The hero party that had been sent for training returns. At that moment, Luis, dressed in golden and eye-catching battle armor, notices Conan while passing through the castle gate on horseback. Directing his arrogant gaze at Conan, Luis says, "Rose, my love, don't fall behind. Let's greet the people together. The heroes have returned. They will rejoice at this."
In that instant, it is as if Conan's world collapses. Darkness clouds his vision. But he composes himself. He looks toward Rose and calls out to her.
"Rose—"
At that moment, Luis snaps angrily, "You shameless guard. By what right do you address Sword Master Rose by name? You will say 'Lady.' Do you understand me?"
Conan wants to lunge at Luis, but Victor holds him back.
"My friend, don't be foolish. He is the Sword Hero. The entire kingdom protects them. Do you want to get yourself killed?!"
Seeing this incident, another member of the hero party, the Archer Master Miya, calls out, "Some people truly don't know their place!"
Conan does nothing. He simply looks at Rose and waits for her to say something about this matter. To deny that these things are lies. Without even looking at his face, Rose rides past him on her horse.
In that moment, Conan understands that in this world there is no such thing as love. Everyone only thinks of themselves.
Lowering his head, Conan falls into deep silence.
The heroes pass through the gates and enter the city. All the people immediately flood into the streets to welcome them. Everyone greets them with great joy. At last, the hero party arrives at the palace.
In front of the palace, Princess Elena— with long golden hair, blue eyes, and striking royal attire— welcomes them. The heroes dismount and line up before the princess as five, bowing to greet her.
Princess Elena smiles sweetly. "Heroes of our kingdom. On behalf of the Kingdom of Celaria, I welcome you."
Luis raises his head. "The heroes of the Kingdom of Celaria deliver their greetings to their people and to their princess."
With a pleasant smile, Elena invites them into the palace. The heroes follow behind the princess and enter.
At that moment, Victor, who stands at the gate, does everything he can to comfort Conan. At times he jokes, at times he tries to distract him with conversation. But no matter what he does, the scene before him remains nothing but deep silence.
Inside himself, Conan continuously asks questions.
"Why!? Why did you do this!? Didn't we love each other!? Were our dreams nothing but idle talk!? Why!?"
These thoughts wound Conan from within throughout the day. He eats nothing and speaks not a single word. He only remembers the last words he said to Victor.
"I know she hasn't forgotten me!"
But the only one who had not forgotten was Conan.
For Conan, this unforgettable day finally comes to an end. The sun hides behind the mountains. The sky begins to darken. Victor calls out to him.
"My friend, the day has finally ended. Come, let's go to the tavern. Let's have a few drinks. It was a heavy day; we'll clear our heads."
For a moment, as if awakening from a dream, Conan replies, "Victor, you know well that the salaries haven't come yet. Let's leave it for another time."
Victor bursts into laughter. "My friend, today is on me. But once you receive your salary, promise me a feast."
With a heavy smile, Conan answers, "Alright, I promise. I owe you a feast."
Wrapping an arm around Conan's neck, Victor jokes with him as they head toward the tavern.
Conan and Victor drink a great deal in the noisy tavern. At that time, palace guards sitting behind them are also drinking. One says to the other, "Luis and Rose truly suit each other. But that Luis seems a bit immoral to me."
The other guard asks in confusion, "Why!?"
He continues speaking. "Today I was on guard duty near the garden in the palace. I saw Luis kissing Miya, the Archer Master. And as if that wasn't enough, a little later I saw him secretly kissing Rose in the same place. Honestly, I would do the same. I have awakened a Legendary profession and as the only man, the leader of the hero party. Four strong and beautiful women around me. Who wouldn't build his own harem?"
Saying these words, they burst into loud laughter.
Conan cannot restrain himself. He rises from his seat, grabs the guard who said those words by the collar, and punches him in the face. The other guard attacks Conan. At that moment, Victor stands up, grabs the other guard from behind, and flips him over his head onto the ground.
Other guards in the tavern join the fight. Before long, the fight ends; everyone is separated and thrown outside.
Conan and Victor immediately leave the place. They continue walking through dark alleys.
Victor says loudly, laughing, "Did you see how your brother flipped that idiot over his head! And I'm not even talking about the other fool— my kick will bother him for a week. Ha… ha… ha… By the way, the tavern tables are low quality. I struck that guard's back and the table broke, but nothing happened to him."
Conan casts a teasing glance at Victor. "Fool, the one whose back you broke the table on was Bear Gregor!"
Victor looks shocked. "Do you think he saw that I hit him? My friend, he couldn't have seen. I believe he was busy. I mean, he was fighting five people at the same time. Anyway, even if he did see, we'll fight again. Am I right?"
Conan smiles. "You're right. Let them come whenever they want. If they come, they will see at the same time."
At last, they arrive in front of Conan's house. The two embrace and bid each other farewell.
Conan's smile seems to fade as he steps inside the house. He removes his armor and sword, throwing them onto the ground, and sits on the edge of his bed. Placing his hands on his head, he sinks into deep thought.
Six months ago, his father— the only family in his life, the one who taught him everything— had also passed away. Having no understanding of farming, Conan sold everything and came to the city to buy a house. Joining the guard unit, he began living here alone.
There were only two people close to him in his life. One was his friend Victor, whom he met in the guard unit. The other was Rose, whom he lost this morning.
Now he has no one. He is alone and solitary.
A single tear falls from his eyes onto the floor. Then he wipes his eyes and lies down on his back on the bed. With his right hand, he covers his eyes.
At that moment, an unknown voice calls out to him.
"What is it? Have you also begun to think that humans know nothing but betrayal?"