Vol 1: Chapter 7: Decision in Front of The Cave

Author Note: Aleph is a pain when he gets sulky.

The Path to the Saint Legend

Decision in Front of The Cave

It was past noon, and six people were leaving the deserted town, walking along a strange path that was a bit too sketchy to be called a road, heading for their destination.

The man at the center of the four people crowded together at the front is our hero Hayato, who has been entrusted with the important task of defeating the Demon King and who carries the hopes and expectations of all mankind on his shoulders.

He is a hero among heroes, currently the talk of the town, skilled in a variety of swordsmanship, with a pure soul that does not discriminate against people, and filled with courage and kindness, known as the ideal handsome man for all women.

The two walking closely on either side of him, as if to protect him, were Aria, an expert in close combat with the skills of a sword saint, and Finne, an intelligent person with a wide range of offensive magic who possessed the skills of a sage.

The ones who stood closely behind the hero, protecting him from the rear, were the agile Lily with assassin skills. These beautiful girls combined exceptional abilities and beauty, responsibility and kindness.

They were currently heading for a place called the Fire Dragon's Cave. A famous magician from the kingdom had told them that important information for defeating the Demon King was there, so it was unlikely to be a hoax. It was unclear what was there, but it was said that there was definitely something there that would be useful in defeating the Demon King.

Now then... Far behind these great people I just explained was a man dressed in a rather shabby outfit, carrying luggage on both his hands and on his back. His name was Aleph the Porter.

It is said that he followed the hero because he admired him, but people say that he is a useless boy and a waste of his time.

Even so, the hero Hayato didn't show any sign of displeasure or chase him away, and perhaps Hayato's kindness made him feel embarrassed just being there.

It was a well-known fact from various townspeople and informants that the boy himself had pleaded to at least be allowed to carry everyone's luggage. The hero was popular throughout the country, so many people treated him coldly, thinking he was getting in the way of the hero.

That made five people, but there was one more person a little behind him. The girl that asked the hero so she can keep all of them in her sights, offering to cast defensive magic on them if necessary.

Her name is Christina. She is the current Saint, and is also known as the most beautiful and pure-hearted woman of all time.

When she comes to town, she uses her miraculous powers to heal the illnesses of poor children, and she treats those who have been persecuted for their appearance without a single frown, and there is no lie in her noble and pure nature. Many people have actually received treatment from her, and in some areas she is even more popular than the hero himself.

These six people (actually five plus one who is not a fighting force) are known as the Hero Party, a group that carries the future and hope of humanity.

On the way to the cave, the hero and the three girls with hero skills were talking happily and amicably the whole time. The man who is usually called the hero was also smiling and talking to the girls like a boy his age.

However, behind them, there was an awkward atmosphere as two people walked in silence. They were Aleph and Saint Chris. In fact, there hadn't been a conversation between them since they left the inn.

Or should I say that one of them had no intention of talking? Feeling sorry for Aleph, who hadn't had lunch, Chris tried to talk to him several times to give him the bread and other things she had hidden, but...

For some reason, Aleph is ignoring Chris, leaving her at a loss.

"...Umm, Aleph-san. I think it would be best if you eat at least a little."

But Aleph doesn't say anything. In fact, he ignores her. Still, Chris continues to talk to him.

"Please, please just look at me for just a second."

"...."

"I, I ... If I've done anything to offend you then I apologize. That's why, ... Aleph-san....."

Chris told Aleph in a weak voice, but he didn't pay any attention to her. Chris tried to talk to him over and over again, but her voice gradually started to sound like she's about to cry. What happened between the two of them?

I called the hero by his name, hoping to see Aleph's reaction, but this bastard got all sulky. I'm worried about my success! When he ignored my performance, I felt so angry my insides boiled up.

The fun cave event is coming up soon, so this is so annoying. I gave him a special service performance yesterday, and now this ...

Just like that damn hero, you just thought of me as your personal woman, didn't you? Are you two brothers?

"Why won't you tell me anything? (If you keep quiet, I have an idea for you. I'll just keep repeating the things you don't want me to say.)"

"…………"

"Could it be that Hayato-sama has something to do with this...? Did Hayato-sama say something to you? (Aleph must be crazy to get so angry over such a small thing.)"

"You! Are you saying that on purpose? Are you trying to get at me? Don't mess with me!"

Jackpot, yes, it's on purpose (laughs).

As expected, he turned towards me in a rage. His face was so funny. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong other than calling him by his name. What's there to be angry about? Am I your girlfriend?

If the inside really wasn't me, then this girl who would have been very kind to someone who was being treated badly, but when he suddenly lose his temper for no apparent reason, it would just seem like she is getting blamed for no reason, then she would slowly separate herself from him and would have been taken by the perverted hero. The misunderstanding would be in another level.

However, since I've foreseen what's to come, I'll bear with it. And I'll show you something called Aleph Cooking.

"Eh, ehhhh... (first laughs awkwardly)."

"Huh? What are you laughing at? Are you making fun of me? That's right, I'm weaker than Hayato-sama, and the only thing you enjoy doing is making fun of an ugly guy like me!"

"What?! No! That's not true! I didn't laugh thinking about that! (Then shouts denial.)"

"Well then, what is it? Tell me what's wrong!"

“That’s because Aleph-san… has finally turned his attention towards me. I’m so happy (No matter what your feelings are, I’m so happy that you turned your attention towards me! Hurry up and fall.)”

"Ugh, what is that... that's unfair."

Fuh, you've fallen. After all, Aleph is a small fry no matter how stubborn he is. With me, it's easy to settle the situation in an instant. You can praise me more.

"Finally, we're able to talk. I have a lot of questions I'd like to ask, but is it okay if I just ask one thing? (In these cases, instead of trying to find out the cause of your anger, you should just state it more simply. It's all about whether you like it or not.)"

“I'm the one who should be asking here, but… well, it’s too late now, so never mind. So, what is it?”

"Do you hate me, Aleph-san? Just this one, please answer me honestly (there's no way anyone would hate the most beautiful girl in the entire universe, right?)"

"That's, .... there is just no way I can hate you..."

I heard Aleph say it in a strained voice. It seemed like I had won completely.

Well, since you didn't say anything about me calling the hero by his name, I won't stop harassing you by calling him Hayato. After all, I'm a pure and innocent saint who doesn't realize anything. It's painful because I'm so pure and innocent.

"I'm glad... If Aleph-san doesn't hate me, then that's enough for me (I guess we'll just have to go with the flow and finish up)."

The key is to smile while looking a little sad. This will make the other person feel guilty. And it will allow Aleph to calmly think about his behavior up until now. You idiot, you should at least be aware that you have done something terrible to such a cute and innocent beautiful girl.

"Chris, I, well, I wasn't trying to ignore you at all! It's just that you suddenly started calling the hero Hayato... and when you came back from his room, you were holding hands. I think ... I was probably jealous...."

"Eh? Aleph-san is jealous...? (Well, I understand why you'd fall in love with me, but you should know your place.)"

"Ah, no! I mean Chris is the only one in this party where I has no ally and is an irreplaceable comrade who is on my side! What am I even saying now?!"

"If that's the case, then it's okay. I would never treat Aleph-san like my sister did, so please believe me (this guy is such a wimp, even if his feelings are unrequited, this is terrible. He's definitely a virgin!)"

"I really regret hurting Chris. Chris always worried about me. I'm the one who did such a terrible thing and I'm really sorry!"

"No, no. Oh, then, as a sign of reconciliation, here's some bread! I'll carry the luggage in your right hand in the meantime. You must be hungry, Aleph-san. (Ha! There's no way a girl this devoted would exist in the world, who would worry about you even if you yell at them and ignore them, you idiot.)"

"Chris, you're too kind... that's why I depend on you and do horrible things like this. I've been wondering for a while, why are you being so kind to me?"

Hmm, this guy hit a pretty sharp spot. I can't say, "I'm just sucking up to you because I think you will awaken soon!" or anything like that, I'd just be thought of as crazy.

I have a secret card that can help me get through this, but I don't want to use it and raise my favorability too much...What can I do to wrap this up safely?

"Well, as I said before, I'm the one who let Aleph-san suffer for a long period of six months too. I'm not as kind or honorable as you say I am (I'll just bring up some past things to end this appropriately)."

"Chris..."

"Hehe! That's why you won't be able to win against me if you just ignore me a little! There's absolutely no need for you to worry, Aleph-san ♪ (This is the end, die.)"

I instantly formed a wide smile and turned it towards Aleph. Aleph, who had come to his senses and was now weakened by regretting his actions, would surely not stand a chance against the lethal weapon that was the smile of a beautiful girl.

I didn't expect things to get this complicated after the hero invited me to his room, but I managed to get through it safely this time too. Even if he asked me what I was actually doing in the room, there's no way I could say I was putting on a farce.

After that, I took charge of some of the luggage and fed Aleph some bread, and perhaps as a reaction to his silence from earlier, Aleph began talking with great vigor, so I nodded along appropriately while thinking up future plans in my head, thereby earning him a favorable impression.

Aleph also seemed to have gotten over it and began to smile, so the awkward atmosphere from earlier was successfully dispelled and we were now able to head into the cave in top condition.

(Now then, this is finally the turning point in the legend of the Saint. I need to be able to act in any situation. I've been desperately learning various useful magic spells for times like this. I definitely won't miss my chance to show my skills!)

With burning determination in our hearts, we finally arrived at the Fire Dragon's Cave.

The story moves quickly from here.

Author's Note: Everyone loves cave dungeons.

TL's Note: I doubt Aleph will