I Have a Stalker of Noble Status. And to Make Matters Worse, their Numbers are Increasing (BL) - Chapter 40

“Ohh! Look at the brilliance of this Holy Sword! There is no doubt—this young man is the legendary Hero!”

…That was fast!!

After being transported smoothly to the royal castle in the spectacular carriage, I was ushered into the audience chamber with surprising ease.

Then, before I could fully grasp what was happening, I was brought before His Majesty the King, led into a mysterious back room adorned with a magical circle, and—

The moment I was instructed to raise the Holy Sword, the magic circle radiated a divine, resplendent glow.

…And just like that, I was recognized as the Hero in the most ridiculously smooth process ever. ← Current Status

Everything happened so quickly, like I had been swept along in a conveyor belt of fate. The whole thing felt like a setup, and yet, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, His Highness the Crown Prince remained firmly by my side the entire time. …Not that I was planning to run.

To become a Saint, one must clear countless trials and meet strict conditions. So why is it that, when it comes to the Hero, they act as if they must capture me at all costs?

Thinking about it rationally, it’s actually terrifying.

“Now then, Hero Patrick. Without delay, I have a mission I would like you to undertake.”

…Here it comes!?

Honestly, being forced into this with zero regard for my own will left me with nothing but complaints. Of course, rejecting the offer wasn’t an option.

“The birth of a Hero is indeed a joyous occasion, but it also signals that a great threat is about to reawaken. Fortunately, this generation has been blessed with a promising Saint candidate. I ask that the two of you lend your strength to prevent the Demon King’s resurrection.”

…This is way too much responsibility for a mere student!!

I barely managed to hold back my voice, but an involuntary “Hhyo—” sound escaped my throat.

No, no, get it together. This is the king we’re talking to.

“Your Majesty, what exactly are we expected to do?”

While I struggled to suppress my inner panic, Ange casually tilted her head and asked His Majesty a question—completely unfazed.

What a ridiculously strong heart.

Honestly, I’d be more convinced if she were the Hero instead.

“Hmm. Recently, reports have come in that monsters have been growing more active in various regions. We need the Hero and the Saint candidate to travel and subdue them.”

Students! We are students!!

“What about our schooling?”

“Of course, your education must not suffer. As long as it does not interfere with your studies, traveling once a month for a two-to-three-day mission should be feasible.”

That would definitely interfere!!

I mean, I’m not like Ray, who can casually say,

“This is my seventh time doing this, so I’ve basically memorized all the exam questions.”

Nor am I like Max, who can smugly remark,

“My old world’s education system was more advanced, so academics are a breeze. History and language? Already mastered them as a child.”

I actually have to study every single day to maintain my grades, you know!?

But no matter how much I lamented, the option to refuse simply did not exist (see: above).

“Ahem… If we must miss school for these missions, would it be possible to implement some kind of academic support system…?”

Taking a cue from Ange, I timidly made my plea to His Majesty.

“Of course. I will instruct the academy to make all necessary accommodations for any absences related to Heroic duties.”

Heroic duties…

They’re making it sound like some kind of extracurricular club.

Would it kill them to at least offer bonus academic credit, like a volunteer service project?

“Your Majesty, have you finished your discussion? I would love to greet the Hero as well.”

Just as the conversation seemed to be wrapping up, a breathtakingly gorgeous woman entered the room, exuding an overwhelming presence.

Normally, anyone would be completely captivated by her beauty, her aura, and… well, that rather revealing outfit.

However, my attention was completely fixated on something else—specifically, a spot floating slightly behind her.

Because right there, waving enthusiastically with a beaming smile, was someone I hadn’t seen in quite some time—

Wait, how do I even describe him?

An acquaintance? A friend? …A stalker??

Well, whatever he was, it was none other than Prince Chrisford.

Thank goodness! He looks well!

The last time I saw him was when he had told me he was going to “settle things with his past.” Since I had been away in my territory, nearly two months had passed without any contact.

Now, Prince Chrisford was frantically trying to communicate with Ange and me through exaggerated eye movements and gestures.

Honestly, since his voice only reaches the two of us anyway, wouldn’t it be easier if he just spoke normally…?

Besides, Ange seemed to understand him perfectly, nodding with a serious expression.

“…Did you hear me? Is that alright?”

Ah!

I had been so distracted by Prince Chrisford’s bizarre gestures that I completely missed whatever the stunning lady had just said.

“A-Ah, um…”

Having no idea what she had asked, I hesitated, but Ange subtly whispered to me in a low voice.

“Lord Patrick, please accompany the consort for tea and keep her and the Crown Prince occupied. …I have something I need to investigate in the meantime.”

Prince Chrisford also gave me a firm nod of agreement.

I see… so this involves him…

Wait—so she is the consort?

That means this woman is the Crown Prince’s mother… and the one who orchestrated the attempt to eliminate Prince Chrisford from behind the scenes.

Okay, that’s terrifying…

I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible, but there was no way I could refuse an invitation to tea from the consort. Plus, I was worried about both Ange and Prince Chrisford.

Alright! I just have to steel myself and endure a simple tea session!

Forcing down my nerves, I gave a small nod. The consort responded with a pleased smile.

“Then, this way, please. The salon is prepared with tea and refreshments.”

On the way to the salon—

Ange smoothly stepped away from the group, saying that she wanted to offer prayers since she hadn’t been able to visit during the long break.

Fortunately, neither the consort nor the Crown Prince seemed to find it suspicious.

Actually, they were both entirely focused on me, closing in relentlessly.

Thank goodness Lady Violetta is here…

As I watched Ange walking away in the opposite direction, Prince Chrisford suddenly turned back, as if remembering something important.

He hurriedly called out to me—

“Ricky, don’t touch anything you’re served! Got it?”

…Wait.

We’re about to have tea together.

Isn’t this difficulty level a bit too high!?