“I can see Lady Kalin.”
Says Roa. The two of us are waiting here in the capital’s gate.
I breathe a sigh of relief, remembering these busy last few days.
After defeating Rihalzam, we used communication devices to explain the current condition of the capital, and reported to Kalin that the operation was a success. But more importantly, we asked for reinforcements.
The capital is recovering pretty quickly.
Even from the entrance gate, I can see people going about their daily lives.
There wasn’t much damage to the buildings, and most people regained their senses right after the removal of the parasitic mushrooms, so there wasn’t much disorder.
However, the ones who were close to Rihalzam and were turned into chimeras couldn’t be saved.
This fast recovery is great, but comes with a big problem.
I keep getting invitation letters from not just nobility, but also founders of religious sects, and even royalty.
I’m being praised as the savior of the country, and keep getting invited to tea parties and evening parties. They just keep coming, day after day.
They should know that I work for Kalin, but invite me to work for them anyway.
Some even ask me to become their son-in-law.
I guess I’m finally going to be freed from all this, now that Kalin is here, and I can probably go back to Habbafulton.
I lived here for years, but staying here for the past few days really made me realize that Habbafulton is my home now. It’s funny to think that my skin is completely used to the dry air of the borderland.
Roa’s keen eye notices the change in my expression, and she looks at me with confusion.
“Master Rust, you look happy. Is it because you get to see Lady Kalin?”
“Do I? I was thinking that I can probably go back now.”
“That’s wishful thinking.”
She says something very ominous.
And this is the point where I can finally see Kalin’s group.
◆◇
“Rust! You really did it.”
Yells Kalin while jumping down from a simple horse golem.
Behind her, the horse golem crumbles, having completed its duty. It must be a transmuted beast of one of the alchemists that came with her.
I see Shellrule and Koto are among them.
“Lady Kalin, thank you very much for coming. As you ordered, the capital has been safely recovered from the enemy.”
I formally greet her while taking a knee. I’m thinking I need to make this distinction. That, and I can feel people looking at me all around. I guess I’m famous now, and I’m being watched by people I’ve never seen.
Since I’m pretty sure this is also going to be reported to certain people, I figure I should emphasize that Kalin is my boss.
Kalin also straightens her posture. Maybe she knows what’s on my mind.
“Master Rust, no, savior of our country and demon slayer. I have no words to describe what you have accomplished here. You sure put a ribbon on a very large cake.”
Kalin grabs my hand while I’m still kneeling and pulls me up.
“Friend! I’ll take it from here.”
She says while hugging me.
Feeling that warmth in my arms so suddenly startles me, and I’m completely frozen.
She then whispers to me.
“Looks like you’re attracting a lot of ‘eyes’. I count at least four or five.”
She grins and lets go.
That’s when I realize she’s putting on a show for the ones observing me, and understand what’s going on.
“Now let’s go ahead and take what we can get our hands on and go! Development of our land awaits! To the capital!”
She enters the capital while laughing loudly, and I follow that imposing figure.
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