Humanity's Hero Of Despair

Swing!

The front doors of the Imperial Palace swing open as the imperial guards open it for us.

Our footsteps create echoes against the polished floor of the Imperial Palace as we all run outside. The sun shines brightly as it marks the afternoon. We wait anxiously for King Grey to arrive with his travel party. Several imperial guards arrive outside as they make a formation in front of us.

A few minutes later, and the Emperor arrives with more imperial guards.

I talk with my friends for a few minutes as we wait for his arrival. My eyes squint as I try to see them in the distance. As I focus in on the hill where the main gates of the Imperial Palace are, I start seeing dots. Many dots. Soon enough, they come more into view.

I see the carriage with the royal crest of the Kingdom of Tarondar on the side of it.

They eventually all come into view as they arrive near the front doors of the Imperial Palace. King Grey's carriage stops in front of us as hundreds of Tarondar magic knights remain behind them. Tarondar magic knights open the carriage door as King Grey steps onto the ground.

Before the Emperor could say something, we all rush to King Grey. We all hug him one at a time. His embrace feels warm and nice. A reminder of our home in Tarondar. The Emperor smiles and waits for our moment of reunion to be complete.

He walks up and shakes hands with King Grey.

"Happy you were able to make it here. Thank you for bringing a substantial military force as well. You have traveled a long journey. Please enjoy your rest here, and we will throw a celebration immediately for your arrival!"

King Grey laughs and smiles back at the Emperor.

"Thank you so much, Your Imperial Highness. We know war is approaching, so we are doing our best as well. I am just very happy to reunite with all my lovely friends."

King Grey turns to me.

"I have a surprise for you."

He says as he looks at the royal carriage. I can't believe my eyes. My sister gets out of the carriage and runs toward me, tackling me to the ground while smiling. I grimace slightly as I stand up and chuckle. My sister smirks at me as she helps me up.

"Keep your guard up, brother."

I catch up with my sister for a moment, asking her how everything in Tarondar is going with all the commotion going on. She says it's tough and traveling was tough, but worth it. Tarondar is on full lockdown and a ton of heroes have been deployed. Heroes being graduates of Hero Academy.

The Emperor gestures for all of us to head inside, saying we can all catch up in the dining hall. Imperial staff run around like crazy as a feast is quickly prepared for everyone, including everybody who joined with the Tarondar military travel party.

The Imperial Palace erupts in celebration as the sun shines high above us through the windows and we eat delicious food. King Grey joins us at our table where it is just the Emperor, my friends, and I. We all take turns asking King Grey how the people of Tarondar are doing, as well as about his travels getting here.

King Grey recounts all his travel stories through Veltheria and parts of Oriventh.

He mentions how he met many kind but also hostile people who didn't understand the situation. King Grey tells us how many people across the continent are preparing for war and are nervous about the dragons and goblins. We all sit and listen intently to his stories.

In between stories, I catch up with my sister who sits on the other side of me. She tells me how many dark mages look up to me and how they have blossomed into great mages now. I smile as she tells me about everything and anything related to Hero Academy.

Of course, I would smile. That's where it all started anyways.

She then asks about what I have been up to and my journey. I tell her all about meeting the President of Veltheria and about Governor Griffith. I tell her about our journey to the Oriventh Empire and I mention to her all about the story of Grand Duke Lancaster. It almost slipped my mind, but I told her how I am a Grand Duke now.

Her expression at hearing this is certainly priceless.

My friends also every now and then interject a comment. They let my sister know how close Ivy and I have gotten over all this time as well. I glare at Matteo who can't help himself about mentioning Ivy and my moment on the balcony. Ivy laughs at the situation while I sit there with a dull expression.

I'mma get you, Matteo, for this.

King Grey whispers to all of us that he has something extremely important to discuss with all of us and the Emperor. However, it cannot be heard by other people's ears. The Emperor mentions that after the celebration, we could move to a private room to discuss it. For now, the Emperor says we should enjoy the meal and the moment.

I couldn't agree more.

We continue eating, drinking, and laughing with each other. The weather continues to reflect our mood as we celebrate the day away. I wish, as always, that this moment would last forever. Being able to just have fun and be peaceful with all the people that matter to me.

Not having to worry about the future or worrying about losing everything.

My expression becomes solemn for a moment. I truly wish Ignis and Justus could share this moment with me. It's been a long time since those days. I wish I had the power back then to protect them like I do now.

I take a swig from my drink and wipe my lips.

Let's hope there will be nobody more to lose. Soon, the celebration is over.

As people clear out, all of us leave the table and head to one of the private rooms to discuss what happens now.

Whatever happens next, it better help our situation.