'If I have children...maybe it's better not to let my father teach them.'
Thinking of the current unknown status of the Slime King, the hero mused silently.
'But anyway, although the family crest is a key, it's still better than those sect followers... right?'
Comparing his father to the most deranged humans he had met in his memories, the hero persuaded himself to think that his father was barely normal, then looked up at the middle-aged Viscount who was talking to his elder brother.
The appearance of the Gleaming Scale Serpent after its transformation was extremely similar to his father. Although both of them had an air of maturity, there was no trace of aging visible.
Obviously, his father was still in his prime.
Sensing the girl's gaze upon him, the man showed no reaction and continued to discuss things with his eldest son in a calm tone.
"That's all I have to tell you about the Western Realm. Once you're there, decide for yourself what actions to take.
"If you don't return, let your sister inherit the noble title—is that alright?"
Without any concern for his eldest son's life or death, the father spoke flatly.
His brother nodded solemnly.
"Also, around this age is when I met your mother. If you meet a suitable woman, perhaps you should bring her back."
Suddenly, the father spoke with deep meaning.
[Is there pressure for the hero to marry?]
His brother's eyebrow twitched again, but he maintained a calm expression and nodded.
"Understood, I'll keep an eye out."
Then both of their gazes swept across to the hero, who blinked cluelessly.
However, recalling her previous remarks, eventually neither of them said anything.
Unaware she had escaped a quandary, the hero straightened up.
Generally, when her brother acknowledged his success and voluntarily proposed to go out for training, the hero didn't have much else to do at home.
She originally could return directly to her room to rest, waiting for the Princess's departure notice, but out of curiosity, she stayed back to listen.
In the past, the hero rarely had the opportunity to participate in such topics, but now both men just gave her a glance and tacitly accepted her presence, even though she was wandering barefoot in the study without being reprimanded.
The subtle sense of freedom made the hero feel slightly delighted.
However, because it was a bit chilly on the floor, the Gleaming Scale Serpent instructed the maid to bring her new shoes and socks.
Seeing the topic seemed to be concluding, the hero hesitated for a moment and still interjected.
"Father, have you considered going to the Western Realm?"
No matter how problematic his personality is, the father is a Military Merit Viscount recognized by the Kingdom, and her brother is currently a popular hero in the city.
After discussing with the Fourteenth Princess, she felt her relatives could be trusted to a certain extent.
So a few days ago, she took the opportunity to inform them of the changes in the Western Realm, which was likely the reason her brother chose this direction.
Realizing the hero was talking about business, the middle-aged man with emerald eyes and black hair paused for several seconds, then shook his head and replied.
"I plan to wait and see."
[Has the father met the Saintess? (The higher the formalness, conversations occurred if 6 or above)]
"Wait and see... Father, aren't you worried about the current Saintess's safety?"
Although through that fleeting observation, both the cruising bishop and the hero herself concluded there was no immediate concern, the hero couldn't help but worry.
"Divine Knowledge Saintess..." the father muttered quietly after a brief silence.
The hero was surprised to find that when her father mentioned the current Saintess, a complex gleam flashed in his usually calm eyes.
10. Great Success/Great Failure
3d10=d10(2)+d10(7)+d10(9)
"Honestly, even though I know you wouldn't lie, I still doubt whether you were deceived. A Divine Knowledge Saintess as the Final Transition Professional shouldn't be trapped by a Magic Creature."
Her brother beside her spoke with a hint of incredulity.
"But if what you say is true, then the Western Realm holds special exploration value.
"Didn't you say you developed a unique summoning ceremony that only you can use? If you need it, when you reach the Ancient Royal City, I can teleport you over."
"Ah, thank you, brother." The hero quickly thanked him.
"Then it's up to the two of you. Since the Royal Family hasn't made a statement, I, as the palace, cannot leave the city easily."
Seeing the two had discussed a rough plan, the father, who had been deep in thought, finally spoke.
"Even if your Princess friend persuades the King to take action, it will be the palace at the capital that moves, unrelated to me."
Nobles possess status and power, naturally carrying corresponding obligations. As the Pantheon Mage stationed in the city, he indeed wasn't someone who could leave casually, likewise, this matter indeed didn't concern the Viscount's House.
But the father's words seemed somewhat perfunctory in the hero's ears.
"Did Father have any past with the Saintess?"
Blinking, the hero pondered, anxiously awaiting her mother's response.
After the conversation ended, the father dispatched them without further ado, leaving no opportunity for her brother and the hero to continue questioning.
Even though the hero's status at home was no longer as it used to be, she couldn't muster the courage to inquire about her father's past.