Me, the Weakest Member of the Hero’s Party? I’m the Villain Though?

The Fief Lord’s Covert Request

The domain of Baron Caindel was originally a quiet village located a little distance from the imperial capital. But from early morning, the whole village was abuzz with the latest news.

In houses, the market, and even just passing by on the street—everyone, young and old, was talking about nothing but the ‘hero’s party’.

“The hero’s party is staying in our village? Who are they, anyway?”

“Oh, come on, you must have heard! The hero’s party led by His Highness, the Seventh Prince Kyle! They’re staying at Phil’s inn right now!”

“Really? I want to go see them too!”

People from all over the village gathered like clouds near the inn where the hero’s party was staying, hoping to catch a glimpse.

“So, did they finally take care of that troublesome Black Flame Dragon?”

“No, that’s not it. I heard the Black Flame Dragon got scared when it heard the hero’s party was coming and disappeared.”

“No way, what I heard was the hero’s party saw the Black Flame Dragon and ran away. They said that when they saw it in person, they were so scared they bolted.”

Everyone gathered claimed the version they’d heard was the real one, raising their voices louder and louder.

Meanwhile, among the crowd of adults, the children’s eyes sparkled as they shouted,

“See, the ‘Blue Mage’ is the best! When it comes to magic, attack or defense, he’s unbeatable! I even heard he’s good with potions and magic engineering!”

A boy shouted this at the top of his lungs. Not to be outdone, another child yelled,

“No, the ‘Silver Saint’ is the reason the hero’s party can even exist! Without him, they would have fallen apart ages ago!”

Whenever the hero’s party came up, this was the usual debate.

If things went further, it turned into so-called ‘hero games’—kids would argue over who would play which member of the party.

A boy watching the other children squabble shook his head and said calmly,

“You’re all too young to understand. Without the ‘Forest Fairy’, who would show them the way, or warn them when monsters were near?”

Kakaros wasn’t as well known as the other party members, but the boy who liked him didn’t speak any less loudly for it.

But before he could finish, a girl who’d been quiet until now shot her hand up and said,

“But still, if it weren’t for the hero, the party never would’ve formed! So the hero is the best!”

This time, nobody argued. Everyone gathered nodded in agreement.

“But did you all see that guy?”

Just as the conversation seemed to be winding down, a boy suddenly brought up a new topic in a loud voice.

“Who do you mean?”

“You know, the guy with long black hair, with those sharp eyes and cool looks.”

Feeling pleased to know something the others didn’t, the boy shrugged his shoulders.

“Is he part of the hero’s party? Weren’t there only four members?”

A new, unknown figure had appeared alongside the hero’s party. Everyone was curious, but nobody knew who he was.

“Yeah, from his looks, he seemed more like a villain than a hero…”

No one could refute someone’s muttered comment.

“Maybe he’s got some incredible ability?”

“If he’s with the hero’s party, he must be someone amazing.”

While the kids speculated about this new face, a previously quiet boy spoke up.

“I think he’s a slave the hero’s party bought just to carry their bags. He was carrying a huge load all by himself.”

“Ah…”

A disheartened sigh arose from the group of excited kids.

Well, that made sense. The hero’s party always had four members, perfectly balanced. And, come to think of it, that guy didn’t look particularly talented.

The kids, quickly changing their minds, began whispering among themselves.