As the hero's party approached the city gate, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, their cheers echoing against the stone walls of the castle. Benimaru, Flicker, and Kanade waved back at the enthusiastic onlookers, basking in the adoration of the people. Meanwhile, Hina remained hidden within the confines of the carriage, observing the scene with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.
Peering out from behind the curtains, Hina couldn't help but wonder about the hero's reputation in the kingdom of Ingrasya. She turned to Benimaru, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What is your reputation in this kingdom?" she asked, her gaze fixed on him. "And why is your party being praised so much?"
Benimaru grinned proudly, his chest swelling with pride. "We are known as dragon slayers and wyvern slayers," he explained, his voice brimming with confidence. "We have slain monsters that threatened the safety of the kingdom, including those lurking dangerously close to the castle walls. We've even participated in expeditions to clear out goblin hives."
Hina nodded, understanding the source of the hero's party's acclaim. "Ah, I see," she remarked, impressed by their accomplishments. "That's quite impressive."
As the carriage came to a stop at their destination, Hina stepped out onto the cobblestone streets, her gaze sweeping over the bustling cityscape. The hero's party was greeted with cheers and applause, the people of Ingrasya welcoming them with open arms.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Hina couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her. Her uniform, already worn and tattered from the battles she had faced, stood as a stark reminder of her tumultuous journey. She knew that her actions back at the academy had left a mark, yet the hero's party remained oblivious to her true identity.
As they made their way towards the castle gates, Hina was surprised to find herself invited to join them in an audience with the king. Grateful for the opportunity to rest and refresh herself, she accepted the invitation, eager to wash away the dust and grime of travel.
Before meeting the king, Hina decided to indulge in a moment of respite, immersing herself in the soothing waters of the castle's hot springs. The steam rose around her, enveloping her in a blanket of warmth as she sank into the rejuvenating embrace of the water.
As she soaked in the tranquil atmosphere of the hot springs, a butler approached, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Hina's worn uniform. "Are you a princess, my lady?" he asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
Hina shook her head, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "No, I am just a regular commoner," she replied, her voice soft but resolute.
The butler seemed unconvinced, his gaze lingering on Hina's features with a sense of recognition. "That is impossible," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "The way your body and hair look, you could pass for a foreign princess from another kingdom."
Hina shrugged off his words, dismissing them with a wave of her hand. "Perhaps," she replied cryptically, her mind drifting to thoughts of her past and the secrets that lay hidden within her.
With a polite nod, the butler left Hina to enjoy her bath, his parting words echoing in her mind. "Enjoy your time in the hot springs, my lady," he said with a bow. "You deserve a moment of relaxation after your journey."
After Hina finished bathing in the kingdom's hot springs, she was greeted by five eager servant girls who eagerly offered to dress her up. Excitement filled the air as they led Hina into the dressing room, their voices bubbling with anticipation. As they carefully adorned her in a maid's dress, Hina reminded them to be gentle, guiding their hands away from sensitive areas.
Emerging from the dressing room, Hina's stunning appearance left the hero's party speechless. Benimaru's jaw dropped in awe, his eyes widening at the sight of Hina's transformation. Dramatically, he dropped to one knee, exclaiming, "My princess!" But Hina quickly waved off his theatrics, insisting that she was not royalty. Benimaru chuckled, the tension broken by his laughter, as they proceeded to the king's throne room.
As they entered the throne room, an announcer heralded the arrival of the hero's party, and all eyes turned to greet them with respect. The king, seated upon his throne, bestowed upon them rewards of grace and gold, and the hero's party bowed in gratitude. Hina, too, bowed respectfully, addressing the king as "my king."
However, when the king's gaze fell upon Hina, his expression lit up with recognition and joy. "Are you Celistia and Carrion's daughter?" he exclaimed, his voice ringing out with excitement. The hero's party exchanged surprised glances, shocked by the king's unexpected reaction. Hina felt a bead of sweat trickle down her forehead, her heart pounding in her chest.
Despite Hina's denial, the king insisted that she bore a striking resemblance to the divine beings worshipped by the kingdom. The people in the hall murmured amongst themselves, their curiosity piqued by Hina's uncanny likeness to the revered deities. Undeterred by Hina's protests, the king insisted on treating her to a grand banquet in celebration.
As the festivities continued, the hero's party struggled to comprehend the revelation. Though they remained skeptical, they couldn't ignore the undeniable impact Hina had made on the king and the people of the kingdom. With no concrete evidence to confirm or refute the king's claims, they could only marvel at the mysterious enigma that was Hina.
As the banquet commenced, the hero took the opportunity to speak with the king, addressing the grim reality of the academy's destruction. The king listened intently as the hero recounted the lack of survivors and speculated on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the catastrophe. Benimaru pondered aloud, his voice tinged with uncertainty, as he considered the possibility of someone buying time for the others to escape.
The atmosphere in the banquet hall was filled with speculation and intrigue, the murmurs of the guests blending with the soft music playing in the background. The aroma of sumptuous dishes wafted through the air, tantalizing the senses of all who were gathered. Savory meats, delicate pastries, and rich sauces mingled in a symphony of flavors, enticing even the most discerning palate.
Amidst the conversation, the king chuckled heartily, dismissing the notion that a lone survivor could have played such a pivotal role in the chaos. His laughter echoed through the grand hall, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the rustle of silk garments. The ambiance was one of opulence and grandeur, befitting the royal court.
The hero joined in the laughter, though his expression betrayed a hint of forced joviality as he entertained the speculative theory. Despite the lighthearted facade, an undercurrent of tension lingered beneath the surface, leaving the hero and his party pondering the mysteries of the academy's demise. Each member of the party was acutely aware of the gravity of the situation, their senses attuned to the subtle cues and nuances of the unfolding events.
*To be continue *