're welcome to join me," Nero said casually.

She had suggested earlier that Darkness could leave and wait for news, promising to contact her once Alice returned. Unsurprisingly, Darkness refused, determined to keep a close eye on Nero until Alice's safety was confirmed.

Not that Nero minded. Having a beautiful and well-dressed noblewoman like Darkness around was hardly a bad thing. Despite her eccentricities, Darkness had top-tier looks and a figure that had undoubtedly drawn many suitors.

As Darkness paced the small room, she seemed curious about the place Alice had been staying.

"You've been staying here with Alice these past few days?" Darkness asked.

"Indeed," Nero replied with a nod.

"This place is so cramped—it's like a prison."

"There's a difference. This room is probably smaller than a prison cell," Nero said with a teasing smile.

Darkness froze for a moment, caught off guard. Nero continued, her tone playful yet sincere.

"Though, to be fair, I did suggest renting two rooms at first. But Alice insisted we share one." Nero chuckled softly, recalling the memory. "With the expression she gave me, how could I say no?"

"...Princess Alice trusts you that much?" Darkness's face twisted with a mix of emotions.

However, her hostility and suspicion toward Nero seemed to be gradually fading.

"Of course, she trusts me," Nero said brightly, tilting her head slightly. "Why wouldn't she? I am nothing if not trustworthy!"

"You're… incredibly arrogant, you know that?" Darkness finally said after staring at Nero for a long moment.

"To underestimate others or overestimate oneself—that is arrogance," Nero replied confidently. "But I don't do either. Every word of praise I give, whether for others or myself, is truthful and fair. I don't make such mistakes."

Darkness glanced out the window. The sun was high in the sky, its rays blazing fiercely.

"Hungry?" Nero asked. "This inn serves meals, though the food here isn't as good as the guild's. Still, it's cheaper and more convenient."

"I don't need—" Darkness paused mid-sentence, reconsidering. "No, I'll have something."

After a brief silence, Darkness hesitantly asked, "After lunch… could you tell me about how you've been spending your time with Princess Alice?"

Nero's emerald eyes sparkled as she smiled warmly.

"Of course. I'd be happy to."