Chapter 77 – Extent of My Magic – Part 2

After the fight ended, we have returned to the capital by carriage.

The news of the Golem army being defeat already reached the capital so when we returned we were greeted by many people.
I see confetti dancing wildly in the air and sometimes hear fanfares and whistling.

There is much more people than I have expected.

「Congratulations on the overwhelming victory!」

「As expected of the Knight Order!」

「You did great!」

「Thank you, thank you~!」

Really enthusiastic cheering.

So it feels like this when Knights of the kingdom defeat the bad Empire.
It seriously feels like we are heroes returning from triumphant victory.

「What a wonderful welcome……」

It’s incomparable to the fights until now.

The battle in the village, saving Rashuka, defeating the mysterious person──This feels like a completely different kind of『Victory』.

Abel! Abel! Abel! Abel!

I hear voices praising me here and there.

「Go on, Abel-kun. Wave your hand to everyone」

「Eh?」

「You are a person with the most contribution, this time」

Pressed by Ashe-san, I lean out from the carriage’s window.

I wave my hands towards the crowd.

…… Although it is slightly awkward since I’m not used to this.
Even my face is probably stiff.

Still, the cheers of the crow became even louder.

Abel! Abel! Abel! Abel! Abel! Abel──

The people call my name in a craze.

Although happy, I’m slightly confused.
This scene feels far from reality.

I walk on a red carpet stretching to the palace.

I enter an audience room which is wider than a sports hall.
The solemn atmosphere of royal palace floats around.
The high officials and VIPs of the Knight Order are lined up in two rows.

Uu, the tension……

Both my hands and legs are wobbly.
Compared to this, defeating an army of Golems felt easier.

Although award ceremony is a big honor, but……

──I would rather fight Golem army for five days straight.

The first match against the Empire ended up in our victory.

Of course, the Empire won’t give up with just that.
The second and third wave of their attack will most likely come soon.

In other words, this moment is short-lived.

Although I say that, because I have destroyed the Golems with overwhelming destruction, the Empire will most likely come up with some strategy or send even more powerful magician.

Even a novice at war like me knows this much.

Also, Aisha Kingdom will also make a move.
An official operation of the Assault Mage corps.

This day, a full-scale invasion of Empire with Assault Mage Corps has been authorized.
The award ceremony is held at the same time.

So, I have been given a medal.

Although it was originally planned to award me after Rashuka City, it has been delayed until now because of the war.
It seems it will be done right now because this is a good opportunity.

Normally, the medal is received in the cabinet of the Minister, only in case of high-class battles will have a person be honored with an audience with the Queen.
But, it seems like this time, the Queen herself wanted to hand over the medal, so she will do it directly.

In other words, I received a special treatment.
Uun, I’d rather a more quiet ceremony.

…… I walk between the two rows of VIPs while thinking. I also saw Claire and other members of the Third Corps.
After I seeing Claire’s face blooming with smile, my heart feels much calmer.

Indeed, seeing a familiar face makes the difference.

I pull myself together and advance steadily on the red carpet.
Then, I arrive under a very luxurious looking throne.

And sitting on it is, of course, the queen of Aisha──

With calmness and dignity unsuitable for a woman in her early twenties.
Crown sitting on a clever looking face, figure wrapped in a gorgeous dress, with appearances of a goddess.

「U……!」

I almost choke on that breathtaking divinity.
The Queen slowly descends step by step from the throne.

「For your repeated achievements, as the Queen of this Kingdom, I express my gratitude, Abel 」

Together with solemn words, the Queen attaches a medal on the chest part of my knight clothes.

It feels heavy.

It’s not a physical weight.
This is the proof of my achievements to the kingdom.

It’s their weight.

「──Thank you very much, Your Majesty」

I kneel in front of the Queen.

Not with manners like in a painting, but naturally.
As a knight pledging allegiance to a lord.
I touch the red carpet with my knee and bow down deeply.

「Knight Abel, as the protector of my kingdom──I expect more great achievements from you」

A graceful white hand extends in front of me.
When I raise my head, the Queen gently smiles at me.

I respectfully take her hand and kiss it.

Ooo, joyful cheers break out from the surroundings.
A mysterious elation runs through my whole body.

I who was an ordinary high school student in my previous life.
Feel like I have become a heroic knight from a fairy tale──