Chapter 15: Glitter
After confirming that Prince Ryuguin’s tantrum had finally settled down, the Arcana King cleared his throat and spoke in a deep baritone voice.
“Hmm, shall we proceed?”
He directed his gaze toward us below.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you who have traveled such a long distance to be here. Especially those who have come from the distant Bordaf; it must have been quite the ordeal. Thank you.”
His gaze swept over each of us individually. Even he, the one praising our achievements, straightened his posture. Please forgive me; it was just a moment’s teleportation…
“Now, I would like to honor those who have contributed to this matter.”
The Arcana King’s voice grew heavier, filled with authority. A wave of tension rippled through the many present at his words.
“The existence of the Sealed Labyrinth is humanity’s greatest concern, and its eradication has been the long-held wish of Arcana and, indeed, this world. Those of you who have accomplished this are truly heroes.”
His baritone voice echoed within the King’s Chamber. Though his manner of speaking and demeanor had a theatrical quality, it was more a display of dignity than exaggeration.
“First, I wish to express my gratitude to the three Holy Knights who protect Arcana Kingdom—Ashley Noble, Nelly Virtuous, and Adam Arrogance—before praising your achievements.”
Remaining in their respectful posture, the three knights stood tall.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to all the past Holy Knights who have overseen the sealing. I take great pride in your noble spirits that have protected our nation for so long. Thank you very much.”
The King grasped the ends of his armrests and bowed his head while still seated. There were certainly nobles present at this gathering, and they murmured in surprise at the King’s gesture. However, undeterred, the King continued.
“Now then—Holy Knight Adam Arrogance, protector of the Nodding Gear Armor. I have heard that you provided appropriate advice to the members of renowned clans while also leading the charge against the enemy. It is said that your presence greatly boosted morale. Without you, Adam Arrogance, this battle would have been far more difficult than it was.
With these accomplishments, Adam Arrogance—you shall be granted the title of Baron and wealth commensurate with your contributions. Furthermore, the Nodding Gear Armor that you have protected will be bestowed upon you, Adam Arrogance himself. I sincerely hope that you will rise to the occasion should our nation face a grave crisis in the future.”
The towering Holy Knight Adam shouted, “Ha!!” His eyes overflowed with tears.
“Next, Nelly Virtuous, protector of the Grasp Damage Shield—”
The King then praised Nelly’s achievements. Just like with Adam, Nelly responded with a “Ha!” and accepted the accolades with a solemn expression. Finally, it was time for the last Holy Knight, Ashley.
“Holy Knight Ashley Noble, protector of the Affirmative Sword. I have long heard of your deeds. You are beloved by the people as a Holy Knight. I have also been informed that you not only bravely fought against the monsters that escaped from the seal but also took the lead in entering the heart of the enemy’s labyrinth. Inside the labyrinth, you faced unknown formidable foes without retreating and vanquished them. You are a Holy Knight who embodies both kindness and valor, and you are a pride of this nation.”
Ashley wore a resolute expression, but I noticed tears welling in the corners of her eyes. Yet, it was best left unspoken.
“With these accomplishments, Ashley Noble—you shall be granted the title of Baron and wealth commensurate with your contributions. Furthermore, the Affirmative Sword that you have protected will be bestowed upon you, Ashley Noble herself. I am confident that you will be the first to rise should Arcana Kingdom face a crisis in the future.”
The Arcana King concluded his praises for the three Holy Knights, the central figures of this event. Then Chancellor Madison took over in the King’s stead.
“Now, it seems that many individuals and organizations have worked tirelessly to resolve this situation. While we could continue, it would not be appropriate to keep the heroes who saved Arcana Kingdom kneeling. Therefore, I would like everyone to stand and line up at the back according to the personnel assigned.”
I see, this was a decision made after recognizing the need to acknowledge the collective efforts before focusing on the three main Holy Knights. Just then, a deliberately exaggerated laugh echoed through the chamber. It was Prince Ryuguin.
“Holy Knights!!”
He disregarded the solemn atmosphere and called out mockingly.
“Isn’t that the same profession as the cowardly Yamada who fled from us? I can’t stand it… it’s laughable!”
Chancellor Madison observed him silently, taking note of his behavior. Ignoring Ryuguin’s taunts, he continued with the proceedings. After confirming that we had lined up at the back, the Arcana King nodded lightly.
“From this point on, those called by the Arcana King, step forward.”
He began to call out the names of the contributors, praising their achievements one by one. Among them were Pul-san, the Knight Commander of the Kingdom, as well as the heads of Ange’s family and Orphe’s clan. Notable figures were called without issue, and finally, it was my turn.
“Now, the wandering Seeker Yanmar D. Low.”
The Arcana King called my name. I could feel Chancellor Madison’s intense gaze on me. If the reports I received were correct, he too was trying to discern which side was right.
“I have heard that you worked alongside Holy Knight Ashley to eradicate the Sealed Labyrinth, defeating numerous formidable foes. It is said that without your presence, this would have been impossible.
Your achievements do not end there. In Virtuous, you, along with Pulmy and many warriors she leads, are said to have vanquished a gigantic dragon. Many have claimed that without you, the damage would have escalated uncontrollably, and its eradication would have been utterly unattainable.”
I could sense Ryuguin’s sticky gaze directed at me, even without turning my head.
“Given that I have not heard your name until now, I can only assume that you have drifted here from another land. Would it be rude to inquire about that?”
The Arcana King chuckled lightly.
“I suppose it is my whim to wish to see the brave face beneath that mask.”
I simply replied, “No.”
“Will you lend your strength to resolve any future crises that may befall Arcana Kingdom? I ask this of you.”
He bowed his head to me. The commotion that erupted was far greater than when Ashley was called. The reason for the uproar was clear: a mere masked Seeker of unknown origin was being honored. It was only natural. However, because of that, I could not afford to give him a half-hearted response.
“I will only act as I see fit.”
At this point, the murmurs transformed into a clamor.
“However, I cannot be the kind of clever person who stands by silently when my beloved neighbor is hurt. That is my answer.”
At my response, the King nodded in satisfaction.
“I am pleased with that answer. Then, Yanmar, you shall receive wealth commensurate with your contributions, along with one of the national treasures from the treasury.”
I bowed deeply and returned to my original position. Many others continued to be praised for their achievements, and eventually, all those called to this gathering had their turn—except for Prince Ryuguin and the three Holy Knights.
“Now, I would like to conclude the honors regarding the Sealed Labyrinth.”
However, the Arcana King announced.
“What?”
Ryuguin’s voice echoed in the silence. He repeatedly asked Mika and Ange, “Wait, what about me? What’s going on? When is it my turn? You’ve forgotten me!” They remained silent. The Arcana King, ignoring Ryuguin’s reaction, continued speaking.
“I would like to question the truth of the long-standing suspicions regarding Hero Ryuguin and the Hero Party.”
“What?”
Ryuguin was left dumbfounded, unable to comprehend the situation, his face a picture of confusion.
“What?”
And once again, he raised his voice in bewilderment.
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