0.0000001% Demon King - 0DK Chapter 23: Hero Sinclair (2) (Part 2)

“…What happened to your companions?”

Karos put on a sorrowful expression. His acting was so perfect that even knowing it was a performance, one could be fooled.

“All of them…”

“I see. I’m sorry.”

“No. It’s not your fault.”

Karos waved his hands, sighing in relief. Judging by the hero’s expression, it seemed she had bought the story completely. Not only that, but Sinclair seemed utterly immersed in the tale, her face filled with pity.

“No. I apologize. I am a hero. It’s my duty to protect people and guard against demons. Yet, I failed to notice someone like you. I truly apologize.”

The hero bowed her head, leaving Karos flustered.

‘…Was Sinclair’s personality like this?’

He had only heard of her through records, so he couldn’t know the details. She truly seemed to embody the spirit of a hero. And if that was the case.

‘I can use this.’

“No. Please, raise your head.”

“But you…”

Sinclair bit her lip, her eyes showing pain. But soon, she shook her head and stood up.

“…There’s no need to talk about it now.”

Knock, knock

.

Just then, someone knocked on the door. Sinclair began to change out of her pajamas, revealing her white skin, and causing Karos to panic and turn away.

“What, what are you doing!”

“Hm? What?”

“…It’s quite bold of you to change so openly in front of a man.”

“Is that so? This worthless body, it has no value anyway.”

“Weren’t you about to attack me out earlier, claiming I was a stranger?”

“To pounce on a sleeping woman is something a hero cannot overlook.”

Sinclair muttered nonchalantly as she donned her armor. Then, she sheathed her sword at her waist and said,

“Come in.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The person who entered was an old man. He bowed to the hero.

“Welcome to our territory, Your Highness.”

“Is that so? Has the lord called for me?”

“Yes. We would be grateful if you could visit.”

“Understood. …And I realize I haven’t asked for your name. What is it?”

“I am Vain.”

Karos responded calmly. Sinclair nodded.

“Vain, I see. Vain, then. Come with me.”

“…Yes?”

**** ****

Silence filled the grand hall, which, while not magnificent, was quite large. The village’s lord, Irina, stared blankly at the figures before her.

“Pleased to meet you, lord. I am the hero, Sinclair.”

“…Ah, yes. I’ve heard of you. Nice to meet you.”

Irina rubbed her forehead. It wasn’t proper etiquette, but she felt like she would go mad otherwise. She murmured through gritted teeth,

“But who is this person beside you…?”

“Ah, this man is Vain. I rescued him from being captured by the Demon King.”

“Is that so.”

Irina muttered in despair. Captured by the Demon King.

‘My life is entangled with demons.’

It was true, considering her contract with the Demon King, but this was a bit too much. She had barely survived an encounter with the emperor, and now this.

“Hello. It’s nice to meet you for the first time, lord. My name is Vain.”

“Ah… Yes.”

“I brought him here to report the presence of a Demon King nearby. Being captured, he must know more about the Demon King.”

“Is that so.”

‘Of course, he would know. He was that Demon King after all.’

Irina gritted her teeth.

“That’s really thoughtful of you.”

Karos glanced away from her glaring eyes. Unaware of the situation, Sinclair tilted her head.

“I sense some anger here.”

“It’s natural to feel that way when there’s a Demon King nearby.”

“Ah. I see.”

Sinclair nodded as if understanding. Irina sighed.

“Hero Sinclair, could you please step aside for a moment? I need to talk to him.”

“Hm? Alright… I’ll step outside for a bit.”

Sinclair looked puzzled but didn’t pry further. She left the room. Once she was sure Sinclair was gone, Irina exhaled deeply.

“…What’s going on?”

“I’d like to ask the same.”

“Explain.”

Karos shrugged as he explained. Suddenly arriving, being mistaken for a human, everything. After hearing everything, Irina chuckled bitterly.

“Should I say you’re lucky or unlucky?”

“Unlucky, I guess. Unfortunate to have the hero show up like this.”

“But you’re alive. What will you do?”

“I’m not sure.”

Karos tapped the side of his head.

“For now, I’ll focus on surviving. And if possible, keep the information hidden.”

“Asking for a method would be pointless. I’ll support you with all I have.”

“That’s kind of you.”

“…You’ve changed a lot since we first met.”

Irina stared at Karos with a heavy gaze. He just smirked.

“No need to put on airs since you’re already entangled in this, right?”

“A caught fish.”

Irina muttered bitterly. She had already contracted with the Demon King. If the Demon King died, she would too.

“We’re in the same boat now. Demon King, please be careful with your actions.”

“I’ll try. No guarantees, though.”

After their discussion, they called Hero Sinclair back in. She entered the hall with a proud face.

“Are you done talking? I even went to the nearby mountains to avoid overhearing.”

“…Was there a need to go that far?”

“I have ears that pick up everything. Even from a distance, I can’t help but hear.”

The hero spoke proudly.

Hyung_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

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