Chapter 158 Hiiro's Image Improvement Committee 'I'
As the month of Libra arrived, the people of Asgardam changed their outfits.
As the clothes grew thicker, Hiiro's knightly path was going smoothly.
With a mentor by his side, he had settled some of his inner conflicts.
Even with his talent for killing, fighting was still fighting.
Hiiro, who began to build his skills on the foundation of talent, was gradually improving and energetically taking on missions.
With Hiiro shining against beasts, the whole Reginleif was gaining momentum.
Thanks to his recent success at the Aegir Library, he was starting to attract attention as a promising young talent.
Truly, a rising star.
For a man who aspired to be a hero, it was a proud achievement.
Those who knew his ambitions might think,
──"He must be getting a bit full of himself."
But.
Hiiro's feelings while walking through Asgardam were very complicated.
"Hey, look... that's the rumored knight!"
"Yeah. The future hero knight candidate. Wow, he looks so intimidating!"
"But, that knight... they say he laughs maniacally while covered in enemy blood?"
"No, I think it's more like he drinks their blood or something?"
"Isn't it that he licks the blood? How naughty!"
"Is that really true?"
"Who knows? But they say where there's smoke, there's fire. Otherwise, he wouldn't be called 'Scarlet Ruthless'."
"Right? Oh, what a scary thought..."
(This ain't what I signed up for!!!)
Of course, there were those who admired and praised him as he walked with confidence.
But most of the common people looked at him with fear.
It was no surprise that the blood of the Kansai region stirred within him.
Hiiro sighed.
──"How did it come to this?"
(This is bull. 'Scarlet Ruthless'? Who the hell came up with that garbage? Now I'm a goddamn vampire too?!)
(Bwahahaha!! What a great name, Master! I'm so excited to be used by you!)
(Shut your damn mouth! This is all your fault, Ruthless! It's right in your dumbass name!)
(How should I know that? I can't communicate with anyone but Master, right? It's not like I've been misbehaving, have I?)
(That's not even the point! And there's no freakin' way I'd lick blood—ugh, it's mixed with Zetsu's too! The hell did I even do wrong?!)
Is Hiiro's misfortune as sweet as honey, or is it because his name is woven into it?
Ruthless was beaming with joy.
In contrast, Hiiro's cheeks were twitching, and blue veins stood out on his temples.
It's only natural.
Red Ruthless.
That was the street name Hiiro had earned, after all.
(Goddammit, I bust my ass and THIS is what I get... dragged into this freakshow.)
A street name is literally proof that your name gets around.
Just like how Shura has the street name [Ashen Valkyrie] and Shidou has [Purist], having one or not can make a big difference in your reputation.
That's why Hiiro wanted to carry this signboard so badly.
At first, he was even happy to have such a notorious street name.
But if it brings a bunch of bloodthirsty sharks, that's a different story.
He'd be avoided on the streets, his gaze averted, and he'd let out a small whimper.
There's no hero like that.
He's more like a monster prowling the streets.
He wanted to cry his eyes out.
Of course, Hiiro wasn't okay with the current situation.
He really couldn't let it slide.
Even the blood of nameless Satsuma commoners was stirring around.
Hiiro was searching for a countermeasure with bloodshot eyes.
* * *
"So, what're we gonna do about it?"
"......I'm having a hard time understanding why you're bringing this up to me now."
Faced with the serious gaze of the younger man throwing out a difficult problem, deputy commander Leiva Batigan held her head with one hand, spoon in the other.
"Um... I'm on vacation right now. The head of my knight order has kindly given me 2 days off, and today is the first day. That's why I'm enjoying lunch like this."
"Food here's damn good though. I swing by now and then. You've got decent taste, I'll give ya that."
"......So, I'm not on duty right now. Can you please make your request at the proper place?"
"Tried gettin' help from the usuals—Quollio, the captain, whoever—they all got nothin'."
"......Then, you understand my answer, right?"
"Yeah, yeah. I trust ya. You're Quollio's sis and the vice-commander, so you're sharp as hell. Come on, help me out—just this once, for a buddy."
"What's with 'friend'? How rude! Why does it sound like I've just accepted this?"
──"Listen up, you brat."
The smart young lady was getting upset for a different reason.
Her tone was rough, not fitting for someone so beautiful and talented.
Maybe it was due to the exhaustion from working 47 straight days.
After being given a chance to relax by the dear head of the knight order, why was she caught up in such troublesome matters?
"Anyway, I'm busy. I have so much to do. Please leave me alone."
"Busy? On your vacation?"
"Y-yes. I have a whole mountain of plans after this."
"For real? I could lend a hand if you're that swamped. What's the plan?"
"Huh? ...Um..."
"..."
"...Shopping, maybe?"
"Man... you're killin' me here."
Hiiro frowned in concern, but Leiva was even more worried.
This was strange.
Why was she feeling so pressured on her day off?
Leiva felt suspicious, but it was somewhat her own fault.
Leiva Batigan was indeed smart.
But at the same time, even if it was for the dear head of the knight order, she had a workaholic nature.
As the deputy commander, she was known for her cold attitude towards everyone except the leader, and she had very few close friends.
Among women, her enemies were far more numerous.
When was the last time she went shopping with someone her age?
It felt like ages ago. Because of this, her options for passing the time were very limited.
Hiiro's innocent question made her tilt her head in confusion, and it was hard to blame her.
"...sigh."
Feeling a bit empty inside, Leiva let out a deep sigh.
The way she placed her hand on her forehead was just like her younger brother.
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