"Ah… that really hurt~"
Outside the palace, Naohara muttered about the pain while secretly glancing at Evileye. When she gave no response, he awkwardly rubbed his nose.
"Haha, Naohara, you've got some nerve, daring to touch Evileye's head."
Gagaran walked over, clapped Naohara on the shoulder, and burst out laughing.
To be honest, she had been genuinely shocked. After knowing Evileye for so long, this was the first time she had ever seen her lose control like that.
Countless Magic Arrows had erupted alongside Evileye's roar, nearly blowing the restaurant apart. If Lakyus hadn't grabbed her in time, Blue Roses might really have gone bankrupt on the spot.
In the end, they had to pay a full thousand gold coins before the shopkeeper was willing to drop the matter.
"I couldn't help it. My hand just moved on its own. I didn't even have time to react."
Naohara sighed. This time, he really had lost on all fronts.
The gold coins didn't matter. Sephis had been diligently collecting New World currency, and The Great Tomb of Nazarick had plenty in reserve.
The real problem was Evileye. The little Vampire was completely ignoring him now, which made it hard for Naohara to even find a chance to apologize.
Of course, if he were given another chance, he had a feeling he would still pat her head.
After all… it really did feel nice.
With that thought, Naohara looked toward Evileye. She had already pulled up her hood and put on her mask, returning to her usual appearance.
"Why are you looking at me?"
"You head-patting maniac. Stay away from me."
Evileye shot him a glance. Even through the mask, the strong air of disdain was unmistakable, though there seemed to be a trace of embarrassment mixed in.
After saying that, she quickened her pace. As she passed Naohara, she gave a cold snort and entered the palace ahead of the others.
"Pull yourself together, Naohara. We're about to meet Princess Renner."
Lakyus smiled faintly before continuing.
"That's just how Evileye is. Let her cool off for a while. Once her temper settles, she'll be fine."
As the captain of Blue Roses, Lakyus understood Evileye's personality well. Though she had looked furious earlier, she still knew her limits.
The Magic Arrows she unleashed had deliberately avoided Naohara. Even when one occasionally grazed him, it barely hurt. She had been more flustered than truly angry.
"That's good… that's good…"
Hearing that from someone who knew her so well, Naohara finally relaxed. It seemed there would still be opportunities in the future to pat her head again.
The Rogue twins watched the whole scene silently, the corners of their lips curling upward. Watching the drama unfold was entertaining, especially when it involved their own teammate.
The group continued forward toward Princess Renner's chambers. Although it was part of the royal restricted area, their passage was completely unhindered.
Servants along the way bowed respectfully when they saw them. As the Kingdom's most famous adventurer team, they were treated with respect by both commoners and nobles alike.
The corridor stretched on, and Naohara and the others walked at an unhurried pace. From time to time, patrolling soldiers passed by.
These armored soldiers were known as knights, professional guards tasked with protecting the royal family. Only those with exceptional swordsmanship could be selected, and even nobles had no authority to interfere.
Aside from the forces under Gazef, the Kingdom's strongest warrior, they were the most powerful unit in the Kingdom.
In a sense, they were the royal family's last remaining pride.
After passing through the lavish corridor, the group arrived outside an exquisitely decorated chamber.
This was the residence of the Golden Princess.
"Lakyus, you've finally arrived."
As the door opened, a young woman with a gentle smile stepped forward to greet them.
The Golden Princess, Renner Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself. (If the giant troll Guu were here, he'd probably say, "I've never seen such a cowardly person!")
In the eyes of the people, Princess Renner was a compassionate goddess, the noblest among nobles, a princess among princesses, the most perfect woman in the Kingdom. (Aside: In truth, she's a yandere!)
"Princess Renner."
The members of Blue Roses bowed politely.
Naohara and the Doppelgänger merely gave a nod. There was no way they would bow. Naohara himself didn't particularly mind, but the Doppelgängers was another matter entirely.
If Naohara bowed to a human, there was a high chance that person would be assassinated by the Doppelgängers that very night. That was practically inevitable.
The Supreme Being bowing to a human?
That human wouldn't be allowed to live.
Thinking that he had just saved her life by not bowing, Naohara felt a little emotional. He really was too kind.
Inside the room, Evileye watched Naohara standing at the doorway, lost in his own thoughts.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and come in."
"Right."
Naohara snapped back to his senses, smiled, and walked in with the Doppelgängers. He sat directly beside Evileye. She clicked her tongue in annoyance but didn't say anything further.
With the Golden Princess present, she didn't want to make a scene.
"So these three are the heroes who saved E-Rantel. How wonderful. Our Kingdom has gained another Adamantite-tier adventurer team."
Just as the rumors said, Princess Renner had an easygoing, pleasant manner of speaking that made others feel at ease.
"How about it? Would you like to take a tour of the palace later?"
She extended the invitation warmly.
"Princess Renner, is that really appropriate?"
Lakyus spoke up. As Renner's close friend, she understood her situation well. Bringing outsiders to tour the palace could easily lead to trouble.
"What does it matter? If they're Lakyus's friends, then they're my friends as well."
Princess Renner replied with a smile.
Naohara did not refuse. He knew she had her own purpose. By showing closeness to them, she was likely sending a signal to certain people.
After all, as the heroes who saved E-Rantel, Naohara and his companions had attracted considerable attention, including from the Kingdom's First Prince and Second Prince.
"By the way, Naohara, you're not from the Kingdom, are you? Where is your homeland?"
Seeing the three of them agree, Renner asked with what seemed like casual curiosity.
The members of Blue Roses also looked over. Evileye quietly perked up her ears. It was obvious they were curious too.
"Very far away. So far that even I'm starting to forget it."
Naohara answered with a faint sigh, a trace of confusion in his eyes.
Home?
He could barely remember what his original home had looked like.
From Earth to that terrible world, and then to this New World, nearly thirty years had passed. His memories of Earth had grown blurry.
Aside from the plot of Overlord, all he really remembered was that he used to love a certain game from a certain company, often using a purple cat character to slowly chip away at enemies.
"I see. That really is far away."
Noticing his distant expression, Renner tilted her head slightly in thought and responded gently.
She continued asking questions, and Naohara answered them one by one. The members of Blue Roses occasionally joined in as well. On the surface, the atmosphere was harmonious.
"Princess Renner, about recommending us for Adamantite Adventurer rank?"
Seeing that she showed no sign of stopping, Naohara lightly tapped the table and brought the topic back.
Renner was clever. She knew how to guide conversations in ways that drew everyone in. But Naohara had no interest in idle chatter. He knew she was gathering information.
He had read the original story. He knew exactly what kind of person she truly was. She was an actress, someone who played the role of the perfect princess flawlessly.
"Ah, my apologies. I got so carried away talking that I almost forgot."
"As for recommending the three of you for Adamantite Adventurer rank, I've already submitted the request to the Adventurer's Guild. They've agreed. However…"
"However what?"
"The Adventurer's Guild requires a record of your combat performance to verify your strength. After all, going directly from Gold-rank Adventurer to Adamantite Adventurer is something that has never happened before."
Renner smiled apologetically.
"Combat footage?"
"Then let us handle it. I've been wanting to see just how strong you really are."
Gagaran slammed her hand on the table and declared loudly. The tall, sturdy woman's fighting spirit was unmistakable.
The other members of Blue Roses did not object. They silently approved. They, too, wanted to test them.
Evileye lifted her head as well. It was clear she was eager for the chance to give Naohara a proper beating in broad daylight.
"Then we'll gratefully accept."
Facing the eager Blue Roses, Naohara stood up and stretched.
"Just so we're clear, I won't go easy on you."
"That's fine. I won't hold back either."
Evileye replied without hesitation.
With that, everyone left the room and headed toward the training grounds.
Adventurer Team: Blue Roses VS Adventurer Team: Ainz Ooal Gown