The Demon King's Paladin Part 1 Vol 2.

Chapter 218. To Zana With Optimism

                                                                      John Ericsson's Point Of View

" Stand straighter..."

Anna whispered to me as we were carried from our home to the western gate of Paradise in a horse drawn carriage. Today was the day that we began our journey to Zana for the birthday of Lord Fracks on the winter solstice. Looking at what Rodrick had found in his reports on the VIPs of the event, apparently, Lord Franz Fracks lost his late wife, Cindra Fracks, 2 years ago. Since then, he's been quite reclusive as his son, Byron Fracks had taken over most of the day-to-day operations of the office of the Lord of Zana. His daughter, Cindy Fracks is currently spending her days as a student in the Royal Diablos Acadamy. It seems all 3 will be at the birthday bash. From there, we're under the assumption that the other Counts will also be making an appearance along with their families. It seems that everything is coming together perfectly for our big debut. I can only hope that everything goes well.

" Yes, like that."

Sarah told me that I was finally standing right. I guess all of the desk work has affected my posture... Or at least I'd like to believe that's the reason. It's been 2 weeks since the day that Anna and I went for a picnic... Also known as the day when Mary had evolved. Since then, life has been... Strangely consistent actually. We've prepared all the necessary supplies for the debut. The Dwarves had packed up their first order of dairy products and began the trek back home to Kuga to bring the idea of handling trade between us and places like Alfheim and Promethia. I eagerly await a message from the Dwarves about their decision regarding it. From there, my farming project is finally done. I originally thought that it would be a bigger affair, but the reality was that Ruby, Lily and I had a slice of cheesecake and called it a day. Quite anti-climactic if I do say so myself. Though Ruby did mention something about taking a mid-day nap like I did during our date... But that position creates problems for me. Quite simply, Ruby is still a woman after all.

" Lord Matthew! Enjoy the journey! Flare! Take care of them! Edmon! Don't screw up!"

/YEAHHHH!!!!/

" Really... Flare gets well wishes and I get a " don't screw up."? The world isn't very fair."

" Don't worry, Edmon. They don't expect anything from Wendy and I after all."

Edmon was disheartened by a lone voice from the crowd, meanwhile Flare was playing up to the crowd by raising her fist up to the crowd with strength. While the crowd cheered for Flare's showboating, Ellie tried to cheer up Edmon as the crowd cheered with Wendy looking around awkwardly but still showing support to Edmon. Originally, I was going to use the same group that escorted me to Darkheim, but that's where my last week went crazy. From accusations of favoritism to a near riot breaking out for people not getting a fair shake... Basically a giant tournament was made post-haste. I forbade a few people from participating, for which Ruby's inclusion in that list has left myself being glared at for some time. She relented when I promised to let her go with me on any 1 excursion in the future. Once that was squared away, the winners were chosen yesterday.

" Good luck, Lord Matthew!"

The crowd cheered loudly for me. Where was this when I went to Darkheim? Regardless, Flare, who was the voice of all of the citizen's discontent, happily played up to the crowd as we made our way forward as if their goals were all accomplished now... I'd almost assume she'd caused all of this strictly for herself to be able to win the position of guarding us. She was able to win her division in the tournament after all. 1 of 9 brackets I'd mention. Edmon won his as well. the other 7 winners were well respected members of our military force. 4 more women and 3 men. Granted, I'd never talked to any of them individually, but I've seen their faces as we hunted or walked around town. They were good people... If not a little.... Fanatical.