Sousetsuka

"Good morning. Father."

"Hm? Where am I. What did I."

"This is the Garden of Gods. You are no longer among the living."

"Are you, Aterna?"

"Yes, it's me Aterna."

"When was the last time I saw you with such a ladylike getup, was it in childhood? Will you call me father once again?"

"Yes. After all, you are my father."

"Haha, I see. Then I suppose, the land of the death isn't so bad at all. I feel like I've slept for quite a long time."

"Yes. A period of 20 years has passed since the time of your death in the world below."

"20 years. A lot of things must have changed then."

"Yes. We have all the time in the world, I shall narrate everything that took place in the last 20 years."

"That would be nice."

"What do you want to hear about first? Riol-sama? Zaikaz Company? Or Kogurus?"

"Right, well. What's the story with Lecan these days?"

"Lecan-san? Fufu. I'm sure you'll be surprised once you heard what Lecan-san had been up to in the last 20 years."

"Hahaha. Really now. Can't wait to hear it then. No doubt in my mind that man would have lived one intriguing life."

"It'll be a long story. Err, I'll tell you the outline first. Did you know that Lecan-san is a <Descender>?"

"Yeah. I noticed early on."

"After father's passing, Lecan-san was sent back to his original world, subjugated a continent thrust in constant wars, and became a king."

"What?"

"And this year, with the help of Mage Erushira-sama and her friends, he found his way back to this world again. Two of Lecan-san's children had gone to his world following him, but they got married and had children in that world and chose to remain there as they wanted to have adventures in the other world. Presently Lecan-san is training his children here for the sake of challenging the Ocean Dungeon again."

"Mage Erushira. You mean Erushira the Witch? But that's just a fairy tale."

"It is in fact not a fairy tale. Mage Erushira-sama is a real person who's alive even now. Then, let's start from there. When Lecan-san first arrived in Town of Vouka, through Chaney-san's referral, he met a certain apothecary. And then..."


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Victory to all the livings.

Previous Chapter

"Old man!"

"Dad!"

"Horus? And is that you, Yuna."

"Heck yeah I am."

"We've come to pick you up."

"Old man. Hurry! The <Black Hole>... Tch, no good eh. The thing's gotten smaller already. Old man. Send mother a sign. Anything that proves we met you."

Lecan took the <Rainbow Pebbles of Happiness> from <Storage> and threw it into the <Black Hole> up high in the ceiling above.

The <Black Hole> which had become quite small swallowed the pebbles and vanished right after as if it was waiting for it.

Everybody kept staring at the ceiling without a word for a while.

Lecan was the one who broke the silence.

"Where's the meat?"

"Eh?"

"You brought Petitfire Dragon's meat with you, yeah?"

"Oy, old man. How the heck that's your first word for our reunion."

"I have it with me here, dad. Marquis of Yufu-sama had prepared a lot for you."

"Ooh, so he did. Nice."

"I'm telling ya, you gotta have something else to say, don't you."

"Meat first."





Lecan's defeat. As human.





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Shira "Look at you looking all melancholic."

Lecan "Shira huh. What do you need."

Shira "Well that's a greeting alright. I'll just make myself comfortable on this chair here. And here we go. Phew. You see, I sometimes fancy taking a stroll in the morning from a hideout of mine through Thousand Day Alley all the way to Apricot Pakus."

Lecan "What are you going on all of a sudden. Rather, where are those something alley or something Pakus even located."

Shira "And there's this steak specialty restaurant at one of those. I've never gone inside since it was always closed during that hour though."

Lecan "Hou."

Shira "I've been curious about this one dish on the menu, the Seaweed Tied Cut."

Lecan "Tell me more."

Shira "Sure thing. By the way Lecan. When Horus and Yuna came to get you over there, what did you think about your son and daughter after ten years not seeing them?"

Lecan "Why'd you ask that now."

Shira "Just tell me."

Lecan "Well. I thought Yuna's hair and visage look like Norma's. This daughter of mine is fully equipped with wisdom and courage, I thought."

Shira "Hee? And then?"

Lecan "The light in Horus's eyes, his build, and aura were exactly like mine in my youth. And his bright red hair must come from Eda. He's grown up with a straightforward nature, I thought when I saw his eyes. He knows how to make decisions when things go south as well."

Shira "Guessing you were quite surprised to see their incredible growth, weren't you?"

Lecan "Yea, I was."

Shira "It's okay."

Lecan "What is."

Shira "Those kids are doing just fine over there. It's the paths they've chosen themselves. They're giving their very best everyday in high spirit."

Lecan "I wonder."

Shira "Oh there's nothing to wonder. And nothing to worry about."

Lecan "Really."

Shira "I'm telling you it is, so of course it's true."

Lecan "Would be nice if true."

Shira "Oh dear."

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This was their conversation during Lecan's wedding ceremony.







"So y'see, Termin-chan. We've got a few unappraisable Grace Swords in Palcimo."

"Hou."

"Some magic swords we can activate but don't know how to control, some we downright have no clue how to even activate, there's around 20 of them. All of which were dropped on floors below 130 in Dungeon Palcimo. Would you take a quick trip to Palcimo and appraise them."

"I was just done with my long term six year stay at Tsubolt recently. It is not easy to leave the capital right now. I'll appraise them for you if you just bring 'em to the capital."

"Can't, they're not allowed to be taken out. You've got to go to Palcimo."

"Hmph. Planning to take a closer analysis of my <Appraisal>, are you."

"Hyo, hyo, hyo. But of course. Who wouldn't want to bear witness to an appraisal session of the most difficult swords to appraise by the one and only topmost sword appraiser in the kingdom. In exchange, you're free to watch our best appraisers in Palcimo working their magic. How about it?"

"Muu."

"For your info, us Magic Research Institute has these research results on the latest appraisal spells and the effects. Aren't you itching to see it?"

"Mumuu."

"Palcimo's also got hot springs."

"Mumumu."

"Also, just between you and me, we've got a few <Purification> users at Palcimo."

"What."

"I'll talk it over with the townlord so you can have a <Purification> cast once a day while you're staying. What do you think, Termin-chan."

"I'm going to Palcimo."





Victory to both.

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"Kukeke. Kukeke. Finally, I finally did it. It's complete at last. I name you <My Very Own Lecan-niichan>. It looks perfectly like human outwardly. But the insides are that of the world's strongest killing machine. Since it's making use of Lecan-niichan's bodily parts <Kettle-kun> collected little by little, this thing is in a way Lecan-niichan himself. Kukeke, kuke. And he will follow my every orders down to the last bits. I can tell him to do this or that all I want. Kukeke, kukeke. Anti magic barrier on par with royal palace's, Great Flame Dragon-class physical resistance. And a destruction beam ray exactly like <Flame Spear>. Kuke. I'll take my time playing around with it tonight and then I'm gonna set him loose to wreak havoc in the capital. So fun~. It's all oh so fun~."





That was when the eyes of Goddess Raikores's statue in Yufu glowed.





"Huh? Why's there a Longarm Ape here? Eh? It turned into a Greatarm Ogre. And what's up with that gigantic size? Eh? Poisons and curses won't work? Blades don't work? It shrugged off my bombs? Magic don't work? Ah, ah, ah. Stop that! Don't you break all my maid puppets-chan! Stoppp!! Stop destroying my research facilities~~~!!!"


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Jericho's Victory



Lecan "What's the deal with that Yacklubend thing?"

Shira "Un. She was originally an upstanding and talented engineer as well as researcher who would come up with genius level ideas. But apparently she received an awful treatment in a big name noble house for an extended period of time. That must be what twisted her a bit. She was freed when this big noble house and Wapud Kingdom fell into ruin, but she ended up developing a particular weird habit, see."

Lecan "A weird habit?"

Shira "She's normally stable you see. Excluding some harmless pranks, she's normally a very serious individual who spares nothing for the betterment of society. But she would occasionally harbor an unquenchable thirst to create destruction and chaos."

Lecan "Yeah that doesn't sound good. You sure it's fine to leave such a dangerous thing in the capital?"

Shira "It can't be anywhere else but the capital."

Lecan "But why."

Shira "Yacklubend is the one who designed the general blueprint of that capital and even built the royal palace. She's attached to the place. And through a covenant, she can't leave the capital and is obliged to defend the capital as well as offering her service for the sake of this kingdom. Yacklubend is able to preserve her sanity precisely because the capital exists."

Lecan "I'm amazed you could enforce that covenant."

Shira "There was actually no enforcing involved. Yacklubend entered the covenant on her own volition. I did lend my power, but such a stringent covenant is impossible to establish unless the person involved is willing."

Lecan "How come she agreed to it."

Shira "It's because she's aware of the danger she possesses. At least during her sane period."

Lecan "During her sane period huh. Is she sane normally?"

Shira "Yes well, she was previously. But she's been mostly not sane these days."

Lecan "Oy."

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"Still, wonder where it's at."

"Yes? And you are referring to?"

"Nah, wasn't asking you Arios. Just wondering out loud where this one Grace Gear's at."

"Is it something important to you, Lecan-dono?"

"Nah, nothing like that. There's this seven special Grace Gear, I know where and what kind of Graces six of those have, but the last one's a mystery. I'd like to have a look at the thing."

"Have you been looking for it all this time?"

"No, not really. Rather, I dunno where to even begin."

"It almost sounds like trying to catch clouds, isn't it. Do you know the name at least?"

"Yea. <Necklace of Wind Princess>."

"Eh? We do have an object with that name in our village."

"What!?"

"A long time ago, it was given to our clan by a family that governed Tsubolt as a token of gratitude for a certain matter. Our clan treated it as a treasure since. A tradition where the bride of the village elder gets to wear the necklace in the wedding ceremony was established at the time."

"So it's on Ui now."

"Oh, no. It's being kept in our village's treasure vault."

"Have you tried appraising the thing."

"The appraisers at our village are incapable of the feat, even a famous appraiser at the capital we commissioned failed to appraise it. The family who gave the necklace to us also had no idea what kind of Grace it had or how to activate it. They only knew the name from being passed down."

"Please. Let me see it."

After many begging attempts from Lecan, Arios finally relented and showed the necklace to him.


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<Name: Necklace of Wind Princess>

<Type: Necklace>

<Spawn Spot: Dungeon Tsubolt Floor 150>

<Depth: 150>

<Grace: Silence>

※Silence: Upon activation, those within a 100 step range besides the wearer lose their ability to speak for a period of ten inner heart beats. Activation Spell is <Futsura An Pado>. This Grace can only be used once a day.>





"You really went and did it. What a surprise. And here I have sworn on never getting surprised by you again, Lecan-dono."

Lecan told Arios the result and got him to agree on testing the Grace Gear right there.

Indeed, he couldn't speak a word with it active. This pretty much seals away your opponents' magic, and voice-activated Grace Gear. And since you can't recite a spell with this active, other <Genesiac Grace Gear> won't activate either. Having the Gear with you when you're fighting another user of <Genesiac Grace Gear> will be a huge advantage.

Lecan invited Arios for a session of dungeon diving, but Arios declined and promptly took the necklace with him back to his village.





Arios' victory.



Futsura An Pado (All Words Cease to Exist).

Previous Chapter

"Lecan. I heard you've learned a new magic."

"Yea. And I shouldn't have done so."

"Hou?"

"It's a frightening magic. Ain't one to use on people."

"You would go that far huh. Intriguing. Shoot this magic of yours at me."

"Not a good idea. You're gonna regret it."

"Curios and curioser. Go on and take your best shot."

"Fine, if you insist, I'll let you have a taste. Tremble in fear. Here goes. <Depilation (Kaedo)>!"

"Uwoooo! T-the hair on my head. Ununu. Curses! Curse youuuu!"

"Dinner's ready you two, enough playing around now."





Eda's victory.

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 17





"I'm telling you to decide on your consort before the coronation ceremony."

"No. What's the point of coronation ceremony anyway. After all this time."

"Do you listen to the words coming out of your mouth?! It's the birth of the unification king on this continent for the first time in recorded history. We must hold the grandest ceremony attended by lords from all nations on this continent. The preparations take some time, thus the date has to be set on the second half of next year, but this coronation ceremony will definitely happen."

"You take the crown."

"Are you still going on with that."

Ten years ago, Lecan and Boudo descended in an unfamiliar land in their original world.

The area was undergoing a rebellion due to the tyranny perpetrated by the lord here. The two fell in the rebels' base.

Entreated by the young leader of the rebels, Faz, the two tilted the tide of the combat to their side in exchange for little reward. They freed Faz's captive lover, killed the lord and brought victory to the rebels.

The two were about to go on their way afterward, but then a neighboring lord saw this chance to send an army to invade the territory. Having no choice, the two helped to repulse this army. Then another lord tried to do the same, and then another, over and over again.

Refugees who got their farmlands and property seized would flock to them seeking protection. Faz granted these refugees food and places to live, relying on Lecan and Boudo's might. More and more people flooded in as the rumor spread.

Their birth continent was undergoing a chaotic era of strife. Disputes that either end in destroying or getting destroyed, abided or abiding like slaves would spontaneously break out all over the continent. Lecan and Boudo had been thrust in the middle of this vortex. Even Narum Kingdom had been split after the death of the king, with the lords going against each other's throat.

Faz who was nothing more than a peasant farmer possessed a talent in politics. His visage is refined as well, Lecan believes that he's probably an abandoned son of some noble. With the support of Faz's talent, Lecan who got set up as a lord before he knew it spent all his time fighting together with Boudo.

Boudo fully demonstrated his ingenuity as a commander. Leading farmers and workmen who were amateur in battlefield, he would lead knights, soldiers and mercenaries by their noses, entrap them and destroying their armies. Their enemies were equipped with powerful weapons, with mighty warriors and mages under them but Lecan and Boudo had weapons and equipment amassed from another world on them.

At first, Lecan's group had no money, and only got people who needed supports flocking. While their adversaries were affluent and hired mighty adventurers.

But Lecan and Boudo would also go on to find reliable allies in adventurers as they kept crushing prominent adventurers coming their way. These adventurers' reasoning was that they could always expect payment later and most importantly, working too hard for their clients would only end with them getting crushed by Lecan or Boudo.

As months and years passed by, Lecan found himself as the king of the continent's unified nation. It was done out necessity as a formality, but the fact that he was an adopted son of Narum King being found out didn't help.

Boudo had passed away during a battle. However he managed to lure a huge portion of the enemy's army and dealt a hugely devastating blow that opened the path to victory for Lecan during an important cross point.

Boudo left behind a wife and two children. They're under Lecan's protection.

"The war is over. I'm going back to wandering life. You be the king."

Prime Minister Faz got seriously angry to hear Lecan's excuse.

"Get with it already! The continent may be unified now, but there are a lot of uninhabited lands still! Not an insignificant number of people ran there. Bandits who won't submit to people laws are also proliferating in mountain depths, deserts, and forests. Also, there have been many outbreaks of magic beasts all over the places while humans were busy fighting with one another, we've seen a huge increase of areas humans cannot enter all over the continent. The battle from here on is vital for the sake of keeping our peaceful life."

"Fine, I'll fight, so you rule."

"That won't do! The name <Lecan the Liberator> is the hope and support to many people today. Lords everywhere submit to your might and fame, not to kingdoms or royalties. And most importantly, the mystique of being a Returnee from beyond <Black Hole> is simply overwhelming. None can take your place."

"So you're telling me to become the king and a general?"

"That's the issue. Your presence is necessary in many front lines still. But you are still a human, so dying isn't outside the realm of possibility. Those who have gathered under your flag, including influential lords everywhere even said that it's all over if you died. That's the unstable factor. Thus, we need your heir by any means necessary. You must pick a consort before the coronation ceremony at least."

"You've got three sons, yeah? You be the king."

"Have you been listening at all?! Nothing can proceed unless you're the king! Just get married and make a son already!"

"The only wives I have are Eda and Norma. I've got Horus, Klas and Ryudo as my sons."

"Fine then, get Prince Horus here stat!"

"That's impossible. If it were, I'd have gone th... Get away, Faz!"

"Eh?"

"The ceiling! Something's... What? A <Black Hole>? On the ceiling? Hold on! Something... Something's coming!"




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Once Horus and Yuna got into the <Black Hole>, the hole immediately turned smaller before swiftly vanishing. Even then, Eda and Norma kept staring at where the <Black Hole> was for quite some time. Same with other people. Nike and Jiza have put away their wands.

Eventually Klas walked to a corner of the room to pick up something on the ground there and gave it to Norma.

"Mother. This object was thrown in."

A small object plunged out of the <Black Hole> right before it vanished. Eda noticed it but her mind was fully occupied with expectations of the possibility Lecan coming out of the <Black Hole>, she just didn't have the leeway.

Norma took and gazed at it.

Since Lecan's disappearance, Norma and Eda would often talk to each other about Lecan. Thus Norma immediately realized what the object was.

Norma handed it over to Eda.

Eda opened her eyes wide in surprise.

It was a bunch of pebbles.

Small pebbles with nothing remarkable to them at all.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and white colored, they have their charm but they're ultimately pebbles you can find plenty on roadsides. No one would even pay for them.

And yet, to Eda, these are special pebbles.

They were passed down to her from her parents as a good luck charm, which she then gave to Lecan, <Rainbow Pebbles of Happiness> filled with wishes.

Eda wrapped those pebbles in both her palms.

Then she pushed her palms on her lips, knelt down and lowered her head down.

Tears streamed down her shut eyes, falling to the floor.

"...Lecan."

Her pose is not unlike a prayer.













([Wolves Don't Sleep] Fin.)




Thank you for reading!

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Next Chapter (Gaiden)

 16





"A <Black Hole> has manifested."

Rustle stirred as Klas said that.

Eda knows that even the seemingly calm Klas is awfully excited about it.

They are in the yard in front of Goncourt Mansion's annex building.

As the annex didn't have enough space to accommodate everybody present, they were waiting for this moment in the yard, sitting on chairs set up on the bank of the pond while chatting aimlessly.

A little while after Lecan's and Boudo's disappearance into a <Black Hole>, Eda wrote a letter to Rubianafale in Yufu to explain the situation.

Anxious of Lecan's safety, Rubianafale performed a fasting praying dedicated to her goddess, receiving an oracle on the fifth day.

<The gate to another world shall open once again in the same place in ten years. Those who share Lecan's blood may get to Lecan by passing through this gate.>

Inquiring gods never guarantees an oracle, and even when an oracle is granted, oftentimes the words contained are abstracts. Even Yufu's Raikores Head Temple had never witnessed such a concrete oracle before.

Norma and Eda would discuss with one another time and time again after receiving this oracle.

The best option would be going through the <Black Hole> and take Lecan back.

However, the oracle only says [Get to Lecan], and nothing about [Taking Lecan back]. It's also hard to believe that the <Black Hole> would remain open until they can get to Lecan and back.

The next best option would be having Norma, Eda and the children all go to where Lecan is.

However, there is no telling how many people can pass through a <Black Hole> and how long it will last. Besides, Norma and Eda don't [share Lecan's blood]. In other word, the two could end up in someplace else, or perhaps entirely different worlds even.

The debate continued on for several years before Eda's eldest son, Horus offered the answer.

"I'm gonna get in that <Black Hole> and bring old man back. And if that ain't possible, I'm gonna fight and help old man there."

Norma's eldest daughter, Yuna thus also spoke.

"I'm going to. I'll help dad and niisan with my <Purification>."

Horus's little sister, Laine, and little brother, Ryudo as well as Yuna's little brother, Klas said that they would remain in this world to support their mothers.

The next several years afterward were dedicated to training Horus and Yuna.

Horus was taught swordsmanship by Nike, aka Shira. Arios would occasionally drop by to help him train as well.

Jiza Morfes taught Horus <Flame Spear> and <Concentration>. Jiza often came by Goncourt Annex after learning <Exchange> magic from Nike.

Yuna was drilled apothecary wisdom from Norma and <Purification> technique from Eda. The <Thousand Shooter> Eda also personally coached her in archery. Nike taught her <Petrifaction>, <Detection>, and <Appraisal>.

Horus and Yuna learned the language of Lecan's world by studying under Wazrof scholars, allowing them to speak the language to a point. They have no idea where Lecan is, but from the past conversations with him, they believe he must have gone back to his world.

Once the preparations were done, they would take turn watching over this place.

Exactly ten years after that day, on month nine of kingdom year 139, today many deeply related people had gathered here.

And a <Black Hole> really did get manifested.

Horus is wearing the Overking Bear Overcoat on top of Great Flame Dragon armor. The size had been adjusted with shorter hems to fit him. Horus has an exceedingly large stature for a 19 year old young man, but Lecan-fitted size was still a bit too big for him. Jiza had enhanced two <Free Boxes> in the overcoat's side pockets.

Hanging on his waist is the <Comet Cutter> he inherited from Nike. He also got a masterpiece sword forged by the mastersmith Bargan. Bargan is the son of Agost, he had come to Vouka to deliver his life's magnum opus. Other items from Shira, Jiza and Wazrof had been stuffed inside as well.

He's got a <Necklace of Intuador> on his neck.

Yuna is wearing a hat and a mantle acquired from the depths of Dungeon Palcimo. With her trusty short wand she inherited from Nike, and <Bow of Yelvitz> Eda gave her inside a <Free Box> sewn on her clothes.

Of course she's got a <Necklace of Intuador> on her as well.

At this point of time, Horus is 19.

Yuna is 18.

Laine is 17.

Klas is 16.

And Ryudo is 15.

All five children who have forged themselves to carry the mission each of them bears are letting out a dazzling light of life.

Lecan disappeared from this world before deciding their family name, so Norma and Eda came up with Lecantia after a long discussion. It means <Those linked to Lecan>. All Lecan's descendants, even brides married off to other families are to name themselves Lecantia.

Besides Norma and Eda, Nike and Jiza are also here.

Jinga.
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Julius.

Jericho, Yurika, Lagos.

The young master of Goncourt, Gaipus and butler Findin.

Knights dispatched from Yufu.

Wazrof knights. Chubby.

Vouka's townlord, Viscount Agito Ulban.

Zaidmahl Household Chief Knight, Ezak Torongilt.

And naturally, Chaney too.

Goncourt's family and employees are watching over too.

"Well then, let us proceed."

With what Eda said, Horus and Yuna went in the house followed by Eda and Norma. Afterward, Laine, Klas, Ryudo. After a pause, Nike, Jiza, then Jericho, Yurika and Lagos.

There is a big <Black Hole> opened in the room. Nike and Jiza drew their thin wands and pointed them at the hole. They must be trying to probe it.

Horus and Yuna link their hands.

"Alrighty, we're off."

"Horus."

"What's up, mom."

"Once you've met up with Lecan, do whatever needs to be done to notify me."

"'Course I will. And that ain't all. If I can't get old man back, I'm gonna find and marry a good woman out there. Then we're gonna make lotsa children. I'll send one of my children to mom and you guys here. They're gonna have your blood mom. I'm sure they're gonna find their way here. So just you wait."

"My."

Eda opened her eyes wide.

It was as if she saw Lecan himself standing before her for a moment there.

That's how much Horus has grown into a bold young man with the heart and body equipped to seek out and face off against the unknown.

It has been passed down.

The hot burning soul of Lecan that seeks powerful adversaries has been passed down to his children. Lecan's descendants will never lose the drive for adventures.

Indeed. Wolves don't sleep for all eternity.

As Eda harbored that thought in her heart, Norma saw a glimpse of the future where their children, Lecantia children would embark on journeys to many worlds. She believed they were witnessing the birth of a new legend.

Horus and Yuna said their brief farewell to everybody and jumped into the <Black Hole> with their hands joined.

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 15





Kingdom year 123.

They spent the whole year diving in dungeons along with Julius.

Boudo got back on month two, thus Lecan, Boudo and Julius resumed their expedition of Dungeon Finkel. They arrived at the last floor in 50 days.

Afterward the three hunted Petitfire Dragon at Dungeon Rotor. Boudo went off on his own for another trip. Julius went home with the meat in tow.





On month five, Lecan got raided by Shantora Temple assassin priests at Vantaroy. The fourth time.





On month six, Lecan, Boudo and Julius headed for Dungeon Egis, starting their expedition on the 12th and conquering the dungeon on the 15th of month eight.





Lecan believed Dungeon Tsubolt would be fitting as Julius's final adventure for his training, and started their expedition on the 3rd of month nine. Julius had been to floor 120. They took 30 days to get Boudo to floor 120 where the real expedition begun for real. On the fifth of month one the year after, Julius defeated the dungeon boss.

The marquis family was awfully delighted to witness Julius's heroic deed. The present head, Giluent had actually requested Iris Clan to instruct his grandson and heir, Kadient, in swordsmanship and Julius was chosen for this duty. However, Julius would barely be 20 by kingdom year 124, thus there were dissenting voices. However, the act of defeating Dungeon Tsubolt boss by oneself has only been achieved twice since the kingdom's founding, with Lecan being the first. None could raise their objection anymore.

Dungeon Tsubolt would be dormant for 20 days, and they could have waited but opted to dissolve the party instead.





Afterward, Lecan stopped by Mashajain where Manfrey scolded him severely. Norma had delivered her second child on month ten last year. It's a boy. The name hasn't been decided yet since Lecan isn't around. Lecan rushed back to Vouka at super high speed where Eda, Jericho and Goncourt people scolded him severely before he named his son, Klas. It means [Wisdom], the name of an ancient sage in his world.





Month two of kingdom year 124, Boudo crushed Dungeon Tsubolt's boss.





On month four, Lecan hunted Dungeon Rotor's dragon on his own. Afterward, he got ambushed by Shantora Temple's assassin priests. The fifth time.





On the 12th of month five, Lecan and Boudo started their expedition of Dungeon Wado, and conquered it on the fourth of month six.





On month seven, Lecan went to ask Shantora Temple Archbishop about the constant attacks he endured, he was told that now that Lecan had overcome the five trials, he is now designated as the temple's guardian angel. Apparently Lecan has obtained God Shantora's divine protection. From here on, Lecan would be shadowed by Shantora Temple's priests. The assassin priests ambushed him in all kinds of ways thus it made for some good practices, but them shadowing around him was just irritating, Lecan would rather them attack him instead.

To distract himself from all this, Lecan went to challenge Dungeon Tsubolt alone, trained for a while on floor 140 before he re-challenged the Dungeon Boss and snatched victory. He got his hands on a <Void Cutter> here.





On month nine, Eda gave birth to her third child. It's a boy. Lecan named him Ryudo. Meaning [Guardian], the name of a legendary hero in his world.





The following month, Prado Goncourt passed away. He was 78. Norma became the family head of Goncourt, Findin became the family butler.





On month one of kingdom year 125, Kanner passed away as if following Prado. He was 81.





On the same year 125, Lecan and Boudo departed for Ocean Dungeon. From Smarc to Gridge Island, it takes two days during a good season. They started their expedition on the 7th of month three and arrived at floor 100 in 12 days. As they couldn't proceed further without diving in the water from then on, Lecan suspended their expedition for the time being since he had an idea.

Lecan left Boudo at Smarc by himself and went to hunt dragon in Dungeon Rotor. Then he visited Marquis of Yufu and asked for a <Charm of Hippodora> in exchange for the dragon meat. The charm is a Grace Gear that allows its wearer to breathe underwater. He got one when he defeated the Three Giants of Dungeon Yufu back then and found out that the marquis also had several of the same items. Marquis of Yufu laughed as he gave Lecan a <Charm of Hippodora>. He took half of the dragon's meat and returned the rest to Lecan.





Lecan rejoined Boudo and resumed their expedition of Ocean Dungeon. They arrived on floor 180 in three months.

Lecan noticed how he could move around easier underwater. It must be god Shantora's protection thingy.





All items obtained from expeditions by <Willard> besides those they use for themselves have always been sold to Chaney, and items obtained from below floor 100 in Ocean Dungeon were all novel, unattainable anywhere else, thus Chaney Company grew even bigger. However, despite many invitations, Chaney refused to open a branch store in the capital. Instead, he would devote his power into assisting smaller business in Vouka and the vicinity. He invested on Vouka's public utilities without reserve. Chaney believes that if he helped Vouka prosper and build good relationship with other merchants, his company would stay firm forever even after his passing.

At this point of time, Lecan would leave the gathering of Stamina and Mana Restoratives' raw materials to Eda and Jericho.





Month four of this year, Zack Zaikaz passed away. He was 89.





On month seven, Norma finished writing the final volume of [Sasfrey's Medical Herb Study Set]. From then on, Norma would accept students who wish to study medical herbs.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


Month eight, a huge outbreak of magic beasts occurred to the north of Egis. Many villages got destroyed, Marquis of Egis dispatched his knights and adventurers to deal with the outbreak, but there was too many magic beasts including some large dragons like Fraughthowl Dragons, and Savagesphere Dragons, thus the vanquishing team found themselves in crisis.

Marquis of Egis begged Marquis of Tranche for help who then dispatched their knights as well as requested Marquis of Mashajain for adventurer Lecan's deployment.

Manfrey sent his messenger to Vouka, and then Lecan, Boudo, and Eda rushed to Egis.

<Willard>'s performance was overwhelming.

Lecan's scouting capability, mobility, breakthrough power as well as near limitless high powered magic attacks.

Boudo's relentlessness and pure destructive power.

Eda's remote <Purification> barrage and inexhaustible volleys of magic arrows.

And the unusual tactic of quickly mowing down the larger beasts, so the knights and adventurers could drive the scattered magic beasts to hillside where they were eliminated.

Through this achievement as well as the conquest of seven Grand Dungeons of Tsubolt, Palcimo, Yufu, Finkel, Egis, Wado, and Daina, also with the current expedition of Ocean Dungeon, the name <Willard> spread to the whole kingdom as a legendary magic beast slaying party.

Speaking of, after this matter, <Willard> was appointed as a magic beast slayer party of Special Class Adventurers in Vouka.

Also, a <Mirror of Nata> was set up in Vouka through a backdoor. They were instructed to give reports if there were any incidents in the north.





It was month ten.

Today, Eda had gone out to help with treatment at Ceres Temple, while Norma was lecturing her students. Boudo got a house built for him in Goncourt's yard, but he had gone out somewhere today.

Lecan was just done carrying his children to bed after playing with them to exhaustion, sipping on tea Nike prepared.

Ever since Lecan had children, Nike would often drop by Goncourt Mansion. Previously this Nike form was her true body, while the old woman form was a disguise, but it's the opposite now.

Eda's eldest son, Horus is five, Norma's eldest daughter Yuna is four, Eda's eldest daughter Laine is three, Norma's eldest son Klas is three while Eda's second son Ryudo is one. With all five together, it was unbelievably noisy. But Lecan found it fun now.

"Even someone who hates children like you changed when they changed eh."

"Sure am."

"Are you, happy right now?"

"Hm? Yeah. I am. I'm happy."

Sounds of firewood cracking echoed from the fireplace.

A quiet time swept by.

"Shira."

"What's it."

"You were partial to Eda from the beginning."

"What's this about all of a sudden."

"You're an awfully careful individual. Fearing humans, you live secluded from the world. You limit your associations with other people, and only interact at surface level even to the few you do. Your numerous hideouts are your emergency escape routes as well as your way to avoid connecting deeper with people, so I think. You're very caring to those you trust, but only very select few got to that point. You loathe to mingle with people to the point of cowardice. And yet, you treated Eda specially from the very beginning. Why is that."

Shira would accept everything about Eda. She would forgive her mistakes, and gently reprimand her toward correct directions. Lecan always thought that she was spoiling her too much.

Shira spoke up after a while.

"Lecan. Did you know. Your nature is that of kindness."

"That's not true."

"Nope it's the truth because I'm telling you so. And besides, you always believe in justice at the end of the day."

"There is no justice in this world."

"Those who seriously utter those words are the exact same people who wish for justice in this world. You're also extraordinarily strong, and negative."

"Negative?"

"A personality that sees everything from the negative side. Then you'd go, 'see I told you it's not so bad'. Right, simply put, your nature is someone who keeps saying he hates dark places yet can't calm down when there's no shades."

He could somewhat get where she's coming from.

"Still seriously believing justice and righteousness at your age means that you are pure. A pessimist yet pure with extraordinary strength. These kinds of individuals, y'see, would often rush headlong into ruin."

"Ruin, huh."

"Yup. I would hate to see the last pupil I got to find himself in ruin, so I had been trying to come up with ways to avoid it. That's when Eda-chan came into the picture."

"What?"

"Eda-chan is simply a bundle of positivity. So I thought, this is it."

"Hold it. It hadn't even been a month since I became your pupil when Eda came. Are you telling me you already saw me as this person rushing to ruin thing, and was already trying to find ways to help?"

"I sure did."

"No way. That's too quick."

"How many years have I been doing this human thing, d'you think?"

"300 plus years old ain't no human."

"Oh shush. At any rate, with Eda by your side, your ruin won't come. Thus I believed."

Lecan would have never expected this answer. To think it was for his sake.

"Strong negativity and strong positivity attract one another after all. I just knew things would go well if you two got together."

"Were you planning to get me and Eda married."

"No, I didn't think that far ahead. Even just being your partner would have been good. Though I wasn't exactly surprised when it ended up in marriage."

Afterward, Shira sighed out.

"Still, it's so peaceful."

"What's bad about peace."

"I'm not saying that it's bad. I don't get how Earth Dragon Toron got defeated by you."

"And I don't get what's you're going on about."

"Just me talking to myself. Forget about it."





Kingdom year 126 month two, Lecan and Boudo resumed their Ocean Dungeon expedition, and arrived at floor 285 in four month time.





On month nine the same year, apothecary Cawin came to Vouka and conveyed the password [By the name Kasa Sura]. Lecan taught Cawin the special ways to make Stamina and Mana Restoratives in two months.





Kingdom year 127, they resumed Ocean Dungeon expedition, and arrived at floor 367 in four months.





Kingdom year 128, they resumed Ocean Dungeon expedition, and arrived at floor 435 in four months.





Kingdom year 129, they resumed Ocean Dungeon expedition, and arrived at floor 496 in five months.





Month nine of the same year.

Lecan and Boudo were relaxing in the living room while the children were asleep.

When Eda and Norma entered the room with liquor and snacks on trays, Lecan and Boudo were nowhere to be found.

In fact, there was nothing at all in the middle of the room.

The sofa where they sat, and the table, were all gone.

There was a black mist-like thing on the floor, swirling like a vortex.

Looking closer showed that there was a hole opened in the middle of this black mist.

A terrifyingly deep hole enshrouded in darkness.

The black mist grew smaller as it swirled.

Then eventually it disappeared.

Leaving the original floor where it was.

No one could find the two no matter where they looked.

They had been sucked into a <Black Hole> that abruptly manifested.

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 14





On the 18th of month seven kingdom year 120, Gaskoel Zaidmahl of Zaidmahl household tied the knot with Lady Shusana of Viscount Vouka in a wedding ceremony. Lecan offered a huge portion of his Petitfire Dragon's meat to commemorate the occasion.

He ran out of dragon meat as a result hence he went to Rotor afterward. He arrived on the 40th of month seven. The dungeon was dormant. He paid the townlord a visit and found out it was the handiwork of Yufu Dungeon Knights.

Lecan went back to Rotor on the 40th of month eight to hunt the Petitfire Dragon.





The following month, he visited Mashajain and inquired Manfrey how was the situation with Wazrof. Looks like they've gotten quite a lot more connections. As do trade partners. There were lords that necessitate careful considerations to deal with or lords that must be investigated first before they could proceed. Manfrey complained how they had been hiring more covert operatives as of late, but none was of an unusual talent, so Lecan introduced him to Chubby who shrewdly showed up out of nowhere. Chubby also told Lecan how he was actually the street performer who was throwing balls during Lecan's wedding. Lecan replied, 'Oh so you were'. He actually noticed and just ignored him.





In the same month nine of kingdom year 120, Yacklubend contacted Lecan through Shira, informing him of the completion of Overking Bear Overcoat, thus he went to fetch it. Yacklubend begged him for magic stones from his old world, so he gave two. He also handed over other items from his world as thanks for <Kettle-kun>. Eda put the Overking Bear Overcoat somewhere away out of nostalgia.





Month ten of kingdom year 120, Head of Zaidmahl, Zanjikael gave Chicory village territory to his chief knight Ezak, establishing House of Torongilt. Ezak was also appointed as the magistrate of Shoa town, Gaskol village and Boyd village.





It was kingdom year 121. From this year on, Palcimo-made <Free Boxes> became a commodity sold in the capital. They were hundredfold more expensive than ordinary <Boxes> yet capital nobles would scramble to buy them up. Overcoat and coat-type <Free Boxes> were especially popular.





Month ten of kingdom year 122, [Sasfrey Medical Herb Study Set] began publication. Book one to three were published for starter, donated to apothecaries in many regions under Skalabel's name.





Month two the same year, Lecan came under attack of assassin priests of Shantora Temple in Vantaroy town.





On the 23th of month three the same year, Norma delivered her first child. It's a girl. Lecan named her Yuna. It has the meaning, [Healing], the name of a legendary ancient apothecary.





Month four the same year, Ezak dismissed and banished the village head of Chicory. This village head assumed the position a few years ago after his father died, he was a greedy incompetent individual found guilty of many wrongdoings. Ezak heard from Lecan about how the man tried to mess with Eda, and thus he immediately performed an investigation when he became a lord.





Month five in the same year, Skalabel passed away after a short period of illness. <Purification> wouldn't work in the end, and even a <God Cure> given by the king only managed to prolong his life by a bit. He had book one to book three of [Sasfrey Medical Herb Study Set] on his bedside. He had the look of satisfaction on his face. No one knows his exact age, but later on Amamir mentioned to Lecan how he was likely 111 years old then.





Lecan was hunting Petitfire Dragon of Dungeon Rotor during this time.

He went to hunt once again the next month.

Afterward, 50 knights of Yufu Dungeon Knights arrived to find the dungeon dormant, thus they waited till it  awoken. Dungeon Rotor is dormant for 40 days.

On month seven, the moment the dungeon was awake, Lecan hunted the dragon before Yufu Dungeon Knights managed to.

Duo Bahn went to find Lecan and pressed for answers. Duo got mad during their talk and declared that he would permanently station some members of Yufu Dungeon Knights in rotor to keep hunting the dragon.

As declared, the knights went and hunted the dragon on month eight.

People began to call Dungeon Rotor as [Unwaking Dungeon].

Rotor townlord was at his wit's end when he came to Wazrof Household to beg for help in tears. Through Manfrey's mediation, Lecan and Yufu Dungeon Knights were allotted two chances each per year to hunt Petitfire Dragons, Lecan vowed not to hunt the dragon on month five and six.

This incident became known as [Dragon Meat War] without impetus among people.





Lecan dropped by Vantaroy to give Chaney some dragon meat. He heard about the trade situation with Toron swords and spears at this time. Objects made from Toron thorns brought from Zaidmahl can only be bought by the royal family or those with permits given by royal family, and now there have been an influx of nobles with this permits asking Chaney to create swords or spears from Toron thorns they brought themselves. Also Chaney is being watched by several spies as of late.





After this, Lecan came under attack by Shantora Temple's assassin priests in Vantaroy town. This was the second time.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


Lecan went back to Mashajain and asked Manfrey about Toron's thorns.

"After the successful subdue of Toron by Founder King, he conferred Toron's eyes, fangs, hearts, entrails, bones, leathers and such, essentially valuable parts, to lords with great achievements, our house included naturally. For all other subjects, Toron thorns were given. Thus, you would find many nobles who possess Toron thorns in this kingdom. However, as those were impossible to process despite its hardness, no one was aware of its magic erasure property hence they were thought as nothing more than mementos. Even the Prime Minister Office is surely eager to find out how Chaney managed to process those thorns. And as it's not something that can be kept secret forever, he should use this chance to earn as much as possible."

The one processing them is Shira. Lecan has no idea how they send and receive them back, no way the could easily find Shira out and even if they somehow did, mimicking the process is unlikely feasible.

"Those guys might resort to violence with Chaney if they failed to steal the secret."

"No that won't be happening. The promotions of Zaidmahl Household and Ulbaln Household were done to curry your favor. Your fast friendship with Chaney has been made clear during your wedding. They shan't dare harm Chaney and make an enemy out of you."





On month ten of this year, Yacklubend Tomato succeeded at enhancing <Self Repair> using magic stones from this world. However, it can't be granted to Grace Gear, and its repair effect gradually diminish, thus it's not really that practical. However, this was the new beginning of some thing.





Month ten of this year, the king abdicated his throne.

Month one of kingdom year 122, the crown prince took up the throne.





Month two of that year, a letter addressed to Lecan from individuals who named themselves Skalabel's pupils arrived at Vouka, summoning Lecan to the capital. There were three of them. They were priests of noble lineage, using the password, [By the name Kasa Sura], they demanded Lecan to teach them the secret art. Secret art here refers to the special methods of making mana and stamina restoratives. At one time, Lecan had promised Skalabel he would teach the secret art to the person who conveys him the password.

Lecan bought time by instructing them to prepare the required equipment and such. He thought teaching three instead of one was not what he promised to Skalabel. How they summoned Lecan instead of going to him themselves wasn't like Skalabel either.

He paid Skalabel mansion a visit and met Cawin whom he divulged about the matter. According to Cawin, he was the person Skalabel told the password to. But as he had not yet attained the simultaneous magic casting requirement per Skalabel's instruction, he was still in the middle of training and only planned to visit Lecan after he succeeded.

Lecan went to see Amamir, but he wasn't privy of the detail.

Lecan then borrowed Chubby from Manfrey to conduct a thorough investigation, collected evidence and denounced the three noble priests. Marlia savagely offered her cooperation. The three noble priests lost their priestly positions, got disinherited by their families and were banished from the capital. Apothecaries under Capital's Raikores Temple were also active behind the scene.





During this time, Lecan noticed unfamiliar magic stones among his possession while he was sorting them in the capital. It was a magic stone given by Dolos Shepter. Through this magic stone, Lecan met Dolos once again. At this time, Capital Magic Association and Royal Magic Association was having a clash, and by some twist of fate Lecan ended up being a representative of the Capital Magic Association to enter a tournament held in the royal palace. He broke down Yacklubend's prided barrier in the finale and became known as [Lecan the Destroyer].





Month four, Lecan went to Rotor and hunted the Petitfire Dragon. It took three days to process the meat. He stayed at Earl of Rotor mansion all while, for once. According to Earl of Rotor, the meat had become a hot topic among lords following <Dragon Meat War> and five lords even dispatched their knights to obtain this famously tasty meat, but none managed to arrive at floor 50. Some lords even hired adventurers for it, but none succeeded. Lecan hadn't been sharing dragon meat to Rotor townlord lately, he begged Lecan to let him buy a bit. Apparently there had been inquiries from many parties including the royal family. Lecan gave him a tiny bundle of meat.





Afterward, Lecan went to Vantaroy and generously shared the dragon meat to Chaney. He asked, 'You still haven't retired huh', Chaney replied, 'It's all thanks to you.'





He got attacked by Shantora Temple assassin priests at Vantaroy. The third time.





Lecan went back to Vouka, Boudo also arrived right after. He had just conquered a 23 floor long mid level dungeon.

Julius also came. With news about Arios and Ui who just had a baby girl.

Julius was to train under Lecan for the next full year. Afterward, he had to accomplish another mission.

The three went to Dungeon Finkel. They got to floor 140 in 70 days, after which Lecan and Julius went back to Vouka. Boudo casually went on his merry way.





Jericho and Yurika had a child on month eight this year. It's a boy. They asked Eda to give him a name, Lagos.





Month nine, Eda gave birth to her second child. It's a girl. Lecan named her Laine. Meaning [Winged Apostle], or [Bringer of Fortune], the name of a goddess envoy in his world.

As Goncourt yard became cramped, they erected a new building. Chaney Company was in charge of construction, but an elderly merchant called Pirariko would undertake supplying timber. Pirariko said that he is indebted to Lecan-sama, and would sell good wood for cheap. Norma asked Lecan who, and Lecan couldn't recall the name Pirariko.

Thus kingdom year 122 ended with joy abound.

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 13





After the ceremony, Lecan, Norma and Eda went back to Vouka. Along with Jinga too of course. Apparently Rigan Notz entreated him in tears, 'The clean up is going to be hectic', and he shook it off.

Manfrey asked Norma to handle the gifts sorting, and Norma left it to Fujisur to deal with. Fujisur replied, 'Ma'am' with dead fish eyes. Norma told Fujisur that most gifts are to belong to Wazrof, while gifts that must be given to Lecan are to be delivered to Vouka. Fujisur's eyes deadened further. Then Norma said she'd leave Findin with him for an entire month. Fujisur got revived.

Lecan also invited Boudo along, but since he was about to grasp enough of the language to hold a daily conversation in a bit more, he opted to stay at Wazrof.





Yacklubend has sent a wedding gift to Wazrof.

The name's <Kettle-kun>.

It's a round magic tool the size of a child's head, putting it in a bathtub and reciting <Kettle, Start> will heat up the water inside.

<Kettle, Stop> turns the temperature back.

At first Lecan thought, 'What an annoying little trinket', but he soon found himself unable to get by without this trinket.

Whenever he's at Goncourt, the maids would bring in heated water if he's gonna take a bath. Lecan isn't allowed to do it himself. But since there's a well, he can freely take a bath even in the middle of the night thanks to <Kettle-kun>.

There's simply nothing handier.





Lecan, Norma and Eda paid a visit to Norma's parents' graves located in the garden of her clinic.

As a matter of fact, their graves are also put in Wazrof Mausoleum, but these graves erected by Jinga are the real ones to Norma.





On the 28th of month six, [Dialogue with Medicine God] was presented to the king. Another copy was also presented to Mashajain. The royal family would go on to lend this book to many lords, temples and prominent apothecaries.

Transcriber Rakrus who had gone back to the capital once has also come back to Vouka to resume his work on [Medical Herb Study Set].





Lecan went to Riplin.

He then gave Solid Sacred Silver ores to Agost's son. The remaining half of the ores he got in Dungeon Yufu. This was always the plan.

At first Agost's wife wouldn't accept the ores. Saying she's got no money. Thus Lecan explained.

"Sell the ores you don't use. Live, train, and buy everything you need with that money and then forge a sword even better than <Sword of Rusk> someday. My son will wield it."

Lecan has no son. Nor has he any plan to have one. It was just a means to get them accept the ores. But after those words came out of his mouth, Lecan began to wonder what would it be like if he had a son.

(Gonna teach him swords.)

(Magic.)

(Fighting.)

(And bring him into dungeons.)

(Might be fun.)


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


He dropped by Mashajain on his way back from Riplin. Boudo paused his language study for the time being, planning to continue it if the chance arose in the future.





Lecan and Boudo went to challenge Dungeon Daina. Even the previous beastmen attempt failed to reach the final floor.

The dungeon was an awfully peculiar one, but the two managed to brute force their way down. But then a giant physical-type Carrion King spawned on floor 90, it was quite tough, kept regenerating itself and just when they finally managed to defeat it after a long struggle, another one spawned right away. In reality, making someone with low combat ability fight and proceed ahead on this floor would spawn weak Carrion Kings, but since they had no clue about this trait, they decided to go back to Vouka and bring Eda here.

Then, since Julius was also there, they took him along in the dungeon conquest. Since Eda and Julius never set foot inside before they had to restart from floor 1, yet they succeeded conquering the last floor in 30 days and went back to Vouka. It was on the second of month nine. Julius went his separate way back to his village along the way.





On this year Kingdom Year 119 month eight, Zaidmahl Household was appointed as Townlord of Jio, and be given one new town and three villages. They were originally a small-time lord who only had four small villages under them without a territory name thus only know as Zaidmahl, but from now on they would be known as Jio territory. Jio is the village where Zaidmahl Household resides. Normally, they should have adopted the name of a city in the territory but since Shoa town is a far cry from being called a city, this arrangement was made instead. Shoa town as well as Gasko village, Chicory village and Boyd village were all included in the new territory.

The pretexts for this new addition is due to them being a [Patron of Adventurer Lecan who contributed in Beastmen War] and [Discovery of new resources that would help toward the kingdom's prosperity].

Up until now, there were several mountains that divide the new territory and other territories. Then more mountains in the area and villages. These places aren't included in Jio territory but as there are no other influential lords nearby, they are regarded as Zaidmahl's for all intents and purposes. It's the birth of a new great power in the northeastern frontier of the kingdom which was hitherto empty.





With this, the royal family then closed an exclusive contract with Chaney to sell swords and spears made from Toron thorns. Wazrof and Rainzats used many of them during Beastmen Wars, naturally the royal family figured out what they were.

By exclusive contract here, only royal family or a party the royal family approved can buy the weapons. Chaney still decides the selling prices, and the royal family would subsidize every weapon sold. Chaney agreed to this contract only after he informed Wazrof and consulted to Shira.





At the same time, Vouka was promoted into a viscount territory. Vouka already had the economic power of a viscountcy by this point, and also the fastest developing city in the northern half of the kingdom. The achievement of being a [Patron of adventurer Lecan who contributed to Beastmen War's victory] also helped the promotion.





Lecan's group was back at Vouka on the second of month nine, they took a break for a few days before going to leave for Dungeon Tsubolt to conquer it, with Eda and Boudo. But then they found out about Eda's pregnancy. Nevertheless Lecan was going to keep taking Eda along, so Norma and Jericho got indignant and scolded Lecan hard.





On the same month nine, Lady Rubianafale delivered her healthy first child. They named the child Gidoruglein.





Lecan and Boudo went together to Dungeon Rotor and hunted a Petitfire Dragon. Afterward they visited Mashajain. Boudo chose to stay at Wazrof for the time being, thus Lecan went back to Vouka alone.





On the 32nd of month ten this year, the prime minister Orbanus Rainzats resigned. His aide, Yeteria Wazbon assumed the vacant position.





On the 20th of month two Kingdom Year 120, Lecan and Boudo challenged the Dungeon of Carrion King. From floor 1 to 9, there were double the enemies spawned compared to when he first challenged the dungeon on his own, but Lecan brute forced his way with excess firepower. Boudo took on the last floor by himself. Sure enough, Carrion King could only resort to petty tricks, and since it couldn't absorb mana, it quickly run out of mana and could no longer warp around. Boudo destroyed the Carrion King in one blow. A God Cure got dropped.

As it turned out, this dungeon would go out of its dormant period in just a day. They conquered it again the day after and got another God Cure.

The two stayed here for 120 days, and split the hundred God Cures among themselves.

Boudo split up here. Being a trip lover, he often went off on his own during their time in their world whenever they had a no dungeon downtime.





On the sixth of month three, Yufu Dungeon Knights finished their expedition early this year and went back to Yufonia. They brought back Petitfire Dragon's meat as decreed by the marquis but it didn't taste good despite the cooking method. There were other nearby dungeons and locations where Petitfire Dragons live. Marquis of Yufu obtained a few sample of the dragon's meat. All of which was edible, but none could compare to Rotor's dragon meat. And thus the marquis realized that it's not Petitfire Dragon meat that's good, it's Rotor-born Petitfire Dragon meat.





On the 30th of month five, Lecan arrived at Mashajain. There was a letter from Norma for him. Eda is nearing the end of her pregnancy, and he is to come back now. Lecan ran back to Vouka.

Before this, on month four, Viscount Sariel Gossen succeeded his father as Viscount of Sopdemoa and took Heles as his wife.





On the 21st of month six, Eda delivered their first child. It's a boy. Lecan named him Horus. Which means [Hope] in his original world's language. It's the name of an ancient king who brought about lights into a world of darkness.





On the last day of month six, 100 Yufu Dungeon Knights visited Rotor, greeted and gave their present to Earl of Rotor before diving into the dungeon. They conquered the dungeon in 35 days and gave all loot besides Petitfire Dragon's meat to Earl of Rotor free of charge and set out back home.

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 12





The garden in Wazrof Mansion is famous.

When someone in Mashajain or towns and villages close to it said, 'I've seen the garden', they're referring to how their achievement has afforded them the privilege to enter the vast precinct of Wazrof mansion and even allowed to see the garden. Even among Wazrof relatives, only those permitted by the family head are allowed entry.

The rumor spread to faraway towns as well, most who pay visit to Wazrof would secretly harbor the expectation of receiving the words, 'Well done. You may enter the garden.' And these words would seldom be spoken out.

There were many anecdotes from those who have witnessed the garden.

One speaks how it looks like a deep mountain valley recess complete with the vast vegetation and earthly mounds.

Another speaks of a scenery beyond a running stream with giant rocks, deep pools and cliffs.

There are even anecdote of how it looks like a fairy hamlet under a lake, or a hanging garden with flowers in full bloom.

Wazrof Household has 12 gardens in total. Every single one is an elaborately put together garden of dream.

There are 12 banquet halls attached adjacent to those gardens. The guests have moved from the courtyard to these gardens. The act of guiding so many people without any hint of disorder itself is a display of Wazrof's prowess.

You can go to the adjacent banquet hall from another banquet hall by traversing through the garden. All the invitees are free to visit all the gardens for today.

It's a stand up buffet but there's benches and arbors set up here and there, so you can sit and take a break.

The bigger banquet halls can hold up to 300 people while the smaller ones have capacities of around 50 people.

Each banquet halls are provided with meals and drinks.

Guests are free to move to any other hall from their designated ones, or tour any garden. However, they're told not to linger too long in another hall before going back to their own.

If it rains outside, the plan was to turn each building's first floor as the banquet hall, but fortunately the weather was clear that day.

There were 1789 guests inside the mansion yet they must prepare meals for many more than that. The patrolling knights, the guides, the caterers, the clean up crews, stable hands, gardeners, and also the cooks. Even if some have multiple roles, their number far exceeded the guest list.

They had to run all the kitchens in the mansion all day long at maximum capacity to meet demand, but even that wasn't enough they had to commission restaurants, fine diners and such for additional chefs and food.

Each banquet hall offers completely different set of dishes. There are even chefs who show off their skill in front of the guests. Watching a cook skillfully cut up a mountain of fruit into a beautiful work of art on the plate is exhilarating. The smell of grilled meat stirs up your appetite. These chefs are mostly head chefs of famous diners.

One or more musicians are performing in every banquet hall. The tune differs in each hall. Being able to relish on colorful cuisines and music one normally cannot enjoy without going to distant lands is only possible in this wedding ceremony. Multiple street performers also show off their skill along the halls.

Fujisur was in charge of arranging all the halls, but Findin was also left with many important duties. Findin is a butler aide of Goncourt, currently working as an aide of Norma originally, but Fujisur has taken a liking on this capable mild mannered young man, he took him under his wings. They also found a common interest in history. Findin helped Norma in the publishing works and other miscellaneous stuff in the capital, but once she went back at Mashajain, Fujisur borrowed him.

Led by Findin, Lecan, Norma and Eda went around the 12 banquet halls to greet the guests. Naturally Lecan has no clue who's who at which hall. Speaking of, Lecan was among the very few individuals given permission to see these gardens anytime he wants, but he only walked around it once when Norma and Eda badgered him to, he never actually set foot inside.

The crown prince tried to cuddle up to Lecan in the first banquet hall, but he quickly realized that Lecan was unresponsive to his chatter and went to praise Norma's and Eda's beauty before changing his target to Yufu Heir, Ashidgrein Shadrest.

Ashidgrein shrewdly brushed the crown prince aside and approached Lecan's group to give his congratulations. He then talked about the present situation at Yufu for a bit and then whispered in Lecan's ear about Lady Rubianafale's pregnancy as he left. Lecan tried to talk to Ashidgrein but other nobles had swarmed him.

Viska Kouen was also there, so Lecan thanked him for his timely rescue during the beastmen war and praised his splendid show of valor there. House of Fotos's stock was raised considerably among royalty and high ranking nobles after this.

Lecan said his thanks when he saw Arios.

"Your assistance in rear line during the war was a huge help."

"Well, I was actually at my wit's end back then. Once I got close to them, I could sense how every single beastmen surrounding the Supreme Commander possessed prowess on the level of Lecan-dono when we first met, or even higher. On top of that, the threat level I felt from the Supreme Commander rivaled that of the present Lecan-dono. Pushing my way there would be suicidal. And so, I resorted to cover fire instead."

"Either way, you were a great help."

Afterward, Arios went to talk Marquis of Tsubolt representative, Haydent Notz. Then Julius joined in. A lot of nobles were swarming Haydent, they must have been trying to find the right time.

Zack Zaikaz was present in another banquet hall. Even though he was invited, Lecan didn't think he would actually come considering his age and condition, but he looked unexpectedly well. After expressing his gratitude to Lecan, Zack uttered how he wished to see the thriving of Mashajain and the capital before his last breath.

In another hall, Lecan blew the wine in his mouth when he saw Shira in her Nike form politely talking to Skalabel while pretending to be Shira's granddaughter. Marlia gallantly attended to Skalabel.

He was elated to see Chaney and blurted this out inadvertently.

"This man is the only merchant I trust. You can entrust your valuable stuff for this guy to sell."

This word was overheard by bystanders. Which then spread like a wildfire. And thus, Chaney's retirement plan once again shut off.

Then in another hall, Great Guide Jiza and Elder Termin were having a heated discussion.

It suddenly hit on Lecan, he talked to Jiza about how <Comet Cutter> cut past <Necklace of Intuador>. Jiza then asked him to show her <Comet Cutter>'s magic blade, which he complied. A huge crowd of people formed due to how eye catching it was.

Jiza took quite a long time to analyze the magic before she said 'you can put it away'.

"I've adjusted that barrier to let <Purification> and <Recovery> slip past, but these two magics possess hugely disparate traits, y'see. That ended up opening up a big hole. Nevertheless it still repels all offensive, debuff, abnormal status, and concealment magic known to Magic Research Institute, but this <Comet Cutter>'s magic blade is a completely different kind than your ordinary magic swords, thus why."

She can't readjust Lecan's Necklace, but she's willing to make another necklace with similar performance. However, Lecan must give up either <Recovery> or <Purification>.

Lecan replied, nah, he doesn't need a new one.

Lecan greeted Vouka's Ceres Temple Head, Yuriko when the group stopped by the hall where the priests gathered. He made the promise to visit the orphanage by mistake as he was zoned out during the greeting. 'Ah crap', thought Lecan, but he's unwilling to take back his word.

(How about.)
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(I take Jericho and Yurika along.)

(Those two should manage somehow.)

(One's even got a similar name to Yuriko.)

"Lecan. I don't agree with leaving your problem to other."

"What? Did I say that out loud?"

"I agree with Eda, dear. Also, you might not notice, but you do say what you think out loud at times."

"Yep, I mean he was like that too when we first met, Norma."

"...Did I really."

It's near dusk before anyone realized.

Watch fires were lit and magic light fires were set up on magic stones.

Clouds hang low in the sky above.

The breeze feels comfortable.

A weirdly dressed performer showed up.

They keep flinging and catching seven colored balls in the air.

The musician changed their tune to a facile one.

"Let's live things up a bit."

Norma pointed her index fingertip high up as she recited <Recovery>.

A sphere of translucent green light emerged.

Then another, and then another.

Norma manifested five spheres of green light in total. The five spheres run level to surround the colored balls of the performer before starting to spin.

"Well then, allow me as well."

Eda spread her hands wide and recited <Purification> after which big blue spheres of lights emerged.

One, two, three, four.

They surrounded the five green spheres Norma created as more and more blue spheres manifested.

Eda produced 30 blue spheres of light in total.

Five light spheres of <Recovery> spinning around on ground level with 30 light spheres of <Purification> surrounding them.

Supposedly, both <Recovery> and <Purification> can only be cast right next to their casters. Thus this spectacle should have been unthinkable normally.

"Hou. Guess I'll tag along too."

Lecan spread his arms high up toward the sky, and closed his eyes for a bit before opening them.

"<Lamplight>."

200, no 300 spheres of lights materialized at once. Those reddish white light spheres surround the light spheres Norma and Eda created, sparkling like stars.

"How 'bout lifting it up higher. High enough for everybody in this town to see."

Nike who had shown up out of nowhere spoke.

That's a tall order, yet Norma, Eda and Lecan lifted up their light spheres.

This many light spheres would vanish right away, thought Lecan.

And yet, they just keep floating up slowly without disappearing.

Lecan turned at Nike, she had her wand out with mana flowing out. The emitted mana enveloped the light spheres Lecan, Norma and Eda created. Whatever Nike is doing must help maintain the light spheres.

Jiza also took her wand out and mimicked Nike's mana emission.

The five <Recovery> spheres Norma controlled started to revolve to the side.

Eda's 30 spheres of <Purification> surrounded them unmoving.

The 300 <Lamplight> under Lecan's control zapped around everywhere like mischievous sprites.

The light spheres kept floating up while maintaining this state.

Everybody forgot to speak as they watched the light show.

High, high, high, and even higher up.

Illuminated with these fantastical lights of magic, drifting clouds in the sky flickered exquisitely.

This mystical spectacle was said to have been visible everywhere in Mashajain that night.

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 11





Manfrey opened the ceremony.

Starting with his gratitude to the hero from another world, Lecan, how he married his cousin, Lady Norma and how Wazrof Househould would welcome the <Saintess of the North> as a new member with her marriage with Lecan.

Then he praised how Lecan along with his groups of friends conquered the two grand dungeons of Tsubolt and Palcimo, and opened the path to victory in the <Beastmen War> with the power he obtained there, a feat that might very well have spared Zaka Kingdom from spiraling into constant wars to this day.

Then he introduced the two townlords, Zaidmahl whose broad-mindedness allowed Lecan to familiarize himself with Zaka Kingdom, and Vouka townlord whose actions helped Lecan to decide in settling down in Vouka.

Afterward, Manfrey narrated such.





Hating, oppressing and removing those you don't know, those who are foreign to you is easy.

Reaching an understanding, offering a hand and living with those you don't know, those who are foreign to you is difficult.

But the great blue sky refuses no wind nor cloud. Thus the extent of the great blue sky's vastness.

This land loathes no tree nor grass. It accepts even the dead, purifying and turning them into its own. Thus the eternity of lands.

Rightly discern good from bad, fear the hostiles, and befriend the friendlies. Therein lies the key to prosperity. And over a long period of time, even the bad could turn good, and the hostiles could turn into reliable allies.

However, thus may be a feat unattainable for some towns. Unaffordable for some villages.

Some of you must once harbor the thoughts of not fitting in a town, not truly living in a village.

Leave and come here. You the wise who don't have a place in this world.

Leave and come here. You owner of abilities incomprehensible by those near you.

Our Mashajain shall be a place to stay for all cast away. It shall be an inn to visitors from afar.

Those who are here now will be the foundation of this kingdom's prosperity for thousands of years.

Lecan is one among such individuals.

Norma and Eda have too brought about affluence through their unique talents.

This auspicious celebratory feast is dedicated for the marriage of these three.

We offer our most heartfelt gratitude to many lords who have endured through long perilous passages to arrive here.

Today, I sincerely hope you could enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Glory to Zaka Kingdom. Yale.





At first Manfrey only planned to invite a few earls and viscounts with close relationships to Wazrof. He'd treat the populace in the heart of the city to some drinks and then send some gifts to town nobles and influential merchants, and that would be the end of it, or so he thought.

The banquet was to be held in the mansion, with a guest list not exceeding 100.

But then, just before they settled down on the program, Earl Chada and Earl Rotor expressed their wish to attend.

Then on month 1 of this year, just as they decided on the date, several noble houses that know Wazrof contacted them.

Then Marquis of Tranche even requested to be invited for himself and his first lady.

The first lady of present Marquis of Tranche, is a daughter of <Snow Flower Princess> Lorecia. Norma's aunt. She must wish to see Norma in her bridal gown in place of her late father and mother.

Their daughter, Lady Heles also requested an invite through Eda.

Another request then came from Marquis of Tsubolt. Followed by Marquis of Gido, and Marquis of Smarc. As well as Marquis of Palcimo.

On the first month of this year, Marquis of Tsubolt's peerage rank was raised to fourth place. In other word, among the top six houses consisting of Marquis of Tranche, Marquis of Mashajain, Marquis of Yufu, Marquis of Tsubolt, Marquis of Gido, Marquis of Smarc, five of the Top Six Houses as well as Marquis of Palcimo, who may be on the seventh rank yet possess equal authority as the six above will be attending the ceremony. In addition, Marquis of Egis, a house that has a deep connection with Marquis of Tranche, even asked for an invite. Then on month five, a messenger of Marquis of Yufu came by with five God Cures as gifts asking for an invitation letter to Lecan's wedding addressed to the marquis himself. All six top houses are coming.

Thus a rumor began to spread, about an upcoming huge festival in Mashajain, beckoning interests by other lords. This was especially true after the <Battle of Dorn Plain> where they saw a huge influx of requests.

This was partly due to Lecan, but that's not all.

It was also partly due to Mashajain's authority, deeds and fame, but that's not all.

Put into a word, it's akin to a surge.

Then might as well ride on this surging wave, thought Manfrey.

As there was a huge increase of noble houses that must be invited, they made the conditions of invites stricter.

As a general rule of thumb, in case of Marquis houses, each house get five invites.
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Three invites to earl houses, two for viscount houses.

Nobles without peerage ranks will only get invites through personal discretion.

The numbers of attendants are fixed as well.

For marquis houses, each invitee gets to have up to three attendants who can also enter the Wazrof venue.

Earl and viscount houses can have up to two attendants per invitees, permitted to enter Wazrof venue.

Commoners can only enter if they're the invitees. In exchange, those who are known to go with them are automatically invited. Say, for Guide Skalabel, his invitation has, [Amamir Tarance-dono] and [Other attendants] added.

As the number of guests grew, more and more relatives who weren't originally going to be invited requested their invites.

At first the plan was to let the guests stay in Wazrof mansion, but it was quickly made clear it wouldn't be possible, they had to rent inns in the town which still weren't enough they ended up renting citizen houses as well. The order for foodstuff turned into something fierce.

With the increasing scale, more and more town officials, influential merchants and artisans and even commoners began asking to attend the wedding.

In the end, there were eight marquis houses, 16 earl houses, 28 viscount houses, 82 peerage-less noble houses, as well as one member of royal family, one official of PM Office, totaling 724 individuals including attendants. Two viscounts were among Marquis of Yufu attendants, thus they were not included in the 28 houses. 28 are the number of formal invitation letters. Same with peerage-less nobles, including the attendant ones the real number easily exceeded 100.

For relatives, there were 162 from Wazrof, 12 from Ulban, eight from Zaidmahl, 42 from Goncourt, 194 in total.

Special mention to the marquis house, one house sent the present head and his first lady, while the other seven sent the heirs or sibling of the present heads. As Yufu heir himself also came, the line up in this ceremony might actually even surpass the crown prince's wedding.

Heles came with her fiance which had just been decided right before the event. He was regarded as her attendant out of necessity, but as this fiance, Sariel Gossen, is the heir to Marquis of Sopdemoa, in reality there were nine marquis houses attending.

On temple side there were 42 Yuminos members, and 11 Ceres members, 53 in total. By the way, ten of this 11 were from Vouka while the last one is the Vice Temple head of Capital Main Temple, Marlia Fotos. Marlia wanted to go as one of Skalabel's attendants at first, but once she found out it was not doable, she somehow managed to force her way and slip in among Vouka Ceres entourage.

There were 722 commoners from Mashajain and 96 from other territories. Most of these 96 were personally invited by brides and bridegroom such as appraiser Termin, and transcriber Rakrus as well as retainers like Commander Tesla of Ulban, or people with special positions and technical skills.

1798 people in total. However, this is the number on guest list, in reality there likely were more than 2000 people in the venue itself. Those who brought their wives or children can't exactly be turned away. Smiling back to ask for favor is the way of the nobles. Some temple personnel also brought along their relatives. You could only look the other way when ones such people go around tasting food.

On the eve of the ceremony, a great number of nobles in the royal palace requested their invites. These nobles were descendants of people who were close to founder king, holding a variety of posts in the royal palace. Even those without posts have their ways to be useful through connections or skills. Inviting them would necessitate letting them stay in the mansion, but as there were simply no more rooms left, Wazrof had to refuse them.

The number 2000 are just those who enter Wazrof venue and eat there.

Many of the lords would bring escorts, luggage carriers and such, from 50 to 100 or even more each. Marquis of Smarc even brought along a troupe of musicians to entertain the venue, while Marquis of Gido brought an acrobatic group.

There were also those who use this chance of traveling near the capital from afar to have a tour.

These distant land travelers arrived several days before the date. Some marquis houses even arrived seven days before even though they should have made some adjustments not to arrive too early.

They would tour around Mashajain, eat the food there and bought things.

There were more than 8000 people who got lodgings through Wazrof service alone. The house aide Fujisur almost went mad.

The air of festivity is infectious.

You'd get to drink to your heart's content at Mashajain.

You'd get to watch some fun stuff.

You'd find so many unusual objects from all over the kingdom there.

With such rumors spreading, more and more people surged into the town.

Eventually all the inns got fully booked and some resorted to camping out.

And then so too gathered those who aim to sell their wares to all this people. Five days before the date, the town was full of street performers and musicians trying to earn their keep.

Thus Manfrey in the end decided that on the night before the wedding day, all inns and diners in the town, not just at the heart, to serve one cup of drink to one guest, free of charge with all expenses going to Wazrof.

Thus the festivity soaked through every corners of Town of Mashajain.

The people would call their friends, their relatives, their neighbors to have meals and toast together.

It was a festival on a scale unlike anything before.

What turned into an unexpected confusion was the gift acceptance.

The mansion had made some preparations to receive gifts from the invited guests.

But then, surges of uninvited people pushed their way into the mansion to deliver their gifts. Normally, the officials on the side gates would handle them, and they did manage to deal with it on the day before the date, but an endless line of people with gifts was formed on the wedding day. They just barely managed to fill in enough personnel to lead those with gifts into the nearby buildings. Almost all the guest buildings' lobbies and hallways were filled with gifts. The guests who were staying there were in shock when they saw those gifts on their way back from the banquet.

By the way, due to the explosive increase of invited commoners from outside town, merchants from outside ended up having to stay in accommodations outside the mansion, except for one foreign merchant which was allowed to stay in the mansion.

It's Chaney.

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 10





Thus comes the 13th of month six.

The middle of month six is a season of rich verdant greenery in Zaka Kingdom.

It's the final season for spring flowers, and for summer flowers to be in full bloom all over hills and fields.

The wedding ceremony was held at Yuminos Temple. It's a majestic building constructed with the full prowess of architectural techniques lost in modern times as befitting of an old city full of history.

Only relatives could attend.

Presiding over the ceremony was Mashajain's Yuminos Temple Head and Vouka's Ceres Temple head.

Ceres Temple head is a woman previously holding vice temple position, her name is Yuriko Reshinu. Ordinarily women can't be temple heads, her designation was quite a special case.

Yuriko led the ceremony in a calm and composed manner and finished her duty by reciting a scripture with a bell-like clear voice. There was not a hint of her being intimated by the temple head of a large city from her modest bearings.

The bridegroom, Lecan is wearing a white outfit with blue adornments.

The bride Norma has a silver dress with bluish purple adornments.

And the other bride Eda is in a pearl grey dress with purplish red adornments.

The two brides of course looked beautiful under their make up, but even Lecan seemed awe-inspiring as if he had transformed into another person.

In the three days after his return to Mashajain, the maids took up all his free time besides for sleeping and meals to polish him up.

His hair was cut neatly, combed back with oil, and his face was polished up. His skin let out a lustrous shine.

Wearing an air of a wild gentleman, his tall stature and his firm build, along with overflowing vitality from his bearings. Even if one isn't aware that this person is the rumored hero of salvation, a glance is all you need to know that he's an owner of extraordinary strength. The man is even capable of acting with dignity when he needs to.

At the end of the ceremony, a very young <Purification> user priest from Yuminos Temple cast <Purification> on all three.
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Once it was over, they headed to Wazrof Mansion on a carriage.

Lecan, Eda and Norma rode on an open canopy carriage pulled by two white horses. With no canopy hiding their figures, people lining up on the sides of the roads sprinkled them with flower petals as they cheered joyfully.

Leading the way are Knight Jinga, Knight Yogg, and Knight Wolt, wearing lustrous silver armor riding on decorated horses.

Behind Lecan's group is Knight Rigan, followed by the family head, Manfrey, lady of Tranche Marquisette, and then other relatives. Acting as Lecan's relatives were Crimus Ulban, Zanjikael Zaidmahl, there were also Commander Tesla and Ezak mixed in with other Mashajain knights behind them.

Lecan's face has no affability, but that's also charming on its own.

To his right, Norma is smiling softly while waving back at the townspeople with a gloved right hand. The lace attached to the glove gently swayed in the wind.

To his left, Eda smiled in full bloom as she kept turning in all directions, keen to show the world how she felt.

The carriage passed through Wazrof gate, traversed on the stone pavement and went right before the entrance, stopping in front of a side entrance.

Lecan's group were led to a balcony upstairs.

The two brides' dresses' long trains looked as if they were floating on top of the red carpet over the stairway. Pages in charge of holding the trains followed behind. They're in charge of fixing the trains when they're entangled and lift it off grounds outside. The pages were young boys, four of which all of noble houses.

Below the balcony is the venue packed full of guests.

The open space in front of the main building had undergone a construction to expand it by a lot, and yet the attendees filled it to the brim still.

Standing on the balcony are Lecan, Norma, Eda as well as Manfrey Wazrof, Prado Goncourt, Crimus Ulban, Zanjikael Zaidmahl, and behind them are Agito Ulban, Gaskoel Zaidmahl, knight Ezak, commander Tesla, as well as four Wazrof knights, then lastly are the four pages.

Manfrey waited for the arrival of the crown prince. As they cannot make the crown prince wait, they have made an arrangement to make him stay in a rest room inside the main building before he's led in on the right time.

Eventually, the crown prince and Yeteria Wazbon, along with six royal knights and ten Wazrof knights arrived at the venue.

One trouble arose here.

One of the knights escorting the crown prince proposed to have the crown prince go to the balcony as it would be a sorry state of affair for the Marquis of Mashajain to commit a transgression of lording over the crown prince from above.

Since he didn't say it out loud, only those who were very close by could hear him, but Lecan's ears picked it up.

Jinga, the chief knight of Wazrof talked to this knight in question. Manfrey had elected Jinga as one of the bodyguards from Wazrof for the crown prince amidst all the hustle bustle of this day. By the way, this would be the last day of Jinga's role as Wazrof Chief Knight, from tomorrow on he would retire and follow Norma back to Vouka as a mere old man.

Jinga spoke with a loud and sonorous voice of a veteran commander.

"As the one tasked with escorting his highness to this courtyard, I offer my deepest apologies for making his highness harbor the misunderstandings to put the blame on the host of this most auspicious ceremony, by not bringing your highness, related not to the brides nor the bridegroom, to the balcony. Please off this wrinkled neck of mine for this effrontery."

After saying that, he took off his helmet and knelt down before the crown prince.

Yeteria whispered something to the crown prince, then the crown prince helped the kneeling Jinga stand up and apologized for the unnecessary remark his knight uttered.

There's no telling what they were planning by making the crown prince go up to the balcony. He might declare that the royal family would bear all the cost today. Or perhaps he would narrate how adventurer Lecan had received the silver green medal from the king as someone he favors.

Either way, there's no doubt it was an effort to give the impression that the royal family and Lecan are close. And had the crown prince managed to get to the balcony, no one could have stopped him from making the speech.

But thanks to Jinga, this ploy was foiled.

In fact he clearly stated that Lecan and royal family had no relationship whatsoever, heard by all the guests. This was likely a lone rash act by the crown prince's knight. The reason why the old and wise Yeteria was sent together with the crown prince was definitely to have him negotiate into putting the crown prince onto the balcony. But their scheme ended up in failure due to the hastiness of this knight.

The prime minister would surely put on a bitter face once he heard this.

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