Chapter 125: Triumphal return

It’s been 3 days since we left the garrison on the cave. Today was the day we would finally arrive at the capital. In the morning, everyone went on with their business as usual, but during the rest stops at the watering holes, many of the soldiers washed their heads (of course, just flush it with water) and wiped their faces and bodies with damp cloths, cleaning themselves as best as they could.

When the break was over and the convoy started moving forward again, the mountain range rising beyond the capital came into view. When it came into view, the distance to the capital was no longer so great. Seeing that, we all feel motivated and such feeling was probably to be transmitted to the horses so our speed increased slightly.

It’s not the kind of speed that makes you run through the wind so you won’t get drunk, but at this rate, we’ll reach the capital long before the sun sets.

As we still have to do something, it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to go home by the end of the day so I and Liddy don’t have much benefit on this but I’m grateful to the soldiers and Oyasan.

Then the outer wall of the city comes into view. It’s time. There is a strange silence in the line, there’s only the sound of the horse’s hooves and the wagon’s wheels turning. The tension and silence were broken when we approached the gate of the wall.

“The subjugation team is back!”

A soldier watching over the gate shouts. Various people in a line trying to enter the city looked back at the same time, and soon the voices of applause and shouts of joy filled the area.

Our line moves slowly this time through the crowd and we are given priority through the gate. As far as I could see, no one complained about that. Everyone was actively opening a way for us to pass. The applause spread through the city faster than the procession and we heard it all the way through the streets.

I guess it was thanks to the troops who came back first that we were welcomed so soon after our return. It was only because they had announced that we had come back victorious. The cheering continued even after we passed through the gates of the inner wall of the capital and it did not stop until we reached the square where we were first stationed.

The soldiers lined up when they reached the square. The same goes for the members of the squad that had returned earlier. We, the supply team lined up behind them. There are many nobles living inside the inner wall and there is also the part of the high-class residential area, but judging from their clothes, it seemed that the servants on errands and men and women of noble birth had come to see the scene, and it was quite noisy.

As I scampered about, I looked around and I made eye contact with a few people. At first I thought they were looking at me but I soon realized that they were looking at Liddy-san who was standing next to me ―in other words, since the elf race can rarely be seen, she was noticed quickly. Except for one.

His Excellency the Marquis was unexpectedly so laidback? When our eyes met, I only gave him a nod as there are so many eyes on us. He grinned and nodded back. He’s not a bad guy after all.

As I continued to scurry around, the girl next to me, Miss Frederica, tugged at the hem of my clothes, and I stopped hurrying. A step stool (the same one used to get in and out of the wagon) was set up, and Marius climbed up on it. The crowded place suddenly became completely quiet.

“Gentlemen, thank you for your hard work on this expedition. It is a shame that the Elven village were so badly damaged before we arrived. I would like to offer a moment of silence for the victims.”

We all closed our eyes and prayed for the victims of the village, Liddy-san’s acquaintances and possibly family members. It’s quiet and the onlookers seem to be saying a silent prayer as well.

“However, thanks to your efforts, we were able to defeat our enemies. I believe that this is something to be proud of. I hope that I can count on your help again in the future when the Eimurl House goes into battle. Finally, I would like to express my thanks again for your hard work in this expedition.”

The soldiers drew their swords and gave a sword salute. Even from behind, it’s rather spectacular. We are civilians so we only bowed lightly. There was no need to be rude.

The crowd erupts again. Now the upper class knew that Marius, or the Eimurl House, had succeeded in going to war. Proclaiming success at such a ceremony will have various advantages in the future.

“See you then! Please come to the store!”

“Okay, I’ll drop by with my family.”

I waved goodbye to Oyasan, Martin, and Boris. It’s a little sad to say goodbye to someone you’ve known even if it’s only for a little over a week.

“Thank you for your help Eizou-san. I was saved because your work was quick. Also, thanks for the cushion.”

I then saw that Miss Frederica’s luggage was bulging, it seemed that she had taken that simple cushion. If I know she would like it that much, I should have made it better.

“I know that Frederica-san will be busy from now on but you have to eat and sleep properly. A beautiful lady should take care of her personal appearance after all.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Miss Frederica says with a lovely smile and laughs. I patted her head involuntarily but it didn’t seem to be disliked by Miss Frederica. So after stroking for a while, we shook hands and then we bid goodbye to each other.

Delmot, Matis and the others had to clean up the place. I didn’t want to get in their way so I just said a quick goodbye. Apart from Delmot, Matis is a member of the Eimurl House so I’m sure I’ll see him around.

The other soldiers then start to clean up and there were no more spectators. His Excellency, the Marquis had also disappeared before I knew it. While I was feeling the aftermath of such a flurry of goodbyes, Marius’ bodyguard, or in other words, the servants of the Eimurl House, came to call me.

“Eizou-sama, my lord ordered us to escort you to the residence.”

“I understand. Thank you very much.”

Well, I have another job to do. With that in mind, I followed the servant with Liddy-san.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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