When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 1

Chapter 1

Episode 1

The carriage advanced while pleasantly swaying along the cobblestone road.

From outside the window, continuous cheers could be heard.

Most of them were directed at our party members, especially the “Hero.”

Even the high-pitched cheers echoed as if not to be outdone.

Whether looking to the side or ahead, people were sticking their faces out of every window of the buildings. They were waving their hands at the carriage carrying us.

So this is what a triumphal parade is. It’s a frenzy I never experienced in my previous life.

Ulrika was sitting beside me. She was blushing slightly at the people’s cheers.

She said things like,

“Hmph! Seriously, how stupid! Making such a fuss,”

while keeping her aloof attitude and giving small waves.

But in truth, it was clear she couldn’t hide her happiness.

Her blue twin tails bounced in tune with her movements.

Raiza was sitting across from us. She swayed her bob-cut black hair, straightened her back, and repeatedly bowed in a graceful yet somewhat reserved manner.

With a demeanor that seemed to say, “Everyone, thank you for your support,” it was typical of her serious nature.

Sonia made her golden ponytail bounce. And with a motion almost leaning out of the carriage window frame, she cheerfully shouted,

“Everyone—! Thank you—!”

She waved her hands widely with a beaming smile.

Her cheerful and sun-like brightness made even those watching her feel energized.

Svea’s silver bobbed long hair left a strong impression. She watched the people quietly with her usual cool expression. But she sometimes showed a shy smile at cheers from young children.

As usual, she didn’t speak much. But her emotions were visible through her expressions.

I, Yutaka, found my companions’ behavior heartwarming and smiled gently while waving my hand.

And then, the star of this parade, the Hero Nergo.

Letting his black hair flutter in the wind, he stood up on the carriage. And with exaggerated hand waves, he loudly responded to the cheers.

“Everyone, thank you! Thank you—! I’m the one who defeated the Demon King—! Ahahahahaha!!”

His appearance was the very image of a hero. Brimming with confidence, he looked radiant.

Seeing Nergo like that, Ulrika, Raiza, Sonia, and Svea also showed happiness. Some of them were even blushing slightly and looking smitten.

Nergo must have been born under such a star.

And so, while receiving a fervent welcome, the carriage carrying our Hero’s party headed toward the royal castle of the Kingdom of Virein.

＊ ＊ ＊

The audience chamber of the royal castle was so magnificent that the phrase “luxurious and resplendent” sounded cheap.

The polished marble floor, the soft light pouring from the skylight, and the splendid tapestries decorating the walls.

At the center back, sitting on the throne, were King Felix Virein of this country, the Kingdom of Virein. And beside him was Princess Osa Virein.

King Felix spoke with a tone full of dignity fitting a king. But his expression was gentle.

Princess Osa was a graceful-looking girl. She was quietly smiling.

Surrounding them, a row of seemingly powerful nobles dressed in splendid clothes watched us with bated breath.

And sturdy soldiers guarded the area without the slightest gap.

We, the Hero’s party, stepped forward in front of King Felix and Princess Osa and knelt.

After a moment of silence, King Felix spoke in a calm voice.

“Raise your heads, Heroes.”

Following his words, we lifted our heads.

“Nergo, and all members of the Hero’s party. Your defeat of the Demon King was truly splendid. The Kingdom of Virein—no, this world itself—thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.”

King Felix’s words carried deep gratitude.

“To each one of you, I promise to grant a reward suitable for your achievements. For now, please rest and recover at ease.”

“Haha, I am deeply honored by your gracious words, Your Majesty.”

Nergo responded not in his usual casual tone, but with fluent honorifics.

He really is a man who can handle things smoothly when it matters.

“Indeed. Nergo. Your feats will surely be sung of by bards. Especially the Demon King’s final death cry—what was that like?”

King Felix asked with a slightly playful expression.

“Yes, Your Majesty. It was truly a pathetic voice, shouting ‘You’ll regret this~!’ like some third-rate villain’s dying line! My finishing blow was just that spectacular, I’m sure he was quite shocked!”

As Nergo puffed out his chest and spoke, laughter erupted from the surrounding nobles.

The atmosphere quickly became light-hearted.

I’m always impressed by this man’s ability to captivate people and liven up the place.

And so, the audience ceremony ended on a friendly note.

＊ ＊ ＊

Afterward, we, the Hero’s party, were to spend the night in our own rooms prepared in the royal castle.

The room I was shown into had furnishings where every item looked expensive. And it was more than spacious enough.

I sat alone on a chair by the window, gazing at the night view of the royal capital below.

From far away, the sounds of the ongoing festival could still be heard.

When I was alone in the quiet room, memories of the past naturally came to mind.

My name was originally Yutaka, and I had lived in a world called Earth. I had worked as a salaryman at a certain large corporation.

I was good at my job and was evaluated reasonably well.

But one day, everything came to an abrupt end.

I saw a drunkard fall onto the train tracks at a station platform. And I jumped down to help him on impulse.

While I succeeded in pushing the drunk up onto the platform, at that moment, I threw out my back at the worst possible timing.

Unable to move, I was run over by the approaching train and died.

It was an awfully lame way to go.

And the next thing I knew, I had been reincarnated in the form of a boy in a dark, dirty slum in a world I didn’t recognize.

I didn’t know who my parents were or where they had gone. I didn’t know what to do or where to go.

I was just desperate to survive.

Only the knowledge and calmness from my previous life barely kept me going.

One day, in that hopeless situation, a voice called out to me. It was Nergo.

“Hey, you. Come with me. You won’t be bored, I promise.”

At that time, Nergo was also a kid around the same age as me. But he was oddly full of confidence.

Then, as if it had been destined, Nergo pulled the legendary Holy Sword Luxcalibur and became a Hero.

I was invited into his party as a tank. It was likely because of my sturdiness.

From then on, Nergo’s performance was unstoppable.

As if he could see the future, he cleared one difficult quest after another and solved troublesome problems.

And finally, he even managed to defeat the Demon King.

I believe Nergo was born to become a Hero.

Outside the window, the citizens were celebrating the arrival of peace and joyfully enjoying the festival.

Watching that scene, I felt a strange sense of fulfillment.

Despite all the hardships since coming to this world, being able to greet such a peaceful night gave me a quiet sense of accomplishment.

It was then. A reserved knock broke the silence of the room.

“Who is it?”

When I asked, a familiar voice came from beyond the door.

“It’s me, Yutaka. Got a moment?”

The voice belonged to none other than the Hero, Nergo.