A Hero With/Out Time

Chapter 22: Our change of pace. (Part 2)

"How's everyone else?" I asked. "Is Ardent alright?"

Lara answered, "Ardent woke up earlier this morning. Ronalt is writing his report. Marley is communicating with the Temple of the Goddess and Earnest is lazing about."

"I see," I stretched my muscles. "Let's get something to eat, I'm kind of hungry."

After waiting for them to leave the room so I could get changed we left for the palace's dining room. Last time I had come here I was treated little better than the staff, but now whenever we passed someone they bowed to us respectfully. As much as it felt wrong, I surprisingly got used to it quickly. Not long after we sat down the others arrived and behind Ronalt was an extra party. The Queen and from what I could tell the crown prince and 1st princess. They were several years older than Ronalt but looked younger. I guess that's what happens when you don't work in the military. We all stood up as they entered and bowed respectfully.

The Queen spoke, "There is no need for such formalities, please seat yourselves. We have just come to enjoy a meal with you." Aside from the occasional palace staff that came to serve us our food, the room was empty. I was thankful for Ardent who talked joyously about our journey without strain, the man didn't care at all with the royalty beside him.

Earnest who sat opposite of me pointed his fork at me, "Rain I didn't have the chance before, but your fight with the Demon Lord... it was truly impressive as you said it would be."

I felt my food get stuck in my throat as all eyes turned to me, "Well I was desperate."

"If desperation could do that we'd have many more master swordsmen," Earnest scoffed. "The first half of the fight you could barely dodge his blade but by the end you were able to hold yourself. I do look forward to our training later." It looked like Earnest was just taking it at face value, but more importantly.

I raised my hand at him, "Hold on, we took care of the Demon Lord. I no longer need to be your apprentice."

"The way of the sword doesn't end when your enemies are gone, it surpasses even life itself."

My eyes turned dull towards him, "We'll talk about this later." I managed to change the subject as the crown prince turned his attention to Lara. He was quiet interested with her talent. Thankfully that's where it ended.

As our lunch ended the Queen excused herself taking the prince and princess with her. The only ones left were us again.

Ronalt turned towards me, "Rain, I'd like to talk with you in private."

"Sure," I stood up as he did and followed him to a small room.

As he closed the door he looked at me seriously, "Who are you really?"

"Excuse me?"

"Are you an agent my mother placed among us? If so, you did not have to hide yourself."

"No way," I crossed my hands. "I'm just Rain Axel from Axel."

"So I've been led to believe but someone as multitalented as you cannot simply exist. Knowledge of magic on the same level as Ardent, and swordsmanship to go against the Demon Lord. Just those alone put you in the position of mass power."

I scratched the back of my head, "The knowledge came from the Goddess, about the Demon Lord, well... how do I explain it? As we fought I learnt, though without Earnest's training I'd be dead."

He folded his arms and stared down at me. Then he sighed, "It is a shame I cannot tell if you are lying. Though I at least know you are not telling the entire truth."

"We all have our secrets," I smiled. Telling him otherwise would only work against me.

"Although I am intrigued, it was those secrets that saved us. I will respect your privacy."

"Thank you," I bowed my head to him.

He spoke wryly "Perhaps I am just jealous. In the end I was useless against the Demon Lord."

I shook my head, "No, without you we never would have made it. You led us, and guided us. I am truly thankful to call you friend."

He returned a soft smile, the engraved lines in his face loosening, "Thank you Rain."

"No problem," I stepped back and gestured for the door. "Shall we?"

"Yes, the others are waiting."