Reluctant Hero | Amaki Ren

Chapter 18 | Treasure Hunting

"Even maps are misleading. Trust yourself."

"You put a lot of trust on Naofumi-sama, Sakura-sama." Freya says.

Their party just finished leveling up for the day, and they were on their way back to the inn that they checked in at earlier before heading off to train. Freya walks alongside Sakura as the others went ahead first, providing the two their privacy as they converse. While Freya was striking up a conversation and is in the mood for it, Sakura remains neutral and only replied when spoken to.

It has been a few days since the incident with the Crown Princess and how the conflict between the heroes only increased. Ren has been missing in action since then, and Sakura didn't put much effort in trying to contact him. She was never one to approach one of the heroes, after all. That is if she deems it unnecessary.

"How so?"

"You never thought of him lying to our faces whenever he makes a statement, even when Malty-sama would provide evidence to back up her theories."

Sakura snorted at the mention of the First Princess of this place she was practically forced to protect. Her left hand rested on the hilt of one of her daggers, her face relaxing when they were out of the forest. "It's not that I trust him. It's just easy to tell that she was lying. She claims that there is a brainwashing shield that Naofumi uses, yet she's not even the user herself. It was obvious that she was just getting desperate at this point, yet people still fall for her tricks just because of her seductiveness and title as the princess."

Sakura's party confirmed that their leader will never have a change of perspective towards the First Princess of their country. Not unless Malty changes herself first. As much as she portrays herself to be mean and brutally honest to Myne, she still has a heart and would still have hope that Mine wakes up to her responsibilities as the princess and actually take it seriously.

"Sakura-sama!"

Their conversation was cut short when they reached the inn, finding the rest of her party members standing in front of two familiar heroes waiting by the entrance of the inn. Sakura wasn't able to stop herself from sighing deep when she locked eyes with them. With a small sigh, she urges her party members to enter the inn without her and be well-rested instead of staying outside more.

Without a word said, Sakura turns around and made her way towards the benches placed underneath the large tree in the middle of the walkway. The two followed her shortly, knowing fully well what she meant when she turned her back on them and began walking without any warning. As she sat on the bench, she looks at the two and folded her arms over her chest.

"What do you two want now?" She hummed. "And how the hell did you know my location?"

"Word goes out pretty fast when it comes to the Dagger Hero." Itsuki was the first to speak up. "You could at least smile a little when we meet, Sakura-chan."

"I don't smile at people I don't find pleasing."

"I see you never lost the attitude." Ren chuckled. He goes to sit beside her as Itsuki only remained standing in front of them. In an instant, Sakura scooted a little farther to set the distance. "We need your help with something that we thought you may find interesting."

"Or, you may already have an idea about it."

"And this is?"

Ren takes out the symbol of the Four Heroes Church. Sakura recognized it as the one that Naofumi tossed to his feet when he was just leaving after protecting the crown princess of Melromarc. "Oh," Was all she was able to say, already knowing where this was going.