After we landed in the new area, we were stopped.
"…Huh? We can't enter the country?"
Hearing the shocking truth at the reception desk, I let out a stupid-sounding voice without thinking.
"I'm very sorry… I can issue permission for the [General Area], but granting entry to the [Special Area] where the Magical Library is located is… difficult for your entire group…"
The receptionist apologized profusely, looking truly regretful.
Aldi had contacted them via magic and should have secured permission.
"Um… I'm sure permission was properly arranged…"
"Yes. Lord Aldi contacted us through the Magical Institution, so I can issue you a permit for the Magical Library itself. However, I cannot grant permission for *that* area."
Aldi looked confused and pressed further, but the receptionist was firm.
She said we could enter the Magical Library, but not "that area"… What does that even mean?
"Well… recently, some members of the anti-hero faction living in the [Reconstruction Zone] have become increasingly violent. Because of that, when moving into the [Special Zone], there is a high risk of harm coming to anyone affiliated with the 'Hero Party.' Also… excuse me for saying this, but even with Lord Aldi's intercession, I cannot guarantee the safety of a D-rank adventurer, a white mage, and the others… and furthermore—"
The receptionist gave us a simple explanation while we stood there dumbfounded.
Ah… I see.
"This is such a pain…"
I slumped my shoulders in pure laziness, finally understanding why we couldn't enter.
"…In other words, to reach the Special Zone where the Magical Library is, we have to pass through the Reconstruction Zone. And since you can't guarantee our safety, you can't issue permission… is that it?"
"That is correct. On top of that, many beastkin in the Reconstruction Zone were brought here as slaves during past wars. They still harbor deep resentment toward humans… Unless you can prove your strength, it's difficult to grant permission."
In response to Rafine's question, the receptionist bowed apologetically once more.
…By the way, because Rafine's appearance stands out and causes a commotion, I had her disguise herself with the transformation ring—back into the black-haired girl "Fina" from when we first met.
I don't want unnecessary attention, and if her fan club finds out, they'll try to kill me. Life is hard.
This country, Livrhiiro, is under the protection of the Granhert Empire—a nation that places immense importance on supporting heroes.
The Granhert Empire controls 30% of the Hert continent's territory.
Naturally, Livrhiiro, under its protection, is also a nation that fervently supports heroes.
Heroes and their parties receive a 90% discount at nearly every inn, restaurant, weapon shop, and more. Most citizens welcome them with almost creepy levels of enthusiasm.
To give you an idea: they could trespass into people's homes, rummage through jars and dressers, and the government wouldn't punish them.
…Well, obviously not many heroes actually do that. They'd just be arrested as criminals.
Livrhiiro is divided into three major zones: the [General Area], the [Special Area], and the [Reconstruction Area].
As the name suggests, the General Area is open to anyone with an entry permit. It makes up 80% of Livrhiiro, where most residents live. Low crime rate, well-developed city, great place to live.
From the outside, Livrhiiro seems like a pretty good country. Low taxes, high standard of living—definitely nice.
However, the other two zones—the Special Area and the Reconstruction Area—are completely different.
The Special Area, as the name implies, is closed to the public. Only those with special permission may enter. It's not meant for living; habitation is prohibited.
One entrance to the Magical Library is here, along with other dangerous labyrinths like the Valley of Trials—a chasm so deep its bottom cannot be seen.
…Rumors say this area was used by the Granhert Empire for various experiments. It's surrounded by nasty stories. The Valley of Trials used to be called the Valley of Resentment, but the name was changed.
And finally—the Reconstruction Area.
This is the zone devastated several years ago when a "demon" suddenly appeared and rampaged through Livrhiiro. Even now, years later, reconstruction work continues.
The residential area is mostly populated by beastkin brought here as slaves during past wars. Many of them lost family and friends to the "demon" that attacked, and they hold deep grudges against the hero who failed to save them in time.
"The timing is really the worst…"
When I came to this country quite a while ago, I was able to get a simple permit and enter the Reconstruction Zone without issues.
Back then, sure, some beastkin hated humans, but most were kind.
But right when I arrive, the riots intensify and I can't get in. Worst possible timing.
"If it were just the Offensive Hero, Letinoa-sama, I could issue permission…"
The receptionist glanced at Reti, thinking that she alone could protect herself without issue.
"…Well then, Reti, this is where we part ways. I'll enter the country alone—"
"No way! I don't want to go unless Shisho comes with me!"
I thought I'd had enough and decided to enter alone, sneak into the Magical Library illegally—but Reti clung to me desperately. Let go! Let go!
She gripped my arms and legs like a vice. I couldn't shake her off. This girl…!
"—Just wait, Jirei. Leave this to me."
As I tried to pry Reti away, Aldi spoke up with a confident look and turned to the receptionist.
…Looks like he has some kind of plan.
To begin with, this mess is happening because *you* didn't contact them properly or check the details. I want to punch you.
"Hey, miss. Please, do it for my sake."
"…Lord Aldi, I'm very sorry, but even you, as principal, cannot override this."
"But that doesn't mean you *can't* let them in, right?"
"…Unless safety can be guaranteed, I cannot issue permission at my own discretion."
"It'll be fine! Jirei may be D-rank, but he's damn strong. The black-haired girl and the light-blue-haired one over there are strong too. And if you're still worried, I'll protect them myself!"
"But…"
"Please, I'm begging you!"
When the receptionist tried to refuse again, Aldi's eyes welled up with tears. He looked up at her with a pleading, pitiful expression—like an adorable kitten begging.
The receptionist visibly flinched. "Uhh…"
A few minutes later.
"—V-very well. If Lord Aldi agrees to act as their escort, then… I will issue the permission."
Thanks to Aldi's persuasion—or perhaps overwhelmed by his cuteness—the slightly blushing receptionist finally gave in.
"Ohhh! Thank you! Really, you're a lifesaver… heh heh…"
Turning his face away so the receptionist couldn't see, Aldi made an evil mastermind grin like "All according to plan…!"
You're actually terrifying, dude.
…Well, whatever. If we can enter the country, that's good enough.
I'm the only one who actually needs to go to the Magical Library.
There's no real reason for Rafine and the others to come along.
I'll enter for now, figure out how to convince them later, and head to the Special Zone alone.
…It's probably pretty dangerous anyway.
While I was thinking that—
"—No. Do not grant permission."
A voice as cold as ice came from behind us—male, authoritative.
At the same time, the people around the reception desk began to murmur uneasily.
"…?"
Wondering what was happening, I turned around.
"…B-but… Lord Hero of [Talent]. If Lord Aldi is escorting them, there shouldn't be any issue—"
"Did you not hear me, woman? I said no. Don't talk back."
Flame-red hair.
Eyes glittering gold, sharp and piercing.
His features were strikingly handsome—long lashes, almond-shaped eyes that even carried a hint of allure.
A very, *very* good-looking man. Maybe on the same level as me.
He walked toward us with bold, commanding steps.
Then, in a cold, arrogant tone that sounded like an order:
"Be grateful. I, the Hero of [Talent], am personally commanding you trash. D-rank, white mage, black-haired girl, Offensive Hero—get out of my sight right now."