Reborn After A Death March

Chapter 42

Our time back in the old capital was a pleasant one. A lovely meal was followed by Mia playing a song on her lute to demonstrate her improvement. Elves are on a different level when it comes to music. Mia was so good before, but only after a few days of practice. She is like a pro with the lute. By the time Mia finished her performance, there wasn't anyone who wasn't impressed. The beauty of Mia's melody even brought one of the maids to tears. It wouldn't surprise me if Mia could become a greater musician than Ciya in a few years.

Everyone else seems to have had an eventful few days too. Pochi and Tama showed off their new skills from training. They hadn't improved as much as Mia with her lute, but they were still growing rapidly. Satou was talking about giving Mr Kajiro and Ayaume a bonus. Still, there is one more person that needs a bonus. After listening to Nana's complaint, I know I have to give something to thank her for stopping Nana from bringing everything orphan in the city home with her.

But we received an unexpected visitor before I could think of what to give her. I swear the maids looked like they had a heart attack when the king walked in, and even Liza started sweating as she stepped behind Pochi and Tama to keep an eye on them. Everyone else looked nervous, apart from Satou and myself. Still, I am slightly anxious on the inside despite meeting with the king multiple times.

"Hero Kura, Sir Pendragon, I am sorry to pay you a visit so late," But instead of us bowing to him, the king lowered his head to us. Even his knight's guarding him, and an official-looking elderly man look surprised by the king's actions. "I'm sure you two are tired after your adventure with the hero of the Saga Empire, so I will keep this brief."

The king gestures to the official, who nods and takes out some paperwork. It takes him a few minutes to prepare the ink, so Satou and I answer the king's questions about our battle with the dragon to pass the time. The king was a bit disappointed that Hayato did most of the work but still praised me for the aid I offered to him while Satou tried to downplay his involvement.

"As much as I would want to hear more of your wonderful stories, brave hero Kura, let me get down to why I really came here tonight," The king softly smiled as the official announced he finished his job. "After consulting with the head of the Shiga Eight Swords, Sir Julberg, we have decided to hand over the holy sword forged by our ancestral king Yamato, Claiomh Solais, over to you."

"But... but isn't the sword a national treasure?"

I know he took his time and talked it over with someone, but should he really be giving me such a priceless sword. Does the king really trust me enough to hand over a national treasure like this? I'm starting to worry about what he wants in return for gifting me such a weapon.

"Yes, this sword is a symbol of our kingdom. A treasure we place great value in, but it belongs in the hands of a hero that protects the people. I'm sure both the ancestral king and Claiomh Solais will be happy to know that you are the holder of this weapon,"

"Okay," I nod and accept the sword, still waiting for the catch.

"I just need you to sign this to confirm you have taken possession of Claiomh Solais," I guess even in a fantasy world, you can't avoid paperwork. "I will take my leave now and let you two rest."

We bid goodbye to the king and walked him out, and when we returned, it looked like everyone remembered how to breathe again. Liza must have been really tense worrying about Pochi and Tama because she was on her knees when we rejoined the group. Arisa and Mia are the only ones who seem unfazed by the king's sudden visit.

"I'm surprised the king would give up a national treasure so easily,"

Arisa was the first one to speak up when we returned. I can understand her surprise, but I think I know what the king is doing.