New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

A Secret Between the Two of Us

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Although there had been a bit of a quarrel with Shia, for now we had settled down and were sitting together on the bed. It was nice that the mood had turned pleasant, but I couldn’t forget the original purpose. I had to reveal that I was the son of the Aldridge Household and talk to her about it.

I told Shia everything without hiding anything. Including the circumstances up until now, and why I had joined the Chevalier de Liberta at the age of ten and become an adventurer. That I had been disowned by the Aldridge Household and had experienced being left to die on the streets. That I had been taken in by Lindsay. The year that followed. And the events that led me to wash ashore on the Lucur Beach. I explained everything in detail without skipping anything. I had ended up talking for quite a long time, yet Shia listened silently and seriously without getting bored.

There was nothing left that I was hiding from this girl. While listening, Shia seemed absentminded. Maybe it felt like an unbelievable story to her. A man who looked like a demon suddenly claiming to be from a distinguished noble family would definitely be hard to believe. However, contrary to my worries, Shia’s reaction was rather indifferent.

“I see.” (Shia)

That curt response left me a bit speechless.

“You’re not surprised?” (Jack)

“Hmm.” (Shia)

Shia Randall placed her hand on her chin and began thinking. I had no idea what she was thinking about. But that mysterious side of her was one of the things that drew me to her in the first place.

“I kind of had a feeling that might be the case.” (Shia)

“Huh?! Seriously?” (Jack)

With an expressionless face, she looked straight at me. I wondered where she could have gotten such a hunch.

“Just kidding. I’m actually surprised.” (Shia)

“Which is it?” (Jack)

“I just wanted to try saying ‘Actually…’ for once.” (Shia)

“…” (Jack)

I was used to this kind of exchange by now. Sometimes I found it annoying, but I figured this was her way of enjoying the conversation. Even those parts of her, I found myself loving. That probably meant I was pretty far gone for her.

“I thought you were a strange guy, but to think you were actually a noble’s illegitimate child.” (Shia)

“Illegitimate child… is that what I’d be? Though it seems I’ve already been erased from existence.” (Jack)

“Somehow, I feel relieved.” (Shia)

“What do you mean?” (Jack)

“When you mentioned Irene-san, I was sure that…” (Shia)

“Sure that?” (Jack)

“I was sure that… I was sure.” (Shia)

“Sure of what?” (Jack)

“I was sure sure sure.” (Shia)

“Come on, what is it?” (Jack)

“I said ‘sure’ so many times, I forgot what it meant.” (Shia)

She was trying to dodge the question. Her cheeks seemed a little red. It might be she was feeling jealous.

“Well, that’s the reason I want to go with Irene is to meet my parents just once.” (Jack)

“What are you planning to do when you meet them? Take revenge or something?” (Shia)

That remark caught me off guard. I had thought that, now that Shia knew what parental love was, she would understand how I felt. The fact that she used a word like “revenge” surprised me.

“What am I planning… I just want to know why they abandoned me.” (Jack)

“Hmph.” (Shia)

“What?” (Jack)

“If it were me, I’d never want to meet such parents again. Or, if I did meet them, I’d at least say what I wanted to say and consider some payback.” (Shia)

Perhaps, it was my way of thinking that was strange. Hearing it from Shia made me lose confidence.

“But if it’s you, Lost-san, I won’t stop you. I won’t complain if you go to the party with Irene-san either.” (Shia)

“Really?” (Jack)

“However, I’d like to make two proposals.” (Shia)

Saying that, Shia quickly got up from the bed and took a slip of paper from the drawer of the bedside table. She handed it to me. It seemed to be a quest request from the Adventurer Guild. Since Shia helped Nancy-san at the Conran Inn, she had probably received it from the guild counter attached to the inn.

The paper she handed me had the following request written on it.

===

[We Are Currently Recruiting Temporary Viola Players]

 

Let’s liven up the upcoming Aldridge Ceremony together!

(*Only those with musical knowledge)

 

Employer:           Melpeque Church, Barwitch Branch

(Representative: Ozeas Skillward)

Period:                Holy Calendar XXX Year, Winter’s First Decan, 15th Day

During the Aldridge Ceremony

(Including prior rehearsal period and session)

Age:                     No restrictions

Qualifications:  Must be able to read sheet music and have experience playing instruments

Pay:                      5,000G per day including rehearsal period

Number of positions: 5

Benefits:             Formal ceremonial attire and viola will be provided

Inquiries:            Adventurer Guild, Barwitch Branch

(We will guide you to a preliminary information session)

===

The upcoming Aldridge Ceremony… That’s definitely referring to Aniki’s birthday party.

“This might be…” (Jack)

“It is possible to enter the Aldridge estate even without being with Irene-san.” (Shia)

“Why were you carrying something like this?” (Jack)

“Since Lost-san has recently taken an interest in musical instruments, I thought you might be interested.” (Shia)

She had secured it even before hearing from Irene. Even though I had been thoroughly rejected, a way into the Aldridge estate was…

“I also… don’t like lending it to others right after it’s been tied.” (Shia)

“Tied and then lent…?” (Jack)

“In any case, the fact that Lost-san will be in the same venue does not change. Let’s settle for that.” (Shia)

So, that’s what it means. Irene’s true feelings are that she doesn’t want to marry a nobleman who’s into geeky things. I will participate in the event only as a performer and sneak into the estate. At the same time, I will keep watch so that no strange men approach Irene, and in return, she wants to be excused from having to play the role of fiancée.

Whether or not I actually get selected as one of the viola players is another matter, but I think she wants me to show that kind of attitude. If it’s like this, Lindsay probably won’t complain either. I’m not completely accepting Irene’s request, and I’m also showing that I’m seriously going out with Shia.

I decided to go along with Shia’s suggestion.

“Alright. I’ll talk to Irene with this. It’s not like I want to stand next to her anyway.” (Jack)

Upon hearing those words, Shia smiled with satisfaction. It had been a while since I saw her natural smile.

An indecisive attitude really isn’t good. If I can make even one woman happy like this, then that’s enough. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and at the same time, I want to cherish her even more.

“By the way, what was the other suggestion?” (Jack)

“…That was just a request. A selfish one from me.” (Shia)

“Whatever it is.” (Jack)

There is no reason to refuse. Even if it is a somewhat unreasonable request, I would listen. It is a request from Shia, who cares about me. It should be prioritized above all else.

“Please keep it a secret between just the two of us. That Lost-san is a child of a noble family.” (Shia)

A secret just between the two of us. That means she does not want me to tell Alfred, Lindsay, Rinalee, Dwayne, or Irene either. She must want everything we discussed tonight to remain only between me and her.

Would there be any disadvantage to that? If I sneak into the Aldridge Ceremony as a performer, Lindsay will not think poorly of me. Besides, it was Shia who proposed this. Alfred and Rinalee probably would not mind either. As for Irene… it might be better if she does not know. Is there some deeper meaning behind it?

“Sure, but why keep it a secret?” (Jack)

“No particular reason.” (Shia)

“No particular reason… well, alright. Then, this will be our secret.” (Jack)

“Yes.” (Shia)

Shia looked somehow happy.

 

—

 

And then, the day of the young lady’s visit. Just like the other day, Irene was sitting on the sofa in front of me, and behind her stood Leona-san. Next to me was Shia, my girlfriend. In the dining room, Lindsay was keeping a watchful eye while playing with Rinalee.

“So that’s why I’ve decided to support Ani… Ani… Aniki… um, anniversary from behind the scenes as a performer.” (Jack)

I presented the quest request form from the Adventurer Guild right in front of Irene and told her that.

“Why does it have to be like that!” (Irene)

“I already explained. I just can’t do it as your fiancé. I mean, look at me.” (Jack)

I pulled back my collar and showed the tattoo patterns running from my cheek to my right shoulder and arm. To human folk, these markings would only look like those of a ruffian or a demon race. Even if covered by formal wear, it would still appear ridiculous.

“Leona could hide those markings for you.” (Irene)

Come to think of it, there was a time I infiltrated the Paradise Cyans and was made up and dressed as a woman. A black mark on my past I would rather not revisit.

“…Besides, I can’t dance social dances.” (Jack)

“You could practice!” (Irene)

“And I don’t really know how to conduct myself as a noble. If I act suspicious and get kicked out, it would tarnish your reputation.” (Jack)

Even as I laid out several reasons in rapid succession to refuse, Irene still seemed unwilling to give up. Of course, the one who cut in with growing impatience was none other than Leona-san.

“Milady Irene, Jack-sama is clearly troubled. I believe it is a very good suggestion. He will be there at the same venue to protect you. There could be no ally more reliable. With Jack-sama’s watchful eye, even if some trouble occurs, the ceremony will surely proceed without incident.” (Leona)

Leona-san offered me a helping hand. Hearing that, Irene cast her eyes downward and furrowed her brow, deep in thought.

“You’ll protect me, then?” (Irene)

“Well, if any strange guys come near you…” (Jack)

Even if I cannot be her fiancé or romantic partner, Irene is still a close friend. If she finds herself in trouble, of course I will act as a fighting force to help her.

“…Fine.” (Irene)

The machine-gun-like selfish girl Irene had grown up a little. The timing isn’t right this time, but I should properly tell her about Shia once things have settled. That’s what good manners are. If I were to tell her now, she would either fall into despair or go on a rampage and act recklessly. Timing is everything. Even Lindsay, who is watching from a distance, nods in approval. Good, good.

With everyone in agreement, I will now head to the Aldridge estate. Everything is going smoothly. Though something still feels off.

I was worried whether someone with a suspicious appearance and only experience in lute and mandolin would even be accepted, but I ended up being recognized as a member of the performance troupe. And then, I once again had a reunion with someone I had not seen in a long time. That too, it might have been the “fate” that Medna-san spoke of.

 

—

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