I Became an Illegal Cheat User – Chapter 130

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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I entered the royal capital. And following Asuka’s guidance, I entered the Passing Wind inn, marked by a wind-shaped sign, where Lee Seo-yeon was supposedly staying.

“Oh… not bad.”

Indeed.

Was it because it was a high-class inn?

Like the luxurious exterior I had seen from outside, the interior was also clean and well-maintained.

Of course, it was well-maintained by medieval standards.

Compared to hotels in the real world outside the alternate world, or the dorms at the Academy, the quality was significantly lower.

Still, I was grateful.

I had to be content with being able to stay, even temporarily, in a clean place with a roof over my head.

“By the way, there’s no one in the inn?”

For some reason, besides Lee Seo-yeon, Asuka, Arthur, and me, there were no other guests in sight.

‘What’s this?’

Even if it was a high-class inn, shouldn’t there be at least a few people?

Or was it usually empty at this time?

‘No… that can’t be right.’

It didn’t make sense for an inn to be empty when it was almost dinner time.

My question was quickly answered.

“Well, that’s because I rented the entire place.”

Asuka, who had settled into a chair at a round table, provided the answer.

Aha.

So she rented the entire inn.

That’s why it was empty.

My question was resolved.

At the same time, a new question arose.

‘With what money did she rent it?’

That question was also quickly answered.

Asuka.

The role she received, sitting in a chair, fanning herself with a fan decorated with scattered cherry blossoms.

Beloved Daughter of the Blossom Merchant Guild.

Her combat abilities were restricted, but she could provide financial assistance.

It was the role of a wealthy person who could spend money freely.

Thwack!

“Have all your curiosities been satisfied, Yu-jin?”

Asuka, closing her fan with a flick of her wrist, asked, looking at me with a chilling gaze.

Even so, it was just cute, like a little rabbit glaring.

Still, I pretended to shrink back and nodded at Asuka’s question.

Since Asuka was still calling me Yu-jin instead of her usual Top Student.

“So.”

This time, Lee Seo-yeon, sitting next to Asuka with her legs crossed, spoke.

She had been quietly watching me.

“Who is that woman?”

Lee Seo-yeon’s eyes turned towards Terra, standing behind me.

The sharp glint in her eyes, like a sharp sword, seemed ready to cut Terra down at any moment.

“Yu-jin?”

A gentle tone, but a chilling voice, pierced my ears.

I sighed inwardly, feeling a sense of weariness at Lee Seo-yeon’s behavior.

Then, I gave the excuse I had prepared in advance, explaining Terra’s true nature.

A mix of 90% truth and 10% lie.

“Of course, I should introduce her.”

I stepped aside, revealing Terra.

“This is the maid I met at the mansion I was transferred to, Terra.”

This was true.

I obtained Terra’s body, the Battle Maid, in reality, but since I retrieved her in this alternate world, it wasn’t a lie.

“For your information, Terra isn’t human, she’s a golem.”

This was also true.

She looked human on the outside, but inside, she was filled with metal, various weapons, and a mana core.

“Well… you’re probably more curious about why Terra is accompanying me, right?”

The three of them nodded simultaneously.

“Actually, I don’t know the details either. When I asked her why she’s following me, she just said, ‘Because you’re my master.’ So, I thought about it, and I think it’s probably because of the role I received, ‘Last Descendant of the Fallen House of Yggdrasil.’ Even though it’s fallen, it still has a noble title.”

And this was a lie.

The 10% lie to justify Terra following me.

“Ah… so that’s why she’s with you.”

“Hmm, a golem… then she’s safe.”

Asuka and Arthur’s expressions, which had been disapproving of Terra, softened as they seemed to understand my explanation, a mix of truth and lies.

But.

“……”

Lee Seo-yeon.

She remained unchanged.

Unlike the other two, whose hostility had almost disappeared, her eyes still held a sharp glint. As if she wouldn’t let her guard down.

I barely managed to suppress a sigh at her attitude.

‘Ah… how am I supposed to convince Lee Seo-yeon?’

It was frustrating.

Whether I was frustrated or not, the thought of convincing Lee Seo-yeon, who was staring intently at Terra with her arms crossed, made my head spin.

Perhaps she sensed my predicament.

Terra, who had been quietly standing behind me, stepped forward.

And just as she had done with As and me, she slightly lifted the edges of her skirt and curtsied.

“It is a pleasure to meet Master’s friends. I am Terra, Master’s loyal maid.”

She greeted the three of them politely and elegantly.

Click.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too. I am Shuhei Asuka, Top Student’s close friend.”

“Yes, nice to meet you. I am Arthur Pendragon, Lee Yu-jin’s close friend.”

Perhaps because Terra had introduced herself directly, even though I had already introduced her…

Asuka and Arthur also stood up and politely introduced themselves.

On the other hand, Lee Seo-yeon…

“…Lee Seo-yeon.”

…simply uttered her name without getting up.

Anyone watching might have thought her behavior was rude.

But everyone here was used to her behavior.

And thanks to me and the main characters, Lee Seo-yeon’s personality had softened considerably, but that only applied to us.

She was still incredibly cold towards strangers like Terra. That’s why, just like in the game, she had earned the nickname “Ice Princess.”

That’s right.

Lee Seo-yeon was simply acting according to her nature.

Acting like the “Ice Princess” she was known as.

So, Asuka, Arthur, and I didn’t think much of it. And neither did Terra.

“You are Lee Seo-yeon, correct?”

Terra, standing upright with her hands clasped politely, asked, looking directly into Lee Seo-yeon’s eyes.

“I have no intention of interfering with your desires. On the contrary, I would like to assist you.”

“…Do you know what I desire?”

“How could I not know?”

Terra’s gaze briefly shifted towards me. A small smile appeared on her lips, and then she turned her gaze back to Lee Seo-yeon.

“Your eyes sparkle every time they look at Master.”

“……”

Lee Seo-yeon’s cold expression changed.

She seemed flustered, as if she hadn’t expected her hidden feelings to be exposed by a stranger.

“And that applies to Asuka and Arthur as well.”

“Ah… was it that obvious?”

“Hmm, a little… embarrassing.”

Asuka and Arthur’s faces flushed slightly.

“…So, what kind of help are you offering?”

Lee Seo-yeon’s voice returned. I turned my gaze towards her.

While my and Terra’s attention had been on Asuka and Arthur, she seemed to have regained her composure, her expression returning to its previous coldness.

Terra smiled faintly at Lee Seo-yeon’s question.

“The help I can offer you, Lee Seo-yeon, as well as Asuka and Arthur, isn’t that significant or grand. However,”

Terra unclasped her hands.

“It will be more than satisfactory.”

With those words, she snapped her fingers with her right hand raised to her chest.

And then.

Ding, ding, ding.

“““…”””

Alarms rang out simultaneously from the smartwatches worn by Asuka, Arthur, and Lee Seo-yeon.

The three of them looked at each other in confusion at the sound of the alarms.

Then, they raised their wrists and checked their smartwatches.

And a moment later.

“Welcome, Terra.”

“Welcome, Terra.”

“…Welcome.”

The chilly atmosphere reversed. They welcomed Terra with bright smiles, as if their previous disapproval had never existed.

‘What just happened?’

What did Terra show them?

Of course, I was glad the atmosphere had brightened.

It was better for those close to me to be on good terms.

But I was also curious.

What did Terra show them?

What did they see that made their attitudes change so drastically?

I wanted to know.

‘Terra, show me what you showed them!’

But Terra just smiled silently.

She didn’t show me what the three of them had seen.

Then.

‘I can just ask them.’

Especially Arthur.

She would gladly tell me.

As I was about to open my mouth…

“Mmm…”

A soft voice came from behind me.

As, who had been sleeping soundly, woke up.

“…Brother, where are we?”

Ah, right.

I’ll have to ask later.

I swallowed the question I had been about to ask Arthur.

And I carefully placed As, who was fidgeting on my back, on the floor.

“We’re at an inn.”

“Oh… I have to go see the King… we shouldn’t be at an inn…”

As lightly grasped my pants with her small hand. She looked up at me with an anxious expression, as if she had disobeyed an adult’s instructions.

Judging by her behavior, it seemed the Headmaster had told her to go straight to the royal palace.

“As, don’t worry.”

I smiled gently, stroking As’s hair to ease her anxiety.

“No one will scold you for not entering the palace today, so don’t worry so much.”

There was no reason for As to be upset.

Did she become the Hero because she wanted to?

No.

She was arbitrarily designated as the Hero by irrational rules, it wasn’t her choice.

Did she want to be late for her entrance into the capital?

No.

She had taken a direct carriage to the royal capital, but the coachman abandoned her while she was relieving herself, which is why she was late.

For these reasons, As had no reason to be anxious.

And although she hadn’t asked for it, As was the only Hero in this world.

So, any King with a proper mind wouldn’t scold her for being a day late.

‘…Wait a minute.’

Thinking about it, maybe they would scold her?

After all, the people I had seen at the gate of the royal capital earlier…

Hadn’t they said unpleasant things about As, things that made me frown?

‘Like people, like King, I guess.’

Maybe the King, being the King, would treat As even worse than those people?

I wondered if I should take As to the royal palace right now.

But only for a moment.

I shook my head.

I erased the thought from my mind.

‘There’s no need to conform to this world’s standards.’

Asuka, Arthur, Lee Seo-yeon, and I weren’t from this alternate world.

Although we had received the roles of the Hero’s companions, our goal wasn’t to meet the King, but to defeat the Demon King.

So, unless the King was kind or reasonable, there was no reason to listen to him.

And if the King tried to threaten me, the main characters, and As…

*I’ll show them the power of modern firearms in this medieval world.*

I’d just blow up the entire palace.

If that didn’t work… well.

Then, I’d have to take out Lævateinn.

‘Even if I can’t control it perfectly yet, I can still set things on fire.’

I envisioned various simple and effective solutions, gently patting As’s head.

And when As seemed to have calmed down somewhat, I stood up to meet her eye level.

“As, are you hungry?”

“Yes… I’m hungry.”

As nodded shyly.

At her adorable appearance, Asuka, Arthur, and Lee Seo-yeon gasped. I turned to look at them.

The three of them were staring at As with slightly flushed faces and sparkling eyes.

Asuka, in particular, was especially enthusiastic.

“Kawaii (Cute)!”

She was clutching her chest and even spoke in her native tongue, despite usually insisting on speaking Korean.

I chuckled at their reactions.

“As, go to those older sisters and say, ‘Let’s eat together.’ Then you’ll be able to solve your hunger right away.”

“Um… is that okay?”

“They’re my friends, so it’s okay.”

As looked at me and them alternately, hesitating, as if unsure about approaching them despite knowing they were connected to me.

And after a moment, As nodded resolutely and took cautious steps towards them.

“Excuse me…”

As, approaching the round table where the three girls were sitting, tightly gripped Sacred in both hands.

And then, she looked up at them with a shy expression.

“Hello… my name is Aster… if it’s okay with you, could we eat together…?”

As tried to finish her sentence, but she couldn’t.

Because…

“Of course!”

Asuka, whose eyes were sparkling brighter than anyone else’s, suddenly hugged As.

“Ah, you’re so cute!”

Asuka rubbed As’s soft cheek with her own.

And she kept repeating, “Cute! Kawaii!”

Each time she did, As let out an adorable, “Eeee!”

Then, Arthur, who had been quietly watching, moved.

She stood before Aster.

“You’re Aster, right?”

She asked Aster’s name in a stern voice, but with a warm smile on her face that didn’t match her tone.

But even that seemed to make As nervous, as she looked up at Arthur with slightly trembling eyes and nodded.

“Y-yes… I’m Aster…”

“Nice to meet you, Aster. I am Arthur Pendragon, Lee Yu-jin’s close friend and your companion on this journey.”

At that greeting, Asuka, who had been nuzzling As’s cheek, said cheerfully,

“I am Shuhei Asuka! I’m also Top Student’s close friend and your companion, Aster!”

After Asuka finished her introduction, Arthur looked at Lee Seo-yeon, as if urging her to introduce herself as well.

Lee Seo-yeon, who had been quietly observing the situation, opened her lips.

“…I am Lee Seo-yeon. Yu-jin’s promised future…”

“Lee Seo-yeon.”

“Seo-yeon.”

“…a close friend and your companion. Nice to meet you.”

Lee Seo-yeon, finishing her introduction in a gentle voice, unlike the one she had used with Terra, looked at Arthur and Asuka.

Arthur and Asuka also looked directly into Lee Seo-yeon’s eyes.

A silence fell over the inn.

“N-nice to meet you too… older sisters…”

As’s words, “older sisters,” reached the ears of the three girls.

The brief silence was broken.

“Kyaaa! Aster called me older sister!”

“Hmm… older sister… it’s the first time I’ve been called that, it makes my heart flutter.”

“…Cute.”

The chilling aura emanating from the three girls vanished instantly.

I chuckled at their reactions.

‘As expected, cuteness is invincible.’

I nodded in agreement.

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The next morning.

“…Is it okay for me to eat such delicious food?”

Just like when she had the ice cream.

As soon as she tasted the food, As muttered with a happy yet anxious expression.

Asuka, sitting next to As, smiled gently.

“Of course it’s okay. As, you have the right to eat delicious food, the right to be happy.”

At Asuka’s words, everyone, including myself, nodded in agreement.

“That’s right, As. There’s no reason for you to be unhappy. So, don’t worry about such things.”

“As Asuka and Lee Yu-jin said, As, you can be happy. No, you should be happy.”

“…If anyone says you shouldn’t be, tell me. I’ll eliminate… no, I’ll punish them.”

Just as the thawed Ice Princess, Lee Seo-yeon, said.

If anyone, whoever it may be, told As that she didn’t have the right to be happy, I would personally shove a grenade down their throat.

As I was having that thought, As looked at us with teary eyes and asked,

“The Headmaster told me that a Hero has to sacrifice everything. That they don’t have the right to be happy…”

“What…?”

Asuka stared at As with a shocked expression.

And so did Arthur and Lee Seo-yeon.

Bang!

Asuka, momentarily stunned, slammed her fist, holding a fork and knife, on the table.

“What kind of Headmaster is that! As, don’t even think about such things! No, forget it!”

“…Even if she’s the Hero, to tell a child this young that she doesn’t have the right to be happy… is that Headmaster even an adult?”

“…As, where is he? I’ll punish him.”

Punish him? Please.

Judging by the aura she was emitting, it seemed like she was about to kill someone.

I shook my head at Lee Seo-yeon’s murderous aura.

And placing the fork and knife I was holding on the table, I said to As,

“As, as we just said, you have the right to be happy. So, forget all the negative things you’ve heard. Okay?”

“As Master said, As, forget all the bad things.”

At my and Terra’s kind words, tears welled up in As’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

But only for a moment.

“Okay… I’ll do that. I’ll forget all the bad things I’ve heard, like brother and older sisters said.”

As wiped her tears with the back of her hand and nodded vigorously.

Yes, that’s it.

Be resolute, As!

I smiled warmly, looking at As.

Asuka, Arthur, and Lee Seo-yeon also smiled at As.

We resumed our meal in a harmonious atmosphere.

And just as I was about to take out the ice cream that As wanted for dessert…

Bam!

The tightly closed inn door burst open.

Knights and soldiers in armor poured in.

Clang, clang.

A man, who appeared to be their leader, approached the table where we were sitting.

He looked at As with arrogant and cold eyes.

“Are you the Hero?”

At that question, all four of us, including myself, stood up.

The man’s gaze, which had been fixed on As, shifted towards us.

“I didn’t tell you to stand up.”

‘Look at how he talks.’

I chuckled mirthlessly and stood in front of As, who was trembling with anxiety.

I blocked the man’s view of As.

“We didn’t tell you to come into the inn.”

“…Ha, how insolent.”

At those words, the hands of the knights and soldiers behind the man moved to their waists. And clang, they gripped the hilts of their swords.

I silently opened my inventory.

Swords appeared in the hands of Lee Seo-yeon, Asuka, and Arthur.

The harmonious atmosphere turned hostile.

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Just then.

“…Hmm, forget it.”

The man chuckled and raised his hand.

At that gesture, the knights and soldiers, who had been ready to draw their swords, relaxed their stances and stood at attention.

“The King wishes to see you. So, come quietly.”

The man said, turning his back.

And then, I saw something familiar.

…That’s…

The back of the man’s neck.

Blurred by his armor.

But something I knew very well.

‘Dragon scales.’

They were none other than dragon scales.

A mark seen only on dragon’s underlings.

‘That means…’

There was a dragon in this alternate world.

‘Wow, how can this be?’

I had been wondering how to bring As back to reality, and this stroke of luck had presented itself.

I had been racking my brains about how to bring As, bound by the rules as the Hero, back to reality, and this was perfect.

Dragon.

If it was a real dragon, capable of using Dragon Language, not just a fake like Greed, it might know how to resolve the rules.

And since it had been beaten by the Martial God and fled to this alternate world with significant injuries, it wouldn’t be too difficult to deal with.

Even if it was difficult, I could just threaten it with Lævateinn, saying, “Do you want to burn and perish along with this world, or will you neatly grant me one favor and we part ways?”

I grinned at the unexpected discovery and stroke of luck.

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