The King has given a very, very, very large reward. I didn't know the details yet, but I was already salivating. But in my experience, it was always the most dangerous time. The unspoken rule was that if you received a gift, one day you had to return it. I had to check in advance whether I could agree with this.

— What exactly is the reward? And what should I do?

Kyle kindly answered my questions one by one.

The specific remuneration has not yet been determined. In addition, not only I received the reward, but also all the survivors that day. Apparently, as a sign of gratitude, the palace will invite us to a party.

"What I can say for sure is that there will be a reward and your achievements will be appreciated.

- I see. Do you have any suggestions?

"I have something in mind, but—" Kyle hesitated, and then asked me to accept the following list only as his opinion.

"The first is a title of nobility. Of course, the chances of winning the title are very slim. Even if you get it, it will not be a hereditary title. And there will be no patrimony either.

I didn't expect much. This is how the world of the nobility works. You couldn't get into it for just one or two achievements. If I have to make a wish, then only entering the royal capital.

"The second is the essence. It is said that the royal family will even open the Golden Soul Vault.

The Golden Soul Vault was a palace treasury where rank 3 essences and related equipment were stored.

"And the third?"

– Equipment.

— The most typical.

The third assumption is equipment made of high-quality material or numbered items.

The fourth is just money.

"It's likely that everything else except the title will be distributed based on achievements.

I think I have a rough idea of what he meant.

People with the fewest accomplishments will only get money.

Those with multiple achievements will receive Rank 5 Equipment or Essence.

A rank 3 essence depending on the achievements, huh?

My mouth watered even more. Rank 3 essences were usually mined on the 7th or 8th floors. But I can even choose what kind of essence I want? This would clearly accelerate my stalled growth.

"So what does the King want from me?" You haven't said that yet.

I didn't hear the most important information. What did I have to give in exchange for this gift? Of course, sooner or later, the palace will try to regain the trust of the people by defeating the Noark. If they want me to enlist in the military and participate in battle, then I will refuse, no matter how attractive the reward is.

"Nothing special. It's just that during the awarding ceremony, you have to show that you're friendly to the royal family. They will take care of the rest themselves.

—... A simple but difficult request.

Kyle smiled bitterly at my answer.

"As expected, you don't seem to see them in the best light.

—…

I replied with silence, which is quite fair, because how can I like them? Without even trying to find another solution, they took the easy way out and left.

"But know that not everything that happened that day was the palace's intention. Even the commanders of the royal guard have their own values. I am sure that the results would have been different if it had been a different commander.

Kyle spoke as if to protect them, but the unpleasant feeling did not go away. Perhaps it was a sense of responsibility. It seemed to me that I had betrayed those who had fought alongside me after I had been abandoned by these people as if I had become their puppet.

I asked cautiously:

—... What do you think of the palace?

This was a question that could potentially be blasphemous. Kyle tensed and then replied with a smirk.

— To be honest, it's not very good.

I didn't think he was saying it only in front of me. That man wouldn't do that. However, I never thought that a rank 3 military mage would say something like that even in private.

"But the palace is a necessary structure to maintain this peace. However, this cannot be said by someone who turned away from the Magic Tower and entered the service out of selfish motives.

"Selfish?"

"You've already noticed, haven't you?" What kind of relationship do I have with the Scientist of Destruction?

Hmm, yes, but...

"May I ask you to explain more?"

"He's my master's enemy. He once harmed my master, who was his research partner, and completed forbidden magic.

"So you joined the army to take revenge?"

— That's right. As soon as I heard that this man had entrusted himself to Orcules, my eyes darkened. There was nothing I could do myself.

In his youth, Kyle decided that he needed the help of the military and the royal family for revenge. And he went under their command, deciding that the enemy of the enemy is a friend.

"So don't complicate your life. What if you don't like them? If they can be used, then why not use?!

Kyle was 100% right.

Indeed, what will I get if I make an enemy in the person of the royal family? The same can be said for other survivors who have a grudge against them. After everything they've been through, they deserve at least something.

"Your expression looks a little better."

"Thank you.

"The time for the next meeting is approaching. I have to go.

"Thank you for coming. I can't see you off with this body.

"Haha, were you going to see me off?" It's all right, rest. Now you'll be busy.

"Busy?"

As he headed for the door, Kyle turned to answer my question.

"You'll find out soon."

He left with a significant smile.

***

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***

The day after Kyle, the guests came - Raven and Mr. Bear.

"Since everyone has rested, let's deal with the loot.

"Maybe you'll ask me how I'm feeling first?"

"You clearly look good. And it was you who brought your body so illiterately, and we should be worried?

Uh, so that's how it works...?

It hurt me like a tank, but everything went away with the following words.

"So please stop hurting yourself.

They were harsh words, but Raven went on, as if embarrassed.

"What did Miss Karlstein do wrong to deserve it?" She always seems to have to take care of you.

"And me?" I am well... Although I would like him to stop getting injured...

"Miss Karlstein, your problem is that you're too kind. If we leave this person alone, he will die prematurely.

—... Anyway, let's get down to business. Settlements on the loot? Have you sold all the gear?

— Yes. I'm damn tired, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself to sell everything, so you should be grateful.

As it turned out, on the very first day after returning from the labyrinth, as soon as the investigation was over, Raven, instead of going home, went to sell the loot. The reason for the rush to sell was simple.

"That's because we needed to sell everything quickly while prices were high.

The total number of researchers suffered huge losses. It is clear that the prices of equipment will fall, as the demand for it will decrease.

Also, it's obvious that 99% of the survivors' loot was equipment, so there will be plenty of it on the market.

"Thank you. I didn't even think about it.

—... If you could think that far in such a situation, you would be a superhuman and not a barbarian, Mr. Yandel.

Why don't you just say "Please"?

"Aruru!" What do you mean?! Bjorn is a super barbarian!

Again, she is talking nonsense.

Maybe because there was such a depressing atmosphere in this expedition? I could not get used to this everyday noise.

"Then let's all sit down."

Before the conversation dragged on, I sat my comrades on the sofa. And then the calculation of the loot began. Thanks to Raven's detailed organization, it didn't take long. All we had to do was listen to the details of the calculation and receive the money. It was all over in the blink of an eye, and we spent time talking to each other.

Mr. Bear brought up a new topic.

"I don't know if you heard about it while you were at home. Yandel, you have a new nickname.

"Oh, really!?"

After Einhar, who was very excited, Misha, and even Raven looked curious. It seemed that the nickname was not yet widely known, since Raven did not know...

Apparently, the tavern owner received information quickly.

A new nickname...

Have I finally grown out of the Little Balkans?

"What is it?" Lay it out," Mike demanded.

"Huhu, what do you think it is?"

Mr. Bear did not answer and enjoyed the attention. The crew exchanged different assumptions, and soon Mr. Bear asked my opinion:

"Do you have anything on your mind, Yandel?"

"Well, anything other than the Greater Balkan would be nice.

As if disappointed by my reaction, Mr. Bear licked his lips and said:

"A giant.

"Huh?"

"It's a giant. Your new nickname.

Hmm, everything turned out to be easier than I thought. So I'm now Giant Bjorn, son of Yandel?"

While I was laughing at this stupid thought, Misha expressed her thoughts.

"It suits you." It reflects one of your essences, [Gigantization].

"Yes, I thought so as soon as I heard it. And! But why did you have a different nickname before? Didn't you have this essence back then? Mr. Bear smiled warmly and asked a question.

Raven answered:

— No, I don't. I heard that he also had an essence back then. True, it was much larger than it is now. Faithfully?

I nodded.

At that time, using the Vampire skill [Blood Master], I borrowed the passive skill [Undead] from my brother Misha and was one and a half times larger than now. But for some reason, in the end, the nickname I was given was "Little Balkan".

"Hmm, more?" Then how did it happen? Mr. Bear tilted his head as if he couldn't understand.

Again, the answer came from Raven.

"I think... I know the answer.

"Hm?" Do you think you know?

— Yes. Of course... Probably, in the eyes of people, he did not seem so large then. Mr. Yandel returned.

My face turned red when I heard this, especially because everyone was serious.

"His body was smaller, but it looked bigger... Yes, it can be so.

"Yes, I think you know what I mean.

"Bjorn is a giant!" I am sure that one day it will leave the biggest mark in this world!

Funny pun, but I really wanted them to stop.

I hurriedly changed the subject to talking to Kyle. Since it was about the palace, everyone except Ainar forgot about the nickname "Giant" and listened with interest.

"It's a holiday of gratitude, isn't it?" I wonder how many people will take part?

"You're naïve, Mr. Urickfried. It will be faster to calculate how many will not take part.

"What?"

"They may curse the royal family behind their backs, but who would want to make an enemy in them? They even say that they will reward hard work.

— Actually, researchers have pride. Yandel! Tell her.

"Actually, I'm of the same opinion as Raven.

—... A what?

"If they're not going to go over to Noark's side, then of course they have to take what they can get.

Researchers will never suffer losses. Maybe not to the same extent, but most researchers are very sensitive to losses. All in all, since we had discussed everything that could be discussed, we all ate together and the guests left.

"Then I'll go."

"I'll see you next time." Call me, if anything.

Raven and Mr. Bear are gone. Ainar went to the Holy Land, and Misha went to buy groceries.

The house suddenly became quiet.

But soon there was a knock.

- Teterud...?

"Haha!" I came because I heard that you are still recovering. How about a drink?

—... Keep it a secret from Misha.

Even though the sun was still high, I let Teterud and his clanmates inside, and we drank together. Just when everything was close to the end, another visitor appeared.

"Oh, you're here too?"

— Melter Fend.

"Just call me Melter." It's been a long time, Bjorn. I wanted to visit you earlier, but I was delayed by the funeral of deceased members. May I come in?

— Of course.

Black grouse and his clanmates left after a while on business, so after that there was a personal meeting with Melter. The main topic of conversation was the battle with Bluemane. An amazing story came out of this.

"Did you awaken Aura...?"

"Haha, it's not that Aura has awakened, but I can 'open her eyes' for a moment and use her slightly.

Melther, a former explorer and apprentice of the knight, manifested the Aura during the battle.

Well, it still seems unstable, but...

A rank 3 researcher using Aura.

I imagined how Melter's name would sound throughout the city. It probably won't take long. After all, many high-ranking researchers have already died.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

In any case, the visitors did not end on Melter.

"Yandel!" Are you there!? I heard you can't even walk properly yet!

The warriors I met that day, and the explorers who had come to thank me, lined up at my door.

We drank. Misha served food.

"It would be nice if Elbertin were still here...

At times we held a minute of silence.

These were not the only visitors.

"So they call you the Giant?" How sad is the life of a dwarf. Hahaha!

Hikurod and Rothmiller came after hearing the news.

"I see you won't be able to go to the library for a while..." I'll bring you some books to read next time. "Ragna and Shavin's administrator were members of a meeting of friends.

"I've heard that you've done a great deal this time. I'm proud of you. "A tribal leader who left the Holy Land and came here. He seemed to know about the Thanksgiving Festival and warned, "The king's laughter can be poisonous. Do not get too close to the royal family.

"I'll take note of that.

"Good, then." Let's have a drink!

Such visits lasted for several days. There were also several return visits. This was because invitations to a party had been sent out en masse from the palace not too long ago.

—... Are you going to fight back?

"We must!" If we miss it, they'll look down on us forever!

While some came to talk about how to fight back, others gave serious advice. In percentage terms, the latter were much higher.

"Put aside your anger for a while and think clearly.

"You've suffered the most. Who can say anything against the fact that you will receive a reward?

"If the bounty itself is canceled, then the dead researchers will not receive any compensation. Think about the families of the victims.

"To put it bluntly, this is a great opportunity for you. Please don't miss it. I really say this for your own good.

Conversations with them made me think about many things. Now not only I depended on my choice, but also many people. With a sense of responsibility, I listened to their every opinion.

Until Misha exploded.

"Hey!" Tell them not to come here! No, just meet them on the street!

She was right to be angry.

***

May 10th.

A little more than a week has passed since the disaster. We woke up early to get ready for the road. Today was the day of the Holiday of Gratitude.

"Ah!" S-tight!

"You're going to die like that, Misha!"

"It's okay, come on...!"

While I was quietly waiting on the sofa, Misha came out of the room in a dress that Einar helped her put on. She looked a little embarrassed.

—... Err, don't I look weird?

—... No, not at all. It suits you very well.

I was 100% sincere.

The fashionable dress was completely different from the tight-fitting trousers and flowing skirts that she usually wore. White with red accents, knee-length, so she didn't seem to have any trouble moving her tail.

Was this really taken into account for the beastmen? I will have to thank them later.

"Stop watching.

"Oh, I'm sorry.

"Is that all...?"

I quickly added:

"The hairpin in your hair is very beautiful.

"What about the necklace?"

"And that, too.

"Really?"

I guessed that I got a passing score, because after that Misha didn't say anything else. For some reason, the air became uncomfortable, so I changed the subject.

"Where's Ainar?"

"Oh, yes, Einar! What are you doing? Go out!

"But...!" I'm ashamed! Can't I just put on my armor?

"I told you that you can't enter the palace with armor and weapons!" Get out already. This is not strange at all!

In the end, Misha pulled Einar out by the arm. She was not wearing a dress, but a thin men's suit, which fit perfectly, as if it was made to order.

It looks like a uniform.

Tight-fitting white trousers, a shirt and a thigh-length coat were made of high-quality fabric. The coat and shirt were decorated with all kinds of insignia and embroidery, which gave them a luxurious look.

"Strange, isn't it?!" Yes! Y-Clothes like this won't fit a warrior like me...

"Does it suit you, what's wrong?"

"Ugh, don't laugh at me..."

I haven't seen her like this for a long time.

"I'm not laughing at you. I have a similar outfit.

Einar and I were given similar clothes. My base was dark blue with brown accents like hair color, and the arrangement of colors, the shape of the embroidery and other details were much more masculine. However, the main difference was different.

"It's cramped.

I adjusted my tight-fitting clothes and looked in the mirror.

The Barbarian mode in Tailcoat is activated.

In a way, I looked more intimidating than I did in armor. Do suits have to emphasize the muscles so much? I looked like a gangster.

"Björn!" There's a carriage outside!

"Really?" Then let's go.

When we had finished our preparations and went outside, the coachman, who was waiting for us, greeted us cordially.

"Nice to meet you. Mr. Bjorn Yandel, Miss Misha Karlstein, Miss Einar Fenelina. My name is Jack Haynes, and I have the honor to accompany you to the palace. If there is any inconvenience, please feel free to pull the string and let me know at any time.

It felt like I had really become someone important.

"Wow, so it's a private carriage...

"Oh! Candy! Free candies here!

The wheels began to roll, and the carriage began to move towards the very center of Rafdonia, the place where the king lived.