The horses were limited, only six left to pull the wagon of items and…. the dead bodies we could retrieve. Hence, we traveled on foot back to the town.
"It's tiring to walk back but all our horses either ran away or got eaten by the monsters," said Arthur that suddenly popped behind me.
"That can't be helped," I replied, controlling my expressions as to not seem too happy to see him. "Everyone struggled to even keep their own life, doesn't have time to think about horses!"
"Haha, indeed!" Arthur chuckled, rather amused with the remarks.
Despite agreeing, one of the six horses left is his. After all, he is an exceptional knight, not only in the march but the whole kingdom! Our first encounter might've made it looked like he was having a hard time against the monsters, but that was only because it had been weeks into the Scourge. He is one of the handful people that could actually go on par with Lucius, albeit losing at the end.
"However," Arthur continued, "walking home isn't so bad, right? We brought back victory, after all! How could a few steps be a problem?"
"I guess you're right," I nodded before adding to his point, "and there's people waiting, too."
*Maybe being welcomed by the town's people won't be so bad,* I thought.
Arthur nods enthusiastically, showing his absolute agreement. The mention of 'people waiting' had widened the smile on his face, making him beaming with joy.
"There's someone I've been wanting to see," He raised his face up to the sky, feeling the breeze against it. "Ah….it's been such a long time!"
I could guess who it was, considering that person was mentioned quite a few times in the novel. How I wish I could be the one to put that expression on his face, but of course, if he's happy, I'm happy, too.
The journey back was far more time-consuming compared to the one before. The troop continued to walk the miles, took a break once and proceeded after a short rest. Everyone is eager to return as soon as possible! Once we passed the border made during the Scourge, the horns blew from the town and people start to gather.
"The knights have returned!" A maiden shouted excitedly.
"Thank you for protecting us, heroes!" A butcher with a bear-built whistled.
The crowd cheered so enthusiastically, their voice echoed through the space. Flower petals floated on the air, like a confetti in the modern days. Perhaps, it's even better as the fragrance cleared our tired minds, cleansing out the bloody scents.
Despite the merry welcome, I could spot some faces turned glum. Perhaps they failed to find the one they were waiting for. Well, maybe they're all 'rested' in the wagon.
*I may not know you, but you have my condolences.*
Some cry tears of joy, some despair. However, one thing is certain. Everyone is glad now that the dark days had come to an end. Families reunited, families grieving and families formed. Just look at that knight over there, proposing with a broken leg. Maybe they had made a promise before the Scourge. Oh, she accepted the ring! Glad you're alive, bud.
*And there's me, just flowing through the parade like the Villager 1 I am,* I sighed slightly, having nothing to look forward for.
"Dame," Arthur popped up once again, this time actually took me by surprise."Why are you so gloomy? Lift up your spirit a bit!"
He took my arm swiftly and raised it up, waving to the crowd. He, himself is looking as cheerful as ever, wagging his tail if he ever had one. I let out a small chuckle, willingly greeting the people, too. From the far corner of the swarming citizens, I could spot a couple of kids, looking in mesmerisation. One even said something that I read as 'I want to be like them when I grow up!'
*No, kid,* I can't help but grimaced at the statement, *Don't be a knight. It's bad for your heart.*
*What a bad example,* condemned entity.
*It's the truth,* I shrugged it off.
If there's one thing that I regret, it was that I didn't get to meet Louie before returning. If I'm not mistaken, he would be returning to his orphanage in the Willowfield Barony. Should I just go there and adopt the cutesy little pie?
After assembling all the knights together, we proceeded with the post-war ceremonies. Let's just skip it 'cause formal things sucks.
After surviving the procedures, I went on my own to the female knight's dorm, looking for my room. Each room has the knight's name, plated on the door. There's no 'Catherine' but an empty room, instead. I suppose it's fair that there's no room for the non-existent Catherine. It just doesn't add up how the people are acting so familiar with me.
"At least the room is clean," I gave an approving nod at the surprisingly well-kept room.
*But your previous apartment was like a pigsty,* scoffed entity.
"If you don't have anything good to say, just remain quiet."
After yet another banter with entity, I pulled myself out of the metal armour, relishing at the freeing sensation. Not minding to tidy it up, I laid flat on the single bed, staring at the wooden ceiling.
"I'll ask for my name plate next time," I muttered. "Let's just say…that it got eaten by termites, yeah, logical!"
When everything had become so peaceful, I can't help but began to overthink again. The gears in my head began to spin as I tried to make sense of what had happened, putting the pieces together. I woke up in a book I've read, fought for the ending scenario and basically reached the end of the book. Does that mean I'm living in the yet-to-be-released side story? Not gonna lie, but it's surprisingly a great experience!
*Ah, I should rest,* I thought as my eyelids grew heavier. *Tonight, I'm escorting Lucius to the ball ~ *
Wrapped by the rather soft blanket, I dozed off in no time.
In my dream, I was laying flat on a black-mosaic tiles that had shattered to pieces. The charred dark wall and the stained-glass window filled my view. It's by no doubt the crumbling Demon King's castle, albeit the peculiar angle. A sobbing sound nearby, cold and sharp sensation on my heart. Did I got stabbed? Who is crying? They sound so exasperately distressed! It pains me more to hear their breaking voice despite being on the verge of death myself.
*KNOCK! KNOCK!*
I jolted up with a single tear trickling down my eyes. It's already evening, maybe someone came to remind me of the ball. Groggily getting up and opened the door, I was greeted by the bright smile of Arthur Everglen.
"Dame," he greeted, "I heard that you will be accompanying the Marquess. Here's the official knight's outfit!"
"Oh," I glanced down at the neatly-hanged outfit in his hand. It was a red uniform with the Leonhart family's crest on its sleeve. I hope it fits.
"Thank you!"
I expressed my gratitude before taking the uniform, observing its design. Perhaps I was too distracted by it that I didn't notice him staring curiously.
"How come you don't have it, dame?" Arthur asked. "The Marquess ordered me to hand you one as soon as we arrived."
"Oh, that," my brain began to rack some possible lies before settling on one. "Since we didn't use it much, mine got eaten by termites."
Before I could continue, he threw yet another question, "And your room tag isn't there…I had to ask around to find you."
"That…" I laughed emptily before repeating, "…is also termites."
Arthur's eyebrows got knitted together as if not buying it. I was cooking up yet another lie when he suddenly expressed his concern on the issue,"… you've got a serious termites problem, dame."
*Thank god, he believed it!* I cheered in my head.
"That's what I'm saying, haha! Terrible, isn't it?" I grinned sheepishly, scratching my right ear out of habit everytime I lied through my teeth.
"It does sounds bad," he nodded before pulling out his pocket watch, looking at the time. The pocket watch was one coated in silver, with patterns of the water waves engraved on its back. Tiny sapphires encircled the frame, adding on to its luxurious looks. He's noble, yeah, almost forgotten about it due to the Scourge.
"I think I should get ready," I said.
"Ah, yes, of course!" Arthur snapped his pocket watch to a close and tucked it in his pocket. "I also need to get ready."
"Oh, you're one of the accompanying knights, too, aren't you?"
"Usually I am," he replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "But tonight, I'm going as the third son of Viscount Everglen."
"Right, going with your title, huh? Should I use honorifics now?" I teased.
"Oh, please dame," Arthur chuckled, waving the idea away. "Don't throw that to my face! Just be comfortable!"
"Haha, I'll gladly be then!"
Arthur gave his large, trademark smile before we part ways. Yup, that charming smile of Arthur Everglen. I relished on the time spent with him, all the way until he disappeared from my sight. Pushing the door to a close, I leaned on it while humming a soft tune.
*What a nice evening,* I let out a deep breath, replaying the brief conversation we had.