The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

"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, ‘that's right, I just wanted to see those expressions on you guys'.

Of course, there's no way that Shein would actually say that out loud.

Shien instead went with something different.

"Although it might seem like something that I can't refuse, but your majesty, I think you've misunderstood two things."

Shien spoke very solemnly.

"What did I misunderstand?"

By now, even Ancil was curious as to exactly what Shien's going to say.

Shien begun speaking knowingly.

"For the first, I don't seem to actually need to prove anything about myself, because I never did this for the sake of rewards in the first place. It's only because I disliked the Old Demon Faction… No, I felt like I can't leave the Old Demon Faction to do as they like. That's why I fought them. It's not for any rewards, but for the sake of the Kingdom's 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 didn't anticipate that Shien might say something like that either. His face fell.

It's because it doesn't 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 one's advantage, then they'll view all problems from the angle of gaining advantages. That's what it means to overthink things.

To repeat what's be already said, Shien didn't care about any rewards in the first place. He'd 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 he's supposed to get, Bali had completely overthought it.

So long as Shien didn't 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 it's because he's finally realized this point, Bali once again spoke up.

"Since it's for the sake of the Kingdom's peace and the innocents of the world, then shouldn't 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 it's 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.

There's going to be good and bad kinds of attention there.

And Shien doesn't want to encounter the latter and end up being used for forced to do something that he doesn't want to.

It's 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 can't fulfill the conditions, then I'm just a weak newbie adventurer, completely useless."

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

"Therefore, I'll just say it bluntly. Given the current circumstances, I probably won't be able to use my unique skill, so I won't 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 it's fine to force me to my deaths, then pretend I didn't say anything. It's for the sake of the Kingdom's peace and the innocents of the world after all, so it's 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 he's 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 that's 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 there's really no way out for Shien anymore?

He doesn't have any way of proving himself, so his deserved reward really is gone?

So there's no way to make him a noble and draw him into the Kingdom anymore?

That… How can that be allowed?

"You mustn't say such things, Sir Shien."

Thus, Ancil hurriedly attempted to salvage things.

"I had already spoken. The Kingdom won't 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 guy's 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 everyone's 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 Shien's previous life?

Isn't it the usual trite perfunctory speeches? Come on then, let's have a good go now.

Shien's self-sacrificing attitude had moved everyone there.

There's no way to avoid it.

He's already gone this far after all, so they'd have to at least act like they're moved, no?

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

In the end, it's the King who couldn't find a way out now, no being able to do anything more than just beg and cajole.

"No, I can't let you be treated so unfairly."

That's Ancil's argument.

"Sir Shien truly is a man who acts for the sake of the country and the people. Therefore, there's 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 people'."

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 it's fine if you just give me something minor."

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

"I'm 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.

That's right. That's the real thing that Shien wants.

Nobility?

He doesn't want that at all!

The thing he wants most is to increase his power!

Therefore, although he's saying that he doesn't want any reward, the actual thing that he doesn't want is just the completely useless noble title.

If it's magic books though, then that's something he absolutely has to get his hands on!

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