NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: Hero's of the People
As time flew by and days turned into weeks, the trio spent their time exploring Bez'Eru, gathering information about the necromancer, and taking on small quests for the guild to sustain themselves. These quests ranged from hunting monsters in nearby forests for merchants and providing food for butchers, to gathering herbs for alchemists and various other tasks.
On a particular day, much like any other, Lilith voiced her exhaustion to Elara. "Elara, I'm tired. Can we just do nothing today?" Ella nodded in agreement, supporting Lilith's sentiment. Elara smiled warmly and replied, "Of course, you two can relax today. I'll go to the guild to check on things, maybe talk to Vicksy and see if there's any news."
After bidding farewell to Lilith and Ella, Elara made her way to the guild. As she entered the guild hall, she was surprised to see city guards stationed in different corners of the room and some positioned upstairs near the guild master's office. Spotting Vicksy, Elara walked over to her. Vicksy had just finished a task and greeted Elara as usual.
Elara whispered, "what is up with all these guards, is the lord here or something?"
Vicksy nodded subtly. "Yes, they're here for his protection. So, what brings you here, Elara?"
Elara smiled and said. "I was wandering if you had some new gossip?"
Vicksy smiled and start her gossip.
Elara listened intently as Vicksy shared news about Kai and other adventurers accompanying the lord's first son on a journey to the mountains in search of the necromancer to suppress him.
"I see," Elara responded with a thoughtful nod. She thought to herself, They do seem to have trouble with this necromancer. Maybe I should have joined them. It shouldn't be a problem for me to deal with him. As a former hero and now a maid-knight, there's not much in this world that can challenge me. But then again, it's not my problem. I'm here to guide Lilith and serve her needs.
Vicksy noticed Elara's contemplative expression and teased, "A copper for your thoughts?"
At that moment, the door to the guild master's office opened, and out walked Garret. Behind him was an elderly demon with big black horns, exuding strength and wisdom in his demeanor. Garret spotted Elara, waved, and walked over.
"Greetings, Elara," Garret said warmly.
Elara greeted him in return, "Greetings, Lord Garret."
Garret chuckled and flushed slightly. "Stop it, don't call me with a title," he insisted.
Elara smiled back. "Maybe when you're not surrounded by your people. For now, I shall stick to Lord Garret."
As Elara and Garret conversed, the elderly demon approached and interjected, agreeing with Elara about the use of honorifics in public. Garret turned towards him and greeted him respectfully, "Oh, Father." He then introduced Elara to the elderly demon as Lord Taitez of House Falstone, the ruler of Bez'eru.
Elara bowed gracefully and greeted Lord Taitez with all the appropriate honorifics a maid-knight should use. Lord Taitez smiled warmly in return and acknowledged her greeting. "I see," he said thoughtfully, "It is indeed a shame that you couldn't recruit her, Garret. We could have used someone strong like her for the mountains."
As they continued their conversation, time passed, and suddenly, a messenger burst into the guild hall, visibly confused, searching for the lord. Spotting Lord Taitez, he hurried over and bowed respectfully before delivering his message. "Lord Taitez, I bring good news," the messenger began, "If it's about the necromancer, you may speak freely. My people need to know too."
With a nod of understanding, the messenger continued, "The expedition to subdue the necromancer has returned. Lord Algran, the leader of the group, has slain the necromancer. With his and the adventurers guild's help, the threat is now over. We can begin our mining operations again in the mountains."
A sense of relief washed over the guild hall as the news sank in. Lord Taitez's expression softened with gratitude and he thanked the messenger, dismissing him with a gesture.
"Taitez instructed Garret, 'Son, go prepare a banquet for the heroes of the people. It shall be held in the city's town square. I'll give you a day to fulfill this request of mine. Remember, it is in honor of my son Algran and the adventurers who aided him on this quest, so everyone is welcome to join. It is a victory for our people.'
Garret nodded and replied, 'As you wish, father.'
Taitez then turned to Elara and said, 'You are welcome to join, Maid-Knight. I would love to hear more stories of your adventures and meet your companions too.' With a small goodbye, he turned and left.
Garret, looking at his father's back, then turned to Elara and said, 'I have to go too. I have to see my brother and prepare the banquet.' Elara smiled and wished Garret good luck as he left.
As Elara stood there, Vicksy said to her, 'You should go tell Lilith and Ella the good news.' Elara giggled and smiled knowingly.
'I will, Vicksy. Take care.'
'You too,' Vicksy replied."
Elara turned around and left the guild to find the others. Meanwhile, Lilith and Ella were sitting outside the Red Devils Tavern, listening to the cheerful voices of people around them, a stark contrast to their usual surroundings. The city seemed alive with renewed hope and joy, the news of the necromancer's defeat spreading like wildfire through the streets.
As Elara approached them, Lilith and Ella looked up, their faces eager for news. She smiled warmly at them, the excitement of the upcoming banquet still fresh in her mind.
"Lilith, Ella," Elara began, her voice filled with enthusiasm, "you won't believe it. The necromancer has been defeated!"
Lilith's eyes widened with surprise and relief. "Really? That's incredible news!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. "How did it happen?"
Elara settled down next to them, recounting the details she had learned at the guild hall. "Lord Algran led a successful expedition to the mountains," she explained, her words carrying a sense of admiration. "With the help of the adventurers, they managed to put an end to the necromancer's threat."
Ella fluttered excitedly, her wings shimmering in the sunlight. "I'm glad everyone is safe now," she chirped, her voice tinged with relief.
Lilith nodded thoughtfully. "It must have been quite the battle," she mused, imagining the scene. "And now they're planning a banquet to honor everyone involved?"
Elara nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Yes, Lord Taitez himself announced it. It will be held tomorrow in the city's town square," she explained, her voice conveying the grandeur of the event. "He invited us to attend as well."
Lilith grinned broadly. "A banquet in honor of the hero's sounds wonderful," she remarked, her mind already racing with thoughts of the festivities to come.
Elara chuckled softly. "Indeed, it will be a celebration to remember," she agreed,
lets go around the city and listen to the good news lilith said. the two others agreed and then walk into the street.
As evening settled in, they made their way to the tavern for dinner. The atmosphere inside was unusually lively, filled with laughter and animated conversations. It was clear that the news of the necromancer's defeat had lifted everyone's spirits.
"Wow people seem really happy and cheery," Lilith remarked, glancing around at the bustling tavern.
"I'll bet it's all because of the news," Ella added, her eyes bright with excitement.
Elara smiled warmly at them, enjoying their chatter as they found a free table and settled down. Harvin, the tavern's owner, approached them with a welcoming smile.
"Are you here for food?" he asked, addressing Elara.
Elara nodded. "Yes, we would like today's special and drinks too, please," she requested politely.
Harvin nodded in understanding and took note of their order before heading back towards the kitchen.
As they waited for their food, the trio soaked in the lively ambiance of the tavern. The air was filled with the aroma of hearty meals being served and the sound of music played by a minstrel in the corner. Patrons of all kinds—demons, humans, and beastkin—mingled together, sharing tales of recent events and celebrating the newfound peace in Bez'Eru.
"It's nice to see everyone so happy," Elara commented, her gaze sweeping across the tavern. "It feels like the city has come alive."
Lilith nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with delight. "It's a good change from the usual tension," she observed.
Ella chimed in softly, "I hope it stays this way."
Their food arrived shortly after—steaming plates of the tavern's special dish, accompanied by refreshing drinks. They dug into their meals with hearty appetites, savoring the flavors and enjoying the warmth of companionship amidst the bustling tavern.
after there dinner the trio walk back to there room.
Elara closed the door behind them as they entered their room, the warmth of the tavern still lingering in their spirits. Lilith, sitting on her bed, spoke softly, her voice carrying a hint of contemplation.
"It is a pity that I couldn't see the necromancer," Lilith said, her eyes thoughtful. "I really wanted to learn more about him and see how strong he was."
Elara, leaning against the wall, considered Lilith's words for a moment before responding. She understood Lilith's curiosity and thirst for knowledge, traits that often fueled her desire to grow stronger.
"I know you're curious, Lilith," Elara began gently. "But remember, confronting a necromancer is dangerous. They wield powerful dark magic, and their motives are often shrouded in mystery. It's not something to take lightly."
Ella, perched on the edge of the bed, looked between Elara and Lilith with a concerned expression. "Elara's right, Lilith. It's better that the necromancer has been dealt with. We should be grateful for the peace it brings."
Lilith nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "I understand," she said finally. "It's just... I wanted to test my skills. To see if I could protect everyone."
Elara walked over and sat beside Lilith, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And you have been protecting us, Lilith. In more ways than you realize. Your strength and determination inspire all of us."
Lilith smiled faintly, touched by Elara's words. "Thank you, Elara."
Ella, sensing the moment, chimed in with a playful grin. "Besides, you have plenty of opportunities ahead to test your skills. We're adventurers, after all."
Lilith chuckled softly, the tension easing from her shoulders. "You're right, Ella. There will be more challenges waiting for us."
As they settled in for the night, the room filled with a sense of anticipation for the grand banquet the following day. The aroma of the tavern's hearty meal lingered in the air, adding to the cozy atmosphere.