The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 276: After falling behind

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

Monica's guidance led Arios to a small town far south from the capital, which is tentatively named Fulham but might be better described as a village. Despite having many buildings, most are residences, and there are no commercial or entertainment facilities. The town's dining hall also serves as an inn, and apart from that, there are no notable features.

Being in the countryside worked to Arios's advantage. The incident in the capital became widely known, and the infamous reputation of the hero Arios reached even this rural town. However, due to its rural nature, no one had directly encountered Arios. He could stay in the inn without anyone realizing his true identity. After checking in and moving to his room...

"Oh, Arios!?"

"I'm relieved you're safe."

Lin and Mina were in the room. Aggus's figure was also in the back.

"Lin, Mina... and Aggus too. Why are you guys here?"

"We were also imprisoned, but Monica's companions helped us out."

"As Lin said, I was also rescued by Monica's group."

"Aggus, you too?"

"Yeah, that's right."

Although it was a bit late, Arios felt a sense of doubt. Not exactly mistrust, but a slight discomfort, like a fishbone stuck in his throat.

Monica, serving as a knight to the country and acting under the king's decree, should hold a relatively high position. Yet, she abandoned that position to help him. What were her motives? Additionally, who was the person cooperating with Monica?

Despite various questions lingering, Arios decided to abandon his thoughts for now. Having been in prison for a long time, his body was exhausted. Standing became burdensome, so he sat on the chair in the room.

"You guys were helped by Monica too..."

"Does that mean Arios was helped by Monica too?"

"Yeah, I was in a dangerous situation. I have to express my gratitude."

"No, not at all. I am an ally of Arios-sama... No, I mean, an ally of all of you. The measures taken against Arios-sama this time were unjust, and I couldn't overlook it."

"Right, right!? We didn't do anything wrong!"

"There's no problem with what the hero Arios does. Surely, there were deep thoughts beyond our imagination."

Even at this point, Lin and Mina refused to admit their faults. Despite being involved in framing the innocent Rain, using undue force, and assisting in wrongful deeds, they showed no remorse.

They truly believed they were guiltless.

Without facing their sins, they would escape inconvenient situations. When confronted, they would deflect blame and try to use force to cover it up. After that, they would consider the issue resolved.

Sometime in the future, they would face the consequences, yet they continued to avert their eyes from reality, pretending not to notice.

Similar to Arios, they were also falling.

Seeing them like that, Monica laughed. A very satisfied laugh.

However, there was one person who thought differently.

"Arios... about the incident in the capital, why did you do such a thing?"

Aggus questioned Arios with a stern gaze.

"I should have explained that before the execution, right? Rain is a troublesome existence and would eventually become a hindrance to us. We needed to eliminate that before it became a problem. It's a simple plan. Aggus, you agreed to that, didn't you?"

"I did agree to eliminating Rain. However, I never heard about killing other adventurers for that purpose."

Arios clicked his tongue at Aggus's accusatory words. Recently, Aggus had been interfering with Arios's actions.

Arios, not Aggus, was the leader of the party. A mere warrior like him should obediently follow the chosen hero's instructions.

Arios seriously thought that way about Aggus, his comrade.

"The cause of this situation clearly lies with Arios. Because of the excessive act of killing adventurers, we will be judged by the king. Do you understand that?"

"In the end, everyone is safe. There's no problem."

"That's not good. We had our qualifications as a hero party revoked. What do you plan to do from now on?"

"I am the only hero. Aggus, you are just an extra. Yet you dare to speak up so arrogantly?"

Arios and Aggus locked eyes, sparks flying between them. Seeing this, Lin and Mina panicked.

"W-wait... This is not the time for a fight. Right?"

"Arios, Aggus... Now is the time for us to combine our strengths and overcome this crisis, I think..."

"...That's true."

Aggus yielded surprisingly easily.

"Well... I might have said too much. Forgive me."

It was unexpected, but Arios also conceded. The apology that escaped his lips was genuine.

"Hehe."

Seeing Arios and the others like this, Monica seemed to be enjoying herself. What did her face reveal? If they had realized Monica's thoughts at this stage, perhaps Arios and the others' fate would have taken a different turn.

――――――――――

Night.

Summoned by a letter, Arios stepped outside the inn.

As he went to the back, he found Monica gazing at the moonlit night.

"Arios-sama, I apologize for calling you out like this."

When Monica noticed Arios, she bowed her head slightly.

"It's fine. I'm not bothered by this."

Arios responded with a generous attitude. Having been helped by Monica before, Arios displayed a somewhat softer demeanor towards her.

"So... what's going on? Is there something secret you want to discuss with me, calling me out here alone?"

"Yes, that's correct."

While wearing a gentle smile, Monica continued the conversation.

That smile was like that of a saint... and at the same time, like that of a demon.

"It's about the future... rather than discussing what actions to take, I want to propose something to Arios-sama first."

"What kind of proposal?"

"Let's eliminate Aggus."

Still smiling unchanged, Monica said so.

"What... do you mean?"

"Exactly as it sounds. Aggus seems to harbor unfavorable feelings toward Arios-sama. It's like holding a spark, and if left unattended, it will inevitably become a problem. So, wouldn't it be better to deal with it before that happens?"

"Are you suggesting we expel him from the party?"

"No. Literally, eliminating him would be the best option."

"That's..."

Understanding what Monica was implying, Arios stumbled over his words.

Arios might embody selfishness, but he wasn't so fallen as to harm members he had been with for many years.

Although they had a recent confrontation, he wouldn't do something foolish like killing them.

"Monica. I appreciate what you've done. You've helped us many times. I wonder what would have happened without you."

"I am merely acting for Arios-sama... for the sake of the Hero."

"I may accept your words of gratitude. However, killing Aggus is..."

Arios, who had been deprived of the qualification of a hero, sentenced to death, and lost everything, had only one thing left:

His companions.

Aggus, Lin, Mina.

They were the only remaining existence.

He couldn't bring himself to harm such companions.

Even though there was a recent confrontation, he wouldn't do something foolish like killing them.

At this moment, Arios remembered Rain.

He recalled Rain's figure, always emphasizing the importance of camaraderie.

Arios's negative feelings towards Rain hadn't changed.

However...

"...Even if Aggus were to betray Arios-sama?"

"What did you say?"

As if shaking Arios's heart, Monica whispered with a devilish tone.

TL Note- Arios is facing devil's temptation......Arios can fall but we will celebrate  Christmas 🎄, Merry Christmas in advance everyone.....

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