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 21

Mian Clovel was an exceptional sorceress.

The fact that someone capable of conjuring a blazing phoenix without an incantation could remain at the Silver rank for years was nothing short of absurd.

That crimson bird, as beautiful as a work of art, would reduce anyone who touched it to ash in an instant.

And yet, there was no sign of the wooden kitchen catching fire.

Mian had coated the fiery bird in her own magical energy to prevent it from spreading flames.

In other words, she excelled not only in raw power but also in perfect control.

Despite her extraordinary talent, there was a reason she remained stuck at Silver rank.

“You know what I just can’t stand? Those girls who cut their hair short and don’t wear makeup, pretending they’re not even trying to be women.”

The twin-tailed sorceress stared at us, though her gaze seemed to drift elsewhere.

Her words, slipping from lips painted a soft pink, sounded more like a soliloquy than a conversation.

“And she’s still a teenager? The youngest in the party? And already in bed with the leader?”

“Hey, Mian—”

“I don’t care who you sleep with. As long as it’s not the kind of girl I absolutely despise.”

The phoenix spread its fiery wings wide, as if mirroring its creator’s fury.

If this were a display of dominance against a powerful foe, it would’ve been impressive.

But in reality, it was just a sorceress, consumed by her own misconceptions, about to burn her comrades alive.

No matter how advanced a weapon may be, if it’s prone to misfire, no one would dare use it.

The higher the power, the greater the danger it poses.

“I’m telling you, there’s nothing going on between Chrono and me!”

“That’s what men always say! Just because you’re scared of my flames… I’ve had enough of it!”

For someone who was supposed to be a person, not a weapon, Mian was utterly incapable of listening to reason.

“I don’t care about other men! Yes, your flames are terrifying, but don’t jump to conclusions!”

“See? You are scared of me! That’s why you were sneaking around with her, weren’t you?”

I swallowed the urge to retort that we weren’t even dating in the first place.

But I had no idea what the right response was.

This wasn’t the kind of situation where I could defuse things by pulling her into a hug or charming my way out.

There was a table between us, keeping us at a safe distance. Turning my back to escape the kitchen would likely result in immediate immolation.

Was this how people felt when they faced a bear in the woods?

If reasoning was hopeless, then force might be the only option.

Maybe I could keep Mian’s attention with my words while Chrono seized the chance to knock her out.

Of course, I couldn’t say this aloud, so I silently conveyed my intentions to the black-haired girl with a glance.

Chrono looked startled but quickly understood, nodding with determination.

Then, in a loud and resolute voice, she declared:

“Mian, calm down! We’re not even in a relationship!”

Why?

For a moment, I forgot my fear and stared at her, dumbfounded.

“…Everyone just die! All of you, just die!”

The fiery bird let out a piercing shriek.

It swung its wings violently, turning a section of the table to ash in an instant.

The room heated up as if something had exploded.

I understood what Chrono was trying to say—she wanted to clarify that there was nothing romantic between us.

“Please, calm down! There’s nothing between us!”

“Shut up, shut up, shut up! I’m nothing but a toy to you, aren’t I!?”

Mian was screaming hysterically, and Chrono looked utterly bewildered.

Sweat trickled down my face—not just from the heat but from sheer tension.

I desperately wished I had a skill to seal away magic. I thought back to the skill book the Goddess of Knowledge had shown me.

As a swordsman with almost no magical ability, I knew it was impossible for me to acquire such a skill.

But if Mian’s magic could somehow be neutralized, she’d just be an ordinary, fragile woman.

She could cry, scream, and rage all she wanted. Once she was exhausted, I could explain everything.

If only I could stop her magic.

“Mian, please listen to me!”

Chrono’s voice was light yet firm, cutting through the oppressive heat.

Even as I struggled to breathe, she didn’t seem affected by the stifling temperature.

Now that I thought about it, neither Mian, the caster, nor Chrono showed any signs of sweating.

Could she unconsciously be using reinforcement skills on herself?

Chrono had that ability. She could strengthen allies, weaken enemies, and even attack physically or magically.

Even now, though she hadn’t fully awakened, she’d been enhancing our party and weakening monsters during battles without realizing it.

If given the right trigger, her power as a hero would awaken.

Even at this stage, it might be possible for her to acquire the skill to seal magic.

“Goddess of Knowledge, Elena! I beg of you!”

I shouted, trusting that she was watching over us from her distant temple.

“Through the contract of skill acquisition and transfer, grant Chrono Knightley the ability to seal magic!”

The moment I finished speaking, the blinding light of divine power filled the room, outshining even the crimson flames.