"Gentlemen, you have done well to defeat the plagues of old.

　His Majesty Shamān, in front of us, praises us in a calm voice.

　We are in the audience room of the royal palace in Karanka, the capital of Vega.

　Twenty days have passed since the battle.

　And now we are being thanked by the King of Vega in front of many noblemen and women for what happened.　

　The first audience room we entered was a bit strange.

　We are in the center of the audience chamber, which is a circular space.

　Around it was a waterway.

　Across the canal, there is a circular space with the nobles.

　And across the canal again, this time there's a space where the knights are lined up.

(It's like a temple altar...?)

　That's the impression I got.

　Mr. Kilt and Mr. Arnold are kneeling in front of His Majesty Shamann.

　Behind them, myself, Illtimina, Solstice, Columcude, and Poe are kneeling.

'The Great Beast God bless you all.

　As he says this, His Majesty Shamahn gives each of us a medal on his chest.

　Charyn.

　I can wear it on my chest, too.

"Thank you.

　When I thanked him, His Majesty Shamann responded with a mild smile.

(........A beautiful jewel.

　I stare at the glow that shimmers in my own chest.　

　But.

It's a magic stone, right?

　I had some mixed feelings about its elaborate workmanship and carved identity.

　The magic stone is the symbol of the Vega Country.

　But it is the crystal of the seal left behind by the gods called the 'Holy God Tree'.

''........''

　Regardless of my feelings, the ceremony went on.

　In the course of the ceremony, many things were communicated about the future of the Vega nation.

　First, the official announcement of this matter.

　Until now, it was announced that the reason why the cutting work on the "Holy God Tree" was halted was because there was a danger of it collapsing.

　This time, the reason for this was due to a huge demon that had become a parasite within the crystal.

　This was also because the demonstrators had seen the demon inside the crystal and to make it the reason why Kirt-san and three other Shumurian 'Golden Mark adventurers' had gathered in the country.

　And it was said that the two 'Golden Mark Adventurers' of Vega Country who were summoned in secret were sacrificed in that battle.

(.........I see.)

　It's impossible to announce the truth that the two of them have been made into the 'Demon's Family', isn't it?

　For the past few days, Kirt, Arnold and His Majesty Shamahn have been discussing the details of this kind of lie, and they have decided to make it an official announcement.

　And then.

'The magic stone industry in the Vega Country is set to continue for another 20 years.

　He said.

　In fact, even after defeating 'Demon' and 'Demon Shards', the 'Sealing Crystals' were still there.

　The portion of it that could be used was greatly reduced due to the collapse and damage, but even so, there were apparently enough crystals to support 20 years' worth of industry.

　So the Vega Nation now has 20 years to find the next major industry.

　As a matter of fact, Poe and I were consulted by Mr. Arnold about this matter.

Can we continue to chip away at God's crystals and be allowed to do so?

　And.

　Even though the demon was gone, he seemed to have some hesitation about using the Crystal of the Seal for his country in the future because of his guilt and remorse for his past actions.

　I said.

'I think it's fine.'

　Easily.

　Arnold-san had a surprised look on his face.

''The gods created the 'Sealing Crystals' for people. Their purpose has changed, but there are no more demons, so if they can continue to be useful to people after this, it's fine, right?

The Crystal of the Seal is just a tool, if you put it that way.

　What's important is a heart that honors and appreciates God, and I thought it's fine as long as we don't forget that.

'What do you think, Poe?'
..........

　klik

　There was a feeling that something was about to change.

Disrespect.
..........
But there are no more demons to seal.

　Those light blue eyes look at me.

"And if the closest 'Divine Servant' to a person wishes that, Poe replies, 'No problem.'

　I see.

　We 'Children of God' looked at Mr. Arnold.

'Yes, that's right.'
... (laughs)

　He looked into our eyes.

　Then he nodded widely.

'On behalf of the people of the Vega Nation, I express my deepest gratitude to the great gods for their mercy.

　He put his hands together and knelt down with his head down in front of us in amazement.

　--And so it was decided that the Vega nation would have 20 years to live.

(This is going to be a different country from now on.)

　His Majesty Sherman is old.

　And the next king will be that Arnold.

　I am sure that the country of Vega will face a tumultuous time in the next 20 years.

　I was looking forward to seeing what kind of country would be born after that.

　The medals that shimmer in our hearts may be the 'something' that symbolizes the change in those times.

(...yeah...)

　When I thought that, I felt a little proud of myself for getting this.

　And so the audience ceremony ended successfully.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


Well. Well, the Warriors are going to spend a month in the country on vacation.

　When we returned to the anteroom, Kirto-san declared such a long break.

　In fact, after negotiating with the Vega State government, The Devil's Corpse was able to be taken in by the Shumuria Kingdom.

　It's just that huge body.

　It would take a month to transport that giant to the cargo hold of the 'King's Ship' even with 20 beast carts.

(That's a lot of work...)

　Furthermore, from here, Colonchudo-san can use 'Gravity Reduction Magic', so I'm going to accompany him in that process.

　Of course, I also have to play the role of an escort, so Poe will be with me.

(Is it okay if it's only the four of us who can rest?)

　I thought so, but...

I'm looking forward to more than a vacation because I get to observe a fresh 'demon corpse' up close and personal...　

　High Elf-san said excitedly, and Poe didn't seem to have any objections, so I decided it was a good thing.

　By the way, I heard that the land around the "Sacred God Tree" where the "Devil's Corpse" is located has suffered a lot of damage as a result of the battle.

　First of all, the town that was in that hollow was completely destroyed.

　All the houses were destroyed and burned down, and on top of that, all the tools and equipment for cutting operations were also gone.

(The three 'devil shards' got together and fought.......)

　That magic and spell was amazing.

　Honestly, I don't know how all six of us managed to win without any major injuries.

　And the surrounding land, the terrain has changed quite a bit as well.

　That's why it's still going to take some time for new magic stones to be produced and for the town to recover.

But the future is bright.

　Mr. Arnold laughed when I told him that.

　That the threat of the demon was gone.

　That he has been given a reprieve for a new era again.

　He says that alone makes him hopeful and motivated for the future.

(Yeah.)

　We can only support them, but we hope they do well.

　Well, for this reason, it will be a month before we leave for the Kingdom of Shumuria.

　I'm currently sending a letter to Princess Reclear by pterodactyl.

　I've heard it will be another month before I hear back from her.

Well, you'll just have to take it easy.

　Mr. Kilt laughed.

''As for the movements of the 'Children of Darkness', Arnold has agreed to help us investigate as well. All you Wallahs have to do is sit back and wait.

　Really?

　But I'm not comfortable with the idea of doing nothing.

That's what's wrong with me.

(Huh?)　

　Mr. Kilt smiled annoyedly and

You've got a lot on your shoulders, you know. Drop your load for a change.

　massage (esp. s*xual intercourse)

　She goes around my back and rubs my little shoulder.

　Ah ... it feels kind of nice.

　Everyone was laughing funny at my fuming expression.

　Mr. Quilt's smile deepened and

For a month from today, you'll be just a kid again.
..........
Do you understand?

　massage (esp. s*xual intercourse)

　Ah ... okay.

　I was a bit troubled, but since it was so thoughtful of you, I decided to nod my head honestly.

''Yeah, okay.''
Okay.

　Mr. Kilts nodded.

　bang

　Finally, he tapped me on both shoulders as hard as he could.

　Ouch.........


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　Now, with that said, Mr. Colontude and Poe immediately left for the land where the 'Holy God Tree' was located.

''Well then,''
..........

　flapping

　They both waved and got into the beast car.

'Well, then, Strawberry, do you want to go and work out the details with Arnold?

　With that, the silver-haired beauty also leaves the drawing room.

　Mr. Quilt is that.

　He's like a boss who tells his subordinates to take a good rest while he works hard on his days off.

(We're in a bind, aren't we?)

　I'll give you a good complaint later, yes.

　And so it was only me, Illtimina-san and Solstice in our guest room in the royal palace.

　..........

''What do we do now?''

　I didn't know what to do since I suddenly had a day off.

　Seeing my face at a loss, Illtimina-san smiled prettily with a chuckle, holding her mouth with her white hand.

''Then come out with me.''
What?
Why don't we take a tour of Karanka?

　Oh, that would be nice.

Yeah, I'm coming!

　At my reply, Illtimina-san nodded with satisfaction.

　Then she looks at her sister.

'What about Sol?'
Me?　.........Well, since I've got some time on my hands, I'll just stay in my room and read a book today.

　You are indeed an indoor girl.

(Okay, so it's just you and Illtimina on a date today.)

　A bit of fun.

　And then Solstice made a face as she suddenly remembered.

'Oh, I see.'

(Hmm?)

What's going on, Solstice?

　I asked.

　The girl shook her purple hair and shook her head.

No, it's not a big deal. It's just that I'm going to be one(ish) four(ish) years old in a foreign country like this.
...What?

　Fourteen years old...?

　I couldn't help but open my blue eyes and stare at the girl in front of me.

　Iltimina murmured, "Oh, by the way.

　Solstice's little finger points to her face, a bombshell I didn't expect.

''Because it's my birthday next week.''

　What did you say?