Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 321

321

Medal Ceremony

A week had passed since the soldiers of Hispania, who had achieved tremendous feats in the war against Nudia, returned home for a brief rest.

They once again armed themselves and began to march in an orderly formation towards their destination. The fact that they were equipped with ceremonial armor and weapons, rather than those for actual combat, suggested they were preparing for a grand event.

“They’re coming! The Eastern Army!”

“There are soldiers from the South too!”

Almost everyone residing in the royal castle, and even the kingdom’s people living in the surrounding cities, began to gather in small groups at the location prepared for the medal ceremony, which had been in preparation for several days.

Originally, it was an event held inside the royal castle, but Queen Vanessa, to celebrate not only defeating the Nudia army but also pushing into their territory and leading negotiations near the Nudia royal castle, specially held the event outside the royal castle in a wide open space where all the kingdom’s people could gather and watch.

“···.”

“···.”

Not only the royal castle defense forces but also the royal knights were taking the lead in maintaining strict security.

The knights were handling the security duties that ordinary soldiers usually managed because the individuals attending this event were those who needed the highest level of protection.

“Lady Lilith?”

“Nothing special. I’ve looked around, and I don’t see any pigeons or pointy-ears [derogatory term for elves].”

“Kim Yoo-hyun?”

“I don’t sense the mana of anyone particularly strong.”

“Lord Rido?”

“There’s no trickery using magic either. I’ve checked dozens of times.”

The moment Queen Vanessa stepped outside the palace, the highest level of alert was issued.

Especially in a situation like this, with many potential enemies, it would be a disaster if the monarch suffered any harm.

That’s why Zion had no choice but to pay close attention.

“···.”

Was it because she felt a strange jealousy at Zion’s attentiveness to another woman?

Jann, who had been wearing a sulky expression since earlier, subtly spoke.

“Aren’t the only ones standing around the Queen me, Eos, Kim Yoo-hyun, and you anyway?

The kingdom’s knights and soldiers are just observing from afar, and the kingdom’s people are only watching from even further away.

It seems like it would be fine as long as none of us four harbor any strange intentions.”

“Even if the fairies don’t, it would be quite troublesome if pigeons [spies or assassins] were to sneak in.”

Even so, they were the Celestial Race, considered the strongest race along with the demons.

Even if they didn’t have the same incredible recovery ability as the Dragonkins, they were capable of self-healing, handled mana well, and had excellent individual skills, and even used their heads well.

If they were planning to disrupt this medal ceremony, they could really mess it up properly, so Zion had to be careful, and then be careful again.

Fortunately, no suspicious signs were detected while the spectators gathered and the Hispania army lined up.

After a while, Vanessa appeared, receiving bows from all the kingdom’s people, and soon began to review the gathered Hispania army, raising their morale once again.

Although she did not directly participate in the war, Vanessa also wore ceremonial armor and had a sword at her waist, facing the knights and soldiers, and shouted in a more dignified voice than ever.

“Hispania will not forget your victory and your achievements.”

“Ooooh!”

“Long live Hispania!”

They released the disappointment they might have felt at the victory parade, which lacked cheers.

They became heroes receiving the queen’s review directly in front of the kingdom’s people.

The royal castle defense forces and the royal knights were standing guard in their place.

All sorts of emotions mixed together, and all the soldiers participating in the medal ceremony shouted in cheers.

“All of you standing here, who have been active in the war against Nudia, are the heroes of the kingdom.

However, since I am only one person, and everyone’s time is precious, I have to choose representatives to award medals.

Do any of the kingdom’s warriors have any complaints about my decision?”

The knights and soldiers gathered in the square were all silent, showing that they had no intention of opposing the Queen’s will.

“Everyone played a big role in this war.

In particular, the new relationships we gained from the north helped our Hispania achieve overwhelming feats, so how can I not express my gratitude.”

When Vanessa gestured, the chamberlain guided Jann and Eos forward.

As they went up to the platform, Marquis Volko, who had been waiting next to the Queen, bowed his head and began to award them the medals that had been prepared in advance.

“The world has changed a lot.”

“Wasn’t the north supposed to be barbaric?”

“Haven’t you heard the news?

I heard they showed even better combat than the kingdom’s knights.”

A slight commotion rippled through the crowd of the kingdom’s people.

Marquis Volko was a figure known as the sword of Hispania to the kingdom’s people.

He had fought against the pirates of the south in the past and also fought against Nudia, who had invaded Hispania.

The scene of such a person stepping forward and awarding medals to the tribesmen of the north was a novel and surprising sight.

“I hope that the close cooperative relationship between Hispania and the northern tribes will last for a long time.”

“It will be so as long as Hispania needs us.”

Eos stepped forward and spoke, and Vanessa smiled and nodded.

As long as they didn’t betray each other and each needed the other’s existence, this relationship would last for quite a long time.

“Sir Zion Claussen.”

When Zion’s name came from Vanessa’s mouth, many soldiers let out cheers while trying to suppress their voices.

The kingdom’s hero, who had fought on the front lines and was even hit by an arrow, had made a great contribution this time as well, and since they were also there, it gave them the feeling that they had become heroes too.

“There is so much to say, but it is difficult to express it all, so I will save my words.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Zion Claussen.”

“It is an honor.”

Marquis Joaquin took charge of Zion’s medal and awarded it to him.

Formally, he was the eldest and had stayed in the position of marquis for a long time, so he was the most authoritative figure in Hispania after Vanessa, who had no successor yet.

“You’ve worked hard.

Viscount Lichten is going to be grinning from ear to ear.”

“Thank you.”

After saying that, Zion stepped aside slightly for the protagonist of today’s event.

A man who, in the first place, had no political background and would only have to endure hardship no matter what he did.

A protagonist who knew how tiring it was to turn people into enemies, but had no interest or ability in how to stand at the center of people and maintain it.

“Sir Kim Yoo-hyun. Come forward.”

Vanessa held the medal she had received from the chamberlain and spoke.

Kim Yoo-hyun, who appeared at the Queen’s words wearing a uniform made of black fabric embroidered with gold and silver threads, not his usual attire, slowly moved forward.

They say that a man can get at least 80 points just by wearing a suit.

Marquis Volko, the chamberlain, and even Vanessa herself were briefly surprised by Kim Yoo-hyun’s appearance, which was completely different from before.

“Although he was not born and raised in Hispania, I can confidently say that the contribution he made in this war is greater than that of any Hispanian warrior.”

Vanessa immediately shook off that look and continued speaking in a dignified voice.

“For the Claussen Viscounty in crisis, he faced countless enemies with only one sword, creating a scene that will remain in Hispania’s history.

If we don’t call him a hero after seeing this, then who else can we call a hero?”

“···.”

“Following Zion Claussen, another hero of this country has appeared, so I hope that his sword will firmly protect this country.

Since he said that he is close friends with Zion Claussen, I hope that the two heroes will continue to work together to become a shield and sword protecting the kingdom’s people from all forms of threats.”

With those words, Vanessa personally awarded Kim Yoo-hyun the medal.

A person who was not a noble, and not even a Hispanian, yet received a medal directly from the queen.

It was a scene where a man who had been living quietly became a hero of a country in an instant.

“Say a few words to the knights and soldiers who are sending envious glances at your legendary martial prowess.”

Vanessa muttered as she pinned the medal on him.

She knew that Kim Yoo-hyun didn’t talk much, but if he just went back in without saying anything in this atmosphere, it would be like pouring cold water on the heated atmosphere.

For the sake of boosting the morale of everyone in the kingdom, this man, who had newly risen to the ranks of heroes today, had to say something.

“…I understand.”

And thanks to Zion, who had already fully anticipated this situation.

Kim Yoo-hyun addressed the soldiers who were lined up and the many more kingdom’s people who were cheering around him.

―Do I really have to read this?

―You have to do it not just reading it, but naturally, as if you’re telling your own story.

―Why on earth…

―No matter how good you are, if you don’t talk much, people will end up looking down on you.

Conversely, even if you don’t have the skills, if you’re good at talking, people will recognize you.

―

Zion was well aware that Kim Yoo-hyun’s speaking skills were close to the worst level.

The fact that he overly conserved his words and tried to show his sincerity through actions was also a major reason why he was seen as a man who relied only on his strength and acted arrogantly.

But humans are a species that maintains relationships through conversation.

As much as saving words can be beneficial among them, it can also be harmful.

Wasn’t there an old sage’s saying that even ghosts can’t know what’s inside if you don’t talk!

―If you don’t want to suffer and hear unpleasant things after all the hard work, open your mouth when necessary.

Those who speak carelessly suffer, and those who overly conserve their words are misunderstood.

―

Recalling Zion’s words, Kim Yoo-hyun took out what he had prepared for three days.

“Never let your guard down.”

“…?”

“Something more painful than war awaits us.

We may have to see that what we believed in is not what we believed it to be.

What we must win within it is neither the will of light, nor the ideal, nor anything else.

Victory, victory for Hispania, victory for your families and friends.

Only that.

Do not succumb to any fear or temptation.

Only your victory will make you and those around you survive.”

“···.”

“I will fight with you.

But I cannot promise to give you victory.

That is solely for you to win.

What I can help you with is only my blood and sweat, and the tears of the enemies.

Like this war, if there is a threat in the future, you must be the ones to fight and win, just like this time.”

Kim Yoo-hyun, who had paused for a moment as Zion had requested, glanced around.

Originally, when he opened his mouth, many people showed aversion and did not hide their discomfort, but the situation was the opposite now, and they seemed to be very focused on his words.

“Let’s not waver no matter what danger comes, no matter what temptation comes.

Only victory is the key to proving you, us.”

Immediately after saying that, Kim Yoo-hyun lightly struck the platform floor twice with the ceremonial sword he was holding.

He knew that it was a simple ritual for the commander to lower the soldiers’ tension and raise their morale before going to war, and of course, the soldiers of Hispania, who were lined up, also struck their weapons on the ground twice as soon as they heard the sound, responding to it.

“That’s all.

Thank you for your hard work, and let’s continue to work hard together in the future.”

For reference, those words were what Zion was conveying to Kim Yoo-hyun.

Kim Yoo-hyun, who had no way of knowing that, practiced and read it without much thought.

Anyway, thanks to Kim Yoo-hyun, who did everything he was told, it was able to be a decent medal ceremony.

A new hero who made his name known in Hispania by displaying martial prowess that was unbelievable for a human.

Kim Yoo-hyun was quietly looking down at the soldiers who were shouting while holding the ceremonial sword.

In the meantime, the wind blew, gently fluttering the coat he was wearing.

Zion looked at Kim Yoo-hyun’s appearance and smiled inwardly, thinking that the protagonist is still the protagonist.

―

“I won’t be able to see you for a while.”

“Sister, take care.”

“…You bad thing.

Is that man more important than this sister or the tribe!”

“I’m sorry now, but yes.”

Eos said, slyly sticking close to Kim Yoo-hyun.

She wasn’t originally this kind of woman, but she had suddenly turned aggressive recently, perhaps conscious of Sirien standing behind her.

Originally, she had to return to the forest of fairies, but she wanted to meet Novassi and hear more details, so she was going to Claussen with Zion’s group.

Of course, it was possible because Zion actively agreed to her accompanying them.

“Honestly, I think even if my sister were me, she would have made this choice.

Admit it, right?”

“…I admit it.”

Then she was saying something ridiculous to me!

Eos was laughing at her.

What made it difficult was Kim Yoo-hyun, who had his arm forcibly linked with her, and what made his side feel cold was Jann, who had to return alone because she couldn’t leave the north for long.

“Kueueuk…”

Both of them couldn’t stay, but both of them didn’t need to return.

That’s why Jann and Eos had to decide on one person to stay in Hispania, and in the end, Eos was the winner after a fierce battle (it was just a lottery).

Jann had a look of resentment, but she remembered the item ‘Absolutely accept the result and do not argue.’ and had no choice but to grit her teeth and swallow her anger.

Eos, on the other hand, was teasing Jann with a smile.

Zion comforted Jann, who was greatly disappointed, realizing once again that both of them were fearsome warriors when you usually saw them, but in the end, they were women just like the other sisters.

“Go back and take good care of the families of the northern warriors who died in battle, and we’ll meet again, so don’t worry too much.

Don’t whine for no reason, just stay tense.”

“…I understand, Zion.”

With those words, Jann returned to her hometown, the vast plains of the north.

Jann would think that it might be a long farewell, but according to Zion’s expectations, they would meet again in no more than a month, or as short as three weeks.

The Celestial Race would never let the situation in Hispania and Nudia go, so Zion was convinced that something would happen soon.

“So, where are we going?”

Eos, who was excited on her own as if she didn’t care about her sister at all, asked once Jann had completely disappeared from sight.

In addition to winning over her sister and staying next to Kim Yoo-hyun, she seemed quite excited by Kim Yoo-hyun’s unimaginable coolness shown at the medal ceremony.

“Well… we have to go home.

Originally, it’s my house, but from some point on, it’s become the home of everyone here.”

In order to take a proper rest and prepare for future events without any setbacks.

Zion and his party headed to the Claussen Viscounty, which had become their base.

―――――――Author’s Note―――――――

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