The Wallabach Expedition has traveled far and wide through the Forest of Welcome Fangs, searching for hiding orcs. After a week in the forest, they found and killed five orcs.
Then another week passed. No more orcs were found. Warchief Arich decided that the orcs of the Forest of Illusory Fangs had been destroyed and ordered them to return home.
The sound of a ram's horn echoed through the forest, announcing their return. The cavalry rolled up their tents, took down their weapons, and loaded them onto wagons. The soldiers were happy to receive their paychecks for the duration of the expedition, whether they fought or not.
The Wallabies successfully completed their mission and began to disband, with only 35,000 men surviving from a total force of 50,000.
The expedition had taken a heavy toll, but it had accomplished its mission. The expedition headed for Castle Griffenstein and began the march home.
The march to Castle Griffenstein would take more than twenty days. General Arich slowed the pace of the march to keep his men healthy. He ordered them to stay in line while marching. They shouldn't be seen walking out of line or shuffling, he said. Even if the marchers took frequent breaks, Arichi would not have them march in a disheveled fashion.
At the back of the 5th Division's procession were Rousseau, Aldes, Wallo, and Vibe.
"When we return to the castle, I'll deliver Dalbry's belongings to his family."
Vibe said.
"Good. Vaibo, since you were close to Dalbry, you should do that."
Russo said.
Russo had heard many compliments from the other troop leaders about Aldeth's performance in the Forest of Welcome Fangs. Thanks to Aldeth, the reputation of the Fifth has grown.
Russo was saddened that his lord's brother, Walfo, had died in battle. He had heard that he had been surrounded by six orcs. Four soldiers could take on one Toya orc, and if they were attacked by six orcs, Aldeth would be the only one who could survive.
"Aldeth, you have defeated the orcs of the Forest of Illusory Fangs, and now you are free, congratulations."
Russo patted Aldeth on the shoulder with pride.
"Thank you, it was a team effort."
"But everyone in the expedition knows you deserve the lion's share of the credit!"
"I assure you. Aldeth's exploits against Wallabach will be set to song, sung by the bards."
Wallo said.
"Aldes, when do you plan to leave Castle Griffenstein?"
Rousseau asked.
"I'm in no hurry," said Aldes, "but it's strange how people think they're free from hostages and free to leave Castle Griffenstein."
"That's because you have a hard heart, don't you remember when you first came, we didn't get along."
Walo said.
Aldeth listened, and realized that Wallo had a point. The expedition to Wallaibach was a great success. The debts of House Boldo were forgiven, and with the debt forgiven, Aldeth himself was freed from hostage, and he had the opportunity to unleash the power he had gained in the Boundary Forest, and he was able to put Wulfo to death for insulting Burgelia without anyone suspecting a thing.
It would not be difficult for Aldeth to kill Wolffo himself in the Forest of Illusory Fangs, but if anyone saw him do so, he would be imprisoned, not to mention the debt of House Boldo would be forgiven, even if the expedition to Wallabach was successful.
Aldeth now knew what his fate would be. Ragnarok could happen anywhere in the world. Aldeth plans to travel the world.
He wants to find his childhood friend, Burgelia, who was forced into slavery for the crime of being too good-looking for her station.
After a long march, the Wallabach expedition is only four kilometers from Castle Griffenstein. Faval had sent word of the expedition's return to the castle earlier.
The castle organized a colorful homecoming ceremony. The towns near the castle were overflowing with people celebrating the expedition. The lords of House Gerho, the families of the lords under Gauto, and their vassals were all waiting for them at the gates.
Shouts of congratulations for the expedition rang out from the village. Those in the castle heard the shouts from the village and knew that the expedition was near.
Through the pavilion, news of Aldeth's great deeds had also reached them. The lord of House Gerho, Gauto, and his treasurer, Tuoli, stood side by side inside the castle gates, waiting for the expedition.
"As you know, my lord, this expedition is a very expensive one, with a large number of troops mobilized."
Tuoli said to Gauto.
"I have never spent so much money in my life."
"Yes, my lord, when I looked at the financial papers, I had no idea that so much money had gone into the war, much more than I expected. Between the comfort money for the soldiers who died and the medical expenses for the wounded, we're lucky this expedition was successful."
"You're right. They say Aldeth's performance was tremendous."
"Who would have thought that Aldes, barely a boy, could be so strong!"
The expedition finally arrived at Castle Wallabach. The musicians sounded a fanfare and played lively music. Confetti and doves flew over the castle. Red, yellow, and blue colored paper and doves filled the sky.
It was as if the heavens were waving and congratulating the expedition on their successful return. For the next three days, celebrations would take place in all the banquet rooms of Wallabach Castle.
Riding at the front of the expedition, Captain Arichi dismounted his horse and walked up to Lord Gauto when he saw him.
"The Wallabach Expedition, we have successfully completed our mission and returned home."
Arichi said as he knelt down in front of Gauto.
Gouto grabbed Arichi's hand and pulled him to his feet.
"You did well, Arichi. Thank you."
Gouto clasped Arichi's hand in his own and raised his hands in the air.
"Hurrah, hurrah."
As the lord shouted, everyone around him joined in.
- Hail, hail, hail
The expedition was so large that they had to split up into the various banquet rooms of Castle Griffenstein.
The expedition's captain and below, the troop leaders, and the 5th, 2nd, 8th, 23rd, 26th, and 39th, which had performed well, made their way to the great hall, while the rest of the expedition and the retinue were divided among the castle's various banquet rooms.
"My lord has a word for you, everyone, fill your glasses."
Once everyone invited to the great hall was seated, the speaker spoke.
People filled their goblets with ale, wine, and honeyed wine to their liking.
"This expedition, the expedition to Walleibach, was an expedition of hope for all of us. Wallabach may be on the fringes, but if the orcs have taken Wallabach, there's no telling when they'll come for the other cities. We sent an expedition to Wallabach with all the manpower and money we could muster.
With the help of the heavens and the earth, the expedition we hoped for has returned home after slaying countless orcs, and we could not be happier. Cheers, all."
As Gauto finished speaking, everyone toasted with those around them.
Captain Arichi raised his glass and walked over to where Gouto was.
"Uh. Welcome home, Captain. You've been working hard."
"The soldiers fought hard in this expedition, but the cavalry also played a big role."
"I know, and I'll be sure to recognize their efforts."
"And my lord... I apologize for not being able to return with Wolpo. If I had been more careful, Wolpo could have been safe."
Gouto had already heard of Wolpo's death. He was saddened by his brother's death, but the good news was that he didn't have a wife and children.
"It would have been better if Wolpo had come back alive, but that's not possible."
"I'm sorry for your loss, and I'll try to console you."
Aldes chatted happily with the men of the Fifth, drinking wine and eating food. The food was better than ever. There was plenty of good food, nothing like what they'd eaten while camping. There was lamb, smoked goat, duck stew, and lemon cake.
Aldes realized he would never get a chance to talk to Gauto one-on-one, not now. And Aldes had made the biggest play of the game against Wallabach, and he wanted to share it with Gauthau in person.
Aldes picked up his glass and walked over to where Gauthau was sitting.
"My lord, congratulations."
"Uh. Aldeth, they say you've done a great job."
"I did my best to make sure that we succeeded in destroying the orcs."
"You've done a lot of hard work, Aldeth."
"Everyone who participated in the expedition suffered. So, my lord, the debt to House Boldo will be forgiven as promised?"
"Haha, of course. I must keep my word."
"Then please send an official document to the Boldo family about the debt forgiveness."
"Alright, alright, I'll do that."
Aldeth toasted Gauto and drank a glass of wine.
"Aldes, when you're done talking to the lord, come here."
The bachelor, Aris, said.
"Bachelor, I'm back."
"Yes, Aldeth. I have heard of your great deeds. I'm surprised that you are so skilled with the sword, even though you studied as hard as I did. Well, I suppose you will be leaving here now."
"Yes. It is a pity that I will no longer be taught by the bachelor."
"I'm sorry too. Aldes, I've been thinking about what would be a good parting gift for you."
"A goodbye gift? Haha."
"I noticed in class the other day that you were very interested in solar panels."
"That's right, I was."
"I'll give you a solar panel."
"Oh. Thank you so much. By the way, Mr. Bachelor, do you mind if I ask for the blueprints for the solar panel?"
"The blueprints? Okay. I'll transcribe the plans and give them to you."
"Thank you very much. Mr. Bachelor."
"No, I thank you. Without Aldeth, the expedition could not have succeeded."
"That's true."
Aris patted Aldeth on the head. Aldeth drank a glass of wine with Aris in a toast. A girl's voice sounded nearby.
"Aldeth, congratulations, you've done well."
Sitting nearby, Aladdif said.
"Oh, Aladdif. It's been a while, and you're even cuter."
"Aldeth, now that we have returned from our successful expedition to Wallabach, I see no reason to stay here."
"Aladdif, why, are you sad to see me go?"
Aladdif had trained with Aldes and they had become very close.
"Pii, I'm sorry, but are you hurt?"
Aldes spread his arms wide.
"Look. I'm fine. I'm not hurt."
"That's impressive, but kind of scary that you're unharmed after all that fighting."
Next to Aladdif was Rato. Rato wanted to talk to Aldeth, but for some reason he found it difficult.
Aldeth held out his glass to Rato.