The king was going to grant a very, very, very large reward. I hadn't heard the details yet, but my mouth was already watering. In my experience, this was always the most dangerous time. If you received a gift, the unspoken rule was that you had to return it one day. I had to check if I could accept it beforehand.
«What exactly is the reward? And what do I have to do?».
Kyle kindly answered my questions one by one. The specific reward had not yet been determined. Besides, I wasn't the only one receiving something; all the survivors of that day too. Apparently, the palace would invite us to a party in gratitude.
«What I can assure you is that there will be a reward award and your achievements will be highly valued».
«I see. Do you have any ideas?»
«I have something on my mind, but...» Kyle interrupted himself and asked me to take the following list as his opinion only. «The first is a noble title. Of course, the chances of being awarded a degree are very slim. Even if you get it, it won't be a succession title. And there will be no fiefdom either».
I didn't expect much. This is how the world of nobles worked. It wasn't something you could be a part of just by achieving one or two achievements. If I had to make a guess, it would only be entry into the royal capital.
«The second is an essence. It is said that the palace will even open the Golden Souls Repository, so you can wait for that». The Golden Souls Repository was the palace treasure chamber where essence treasures up to rank 3 were stored.
«The third?»
«Equipment.»
«The most typical.»
The third assumption was high-grade equipment or numbered items. The fourth was simply money. «It is very likely that, apart from the title, the rest will be distributed according to achievements».
I seemed to broadly understand what he meant. People with fewer achievements would receive only some money. Those with few achievements would receive equipment or a rank 5 essence.
A rank 3 essence based on achievements, huh?
That made me drool more. Rank 3 essences were normally obtained from the 7th or 8th floors. But could I even choose the one I wanted? That would clearly drive my stunted growth.
«So what does the king want from me? He hasn't said it yet».
I hadn't heard the most important information. What did I have to give in exchange for this gift? Surely, sooner or later, the palace would try to regain the people's trust by defeating Noark. If they then wanted me to enlist in the army and participate in battle, rejecting her was the right thing to do, no matter how attractive the reward was.
«Nothing important. You just have to prove that you are on friendly terms with the palace during the reward. They will take care of the rest».
«...It is an easy but difficult request».
Kyle smiled bitterly at my response. «As expected, it seems that you don't see them very favorably».
I responded silently, and rightly so, because how could I like them? Without trying to find another countermeasure, they took the easy way out and ended up all dead.
«But know that not everything that happened that day was the palace's intention. Even Royal Guard commanders each have different values. I'm sure the results would have been different if it had been another commander».
Kyle spoke as if to defend them, but the feeling of unease did not disappear. Maybe it was a feeling of responsibility. I almost felt like I had betrayed those who fought with me after being abandoned by these people, like I had been changed classes as a proxy during the times of occupation.
I asked cautiously: «...What do you think of the palace?».
It was a question that could potentially be blasphemous. Kyle shuddered, then responded with a smile: «To be honest, not so good».
I didn't think he said it just for me. This man wouldn't do that in the first place. Still, I never thought a rank 3 battle mage would say something like that even in private.
«But the palace is a necessary entity to keep this world going. Although that is not something that can be said by someone who turned his back on the magic tower and enlisted out of his own interest.»
«Own interest?»
«You've already noticed, right? Of the relationship I have with the Fallen Scholar».
Hmm, to, pero...
«Can I ask you to explain more?»
«He is the enemy of my teacher. One day, he killed my teacher, who was his research partner, and completed forbidden magic.»
«So you enlisted in the army out of revenge?»
«That's right. As soon as I learned that this man had entrusted himself to Hercules, I saw a dark path before me. I couldn't do anything by myself».
In his youth, Kyle decided he needed help from the army and palace to get revenge. So he passed under them, judging that the enemy of an enemy was a friend.
«So don't think about it too much. So what if you don't like them? If there is something to use them, doing so is rational».
Kyle's advice was 100% correct. Realistically, what would I achieve by falling out with the palace? That was for the other survivors who had bad feelings towards the palace. If you went through those hardships, at least get something out of it.
«Your expression looks a little better.»
«Thanks to you.»
«My next appointment time is approaching. I'll get up now».
«Thanks for coming. I can't say goodbye to you with this body».
«Haha, so you were trying to see me outside? Okay, rest. You will be busy from now on.»
«¿Busy?»
As he walked to the door, Kyle turned to my question. «You'll soon know». He left with a meaningful smile.
[Your reputation has increased +10.]
[Your reputation has increased +10.]
[Your reputation has increased +10.]
[Your reputation has increased +10.]
[Your reputation has increased +10.]
[Your reputation has increased +10.]
***
The day after Kyle left, there were visitors, Raven and Mr. Bear.
«If everyone has rested, let's fix the loot».
«Shouldn't you ask how I am first?»
«You clearly look good. And you're the one who ground his body so ignorantly, but do we have to worry?»
Uh, is that how it works...?
That hurt my tank feelings, but it all went away with the following words.
«So please stop hurting yourself». They were harshly spoken words, but Raven continued as if she was embarrassed. «What did Miss Karlstein do wrong? She always seems to take care of you by herself».
«Uh, me? I'm fine...Mm, although I wish he would stop hurting himself...»
«Miss Karlstein, your problem is that you are too kind. If we leave that man alone like this, he will die prematurely».
«...Anyway, let's get to the point. Loot arrangement? Did you sell all the equipment?»
«Yeah. I was really tired, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself to sell everything, so you should thank me».
They told me that on the first day back from the maze, as soon as the investigation was over, Raven went to sell the loot instead of returning home. The reason for rushing sales to the point of overdoing it was simple.
«It's because we had to sell it quickly to earn as much as possible».
Huge losses had occurred in all the explorers. It was an obvious fact that equipment prices would drop, as demand had decreased. Furthermore, apparently 99% of the survivors' loot was equipment so there would be a surplus.
«Thank you. I hadn't even thought that much».
«...If you could think that far away in that situation, you would be a superhuman, not a barbarian, Mr. Yandel.»
You could have responded with a «Nothing».
«Aruru! What do you mean?! Bjorn is a super barbarian!»
What was this boy saying? Was it because this exploration was so depressing? I couldn't get used to this everyday noise.
«Then let's all sit down.»
Before the conversation went on too long, I settled her there and sat my companions on the couch. The distribution of the loot began. Thanks to Raven's detailed organization, it didn't take long. All we had to do was listen to the details of the agreement and get paid. The settlement ended in the blink of an eye and we chatted with each other.
Mr. Bear brought up a new topic. «Oh, I don't know if you heard this while you were home. Yandel, you have a new nickname».
«Ah, ¿si?»
After Ainar, she was very excited, and Missha, of course, even Raven seemed curious. It seemed that the nickname was not yet well known, since Raven did not know it. I assumed the information was quick for a tavern owner.
A new nickname... Am I finally missing little Balkan?
«What is it? Spit it out», Missha demanded.
«Huhu, what do you think it is?». Mr. Bear was spared the response and enjoyed the attention. Various speculations were exchanged between the team, and soon Mr. Bear asked me for my opinion. «You? Yandel, can you think of anything?».
«Well, anything but Big Balkan would be fine».
Dissatisfied with my reaction, Mr. Bear licked his lips and told me my new nickname. «Giant».
«¿Eh?»
«It's Giant. Your new nickname».
Hmm, it was simpler than I thought. So now I was Giant Bjorn, son of Yandel?
While laughing at that silly thought, Missha expressed her comment. «It suits you. It gives off one of the essences of Bjorrrn, Gigantization, too».
«Yes, that's what I thought as soon as I heard it. Ah! But why did you have that other nickname before? Didn't you have an essence then?». Mr. Bear smiled warmly and asked a question.
It was Raven who answered. «No. I heard you had one then too. Or rather, it was much bigger than now. Right?»
I nodded. Back then, using the vampire skill, Blood Master, I borrowed The Impure from Missha's brother and it was 1.5 times larger than it was now. But in the end, the nickname that came with it was Little Balkan.
«Hmm, bigger? So how did that happen?» Mr. Bear tilted his head as if he couldn't understand.
Again, the answer came from Raven. «I think... that I know the answer».
«Hm? #La sabes?»
«Yeah. Surely... it didn't seem that big in the eyes of people back then. Mr. Yandel is back».
It was my face that got hot when I heard that, especially since everyone was seriously convinced.
«His body is smaller but his back appears larger... Yes, that could be the case».
«Yes, I think you know what I mean.»
«Bjorn is a great giant! I am sure that one day he will leave the biggest mark on this world!»
Ugh, I really wished they wouldn't do something like that. I hurriedly changed the subject to the conversation I had had with Kyle. Since it was related to the palace, everyone except Ainar forgot the nickname Giant and listened with interest.
«A thank you party, huh? I wonder how many will participate».
«You are naive, Mr. Urikfried. It will be faster to count how many will not participate».
"¿What?"
«They may curse the palace behind their backs, but who would want to antagonize them? When they even reward your hard work».
«A-still, explorers have pride. Yandel! Say something too».
«Actually, I'm of the same opinion as Raven.»
"...¿Which?"
«If they're not going to go over to Noark's side, of course they should take what they can».
The explorers never lost. Not up to this point, but most explorers were sensitive to losses. Anyway, since we discussed everything that needed to be discussed, we all ate together and the guests left.
«Then I'm leaving.»
«Until next time. Call me if you need anything».
Raven and Mr. Bear left. Ainar went to holy land and Missha also went to get groceries. The house suddenly fell silent. But soon, I heard a knock on the door.
«¿Teterud ...?»
«Haha! I came because I heard you're still recovering. Can you drink?»
«...Keep it a secret from Missha.»
Although it was broad daylight, it was a friendly face, so I let Teterud and his clanmates in and we had something together. Just as he was about to finish, another visitor arrived.
«Oh, were you here too?»
«Melter Fend.»
«Just call me Melter. Long time no see, Bjorn. I wanted to come see you sooner, but I was delayed by the funerals of the deceased members. I can pass?»
«Of course».
Teterud and his clanmates left after a while on business, so after that it was a private meeting with Melter. The main topic of conversation was the battle with Blue Mane. There was an incredible story about that.
«Did you awaken an aura...?»
«Haha, not awake, I can see the road momentarily and use it dimly».
Melter, a former explorer and apprentice knight, manifested an aura during the battle.
Well, it still seems unstable, but a rank 3 scout who uses an aura?
I could imagine Melter's name echoing throughout the city. It probably wouldn't take too long either. After all, many high-ranking explorers had died.
¡Bang! ¡Bang! ¡Bang!
Anyway, the visitors weren't done with Melter.
«Yandel! You're in!? I heard you can't even walk well yet!»
The warriors I met that day and the explorers who came to say thank you lined my door. We drank. Missha served the meals.
«It would have been nice to have Albertine here too...» Sometimes we kept a moment of silence.
They were not the only visitors. Hikurod and Rotmiller came after hearing my news.
«So your name is the Giant? How sad is the life of dwarves. Hahaha!»
Ragna and Administrator Shavin were members of the friends meeting.
«I see you won't be able to come to the library for a while... I'll bring you some books to read next time».
The chief came here from the holy land.
«I heard you did something big this time. I'm proud of you». The chief seemed to find out about the thanksgiving party and issued a warning. «The king's laughter can be poisonous. Don't get too close to the royal family».
«I will keep it in mind».
«So good. Let's drink».
These visits continued for several days. There were also several round trips. That was because invitations to the party were sent en masse from the palace not long ago.
«... Are you going to fight this?»
«We must fight! If we let this go, they will despise us forever».
While some came to talk about counterattacking, there were others who gave serious advice. In proportion, there were many more of these.
«Put aside your anger for a moment and think rationally».
«You are the one who has suffered the most. If you accept the reward, what can they say?»
«If the reward grant itself is cancelled, dead scouts will not receive any compensation. Think of the heartbroken families».
«To put it coldly, this is a great opportunity for you. I hope you don't waste it. I say this for your own good».
The conversations with them made me remember many things. Now, my decisions not only affected me, but many people. With that sense of responsibility, I listened to each and every one of their opinions.
That was until Missha exploded. «Hey! Tell them to stop coming! No, meet them outside!»
She was right to be angry.
***
May 10, just over a week since the disaster. We got up early and got ready to leave. Today was the day of the thanksgiving party.
«Agh! Mm-tighter!»
«¡You're going to die, Missha!»
«Okay, just-just!»
While waiting calmly on the couch, Missha left the room in the dress Ainar helped her put on. She seemed a little embarrassed.
«...Eh, ¿es of it?»
«...No, not at all. It suits you well».
That was 100% sincere. The elegant dress was totally different from the tight pants and mundane skirts she normally wore. It had red details on a white background and reached knee length, so it didn't seem to have any problems wagging its tail. Was it a consideration for beast people?
I should thank you later.
«Stop looking».
«Oh, sorry.»
«Is that it...?»
I quickly added: «The barrette in your hair is pretty».
«¿Y el collar?»
«That too.»
«Hmm, really?» I figured I passed because Missha didn't say much after that.
The air was uncomfortable so I changed the subject. «Where is Ainar?»
«Oh, sure, Ainar! What are you doing? Get out!»
«But...! I'm embarrassed too! Can't I wear armor?»
«I already told you, you can't wear armor or weapons in the palace! Get out at once. It's not strange at all!»
In the end, Ainar was dragged out by Missha. She was not wearing a dress, but rather a fitted men's suit that fit her perfectly as if it were custom-made.
It looked like a uniform.
The tight white pants, shirt, and thigh-high coat were made of high-quality fabric. The coat and shirt were filled with all kinds of badges and embroidery, giving them a luxurious look.
«It's strange, right? Yeah. It's impossible for clothes like that to look good on a warrior like me».
«It looks good on you, what's wrong?»
«Ugh, don't make fun of me...» I haven't seen her like this in a while.
«I'm not making fun of you. I also have similar clothes». Ainar and I were given similar clothes. The base of mine was navy blue with touches of brown like the color of my hair, and the arrangement of the colors, the shape of the embroidery and other details were much more masculine. Although the biggest difference was something else.
«It squeezes me». I fixed my tight clothes and looked in the mirror: Barbarian tailcoat mode. In some ways, it looked more daunting than with the armor. Did suits always define muscles so much? He looked like a gangster.
«Bjorn! A carriage is outside!»
«Really? So let's go.»
When we finished our preparations and left, the driver who was waiting for us greeted us cordially. «Nice to meet you. Mr. Bjorn Yandel, Mrs. Missha Karlstein, Mrs. Ainar Fenelin. My name is Jack Haynes and I have the honor of accompanying you all to the palace. If there is any problem, please feel free to pull the rope and let me know at any time».
I really felt like I had become someone important.
«Wow, so this is a personal carriage...»
«Oooh! Candies! Candy is free!»
As the wheels rolled, the carriage began to move towards the very center of Rafdonia, the place where the king resided.