John naturally had no objections and even urged the great hero to get some rest. The Baron, supported by the three members of his Personal Guard whom he had been given special permission to bring to the banquet, then left the council hall with two heavy chests of Dinars.
However, he did not head toward his own property in Odoche, but rather down a secluded path leading to the city gate.
He hurried along, celebrating privately in his heart. 'I can finally escape this phony celebration and endless conflict.'
'My so-called "heroic performance" was nothing but a clumsy act, and that battle standard was a complete fluke.'
'The fake can't become real, and the real can't be made fake. I might have been able to hide it for a day or two, but you can't wrap fire in paper. The truth would have come out sooner or later.'
'Now I've received a handsome reward and managed to save my own skin. It's time to leave this dangerous place and find some true peace and tranquility.'
