A New Beginning For The Four Of Us

As the carriage entered the Royal Capital and moved along the main street, we looked out the windows at the cityscape. It was lively, filled with people, and there were no collapsed buildings anywhere.

“Somehow, it feels nostalgic.”

“I know what you mean. We weren’t away for that long, but still… I’m amazed at how lively this city is.”

At my words, everyone nodded with wry smiles.

“That’s true. Thinking back on it now, the Imperial Capital was terrible.”

“That place could no longer even be called a city.”

“Yeah… the entire city was basically a slum.”

How far it could recover from that state, and how long it would take, would surely be a long road ahead. But if it was Ernesto, I felt like he would somehow manage.

“Ah, those grilled skewers at that stall look delicious.”

“They really do. Oh, and I haven’t seen a bakery like that in a while. I want to eat some.”

“Once we gain our freedom, let’s all eat as much as we want.”

“Yeah. …By the way, do you know what’s going to happen to us from here?”

It was obvious we were heading toward the royal palace, but we had no idea how we would be received, which made me a little uneasy.

“Will we be allowed to enter the royal palace together?”

“It will be fine. The two of you are the ones who rescued me, after all. Of course, Hubert too.”

“Yes. The four of us should be able to enter the royal palace together. However, beyond that I cannot predict what will happen…”

“That will depend on my negotiations. —Hubert, I will confirm something important one last time, so answer honestly from your heart.”

Hubert tightened his lips slightly and nodded at Ann’s serious words, and she slowly spoke.

“Even if you are allowed to return as a knight, will you still come with us? Or would you rather return to being a knight?”

“No. I wish to remain close to Princess Henriette and continue protecting you.”

Hearing that answer, Ann looked straight into Hubert’s eyes, and after a moment her expression softened as she nodded.

“I understand. Then even if the royal palace wants you, I will claim you for myself.”

“I would be honored.”

Hubert gave a graceful bow, and the two exchanged quiet smiles. The atmosphere between them felt somehow sacred, and Rebecca and I could only hold our breath and quietly watch them.

The bond between those two seemed deeper than friendship or romance—something special. I found myself looking forward to seeing how their relationship would develop in the future.

After that, the carriage continued smoothly, and we reached the entrance of the royal palace without any problems. Because Ann had returned safely, it seemed many people had gathered where the carriage stopped.

However, those gathered were only knights and servants. None of Ann’s royal family members were present. Perhaps it was not appropriate for royalty to appear here, but even if a family member who was believed to be dead returned safely, they would not come to greet her?

Perhaps when it came to royalty, the kind of family bonds ordinary people had did not really exist.

When I glanced sideways at Ann, she did not seem saddened by the absence of her family. Instead, she seemed to accept it as something natural.

“Everyone, thank you for coming to welcome me. I know you were worried. I was able to return safely thanks to Luca, Rebecca, and Hubert beside me.”

“Princess Henriette, we are truly delighted at your safe return.”

When the gathered people spoke in unison, Ann looked around at them and spoke once more.

“Thank you. Then could you please guide these three to the guest rooms? If my personal chambers are still available, I will return there.”

“Of course they are. Please follow us.”

After that, we parted from Ann, and luxurious guest rooms were assigned to us. Meals were brought directly to the rooms, and even changes of clothes were prepared for us. It was an incredibly attentive level of service.

Around the third day of this overly comfortable life, Ann—who had not shown herself at all until then—came to the reception room where we had gathered.

During the daytime we had little to do, so the three of us had been chatting together in that reception room.

“Everyone, I’m sorry it took three whole days.”

“No, it’s fine. Did something happen?”

“No. My father said he had very important work, so he didn’t meet with me until yesterday.”

Work that was more important than meeting a daughter who had returned safely after being believed dead… Well, that was just the kind of person he was. After all, he was the one who tried to marry Ann into that Empire.

“I see. And what did His Majesty say?”

“—I was successfully allowed to leave the royal family!”

“Oh! Congratulations. That’s great.”

“He agreed that easily?”

“Yes. I had already been married once, and that marriage destination disappeared due to the coup while I myself was reported dead. When I presented that information and explained that my value had decreased—and that I would probably even be branded as unlucky—he immediately agreed to let me leave the royal family. Rather than hesitating, he actually seemed grateful.”

Grateful… Well, if Ann left the royal family, all the expenses that would have been spent on her would no longer be necessary.

The more I heard about His Majesty, the worse my impression of him became. And judging from the reactions of Ann and Hubert, this kind of response was not even considered particularly cruel or unusual, which was rather sad.

Royalty and nobility might seem glamorous and enviable, but perhaps ordinary commoners were actually happier.

“To maintain appearances, I was given money as preparation funds for my future life. So let’s use that to buy new equipment for everyone. Oh, and Luca, Rebecca, and Hubert will also receive rewards for saving my life. Hubert will not be punished for resigning suddenly, and he will also receive severance pay. —I think that’s everything.”

“Princess Henriette, thank you for negotiating all of that. So from here on, the four of us can freely work together as adventurers.”

At Hubert’s words, Ann gave a bright smile and nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, that’s right. I’m really looking forward to what comes next!”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to it as well.”

After that, we completed the procedures to receive all the rewards, severance pay, and preparation funds, and collected everything promptly. A few days after Ann finished her discussions with His Majesty, we left the royal palace behind.

Where should we go next? What kind of quests should we take on?

I was really looking forward to it.