It had been a few hours since the confrontation between the two armies had started. I really couldn't tell if we had the advantage or not. The only thing I had been doing in those hours was waving my sword. But even though I was fighting, I wasn't killing; basically, I was in the back rows. John hadn't allowed me to go to the main field, so I was in the rear, incapacitating the few enemies that managed to get through the formation or that came around.
Overall, I was anxious. I didn't know if we were winning or losing, and the screams of people being cut down continued. I knew that having no casualties would be impossible, but it was still difficult to witness this firsthand. But still, I don't regret what I did.
If I didn't do this, it would be a one-sided battle where we would surely be the losers. Time went by while the shouts of soldiers echoed in the distance. The sun in the distance was getting lower and lower, showing that the end of the day was coming.
While I was distracted in thought, a loud and deafening scream woke me up. As I looked ahead, I saw a soldier coming towards me. As I was wearing a helmet and armor, he probably didn't know I was a child, but from my height, he must have realized I was quite short. With these thoughts, some questions came to my mind.
(If he knew I was a child, would he stop his attack?)
Putting this thought out of my mind, I intercepted the knight's sword that attacked me and swung it down. With that, the knight passed me and went to the rear, where he was stopped by other knights.
(I really should thank them for not killing the knights we are incapacitating)
As this thought was going through my head, loud shouts were heard from the front. As I looked ahead, I saw that John had a sword around a man's neck. Judging by the reaction of our side and the enemy, he must be the commander. A smile spread across my face as I witnessed this scene.
(We did it. It's finally over)
With this thought, all the anxiety that was in my body drained away, making me almost fall off the horse. After all this happened, we got caught up with the enemy forces. As this part had nothing to do with me, I wouldn't help arrest the prisoners. I also didn't know what they would do with the prisoners, but I was confident that they wouldn't kill them.
Anyway, at this point, we were returning to Solaris with plenty of excitement amongst us. The air around everyone was of warriors returning with victory. In this respect, I was no different. I was wondering what Emi would think when she knew that the plan had worked.
As soon as we arrived in town, we were greeted by the citizens with euphoric shouts. Everyone was congratulating us on the victory. The soldiers were waving back to the citizens as we walked. The air around the city was very festival-like. As soon as we arrived at the castle, the enemy commander along with some other soldiers was taken somewhere, while John ordered me to stand by. And so, John went inside while I waited with the others.
In the distance, it was possible to hear the euphoria of the citizens that had not yet ceased, they were probably quite afraid of what the outcome of this war could cause in their lives. So, when we returned with the victory, they released all the anxiety they felt at once. After waiting a few minutes, John finally returned with good news. He said that the royal family had authorized a banquet in the order of the knights to celebrate the victory.
As soon as they heard this, all the soldiers let out euphoric shouts as they thought about how much they would drink and how much meat they would eat. I could only show a smile on my face, seeing all the excitement of the soldiers.
"Ren, His Majesty is summoning you"
John said suddenly as he looked at me. Putting a serious expression on my face, I nodded to John and soon got off my horse. After that, I started walking through the castle while being guided by a maid. In a few minutes, we were at a door that was quite familiar to me.
It was the same door I had seen when I first came to the palace. As soon as the door was opened, I walked down the long red carpet towards the thrones. On either side of me were several old gentlemen whom I considered to be noblemen of Solaris. Once I got close enough to the thrones, I knelt down while keeping my head lowered.
"You may raise your head"
hearing the king's voice, I raised my head and looked toward the royal family. This time they were all gathered together, looking at me: the king, the queen, and Asia looked at me with warm smiles on their faces. Emi, as usual, kept an indifferent expression, while Albert looked at me with analytical eyes. Meanwhile, the last member of the royal family looked at me with enthusiasm.
(How to say... the royal family of this kingdom is quite distinguished)
I thought as I looked at them.
"Ren, the kingdom thanks you for your help in the war between Storne and Solaris. Your idea was a decisive factor in deciding the victory in this battle"
Said the king with a smile on his face.
"I thank you for your words, Your Majesty"
I said while looking at the king. Hearing my words, the king nodded and started to think about something.
"I was thinking for quite a while about what would be a suitable reward for someone who has improved the daily lives of the citizens immensely. I was thinking about giving you a cash reward, but I think we all know that money is not something you lack"
Said the king.
"So, after thinking, I have made a decision... Ren, with my authority as the king of the Solaris kingdom, I give you the title of baron. From today, your name will be Ren Orquídes Solaris"
Said the king, to the surprise of all the nobles. Although I was also a little surprised, this surprise was replaced by a joy that came from inside me. I had finally reached the starting point.