After being banished by the hero, I decided to join another party – the revival of the legendary hero's team! However, the seductive heroine in her thirties clad in a bikini armor has a mysterious reason why she can't fight! - Episode 7

We were currently in Gorania, a town about two hours by carriage from the Bourbon Empire.

In the human world, three major powers dominate: the Holy Theocratic Kingdom, the Ludonia Kingdom, and the Bourbon Empire, collectively known as the Three Great Nations.

Beyond these, there are numerous smaller nations and territories, many inhabited by non-human species.

Then there’s the Demonic Nation of Ludra, home to humanity’s greatest adversaries, the demons.

Given Aisha’s circumstances, the Holy Theocratic Kingdom, which openly opposes demons, would be the worst possible place for her.

The Ludonia Kingdom, being a supporter of the Theocratic Kingdom and a sponsor of heroes, isn’t much better.

That leaves the Bourbon Empire and its territories, including Gorania, as the most livable option for us.

Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there might be a better place to call home.

Some small nations near the Demonic Nation maintain neutrality out of fear or refuse to participate in wars against the demons.

In particular, there should be regions where humans and demons coexist in relative harmony.

If we weren’t fixated on living in a major nation, we could find a more peaceful and welcoming place.

If things didn’t improve here, relocating to one of those areas might be our best option.

But for now, I had something else in mind—something worth testing.

◆◆◆

After discussing our plans, Aisha told me, “You can do whatever you think is best, Fudra.”

With her blessing, I headed to the Adventurer’s Guild.

What I was about to do could almost be called a declaration of war.

“Fudra, how can I assist you today? Are you here to sell materials?”

The receptionist greeted me warmly.

“No, I wanted to let you know that I’m considering relocating. Living in Gorania has been a bit inconvenient, so I’m planning to move my base of operations.”

“What? The Aidra party is relocating? But you just formed your party recently…”

Her expression changed, her face paling.

Now, let’s see how she handles this.

“Yes, my wife Aisha has been the subject of constant rumors and slander. I thought it would be better to find a more welcoming place. I’m even considering moving to a neutral nation near the Demonic Nation or one with active trade and relations with demons.”

“You mean… you’re planning to leave Gorania entirely?”

The receptionist’s nervousness was palpable.

It was understandable—there were only eight S-rank adventurers in the world, and half of them were Dolman and his party.

The remaining four were either free-spirited wanderers or under the protection of royalty and nobility, making their movements unpredictable.

Below them were the A-rank adventurers, numbering about ten globally.

In other words, Aisha and I were among the top 20 adventurers worldwide—possibly even in the top 10.

Having us in Gorania brought significant benefits: access to rare materials from powerful monsters, assistance with dangerous demon exterminations, and the ability to tackle high-difficulty, long-standing requests.

In a time of escalating conflict with the demons, having two A-rank adventurers in town was a strategic boon for the local lord. Losing us to a neutral nation would significantly weaken their position.

Even though some ridiculed Aisha, she had fought alongside knights against the Demon King.

She had firsthand experience battling in the Demon King’s castle, making her more powerful than the average demon and a valuable source of intelligence.

As for me, I was a former member of a hero’s party, another rare and irreplaceable asset.

Could they really afford to let us go?

“No one wants to live in a place where they’re not welcome,” I said pointedly.

“But… Lady Aisha was once a member of the imperial family. Surely she’d prefer to remain in imperial territory?”

“Why would she? She was disowned by the imperial family and ostracized by everyone. Moving somewhere else is the only way she can find happiness. Leaving here is the logical choice.”

How much hatred does the label “Demon King’s lover” carry?

As someone who has reincarnated into this world, I can’t fully comprehend it.

This town, like the imperial capital or royal cities, has its slums.

When I married Aisha, I didn’t know much about her past. But even then, marriage to her would mean a life of wealth and comfort.

By simply marrying Aisha, one could escape poverty and slum life, sleeping in a warm bed and eating delicious meals.

Yet, even with such an opportunity, everyone turned it down.

A chance to leap from misery into happiness, discarded without hesitation.

It was astonishing how deeply hated the title “Demon King’s lover” had made her.

Now, it’s the weight of that loathed title versus the strength of this town’s most powerful adventurers—Aisha and me.

Which side will they choose?

This was the gamble we were taking in this town.

If we lost, we could just pack up and try another place until we found somewhere better.

The seriousness of my intent seemed to sink in, as the receptionist was visibly flustered.

“Are you… really planning to leave?”

“This place is simply unlivable.”

Now, let’s see how they respond.

“This isn’t something I can handle myself. Perhaps you could discuss this with the guild master?”

Good. The first door has been opened.

◆◆◆

“You’re Fudra, the former member of the Hero’s Party?”

“That’s right.”

We were in an opulent private room, with tea and sweets laid out on the table.

Across from me sat a burly man who looked like a mountain of muscle.

He had to be the guild master.

“I am Gordon, the Guild Master of Gorania. I’ve heard you and Aisha are planning to leave this town. Is that true?”

“Yes, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to live here.”

“I understand the situation, but isn’t this due to Aisha’s past? The guild and the people of this town aren’t directly responsible for that.”

“Perhaps, but as adventurers, we’re free to live wherever we choose. We’re also free to accept or reject any requests. Isn’t that the fundamental principle of this guild?”

“That may be true, but your words sound like a thinly veiled threat. If you leave, the strongest adventurer here will be a C-rank. That would indeed cause problems for this guild and the local lord, Count Cord. However, how do you expect us to resolve this situation? If it were based on lies, we could correct the rumors. But since it’s the truth, what can be done?”

Of course, something can be done.

“Isn’t it standard practice for the guild to prioritize and protect top-tier adventurers? Back when I was with Dolman’s party, they were given plenty of special treatment. Isn’t that right?”

“But in this case, the situation is well-known. What would you have us do?”

“It’s simple. Issue a decree that anyone caught insulting Aisha will face execution. That would solve the problem quickly.”

“E-execution?! That’s absurd!”

It’s not absurd at all.

“If this applies only to adventurers, it’s entirely feasible. The guild rules state that adventurers are responsible for their own lives. I’ll simply take responsibility and eliminate anyone who speaks ill of her. Once a few corpses pile up, people will think twice before running their mouths.”

“You’re insane! Are you really willing to do such a thing?”

“Why not? It’s well within the rules. If someone insults my party members, they’re picking a fight with me. As adventurers, they have no grounds to complain if they’re killed. Isn’t that the very definition of self-responsibility?”

The guild master’s face turned pale.

“Are you… truly planning to go through with this?”

“Absolutely. If necessary, I’ll make an example out of a few adventurers. That should silence the rest.”

I fixed him with a cold glare, letting my intent show.

“Wait! Please, wait!”

“What’s the point of waiting? There’s no benefit, is there?”

“But as guild master, I can’t condone killing adventurers… Fine, if that’s how it is, then leave—”

If I stopped here, it would all be for nothing. Time for the next card in my hand.

“Are you sure about that? Have you forgotten that I’m a former member of the Hero’s Party? I didn’t leave because of scandal or disgrace—I left because I couldn’t keep up. I still have connections, including Archbishop Loan and even Pope Romani. Imagine if I told them about this town’s behavior toward Aisha. What do you think would happen?”

“What are you implying?”

“I’d spread the word that a woman who fought against the Demon King and bore countless wounds for the world’s sake was persecuted by an entire town. I’d make sure Dolman and the rest of the Hero’s Party heard about it too. What do you think would happen when the world finds out? Both the people of this town and its ruling lord would be in serious trouble.”

The guild master’s face was stricken with fear.

“You wouldn’t… go that far?”

“I absolutely would. The guild has a duty to protect and support top-tier adventurers. Persecuting an A-rank adventurer who fought the Demon King is wrong, and you know it.”

“You’re right… But what do you suggest we do? Tell me clearly!”

That’s for the guild to figure out.

“It’s simple. Until a solution is found, I’ll head downstairs for a drink. If I hear someone insult Aisha, whether they’re an adventurer or not, I’ll kill them. Women and children included. If you don’t want that, then find a solution.”

“W-wait! Give me some time! I’ll figure something out!”

“You’d better. I’ll be waiting.”

The guild master hurriedly grabbed a communication crystal and began speaking with someone.

As I waited, I sipped on the now-lukewarm tea.

Finally, he finished his conversation.

“I’ve spoken with Count Cord. We’ll issue a decree: anyone who insults Aisha will face a punishment of 100 lashes. This applies to adventurers and civilians alike. Additionally, Count Cord has instructed us to give your party special treatment. We hope you’ll stay and continue your work in this town. This is a reasonable compromise, isn’t it?”

“If that’s the case, I’ll do my best to contribute to this town.”

With this, life here should become a bit more tolerable.