The royal capital of Sylfes was a gigantic, bustling city. It had to be around a dozen times the size of Ishtar, and I could see why it was known as the greatest city in the whole nation. Its nickname was the “Heart of the Kingdom,” and naturally, many called it home, including the headquarters of the Adventurer’s Guild. Plus, there were plenty of weapon and armor shops, which I definitely wanted to check out. Not that I could, since I was still in the middle of a quest.
Well, once we were done, I’d have more time than I’d know what to do with. Yui and the others wanted to do some sightseeing too, so we’d likely walk around together. There was no need to rush.
“I better stay focused on our quest for now...”
Still, all that was left was to follow the Royal Knights’ orders and head for the castle on less-traveled roads. There really wasn’t much for me to do.
On our way, we were asked about our journey, so we told them about the Four Fiends of the demon army, as well as the mysterious green-haired demon. Though really, that debacle had taken place only just a few hours ago.
Once the captain of the Royal Knights had asked all his questions, he muttered, “Ah, I see,” as if he had made a connection.
“See what?” I asked. I could have ignored that statement, but since it caught my interest, I decided to ask anyway.
“Well, you stated that just a few hours prior, a mysterious, clearly unnatural fog suddenly appeared. We had reinforced patrols in the nearby villages and strengthened our defenses around the capital, but the cause remained a mystery. Though not any longer.”
So, I was right. The mana-infused fog had stretched to the capital’s vicinity. While we never managed to determine the source, the captain’s words confirmed it hadn’t been a natural phenomenon. It was almost certainly the demons’ doing.
“A mana-infused fog and the appearance of one of the demon army’s Four Fiends... We debated employing the Heroes, but to think the situation was so grave. You have my deepest apologies for failing to offer our support.” Elizario bowed.
“No, it’s fine. We made it through in the end, and luckily, Claira and all our party members are still safe. Though I wasn’t able to help much.”
“No, I have heard much about you, Lloyd. They say you’re the savior of Ishtar.”
Apparently, news of Ishtar had spread all the way to Sylfes. Quite honestly, I didn’t feel that embarrassed. If anything, the guilt was much better. I felt like a liar, since I really hadn’t done much at all.
“You all think too highly of me. If not for Therion, things would have been bad.”
“Would they? Well, perhaps his presence truly was your key to victory, but...” Captain Elizario glanced at Therion. “The Hero of Crystal—no, perhaps I can’t formally address you with such a title. In any case, I’m surprised you’ve come.”
“Don’t get the wrong idea. I ain’t here ’cause I’m a Hero.”
“Yes, I’m sure you aren’t,” said Elizario with an awkward laugh.
“You weren’t thinkin’ I’ve gotten all hero-like, were you?”
“I did consider the possibility. They may just be rumors, but I’ve heard you’re the strongest of the Heroes. I thought we might be able to place our hopes in you.”
“Hah?! Of course you can’t! I’ve got no interest in being a damn Hero,” said Therion, thoroughly denying he was here out of Heroic duty.
Claira shot him an inquisitive look. “Yet you’re here, aren’t you? You say you’re not a Hero, but then why protect me?”
“I-I just felt like it! It was a damn whim! I already said you couldn’t rely on these losers, didn’t I?! I’ve got no clue about these other Heroes, but ya can’t trust these guys, that’s for sure.” He desperately gave excuses, but it was clear he was just trying to hide his embarrassment.
Yui watched this exchange, snickering the whole time.
“What are you smiling about?” I asked.
“Oh, I mean, Therion seems to think he’s really hiding it, and it’s so obvious, but Claira doesn’t notice a thing! I just can’t get enough! Oh, to be young and innocent! I could watch this forever,” she said, desperately trying to hold back a laugh.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
Therion must have noticed our chat, as he started to glare at us. Yui and I let out a simultaneous gasp.
“Hey! What the hell are you two laughing about, huh?!” Cracks and snaps resounded as a thin layer of ice spread out over the ground beneath his feet. I felt something chilling—both physically and mentally.
“O-Oh, it’s nothing...”
“Y-Yeah, it’s nothing! I was just thinking you were scary,” said Yui, repeating my excuse.
“Hmph! Fine! I’ll let you get away with it this time, but just you dare act suspicious again! I’ll turn you into an effin’ popsicle! You’ll be this town’s newest monument! And no more damn excuses! If I even feel like you’re makin’ excuses, I’ll turn you into an ice sculpture whether you’re telling the damn truth or not! Got it?!” That was quite the vulgar threat, and he probably wasn’t joking. The look on his face was serious.
Once those words came out of his mouth, he frowned again and began to walk off. If I wasn’t careful, I really would be this town’s newest monument. He was definitely being serious, and even the others who weren’t part of our conversation could tell. Even Captain Elizario was grimacing.
There was just one exception...
“You can’t say things like that, Therion! Not even as a joke! How many times do I have to tell you that someone might take you seriously! Be careful, okay?” Claira was so dense, I almost couldn’t believe it. Somehow, she thought Therion was joking.
“Y-Yeah, I guess. I hope it stays just a joke.” Claira must have been the only to ever extend him kindness. He treated her so much better than the rest of us, that was the only conclusion I could come to.
Afterward, we carefully headed for the castle, all the while making sure we didn’t rub Therion the wrong way.