The morning after the victory celebration, Elliott was preparing himself. Since returning to the Royal Capital, he had been engaged in daily audiences with high-ranking nobles and guests from other nations.
Given that he was the first Holy Knight to appear in over a hundred years, it was hardly surprising. Everyone was eager to connect with Elliott, as it was part of the diplomatic efforts of the nation, a crucial task that had been explained to him. However, coming from a background as a lowly knight among commoners before his deployment, he felt both honored and somewhat weary of the attention.
Dressed in a military uniform adorned with multiple medals—some of which he had never seen before—and intricate golden tassels that seemed utterly useless on the battlefield, he reached for the sheath that held the Holy Sword.
“…What is this…? Am I imagining things…?”
As he lifted the sword, he was taken aback by an unexpected heaviness, a sensation he had never felt before despite having fought alongside his comrades for a year.
—Perhaps fatigue is setting in… No, it must be the lack of training.
It had been over ten days since he returned from the front lines, and since then, he had been busy with reports, audiences with the king, dealing with tedious matters, attending the victory celebration, and hosting guests. Before he knew it, half a month had passed without any time for training.
His body must be growing sluggish. Elliott concluded this was the source of his discomfort.
When he arrived at the breakfast table, Emily, dressed in an adorable dress, rushed toward him.
“Elliott! Good morning! Did you sleep well last night?”
As she clung to him affectionately, Elliott returned her smile and nodded, letting out a sigh that hinted at his troubles. The castle staff watched them with warm smiles, but some gazes held a hint of exasperation.
Elliott had been granted the title of Count, a remarkable elevation considering he was the second son of a baron family. The kingdom clearly saw great value in the Holy Knight, and the same could be said for the Holy Maiden. Once they married, Emily would become the Countess. However, both of them came from commoner backgrounds and were still learning the etiquette of noble society. The illustrious status of being a Holy Knight and a Holy Maiden would afford them some leniency, but it wouldn’t guarantee their acceptance.
Unlike in their commoner days, where they could simply register their marriage, they were now expected to act with decorum until their wedding was publicly announced.
—…Perhaps that’s why I feel lonely.
Elliott gently stroked Emily’s head, then recalled a topic he wanted to discuss.
“I heard about the other day. You helped the injured during the fire in the Royal Capital, didn’t you?”
“Ehehe, that’s right! …But, you know… I was interrupted by a clergy member who showed up halfway through…”
“…I see. They must have felt anxious about you getting all the attention.”
Encouraging Emily, who had slumped her shoulders in disappointment, he was rewarded with a bright smile that bloomed like a flower.
“That’s true! Besides, everyone remembered that I was the first to arrive, so it’s all good!”
“I’m glad to hear that. …I hope your status as the Holy Maiden is officially announced soon.”
Although most people, nobles and commoners alike, were already calling Emily the Holy Maiden, she had yet to receive formal recognition from the Grand Church of the Royal Capital.
—What is the Church hesitating for…?
Suppressing the rising frustration within him, he patted Emily’s head once more.
After finishing the morning audience with the guests, a messenger arrived while the king and the prime minister were still present.
“Your Majesty, it has been reported that an Undead Beast has been sighted on the banks of the Ureri River in the northeastern part of the Royal Capital.”
Despite the alarming news, the atmosphere in the room remained calm. Undead Beasts occasionally appeared near human settlements, albeit rarely, and it was not unusual for one to show up along the riverbanks on the outskirts of the Royal Capital. It was likely that an individual had drifted down the river and reappeared.
Of course, in the past, the sighting of an Undead Beast would have caused quite a stir, but now, with the Holy Sword and the Holy Knight present in the Royal Capital, the mood was different.
“Well, this is a splendid opportunity. We shall witness the Holy Knight in action.”
“Indeed. Let us cancel the afternoon’s plans and head there.”
The king’s cheerful words were echoed by the prime minister, both eager for the chance to see Elliott in battle.