I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 256: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 54

Episode 256: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 54

“Akagi, what do you mean by that?” 

“Exactly what I said~.” 

“Why do we have to act quickly? Did something happen to Kouya?” 

“Hey, calm down, Arata! Akagi, don’t provoke him unnecessarily!” 

For once, Arata was getting worked up, and we hurried to stop him. 

“Nothing’s happened~. …If anything, it’s precisely because nothing’s happened that it could be dangerous~.” 

“Speak clearly, Akagi. What exactly do you mean?” 

“The cause is you, Mihiro~.” 

“I’m the cause? What do you mean… Ah, I see.” 

“What’s going on, Mihiro?” 

I finally understood Akagi’s cryptic remark. 

Maria is eagerly awaiting the manifestation of a divine power in the student council president. 

But if it never happens, she might lose patience with him. 

As a combatant, the student council president is more than capable—after all, he’s a Hero, a special-class profession. 

Since he has feelings for Maria, there’s little risk of betrayal. However, if the anticipated power fails to emerge, the backlash could be significant. 

“It’s because he hasn’t awakened the divine power, right?” 

“Exactly~.” 

“But Kouya has feelings for Maria…” 

“To that princess, something like that doesn’t matter~. Even if he doesn’t awaken, she’ll keep him as a combatant. But whether his own will remains intact… well, who knows~?” 

Maria might change her attitude toward the student council president. 

And the student council president’s feelings for her might fade as a result. 

If both of those things happen, there’s a high chance he could end up controlled with a barrage of status ailments, like what happened to Arata and the others. 

“Just so you know~ The student council president is way stronger than me, okay? You’d better be cautious~.” 

“S-Stronger than you? The student council president is?” 

“Maybe he’s exceptional, even among special-class professions~. He *is* a Hero, after all~.” 

Yes, the student council president is a hero. 

In fantasy worlds, heroes are iconic figures, the protagonists. 

Sometimes, light novels portray heroes as villains. But they’re typically the epitome of justice. 

And a hero—let alone a protagonist—isn’t supposed to be weak. 

“Even among special-class professions, there was just… something different about the student council president compared to the other three~.” 

“…I think I get that.” 

“Me too. I felt it as well.” 

Akagi’s words were echoed by Madoka and Yuria, both nodding in agreement. 

“What about you, Arata?” 

“…Now that you mention it, I might have sensed something special about Kouya too.” 

“See~? If the student council president ever showed up as an enemy, we might all get killed~.” 

“But I can’t imagine him killing us!” 

“What if he’s being controlled~?” 

“Th-That’s…” 

Arata clenched his teeth in frustration. 

It made sense—after all, Arata himself had tried to kill me while under mind control. 

He had deeply regretted it. And for a while after being freed from the status ailment, he’d been completely despondent. 

Having experienced it firsthand, it was only natural that he couldn’t argue against Akagi’s words. 

“Even if Mihiro’s secret isn’t discovered, there’s always the possibility of Maria losing her patience. Be careful~.” 

Akagi’s sly grin made us pause and seriously consider what our next move should be.