Reincarnated as an affinity-less hero, the quest to become the strongest!

Chapter 20: Ghosts of the Past

"...From the Everidian Kingdom"

"I REFUSE!!!"

I didn't even wait for anyone else to react before intervening. I exclaimed at the top of my lungs as I placed my hands on Kira's counter forcing her to back up.

"Ummm... Reika... I know you have issues-"

"ISSUES?! ISSUES?! YOU KNOW BETTER THAN ANYONE WHY I WILL NOT COOPERATE WITH THOSE ARROGANT STUCK-UP B**TARDS!"

By now my grip had begun tightening on the counter. I had placed enough strength that small cracks had begun appearing on the marble table-top.

"Reika... You cannot refuse this request-"

"I will not take it."

Both Myria and Scarlet were utterly confused at my sudden change in attitude. After all, they have never seen me react like this towards anyone, especially Kira who was our friend and someone I was clearly close to.

"Ummm, Reika... why don't we just hear out Kira?"

Said Myria as Scarlet attempted to comfort me...

"Hah〜 Ok..."

I said reluctantly. I took some deep long breaths as I prepared myself for the absolute worst...

I kept holding onto the counter as I... attempted... to calm down...

"...I'm sorry Kira... please continue..."

Kira then smiled wryly as she continued explaining:

"Alright... First things first... It's not the type of request you think it is..."

This, instantly caught my attention. 'I might not have to deal with those blockheads!' but seriously, things never go my way...

"...All you have to do for this quest is to help a new emerging party of 4, from the Everidian kingdom, complete their first quest. Simple!"

As Kira said this kindheartedly a sarcastic thought kept replaying over and over inside my head: 'Hmmm, I WONDER WHO COULD POSSIBLY〜 BE IN THAT PARTY OF 4?!' I was not going to go through abuse any longer.

"I still refuse the quest."

But as I said this Kira finally said something which made tension rise.

"You can't. You see since you now represent the Litherm Kingdom by being one of the most powerful parties we have, it could potentially worsen relationships between the kingdoms. And knowing the Everdian Kingdom's track record, they wouldn't doubt going to war using their new 'troops'..."

Thinking about it logically, I couldn't just allow an entire kingdom to fall into despair for my ordeals... yet I didn't want to go back to my suffering...

"I won't do it."

Kira had started getting agitated by my persistence as she kept insisting:

"Please Reika, this kingdom could suffer great loss, famine and even war if you do not accept. The Everidian Kingdom is known to be a disgusting dealer in these types of situations..."

"I still ref-"

"Reika, that's enough."

"..."

I was caught off guard by Myria suddenly interrupting me. 'Since when does Myria... reply like that?' I was left wordless, as the normally outgoing Myria wore a serious look on her face.

"Reika, I understand you may have some issues you do not wish to tell us about with the Everidian Kingdom... But please, and I say this as your friend and as the princess of this kingdom... you cannot just refuse the quest if it means creating despair among all the people of my kingdom... If we were to refuse, I bet the Everidian kingdom wouldn't hesitate to cut all trade with us creating shortages all around the kingdom..."