"The Nobels have finally settled down," Theodor chuckled, taking a leisurely sip of wine.
"Can you blame them, Theodor? Their king was injured not too long ago. I had a feeling your actions were aggressive, but I never expected you to go that far."
Look at this king, carefree and unaffected, still smiling and laughing like a fool. I let out a sigh, contemplating the trouble I'd gotten myself into by befriending such a reckless companion. Yet, despite it all, I couldn't deny the happiness I felt from this newfound friendship.
"Stalworth, perhaps I'm a fool too," I burst into laughter, my gaze fixed on the king.
"I'm glad you're aware of that, Your Majesty," Stalworth muttered to himself.
"Hoy! I heard that, you muscle-bound beast!" I playfully slapped Stalworth on the back as he grinned and chuckled. Ahh, when was the last time I had so much fun? I've been consumed by the burdens of rebuilding Zephyrion after the previous king squandered our wealth on wars and women. It's as if I had forgotten the true meaning of rest in these past few years.
After our encounters with various nobles alongside Theodor, the king introduced me to the Duke and the brother of his wife, Percival Glenmore.
Percival was not an unattractive human, and his manners were far from lacking. Though his posture seemed slightly sluggish, perhaps due to his old age, his physique remained robust, and his countenance bore the glow of a noble who hadn't faced much hardship in life.
Yet, there was something undeniably familiar about him that caught my attention. I could almost sense the aroma of the human girl I had met over a decade ago.
"Your Majesty, is something amiss?" Percival nervously inquired, noticing my lingering gaze.
"It's nothing, Duke Glenmore. Please forgive my absentmindedness." Finally, Glenmore relaxed as his concerns dissipated.
Could he be related to that human girl? My sense of smell seldom betrays me. Unlike humans, we beast folk rely more on our olfactory senses than our eyes. That's why even if someone's appearance changes over the years, we can still recognize them by their scent.
"Duke Glenmore, if you don't mind, could you confirm whether you have a daughter in her mid-20s?" Perhaps my phrasing was amiss? Stalworth, Theodor, and Glenmore were left flabbergasted, with Stalworth even turning pale.
"Ahem... I apologize. I should have framed my question more appropriately. The reason I ask is that I sense a strikingly familiar scent emanating from you. One of my companions was saved by a young woman who bore a remarkably similar fragrance to yours."
The Duke swiftly took a whiff of himself before awkwardly responding, "I see. I've always heard that beast folk possess a keen sense of smell, capable of discerning individuals by scent alone. Your Majesty, I do indeed have a daughter of that age, although she is not with me at present. If you wish to meet her, I can arrange a visit to the Royal Castle with my daughter."
Glenmore bowed slightly, his head lowered in response to my request. "Is that so? I am scheduled to depart for my kingdom tomorrow, but given that the Duke resides near the city, could we stop by your residence to express our gratitude to your daughter?"
"I would be delighted, Your Majesty. I will eagerly await your call in the morning, whenever you are prepared to depart." Glenmore bid us farewell, bowing before he left to greet other nobles.
Subsequently, Stalworth and I retired to the Royal Guest rooms to rest for the night. However, sleep eluded me entirely. All weariness and drowsiness dissipated, replaced by overwhelming anticipation of possibly reuniting with the girl who once saved my life.
Will I finally have the chance to see her again? The mere thought fills me with an intoxicating mix of joy and anticipation, evident by the radiant smile adorning my face. Ahh, I must appear like a child, eagerly awaiting this long-anticipated reunion. I wonder, will she remember me?
"Good morning, Your Majesty. Sir Stalworth has requested permission to visit you." The royal butler entered, respectfully greeting me. Oh, it's already morning? I scarcely slept last night. Nevertheless, the prospect of meeting the lady stirs an undeniable eagerness within me.
"Allow him entry, and please make preparations for a bath." The royal butler nodded and departed, while Stalworth entered the room.
"Your Majesty, King Theodor, and Duke Glenmore await our presence. We shouldn't keep them waiting for too long," Stalworth's words dripped with sincerity, as always.
"It appears I may have indulged in too much wine last night, causing me to oversleep. Let me hasten my preparations."
Stalworth patiently waited as I hurriedly readied myself in the guest room. We then set off to bid farewell to Theodor, who awaited us at the entrance.
"You took your time, Sorcarius. It seems you imbibed a bit too much wine last night," Theodor smiled, his words laced with a hint of sarcasm concealed beneath his concern. Glenmore greeted me warmly.
I released a sigh, lowering my head in acknowledgment. "Please accept my apologies for revealing this side of my character, Theodor." Ahh, mere words fail to convey the depth of my embarrassment at this moment. Look at their faces—they are all inwardly chuckling, especially Theodor and Stalworth.
"I will miss you, my friend. Do not hesitate to visit Eldorium whenever you need respite," Theodor embraced me, resembling an older brother bidding farewell to his younger sibling before parting ways.
Theodor's presence had always exuded warmth and kindness, yet it was the first time I tangibly felt its effect. I couldn't help but find solace in the embrace, returning it with genuine gratitude.
"I shall visit you, not as a king, but as a friend." Theodor and I shared smiles, erupting into laughter, while Stalworth and Glenmore also bid their farewells to the king. Together, we climbed into the carriage and departed from the opulent halls of the Royal Castle.
Farewell, my dear friend. I beseech the spirits to bestow upon you a long and prosperous life. Silently, I offered my heartfelt wishes as we left behind the vibrant capital of Eldorium.