Apostle Slayer

Those messages appeared after I defeated the Apostle.

That brought the total number of titles I’d acquired to four.

Just as the first three seemed to have granted me the ability to interfere with an enemy’s fire-element attacks, would this new title also grant me some kind of ability or special effect?

Either way, it seemed that collecting more titles would make me even stronger.

[Skill Appraisal: Ultimate]—perhaps there were still plenty of hidden features within this skill that could make me more powerful.

“B-Brother, that was amazing!”

Flare exclaimed as she rushed toward me.

She immediately threw her arms around me.

“You’re absolutely wonderful! Nuzzle, nuzzle, nuzzle!”

She enthusiastically rubbed her cheek against mine.

“Th-thanks, Flare… But could you calm down a little?”

“Ehehe. I was just so happy and overwhelmed that I couldn’t help myself.”

Flare pulled away, looking slightly embarrassed.

“To defeat an Apostle so easily—”

Millet stared at me in astonishment.

“Unbelievable… I had no idea you were this strong, Aerial.”

“Well, I managed to awaken quite a few new powers.”

I replied with a cheerful smile.

“That was beyond amazing! I couldn’t do anything…”

“I wasn’t much help either. Aerial was just way too incredible…”

As Ram sighed dejectedly, Millet gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“His Majesty intends to hold a celebration in honor of the monster’s defeat. He would very much like to invite Aerial-dono, the hero who saved the royal capital, to attend.”

The following day, a royal messenger arrived to see me.

“A-an invitation? From the king himself?”

“Of course. His Majesty wishes to meet and speak with you personally. He also intends to present you with a reward during the celebration.”

“Ugh, I’m getting nervous just thinking about it.”

“The occasion is being held so that His Majesty may personally commend you, Aerial-dono. We sincerely hope you will attend.”

Well, turning down an invitation like that probably wouldn’t be a good idea…

“Understood.”

I nodded in agreement.

The celebration was scheduled for three nights later.

Apparently, once I arrived at the royal castle, someone would be there to escort me.

I was also told that I could bring family members or other people close to me.

I wondered if Flare would want to come.

“Brother, you’re amazing!”

As soon as the messenger left, Flare appeared in his place.

“You’re wonderful! You’re the best! Nuzzle, nuzzle, nuzzle~!”

She rubbed her cheek against mine again.

“Oh, right. Apparently, you’re allowed to come too, Flare… Do you want to?”

“Huh? To the castle?”

“Yeah. It’s a party celebrating the Apostle’s defeat. The king’s going to give me a reward, too.”

“Hehe. That’ll certainly help with our household expenses.”

“You’re telling me.”

We exchanged glances, and both of us broke into delighted smiles.

Three nights later, we arrived at the royal castle.

“Oh, is that Aerial and Flare?”

It was Millet.

Ram was standing beside her.

Both of them were wearing dresses, and they looked absolutely beautiful.

Incidentally, I was dressed in formal attire, while Flare was also wearing a dress.

“Hello there~!”

“What are you two doing here?”

“Hey, that’s rude! We contributed to the battle against the Apostle too… Well, not that we managed to do much, but we were invited to the party as well, you know!”

“Same here!”

Millet and Ram chimed in.

Seeing familiar faces was reassuring.

“Well then, let’s go together, all four of us.”

“Agreed!”

And so, the four of us made our way into the royal castle.