Chapter 31

The magic airship "Moonlit Beauty" still served as a temporary government base for the Rev Magic Empire.

(Lark must be somewhere around here... I wonder if Lady Eva is here too.)

As I walked down the narrow, long corridor, I was thinking about such things. After the Red Gate closed, when I returned to the End Fang, Lark was already gone. Apparently, she had been taken away by her air pirate comrades and a noble lady for treatment. Thinking about the few words I had exchanged with Lark, it seemed the "noble lady" was Lady Eva. I wondered when they had developed a connection... It was quite a mystery.

Lark's six-star天赋珠玉【Shadow King Magic Sword Technique】indeed seemed to be eroding her body. Even when I recalled my memories and confirmed it with 【All Things】, I reached the same conclusion. If we didn't remove that天赋珠玉from Lark... her body would eventually be unable to bear it. She had been pushing herself to the limit in battle.

"——Rage, Rage?"

"Ah, y-yes!"

"You must pay attention; such things are a matter of etiquette."

While I was lost in thought, we had arrived at the antechamber for the audience. There, we received an explanation of the procedures for the upcoming audience. However, it wasn't just that. Dantes, who was the most disheveled, was scowled at by a Rev servant and made to change his clothes. "Etiquette is important," Dantes had said, but his appearance didn't seem to match the etiquette. He was wiped down, his stubble shaved, and his hair tidied. Once he put on a simple jacket with a red base and slim trousers, Dantes looked like a completely different, impressive adult. I was only made to tidy my hair, and I thought I might be scolded about my clothes, but the servant grunted and nodded. He must have realized that my and Mimon's clothes followed the traditions of the Halflings. Non was safe because she wore a nun's habit.

"It feels like I'm no longer an adventurer..."

Dantes, who was wearing a tight-fitting jacket that didn't quite fit, said this, but

"Father, you don't usually get to wear such things, so enjoy it."

"Hmm, well, that's true. An adventurer meeting the head of a country is rare, even among those above us, the 'Platinum Rank.'"

Just then, a call came.

"——Adventurer Party 'Silver Scales,' we have arrived."

The door to the antechamber opened simultaneously, leading to a dimly lit corridor. At the end was the entrance to a grand hall, from which a dazzling light shone.

Wow...

I almost let out a sound. The ceiling was so high that it didn't seem like we were on an airship, and chandeliers were shining. They were magic devices, so the light was constant. On either side stood high officials of the Rev, and a golden carpet with geometric patterns led straight to the emperor's throne, which was a few steps up.

(That's the emperor of the Rev Magic Empire...)

The emperor's coat, woven with generous amounts of gold thread, seemed heavy for his advanced age. The crown and golden scepter were placed on a nearby stand. Still, the gaze that pierced through us felt genuine. The presence was overwhelming, far beyond that of anyone else.

"Father, come on."

"O-oh."

Even Dantes seemed intimidated, but Non was calm, pushing his back. She must be used to such situations.

"It's okay, Rage, I'm with you!"

"Mimon, don't pull my clothes..."

Mimon, who was pulling my sleeve, seemed nervous too. I held her hand, and she squeezed it back tightly. She's so cute. It's strange... this person is supposed to be 24 years old...

Following Dantes, Non, I, and Mimon followed. The high officials whispered to each other in hushed voices, which I could barely pick up with my 【Enhanced Hearing】. The content was trivial, like "Those are the adventurers?"

"Here is the 'Silver Scales.'"

At the designated spot in the middle of the room, Dantes knelt on one knee, and we followed suit. An elderly Rev standing next to the emperor spoke. He had a wily look on his face.

"Hmm. I have heard of your remarkable work. The glorious Emperor of the Rev Magic Empire will now address you, so listen as you are."

"Hai."

As we bowed our heads, a hoarse voice was heard after a moment.

"...Despite not being part of the regular army, you have performed as well as a full division. And you have done well for Lulusha."

I was surprised. He specifically mentioned Lulusha. Maybe it was because of the "Heroic Armament," but his tone seemed to favor Lulusha.

"Whether you are adventurers or not, I will evaluate you fairly. This time, your achievements will be awarded the First-Class Medal."

First-Class Medal... that means the highest achievement?

The high officials began to murmur. "Has a First-Class Medal ever been awarded in our country?" "No, I've never heard of it." "Even the discovery of the 'Heroic Armament' was only a Fifth-Class Medal." "So they are on par with national heroes?"

"Silence. This is before the Emperor."

The elderly Rev's words silenced the hall.

"...Normally, I would guarantee you a pension for life in our country, but I doubt you want that. After all, our country is half-destroyed."

We didn't know how to react to his self-deprecating words.

"Tell me what you want. I will grant your wish. If you want honor, I will be your patron and recommend you for 'Heavenly Silver Rank' adventurer status. If you want money, I will provide 3000 imperial gold coins. If you want a 'Magic Armament,' you can choose any, and I will have the guild make it for you. How about it?"

I hadn't expected such rewards.

3000 imperial gold coins would be about 1.5 billion yen.

This was an unprecedented reward for an adventurer.

"May I speak, then?"

Dantes raised his head.