Chapter 420 – Report and Homeward Journey

“Oh, Theodore. I’m glad to see you safe and sound.”

When I headed to the VIP room, Ignatius was there, and upon seeing my face, he broke into a smile and greeted me. Though he appeared as a bearded Dragonkin, he didn’t seem very dragon-like—more like he had a friendly, approachable expression.

“I’m glad to see both Lord Ignatius and Sir Lazaro looking well,” I returned the greeting and introduced everyone who was meeting for the first time. After that, we drank tea while reporting on our journey to the south.

The exchange between Marlene and Grand Duke Debonnis. How we had the Grand Duke write a letter. The circumstances of my first meeting with Princess Elham, and subsequent interactions with the Brute tribe.

Then what happened after arriving in Mernpios. The interactions with King Farid, the battle with the Kahar remnants and August. The exploration of the forest, meeting Halvaronis, the history of the Demons’ birth, and the story about Forset and Sion.

Just as we finished recounting what happened in the south from each of our perspectives, Princess Elham presented a personal letter from King Farid to King Melvin.

“This is a personal letter from our king, Farid.”

“Hmm.”

King Melvin accepted the letter, read through its contents, and then spoke.

“King Farid shares my resolve and wishes to have Baharzard fully cooperate in the fight against the Demons. Keeping Princess Elham as Baharzard’s ambassador in our country, and providing assistance to the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. I’ll approve this right here and now. I’ll also send a letter to King Eberhart regarding the Demon-Slaying Knight Order.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty Melvin.”

“Hmm. I’ll be counting on you from now on. I’ll make arrangements for you to live comfortably in Seorem.”

King Melvin smiled and nodded, then turned back to us.

“Once again, you’ve done well. The results you achieved in the south this time are truly meaningful for our country. I hope we can maintain good relations with Baharzard, Halvaronis, and the Brute tribe going forward.”

“Thank you.”

I bowed in response. King Melvin’s expression turned serious again, and he seemed to ponder for a moment.

“But… the Sovereigns and Halvaronis…”

“It all started with the Moon Folk’s civil war, didn’t it?”

Ignatius crossed his arms and stroked his beard.

“Um… about Lord Forset and the others…”

To Princess Elham, who looked slightly worried, King Melvin smiled as if to say there was no need to worry and replied.

“I share King Farid’s opinion as well. It would be wrong to hold the current people of Halvaronis accountable, and if there are measures to prevent recurrence in the future, there should be no need to pursue it further.”

At King Melvin’s words, Princess Elham and Forset bowed deeply.

“We wish to demonstrate through our actions the trust you have placed in us, Your Majesty.”

“Indeed. But if you’ve received the goddess’s forgiveness, sometimes it’s necessary not to be too strict with yourselves. This applies not only to the people of Halvaronis but to you as well.”

He meant that being strictly disciplined doesn’t always lead to good results. This seemed like a typical King Melvin perspective.

Forset seemed to have thoughts about Valros, closing his eyes as if reflecting on something, but eventually bowed to King Melvin once more.

“As for the future… well, our basic policy won’t change much. We’ll devise countermeasures based on the new information we’ve obtained. Both the Sovereign and the enemy leader—now that we know their identities and objectives, new things may come into view.”

“While I don’t know about Valros’s abilities… there are parts I understand about one of his cards.”

“Oh?”

King Melvin looked intrigued at Forset’s words.

“In Halvaronis, as descendants of the Moon Folk, we also pass down martial arts and physical techniques. I have some knowledge of them, and Valros had also mastered them.”

…I see. Gardinis definitely had close-combat methods, starting with staff martial arts. If Gardinis was using the martial arts passed down in Halvaronis, several things make sense now that I think about it. Come to think of it, Sion also tried to strike me with a palm strike infused with magical power when we fought. It’s possible Valros uses similar techniques in close combat.

“If you’re from the same school, you might understand some things. Sparring with you could indeed be beneficial for Theodore.”

“I’ll leave that to you.”

“Yes. I may not match Valros, but I’ll share everything I know.”

Alongside that, we’ll likely continue training with aerial combat gear and exploring the labyrinth.

“Regarding Beriondora, we’ll conduct an investigation once our interception preparations are in place. The problem… remains Sovereign Beristio, doesn’t it?”

“We need to consider countermeasures assuming he’s been released. I believe Silvatoria’s sealing techniques were developed for that purpose.”

“…Hmm. That will be a future challenge. I hope the materials we’ve gathered so far—blessings, sealing techniques, Zadias’s research on miasma, and so on—will come together effectively… I’ll handle securing personnel, materials and resources, and funding. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you. I’ll let everyone at the workshop know as well.”

So they’re preparing full backup support. That’s a great help. When I responded, King Melvin broke into a smile.

“Well then… for today, Theodore and Elliot, you should both return home and rest well to recover from your journey.”

“Yes.”

Elliot and I bowed together. We agreed to have another discussion at a later date, and the meeting adjourned.

Apparently, Forset will be staying at my house along with Sion and the others, while Princess Elham will remain in Seorem and visit the workshop.

When we left the VIP room, it was already completely dark outside. Across the training ground, Corulis poked its head out of its nest and waved toward us, so I waved back lightly.

Then, Princess Stephania and the other two called out to us.

“Well then, see you, Theodore.”

“We might drop by the workshop or shipyard too.”

“Looking forward to working with you from tomorrow, Theodore-sama.”

“Yes.”

A carriage for transportation was waiting at the training ground. And then… probably having returned after completing escort duty home, Lindwurm was sitting quietly.

“See you later too, Lindwurm.”

When I lightly stroked its throat area and spoke, Lindwurm also growled in response and headed back toward the dragon stable. Hmm.

“Well then, Theodore, Elliot.”

“Yes, Your Majesty Melvin.”

“Good night.”

With King Melvin, Ignatius and the others, and Princess Stephania and her group seeing us off in front of the guesthouse, Elliot, Forset, and I boarded the carriage and set off on our way home.

“Elliot—!”

When the carriage stopped in front of Elliot’s house and Elliot got out, Camilla appeared at the doorway.

“I’m home, Camilla.”

“Welcome back, dear.”

Camilla hurried out and took Elliot’s hand. Then she looked toward me and bowed.

“Theodore-sama, I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“Thank you.”

“Camilla, this is Lord Forset. He’s related to… the Nahalbia Kingdom in the south. Lord Forset, this is my wife, Camilla.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Forset Frestina. I look forward to working with you.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Camilla.”

Elliot introduced Forset to Camilla, and they exchanged greetings.

“Was everything alright while I was away?”

“I’ve been practicing sword training and studying cooking with Lady Cecilia and Lady Mihaela. My sword skills might be coming back to me a bit. I’ve also learned some new dishes.”

Camilla smiled happily. Hmm. Well, we should be going soon.

“Well then, Sir Elliot. Good night.”

“Yes, good night, Sir Theodore.”

After that exchange, the door closed and the carriage started moving. Though my house is right nearby, just a stone’s throw away.

Through the carriage window, I could see the two of them going inside together, close to each other. They’re as affectionate as ever.

“Welcome home, Master.”

“We’re so glad you’re safe.”

When we arrived home, Cecilia and Mihaela greeted us in the entrance hall. Along with Claire the Arachne, Cyrille the Centaur, and the other servants, they all bowed quietly in welcome.

“I’m home. Thank you for watching the house.”

“You honor us with your words.”

Cecilia and Mihaela smiled. Since it was their first meeting, I decided to introduce Forset.

“This is Forset-san from Halvaronis.”

“I’m Forset Frestina. Thank you for having me.”

“Yes. We’ve heard about you.”

Cecilia bowed and introduced herself, Mihaela, and the names of the servants.

“Are Sheila and Irmhild back yet?”

I asked after the introductions were finished.

“Yes, a little while ago. I believe they’re with everyone now.”

They’re apparently in the guest room assigned to Sion and the others, changing clothes and such. Cecilia led the way to show Forset to the room next door assigned to him. I’ll tag along too. I want to let everyone know I’m back.

“This will be your guest room, Lord Forset. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

Forset bowed and went inside to put down his luggage. Then, just as Cecilia was about to knock on Sion’s room—

“B-but such hair ornaments don’t suit me—! Ah—!”

The door opened and Sion came out wearing a dress. When our eyes met in the hallway, she froze.

“Um… w-well… excuse me.”

“…Theodore, sorry for the intrusion.”

“Welcome back!”

Sion stood stiffly with flushed cheeks. Behind her, the easygoing Sigritta and Marceska with her carefree smile peeked out.

It seemed they were in the middle of changing clothes. As for Sion’s outfit… that’s Ashley’s dress.

Sigritta was fully equipped with a wool hat, scarf, and gloves, puffed up in a penguin-like silhouette.

Marceska seemed to be enjoying herself dressed in servant’s attire.

…So it’s cold-weather gear, but Sigritta’s outfit is overly heavy. She looked quite satisfied though.

“Ah, Theo, welcome back.”

“Welcome back, Theodore-sama.”

“Yeah. Welcome back.”

“I’m home.”

I greeted everyone. There were more faces deeper in the room. Besides the party members, there were Valentina, Charlotte, Tephra, and Floria.

“Oh, Theodore. Long time no see.”

“Welcome back, Theo-kun.”

“Good evening. It’s been a while. I’m home, Floria.”

So Tephra had come to visit too. Both Tephra and Floria broke into smiles when our eyes met.

Forset, who had put his luggage in the adjacent room, came over too, so I introduced those meeting for the first time, same as before.

Forset seemed slightly surprised not so much by the number of people but by the variety. With a Dark Elf head maid, Arachne and Centaur servants, and two Spirit friends among the faces here. He seemed to collect himself, returning a smile and introducing himself.

“I was waiting with winter clothes prepared for you too, Forset-san.”

“Thank you, Irmhild-san.”

When Irmhild spoke, Forset bowed. Hmm.

Rosemary seemed to be staying quiet with her feather fan hiding her mouth, but she apparently brought clothes too. That’s probably the outfit she wore when she was a fortune teller.

And Claudia tying Marlene’s hair. They seemed to be playing with each other’s hair as usual, giving the impression that things are as they always are. Well, how to put it… it’s lively and quite nice.