The S-Class Hunter Doesn't Want To Be A Villainous Princess - Chapter 7

<A sudden quest has been activated!>

<Mercenary King> Cedin Ansirad requests that you accept him as your disciple.

Do you accept his request?

[Yes]: Reputation +100, Cedin Ansirad's Affinity +100

[No]: Cedin Ansirad's Affinity -100

'So he wants to take me as his master? That’s…

"No."

Not interested.

Why would I?

'Not just any relationship—but a master-disciple relationship?’

“Am I not to your liking?”

“It’s not about that.”

Even after living through countless lifetimes, she had never taken on a disciple—not even anything close.

There had once been a child who followed only her for twenty years and begged to become her disciple. She refused even then.

Taking responsibility for someone else’s life? Absolutely not.

And now this man she had just met wanted to become her disciple?

Why would she agree?

[You have selected [No]! Cedin Ansirad's Affinity decreases by 100.]

Look at that—his affinity dropped immediately. No loyalty at all.

“Am I… not to your liking?”

“No. I like you.”

She meant it.

He was someone she genuinely found appealing—for the first time since entering this world.

But still—no was no.

“Then why…?”

“I don’t like taking responsibility for others.”

“You don’t need to take responsibility for me. I can handle myself.”

“Then why ask me to be your master? Just handle it yourself.”

Cedin looked at her, troubled.

But Renee remained firm.

“I’ve said everything I need to say. I’m leaving.”

“My lady. Please—just hear me out for a moment.”

Should I ignore him… or listen?

[The <Queen of Waves and Healing> suggests that since he’s handsome, you might as well hear him out.]

“…Fine. Go ahead.”

“As you may know, I have reached the level of a Sword Master.”

So that’s what they call it here? Someone who can manifest sword aura?

Then what level am I? Something like a Grand Sword Master?

Even without fully understanding this world’s system, Renee could tell—Cedin was strong.

In her previous life, he would have ranked among the top hunters.

Probably within the top hundred.

‘…Though he wouldn’t have reached the final floor.’

Memories of her past companions suddenly surfaced.

Renee shook her head, brushing them away.

“My lady?”

“Sorry. Go on.”

“But I have been unable to go beyond this level. No matter how much I train or cross blades with others, I find no clue. Even when facing the Crown Prince—said to be the strongest on the continent—I felt nothing.”

Wait.

This is starting to sound a bit… off.

Don’t tell me—just because this is a romance fantasy, he’s suddenly falling for me?

“But the moment I saw you, something within me awakened.”

“…And what exactly was that something?”

Thump.

His heartbeat was loud enough to hear.

Renee suppressed the uneasy feeling creeping in.

This guy—who practically just came into existence—wouldn’t seriously—

“Compe—”

Affection? Is it affection?

“—titive spirit.”

“…Competitive spirit?”

“For the first time, I felt an overwhelming desire to fight someone.

At the same time, I felt absolute helplessness.

Even knowing I would lose, this urge refuses to subside.”

…What am I supposed to do with this guy?

'Which one of you told me to hear him out?'

[The <Queen of Waves and Healing> looks away.]

[The <Ruthless Blood Leader> nods in satisfaction.]

[The <Ruler of Temptation> remarks on what a strange young man this is.]

"Alright. I appreciate the sentiments. I really do."

“I am not asking you to accept me for nothing. I will support you in every way possible. I will obtain whatever you desire. I will carry out any command you give.”

…Now that’s a bit tempting.

‘I was just thinking I could use a loyal subordinate.’

At this level, it wasn’t a bad deal.

In her previous life, she would have accepted immediately.

‘What’s the worst that could happen? I just teach him some swordsmanship.’

“Fine.”

[You have selected [Yes]! Cedin Ansirad's Affinity increases by 200.]

[Reputation +100!]

[Cedin Ansirad’s status window has been updated. Would you like to check it now?]]

‘Check. Immediately.’

<Status Window>

Name: Cedin Anshirad
Family: House Ansirad
Fame: 792
Titles: <Mercenary King>, <Head of the Sirrah Guild>, <First Head of House Ansirad>, <Sword Master>, (NEW!) <Raven>

Power: 810
Stealth: 890
Stamina: 830
Wisdom: 892
Luck: 673
Affinity: 300

(NEW!) Relationship: Master-Disciple

[Master – Renee Markious / Disciple – Cedin Ansirad]

[<Mercenary King> Cedin Ansirad has become your disciple! Reputation increases by 100. 

(Current Reputation: -849)]

[As your master-disciple relationship becomes widely known, your reputation will increase further. Promote your loyal disciple!]

<Special Quest - Your Loyal Disciple>

You have gained your first disciple. How about you do something to develop your relationship with him?

Clear Condition: Increase Cedin Ansirad's Affinity to 500 points.

Clear Reward: 

• Reputation +50
• Change in Relationship: ??

"Thank you, Master."

"Ugh."

The unfamiliar title made Renee instinctively recoil.

It felt strange—ticklish in a way she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

In her past life, all she had done was fight brutal battles.

This kind of feeling had long been forgotten.

“…That doesn’t sound right. Don’t call me that.”

“Then what would you prefer?”

“Just call me what you did before—my lady.”

“Understood. As you wish, my lady.”

…This feels weird.

Cedin looked at her with unwavering devotion.

That expression—

‘Cerberus?’

Not a cat… a dog?

“Then can I ask you a favor, Cedin?”

“Anything you command.”

That’s a bit much.

‘Is this what romance fantasy is like?’

She didn’t want to admit it—but she was starting to like this world.

It would’ve been nice if people in her previous life had shown this kind of loyalty.

Back then, everyone only tried to stab her.

There was no romance there.

“Tell me why the Crown Prince hid the witness.”

No matter how you look at it, he’s the most suspicious one.

“…Is that something you’re allowed to tell me?”

“That is not an issue.”

Cedin hesitated briefly before answering.

“My lady, it would be wise not to make an enemy of the Crown Prince. I know you are strong, but… he is different.”

“Are you worried about me?”

Renee laughed and casually patted his head.

When was the last time someone worried about her?

It was oddly… endearing.

Like a chick worrying about an eagle.

“T–This is not something to take lightly, my lady!”

“It’s fine. I’ll take care of myself. Just answer me.”

Cedin turned his face slightly, trying to hide the faint flush on his cheeks.

“The Crown Prince feared rumors of discord between himself and the Saintess.”

“…And for something like that, he endangered me?”

“It is not ‘something small’ to him. The Saintess is his reputation.”

“Is she really that important?”

“She is called the incarnation of the God. The people of the empire adore her. And through her, they support the Crown Prince.”

“I see. So if word gets out that she left on her own, his reputation would suffer.”

“Exactly. Especially since he has a strong political rival.”

“A rival?”

“You truly don’t know?”

Cedin looked surprised.

"It's the Imperial Princess, Edin von Rambdisha. Aside from the Emperor, only the two of them remain in the imperial family.”

“…I see.”

Then it makes sense why he clings to the Saintess.

Still—

That doesn’t excuse it.

“Tell me what you’ve learned about this case.”

“I do not know much yet. I only just arrived. I had only heard the testimony of the youngest priest beforehand.”

“Don’t you think that testimony is suspicious?”

“…Yes. I intended to investigate it further.”

Renee recalled what she had heard earlier.

‘The Saintess received a divine revelation and was bedridden all day… but now I believe it may have been something else.’

‘Why?’

‘Because of what she said in her sleep.’

‘Sleep talking?’

‘Yes. She said—’

The youngest priest closed his eyes and imitated Lianne's sleep-talking.

“…‘Please let me go.’”

Anyone with sense would know who that was directed at.

“…Yes.”

“So they weren’t on good terms?”

“Not exactly. It’s just…”

Cedin hesitated, then met her gaze.

“My lady, please do not misunderstand what I am about to say.”

“Misunderstand? About what?”

“Just because the Crown Prince did not love the Saintess… does not mean he can love you.”

“…What?”

Renee stared at him in disbelief.

“Why would I misunderstand something like that?”

“You were known to have loved the Crown Prince for a long time.”

Ah.

‘This original body really is useless.’

“I don’t like him anymore. I hate him.”

“…So suddenly?”

“If someone framed you, would you still like them?”

“…Was it that shocking?”

“Of course it was. My feelings vanished instantly.”

(Not that she actually felt anything—but she had to play the role.)

“…That’s a relief.”

“What?”

“Their relationship was purely contractual. No affection. No interest. If anything, the Saintess cared for everyone equally.”

“What? People know that?”

“They’re known as a legendary couple.”

Cedin shook his head.

“But the higher ranks of the information guild know the truth.”

“…Then what did the Saintess gain from that marriage?”

“Many things. First—her life.”

“…So the Crown Prince threatened her.”

As expected.

If that was true, then her disappearance made perfect sense.

"In any case, this is quite a tricky situation."

"Why is that?"

"If I'm going to prove my innocence, I'll have to find the Saint and shows everyone that she's still alive, but this girl escaped because she feared for her survival. I feel bad... about bringing her back."

"My lady..."

Cedin looked at her with admiration.

Renee covered his eyes with her hand.

"Stop looking at me. I'm not as good a person as you might think."

"I don't understand how all those terrible rumors about you began. I shall go and fix them at once...!"

"Don't! Please just stay put."

No matter how much she thinks about it, it seems like the rumors are true.

"Whatever the situation is, I'm here to prove my innocence, but it looks like the problem is the Crown Prince, so we'll have to deal with him first.

"I don't understand what you mean when you say that you'll deal with him."

Cedin fidgeted and held her hand, then quickly let go.

But he didn't let go completely. Renee knew his mischievous intention but pretended not to know.

"Will you tell me?"

"It's not that hard. I'm just gonna meet him in person and deal with him then."

"But.. The Crown Prince will refuse to listen to you."

"Who said I expected him to listen?"

"Then..."

"I think actions speak louder than words, Cedin."

Just like that, she would lure him.

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