The capital of Kaulan was in a celebratory mood. 

Though the hero was not present, the remaining members of the hero’s party had successfully returned, displaying the demon king’s horn in a sacred case before the citizens, declaring their victory.

“…And thus, Luciena Estel, our hero, sacrificed herself in a noble mission to defeat the demon king. Our party has done nothing but retrieve the demon king’s horn and the faded holy sword she left behind,” announced Reinhold, standing in the middle of the glorious plaza, conveying the deaths of both the demon king and the hero to the citizens.

Seated on a high platform behind him was the current emperor, with Princess Linachien by his side. 

The other members of the hero’s party were arranged in a line, a little distance away.

“This, indeed, is the horn left behind by the demon king, who tormented humanity for a thousand years!” 

Reinhold raised the shining sacred case high, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Having learned through childhood fairy tales and the teachings of the church that the glow was a sign of the sealing of malicious magic, the citizens embraced the joy, assured that peace had come.

“And this… this is the holy sword of our hero, Luciena Estel,” Reinhold continued, his voice solemn.

The crowd fell silent as Princess Linachien deliberately let out a sigh. 

The holy sword, once radiating with a golden-red brilliance, now appeared as nothing more than a dull iron sword. 

It seemed to have died, as if losing its chosen master, as per the goddess’s will.

“We shall observe a moment of silence in her honor,” Reinhold declared.

“Attention!” 

The captain of the royal guard shouted, and though ceremonial, the simultaneous clattering of arms as they took position silenced the crowd, who held their breath, overwhelmed by the atmosphere.

“Silence,” Reinhold commanded, and everyone in the plaza, even the emperor, stood up and bowed their heads.

It was a moment of silence for the hero who saved the empire, for the warrior who saved humanity. 

Yet, within that silence, each person harbored their own thoughts.

“Reinhold! I have complied with the will of the Elven Council and represented our elves in your plan. I demand the promised compensation,” Naidrian brazenly demanded before the public announcement in the plaza.

Though not honorable or even successful, Naidrian had no choice. 

The threat of annihilation loomed ever closer.

“Do you not find your request unreasonable?” Reinhold responded.

“What?” Naidrian retorted, surprised.

“Our plan was to incapacitate the hero and bring her to the capital. Simply participating does not warrant compensation,” Reinhold said firmly, his demeanor and speech exuding authority and intimidation.

From the moment they lost the hero, Reinhold’s behavior had changed, and this assertiveness made everyone, not just Naidrian, uneasy.

“Simple participation? No, no. By involving ourselves, you and Princess Linachien gained the support of the entire elf race and the church. We deserve our due,” Arsil interjected, showing surprising political acumen.

“You seem nervous, Arsil,” Reinhold observed, noticing her discomfort. 

“Betraying Luciena didn’t weigh heavily on you because you believed it was justified. But in doing so, you sacrificed a comrade. A comrade you barely noticed suddenly showed unexpected courage to save the hero, only to fall into the abyss with her. This shocked both you and Naidrian.”

In reality, they should have helped the hero. 

Betraying the hero, who had been excessively demanding, wasn’t burdensome, but the comrade’s actions made them feel ashamed, realizing they had committed a sin. 

They rationalized their actions for a greater cause, but only dishonor remained. 

Shame was followed by fear, knowing that if the truth got out, both Naidrian and Arsil’s positions would be jeopardized. 

Thus, they chose another cowardly compromise: to remain silent about their betrayal and continue cooperating with Reinhold.

However, this man, Reinhold, was not trustworthy. 

His sudden change in behavior raised suspicion rather than familiarity.

“Reinhold, your actions are excessive,” Arsil accused.

“What do you mean by that?” Reinhold asked.

“The hero’s escort was merely a display. Ultimately, you wanted her eliminated. She died with the comrade, falling off a cliff. We achieved the final goal, so we demand our compensation,” Tigria, who had been quiet until now, stated confidently.

‘This guy is good,’ Arsil thought, admiring Tigria’s advantageous statement. Though not close, she refrained from supporting him overtly, knowing how foolish and reckless that would seem.

“How can you be sure the hero is dead?” Reinhold asked.

“The hero had her limbs severed. She fell with the comrade. It’s unlikely they survived the fall, and even less likely they escaped the river. Even if they did, they couldn’t survive in the demon king’s forest, especially with no food left,” Tigria reasoned.

“Hmm,” Reinhold pondered, not disputing Tigria’s logic. It was sound but inconvenient for Reinhold.

Unfortunately, Tigria didn’t know that the demon king’s death caused all surrounding monsters to disappear, as it was the start point of DLC Chapter 1. 

Additionally, in this world, the demon king’s demise meant the complete eradication of all demonic creatures.

“There’s no demon king, no hero. The princess’s ascension is certain. Fulfill your promise now,” Arsil demanded.

“We’ll see when we get there,” Reinhold replied.

“You…! Should we test the shield-bearer’s endurance?” Arsil threatened.

“If you think you can handle the consequences, go ahead,” Reinhold replied coolly, staring down Arsil.

“Stop it, both of you. We can’t afford division,” Naidrian intervened, sensing the rising tension.

“He’s the one causing division!” Arsil snapped back.

“Enough. Reinhold, we need some carrot with the stick,” Naidrian advised.

“Hah, I have nothing to offer right now. If you continue this, I’ll find another way,” Tigria warned.

“You think you can achieve this without me?” Reinhold challenged.

“It’ll be tough, but not impossible,” Tigria countered.

Reinhold acknowledged Tigria’s resolve. 

The mage’s absolute power was essential, not just for war but for various conveniences and accidents.

“Fine. I’ll prepare to pay as soon as we achieve the goal,” Reinhold conceded reluctantly.

“The elves need it now,” Naidrian insisted.

“Same here,” Arsil agreed.

“I understand. I’ll leave now. Call me for the plaza ceremony,” Naidrian said, exiting the room.

Arsil, having no reason to stay, followed suit, but not before expressing her lingering annoyance.

“That comrade… he was bothersome,” she muttered.

“Did you have a soft spot for him?” Reinhold asked.

“Not at all. I wanted to know more about him, but you ruined it,” Arsil replied, adding, “I’ll add this to your debts, shield-bearer.”

Leaving the room, she realized how stifling it had been inside. 

She sighed, enjoying the cool breeze, only to notice Princess Linachien watching from a distance.

Arsil approached her boldly.

“No attendants, no guards. Is it safe for the princess to wander like this?” Arsil questioned.

“I knew you would protect me,” Linachien replied.

“Not me, Reinhold,” Arsil corrected.

Their conversation was casual but laced with thorns.

“You’re the one who ordered Luciena’s elimination, right?” Arsil accused.

“I didn’t order her elimination,” Linachien defended.

“Same difference,” Arsil scoffed.

“Oh, words can change meanings so much,” Linachien retorted.

Arsil’s eyes hardened, the princess’s words echoing a phrase she couldn’t forget.

“You’ve changed a lot. From someone who was straightforward and dedicated to someone who hides and betrays,” Arsil remarked.

“And you, once loyal and devoted, now dealing and scheming,” Linachien countered.

Their exchanged glances were full of resentment.

“I wonder what Issi would say about this,” Arsil mused.

Finally, Arsil looked away, ensuring there were no hidden guards around, and clicked her tongue as she walked away.

“Issi…,” Linachien whispered, watching Arsil leave. 

“I also have a name.”

Then, she walked towards Reinhold’s office.

“Though it’s a name from a long-forgotten past,” she muttered, with a doll-like smile, before entering and calling her fiancé’s name.