I Will Not Allow Marriage (1)

As a Hero (fake), our journey led us to repel two commanders of the Demon King’s army.

Along the way, we also punished a corrupt lord who had been secretly collaborating with the Demon King’s forces, and in the process learned some rather heavy secrets about our party members.

A lot truly happened.

All of it within just a single month.

It made me realize just how peaceful and gentle the training period had been.

And now, after a journey filled with nothing but twists and turns, we finally reached a new stage.

“From here on, this is the Suer Kingdom!”

While driving the carriage, Arka said that while pointing at a sign by the roadside.

Yes—we were at the border.

A small nation located northwest of the Kingdom of Etoile: Suer.

The carriage carrying us crossed the border.

As I watched the sign grow smaller behind us, I muttered quietly.

“So there’s no paperwork or anything for crossing the border, huh.”

“The Suer Kingdom is one of our nation’s allies. There is no need for border procedures.”

That answer came from the princess herself, representing the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Etoile, the largest nation in the world and home to the Hero, maintained alliances with nearly every human nation.

To defeat the Demon King and preserve human civilization, cooperation among all humanity was essential.

That was what the leaders of each nation believed as well.

In reality, it was probably just that no one wanted to make an enemy of the Kingdom of Etoile, which possessed overwhelming national power.

Erika had complained about that during one of her lessons.

The carriage continued along the highway.

Before long, we arrived at a massive city surrounded by a deep and wide moat.

“This is the royal capital of the Suer Kingdom.”

“So it’s right after crossing the border.”

Erika stared at me with narrowed eyes.

-You were taught this in class, weren’t you?

-Did you forget already?

I could practically hear her saying it.

I hurried to defend myself.

“If the capital’s in a place like this, wouldn’t it be a disadvantage in war? If they’re invaded, it’d fall immediately.”

“That’s precisely why it’s an allied nation.”

Normally, a nation’s capital is placed near the center of its territory, far from foreign borders.

In the event of war, the capital is always the first target.

It houses vital facilities and the monarch.

However, there are advantages as well.

With the capital located near the Kingdom of Etoile—an allied power—reinforcements could be requested immediately if the Demon King’s army attacked.

That was likely their intention.

A declaration that the Demon King’s army was a common enemy, and that they stood firmly on Etoile’s side.

It was practically offering themselves up without resistance.

“Pros and cons, I guess.”

“Exactly. Still, the Kingdom of Etoile is currently considered the second safest country in the world.”

“I see.”

Borrowing the tiger’s power, so to speak.

Their strategy was clearly working.

The city was bustling with activity.

We drove the carriage into the capital, left it at a carriage depot, and went to look for an inn.

That was when Erika suddenly whispered to me.

“Could I leave the inn search to you?”

“Huh? Why? What are you going to do, Erika?”

“I’m going to… take a little walk.”

“A walk?!”

I reacted louder than intended.

Erika frowned, irritated, but the surrounding noise seemed to keep Arka and Semirena from hearing us.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? We’re in another country’s capital.”

“Then we can all go together. Why just you?”

“If I’m not alone, men won’t approach me.”

“You… don’t tell me…”

“Did you know? The Suer Kingdom is famous for having lots of handsome men and beautiful women.”

Erika grinned.

Unbelievable.

I wondered what she was thinking, and it turned out she just wanted to search for her destined partner…

“Hey, we’re in the middle of a journey to defeat the Demon King, you know?”

“I know. Did you forget? This journey is also for finding my destined partner.”

“It doesn’t have to be now. We could come back later, after all this is over.”

“You’re such an idiot. Encounters are about timing. Some destinies can’t be met if you miss the moment.”

That sounded less like destiny and more like impulse…

I wanted to retort, but decided it was too much trouble.

“That’s how it is. Let’s meet up later.”

“H-hey!”

“I’ll send word with magic.”

With that, Erika disappeared alone into the crowd.

Arka and Semirena noticed.

“Huh? Where did the princess go?”

“Did we get separated?”

“No, she wanted to act on her own.”

“What? Why?”

“Who knows. She said we’d meet up later, so let’s find an inn.”

“If that is what you say, Hero-sama.”

They both looked puzzled, but there was no way I could tell them she’d gone man-hunting.

I let out a small sigh.

She was way too free-spirited.

“Lady Erika seems to have been constrained for a long time. She must be happy to walk freely,”

“Still, I think too much freedom is a bad thing.”

“It is a matter of balance. There is no emergency right now.”

“Well… I guess.”

She was royalty.

She probably had dealings with neighboring nations, and judging by her attitude, she had been here before.

There was no need to worry about her getting lost.

Not that I had been worried anyway.

“Let’s look for an inn.”

“Okay!”

“There seems to be one over there, Hero-sama.”

The three of us headed into the shopping district.

It was not as large as the Kingdom of Etoile’s, but it was still a sizeable commercial area.

The liveliness was impressive.

With all the chatter around us, we had to raise our voices just to hear each other.

“This is my first time in a neighboring country, but it’s amazing! Everyone looks so happy!”

“Yeah.”

“They must feel at ease. That is a good thing.”

“It doesn’t feel like the Demon King’s invasion is still ongoing.”

At the very least, the people here showed no signs of anxiety or dissatisfaction.

It almost felt as though the Demon King was nothing more than a fairy tale no one believed in.

It was peaceful to a surprising degree.

As we searched for an inn, I also observed the people around us.

Erika’s words came back to me.

“Handsome men and beautiful women…”

She wasn’t wrong.

Among the passersby, there were plenty of pretty women and cute girls.

Due to its proximity to the mountains, Suer had a lower average temperature than the Kingdom of Etoile.

That meant clothing was less revealing—but that actually added to the appeal.

I used to think more skin meant more allure, but well-tailored outfits had their own charm…

“Mmm—”

“Huh? What is it, Arka?”

“You’re only looking at girls!”

“Guh.”

She had caught me.

“Soji! Your grin is all creepy!”

“I-I’m not grinning.”

“Ufufu, my Hero~”

“Eek!”

Semirena’s smile was terrifying.

Arka clung to my right arm, while Semirena walked so close on my left that our shoulders nearly touched, smiling brightly.

From the outside, it probably looked like I was surrounded by flowers.

It might have seemed enviable—but to me, it felt like thorns on the right and poison on the left.