My Disciples Think I’m Strong

Chapter 43 - Nurturing the Heroes' Growth (6)



Having been summoned by the Emperor, Tory Ause and Urkha sensed a chaotic atmosphere from the moment they entered Pretium.

“I’ll go investigate first.”
“Understood.”

The two disembarked from the carriage and headed towards the source of the commotion.
Upon arriving at the site where Incurou, Ella, and Habito had clashed, their mouths fell agape.

“Quite serious.”

It was utter devastation.
Not a single trace remained, only blackened bloodstains completely solidified on the ground.

“What happened here?”

Tory approached the Imperial Knights guarding the scene and inquired.

“A few days ago, Lord Incurou and Lady Ella faced a Demon Lord-level foe who had infiltrated the capital.”
“What?”

Urkha, who had been sniffing the overwhelming stench of blood, whipped her head around.

“A Demon Lord-level?”
“Yes. We were told he utilized blood-based magic. He stated his name as ‘Habito’ – a demon we’ve never heard of before.”
“…The hierarchy in the Demon Realm must have changed. There, the strong are given opportunities to become Demon Lords.”

Tory’s words rang true.

In reality, power equated to authority in the demon race.
The strong could do as they pleased, without question.

The position of Demon Lord was no exception.
It wasn’t uncommon for a demon belonging to a Lord’s forces to overthrow their superior and claim the title for themselves.

“So what about the body?”
“We couldn’t kill him. Apparently, he fled with his tail between his legs. Two S-rank adventurers might have been a match for a Demon Lord.”

‘No, that’s unlikely.’

Urkha inwardly refuted the knight’s casual remark.

That the capital was under the Grand Anti-Demon Magic field was common knowledge to all Pretium residents.

‘For this level of damage to have occurred while fighting under the Grand Anti-Demon Magic, it must have been an arduous battle. They likely strained themselves considerably.’

“Speaking of which, Ella? You’re referring to the retired S-rank adventurer Ella, right? I hadn’t heard any news about her recovering from her magic affliction until now.”
“We were told she was cured a few days ago.”

The news of her being cured left Tory and Urkha wide-eyed in astonishment.

They couldn’t hide their surprise that the demonic energy even skilled healers couldn’t expel had been cured.

“A few days ago?”
“Yes. While I don’t know the details, according to Lord Incurou’s statement, her physical abilities and magic output seem unimpaired.”
“…We should hear her account.”

Throughout history, there had only been two known ways to treat demonic energy affliction.

One was through the power of saints from the past to heal it, and the other was using Purification Stones to extract the demonic energy.

However, saints were long extinct, and all Purification Stones had been lost during the First Demon-Human War.

As such, there had been no known treatment methods until now.

“I see. Thank you for your service.”
“Yes!”
“Let’s go, Urkha.”
“Mm.”

The two left the scene and returned to their carriage.

“It’s been so long since I last visited the capital, and I’m already hearing all sorts of strange news.”
“Indeed, it would seem so.”

The two scratched their heads and sighed.

“Ella, I sincerely congratulate you on your recovery.”
“I have not yet fully recovered, Your Highness.”

Despite having been bedridden for so long, Ella’s etiquette remained impeccable.

Her vocal intonations, the grace with which she held her teacup, even the way she ate a single cookie – all carried a natural, dignified nobility.

Witnessing this, Crown Prince Chris inwardly marveled.

‘To think such a seemingly frail and innocent-looking woman is an S-rank adventurer. I still can’t quite believe it. Although the Todia family has produced strong warriors for generations…’

“So, may I inquire about the reason for today’s summons?”

It was Ella’s voice that roused him from his momentary contemplation.

“Ah, it’s nothing major. I was simply curious about the circumstances of your recovery and how you intend to proceed with your activities.”
“I’m afraid the details of my treatment cannot be divulged immediately.”

The Purification Stone was an object anyone would covet.
In this era devoid of methods to eliminate demonic energy, her position obligated her to relinquish it if the Crown Prince, her superior, demanded it.

Hence, she intended to conceal it as much as possible.

“And as for my future activities… I plan to put them on hold for a while.”
“Is there a reason?”
“…I’m searching for someone.”
“Someone?”
“Yes. A very important person to me. But unfortunately, it seems they are not in Pretium.”
“Who is it? If you tell me, I can have them thoroughly searched for throughout the Empire.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already ascertained their whereabouts.”

She smiled softly as she set down her teacup.

In truth, had it not been for the Crown Prince’s summons, she would have immediately left the capital to meet ‘that person’.

She had already paid the Secret Garden to obtain all information about that person – their name, appearance, and residence.

“I see. While unintentional, it seems I have taken up your time.”
“Not at all, Your Highness.”
“Then I suppose there will be no opportunity to meet my sister.”

He referred to the Imperial Princess.

“Unfortunately, it would seem so. I shall look forward to the day when such a meeting arises.”
“Very well. Let me know if you require anything.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. I shall take my leave now.”

Ella rose from her seat and slightly bowed her waist.

Straightening her posture, she exchanged eye contact with Chris and turned with a faint smile.

At that moment, a knock sounded from the door.

“Enter.”

It was a middle-aged man with distinctly silver hair.

The crisp uniform he wore exuded an aura of sophistication, albeit different from modern suits.

He had served the Crown Prince since childhood.

“Pardon the interruption.”
“What is it?”
“Your Highness, Duke Tory and S-rank adventurer Urkha have arrived for an audience.”

He maintained a dignified posture as he calmly relayed the matter.

“…Urkha?”

The mention of the unexpected name caused Ella’s eyes to dart about restlessly.

“I see. Let them in.”
“Understood. I shall inform them immediately.”

Even as he exited, his economical movements prompted Ella to inwardly remark, ‘He must lead such a tiring life.’

Thud.
As soon as the door closed, Ella turned her gaze towards Chris.

“Your Highness, why have you summoned Urkha here?”

Ella was bewildered.

It was highly unusual to summon other races into the Imperial Palace.
Of course, it wasn’t Urkha’s first visit as an S-rank adventurer.
She had accompanied Duke Tory on numerous occasions as a guard and had privately met the Emperor too.

However, in the Empire that discriminated against other races, allowing their presence within the palace was still an act that evoked significant backlash.

“…Are you aware of the official duel that took place in Ause City?”
“Yes, I’ve heard of it.”

Ella gave an ambiguous response.

“I was told Urkha lost. To an unknown individual.”
“You refer to S-rank Urkha?”
“Yes. I summoned her directly to hear the details.”

Ella already knew who had defeated Urkha.
She had paid hundreds of gold to the Secret Garden to obtain information about that person.

‘This is an opportunity to learn more about that person. While the Secret Garden’s information is trustworthy, nothing beats hearing it from the source.’

“Your Highness, if it would not be too presumptuous, may I also be present to listen?”
“…Ah, you are also an S-rank adventurer. It’s only natural to be curious about one who defeated your equal.”
“That is correct, Your Highness.”
“Very well. You may listen as well.”

Chris readily agreed.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, Duke Tory and Urkha entered the reception room.

“Welcome, welcome. Thank you for coming all this way.”
“Not at all, Your Highness.”
“It has been a while, Your Highness.”
“Indeed, it has been a long time, Urkha.”
“I trust you have been well?”

While inwardly sharpening her blade, she outwardly maintained a smile.

This was the first expression Urkha had learned from Tory – the fundamental principle of politics was never revealing one’s true intentions.

“Yes. Since you all seem to have much to discuss, please, have a seat first.”
“However… may I first inquire as to why the Duchess Ella is present?”

In response to Tory’s question, Urkha glanced at Ella.
Ella, in turn, looked back at Urkha.

It was an exchange of gazes that seemed to spark in the air between them.

“You haven’t changed a bit, have you, Urkha?”
“…It seems you’re still breathing just fine as well.”

While Ella generally didn’t concern herself with other races, she was sensitive towards those who lacked proper manners.

Particularly individuals like Incurou and Urkha, who failed to understand the difference in status despite being of comparable strength – they were objects of contempt in Ella’s eyes.

“I probably have far more demon subjugation achievements than you by now?”
“Hahah, have you forgotten the high-ranking demons I’ve slain until now? Don’t get cocky over taking down a few measly demons.”

In the presence of the Crown Prince and Duke Ause, Ella inwardly cursed while softening her words as much as possible. She didn’t forget to maintain a smile on her face.

“You’re still as sharp-tongued as ever, I see.”
“And you’re no different, losing another official duel. To an S-rank, no less.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I lost.”
“…Huh?”

Ella found Urkha’s ready admission bewildering.

The desire to avoid losing to others and an unwavering pride were inseparable aspects of Urkha’s character.

Even if it hadn’t been Ella, this was a common trait among S-rank adventurers renowned as the Empire’s strongest.

Well aware of this, Ella found Urkha’s reaction highly unexpected.

“That person was truly remarkable, and a good person. Perhaps I should say that just witnessing them inspired respect.”
“What…?”

As Ella stared at Urkha in bewilderment, an expression of intrigue appeared on the Crown Prince’s face.

“Hoho, for the S-rank adventurer Urkha to acknowledge someone to that degree. Why don’t you tell us more about this individual?”
“On that matter, I shall provide an explanation, Your Highness.”

Duke Tory, seated opposite the Crown Prince, spoke up. Urkha stood beside him, positioning herself as his guard – an acknowledgment that her status didn’t permit her to be seated with royalty or nobility.

Ella, who had brought a chair, also took a seat at the table, ready to listen. She looked towards Tory expectantly.

“Then allow me to begin by explaining the circumstances that led to the battle…”

And so, Duke Tory began recounting the events that had transpired in Ause City while Praus’s group was there.

As the story progressed, expressions of delight emerged on Chris and Ella’s faces, soon turning to awe.

“He seems to be an even more formidable existence than the rumors suggested.”

The moment Duke Tory fell silent, the Crown Prince spoke.

“Then why has such a person only revealed themselves now?”
“I’m uncertain of the reason, but one thing is clear – we must not make an enemy of him under any circumstances. Praus’s strength is likely sufficient to single-handedly defeat a Demon Lord.”
“Does that imply… he is a ‘hero’?”

Chris’s question caused everyone present to hold their breath.

Having initially dismissed it as a mere possibility, the Crown Prince had directly voiced that very scenario – leaving no one able to respond.

Martial and magical prowess transcending even S-rank adventurers by a vast margin.
Apart from the heroes of legend, no one else could possess such abilities.

The conjecture lingering in their minds solidified into certainty, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

An undeniable reality they had to accept.

“It is said that when a Demon King arises, a hero is also born.”
“Then the one who will save the world from the demon race is…”
“Yes. He is… the hero.”

‘Praus is… the hero…!’

Urkha was filled with genuine admiration.

‘Yes, if he’s the hero, it makes sense for him to have discovered the Purification Stone.’

Ella smiled meaningfully.

‘The hero, huh… How should I go about utilizing one stronger than even an S-rank adventurer?’

Chris contemplated ways to bring Praus to his side.

‘With him, it may truly be possible to liberate other races from slavery.’

Tory harbored such expectations.

The four no longer harbored a shred of doubt.

They had firmly established Praus’s identity as the hero, as if it were an indisputable fact.

Unaware that this was merely a grave misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, as the nobles succumbed to their delusion, Praus lazily yawned while gazing at the drifting clouds as usual, his mind completely blank.

‘Ah… I want to watch porn.’


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