Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 112 – I went to the abandoned castle with the hero
“Why are you here?” [Youki]
I responded to him, a hero who had saved the world from the Demon Lord, in a rather impolite manner as I was flustered.
Why is he in a town so far removed from Minerva? Of all people, he’s the last person I want to see right now. No, actually, I’d prefer not to run into him at all if I could help it.
“How about you, Youki-kun?” [Yuuga]
“I’m well, just… sightseeing?” [Youki]
There was no way I could admit I came here to seek help from the cupid of love as things weren’t going that well with Cecilia.
“Oh really? So, it’s not a guild mission? I received a letter from a friend. They’d like my help since they’re in trouble.” [Yuuga]
“A favour for a friend, huh?” [Youki]
Yuuga must be busy with diplomacy and all sorts of things. He must have taken a long break to come here for his friend. As expected of a hero, I guess.
“Yeah, that’s right. According to my friend, it seems that there’s a vampire living in an abandoned castle near Breitling. His girlfriend and her friends were attacked, so he asked me to take care of it.” [Yuuga]
“A vampire, huh?” [Youki]
It’s a type of demon that I haven’t encountered yet. It’s the same case with the mermaids. There were supposed to be plenty of those demons in the Demon Lord castle last time, but I haven’t met a lot of them before.
“There might be more casualties if we leave it be. As a hero, I can’t overlook that.” [Yuuga]
“It’s tough for you. Well, do your best.” [Youki]
The wise thing to do was to brush him off and leave. The longer I stayed with him, the more likely it was that something troublesome would happen. Just being around him was risky – heroes really are something else.
“Ah, wait. How about we go together?” [Yuuga]
“Huh? Why? Me, with the ‘hero’?” [Youki]
I emphasized ‘hero’ sarcastically to express my disgust.
Why on earth should I walk around town with this guy?
“Well, because you came here for sightseeing, right?” [Yuuga]
“Yeah, but is there a problem with that?” [Youki]
“Why not visit the abandoned castle while you’re at it?” [Yuuga]
“No, I have business at a different abandoned castle.” [Youki]
I have no business with the castle where a vampire supposedly lives. I was only interested in the one with the cupid from the legend.
“Wait, I arrived in Breitling yesterday, and from what I gathered, the only abandoned castle near Breitling is the one I’m heading to.” [Yuuga]
“Huh!? There isn’t… but…” [Youki]
Wait a minute, did that old couple lie to me? No, that’s impossible. I didn’t spend a lot of time with them, but they didn’t seem like the type of people who would lie. Could it be that a vampire has moved into that abandoned castle?
“Maybe we’re headed to the same place after all. You might just be mistaken, Youki-kun.” [Yuuga]
“No, no, wait. Listen to what I’m saying…” [Youki]
“Okay, let’s go then!” [Yuuga]
“Will you listen to me? Let go of my hand!” [Youki]
Holding hands like good buddies? No way in the hell! However, as was typical for him, he did not care about my feelings. I ended up being dragged along with him towards the abandoned castle.
♦♦♦
“We’re here. This place gives off that kind of vibe. I’m certain something’s here.” [Yuuga]
Yuuga looked up at the castle with a serious expression as he gripped the sword at his waist. He exuded an aura that suggested he was ready for battle. Looking at him, he looked very much like a handsome hero from a fairy tale. Not that I was jealous or anything.
“There’s definitely a vibe, but it’s strange for an abandoned castle.” [Youki]
To say it wasn’t dilapidated would be a lie, but the garden visible beyond the gate wasn’t overrun with weeds; it actually seemed well-maintained. Even the door leading inside the castle was remarkably clean.
“Are vampires neat freaks or something?” [Youki]
“I don’t know. I’ve never heard anything like that. But even if they do keep their castle clean, I won’t forgive them for attacking people.” [Yuuga]
He looked cool. That’s the hero for you. If there were any women around, they’d probably say that. On the other hand, if I said something like, “Fuhahaha, it was unfortunate for you to meet me! Rest in peace!” They’d just think I was weird.
“What’s wrong? Are you still feeling uneasy about something?” [Yuuga]
“No, I was just thinking about how unfair the world is, and wondering how I can get rid of this irrational frustration.” [Youki]
“Irrational… Yeah, maybe so. That’s why pain, sorrow, and suffering might never go away. But even if we can’t get rid of them completely, at the very least, I want to save the people right in front of me…” [Yuuga]
“Who the heck are you!?” [Youki]
He said that without any hint of embarrassment. If it were Duke or Cecilia, they’d just brush off what I said casually. This guy is a real piece of work.
“Eh? My name’s Yuuga. You should know my name, right?” [Yuuga]
“I didn’t mean it like that! Argh, whatever! If we’re going in, let’s just hurry up and go inside.” [Youki]
I came here for the cupid of love while Yuuga was going after the troublesome vampire. We came here for a separate purpose, so I decided to find some excuse to split up once we were inside.
“All right. Let’s do our best.” [Yuuga]
“The only one who needs to do their best is you.” [Youki]
“Huh? Youki-kun, you’re not going to help me?” [Yuuga]
“Why should I help you?” [Youki]
I already told him I came here for sightseeing. The request was meant for Yuuga, so he should handle it on his own.
“Come on, we’re in the same boat now.” [Yuuga]
“No thanks, but I’ll pass. I don’t know where that boat of yours is headed.” [Youki]
The guy steering that ship is a walking disaster. Who’d want to board a boat like that?
“All right then. Let’s go.” [Yuuga]
“Could you at least listen to what I’m saying for once? You know what, never mind. It’s too exhausting.” [Youki]
It would only turn into a never-ending comedy routine if we kept talking, so I gave in. In the end, we both entered the castle.
“The inside of the castle is pretty well-maintained. And it’s so spacious too…” [Youki]
It was probably larger than even Cecilia’s mansion. The vases and other decorations in the hallway weren’t covered in dust, and the floors were so clean, it felt like they were swept every day.
“This is…” [Yuuga]
“What is it? Did you notice something?” [Youki]
“I can sense it. The enemy is on the top floor.” [Yuuga]
“They’re always on the top floor!” [Youki]
It’s basically a rule that the boss is on the highest floor in places like this! Give me back the impression I had of you! I originally thought you actually noticed something useful!
“But it’s strange. The castle is so big, yet the enemy is only on the top floor.” [Yuuga]
“True. If the castle is being maintained well, I assumed there should be a lot of people living here.” [Youki]
I discreetly enhanced my sense of smell to investigate. For a castle that supposedly houses a vampire, there wasn’t much scent of blood. In fact, I sensed only one presence on the top floor.
What’s going on? Someone may be hiding somewhere, but would they really be able to evade my detection? Or could it be that they are all out now?
“What’s wrong? You have a complicated look on your face.” [Yuuga]
“No worries. It’s nothing.” [Youki]
I chose to ignore him and concentrate on thinking, but I couldn’t figure it out. In the end, we reached the top floor without encountering anything significant.
“This is the room. There’s someone inside.” [Yuuga]
“Yeah.” [Youki]
I already knew since I sensed a presence inside. I didn’t feel the need to be on guard, but I could handle a surprise attack if it came to that. Seeing as Yuuga didn’t need any preparation either, I quietly opened the door.
“Well, well. You’ve made it here, haven’t you, lost boys? Welcome.”
Inside the room was a man seated on an extravagant sofa with his legs crossed.
“We’ve come to take you down. You’re the vampire who’s causing trouble in this town!” [Yuuga]
Yuuga drew the sword from his waist and pointed it at the man. Upon closer observation, I realized it was the legendary holy sword that I hadn’t seen in a while.
“Oh, hold on there. Quite a violent greeting, don’t you think? What makes you think I’m a vampire?”
“Don’t play dumb. I know you’ve been causing harm to the women in town.” [Yuuga]
“Hahaha! Me? Causing harm to the women in town? I’ve done no such thing.”
“What did you say…” [Yuuga]
“I’m simply an ally to those troubled by love.”
“What!?” [Youki]
Is this guy the cupid of love I’ve been looking for? This narcissist-looking guy?
The man before us held a wine glass as he unnecessarily snapped his fingers while occasionally brushing his hair back.
“What’s wrong, Youki-kun? Why the sudden outburst?” [Yuuga]
“No, it’s nothing.” [Youki]
“All right, all right. I don’t know who told you I’m a vampire, but for now, why don’t you have a seat?”
The man clapped his hands, trying to diffuse the situation.
At this moment, there’s no concrete evidence that this guy’s a vampire. And if he’s really the cupid I’ve been searching for…
“Got it. Let’s take a seat, Yuuga.” [Youki]
“Eh? Why? The enemy is just right before us!” [Yuuga]
“Wait, there’s no proof that this guy is a vampire. There’s also no proof that he isn’t, but let’s hear him out.” [Youki]
“Ugh, well… but…” [Yuuga]
“If you mistakenly attack an innocent person, you might face a serious lecture from Mikana, Cecilia, and Raven.” [Youki]
“Ugh!” [Yuuga]
Yuuga’s expression suddenly darkened. Did he just envision the scenario? I’d love to watch that scene myself.
Having successfully convinced Yuuga, we sat down on the sofa facing the man.
“All right. Let’s get started.”
“…What are you planning to do?” [Yuuga]
Yuuga, who still seemed to be wary, gripped his sword.
I wish he’d stop brandishing that holy sword – it’s dangerous.
“Of course, I’m here to give you both love advice.”
RinkageTranslation 
Thank you!
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