As the carriage entered the royal palace, everyone disembarked and saw a young boy rushing towards them from the direction of the palace; he was a handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed youth of about ten years old.
Although he had a similar demeanor to Kouki, he seemed much more mischievous. His identity was Landell S. B. Heiligh, the Prince of the Heiligh Kingdom.
"Kaori! Welcome back! I've been waiting for you for so long!"
Of course, besides Kaori, there were many other returning students present.
Among such a crowd, he only saw Kaori. Seeing Prince Landell's attitude, it was easy to imagine the feelings he held for Kaori.
But the problem was, this prince was only ten years old.
"Prince Landell, it's been a long time."
Kaori curtsied.
"Yes, it really has been a long time. While you were in the Labyrinth, I couldn't eat or sleep. Were you hurt? If I were stronger, I wouldn't have let you do such a thing..."
He said regretfully.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but you don't need to worry; I went voluntarily," Shirazaki Kaori said with a polite smile.
"No, Kaori isn't suited for combat. Th-that, there should be safer work, right?"
"Safer work?"
"Like what?"
"For example... for example, my maid or something..." Prince Landell stammered.
"A maid? I apologize, but my divine calling is a Healer," Kaori patiently explained.
"Then, then you could just enter the medical ward. You don't need to go to those dangerous places, do you?"
Prince Landell seemed unwilling to give up.
"No, if I'm not on the front lines, I can't heal my companions."
"Thank you for your concern."
At this point, anyone could see that Kaori was clearly rejecting him.
"But..." Prince Landell was still persistent.
"Landell, stop fooling around!"
"Can't you see that Kaori and everyone else are very tired?" A clear, cold voice came.
"Sister!"
The person who arrived was none other than Princess Liliana, the eldest princess of the Heiligh Kingdom.
When the ten-year-old Prince Landell was told off by her, he immediately shrank his shoulders, looking very afraid.
He quickly left a message, saying,
"I-I just remembered I have something to do, please excuse me!"
With that, he turned around and disappeared in a flash.
Princess Liliana watched his retreating figure and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Kaori, and everyone else. I apologize on behalf of my brother."
Liliana said, lowering her head, her beautiful straight golden hair falling smoothly.
"Not at all, I don't mind."
"Lili, I know Prince Landell was just concerned about me," Kaori said very appropriately.
Hearing her say that, Liliana gave a wry smile.
This good-for-nothing brother was not causing her headaches for the first time, but she didn't expect him to actually fall for Shirazaki Kaori this time—she was someone even the King wanted to win over!
He really didn't know his place!
Liliana was a talented woman of fourteen years old. Her appearance was very outstanding, and she was much beloved by the people. She was a beautiful blonde-haired, blue-eyed young woman.
Her personality was serious and gentle, yet not too rigid. Her words and actions were appropriate for the time and occasion, and she could treat servants kindly; she possessed such an approachable side.
Especially with Kaori and Shizuku, who were of the same age, her relationship with them was very good. Their friendship was now so close that they called each other by nicknames and spoke without honorifics.
"Alright then... let's not talk about him."
"On behalf of the Royal Family, I welcome everyone back. I am truly grateful for your safe return."
After Liliana finished speaking, she gave a gentle smile.
Although there were beautiful young women like Kaori and Shizuku among their classmates, upon seeing that smile, they immediately blushed.
Liliana's noble royal demeanor and elegant beauty were something these modern students had never witnessed before.
In fact, the boys from the Nagayama group and the original Hiyama-led delinquent group were all red-faced, standing dazed as if their souls had left their bodies.
Even the Hero, Amanogawa Kouki, was slightly lost in thought.
He put on what he considered a cheerful smile and said, "Thank you, Lili. Seeing your smile, all my fatigue has vanished. I'm also very happy to see you again."
"Is that so? I am honored to hear that from the Hero," Liliana said with a faint smile.
"In any case, everyone has worked hard. Meals and bathrooms are ready. Please rest as much as you like, without restraint."
The group was led by servants into the royal palace, where various foods had already been prepared for them.
"Princess."
Commander Meld came to Liliana's side and bowed.
"Father is already waiting for you."
After Liliana watched everyone leave, she quietly said to him.
When the news of the collapse of the Orcus Great Labyrinth came, the Royal Palace and the Church immediately ordered a lockdown of the information.
To the outside world, they released the news that the Hero and his party had successfully conquered the Orcus Great Labyrinth.
This caused a sensation, as it was the first time in human history that a Great Labyrinth had been successfully conquered. All the human races on the continent were greatly encouraged!
This was an unprecedented achievement!
For this, the He Lu Xia Empire even announced that they would send envoys to meet with the Kingdom.
The He Lu Xia Empire is located between the Heiligh Kingdom's eastern side and the neutral commercial city of Falian.
This country was an emerging nation established by a mercenary group three hundred years ago during the large-scale war against the demon race. It is also a military nation where many powerful mercenaries and adventurers gather.
They advocate for might makes right, and it is a rather dark country.
Regardless of whether it's demi-humans or anything else, if it can be used, it will be used. Due to this ideology, there are many slave traders who buy and sell demi-humans in this country.
P.S.: I'm not making this up, the prince really has that name!*
Chapter 35: I'm Not Fighting Anymore!
Three days later, the Empire's envoys finally arrived.
Now, in the Audience Chamber, about five imperial envoys stood in the center of the red carpet, meeting with King Ericsid of the Heiligh Kingdom.
Also present were Kouki and his party, members who participated in the Labyrinth conquest, and influential figures from the Kingdom, as well as several priests led by Pope Ishtar.
"Your Excellencies, welcome."
"Your Majesty, thank you very much for agreeing to our hasty visit. May I ask, who is the Hero?"
"Hmm, first, let me introduce everyone. Kouki, would you please step forward?"
"Yes."
After His Majesty and the envoys exchanged customary greetings, it was soon time for Kouki and his group to make their appearance.
Kouki stepped forward at His Majesty's urging.
After psychological counseling from Commander Meld, Kouki had gradually recovered from the blow he suffered in the Great Labyrinth, and his expression had become quite sharp.
"Oh? You are the Hero?"
The envoy looked at Kouki as if observing him.
"You look quite young. If I may be so bold, did you truly conquer the Orcus Great Labyrinth?"
There was a hint of doubt in the envoy's eyes.
One of the envoy's guards kept looking Kouki up and down, as if appraising his value.
"This..." Kouki was momentarily speechless.
By his nature, he couldn't accept lying, but Commander Meld and His Majesty Ishtar had been constantly persuading him these past few days.
Things like, this is for all of humanity.
At a time when the demon race's power is at its peak, such news is even more necessary to boost morale.
This is the Hero's duty and so on...
Moreover, coupled with Princess Liliana's request...
Amanogawa Kouki couldn't help but glance at Princess Liliana, who was standing not far away, and gritted his teeth, "We did indeed successfully conquer the Orcus Great Labyrinth."
Although Kouki admitted it himself, the envoy's expression did not show satisfaction.
"Uh, then would you like me to describe it to you? For example, how we defeated those Guardians."
Kouki felt uncomfortable being stared at by the imperial envoy, so he decided to show him some "evidence."
Commander Meld and the others had anticipated such a situation.
Kouki was about to take out the horn from the head of the 65th floor's Guardian, "Berga," as evidence, but the envoy interrupted him.
"Oh, I'm not doubting your strength."
"How about this, I have a better idea. Could you have a simulated battle with one of my guards?"
"That way, the Hero's strength will be clear at a glance, right? Our Empire will also believe you," the envoy said with a smile.
"Uh... I don't mind...."
Kouki looked back at King Ericsid, seemingly a little puzzled. King Ericsid received Kouki's gaze and then confirmed with Pope Ishtar, who nodded in agreement.
With the full support of the Church, it was simple to get the Empire to recognize Kouki as the leader of humanity.
However, to make the Empire, which prioritizes strength, sincerely accept him as quickly as possible, the fastest way was to have them fight.
"No need to worry, Kouki."
"Then it's decided. Please prepare the venue for them."
Thus, the simulated battle between the Hero and the imperial envoy's guard was hastily decided.
The group moved en masse to the venue.
Kouki's opponent was a man who looked very ordinary.
He was neither too tall nor too short, had no distinctive features, and was so plain-looking that he would disappear in a crowd. He didn't look strong at all.
He held an unsharpened greatsword, letting it hang loosely, looking listless, and didn't even assume a stance.
Kouki felt a bit disrespected and a flicker of anger ignited in his heart.
"Here I come!"
Kouki transformed into a gust of wind, rapidly approaching with his "Shrinking Ground" skill, and with a strong gust of wind, swung his sword straight down towards his opponent's head.
For an ordinary warrior, it would probably be difficult to even clearly see Kouki's movements. Of course, as for Kouki, he intended to stop just short of harming him.
However, it should be said that the result proved that the one who underestimated the opponent was actually Kouki.
"Ah!?"
A sudden impact struck, and the one who flew backward—was Kouki.
The guard held up his swung sword, looking down at Kouki. At the moment Kouki held back, and his strength relaxed.
The sword, which had been hanging loosely, suddenly swung up, sending Kouki flying!