Volume 5 Chapter 1.2 (1/2)

Translator: Kurehashi Aiko

Editor: Jacinta

Widnicol thanked me in a flustered voice, politely bowing down his head as well. For today, he replaced his usual apprentice robes for a formal attire in the color of grey without any extra ornamentation. It looked good on him, as it was probably tailored for this occasion specifically. Ahh, it was also kind of nice to see that I wasn’t the only one who was feeling slightly uncomfortable being surrounded by such magnificent people, seeing how Widnicol was even more restless than I was. Looking into each other’s eyes and understanding that fact, we couldn’t help but smile simultaneously. I guess I’m not the only one who is unaccustomed to dealing with overly dazzling things.

「Let me begin by saying that I am overjoyed to be able to see everyone’s faces again. I shall be leading today’s festivities, so please bear with me for a while.」

Unlike the other festivals and holidays, this one was an international event. So aside from the various kingdom officials, there were also delegations sent by the monarchs and rulers from all over the world in order to participate. All of them are coming here in order to congratulate the Heroes on their victory over the Demon Lord. Fortunately enough, I didn’t need to be in the spotlight, since I was only going to watch the ceremony from the nearby platform together with other relatives of the different Heroes.

It’s not that I don’t like stiff atmospheres as much as the Knights Commander, but I wasn’t all that good with them as well. However, I would be lying if I didn’t say that I wasn’t looking forward at least a bit at seeing so many important guests up close and personal. Seeing all the beautiful dresses and accessories was making my heart race. So I only needed to bear with it for a while.

「Edi, my parents are supposed to be at the ceremony as well, so we must show them our best sides today.」

I know that this man’s usual expression tends to be often misunderstood by others, so I thought I would inform him about that fact in advance. That way it might be possible for him to at least try to look somewhat nicer so that people may think warmer of him from now on. Especially since he is one of the Heroes.

It might just be my own selfishness speaking, but I would like him to at least put in some effort so that the people might view him in a different, much warmer light than before.

Much to my surprise, his answer was “I guess I have no choice then. I’ll try to smile more, even if it’s just a little bit.” Once the other Heroes overheard it, they all laughed in a merry matter, only serving to deepen that man’s frown even further.

***

The national orchestra started to play a symphony. It was an unusual kind of melody that you wouldn’t be able to hear on an everyday basis, but it was beautiful and catchy. Instead of the Great Temple, the altar for the upcoming ceremony was transported to the throne room of the palace. Where all the dignitaries and emissaries from all over the world were currently gathering, enjoying a casual chit-chat while waiting for the ceremony to begin. Amongst the crowd, I was looking for a particular person.

Ahh, just when will they get here? I don’t want to stare around too much, but I was just too restless to stop myself from doing just that. You could say that I was as excited to see them as I was excited to see the figure of the Princess or that man during the ceremony. We couldn’t normally meet because of the number of responsibilities and workload on each of our shoulders, but the ceremony was something else. Even that man said it like that. And honestly, ever since I got married to that man I didn’t want to give off a feeling that I was being monopolized by him. So I was continuing to scout out the crowd further, all the while trying to fix the wrinkles of my dress with my hands.

Finally, I heard the voice of the one I wanted to meet.

「Filmina.」

Hearing that gentle voice, I turned towards it and I even failed to realize that my face brightened up in a smile in an instant. I slowly turned towards that long-awaited person, trying to look as dignified as possible.

「–––– It’s been a while, Father.」

Hearing me say those words, Father smiled brightly as well.