Chapter 187

"Have you heard the rumors?"

In the Adventurers’ Guild lobby, several young adventurers gathered around the notice board, chatting. They were hoping for a new request—a simple job with a handsome reward, one that would make for an easy day. As they eagerly scanned the papers pinned to the board, they picked them up and put them back down with clear disappointment.

“What rumors?”

“About a fearsome adventurer heading to the capital.”

At the mention of a “fearsome adventurer,” a middle-aged adventurer scoffed.

“Ha! No matter how fearsome they are, could they be scarier than the ‘Sword Demon’ of the capital? They’re already being called the strongest adventurer in history. What good are rumors of another strong adventurer?”

“Well, what do you think about the ‘Young Master,’ who’s been racking up immense achievements lately?”

The mocking adventurer’s expression suddenly darkened. His laughter vanished as he mulled over the name.

“The ‘Young Master’… the one who subjugated the ‘Arachne’ and has built an incredible reputation over the past five years?”

“Yes, the very same. There are even rumors that his delicate looks led overconfident adventurers to challenge him, only for him to knock them all out.”

The middle-aged adventurer folded his arms, raising an eyebrow.

“Well, no matter how strong he is, I doubt he could beat the ‘Sword Demon.’ Even in our kingdom’s knights’ order, there are only a handful who could stand against them.”

“True. The only ones who might be certain to win are the Captain of the Royal Guard or the Commander of the Raven Knights.”

The adventurers nodded in agreement. Such debates over who was stronger were a luxury of this peaceful era. Since the turbulent times had ended and a queen had ascended to the throne, the kingdom had enjoyed tranquility. No invasions, no expeditions, and the beasts of the east were slaughtered by the knights of the unclaimed frontier before they could breach the barriers.

“What about you? What do you think?”

The middle-aged adventurer addressed another adventurer who had been quietly staring at the mission board. Clad in a tattered, worn hood, they looked like a seasoned veteran. The hooded adventurer slowly turned their head, exuding an unusual intensity. Undeterred, the middle-aged man clapped a hand on their shoulder.

“You look pretty strong. Any guesses on who’d win between the ‘Sword Demon’ and the ‘Young Master’?”

The hooded adventurer exhaled softly and shrugged.

“Well, you’d only know by seeing them fight.”

“Ah, that’s boring. If you’re a man, give a definitive answer!”

As the middle-aged adventurer grumbled, he caught a glimpse of the hooded adventurer’s smile.

“Then I’d put my money on the ‘Young Master.’”

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow.

“That’s unexpected. Do you have any reason to think so?”

Before the man could fully process the oddity, the hooded adventurer pulled back their hood. The moment their “delicate” face was revealed, the entire guild fell into stunned silence.

“Because I’m the ‘Young Master.’”

What a strange day. I never thought I’d be compared to the ‘Sword Demon.’@@novelbin@@

The “Young Master” left the Adventurers’ Guild with a satisfied smile. His light brown hair swayed gently in the autumn breeze.

Has it been ten years since I’ve been in the capital?

It had changed so much. There was no sign of unease among the people on the streets. Merchants and carriages bustled by, and the grim faces of guards from a decade ago were nowhere to be seen.

“It’s gotten better.”

The adventurer smiled faintly as he gazed at the palace, the centerpiece of the capital.

“Eek!”

Turning a corner onto the main street, he bumped into someone who fell to the ground. The adventurer bent down to help.

“…A child?”

It was a little girl, maybe around eight years old, with neatly braided black hair and sparkling golden eyes. He worried she might cry, but instead, she dusted off her dress and stood up with poise.

“Are you alright?”

The girl nodded but cautiously stepped back from him. At that moment, familiar faces appeared from around the corner.

“Daddy!”

The girl sprinted to a man and clung to his leg. The man gently patted her head.

“Liz, how many times have I told you to be careful in the alleys?”

“I’m sorry….”

The man looked up, meeting the adventurer’s eyes. His expression froze momentarily before breaking into a warm smile. A beautiful black-haired woman, likely the girl’s mother, stared at the adventurer, unable to hide her surprise.

“Your Highness.”

The father, Maxime, called softly.

“Maxime.”

The adventurer—Louis Loire, once a prince—responded to Maxime’s smile with one of his own and approached him slowly. Maxime hesitated, unsure how to greet his former master. Louis extended his hand.

“It’s been a while.”

Maxime clasped Louis’s hand firmly. The strength in his grip spoke of how much stronger he had become. Louis was genuinely pleased—his protégé had grown as quickly as he had hoped.

“You’ve grown strong.”

“You’re one to talk, Captain of the Royal Guard.”

Louis chuckled and gestured toward the curious girl watching them.

“Your daughter? Liz, right?”

“Yes, she’s Marion and my daughter.”

Maxime patted Liz’s head as he spoke.

“Daddy, who’s this man?”

Maxime smiled at her question and glanced at Louis.

“Hm, a friend of mine.”

“A friend?”

“Yes, an old friend.”

Friend. The word carried a pleasant weight. Louis appreciated Maxime’s candid choice of words. Despite the ten years apart, Louis didn’t feel distant from him at all.

Louis greeted Marion awkwardly, but warmly.

“Your Highness, have you been well?”

“Drop the titles; I’m not royalty anymore. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”

“Yes, it’s all thanks to Maxime’s hard work.”

Marion glanced at Maxime, who awkwardly shrugged, still unaccustomed to praise.

“What about the others…?”

Louis asked cautiously, glancing at Marion. Maxime chuckled at Louis’s subtle hesitation.

“Theodora is overseeing regular training today. The military discipline tournament is coming up, so she’s busy even on her days off. Christine and Adeline are at home with the other children. These days, the kids take priority over us.”

Louis’s interest piqued at the mention of Adeline.

“The ‘Sword Demon,’ you mean? She’s doing well, I take it.”

“Yes. She’s even capable of sparring evenly with Theodora. How do you know her nickname?”

“I heard it in the Adventurers’ Guild. They were betting on whether the ‘Sword Demon’ or I would win in a fight.”

Louis’s tone carried an undertone of competitive spirit.

“You’ve become quite the fighter, Your Highness.”

“After wandering the world for ten years, I’ve changed. I’ve learned to enjoy wielding a sword rather than fear it.”

Louis brushed his hand over the sword at his waist, and Maxime nodded in genuine admiration.

“Impressive.”

“Not quite.”

Louis turned toward the palace. Maxime followed his gaze.

“Are you going to see Her Majesty?”

Maxime’s question struck a chord in Louis. He had returned to the capital after a decade with no clear purpose, perhaps to see the peaceful city or to reconnect with an old friend.

“…I’m not sure.”

No, that was a lie. He knew exactly why.

“Her Majesty still waits for you.”

Maxime’s words made Louis’s eyes waver. He wanted to see Michelle. That feeling hadn’t faded, even after ten years. But did she feel the same?

“…Is that true?”

Louis asked as if seeking confirmation. Maxime nodded.

“Yes. Not a single word of that is false.”

Louis let out a long sigh. When he raised his head again, his face was resolute. Ten years had tempered his heart, and his doubts didn’t linger long.

“Shall I escort you?”

Louis declined Maxime’s offer with a smile.

“No, I think I’d rather go alone.”

“She’ll be overjoyed to see you.”

“Let’s just hope I don’t get scolded for being so late.”

With that, Louis bid farewell. Maxime watched him disappear into the distance before turning back to Marion and Liz, taking their hands.

“Should we pick up some apple pie before heading home?”

“Apple pie!”

“Dinner’s not far off, but you….”

Liz’s golden eyes sparkled, and Marion frowned, protesting against snacks—until Maxime kissed her, leaving her flustered and silent. Marion still retained a girlish bashfulness.

Together, they bought their treat and headed home, hands clasped. The golden sunlight of the autumn afternoon felt warm and radiant, like honey dripping from the apple pie. Over the past ten years, their wounds had slowly healed.

“Welcome home.”

“You’re back?”

Opening the door revealed their family. Christine and Adeline turned toward Maxime, smiles lighting their faces. Theodora walked toward him, tying her hair back.

“Yeah, I’m home.”

The End

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