After that, I was free to spend my time until the day of the Triumph Ceremony.
Most days were spent strolling through the city with Agetha.
On some occasions, there were impromptu mock battles with the Supreme Swordsman.
On another day, I went on a hunting trip with Prince Eligion, who had invited me. On that day, the Sage Nyau also joined us. It seemed she was staying at the palace to attend the Triumph Ceremony.
"I looked into Holy Knight Canaria. Indeed, she was from Luna Village."
"Is that so…"
Previously, Holy Knight Canaria had verbally conveyed that she was from Luna Village. Perhaps Prince Eligion had investigated to confirm if this was indeed true.
"She was well-regarded as strong in the Knights' Order, and she had the trust of those around her. That's why I also trusted her. But I wonder what feelings she had while working under me."
It was clear that Holy Knight Canaria held a strong grudge against Prince Eligion. However, he didn't intend to disclose such information.
"Um… would it be okay if I asked what happened in Luna Village?"
I hesitated for a moment whether it was appropriate to ask such a question, but I gathered the courage to ask.
"…I owe you, so of course, I'll explain."
With those words, Prince Eligion began to speak.
"The entire village faced retribution for collaborating with the demonic forces in Luna Village."
"Was that true…?"
"Yeah, it seems the villagers were harboring several demons, providing them with food and shelter."
"I see…"
Collaborating with demons is considered a serious crime.
"The discovery happened when another village was attacked by those demons. As a result, several people lost their lives."
"So, Luna Village was disciplined because of that…"
"Yeah, His Majesty was extremely angry, and that decision was made."
"And did Eligion-sama also participate?"
"Yeah, as the leader, I led the soldiers. But I was young at the time and couldn't do much. His Majesty, wanting to claim credit, forcibly made me the leader."
"I see…"
It was a fact that sacrifices were made due to the villagers collaborating with demons, and considering that, the disciplinary action seemed unavoidable.
"I believe that discipline was a mistake."
Prince Eligion asserted clearly.
"Collaborating with demons is certainly a serious crime, but there was no need to kill innocent women and children. At that time, I should have stopped my subordinates from excessive actions."
Saying so, Prince Eligion wore a pained expression.
I couldn't imagine what had happened in Luna Village. However, Prince Eligion's expression indicated that something quite cruel had taken place there.
I thought he must be a kind person as I observed Prince Eligion.
◆
The day of the Triumph Ceremony arrived.
In attendance were not only people I knew, such as Prince Eligion, and Agetha, but also many soldiers who had fought against the demons. Additionally, the body of the Demon Lord Zoga was affixed to a pillar, displayed as a spectacle.
While it's customary for participants to walk in triumph ceremonies, some individuals, like Prince Eligion, rode on horse-drawn carriages without roofs.
"Hero Agetha, I want you to ride this. Heroes should stand out the most."
Saying so, Prince Eligion showed a gigantic demon, towering enough to look up to. I was utterly surprised as I hadn't imagined riding on a demon.
"It's a Sand Lizard. A very gentle demon that listens well to human commands."
"But I don't want to stand out."
"It's fine. That's why you're wearing a mask, right?"
Agetha wore an ornate black mask that one might wear to a masquerade ball. By the way, I was also wearing the same mask, as Agetha had requested matching masks. There wasn't a profound reason behind it.
Then, riding on the Sand Lizard together with Agetha, we continued to wave to the audience. I thought it wouldn't be that difficult, but surprisingly, it was tiring.
"Kiska, are you okay?"
"I'm quite tired. Just waving hands can be unexpectedly exhausting."
"Yeah, I knew that because of my experience."
"Is that so?"
Being a hero, perhaps such experiences were quite common.
"Even so, the popularity of the hero is incredible."
When I looked down, the audience was fervently waving their hands towards us.
"This is why I didn't like it. If we weren't wearing masks, I think we wouldn't be able to walk through the town normally starting tomorrow."
"Indeed, that's possible."
The enthusiasm for the hero was abnormal. I could somehow understand why Agetha was reluctant to participate in the Triumph Ceremony.
"I hope tomorrow comes soon."
"Yeah."
Tomorrow is the long-awaited day to go and watch the theater.