Chapter 31

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the second-floor gallery of a large hall.

Below the ornate railing, people in various outfits were gathered.

And it wasn’t just one person.

"Guests have arrived!"

"It’s the Savior!"

"The hero of our town has come!"

It seemed I was being welcomed with great enthusiasm.

The lower floor was in an uproar.

"What’s going on with these people?"

"They are the influential figures of this town and high-ranking adventurers."

"Huh, so these kinds of people are gathered here. But..."

"Thank you, thank you, Savior...!"

"Bring some drinks! Bring my drinks! I must treat this savior of lives!"

Some were bowing, and others were shedding tears.

Why has it turned into such a festive commotion?

Yeah, I feel like I’m being celebrated.

"That’s what I told you, didn’t I? You saved the town."

"I don’t really feel it, though."

"The White Dragon King and the flying dragons had come within a few kilometers of this capital. Many were prepared to die. Most of the people here have seen the Dragon King’s breath, which turned part of the forest to ash. It was utter chaos."

I see. So that was the situation. But...

"Huh? What?"

...The one who caused all this chaos is right next to me now.

I guess it’s better not to say anything. There’s no point in mentioning it.

As I was thinking this, Hestia was looking out a window in the back of the room, away from the crowd.

"Then, I’ll go outside through that window."

"Oh, right, you need to get the materials for the staff, don’t you?"

"Yeah, I’ll be back in a few minutes."

"Got it, go ahead."

"Then, I’m off."

With that, Hestia jumped out of the second-floor window.

"Is it okay to let her go alone? The area around the castle is safe, but it’s getting dark."

"Yeah, she’ll be fine."

After all, she’s the one who caused the chaos in this town.

If something happened to her, I think the town would be in even worse shape.

"Alright. If you say so, then it’s fine... Anyway, please come this way."

Dianeia led me to the back of the room, where Hestia had just left, away from the crowd.

"Huh? Are you going to give the award here?"

"Yeah, I thought about doing it downstairs at first, but... the people are more enthusiastic than I expected. To avoid confusion, I and the head of the Magic Knights will present the award to you."

With that, Dianeia snapped her fingers.

Then, a middle-aged man in silver armor came up from the first floor and closed the door.

When he saw my face, he extended his hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Earth Pulse. I am Oct, the head of the Magic Knights. It’s an honor to meet you, hero. I look forward to working with you."

"Sure thing. Nice to meet you."

As I shook his hand, it started to tremble.

His face was pale,

"Ha... ha..."

and his breathing became heavy.

Honestly, it’s really creepy.

So I let go of his hand and took a couple of steps back. Oct started breathing deeply, as if he had been freed from a state of breathlessness.

"Hey, Dianeia. Is this some kind of ritual?"

"Ah, sorry! It seems that touching you directly affected him with your magic power."

Come on, it was just a handshake.

Give me a break.

"U-um, sorry. Your magic power is truly formidable. Even when you’re exhausted, it’s still this strong."

The head of the knights was sweating profusely.

I feel like I’m being treated like a wild beast.

"I guess I’ve gotten too used to you and forgotten what a normal person would feel. --Are you okay, head of the knights?"

"Y-yes, I apologize, Princess. However, as the head of the knights, I will stand here until the ceremony is over!"

With that, Oct stood stiffly at the edge of the room. Despite being in a state of collapse just a moment ago, he had an incredible amount of determination.

"Alright... Then, I’ll start the award ceremony... Earth Pulse. If you don’t mind, could you tell me your name?"

"Huh? Why?"

I don’t really mind being called Earth Pulse.

Why do I have to tell you my name? I need a reason.

"...I want to know your name. I want to know about the person who saved me twice."

Dianeia said this with a slight blush.

I don’t really feel like I saved anyone.

But since I was asked, I’ll answer.

"My name is ‘Daiichi’."

"Daiichi... Daiichi. It sounds good. It’s a fitting name for the master of the Earth Pulse."

It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve used my own name.

I don’t mind being complimented.

"Alright, then, Lord Daiichi. I will now begin the award and blessing ceremony."

And so, my award ceremony began.