The grand hall of Veldenar Castle was filled with nobles, knights, and citizens who had gathered to witness the momentous event. Sunlight streamed through the tall stained-glass windows, casting vibrant colors across the ornate red carpet. At the end of the hall stood the throne, and beside it, the King, his wounds now bandaged but his posture proud.
Renji stood before him, his clothes still battle-worn, his blade sheathed at his back. Elira and Celis stood just behind him, their dresses freshly cleaned but their gazes still fixed on him with lingering admiration.
The King raised his hand, and the hall fell silent.
"Renji Akatsuki,"
the King began, his voice echoing,
"you have done more than fulfill a duty. You defeated Varuk, one of the Demon Lord's generals, and protected the royal family with your life. For this…"
A royal attendant stepped forward, holding a velvet cushion. Resting atop it was a golden brooch shaped like a lion's head, embedded with a glowing blue gem.
"…I hereby grant you the honorary title of Hero of Veldenar!"
The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Elira gasped softly, her hands over her mouth, while Celis blinked, visibly impressed.
Renji blinked, stunned.
"W-Wait… Hero? That sounds… a bit much."
The King chuckled.
"It is well-deserved. And I insist you wear this emblem with pride."
He pinned the brooch onto Renji's chest himself.
"From this day forward, you are officially recognized as a Hero of this realm!"
Elira clapped excitedly.
"I knew it! I knew you were amazing!"
Celis crossed her arms, smirking.
"Tch… now he's going to be even more full of himself."
Renji scratched the back of his head, blushing.
"Honestly… I just didn't want anyone to get hurt. I didn't do it for fame."
The crowd loved him even more for that statement.
A noblewoman in the back swooned.
"He's humble too…!"
A young knight whispered,
"I want to be like him one day…"
Elira leaned close and whispered in his ear.
"You're practically a celebrity now. Should I start calling you 'Hero-sama'?"
Renji flinched.
"P-Please don't."
Celis giggled.
"Hero Renji, slayer of demons, protector of princesses… and awkward under pressure."
The ceremony ended with the King ordering a royal feast in Renji's honor. Music played, wine flowed, and Renji was dragged around by Elira to meet the nobles (much to his discomfort), while Celis followed close behind making sarcastic comments like:
"Careful, Renji, that lady might propose to you after two drinks."
Renji groaned.
"Why does this feel more exhausting than fighting a demon…?"
Later that evening, he finally collapsed onto a couch in the royal guest lounge, sighing deeply.
"Being a hero is hard…"
Elira smiled warmly beside him, placing a cup of tea on the table.
"Get used to it, Hero Renji."