Volume 4 - CH 1

Volume 4 – Reunion With The Hero’s Party

Chapter 1 – Reunion1

After that, the old man guided Eto and his party, who each have chosen an item from the treasure room, to the front yard of the royal castle.

“Old man, thanks to you, I was able to choose a good item there. Thank you very much.”

“No problem, I too, was able to see something interesting, after all. From here you can just ask that knight to guide you out of the castle. Well then.”

The old man then left just like that, without even giving them his name. Although Eto thought he should have at least asked his name, in the end, because he didn’t know how to act in front of the keeper of the royal treasure room, he chose not to.

At any rate, the knight, who happened to be stationed near that place, apparently knew that Eto and his party had played a major role in resolving the stampede and treated them with respect from the beginning.

Then, guided by the knight, Eto and his party walked through the beautifully decorated front yard while admiring the historic corridor that was finely carved to every corner and the phoenix room where nobles are regularly gathered to hold a ball.

All members of Eto’s party including him are from peaceful countrysides. Except for Eto, who had stayed at the royal castle for a year before, the other three had never taken a closer look at such historical and traditional buildings, causing them to be fascinated by the beautiful work of the walls and pillars supporting the buildings as they walked.

Sorano seems to be interested in the paintings and statues that were placed on either side of the long corridor. Meanwhile, Kohaku was fascinated by the many chandeliers hung on the ceiling of the corridor. But maybe because she was lifting her face to look at the ceiling all the time, her feet were slightly unsteady, causing Amou to have to support her shoulders while listening to the history of the royal castle described by the knight. But that was natural, because for commoners who came from a far countryside like them, being able to sight see here is probably the real reward. And just like that, while enjoying sightseeing in the royal castle with a peaceful feeling, the four headed to the exit.

“This is the training ground for knights and soldiers working in the royal castle.”

Inside the building explained by the knights, there was a large training ground that was big enough to make people think it wasn’t indoors. Stones paved the floors of the training ground, with the surrounding area being separated by a two-meter wall. There were also seats for the audience.

“What a splendid training ground. Just by looking at this training ground, I can already feel the spirit of training residing in the kingdom.”

The knight nodded happily at Eto’s words.

“The knights and soldiers in the royal castle also hold a kind of tournament several times a year. As long as one plays an active role there, they will be given an opportunity to be selected for a big job.”

And then, at the recommendation of the knight, Eto and his party entered the training ground where they found several knights training with swords and spears. Until suddenly a group of knights and people wearing everyday clothes appeared there, and when the knight leading them saw Eto, they approached.

“You really are going to train right after having an audience? I’m impressed.”

The man Eto spoke to was a member of the suicide squad who confronted Red-Eye. And as one of the knights, he always acted as the vanguard for them. Just like Eto, the knight also had an audience with the King until a while ago.

“Of course not. Some people from my hometown who will join the knights just came to visit me. Since this was already planned, there is no way I can refuse them.”

With a bitter smile, the knight then introduced each of his soon-to-be comrades to Eto. He also told them how Eto and his party gallantly fought during the suicide squad operation. Apparently, the junior knights also have been told some things about the stampede, which can be seen from how they stared at Eto and his party with respect, not doubting the words of the knight.

However, when Eto was about to leave, some people who seemed to be nobles entered the training ground. Maybe because he just saw the way the knights were standing and training, the nobles seemed somewhat sloppy in Eto’s eyes. The axis of their body seemed to be out of shape, indicating how they didn’t move their body much, let alone train.

And when they saw Eto and his party, who were dressed very adventurers-like, they blatantly frowned.

“Who are you wretches? Who allowed you to show your filthy faces here?”

The young noble frowned and said as if he just saw something he didn’t want to see come into view.

AD

‘Ah, yes yes. Of course, it would be these kinds of people.’

Thinking that there is no need for him to be angry at such people, Eto looked at the knight who was guiding them, urging him to guide them to leave the place. Understanding the situation, the knight nodded.

“These are the ones who worked hard to resolve the Goblin Stampede and were allowed to have an audience with His Majesty. I think a rude act towards them would dishonor the dignity of the royal castle. And since there is a matter we have to attend, please excuse us.”

The knight probably judged that explaining who Eto and his party were, would be better to avoid a future problem. Thus, after telling the nobles the bare minimum information about Eto, the knight led Eto and his party to exit the training ground.

But suddenly, from the center of the group of nobles, a young man wearing pure white armor appeared. Looking at his figure, Eto instantly inhaled deeply and stiffened, seemingly losing strength. He muttered ‘Ah… I ended up meeting this guy again, huh…’

The young man who raised his chin and looked down at them was the hero, Ronaldo, whom he met for the first time in a long time.