The Hero is Standing in My Way - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

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“……Why are you doing these things to me these days?”

I opened my mouth blankly, and I couldn’t stop myself midway because  it happened so quickly.

“Didn’t I save you?”

“I can’t refute that fact, but… but still, this wasn’t it.”

But the way you did it is so weird! The Count would have stepped down and will talk in moderation next time if I had just pretended that I am so popular. Doesn’t it insinuate that I like Siegfried? No, even less subtle. He just said ‘Ariel likes me so give up’.

Siegfried shrugged and looked down at me, “We can all be satisfied with the results, so don’t overreact like that.”

I couldn’t help but feel disgusted as he raised his head naturally.

“I’m not satisfied, okay? And what would you do if rumors spread out because of this?”

“What kind of rumors?”

“Rumors that I like Your Highness. If that bizarre thing happened, I would…”

“It was already late when you said that in front of your younger brother.”

“Wh-what is late?”

“This and that.”

“Please give me a proper explanation.”

But Siegfried shook his head slyly. I couldn’t understand why he was being so mean.

Siegfried only shook his head. I couldn’t understand why he was being mean, because I’ve been nice to him all this time? He will meet his female protagonist someday since he’s the male protagonist.

“Hmph.”

While I was muttering inside my head, Siegfried made such a noise and went inside the terrace leaving me in the garden, where the cold silence fell. Goosebumps went up in my arm.

I never wanted to know the contents of the original novel because I didn’t know it very well in the first place. However, is this some kind of development in the novel? No, never. Crap.

What is with that male protagonist? Did he eat something? I then just shrugged my shoulders at these thoughts.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

From early in the morning the next day. All the nobles in the mansion got up, packed their things, and maintained their weapons, while their wives who attended the banquet alongside them were still in dreamland. They would only wake up after our party departed and then go back to their respective estates.

I went out wearing the Ellifritz uniform after a sleepless night. I looked around while rubbing my sleepy eyes, wondering if there are people gossiping about me.

I realized something last night – that I was stamped by Siegfried, hardly stamped but still. That was so firm that I wonder if my wedding path is also blocked.

I am aching to get out of my position as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, which I am sure would become a burden on him eventually. However, I also don’t want to have nonsensical rumors with the male protagonist spreading throughout our town.

I just wanted to meet a man who fits my ideal type someday…

However, my concerns were overshadowed, and fortunately, Count Paresa just averted his gaze as soon as he saw me.

The attitude of other nobles toward me has not changed at all.

When I was about to get on the horse with a peaceful mind, Siegfried, who was late and finished understanding the situation, passed me by.

… But who clicked his tongue as if I am supposed to hear that? Is it Siegfried?

Just how twisted is his personality? I thought he had a more kind personality than other male protagonists until the past few days, but it all vanished into thin air.

“It takes two full days to find the monster habitat from Ellifritz.”

“I see.” Siegfried responded to Abbysion’s explanation.

He was now dressed in a black uniform with a back cloak, but he only looked like a little devil in my eyes considering what happened yesterday.

Milliard and I advanced first with Abbysion and Siegfried in front of us. I glared at their backs. You think I’m just gonna watch as you ruin my life? 

“I didn’t know that Ariella would also participate.”

I wondered if it was just a little noise behind me, but at some point, someone sneaked up beside me. I quickly recognized the voice calling my name. I nearly forgot, I must’ve been too busy with the household chores.

Siegfried informed Abbysion that he made Killian his ally and of course, Abbysion was very shocked as Killian had been sent to kill Siegfried. But when Siegfried firmly said he wouldn’t go back on his words, Abbysion had no choice but to accept Killian’s existence.

I don’t know if it was because he’s the male lead, but what Siegfried wants was done simply.

Honestly, does it make sense that the person Eisa sent to kill Siegfried becomes his ally? But that’s it, Siegfried accomplished that miracle.

As a result, Killian joined the party on the go to subdue monsters. He had a sullen face as he had worked hard to heal the wounds he had received from the warehouse with money.

“Surprisingly, I am quite helpful. Everyone will suffer without me, right?” I shrugged and said proudly.

Killian closed his eyes and said, “Very reassuring.”

“Hey, look at this guy. You don’t believe me right now?”

“Haha, I believe. Put your fists down first…”

I glared at Killian as I took hold of the reins. First of all, he was introduced as Siegfried’s knight. However, Siegfried didn’t talk to him, while Abbysion treated him as air. As the situation unfolded, it was natural that everyone in the party secretly avoided Killian. So, I am the only person who would talk to Killian, and he talked to me as if he already knew that fact.

“I’ve subjugated monsters a few times, but this is actually my first time with a Siren. Do you have any tips on how to defeat them easily?”

“Killian is more talkative than I thought.”

“I got bored looking at the same scenery over and over again.”

“Yeah, so am I. Well, sirens. They will die soon if you cut their throat.”

“I think even a passerby would know that.”

After chatting like that for a while, we came by a stream where the thirsty horses drank water. Uh, we had come this far already. 

“Let’s take a break here and start again.” Abbysion said while looking back at us.

It was good news for me as my butt is sore from riding the horse for a long time. We had a quick lunch and decided to continue traveling until the sun set. I sat down under the shade of a large tree and rubbed my thighs while the knights prepared our meals.

“Ariel, did you have a fight with His Highness?”

I was about to force Killian to rein my horse and send him to the creek.

Abbysion, who found me alone, spoke to me.

“What? Does it look like that?”

“His Highness kept looking back at you while constantly sighing.”

Did he mean that? I was so busy talking to Killian that I didn’t notice his gaze at me.

“It’s not a fight, no. Did we fight?”

I scratched my cheek. It felt like I was having a strange nerve war with Siegfried since yesterday.

“I don’t know what’s going on but he’s a Prince. And since you’re all grown up, can you not have a fight with His Highness?”

“That’s what I mean. What does he think of me?”

So I acted like an adult but what did Siegfried do? I still can’t forget. Last night, Siegfried looked down and acted pitifully while saying, ‘You said you like me….’. Besides, the Count who was deceived by his acting was also strange. Siegfried is a lot younger than me so is that reasonable? Rather, I think Milliard’s creepy reaction is more normal, as he (Siegfried) is taller than his peers and has good development, but he’s still a child.

“Anyway, try to be good to him. You seem to be close enough to go together to festivals.” Abbysion slumped down next to me and smiled, as he ruffled my hair with his gloved hands.

I clung to his arm like a fool and groaned. The only person I can rely on if I couldn’t get married and stayed in Ellifritz is Abbysion.

“Please bring me over there. My back hurts.”

“Huh? Where? Ah, it’s time for dinner now.”

The knights were putting the pots with ladles, gathering the group scattered around. Abbysion came to me as he stuck out his back to me as if he had no choice.

“Come here.”

I quickly grabbed his broad back. Abbysion got up with my legs clasped in his arms. (T/N: I want an older brother like Abbysion, please T_T E/N: Me too T^T)

“Just a little bit, we’ll reach the Village of Corte soon.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been able to try the village’s grapes.”

In fact, there was only one reason for me to participate in this monster subjugation. The Village of Corte grew grapes that were famous because of their thickness and sweetness.

The village itself wasn’t that big so the amount of grapes grown wasn’t that high, and that’s why it is expensive and hard to obtain. Of course, there was nothing that could not be saved if it was Ellifritz. It’s just that people had a strong perception of it as a luxury item.

However, when they returned from subjugating monsters, the villagers allowed us to taste the grapes as a token of gratitude, so naturally, subjugation of monsters has become one of the annual events I have been waiting for every year.

“Yeah, there are good grapes so of course, I will do my best. Let’s take a look at your skills again this year.”

“Oppa went alone last year, though.”

I grunted and got off Abbysion’s back. The party was sitting around and waiting for us.

There were still a lot of people around Siegfried.

Killian, on the other hand, was still sitting alone in the corner,

Ugh, I can’t look at that sight, I should sit with him.

I gently pushed Abbysion away, telling him to stop. Then, taking the soup bowl and bread, I walked over to Killian and sat down.

“You don’t have to worry about me this much.”

“It’s fine. I prefer silence.”

“I feel my face stings when they stare at me.”

I looked up as I listened to Killian’s words. Indeed, there were many nobles who looked at Killian with jealous eyes. But why is Siegfried among them?