The Strongest Hero (Reader X Harem)

Chapter 16

Hai! Nothing much to say except enjoy the chapter :D
[] Tensa Zangetsu
** Thought
{} Katen
-
*Meanwhile*

It was Friday when the three girls were sitting and enjoying a drink at the school cafeteria, the 'innocent one' as some would call her that since she's, well, quite innocent, decided to ask if her friends had plans for the weekend.
"So, you two doing anything interesting this weekend?" Lux decided to ask.
Irelia, while drinking a smoothie bought from the school cafeteria replied with. "Nope. Not really. What about you Ahri?" The brunette then replied with. "Yes, actually. I've been invited to a friends wedding. I don't know what to take with me, perhaps some chocolate and rare flowers would suffice? I know just the place to get some beautiful and rare flowers."
"And where might that be?" Lux asks.
"I think it's at the old and abandoned von Everec manor. It's a little far away but I'm sure that it'll be worth it!" Ahri said with a smile on her face.
Irelia then said. "You might even meet your prince charming on your way there, who knows? Hehe."
"W-What?!" Ahri shouted with a blush on her cheeks. Fortunately for her, the cafe was almost empty. The cleaning lady heard her but didn't pay much attention. Ahri then collected herself and said. "Stop joking around like that Irelia... As I was saying, the gifts, I should probably head out now, since the wedding is planned to start in the evening." Ahri then finished her drink, paid for it and left while giving her final remarks. "Goodbye, you two!"
"Bye! Have fun!" Both Irelia and Lux said simultaneously. Irelia then added. "Hope you meet your prince charming!"
"Shut up!" Ahri shouted before she left the cafeteria...
-
*Back to (Y/N)*

"Got it. Let's go."
As we approached the horses, I took the liberty of asking if whether Gaunter was right about Olgierd turning the man into a toad.
"Uhm, what he said about the nobleman - that true? Did you turn him into a toad?"
"Perhaps - or perhaps the nobleman ate something that disagreed with him? You never know with their cuisine." Olgierd answers as he packs his stuff.
I rolled my eyes and then shot back. "Never heard of food that turns people into monsters."
"Then it was something he drank."
"Hmm, come on. Be honest."
"Sigh, damn it. I cast the curse. Revenge for a deep disappointment, I was another man at the time. Let rage get the better of me and hollered the words without ever thinking they could possibly come true."
"Fair enough, not gonna dwell. But also, could've told me about the toad. Having a bit of fun at my expense?"
He then answers "I simply wanted the beast dead. I could not know you would be the one who would respond to the notice, pure coincidence. And yet I must admit when your professor accepted my call saying that he has a student available for missions, I thought it right, that's what the students are trained for, right? Killing monsters and all that."
{We might've been able to do something about the curse though...}
"Might've been able to lift the curse."
Olgierd then says. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Then again - why bother?"
"He was a human being... You forced me to kill someone I was not trained for."
"For that, I apologize."
I sigh and then realize that I was getting dragged into this situation. "Whatever. But this...thing between you and Master Mirror, your quarrel - really rather not get involved."
"You already are, I fear. He did something for you. Now you've got a debt to pay. Am I right?"
[How...How did he know?]
*Perhaps he too had to repay something before.*
"Yes..."
"Well, then you'll not free of yourself from him till you've paid it back. But never worry, I shall advise tasks so impossible you will never complete them, not if you go mad trying. But try your best and your debt shall be absolved, while I shall live in peace until Master Mirror finds another 'Aide-de-camp."
"Seems like a challenge, eh? Guess I gotta pop the question directly - what do I need to do for you?"
Olgierd then takes a step back and thinks of what he'll demand. "Hmm, let me think. Hmm, we are currently without a roof over our heads. Perhaps we should start with that. Bring me the house of Maximilian Borsodi, he's a rich noble with all the gold in the world."
"H-His house? Literally? His house?"
"So surprised - but why? I must live somewhere, mustn't I?"
"Fair. And the second?"
"There is a sword that's a family heirloom, it's been ours for generations and I want you to get it for me. Go to the old and abandoned manor and seek it."
[Finding a sword isn't exactly difficult.]
*Not gonna complain, the easier the tasks the quicker I'll be free, but it does raise some suspicions.*
I then ask him. "Thought you'd request impossible tasks."
"Oh trust me, you'll find it quite hard."
"Is that so? Fine, seems easy enough. What about the third?"
"Complete those two, then we shall speak of the third."
Katen then asks. {Perhaps you should try asking for directions. Who knows, he might help.}
"Any hints? Where I should go? How might I start?"
Olgierd then looks at me with a grin. "Hmhm, you must be mad. I've no intention of making things easier for you."
"Hm, a hint would've sufficed. What about once I'm done? Where might I find you?"
"I cannot know as my band has planned some diversions. But let us say at the Alchemy Inn. In Zaun.
"Fine. See you there, Olgierd."
As I walk away from Olgierd I murmur to myself.
"The sword shouldn't be too hard, but the house? How the hell am I supposed to bring him a house..."And then suddenly, the voice of the man that had left minutes earlier could be heard, he was sitting on a tree branch.
"Actually, the opposite. I wouldn't worry about the house. The sword will be the tough bit."
I then decide to sit on a nearby rock since the day has been quite exhausting.
"You waited for me. How nice of you," I tell him.
"I could hardly abandon my proxy to the whims of fate."
I then shot back. "Thought I had to fulfill Olgierds wishes myself."
"So states the contract. But nowhere does it forbid me from providing help. And something tells me you'll need quite a bit of help to complete the first two tasks."
I then ask him about the house. "Borsodis house - no idea how I'm supposed to bring him that."
"Hm, the only Borsodi I know of around here runs an auction house in Zaun," Gaunter replies.
"Heard of it. Been there 2 years ago searching for a sword, I fortunately managed to buy it at a low price. Once I get there, then what?"
"How should I know? Perhaps you'll get inspired once you're there. Oh, and take plenty of coin with you. I've got a feeling it could come in handy."
[We have the coin from Olgierd we got as our reward. Perhaps that should suffice.]
*It better otherwise I'm doomed.*
"So, the sword. Why do you think It'll be tough?"
"I'm afraid it's been shattered. Has been for years."
"Ugh - never agreed to necromancy, especially necromancy for summoning the spirits of swords."
"Necromancy is hardly your only option for reviving a spirit. An old-fashioned summoning would suffice. An ash summoning - that's what you need."
"That's like choosing between pestilence and the plague. Besides, I'd need the ash of the summoned."
"Ash, true. Of the summoned, not necessarily. Here." He then throws a small purse at me that's filled with ash. "Go to the chest where the sword was put, chant the spell and voila, the sword shall appear."
"Where'd you get this?" I ask him.
"(Y/N), (Y/N), (Y/N) - aren't you the curious one. Assume it to be the ash of the sword and get on with it."
"Thanks, so, where'll I find this sword?"
Gaunter then shakes his head. "(Y/N), I cannot do everything for you. Use your head. The von Everecs are well known in these parts. You must've met someone who knows a little of the family. Just ask some locals."
"Ugh. Guess it's high time I got to work."
"A bit more enthusiasm, (Y/N). You know, you might just enjoy yourself."
I then rolled my eyes and said. "Yay. Can't wait."
[That's the spirit.]
*Piss off*
"Gaunter, say I need help. Where'll I find you?"
"I shall find you, (Y/N)."
And so, the man suddenly disappeared, leaving me with my thoughts.
"Off I go."
-
After what seemed like years, fighting wolves and asking the drunken locals for the directions, I finally found what I was looking for. The von Everec manor, a huge and beautiful building with lots of historical past behind it. Shame that it's abandoned.
As I got closer to the main entrance, I saw a figure of someone I didn't think I'd see around these parts. A beautiful girl with 9 tails that was plucking flowers, she hasn't noticed me.
"Ahri..." I murmur.
Perhaps it was a bit too loud since she turned around instantly.
[Good job dumbass.]
{I must say, (Y/N), you could've done better instead of surprising her.}
"(Y-Y/N)?!" Ahri shouted."
"I'm sorry for startling you like that Ahri, that wasn't my intention. By the way, what are you doing here?"
"I-I've come here to collect some flowers for a wedding I'll be attending today." She said as she was still a little startled and surprised at seeing me. "Look at this garland I've made, do you like it?"
"Beautiful..." I said as I was looking at the garland and her.
"Uhm, what about you (Y/N)? What are you doing here?"
[Can't tell her about the task, you'll put her in unnecessary danger.]
"Just wanted to get something from the von Everec crypt, nothing much. The mission that Mr. Ryze has given me will not last long, I'll be back at school soon, see you later, Ahri."
Before I could leave Ahri interrupted me.
"(Y/N)!"
I turn back and answer. "Yes? What is it?"
After what seemed like a couple of seconds, she asked something while also blushing.
"W-Would you perhaps come to the wedding with m-me?"
[As much as I want you to go with her you can't... The mission is importa-.]
"It would be my utmost pleasure, "I said.
[(Y/N)!]
{Shut up Zangetsu. Let him have fun, perhaps even fall in love...} Katen said with a slight jealous tone.
"R-Really?! Thank you so much... Truth to be told, I'm quite shy and this is my first wedding I'll be attending. I'm also quite bad with strangers."
"But I'm not invited though? Am I going to sneak in? Not a problem."
"No, no you don't have to. I'll ask her to make an exception."
"Great. Could you wait a little though? I have to enter this crypt and get a little something, I'll make it quick. Do you want to come?"
Ahri takes a while to think and then answers. "No, thank you. I think I like it better up here, hihi."
"Okay, see you soon."
Before Ahri could go back to the flowers I interrupt her this time.
"Oh, and Ahri."
"Yes? (Y/N)?
"Us going to the wedding together, would I be wrong to call it a date?"
"A-A d-date?! N-no... Y-You wouldn't... be... wrong." Ahri said as she was about to explode judging by the color of her face. It was crimson red.
[You sly dog you... I bet you're just messing with her...]
*No... I am not.*
[Hoho? I think this is the first time you've accepted any invitations from anyone, let alone a girl... Well done, you playboy.]
*To be honest. I'm actually really looking forward to the date...*

AHRI POV

*Oh god! Is this real?! My first date ever! How did it come to this though?! I was just here to pluck some flowers and now I suddenly have a date! Is Irelia a shaman?! How did she know that I'll meet (Y/N)? I have to ask her once I get back!*

End of chapter 16!
Chapter 17 coming soon :D