By the time the caravan reached the gates of Elmsworth, the sun was dipping into gold, painting the cobbled streets and timber houses with warmth.
Elmsworth wasn't the grand capital—it was a bustling border town, alive with merchants, adventurers, and farmers returning from the fields. Banners of the kingdom fluttered on wooden poles, and the smell of roasted meat drifted through the air.
For Haruto, it was surreal.
Holy crap… it's like I just walked into an RPG town. NPCs everywhere, shops lined up, kids running around, guards patrolling… If a blacksmith pops out and says "Welcome, traveler!" I'll scream.
The guards spotted the royal crest on Princess Lyria's banner and quickly saluted.
"Open the gates! The Hero approaches!"
"Wait, don't announce that—!" Haruto tried to protest.
Too late. The words spread like wildfire.
---
Within minutes, townsfolk swarmed the streets. Farmers dropped their tools, merchants abandoned their stalls, children darted ahead barefoot.
"The Hero is here!"
"The Chosen One has arrived!"
"Praise the Goddess—hope has come at last!"
Before Haruto could react, flowers were tossed at his feet. A baker shoved a loaf of bread into his hands. A little girl clutched his cloak, staring at him with wide, tearful eyes.
"Please… save our town from the monsters, mister Hero."
Haruto froze. His throat tightened.
…Oh no. She believes in me. They all believe in me. But I'm just some loser from Japan who can barely swing a sword without hitting myself.
Princess Lyria leaned close, whispering warmly.
"This is the hope you bring, Aurelian. Even your presence alone gives them strength."
Her words should've reassured him. Instead, his anxiety spiked.
---
That night, the town held a feast in his honor. Long tables overflowed with roasted boar, honeyed fruits, and mugs of frothy ale. Bards sang ballads—already about him, somehow—while children danced.
"Hero Aurelian, please, sit at the head!" the mayor insisted, practically dragging Haruto into a throne-like chair.
Haruto sat stiffly, sweat dripping.
Why does it feel like I'm about to be sacrificed instead of celebrated?
He picked up a mug, trying to play along.
"Uh… cheers, everyone?"
The crowd roared.
"CHEERS TO THE HERO!"
Unfortunately, Haruto underestimated medieval alcohol. He downed the mug, nearly coughed it all back out, and slammed it down—face red, eyes watering.
The room went silent.
Then the bards strummed their lutes dramatically.
"What force! What vigor! Even his drinking is legendary!"
The knights cheered.
"His tolerance must be godly!"
Haruto, on the verge of throwing up, gave a shaky thumbs up.
---
The next morning, Princess Lyria escorted Haruto to the Adventurers' Guild, where warriors and mages gathered to take quests. The guild hall was packed—armored men sharpening blades, mages sipping potions, rogues gambling in the corner.
The moment Haruto entered, silence fell. Every adventurer turned.
"That's him…"
"The Hero."
"He doesn't even look human. Look at his aura!"
Aura?! I'm literally just trying not to pass out from the hangover!
The guildmaster, a scar-faced veteran, bowed deeply.
"Hero Aurelian, forgive our humble hall. It is an honor to host you. Please, allow us to provide quests worthy of your greatness."
Haruto waved his hands quickly. [Thinking " the script is already messed up so I'll do what I want"]
"Uh, no, no, just… like… something small. Easy. Like… um… finding a cat?"
The guildmaster's eyes shone.
"…Truly, the Hero's wisdom is profound. Starting small, humbling himself before greater challenges… a lesson for us all!"
The entire guild applauded.
---The Cat Quest
By some miracle, Haruto actually got what he wanted—a missing cat quest from a local girl. It sounded easy enough. But in real anime episode, the hero had Chosen the quest of hunting crystal golem .
Except the cat was stuck… on the roof of the bell tower.
"Of course…" Haruto muttered, looking up at the dizzying height.
The knights offered ladders. The townsfolk gathered below, whispering eagerly.
"The Hero will save the child's beloved pet!"
"What kindness! What bravery!"
Haruto climbed shakily, heart hammering. Why couldn't this just be a side quest someone else handled?!
At the top, he lunged for the cat—only for it to scratch his hand. He yelped, lost balance, and—
"WAAAAAAHHHHH!"
He tumbled down the roof, flipping wildly. By some miracle (or curse), he landed on his feet, cat clutched safely in his arms.
The crowd erupted.
"Such agility!"
"Truly, the Hero descends like a heavenly comet!"
"The cat itself is blessed by his touch!"
Haruto sat there, dazed, bleeding from scratches, while the cat purred happily in his lap.
----
That night, as the town settled into celebration once more, Haruto overheard the guildmaster speaking grimly with Princess Lyria.
"…Scouts say the corruption spreads faster near the western forests. If it reaches here, Elmsworth may fall within the month."
Haruto froze. His stomach twisted.
Princess Lyria's voice was steady, but heavy.
"Then we must trust in the Hero's light to guide us through."
All eyes turned to him again. He forced a smile, lifting a mug with shaky hands.
"Y-yeah… I've got this."
Inside, his heart screamed louder than ever.
Why does it feel like this 'easy isekai life' is turning into a nightmare speedrun?!
---