I was Reincarnated as an Incompetent Leader with Zero Popularity who met his downfall early on. Instead of banishing the hidden cheat Protagonist, I decided to embrace him, and somehow, I ended up being treated like a Hero instead. - Chapter 20

Standing in the doorway to the kitchen was a beautiful girl wearing an oversized men’s shirt.

Her jet-black hair glistened with moisture, and her jewel-like red eyes were fixed on us.

Her body was covered with injuries, each one painful to look at, which only heightened the impression that Chrono was a fragile, delicate being in need of protection.

In reality, she was the strongest magic swordsman, far beyond the capabilities of any average adventurer.

But for now, no one knew that—not even Chrono herself.

As the author, I alone knew the truth. Perhaps the goddesses did too.

Mian, who saw Chrono as nothing more than a chore girl, sneered and opened her mouth.

“Chrono, you’re… not only completely talentless in combat but also utterly clueless about social cues.”

“Maybe that’s why you can shamelessly stick around as the party’s dead weight?”

Gone was the affectionate look she had shown just moments ago. The sorceress now mocked the girl mercilessly.

Chrono, on the other hand, looked apologetic, her expression meek and regretful.

“I’m sorry, but I—”

“Don’t make excuses if you’re going to apologize. It’s even more irritating.”

Mian snapped coldly. Yet, if Chrono hadn’t apologized, she probably would’ve been angry about that too.

Now, how do I defuse this gut-wrenchingly tense atmosphere?

Telling Mian to stop picking on a child or to quit fighting with a fellow party member wouldn’t sound like Alva at all. It’d likely earn me a fiery death.

“…Hey, Mian. Let’s just head to your room already.”

I threw my arm around her shoulder as I said it, deliberately dismissing Chrono.

I told myself to act like a charming but reckless playboy, channeling the kind of guy who’d frequent a host club.

I half-expected Mian to slap me again for this, especially after Chrono’s appearance had soured her mood.

But to my surprise, she played along.

“Hmph, fine… you stupid mutt.”

She responded sultrily, her hand lightly gripping the one I had placed on her shoulder.

What would happen if I went to her room and didn’t follow through?

As Takumi Haimura, I’d never even been alone with a woman in a private room before, let alone a romantic situation. I had no experience.

If we reached her room, I could only hope my body would automatically switch to “Alva mode” and take over.

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if my consciousness blacked out during the whole thing.

If it didn’t… I’d probably be so awkward that she’d see right through me and roast me alive on the spot.

At this point, I was half-praying for a monster attack—or any kind of disaster—to disrupt the situation.

As I entertained this desperate wish, trying to keep Mian in a good mood, it seemed my prayers had been answered.

“Um, Mr. Alva! Earlier, you were so kind to me… thank you! I’m sorry I forgot to thank you sooner!”

Chrono’s voice rang out, clear and earnest.

“I heard your voice just now, and I wanted to say it right away. I’m sorry if I interrupted your conversation!”

She bowed deeply, her behavior reminiscent of an energetic junior athlete from a school club.

Meanwhile, Mian, whose shoulder I was still holding, froze in place.

“Kind? Earlier? Oh, I see. That’s why she’s wearing your shirt.”

“It’s not—! You’re misunderstanding—”

“You’ve been gone for a week, and the first thing you do is cozy up to that little brat instead of me?”

Her voice grew sharper, her tone dripping with venom. “You’re definitely an imposter. A brain parasite. Case closed. Time to put you down.”

“If I’m wrong, I’ll at least set up a grave for you.”

She wasn’t just a “violent heroine” anymore—she was a full-on “burn-you-alive heroine.”

As if her words weren’t terrifying enough, the Flame Sorceress once again began gathering magical energy into her palm.