Chapter 247 - Rewards

When Halamar began to drink and introduce him to other blacksmiths, Zaos decided that it was time to talk with someone else. While he was thankful for the introduction, he didn't need that many blacksmiths. While he was looking around, Zaos found someone unexpected that made his eyes open widely. It was Edea. He had imagined that she was from some sort of noble house or that she would be invited since she was the headmaster of the magic academy, but what surprised him was her figure. She was wearing a red dress that really accentuated her curves, and since her red hair was tied up and her neck was exposed, she really looked eye-catching. Not to mention, she had quite the package in her chest. Enough to make enough men almost choke if they see her for the first time wearing those clothes.

"Look who showed up," Edea said. "I was starting to think that I would be the only acquainted ignored."

"I am not that type of person," Zaos said. "Halamar just talks a bit too much and he never shuts up when he is with other blacksmiths."

"Is that so? Well, you look dashing in those clothes," Edea smiled. "If you are not careful, you will leave this party with at least ten arranged marriages."

"Thank you," Zaos said while trying to look around and avoid meeting Edea's weapons with his gaze. "You look astonishing too, enough to make me ask where is your husband."

"I never got married, didn't your mother tell you that?" Edea asked.

"No, we didn't talk much about other people's lives," Zaos said.

Zaos recalled that Lyra said that Edea liked younger men. Maybe it was because of that she was single… that seemed much like a huge minus for a woman with that appearance, but only those who knew her very well could tell.

"May I ask you something?" Edea asked. "While this party is important and all that, I think it is a bit too much, even though it is an important ceremony to reward you guys. Is the king planning to announce something else?"

"I don't know, I wasn't informed of anything," Zaos frowned. "Do you think he is about to reveal something else important?"

"Yes, I was wondering which of you were going to marry his daughter," Edea replied.

"What?" Zaos frowned even more. "Which of us?"

"You look really surprised there…" Edea said. "Maybe I was overthinking. Still, since you guys returned, I always thought either of you would marry the princess. I also always thought that you have given up or something since you didn't do anything to make yourself loo more… you know, hero-like."

"Nah, I never had any intention in marrying Ameria, as for Drannor…" Zaos frowned and then tried to recall any moment that Drannor looked at Ameria with different eyes. Still, not a single moment came to mind. "I got no clue."

"Is that so," Edea said. "That is kind of surprising."

Soon Zaos will have to worry about that. Still, he couldn't see himself marrying Ameria, even though she was a great friend who saved his life a few times and probably was one of the few people who could understand his way of thinking. No, he had imagined a few times, soon after the battle against Ferdinand's fleet, probably because his behavior changed during those weeks. But he gave up on it because he felt much older than he actually was… it felt wrong, somehow. Not to mention, during those same weeks, Ameria looked a lot more worried with Drannor. She probably had developed feelings for him since he was always at her side, helping when he could and protecting when she needed.

"Attention, please," Laiex suddenly raised his voice. "His Majesty, king Dalyor Sairus will start the rewarding ceremony."

After that, the royal family finally showed, and then they moved to where their seats could be found, but they didn't sit down. After a couple of moments, some maid also showed carrying a few boxes. All of them seemed a bit big… which was weird since Zaos only asked for a focus amulet.

"Here we are to celebrate and reward some valiant warriors for their valor and skill in protecting my daughter when she was on a trip visiting a friend," Dalyor said. "They also protected dozens of families against assassins and fought against thousands of pirates even when they had the numerical advantage. Step forward, heroes of my kingdom."

For a second, Zaos froze in the spot since the atmosphere was a bit overwhelming. Still, Edea helped him by slightly moving him forward. Zaos nodded, thankful since he needed that. The four guards that stayed with Ameria until the end of the trip emerged from the crowd and then stopped a few steps away from the royal family, and then they bent their knee. One of the maids stepped forward and then opened the box, and then the king grabbed a document from inside.

"For your courage and insistence in fulfilling your mission and protecting innocents, Onvyr, I name you the new lord of Kalsalu," Dalyor said. "From this day onward, you and your descendants shall rule over the area and protect the people there. I expect great things from you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Onvyr said and then received the papers with his head down.

"For your courage and insistence in fulfilling your mission and protecting innocents, Erean, I name you the new lord of the adjacent area of port town," Dalyor said. "From this day onward, you and your descendants shall rule over the area and protect the people there. I expect great things from you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Erean said and then received the papers with his head down.

"For your courage and insistence in fulfilling your mission and protecting innocents, Zaos, I present you with five focus amulets and title of knight." Dalyor said, "From this day onward, you will be the captain of five hundred soldiers. I expect great things from you."

… That was a bit different from what they agreed on previously.