The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1111

The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1111

Chapter 1111
“Currently, Hero Reina is in recovery due to excessive mental energy depletion. As a physician, I’d say that while there's nothing wrong physically, she shows signs of being under extreme mental strain. That is all I can say on the matter.”
The four men and women in front of Davey nodded at his words.
Grand Duchess Kathryn from the Lyndis Empire attended on behalf of their emperor; the Emperor of the Contas Empire himself attended; and from the Pallan Empire, Emperor Sullivan attended. Lastly, an unexpected individual from the Holy Empire—the custodian of Saintess Lena, the Pope—attended.
What they all had in common was that they were directly supporting and empowering Reina’s efforts. They were the ones funding her activities, providing her with troops or authority whenever she needed it.
Of course, for them to come together and provide that much was unusual, but the salvation Reina had brought across the continent had earned her that level of support.
There were plenty of things she had accomplished. She prevented conflicts that could’ve escalated into wars, rescued people from rampaging monsters or unexpected creatures from remote lands, and hunted down dangerous beasts or mages who had fallen to the dark side.
Beyond just the fairy tale roles of a hero and demon king supporting their own homeland, she had contributed neutrally to the entire continent’s peace.
Not belonging to any one country, her position worked as a neutral force for everyone. Thanks to that, many of the smaller issues that cropped up across the continent were resolved more easily.
Of course, her meddlesome actions had also earned her a fair share of enemies.
The Three Empires and the Holy Empire, which both had tremendous authority, did not come personally to Heins Territory. All four used communication crystals to project holograms and gather in one place. Those kinds of high-level crystal holographs weren’t something easily replicated with ordinary technology, at least.
“A resignation from the role of Hero,
huh...
”
“Realistically, it’s more like retirement.
Fufufu.
Thanks to her years of support, the continent has already come one step closer to a lasting peace.”
“Well, I agree with that sentiment as well.”
While ordinary kingdoms may not have had much influence, it was the Three Empires and the Holy Empire that had been actively supporting Hero Reina. That made their agreement with her retirement due to illness crucial.
In truth, the emperors of the Three Empires had made use of her presence in the past. By leveraging her role, they were able to resolve unnecessary conflicts and eliminate variables.
She had been a useful tool to them. Yet, it couldn’t be said that their support was stingy either. They gave her proper backing precisely because they were using her.
The more stable the continent became, the more the Three Empires could grow. In the long term, that growth far outpaced what could be achieved through brute force.
“The Lyndis Empire will respect her decision. Our continent has seen very little large-scale conflict recently, thanks to her, after all.” Even in front of the emperors, Grand Duchess Kathryn smiled slyly, unfazed.
“I feel the same as the Grand Duchess. It isn’t ideal to place the burden of the continent’s peace on a single person, all because she received some divine revelation. Therefore, Contas also blesses her decision to settle down.”
Following Lyndis, the Emperor of Contas voiced his agreement as well.
Many countries had supported her activities to that point. There were likely to be many opinions regarding her retirement, but it was necessary to establish some kind of agreement with the emperors of the Three Empires before taking it public.
The Lyndis Empire especially was too preoccupied with cleaning up after Marquis Alka to make a big issue of her situation. Contas was in the same boat, as if another continental war broke out, the ones most likely to clash would be Contas and Lyndis.
Perhaps because Reina had prevented such a large war, the emperor felt indebted to her. Moreover, perhaps because his own blood relative Morziana had traveled with Reina, he seemed quite fond of her.
“Well, it’s personal, but I do want to thank her for looking after my kin and making sure she didn’t get hurt.”
‘More accurately, isn’t he just grateful that someone was able to put up with Morziana and her overwhelming chatter for years on end?’
Then the real authority of the Holy Empire, the Pope, gave his thoughts.
“Even a hero is human. No matter how high one flies, a time will come when rest is necessary. From my perspective, she already seemed exhausted from pushing herself too far. Honestly, I couldn’t help but feel pity.”
It seemed Reina had earned deep trust and respect from the emperors of the Three Empires and even the Pope. Davey figured her noble sense of duty had been enough to inspire change in many people. Perhaps the way she had never used her position for personal gain had only strengthened their admiration.
“I disagree.” Unfortunately, the Emperor of Pallan, Sullivan, voiced a different opinion.
Davey looked up at him with wide eyes. “Could you elaborate on why you disagree?”
“First of all, I appreciate your opinion, Prince.” Despite being an emperor, he didn’t speak down to Davey. That was his own way of showing respect.
In public, he would’ve had to maintain the dignity of an emperor, but there, it was just the representatives, or rather leaders of the Three Empires and Davey.
“However, from the standpoint of someone who has provided her with a lot of support, if she suddenly secludes herself in Heins Territory, there will definitely be backlash.”
Emperor Contas chuckled with interest. “Looks like the Emperor of Pallan is quite the cold one.”
“Sorry, but I’m not saying this to provoke anyone.”
After getting such a firm reply, Emperor Contas shrugged through the light projected from the communication crystal.
“All right. Let’s hear what the young emperor has to say.”
“Don’t get me wrong, her achievements are recognized by the Pallan Empire as well. However, Heins Territory is currently the eye of the storm.”
“So?”
“What the Pallan Empire is concerned about is the fact that she’s staying in Heins Territory specifically. Instead, I propose that the Pallan Empire take her in. We’ll grant her immense wealth and status, along with appropriate—”
Davey’s eye twitched in response.
‘How dare this guy?’
“Hey. Mr. Emperor of Pallan. If the Pallan Empire tries to take in her right now, it’ll just make things worse—”
“That’s a matter the Pallan Empire has a rightful reason to address.”
‘What’s gotten into him?’
“
Sigh.
It seems like we all need to cool our heads for now. Prince, your opinion is duly noted. Next time, have Hero Reina herself show up.”
With that, Emperor Contas cut off the transmission, and the Pope followed suit with a chuckle before disconnecting as well.
“Your Highness.”
“Yes, Grand Duchess?”
“I’ll be paying your territory a visit soon.”
“S-Sorry?”
“It’s time for a rematch, isn’t it?
Oh,
and by the way, there are some strange rumors going around lately. They say people are suddenly changing, not from disease or curses, but... well, something else. You should keep an eye out.” Leaving only a soft smile behind, she ended her transmission.
Only Emperor Sullivan remained.
Davey questioned him, “What do you think you're doing? Did you not hear a single word of my explanation?”
She had chosen to settle in Heins Territory because that was the only place she wanted to be. Yet Emperor Sullivan had made absurd justifications to take her away.
In response to his question, Sullivan looked around to ensure no one else was present before speaking, “She’s my sister, Davey. Illyna is already in your hands, and I know I can’t be by her side for the rest of my life. Reina, though? She’s different.”
With that one sentence, the entire atmosphere went cold.
* * *
Davey wondered if he’d ever even told Sullivan the truth about Reina.
If he did, he should’ve remembered, but for some reason that part of his memory was frustratingly hazy.
‘This is unsettling.’
Aeria knew the truth, but only because she had been thrown into their world alongside Davey. Perserque had only found out afterward.
However, he had no memory of ever telling Sullivan.
As the memory didn’t surface and his confusion deepened, Sullivan spoke up, “Reina is... no, that child is also Illyna. She is my sister.”
“Hey, Emperor of Pallan. If that’s the case, then it’s all the more reason not to try and keep her caged.”
‘Right. What does it even matter whether he knows the truth or not?’
Davey figured that somewhere along the line, the past had twisted due to his interaction with Goddess Freyja, causing some kind of shift.
It was the first time he felt that kind of disorientation from a warped memory.
Davey informed Sullivan, “She came from the other side. Everything here is unfamiliar to her, and she’s been experiencing intense homesickness.”
“That’s exactly why I want to take her with me.”
“
Huh?
”
“Her home is in Pallan. Not Heins.”
His unyielding insistence drew a deep sigh from Davey. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand where he was coming from, though.
Sullivan had never once said anything warm to Illyna, yet he had cared for and loved her just as deeply as the former Crown Prince of Pallan, who had long since died.
Davey could imagine how tormented a brother must be to not be able to tell his own sister that he loved her.
“She’s different from my sister, who I need to worry about criticism for. Outwardly, she’s Reina, and no one would question her being shown my favoritism.”
“This all could’ve been avoided if you’d just handled things properly in your own country.”
The reason he couldn’t appear close to Illyna was because of the political climate among Pallan’s internal nobility.
Sullivan had distanced himself from her on purpose, to draw all the animosity meant for her onto himself.
Given the man he was now, one would imagine it shouldn't have been impossible to fix things. Yet judging from his silence, it seemed matters clearly weren’t that simple.
“I envy you, Prince Davey.”
Though they were both royalty, with overwhelming influence in their own countries and powerful standing on the continent as a whole, they were fundamentally different.
“You boldly forged your own path, but I still haven’t. I haven’t had your kind of strength, or wisdom... or your terrifying fearlessness.”
Davey had done whatever it took to reach his goal, but Sullivan hadn’t been able to. There was a difference in what each of them was capable of.
“I can’t forgive myself. Prince, isn’t there anything you can do for me here?”
At his request, Davey closed his eyes in disgust. “Don’t talk nonsense. Are you kidding me? Using your sister as a replacement? What do you take her for, some kind of trophy for yourself?!”
Sullivan had no comeback for his sharp rebuke. “That one stung.”
“Listen up, Mr. Emperor.”
Dropping his manners altogether, Davey slammed the table with a heated expression. The crystal jolted from the force. “Feeling like you have to tiptoe around in order to say thank you, tell someone it’s okay, or say you love your family is messed up.”
Sullivan couldn’t say a word.
“Stop worrying about what others think. You’re an Emperor now, not the Crown Prince who had to deal with political enemies in the past.”
“It’s fine if you want to say ‘thank you’ to Illyna for becoming the person she is now, but don’t go projecting that onto Reina like she’s just some substitute. Say it to your own sister, the one who’s lived her whole life with you.”
If he ever made Davey’s wife or his sister from another world shed tears of blood again, Davey honestly didn’t know what he might do to him.
He couldn’t believe that Sullivan didn’t seem to feel even the slightest hint of remorse for a younger sister who, no matter how much they fought, still couldn’t bring herself to hate her own brother.
* * *
Reina’s resignation from the position of Hero was ultimately approved with unanimous agreement by the Three Empires and the Holy Empire.
Though Emperor Sullivan had privately shown disappointment, he eventually stepped away after telling Davey to take good care of her. It was as if he had recalled her sorrowful past, something he seemed to know with oddly detailed clarity.
Of course, they had been left with no choice but to quickly make up their minds in order to contain the unrest of the continent, already risen from the tensions that arose between Alberta and Vatan.
The one most troubled by that situation was likely the Lyndis Empire, which had suffered considerable hidden damages in the crisis.
Naturally, with Reina stepping down, her party members Maximus, Morziana, Iro, and even the demon Yushir scattered, returning to their own paths. Most felt it was time to go back to where they came from.
Upon hearing that Reina had finally found a place to rest, every one of her companions came all the way to Heins Territory and expressed their relief. Well, technically, Davey had brought them all using large-scale spatial warping magic. Among the four, Maximus looked strangely disappointed.
“So. What are you going to do with him?” Davey said as he tilted his chin.
Tsuna de Murgent, who was gracefully enjoying her tea, looked at him and said, “I'll take care of him.”
Not only had Davey dropped by a noblewoman’s estate late at night without notice, but he was even speaking casually to her. Nonetheless, Tsuna didn’t seem to find it strange.
“You do realize it’ll be a big problem if his identity gets exposed, right?”
The boy they were talking about was none other than Belga.
He had suffered from hunger, but not ever since Davey had devoured the countless spiritual entities that had been dormant inside him, through the Primordial Predator. His hunger had since drastically reduced to a level incomparable to before.
“Hunger’s a brutal thing. It nearly drove me insane, too.”
In his case, that hunger had led to god’s power going berserk, causing a ripple so massive it shook the entire universe.
“You’ve... starved before?” She looked at him in surprise, then slowly nodded to herself. “Now that I think about it, you did say you lived a really hard life back then.”
“They’re not exactly the fondest of memories,” Davey calmly answered before looking at Belga with a touch of curiosity.
Belga’s hunger and his were different. The Primordial Predator, which used a power similar to his authority of Predatory Assimilation, appeared to be connected to these beings.
By deduction, maybe Belga’s spiritual hunger and his own weren’t so different after all. It was a ridiculous thought, but he supposed it had merit.
“I’m not sure how it works, but he’s never left feeling hungry after he eats anything I give him.”
“It looks like now he’s even strong enough to utilize some of his power.”
Using that strength, Belga had helped reverse a famine that had started to hit Alberta. Driven solely by the desire to help Tsuna, he’d poured out immense vitality to enrich the land, and the harvest projections were already showing results several times greater than the previous year’s.
“Since you were my student, let me say this out of concern—he used to work with your enemy.”
“Marquis Barogo? That man is already finished. The royal family lost trust in him after that incident.”
Davey disagreed, “That’s not the point, is it? Belga killed a ton of people in Vatan, too.”
“That was because of the monsters Vatan created.”
Davey sighed at her firm resolve and eventually said something he hadn’t planned to.
“He might’ve been the reason your father died,” he said coldly, legs crossed.
She flinched. Her father, the late Chancellor, was her greatest vulnerability. Even after death, his soul had lingered by her side. In the end, he had even chosen to vanish completely in order to save her.
The problem was, she’d retained all her memories of him instead of keeping her feelings for Davey. Consequently, she couldn’t shake the overwhelming guilt reminding her that she was the reason her father had disappeared.
Either result wasn’t exactly ideal. Still, from Davey’s perspective, it probably would’ve been better if she’d just forgotten her father altogether.
“He...” Confusion spread across her face, grappling with the truth she had been trying to ignore. “He killed my father.”
“Well, to be honest, Belga might not have killed him directly. Before he was devoured by that monster, he claimed he’d never once taken a human life.”
The true culprit might’ve been Marquis Barogo, but Davey still wondered if she was truly free of resentment. Could she really look at Belga without thinking of her father?
Tsuna looked at him, fists clenched so tightly her white knuckles seemed about to burst. “Belga went all the way there to save me! If he hadn’t, Lady Rinne wouldn’t have found me, and neither would you.”
“Well, I’m different. Anyway, we ended up saving him, so I guess there’s no more reason to hold a grudge.”
From his perspective, Belga was a unique spiritual entity. He probably wouldn’t be able to influence the avatar of Goddess Freyja too much.
“I’m more worried about you, Tsuna.”
“You really care that much about me?” she asked with surprise.
“You were my student, after all.”
Strictly speaking, she wasn’t a direct disciple, but more like someone he casually taught some things whenever convenient.
“At the very least, don’t take on meaningless responsibility.”
Hearing that, Tsuna gave him a complicated look. “You’re so... rude when you talk.”
“
Tch.
”
She smiled. “But you really are a good person.”
“Save the sleep talk for when you're actually asleep. From now on, you make the calls. Belga’s out of my hands. I’ve got no intention of interfering.”
Hearing that from him, she quietly stood and bowed deeply.
“Prince Davey O’Rowane.”
Davey stopped without turning back.
“Thank you. Truly. I will never forget this kindness.”
With those words, Davey resumed walking away.
However, at that moment, the central doors of the estate burst open and someone walked in.
The woman had a bright smile and energetic aura. She was a beastfolk with fiery red hair and a tail.
“And who might you be?” Tsuna frowned at the unexpected visitor.
“This is our first time meeting in person, Chancellor Tsuna de Murgent.”
“Grand Duchess Kathryn,” Davey said.
She flashed him a radiant smile. “Long time no see, Prince Davey. Is our adorable princess still doing well?”
“She is.”
She replied with a serene smile, “Apologies for coming at such a late hour without notice, Chancellor. I’m here to personally offer reparations from the Lyndis Empire for the damages caused to Alberta in this recent incident.”
“Then send proper word and come back another day,” Tsuna replied coldly.
Even as a Grand Duchess of an empire, her actions were plainly impolite. It wasn’t the same as Davey dropping by unannounced.
She smiled. “Oh my, what a shame. Unfortunately, this is an urgent matter. I had no choice.”
The maids and attendants, who had come over due to the commotion, looked visibly confused. From the opposite hallway, little Belga walked out, happily chewing on jerky with an innocent look. The moment he saw Tsuna and tried to run to her, his eyes instead locked on Kathryn.
He froze in his steps.
“If it’s not too much trouble... May I have a word with you?”
She began to approach. Then, just as she passed Davey, Belga suddenly stepped in front of her.
“Tsuna! Run!!!”
Hearing his desperate cry, Grand Duchess Kathryn smiled even wider.
Clang!!
Her sword clashed with Red Ribbon. Even though Davey struck with Red Ribbon, her sword remained intact.
“You caught on,
huh?
” She smiled coolly, but something was off in her eyes. She wasn’t a fake, but she wasn’t the Kathryn he knew. She was like someone who took off their mask to reveal their true nature.
Davey reached into the air, pulled something out from his Pocket Plane, and swung it at her.
Jingle!
A clear chime rang out from a shamanic rattle.
[Vermilion Bird’s Authority]
[First Grade Sorcery]
[Extreme Flame Purification Talisman]
Her figure, which had been reaching out, was engulfed in flames and blasted out of the estate.
Despite hitting her with firepower far beyond what he had used in past mock battles, he didn’t stop there. He immediately chased after her.
* * *
Something else was happening at the same time in the Great Empire of Ming, located on the western continent.
“Why... Why are you doing this?! P-Please stop!”
The Son of Heaven—no, the Daughter of Heaven—was left alone, trembling among the fallen, bloodied royal guards.
These were the very people who had pledged their loyalty to her. The very same guards she’d memorized by name as a young girl, who had once risked their lives to protect her during the political unrest and looming civil war.
Now, those same guards pointed their swords at her with blank expressions.
“Please die.”
With that, blood sprayed across the imperial walls.

.
!
Chapter 1111