83. Ethan’s Infiltration I

The city of Northengard was a fortress quite similar to Errama, but in far better shape. The Lord of Northengard, a man named Lord Julius Northengard, was a relatively wealthy man, prospering at Errama's expense, and was the favourite traders stop on their journey to the elven nations to the far east.

Northengard was also one of the places with a more active magical gates. Ethan appeared through the magical gates, and someone was already there waiting for him. It was one of adventurers' guild attendants.

"You're the healer recommended by the temple?" As it turned out, it wasn't particularly difficult for Edmund to bribe some temple attendants into writing a letter of recommendation. After all, it was a no-risk proposition for them, since they get paid money, and if the person couldn't cut it, they'd die in the hands of the demons anyway.

"Yes. Ethan Tori." Ethan answered. "I am here to join the hero party."

"Affirmative. You're the first man the try and join the hero party, though." The adventurer's assistant answered.

"Well, it wouldn't be a good look for the hero if the entire party was all female, right? What does it tell the world. For the sake of his reputation, he should have more men in it." Ethan explained.

"Absolutely." The assistant laughed. "But gotta say, I envy the guy. To be surrounded by beauties all the time, who wouldn't do it?"

"Well, then he should share the fun." Ethan quipped.

Ethan wondered whether he would be killed the moment he appeared in front of the hero. But at this point, he couldn't be bothered. If he died, he'd just make a new clone, and figure out something else. It was a fairly low risk proposition at this point.

***

Ethan watched as the hero party entered through the gates of Northengard. The hero party of Aman and the girls were welcomed with much fanfare, and the Lord of Northengard quickly organized a small banquet. They were, after all, the official hero party.

After the group settled in an inn, Ethan, along with the official letter from the temple, a genuine item procured via bribes, approached the hero at the inn's dining hall.

"The Hero Aman!"

Aman looked at Ethan, and stared at him curiously. "Yes? You are?"

"I am Ethan, and I am an officially sanctioned warrior and healer from the temple. I'm requesting to join your hero party."

Aman and Ethan stared at each other for a while. The other girls in Aman's party, such as Kiara, Raven, Nysta, Wynn, Sofia and Hannah all stared, amazed. Kiara chuckled. "Oh, finally, another man."

Hannah seemed relieved. "At least its not a woman."

Aman and Ethan continued to stare, before Ethan broke his silence. "Would you like to have a talk, hero? Privately, of course."

Aman looked at the girls, and then back at Ethan. Somehow, Ethan sensed a bit of possessiveness in the hero, but didn't point it out. He stood, and followed Ethan to a quiet room nearby.

"So, Hero Aman, my name is Ethan, and I'm a healer. I'd like to join your team, for a few reasons. One, the party currently only has one male, and the rest are females. I don't doubt their skill, but there will be situations where men will be needed, and only one man in a hero party is a risk to your journey against the demon lords."

Aman wanted to say something, but Ethan didn't let him. He continued.

"Two, the temple doesn't quite like the rumors that you are a lecherous, sex-crazed hero that's trying to raise a harem."

Aman's face immediately paled. "That's not true! I didn't-"

Ethan pushed the fact in. "I know. A hero like you wouldn't do that. So, the temple believes another male figure in the hero party, even if my contributions are limited, would help quell those rumors. It would also inspire the next generation that other men also could be minor heroes."

Aman frowned. It was all very good arguments, yet something in his heart churned. His hero instincts wanted to lash out, but it wasn't right to hit a man who just wanted to help!

Ethan continued his attack. "I can fight, and heal. I'm not very good at fighting, but I assure you my healing skills are decent."

The hero sighed.

"How about this. Let's just do a trial period for the next two months. I'll follow you for that time, and help where I can. If you don't like me, you can kick me out then. If the team wants to keep me, then you can decide accordingly."

Aman couldn't say no to that. He looked at Ethan, and realized he made very good points. Ethan offered his hand first.

"Test period. Two months. Just between you and me."

Aman nodded. "Fine. Two months."

***

"Hi. I'm Ethan, and I'm a healer-fighter. Kind of a cleric type. The temple sent me to join the hero's party, to help balance the gender ratio. Consider myself reverse gender discrimination." Ethan smiled as Aman brought him to the team. Aman quickly introduced the girls, and Ethan smiled at them.

The girls smiled, though. Raven, the usually blunt one, decided to tease the rest of them. "Well, welcome to the hero-bride interview party."

Aman flushed at Raven's comment. "Raven!" The rest of the girls shifted a little uncomfortably at Raven's comment.

Ethan however, played along. "Ah, that's exactly the concerns the temple has. Now that this is an 'official' hero party, it wouldn't give a good impression if there's only one man accompanied by an army of beautiful ladies. I may not be blessed like the hero or the heroines, but I can do my job. At least, my presence wouldn't be competition to the other girls."

The girls shifted some more. Raven was the only one to laugh, and then she ribbed Hannah. "Another guy is good, right?"

Hannah shrugged reluctantly. "Welcome."

Ethan smiled. "I can also help with chores, such as cooking, healing, washing, carrying stuff. Anything you girls are comfortable with."

The girls nodded.