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ED Note: Now I’m thinking, is it possible that Hartline is an Otherworlder too? They did have a history of Hero Summoning…
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Takashi slowly read out the title written at the top.
"'The Legend of Champion Hartline' huh?"
"Yes. Lord Hartline. He is the hero who saved this world from the once-ruling tyrannical Dragon King. Lord Hartline, despite the loss of one of his arms, fought back, and in the end, defeated the Dragon King and saved the world."
While listening to Excella's story, Takashi flipped through the book. On a double-page spread was an illustration of the tall, muscular Hartline splitting the sea in half with a slash of his sword.
The description read—
"The Champion, Hartline, with his Sacred Sword, Excaliburrus, cut the sea in two."
"What?! T-This, this is, so cool–…!"
Takashi's mouth naturally emitted an exclamation of admiration.
"I know, right!"
Excella exclaimed and clenched both fists in front of her chest, her face flushed with excitement.
"It has been passed down as a legend that a slash of Lord Hartline's sword split the sea in two! Anyway, his cool-looking figure is just so wonderful!"
Takashi was surprised to see how excited Excella was, something he had never seen before. Excella's eyes were the eyes of a woman in love.
(I see. Excella likes a manly, cool-looking man, huh.)
"Some scholars try to rationalize and say that Lord Hartline never existed, but I do not believe them! Lord Hartline absolutely did exist! It was said that Lord Hartline was the one who laid the foundation that led to the Grumbarrel Empire's establishment 300 years ago..."
Excella rattled on and on excitedly.
Takashi muttered in a whisper—
"I want to become such a cool Champion too."
Excella, in response—
"Of course you can! No! Lord Hero is already so cool-looking!"
"R-Really!?"
"Yes!"
Excella showed a big smile. Takashi felt a little embarrassed at that sight and scratched his cheek. Excella looked into Takashi's face with curiosity, wondering about his reaction.
"What's wrong, Lord Hero?"
Takashi's heart also fluttered the other day when Nephira told him he was "cool-looking."
(Yeah! I knew it! I'm happier being told that I'm cool-looking rather than cute! Alright! I'll do my best to be called as such! Like the Champion Hartline!)
"Thank you, Excella! I really do feel a little better!!"
Hearing the story of the manly Champion who saved the world, Takashi felt inspired and regained his strength.
(That's RIGHT! I need to live up to the expectations of the people I care about! I can't afford to fail over something like this!)
"First of all, we must start by rebuilding SuzukiLand! Let's go, Excella!"
He said to Excella, having thought of starting with doing the things he could do right now.
"Yes!"
At that moment, the door opened wide with a bang. The twin demons, the Meru-Kiru sisters, came barreling into the room.
"Whoa!? Meru and Kiru!?"
Takashi hurriedly hid the book behind his back as quickly as he could. He was not sure how the twins would react to seeing the book about the human Champion.
"Suzuki! I didn't know you were in a place like this! I've been looking for you all over the place!"
"Lady Nephira is calling for you—!"
They both informed Takashi with a smile.
◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
"T-The Imperial Capital again!? I just got back!?"
Takashi raised his voice upon learning from Nephira about the demon training program he was invited to attend. However, Nephira spoke to him in a serious tone, not accepting any rebuttals.
"You don't have a choice. It's an order from Lord Demon Lord. You will have to participate in the four-day, three-night demon induction course. That's already decided, and it's final."
(Just when I thought about moving forward to get Suzukiland restored to its former glory, things got messy again. Or rather…)
"You have an induction course? In spite of being fiends…"
Takashi muttered to himself, and Kiru, who was listening by his side, wrinkled her brow.
"Hey, come on, Suzuki. Do you think we're like animals, huh?"
"Ye— Ye—. My sister and I have also completed our training program as well! You know—?"
Meru's cheeks were slightly puffed up as she responded to his mutterings.
"Ah... I'm sorry."
Takashi bowed his head meekly. Indeed, he may have looked down on this world as a lagging civilization compared to Japan. Takashi reflected a little in his heart. Looking at the three of them, Nephira cleared her throat with a "Gohon."
"Anyway, a demon must be strong. I'm purposely throwing you into a den of fiends. Learn well at the demon induction course and come back well-trained."
Contrary to Nephira's dignified speech, the two sisters exclaimed happily.
"All—Right, Meru! Let's make preparations for our trip!"
"Yeah, Yeah—!"
Nephira glared at the two and sternly spoke to them.
"Denied. You gals stay behind."
""EEHH–!!""
"It is a longer length of stay than last time. It's impossible to allow two top brass leaders of the Thunder Lance Charge absent from Leirune for that duration."
"Ugh… For Real?…"
"Wait–"
The twins were not able to refute her words. Takashi, wondering, turned to Nephira and asked.
"Well, then, Nephira. Does that mean I'm going to the imperial capital alone?"