Chapter 139: Capital (3)

Chapter 139: Capital (3)

-Babam! Babam!

As the king entered the capital, a multitude of sounds shook the space.

The sound of trumpets.

The solemn cheers of the people.

The applause.

It wasnt the overwhelming reaction of a heros arrival, but it was a warm welcome nonetheless.

The king felt anew the extent of the support he had among the people.

Ner and Arwin were riding behind me.

They looked down upon the many faces that looked up to them.

Their demeanor had changed from the past, now filled with confidenceespecially Ner.

And I felt the gaze of the people shift towards me, drawn by my two wives.

Even I was receiving attention because of them.

...That must be Berg-nim.

Hes as handsome as the rumors say.

...Isnt he the saintess man?

I let out a short sigh at the murmurs I overheard.

Indeed, news always travels faster than people.

With the expulsion of the grand archbishop of the Hea Church, similar news must have spread throughout the realm.

Looking at Ner and Arwin, they seemed fine for now.

Perhaps resolving this issue had brought us back to our usual selves.

Of course, delving deeper might reveal changed thoughts, but thats another matter.

We kept riding.

I wanted to take a rest, if only for a moment.

The days of relentless activity had been too long.

We continued to follow the procession.

.

.

.

As the soldiers scattered to find their places and my Head Hunter unit sought out lodgings for rest, Ner, Arwin, Gale, and I followed the king.

The royal guards led us, and soon, the destination came into view.

Many were preparing to meet us and the king, all of them displaying proper etiquette.

Berg, you will follow me directly.

The king commanded as he rode.Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

I nodded in response.

My wives looked back, signaling their intention to follow as well.

When the king dismounted, numerous courtiers flocked to his side.

We dismounted shortly after.

The puzzled looks directed at me shifted to understanding as they took in Ner and Arwin, seemingly recognizing me through their association.

This is our guest. Treat them with all due respect.

The king announced to his courtiers.

In response to the kings command, everyone bowed their heads to me, a commoner.

It might have been due to my wives; after all, its not easy to forget the power of Ner and Arwins families.

Standing amidst the welcoming crowd, I caught the attention of several more gazes.

Some women looked my way, among them servants and perhaps even nobility.

It was a familiar look, one that suggested interest.

I sighed inwardly. For the moment, this attention was nothing but an inconvenience.

I glanced back momentarily.

Perhaps sensing the same scrutiny, my non-human wives had slightly darkened expressions.

To reassure them, I offered a smile.

They stiffened at my smile for a moment...then slowly returned it, smiling back at me.

The king observed this exchange between us.

...

...

I met his gaze, which held a hint of disapproval towards polygamy.

After a brief eye contact, I lowered my head.

The king, who had paused, then proceeded inside.

****

...Princess.

And then he lowered his head.

A woman surrounded by servants, approached.

Sharp eyes. Straight horns. Crimson irises.

For a brief moment, our gazes locked.

Ner and Arwin, quicker to react, bowed their heads in a manner befitting nobility.

- Tap

Feeling Arwins gentle nudge on my hand, I belatedly bowed as well.

...Youre Berg, arent you?

The princess asked me directly without preamble.

I raised my head to respond to her.

...Yes.

Her eyes, filled with curiosity, fixed on me.

It wasnt affection but pure interest, like someone looking at an amusing toy.

...Im Lia Draigo.

She introduced herself by name alone, approaching with the confidence her surname Draigo suggested.

Ive heard quite a bit about you. They say youre second only to the hero on the battlefield, showcasing your valor...

...Its all thanks to our capable leader.

And modest too. Youre an interesting one. And there are rumors about you being the saintess man...?

At that, I let out a soft sigh.

I hadnt expected her to dive straight into that uncomfortable topic, especially after recent disputes with my wives over it.

...Thats in the past. My heart is elsewhere now.

Lia Draigos crimson eyes briefly scanned my wives behind me.

She continued to approach me.

Is that so?

Gendry subtly cleared the way, and she stepped closer, slowly reaching out towards my face.

By the way ...To think theres such a handsome commoner...

- Swish

I deftly avoided her hand.

...

Lia Draigos expression hardened for a moment.

Please refrain from touching me.

I spoke with due respect.

Now that Siens wounds are over, I had no reason to endure such advances, especially not in front of my anxious wives.

...Ha!

She bursts into laughter as if amused by my audacity.

Her interest seemed to fade, replaced by other emotions I couldnt quite identify.

It wasnt anger or insult but perhaps an even deeper intrigue.

Then, she turned her gaze back to my wives, managing a smile and offering them an apology, but not to me.

...Im sorry. I was too forward, wasnt I? Thinking of him as just a commoner, a mercenary, I...

Ner and Arwin remained silent.

At their silent response, Lia Draigo took her leave.

Then, Ill see you next time. It was nice meeting you.

I bowed my head in response.

And just like that, Lia Draigo, who had appeared so suddenly, disappeared just as quickly.

I watched her retreating figure.

Suddenly, Ner linked her arm with mine.

...?

-Swish Swish

I looked at her, and she rubbed her head against my arm, moving it back and forth.

Then, she detached herself and stepped forward.

I might not have fully understood the gesture, but it seemed like her way of expressing gratitude.

...Lets go, Berg.

Arwin also touched me lightly before moving on.

I nodded and followed Gendry again.

The End of The Chapter

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