Arisa's True Intentions
Translated by GXYRU
Edited by GXYRU
“Hey, I’ve been calling you Arius since we first met, but maybe I should use your family name? Zil… Oops! Calling you by your family name, Arius, is forbidden, right? Lately, I’ve been so forgetful. Forgive me!” Arisa teased.
Arisa knows that I am the son of the Prime Minister of the kingdom and seems to be planning something with that information.
“No, it’s fine to call me either way,” I replied.
Well, if it comes out, I can just discard the name Gilbert and pretend to be someone else. I don’t really have any intention of succeeding the Prime Minister anyway.
I don’t plan on leaving the academy at this point, but it might be tricky if I become a commoner.
However, if I ask Erik, he’ll probably help me. He doesn’t need the title of Prime Minister or the name Gilbert.
Arisa smiled mysteriously, seemingly pondering what she thinks about my unshaken attitude.
“Now then, although it’s a bit late, let me introduce my party members,” Arisa said.
She introduced the four of them: Ryoh Kisaragi, a black-haired man with glasses, who even looks Japanese; Von Riestella, the blond elf; Buster Hound, the red-haired dwarf; and Linda Roche, the glass runner with orange hair.
She only mentioned their names and didn’t provide any further explanation.
Well, I know about them from my appraisal.
After introducing the team, Arisa ordered more drinks. Pink sparkling wine was poured into glasses for all six of us.
“Well then, let’s toast again to our agreement with Arius,” Arisa proposed.
I downed the fourth glass of wine. That’s enough for now.
“Hey, Arisa-san. What’s your real purpose? Can we get to the point?” I said, no longer willing to play along with this charade.
I have no intention of prolonging this any further.
“As expected of Arius. You’re sharp, and I appreciate that,” Arisa said with a grin.
She then cast ‘Soundproof’ magic without chanting.
“I apologize for using magic without permission, but let’s get to the real talk now,” Arisa said.
“Well, I figured you would say that. If you were an SSS-ranked adventurer, money wouldn’t be a problem, and Arius, you’d have no shortage of admirers. Being called the hero who saved the world wouldn’t mean much to you, would it? So, how about becoming a hero with us, defeating the Demon Lord, and having fame, wealth, and women at your fingertips?” Arisa asked, her tone serious.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested. Look for someone else,” I replied, immediately declining.
In response, Arisa burst into laughter.
“Well, now I see why Arius wouldn’t be interested. You’re a true SSS-ranked adventurer after all. You have no idea how strong you are, and my appraisal was completely useless. Well, it’s a mutual appraisal, so I won’t get mad,” Arisa said.
Of course, I had noticed that Arisa had appraised me.
“Arius, you should know that we don’t actually believe in becoming heroes who save the world by defeating the Demon Lord. We’re just playing along with Abel for business purposes,” Arisa revealed, surprising her companions.
“Is it okay to talk about this? What if your companions report this to the hero?” one of them asked in a worried tone.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. These guys know exactly who they should fear the most… Right?” Arisa said, silencing her companions with a sharp gaze.
She then turned back to me.
“Arius, to be honest, we never really believed that you would join us and become a hero who defeats the Demon Lord. We’re only playing along with Abel… well, as a business deal,” Arisa admitted.
Arisa’s companions nodded with pale faces when she shot them a glance. Although I easily silenced them earlier, I feel like I now understand their relationship.
“Hey, Arius, I’d prefer it if you don’t use honorifics like ‘san’ when talking to me. Let’s drop the formality between us. There’s no need for it in our relationship,” Arisa said.
I have no idea what kind of relationship Arisa thinks we have, but it’s not a big deal to call her without honorifics.
“I don’t mind. Arisa, this isn’t the end of the conversation, right?” I asked.
“Of course not. This is where the real deal starts. Arius, how about teaming up with me regardless of the hero party? I guarantee you won’t regret it,” Arisa proposed suddenly, sounding suspicious.
“Why should I team up with you, Arisa?” I asked.
“I have absolute confidence that I can be of great help to you. You know my abilities because you’ve appraised me, right? And we also need your power. It’s not just about being strong; it’s about your understanding of this world… You have knowledge that we need. In short, Arius, we’re a perfect match,” Arisa explained.
I have no idea how much Arisa knows about me or how serious she is about this.
“Don’t expect me to easily agree. I doubt you believe that either,” I said.
“Of course not. Today is just a greeting. But rest assured, I never miss my prey,” Arisa replied.
Suddenly, Arisa stood up and approached me.
Since I was still seated, our eye levels were just right.
“Well, I’ll start making a strong impression from now on. Arius, be prepared,” Arisa warned.
She leaned in closer, her alluring smile sending shivers down my spine.
“I have complete confidence that I can charm you. After all, you and I have a special bond,” she whispered.
There were some parts in her speech where her lips moved without making a sound. But I immediately understood what she said.
“We’re fellow reincarnators,” Arisa had said.
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