Volume 7 Chapter 12 A Burning First Love
I can still remember it now, but when I was summoned to the Centraris Kingdom, it was extremely uncomfortable. It felt like being on a bed of needles, or more accurately, being pierced by needles.
Although I was guaranteed my identity as a hero through the divine oracle from the church, this fact was kept secret from only a few individuals.
In other words, to the majority of the people in the castle, I was an unidentified, unsightly brat.
I didn't know the first thing about magic, and my physical abilities were weaker than an average child's. I was lacking in manners, to say the least.
While I was able to communicate, I'm not sure if that was fortunate or unfortunate because I could understand all the whispered criticisms around me.
Of course, it must have been extremely unpleasant for them to see someone like me, who was treated like a monkey, allowed to be in the castle with the king's permission. Looking back now, it was only natural.
What was particularly difficult was the training in the knight order.
My mentor taught me the basics of the Nanashiki Renkanken (seven-colored linked swords), but the policy was to train with the knighthood for the fundamental training, so I trained with the apprentices.
Not only was my body exhausted, but the gazes from those around me were also painful.
Especially the members of the knighthood, many of whom had earned their positions through their own abilities, disliked special treatment. This also applied to the apprentices.
It was obvious how I, being treated specially, would be treated. It was as clear as day.
Every day, I ran until I vomited, practiced swings until I passed out, and got beaten up in combat training.
And then I would hear it, without fail.
Mockery and whispers.
There was nothing I could do. I couldn't do anything about it.
It would be ridiculous for someone without power to argue back. It was unthinkable to shed tears of frustration.
So, I could only pretend to endure the pain and look down.
That's when it happened. I heard her voice.
'Who was it that laughed just now?! Those aspiring to be proud knights of the Centraris Kingdom, learn some shame!'
That's right.
Because I saw her figure from behind, I can't forget her crimson hair.
Princess Eris Philin Centraris, who was participating in the knight training despite being a princess, stood in front of me in a heroic stance.
She must have been late due to her official duties. Now, a voice that people shouldn't have heard accidentally reached their ears.
The apprentices looked at each other, but none of them dared to come forward.
Of course. She was speaking as a member of the royal family.
'Everyone here is a comrade with the same aspirations. Even if you don't like it, don't forget the pride of being a knight!!'
At the sound of her admonishment, not only the apprentices but even the knight instructors stood tall.
Impressive.
While I was thinking that, Eris turned around and looked at me.
Her strong-willed, large eyes looked down at me, and in the next moment, she forcefully grabbed my collar and made me stand up.
Under her flame-like hair, her deep green eyes stared straight at me.
'Don't keep being so indecisive! If you're frustrated, get stronger! Become stronger than anyone here and try to prove yourself!!'
What an unreasonable thing to say.
In the first place, Eris should know that I am the hero, so it wouldn't hurt if she was a bit kinder to me.
However, I immediately realized that those words were her way of showing kindness.
Different from others. Words that sincerely express their feelings towards me. Something that no one has ever done since I came to this world.
Well, what I'm trying to say is.
In that moment, Yamamoto Yuusuke fell in love with Eris Philin Centraris.
"Well, I must say I'm pretty simple-minded."
I mumble to myself while lying on the bed.
By the way, I didn't get along with the knights through fighting – I just defeated each one in a one-on-one duel.
I think I was apologized to towards the end, but I didn't really care.
That's a separate issue, though.
After hearing Kou's story, I took a walk around the house for a while and came back. Everyone must have already gone to sleep, as there was no one in the living room. I can sense their presence, so it should be fine.
But this curse of the hero, though.
Many things started to make sense.
In this case, it's not about who is at fault.
If I had heard that story before returning, I would never have gone back. No matter how much I was persuaded or forced, I wouldn't have gone back. I'm confident about that.
And if Eris showed even a slight hesitation or doubt, I noticed. Eris, who had prepared in every possible way without showing a hint of it, was truly impressive.
Truly remarkable.
"But it's getting to me."
Listening to it won't change anything, but experiencing it is different.
I want to see Eris.
I want to talk to her.
I want to apologize.
No, I shouldn't expect that much.
Goddess, can't I at least catch a glimpse of her?
Meeting Mevia, Shara, and Kou is already a miracle, and yet I desire more. I'm too greedy.
Ah, this is bad, this is bad.
My thoughts tend to go in the wrong direction when I'm alone. Maybe I should exercise at the training ground without sleeping today.
When I entered the living room, I noticed something on the table. Wait, this wasn't here when I returned, was it? Did I just not notice it?
I approached, thinking it might be someone's forgotten item, but it turned out to be four letters.
[To Yuusuke-san]
[To Yuusuke-sama]
[To Yuusuke] (T/L: Written in kanji)
[To Yuusuke] (T/L: Written in katakana)
Huh, are these all for me? Each one is written differently, so I quickly figured out who wrote them. Kanami and others can write so neatly, even in kanji. They're still high-spec as always.
Well, this is the first time I've received so many letters. Back when I was in Asteris, I used to get so many letters that I couldn't read them all, but those were letters to 'Silver Hero.' They weren't letters to Yamamoto Yuusuke.
All four of them heard that story, so I must have made them worry... I'm well acquainted with all four of them, but just receiving letters from girls makes my heart race. I wonder what would happen if I got a love letter.
If there's something like 'Brave Face,' put some divine protection on how I treated by women. Women in the world would prefer a hero who's like a prince from a girls' manga.
While thinking about such things, I pick up the letter. Risha's letter looks the easiest to read for now.
It's her; I'm sure her words of encouragement will be straight and heartfelt.
I open the envelope casually and take out the letter.
"This is...,"
What was written there were words I had never imagined.
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