In an office filled with the faint smell of old books, a nervous young man was reading a report to a middle-aged man with glasses.

"The final analysis revealed that Belbev Ruingenes had set up the magic circle, and Lyranna Vivian had activated it.

"So both are in the city?"

— Yes. Judging by the fact that Noark's protective barrier is still functioning normally, it is highly likely that they are inside Rafdonia.

"Their camouflage is definitely amazing.

"They're very annoying. Then I will move on to the casualty report made this morning.

The young man in a sad voice reported on the total damage from this incident.

However, the middle-aged man listened without any emotion.

- Yes, many died.

70% of the researchers on the 4th floor and above died. The 1,600 survivors are those who were left behind and the explorers who did not enter the labyrinth at all. In reality, it was a huge loss, equivalent to the Dimension Collapse.

"That is for the best," said the Prime Minister of Rafdonia, the Marquis of Terzerion, with a contemptuous grin.

The young man made a puzzled expression.

"What?"

"Nothing special. I need to think about it. You can go.

— ... Yes, father.

"By position, in the palace."

"Yes, Prime Minister.

Soon the man waved his hand, and the young man, bowing politely, left the office.

I think I'll have to contact the Magic Tower soon.

Tercerion got up and went to the window. He saw how the workers were busily bustling about, preparing for today's event.

*Shuuuuuu*

As he opened the window wide, a strong wind blew. The sun was warm, the sky was clear, without a single cloud.

"His Majesty will like it.

It was the perfect day to start a new era.

***

The royal capital, Carnon, was a special district where commoners could not enter without permission.

"Oh, this is the royal palace!?"

As we passed through the massive gate, which was engraved with the emblem of the royal family, a road appeared that led directly to the royal palace. The ground was strewn with flower petals. Along the main street, crowds of people could be seen watching the parade. Of course, there were very few nobles among them. Even though the royal capital was called the city of the nobility, 90% of the population were workers who worked or lived here.

"Wow! Procession of Heroes!

"Sprinkle the petals!"

I don't know how much they are paid for this, but such workers lined up along the road and enthusiastically greeted us.

A long time passed, and the carriage stopped at the outer wall of the royal palace.

"We've arrived. Were there any inconveniences on the way?

There was not only our carriage, but also hundreds of others.

"Let's get off."

"Oh, wait!" Let me catch my breath, okay?

Are you nervous now?

After all, it was her first time in the royal capital.

— ... Tell me how ready you are.

"Ah, I think I'm ready.

As I stepped out of the carriage, I saw familiar faces—survivors who had nearly crossed the line of death with me during the last tragedy. Because of the great distance between us, we only exchanged glances.

"I am Firth, the guide of today's heroes. Please come with me. I'll see you off.

After going through a simple identification procedure at the castle gate, we followed the guide to the palace. The official name of the palace is the Palace of Glory. It received guests when the royal family arranged banquets or events.

True to the name of the palace, its interior was magnificent. Ainar looked at me in awe.

"B-bjorn...

God, this girl always acted like that in unfamiliar places.

"Straighten your shoulders. You're a guest here, remember?

—... Oh, that's right!

"Please come here."

Following the guide, we found ourselves in a private reception room with an area of about 60 square meters.

"It is a great honor for me to welcome our heroes.

As soon as we entered, we were immediately surrounded by maids to put our hair and clothes in order. Meanwhile, a special guide told us about the simple etiquette and procedure for holding a banquet.

After an unknown amount of time, Raven and Abman, who had arrived ten minutes earlier, entered our waiting room.

"Mr. Yandel!"

"Oh, I hardly recognized you like that.

They were also dressed differently than usual: Raven wore a long traditional dress that dragged across the floor, and Mr. Bear wore a clean suit.

"Ha, that's a little awkward, isn't it?"

Mr. Bear scratched his cheek, embarrassed. Apparently, his wife helped him get dressed, but immediately after arriving they insisted that he change his clothes. It was surprising that they had something of his size.

"All tailcoats for guests are enchanted with magic.

According to the guide, there were thousands of enchanted clothes that could be worn regardless of body type.

Enchanted clothes?

It was a reasonable and at the same time absurd expense. How often did guests without banquet attire like us visit the royal palace?

"Then, Raven, did you change your clothes here too?"

"No, my clothes are mine.

—... Got it.

As an upper-class Magus, she seemed to have at least one set of such formal attire.

"Wow, how beautiful. How much do such clothes cost?

"Uh... I don't know exactly. To be honest, this is a gift from the master.

"Really?" In any case, in this you are like a fairy from fairy tales.

"You mean pixies?"

"Oh, yes. This is.

"Hmph, you're not laughing at me because of my small stature, are you?"

— Of course not! You are very beautiful!

A girlish conversation quickly began between Misha and Raven. Mr. Bear, Einhar, and I stepped aside and engaged in another conversation.

"Yandel, have you heard anything about the award?" I've been wanting to get a rank 4 essence for a long time, and I'm wondering if it's possible?

"I haven't heard anything yet.

"Anyway, Bjorn, I'm hungry. When will we be fed?

"If you can't wait, eat some jerky."

"Oh, did you bring it?"

"Give it to me too." I want to nibble on something.

As we sat side by side and munched on the jerky, the guide, who had been away for a short time, returned.

"They say everything is ready. Come along.

In the corridor near the guest room, where there were a lot of people, the guides lined us up in order.

For reference: we are located in the very center in front, Melter Fend is on the left, and Kyle is on the right.

"Oh, you're here.

"You look pretty good in this suit.

"Now stand here."

... God, let's go without pressure.

"Why am I in the center?"

"Haha, isn't it strange otherwise?" All of us here are people who have followed your back.

Hmm...

I had nothing to say to that, but this man tended to put me on a pedestal. As I was about to say something, Kyle looked straight ahead and said:

— It begins. Look forward.

"The heroes are entering!"

The door swung wide open with a loud shout.

*Booo!*

To the sound of the trumpet, a lively performance began.

"Let's go."

As I stepped out the door at Kyle's urging, numerous researchers followed.

*Top, Top, Top, Top*

Behind the door was a rectangular hall large enough to accommodate thousands of people, and a red carpet was spread all the way to the empty throne. I continued to walk on the carpet. It was painful to walk without crutches, but I endured for the sake of the barbarian's pride.

*Top, Top*

As I continued to walk, the knights drew their swords as a sign of respect, the priests did not hold back the divine power and bestowed blessings. And in the distance, the nobles applauded. For a researcher with just over a year of experience, such treatment was too extreme. I didn't really like it. The others probably felt the same way.

We are not clowns in the circus to look at.

Or clowns?

*Top*

When I stopped walking, the researchers behind me also stopped in formation. This was different from the organization of soldiers. Since we didn't learn drills, the lines and rows didn't match, and our clothes also created a sense of disorder.

Did they really think it was ridiculous?

"Pf...

In the distance, the laughter of a nobleman was heard, which gradually grew louder. At the same time, a sound was heard.

*Compression*

When I turned my head slightly to look behind me, one of the researchers clenched his fists. It was a warrior who was clearing a path through the caves with me. Before, when he smashed the heads of monsters, he was unstoppable.

He turned out to be more shy than I thought.

This was the other side of the warriors, which I did not know about at the time. I don't know why, but I didn't like it. Maybe because of this, I could not restrain myself.

'Behella

I let out an involuntary scream that echoed across the vast space.

I didn't want to, but it was followed by a chorus of shouting.

'Behella

It was the cry of warriors addicted to our battle cry, among whom there were not so many barbarians.

"These madmen do it even in the royal palace...

Most of the researchers looked at each other in amazement or let out sad sighs. But the nobles behaved somewhat differently. Did they really think that this was the promised performance? They fell silent for a moment in surprise, and then applauded and whistled.

These guys are funny bastards.

It was even funny, and the atmosphere was relaxed. The explorers who were uncomfortable in this place—the opulent palace, the innumerable elusive glances of the nobles, the clumsy tailcoats, and so on—regained some of their composure.

Yes, arrogant researchers should be like that. Especially after everything we had to go through to survive.

As I watched with satisfaction, Kyle chuckled next to me.

"I told you so. Who else should stand in front if not you?

Well, perhaps he was right. Who else could do something like this if not a barbarian?

"S-hush!" Please be quiet! His Excellency Ageni Lawton Tertserion, Prime Minister of Rafdonia, has arrived!

In the midst of the heated atmosphere, the prime minister appeared.

***

He looked about 50 years old, made a good impression and had gray hair. Conjuring up the image of the headmaster, the prime minister stood in front of the empty throne and began his speech with a light joke.

"Haha, I'm sorry. I arrived too late. Please don't be angry with me, heroes. Today is such a good day, after all.

The speech naturally flowed from one topic related to the weather to another. There was nothing particularly grandiose in this.

After enumerating our labors one by one, he explained to the nobles why we had been invited today.

"These people have achieved what not only the illustrious clans, but also the knights have not been able to achieve. If it weren't for them, we might never know what happened there.

Nominally, our merit was to return alive with information about Noarka. Because they couldn't say out loud that they gave us carrots to quell the resistance of the researchers.

"And therefore I, Ageni Lawton Terzerion, express my gratitude to you for your services on behalf of the ailing His Majesty, the King!"

The long speech ended, and the Prime Minister distributed the awards according to merit.

First of all, all survivors received 10 million stones and the right of access to the royal capital of Carnon. Obviously, additional rewards will be given out based on achievements. For reference, we were the first in the order of the announcement.

"Melter Fend, head of the Nartel clan, please come forward. You made a great contribution to the victory over the criminal Blue Mane from the Blue Wolf tribe.

Apparently, the collection of information has already been completed, as the Prime Minister has listed all the achievements in detail.

"The Silver Soul Vault will be opened for you. You will be able to choose one essence and one more item. In addition, you will receive a reward of 25 million stones.

"Thank you.

Melter received a ticket to the treasury, where rank 4 essences and related equipment were stored.

… Can I expect my turn soon?

In truth, Melter's accomplishments were the least of the three of us. The reason he was able to kill the Wolfman was because I knocked down the Corpse Gatherer.

Unfortunately, Mr. Kyle was next.

"Sir Kyle Pevrosk, Iron Mage, please come forward.

"It's been a long time, Prime Minister.

"Forgive my absence, for I was busy with state affairs.

The Prime Minister noted three of Kyle's achievements:

Using your wisdom to show the expedition the way to survival,

Intercepting Berzak with [Mass Teleportation], and...

Dealing damage to the Scientist of Destruction during the battle in the Goblin Forest.

"I heard you've been asking for permission to study forbidden magic for a long time, haven't you?" As of today, you are the proud royal mage of Rafdonia.

"You have no idea how glad I am to hear this, Prime Minister. Thank you very much.

Kyle received the title of royal mage. In other words, he now had the opportunity to learn and master all kinds of magic as he saw fit.

"Barbarian warrior, Bjorn, son of Yandel, please come forward.

Finally, it was my turn.

Was it because I wasn't like Melter and Kyle, who already had a reputation?

The Prime Minister looked at me, as if studying, before listing my achievements.

"Your merits are as follows: by a noble will, you stopped the internal conflict, thanks to which many knights were able to return to their families; fought bravely in the most dangerous sector of the front and became a role model; served as bait to buy time from Berzak and allow other researchers to survive; made a decisive contribution to victory, driving Abed Necrapeto, the cursed soul of the other world, into a dead end.

From his lips, it sounded as if nothing special had happened.

"That's not enough to express all the hard work you've done. But nevertheless, on behalf of the royal family, I thank you for your contribution!

—…

"The Golden Soul Vault will be opened for you. You will be able to choose any essence or item, and you will also receive 50 million stones. Nay!

The Prime Minister paused for a moment and continued:

"You will be made a baronet."

... And?