The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Chapter 197: “What a Nice ‘For The Country and The People’!”

”But I still refuse!”

When Shien spoke such words without hesitation, everyone there was struck dumb.

”What did you say?”

Ancil was shocked.

”Refuse?”

Joule and Jacinta were both surprised.

”You…”

Not even Bali had imagined that Shien would so clearly refuse in this kind of situation. This cold and emotionless countenance showed a rare expression of surprise.

Shien really did want to say, ‘thatʼs right, I just wanted to see those expressions on you guysʼ.

Of course, thereʼs no way that Shein would actually say that out loud.

Shien instead went with something different.

”Although it might seem like something that I canʼt refuse, but your majesty, I think youʼve misunderstood two things.”

Shien spoke very solemnly.

”What did I misunderstand?”

By now, even Ancil was curious as to exactly what Shienʼs going to say.

Shien begun speaking knowingly.

”For the first, I donʼt seem to actually need to prove anything about myself, because I never did this for the sake of rewards in the first place. Itʼs only because I disliked the Old Demon Faction… No, I felt like I canʼt leave the Old Demon Faction to do as they like. Thatʼs why I fought them. Itʼs not for any rewards, but for the sake of the Kingdomʼs peace and to keep any more innocents from suffering at their hands.”

The just words that Shien was spilling out made many people quiet down.

Bali didnʼt anticipate that Shien might say something like that either. His face fell.

Itʼs because it doesnʼt match his plans.

Originally, Bali had thought that Shien would accept this request for the sake of proving himself, as well as for the sake of gaining a title and becoming nobility.

But the basic premise behind his assumptions was wrong from the start.

If one considered everything from the point of view of oneʼs advantage, then theyʼll view all problems from the angle of gaining advantages. Thatʼs what it means to overthink things.

To repeat whatʼs be already said, Shien didnʼt care about any rewards in the first place. Heʼd love nothing more than to be able to avoid a noble title.

Thus, when Bali tried to get Shien to prove himself in order to gain the reward heʼs supposed to get, Bali had completely overthought it.

So long as Shien didnʼt care about the so called reward, then he could act without fear of consequences. In that case, any and all temptations that Bali might try are completely pointless.

Therefore, Shien could refuse without hesitation.

Perhaps itʼs because heʼs finally realized this point, Bali once again spoke up.

”Since itʼs for the sake of the Kingdomʼs peace and the innocents of the world, then shouldnʼt you contribute your strength to once again set out to subjugate the Old Demon Faction in the name of the royalty?”

Bali started trying to use moral coercion now.

However, he was still one step behind.

Shien had already prepared an excuse for that.

And itʼs something he had thought of a long time ago at that.

Shien knew that the moment he showed his true might, then it would definitely end up getting him a lot of attention.

Thereʼs going to be good and bad kinds of attention there.

And Shien doesnʼt want to encounter the latter and end up being used for forced to do something that he doesnʼt want to.

Itʼs for that reason that Shien publicized the effect of his unique skill.

”That brings up the second thing that I wanted to say.”

Shien showed a regretful and helpless expression and sighed.

”Everyone already knows that my actual level is in fact rather low. The reason I managed to subjugate the Old Demon Faction before was due to my unique skill, which could, depending on conditions, adjust my level and skills.”

”Pay attention now, this is a unique skill that requires certain conditions to activate.”

”In other words, if I canʼt fulfill the conditions, then Iʼm just a weak newbie adventurer, completely useless.”

”Hn, Iʼll refrain from explaining the details there. This is to avoid being targeted by others, so I hope everyone can be understanding here.”

”Therefore, Iʼll just say it bluntly. Given the current circumstances, I probably wonʼt be able to use my unique skill, so I wonʼt have the ability to subjugate the Old Demon Faction.”

When he got to that part, Shien started smiling as he continued.

”Of course, if everyone thinks itʼs fine to force me to my deaths, then pretend I didnʼt say anything. Itʼs for the sake of the Kingdomʼs peace and the innocents of the world after all, so itʼs no big deal at all to sacrifice a mere little adventurer like me. Even if I made great contributions to the Kingdom, if the Kingdom tells me to go, then what else can I do? If sacrifices have to be made, then it has to be made, right?”

Everyone was dumbfounded at the advent of such rhetoric.

This was especially true for Bali, who was close to cursing out loud.

After Shien had said all that, then if he keeps on trying to make Shien risk himself to subjugate the Old Demon Faction, then it really would be like heʼs telling Shien to go die.

If someone who had made great contributions to the Kingdom had not only failed to gain any rewards, but was instead sent to his death by the Kingdom?

Then thatʼs practically the kind of thing that provokes a citizen revolt!

Not even Ancil knows what to say anymore now. He frowned deeply with a very troubled look.

In that case, then thereʼs really no way out for Shien anymore?

He doesnʼt have any way of proving himself, so his deserved reward really is gone?

So thereʼs no way to make him a noble and draw him into the Kingdom anymore?

That… How can that be allowed?

”You mustnʼt say such things, Sir Shien.”

Thus, Ancil hurriedly attempted to salvage things.

”I had already spoken. The Kingdom wonʼt mistreat anyone who have contributed to it. This would be far too unfair to you. Never mind me, not even the people would be able to accept such a thing.”

Nice one. This guyʼs even brought out the people of the Kingdom to the argument.

But who could match Shien when it comes to bullshitting?

Thus, Shien took a stance of sacrificing for the greater good.

”Your majestic exaggerates. Putting in effort for the sake of the Kingdom and fighting against what might harm it is everyoneʼs responsibility. I merely did what any citizen of the Kingdom should.”

When it comes to being sanctimonious, who can match the shamelessness of the society in Shienʼs previous life?

Isnʼt it the usual trite perfunctory speeches? Come on then, letʼs have a good go now.

Shienʼs self-sacrificing attitude had moved everyone there.

Thereʼs no way to avoid it.

Heʼs already gone this far after all, so theyʼd have to at least act like theyʼre moved, no?

The mass of nobles thus put on their smiles as they cursed in their minds.

In the end, itʼs the King who couldnʼt find a way out now, no being able to do anything more than just beg and cajole.

”No, I canʼt let you be treated so unfairly.”

Thatʼs Ancilʼs argument.

”Sir Shien truly is a man who acts for the sake of the country and the people. Therefore, thereʼs no way that I, a priest, can simply watch and do nothing as harm befalls you.”

Joule was also moved.

”What a nice ‘for the country and the peopleʼ.”

Jacinta let out a bitter chuckle.

As for the two princesses Lucy and Lia. For some time now, one was utterly dazed and the other was trying to hold back laughter.

Bali on the other hand had a terribly dark look on his face.

Especially when Shien continued with a certain statement.

”If everyone could at least consider my efforts even putting aside the lack of contribution, then itʼs fine if you just give me something minor.”

Shien acted very humble, but he was in fact exposing his true goals here.

”Iʼm actually quite interested in various kinds of magic, so I wonder if his majesty might be generous enough to allow me a look at some magic books?”

Shien had finally shown his fangs.

Thatʼs right. Thatʼs the real thing that Shien wants.

Nobility?

He doesnʼt want that at all!

The thing he wants most is to increase his power!

Therefore, although heʼs saying that he doesnʼt want any reward, the actual thing that he doesnʼt want is just the completely useless noble title.

If itʼs magic books though, then thatʼs something he absolutely has to get his hands on!

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