The Heroine Meets her Biggest Fan

“Oh, okay…um, cool name, I guess?”

In front of Silena, the girl who called herself “Rieze Lys” pouted and jabbed a finger her way when she inevitably expressed zero emotion to her introduction. …Was she supposed to know her, or something?

“Hey, you, at least act a little bit more surprised! My name carries a lot of weight, you know!” Rieze frowned, placing a hand over her breastplate. “Hm. It’s obvious from your face that you’re still not convinced. Then I have no choice but to explain. You’re probably wondering why exactly I’m such a big deal, yes? Well, I’m glad you asked!”

Um, I didn’t, though.

“In the capital, there’s a non-profit organization called ‘Minstrels for Aria,’ she explained. “We spread the gospel of Heroine Aria’s deeds, and even have a weekly newspaper. As for how I’m related—hehe, you just so happen to be laying your eyes on the president and founder!”

“Uhhuh…”

Oh God, I’ve done it. Not even a full three days down from the mountain, and I’ve met a genuine, grade-A fanatic. And did she say “non-profit?” What, does she think she’s doing community service or something?!

“Wow, very cool. Then shouldn’t be you be in the capital running your newspaper or whatever?” Silena said in a monotone voice, shooing her away. “Surely you don’t have time to talk to me.”

“H-hey, can you not treat me like a stray cat or something?!” Rieze protested. “And besides, I’m here on important business, you know! I’m currently conducting an investigation on the fluctuating shadow magic level in the area! You should be grateful I’m spending my precious time for that!”

At the mention of shadow magic, Silena stiffened a little. Fluctuating shadow magic levels? This far south, too…did something happen?

Rieze either didn’t notice Silena’s solemn reaction or didn’t care, because she continued blathering on. “Not to mention, putting posers like you in their place is a never-ending job! As someone deserving of the title of ‘Aria’s number one fan,’ I can confidently say that you are not worthy at all—especially when you don’t know the first thing about the gallant spells of fire that she used to slay dragons!”

Silena’s eyebrow twitched. In an instant, she forgot all about the serious shadow magic talk. Tsk, this again? Why does everyone assume I used fire magic?!

“And what makes you so sure that Heroine Aria used fire to slay dragons?” Silena challenged. “Do you have any proof?”

Rieze’s lips broke into an arrogant smirk. It was the look of a predator—the visage one assumes when they were about to unequivocally squash their opponent beneath their feet.

“Tut, tut, tut. Like I thought. You’re no fan at all,” Rieze hummed, wagging her finger. “Why, I wouldn’t let you into the ‘Minstrels for Aria’ even if you begged me!”

“Oh no, the horror. Anyway, where’s the proof?”

“I-I was getting there, don’t rush me! So, tell me: have you heard of the ‘Heroic Legendary Chronicles of Transcendental Aria the Great?’”

The Heroic Legendary Chronic…whuh? How about you tell me this: have you heard of brevity?!

Silena resisted the overwhelming, no—agonizing urge to not roll her eyes. “I think I’d rather fight a horde of monsters than read something like that.”

“Hah! See? I knew you couldn’t be more dedicated than me. Very well, let me enlighten you.” Rieze’s eyebrows tightened as she rolled up her sleeves. Clearly, this was a serious matter for her. “Listen closely, okay? The ‘Heroic Legendary Chronicles of Transcendental Aria the Great’ is a book series that documents all of Aria’s exploits. Not only does it compile all of Aria’s many wondrous blessings and feats, but it also highlights all of her goddess-like features and most endearing traits! Now, everyone says that volume seventeen is the most climactic and emotional story in the series, but any real fan would know that volume six is what kicked off the fight with the demons in the later volumes anyways, and that it is by far the most gripping arc when you recognize all of its foreshadowing on a second read. In the first place, one would need to cross-reference the sister series, “I Died and Reincarnated to the Time of the Demon Lord War: My Heroine Aria Can’t Possibly Be This Strong and Beautiful?!” to fully appreciate her character development, and—”

“Okay, stop, stop, stop!” Silena panted, rapidly shaking her hands in front of her. “Like I said, I don’t want to hear it!”

Urgh, I think I just puked in my mouth a little, she shuddered. She hadn’t felt goosebumps on her arm this severe since the time when she had to face down three Demon Kings all by herself. Someone please fire whoever came up with those book titles…

Rieze crossed her arms. “But I haven’t even talked about volume nine and the ogres yet.”

“Just get to the point. Please,” Silena croaked.

“Hmph, fine. The point is, there’s anecdotes across multiple volumes where Heroine Aria slays a dragon. There was one as early as volume nineteen, page sixty-one. The twenty-third volume released last month also has a similar fight on page forty-five. And these books are officially released by the Holy Church of Aria, so you know it contains the most accurate information. …Well, it also cost me a whole two weeks of pay to afford one, but there’s not much you can do about necessary expenses like that.”

Aaand of course there’s a religion dedicated to me, Silena slumped her shoulders. Geh. If this girl is anything to go by, then I just know they’re full of loonies over there.

Silena cleared her throat and took a deep breath. “Well regardless of what this…church says, I have it on good authority that those depictions are wrong. So I’d appreciate it if you would stop spreading those false rumors.”

Rieze gasped. The way she dramatically placed a hand over her mouth with widened eyes would’ve put even experienced actors to shame (she wasn’t acting).

“Y-you heretic!” she stammered. “How dare you slander not just the church’s teachings, but Aria’s image as well! A nobody like you would never understand the magnificence of Heroine Aria and her noble acts!”

Silena’s other eyebrow twitched. It was all “church this”, “Aria that”—her attitude was starting to get on her nerves.

It wasn’t just about correcting the facts about dragons at this point. It was about how everyone continued to parade her like some infallible deity, and made assumptions about her when no one truly understood. For everyone to speak as if they knew her right to her face—as if they had lived alongside her, fought alongside her, and died alongside her…perhaps they thought, as their savior, she should be adored by a never-ending legion of ardent supporters.

Silena tightly clutched the hem of her hood and pulled it further down her head.

But if anything, it only achieved the opposite.

“Hmph. Say whatever you like, but it’s the truth,” she huffed. “You all think you know everything about Aria, except all you’re doing is spreading lies. I almost pity your mistaken piety.”

“Haahh?! Oh, now you’ve done it!” Rieze cried, vexation smoldering in her ruby irises. “I suppose if you’re that confident, you wouldn’t mind a showdown to see who knows more about Heroine Aria, then?!”

In that moment, Silena wasn’t sure what had overcome her. Was it her sense of competition, or just a need to vent out her frustration? Either way, before she knew it, she had stepped forward without hesitation, staring her down.

“Fine, bring it on!” she exclaimed. “I’ll show you that everything you thought you knew about Aria is a lie!”

Even with Silena towering over her, Rieze didn’t budge an inch. “Hmph! Just don’t come crying to me later when you lose! Then, I’ll go first! Question one: what two things does Heroine Aria need to do to unleash her strongest move?”

Silena smirked. “Hah, easy. One: undo the seal on her sword. Two: Imbue all elements of magic into it, except shadow magic.”

“Tch! Maybe that was too simple. Then, how about this?! Name all of Heroine Aria’s companions during the Demon Lord war, including their titles!”

“Another easy question,” Silena shrugged her shoulders. “First, we obviously have Aria the Vanquisher. Then, there’s Swordbinder Calaxin, Archsage Matthis, Joanna the Dreadnaught, and Galebow Vienne.”

“Mrgh, dammit, you’re pretty good! But I won’t be defeated so easily!” Rieze panted. “Final question: what age is Heroine Aria turning this year?!”

“Pfft. Is that the best you’ve got?! Obviously, she’s one-thousand and…”

Silena trailed off, blinking as she drew a blank.

…Huh? Wait. Actually…how old am I again?

If she was being completely honest, she had stopped counting several hundred years ago. After all, as an immortal, what did her age matter? The years all blurred together, and at some point, there was no need to keep track. Not like she had anyone to celebrate her birthday with, either.

“Bzzt, bzzt! Too slow!” Rieze announced triumphantly. “The answer is one-thousand and seventy-two! I guess in the end, you were just a wannabe, after all!”

“Tsk!” Silena clicked her tongue. “Say what you want, but now it’s my turn—let’s see how well you do! Question one: how did Heroine Aria die five hundred years ago?”

Rieze shook her head. “That’s a trick question! Heroine Aria is immortal, so the idea that she died in the first place is nonsense. But if you’re asking what the official story is, it’s that she succumbed to the accumulation of shadow magic she sealed within herself after five centuries.”

Hm, looks like that rumor I spread is still going strong, then, Silena noted. Good to know.

“Alright, not bad,” she nodded. “Then, question two: where was Heroine Aria born and raised?”

“Hoh, a scholarly challenge! See, many people claim that it’s the city of Taelyn, which is why it was made Raelis’s capital after the war. But they’re all wrong!” Rieze’s eyes sparkled, her voice rising to a fever pitch. “In truth, historical records indicate that she was born in the northern city of Walith! Few people know this as the city was destroyed during the Demon Lord war, but it becomes clear once you cross-check the historical artifacts.”

Silena blinked. Wow. I can’t believe she actually knows the correct answer. I thought that truth was buried long ago…but I still have a trump card!

“O-okay, I have to give you credit for knowing that, but this still isn’t over!” Silena exclaimed. “Are you ready for my ultimate question?!”

Rieze flared her nostrils. “Bring it on!”

“What is …” Silena started.

“What is…?!”

“Heroine Aria’s full name?!”

Rieze stared at her, mouth agape.

“W…w-w-wha?! T-t-that question’s not fair, nobody knows that!” she stammered. “Historians have been trying to answer that for centuries—it’s the one mystery that people in academia pour their whole lifetimes into discovering!!”

Silena did her best Demon Lord impression and laughed manically. “Hehe, I see! Fuahah! So much for Heroine Aria’s ‘biggest fan!’ You mean to tell me you don’t even know the full name of the person you revere so much?!”

“Eh?! No way…” The color drained from Rieze’s face. “Are you saying you…you kno—?!”

Silena snickered. As anticipated, she had dealt a fatal blow. The only thing left to do was to shatter their faith by delivering the gut punch. “Not only do I know it, but I’ll let you in on a secret. Aria isn’t even her first name—it’s her last name!”

“Last name?! No, it can’t be! That’s h…he…”

“‘He?’”

“Heresy!” Rieze wailed, borderline tears in her eyes. “You liar! Like I thought, you’re just a phony! There’s no way I’ll ever believe you!!”

With those words of lamentation, Rieze dashed off like a sore loser making a retreat. Silena almost felt sorry for her.

“A little truth, and everyone runs away from me,” she held up her hands. “What has the world come to?”