Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Visitors of all kinds flocked from across the continent. Hayeren. That city ruled by the Bendel House had been enjoying unprecedented prosperity lately. The city's citizens said. That Hayeren had regained its past glory. It was none other than- The reason visitors came from all over the continent was thanks to the 'Hero of Blessing'. That young lady of the Bendel House. Young Lady Roera, who had received all the love of the family and city since long ago. The citizens of Hayeren spent their days intoxicated by the young lady's growing reputation, following her traces. The shop that tailored the Hero's first dress. The general store the Hero often visited. The restaurant opened by the chef who was in charge of the Hero's cooking. The forge that crafted the Hero's first sword. The city's commercial guild was even seriously discussing creating a festival to honor the Hero. "I can't believe it! To think so many people are flocking from all over the continent because it's the hometown of our Young Lady Roera!" "Is the Hero really that amazing?" "That's for real! You're talking nonsense because you don't know. Is our young lady just any hero?" "Then?" "A hero among heroes!!! Do you know what people are saying? The Hero of Blessing would be counted among the best of all Masters of Sacred Sword throughout history!" "Come to think of it, Young Lady Roera has been extraordinary since she was young! Didn't they say she was the greatest talent in Bendel history?" "Exactly! From that Bendel House that has produced countless knights!" How did Young Lady Roera become a hero? No one harbored such doubts. Her skills and character had already been widely renowned even before becoming a hero. Would there be any other reason why she received all the love and attention of that steel-like family head? Yes. That was why. The merchant guild requested an audience with the family head to materialize the 'Blessing Birth Festival', a festival that would represent Hayeren. They judged that even that steel-like man would show interest if it was a festival commemorating his proud daughter. "By the way, how did that go? The matter of the audience with the family head." "...Well, the thing is-" But why was it? "What? You were rejected again?" "I can't understand the reason at all!?" "In this situation, if there's anyone who would be most proud of the young lady, it would surely be the family head-" "My point exactly! What father would refuse to boast about his daughter who became the continent's greatest hero!?" Thus, while troubled expressions appeared on all the merchants' faces. One merchant cautiously began to speak. "Could it be because of that thing?" "That thing?" "Yes, that thing." She looked around unnecessarily and spoke in a secretive tone. "That Young Lady Roera has severed ties with the Bendel House-" *** It still seemed as if echoes were reverberating through the empty night sky. Big brother. A single cry filled with affection. That word spoken from none other than Roera's mouth had tremendous impact. And rightly so- The Hero of Blessing, who was she? What were the elements that symbolized her? The Sacred Sword of Blessing? The unique world of swordsmanship she built at a young age? The amazing achievements she accomplished as a hero? All of those were elements that symbolized the Hero of Blessing. However. The element that most intensely impressed others with her existence was something else. It was precisely that characteristic cynical atmosphere. She was sparing with words and emotions, expressing most of her intentions through indifferent gazes and cynicism. Normally, it would be the perfect type of person to receive criticism, but in her case it was quite different. Didn't they say that if you're outstanding, anything becomes a unique trait? Her tall stature for a woman displayed a balanced beauty befitting a master of swordsmanship. Her long ponytail fluttering along with graceful sword strikes in battle could even captivate her enemies' attention. Her appearance of always leaning against something at an angle was like an elegant predator observing its prey. Indeed. The greatest power possessed by the Hero of Blessing. It was an atmosphere that drew admiration regardless of age or gender. In fact, even followers who were initially drawn by the achievements of Blessing ultimately ended up praising Lady Roera's atmosphere. But- "H-Hero!" "Good heavens, that Lady Roera-...!!!" They had all imagined another side hidden beneath the cynical hero's exterior. But. Who would have thought it would be a spoiled younger sister? The shocked followers' faces were stained with various emotions. There were those who couldn't hide their smiles upon seeing Lady Roera's adorable appearance- While there were others who glared at Lady Roera's 'big brother' as if he were an enemy. And so, the moment of shock that felt like an eternity passed- "But, Lady Roera had siblings? That's impossible-" "It's not that impossible, is it? No matter what, the Hero is still human, so having a sibling or two-" "Huh? Wait. Which family did they say the Hero was from?" "Hm? Did she ever talk about her personal history?" "She never revealed it herself, but someone was talking about it? That she's from the Bendel House. She was famous as a genius swordsman in that region since long ago." "If it's Bendel- Ah! The descendant of heroes- As expected, she was different from the bloodline itself!" "Is that so? I think it's rather ordinary for the Hero's background." "Exactly! I wasn't the only one who thought so." "Then, wait. Lady Roera's big brother... then could it be that he's also from the Bendel House!?" "Good heavens... to think two such figures would emerge from one family in the same generation- just what kind of family is the Bendel House!?" The shock brought by Lady Roera's other side was quickly forgotten. The Knight of Chaos. By the personal history related to that mysterious being. The curiosity that had been suppressed out of respect for the Hero raised its head once again. Roera. And the Knight of Chaos. What kind of background and story could these amazing beings be hiding? "Lady Bendel...?" It was then. A group of followers approached the Hero of Blessing. They were worried about Roera's state as she was still embraced in the knight's arms. "..." Roera looked directly at the follower with a cold gaze. Normally, the followers would have been overwhelmed by that gaze and frozen in place. But now it was different. ...Because she was still snugly nestled in the man's embrace. Perhaps Lady Roera was being very dignified- She didn't lose her characteristic cynical atmosphere even while acting spoiled toward her big brother. "Didn't I tell you not to call me by that name?" "Yes? Ah! I-I'm sorry- It felt wrong to carelessly speak the Hero's name, so I unconsciously-" The woman seemed to genuinely feel that way and was being respectful. Roera couldn't bring herself to scold her and could only click her tongue softly. She thought it was something she had to endure, considering she kept her personal history tightly hidden even from her companions. Therefore, Roera withdrew her attention from the follower and once again to her big brother- She spoke to Risir. "Hey. Since we're on the topic, let me ask. What are you going to do?" "What do you mean, what am I going to do?" "Bendel." "...Bendel? Why Bendel?" "What?" What is he talking about right now? They looked at each other with such gazes. Bendel. It was because of the difference in the weight they placed on that name. Before long, Roera began to bring out the story she had been keeping inside. The nearby followers were flustered when the Hero suddenly began telling personal stories- But the person in question didn't care at all. She simply continued the conversation in her usual prickly but somehow intimate atmosphere. In the end, the followers had to read the room and cover their ears. "That man has refused to acknowledge you for almost your entire life. Isn't that right?" "That's right." "But look at you now. Even looking at you now, could that man really refuse to acknowledge you?" "...Ah-" Risir vaguely realized. What his younger sister wanted to say. "So, this is it, right? Don't you want to make Lord Bendel regret it-" "What's with 'Lord Bendel'." Roera wore the coldest sneer she had ever shown. "Hey. Has that man ever treated you properly even once? What's so precious about him that you're going 'Lord' this and that?" Instead of answering, Risir could only smile bitterly. His younger sister let out a deep sigh at her big brother's appearance. "What a foolish person..." "No, is it that bad?" "Not you." Roera's gaze, which regarded the other party as pathetic, was directed toward a more distant place. "Where else in the world would you find such a fool..." "...That's a compliment, right?" "..." Roera looked up at him silently with upturned eyes. Thud! A playful (by hero standards) punch landed on his side. "Would it be a compliment? Fool." The most pleasant smile yet appeared on Roera's face. "Anyway. So what will you do?" Roera finally stepped away from Risir's embrace. Her gaze passed over her expedition and returned to Risir. "Am I the only one imagining such things right now?" "What kind of imagination?" "The imagination of going back to Bendel just like this and flattening that man's proud nose." "..." Risir, who had been making eye contact with Roera for a moment, burst into laughter. "Roera. You've become a wonderful adult. To have such thrilling imagination...!" Risir spoke half-jokingly. In other words, half was sincere. Roera's proposal was certainly attractive. Idor Bendel. There was once a time when earning even a fragment of respect from him was the dream of his lifetime. But. To go several steps further from that and make him completely anxious and courting instead of just a fragment of respect? Just imagining it made him want to burst into a broad smile. But- "Roera. Sorry to dampen the mood, but I think I'm fine as is." "What?" Roera looked at Risir with disgust. What a pathetic guy! An expression as if such a voice could be heard. Of course, that was merely superficial- Deep concern was contained within. "You don't mean. You still that man-" How should she express this? The younger sister couldn't bring herself to continue those words. Her big brother resolved his younger sister's worry. "Because he's a relationship that has no meaning to me anymore." It was a light smile. A smile that contained not even a speck of emotion, including resentment. Roera snorted as if finding it ridiculous. "...What? Acting all mature." Separately, the younger sister's gaze looking at her big brother was full of curiosity. "Indifference that has surpassed contempt, is that it? Or is indifference the medicine for pathetic people?" Before even hearing an answer, his younger sister got excited and playfully tapped various parts of her big brother's body. It was a worldly mischievous movement that didn't suit the name Hero of Blessing. "Good, I've decided." Before long, she said. "Then I'm done too, from now on." "Done, you mean-" "Bendel is done." Ahh~ Roera stretched as if feeling relieved. Then, one corner of her mouth lifted. She added playfulness to her characteristic cynical smile and said. "Then what should I be called now that I'm not a Bendel either?" *** That day. Although many things had happened, the Bendel mansion maintained the same atmosphere as before. Idor Bendel. Everything was because that steel-like man was maintaining the center- The bastard's rebellion. The young lady's departure from home. The Dark Elf's attack. Idor returned to his daily routine as if none of those things had happened and silently fulfilled his duties. At first, the retainers showed worry and doubt about the family head's condition, but they had no choice but to change their minds at his unchangingly upright appearance. That Bendel's glory was still intact. And one day, news that reached them added light to that glory. Roera Bendel. It was news of the young lady beloved by the family. The young lady who had been the family's pride had returned as a hero of the continent. Roera, Hero of Blessing. Recently, thanks to her, the Bendel mansion had been bustling with visitors almost daily. "Thank you so much for taking such precious time, Lord Idor!" "I'm the one who should be thankful for you visiting during such busy times." "No! Not at all! It's something I should naturally do! To think that Young Lady Roera has become a hero praised by the entire continent- I, Lopez, am still-..." A noble overwhelmed with emotion thinking of the young lady from her childhood. "..." Idor, looking at her, held a pleased father's smile... "Hm? Lord Idor, are you feeling unwell somewhere?" A smile cast with a faint shadow, that is. "...How could that be, when the entire continent is filled with our daughter's glory." "Hm?! Hahahaha!!! That's truly a righteous statement!? Come to think of it, if such a thing happened, one would jump up even in the middle of work! Yes! Of course!" Soon. The noble cleared his throat with a *ahem* and cautiously watched Idor's expression with expectant eyes. "By the way- Lord Idor. When will- the young lady return to the main house? Have you received any word separately-" "..." Idor's expression hardened stiffly. It was only for a brief moment. He smiled gently and said. "As it happens, I've been in contact with Roera and sent word. I believe a reply should arrive soon." "Oh, is that so?" It was then. "Family Head...!" An elderly butler rushed into the office. In his hand was a single letter. "...!" Idor rarely brightened and rose from his seat. The noble also jumped up along with him. "L-Lord Idor- could that be...!" Idor immediately took the letter from the butler and began to read it. "It's from Roera." And so when he read the first sentence of the letter. Idor and everyone present showed excited expressions. "My goodness...! The young lady must be thinking of Lord Idor all day? To think the letter arrives just when Lord Idor was talking about the young lady!?" "Certainly so! Our young lady must know how much the family head loves her!" "..." Idor couldn't hide his joy and continued reading the next contents of the letter. As he was reading aloud, his mouth suddenly stopped. "..." "...Family Head?" "Lord Idor?" "Hm? Ah! It's nothing. She says- right now her duties as a hero are so heavy that she simply cannot leave her position." "Ah...! Is that so?" "Well, how heavy must the burden that Young Lady Roera carries be? In reality, it's not an exaggeration to say she's carrying the entire continent-" "Oh, well said! Yes! That's it! The young lady must have had no choice, it was unavoidable!" "..." The butler and noble, who had newly realized Roera's fame, continued their praise in excited tones. Idor created a pleased father's smile. With shadows even deeper than before- "According to the letter's contents, she says she will return to the main house once her business is resolved. So, when the time comes, I will certainly give you word then." *** "Family Head, congratulations! Finally the young lady-" Right after the meeting with the noble. The butler rejoiced as if it were his own matter and offered sincere congratulations to the family head. "I'm heading to Bondaless right now." "Family Head...!?" However, the family head's appearance seemed far from joyful. In a somewhat dazed state, he ordered the butler to prepare for travel. "Right now!? What on earth is happening!? What exactly was written in the letter-" "Don't touch it!" "Gasp...!" When the butler tried to touch the letter, Idor glared and threatened him. The butler turned pale and collapsed to the floor. Idor paid no heed and spoke to him. "I won't say it twice. I'm heading to Bondaless right now, so prepare everything." "B-but Family Head!!! If you head to Bondaless now-" Risir. It was a name carefully mentioned from the butler's mouth. At that moment. Idor's agitated expression turned cold. As if someone somewhere was watching him right now. As if trying to show his appearance to that person. "Didn't I tell you never to mention that name again?" After that incident. Idor began obsessively ignoring the existence of that 'bastard'. As if he didn't exist in this world. No one could mention that name in front of Idor. However. At this moment, as Idor emanated even cold intimidation, the butler had no choice but to cry out urgently. To explain why he shouldn't head to Bondaless now. 'If that rumor is true...!' The butler mentioned a certain rumor that he himself dared not believe. "...What?" It was unprecedented. The soul was completely stripped from the steel-like man's expression. The butler was inwardly shocked. To think the family head would readily accept that rumor, which even he found hard to believe? Idor reread the letter as if engraving it into his eyes. "..." "Family Head!" Idor Bendel collapsed into his seat as his legs gave out. "I-impossible- this is, this is-...!!!" His expression was stained with despair and terror. "H-he will return- to exact revenge on Bendel...!" *** The streets of Hayeren were filled with countless people. They cried out in unison. That Hayeren had regained its past glory. That Bendel's glory would be eternal. But then. A rumor that had only circulated in some corners surfaced above water due to some catalyst. Someone said. "What? The Advancement Hero-" "That bastard-" "Young Master Risir-" Advancement Hero. Hero of Progress. His name instantly covered the streets. The glory of Bendel that had filled the place was instantly pushed away and disappeared.