Over the course of seven days, we eradicated a horde of dragons that had made their lair in the mountain ranges near the border. It was the most dangerous mission we’ve ever undertaken in every sense, but we, said to be the strongest in the empire, accomplished it.
The ruler of fire, our party leader, Kasugal Noaroad The healing saint, Renatishia Gremend And me, the sky knight, Ahavain Orbst
Though just the three of us, we are the party with the highest contribution level among all adventurers in the empire.
It’s been four years since this trio teamed up. Back then, we were still young and struggling, but we made a leap and reached this position.
Wealth, fame, status. Once you get here, you can have anything. We’re the winners.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing to get here. But we did it.
Even this mission, the dragon horde extermination, was a nomination from the guild.
The client was none other than Her Highness the Princess, and the reward was extraordinary.
A splendid house will be built on prime land in the imperial capital.
From almost nothing, I want to praise us for how well we’ve done.
We had the imperial army confirm the extermination of the dragon horde and completed the request.
We’ll probably be invited directly by the client, Her Highness the Princess, in the coming days.
I’m not interested, but it would add a feather to my cap if I ever decided to take an official position.
As I was thinking this, I was invited to Kasugal’s room. I wanted to rest, but he must have felt the same.
Renatishia was there too.
What could this be about?
It’s not about the share of the loot. Our party always splits the headcount.
Three people plus one for consumables and party expenses. A total of four equal parts.
This time wasn’t a dungeon search, and while there was gold and treasure in the dragon’s nest, there were no special equipments. (By the way, the gold and treasure were purchased by the empire.)
As I was curious, Kasugal put his right hand to his forehead and took a deep breath.
It’s a habit he does when he’s tired.
”Hey, Ahavain. Don’t you think we’ve contributed enough to this empire? This time, it was dragon extermination for the country, on the princess’s request. More than ten in the horde.”
”Yeah, that place was out of reach even for the army. It wouldn’t be strange if a parade was held. New development will start, and roads will be built. The princess’s name will rise.”
”I suppose so. …Don’t you think it’s enough?”
”Enough of what?”
”Being adventurers, Ahavain. Sorry to bring this up suddenly without discussion, but we’re done.”
I was surprised by the sudden words. I almost showed it on my face.
”I thought we were a good party.”
”Yeah, we were a good party. Too good. We got here in no time. The view from the top was great, but do we have to keep going like this? I’ve realized that’s not what I want.”
Kasugal pulled Renatishia close to him. Renatishia entrusted herself to Kasugal.
”We’ve decided to get married. We’re also retiring from adventuring. The guild leader has approved this.”
”Was I the only one who didn’t know? No, it’s wonderful that you two are getting married, and I think you’re well-suited for each other. I congratulate you.”
There’s too much information. I guess I’ll congratulate them for now. If anyone in this party were to become a couple, I thought it would be these two. Renatishia is beautiful, but I prefer women with long hair.
‘Thank you. Ahavain, you have a strong ambition. We may be equal in strength, but I felt that we were not in step in that regard. I have enough money. I have citizenship. All I need now is Renatishia.’
Renatishia, who had been silent until now, straightened up.
”Ahavain. You were the most reliable vanguard anyone could ask for. Worthy of the name sky knight. You always stood in front for us. But I don’t want to take risks anymore. For the sake of this child.”
With that, Renatishia stroked her belly. What a surprise!
”If you were pregnant… we could have refused this request.”
I had no choice but to say that. It was a request from Her Highness the Princess… but it wasn’t something we couldn’t refuse.
”Ahavain, thank you. I thought this request would mark a turning point. Above all, it will make things much easier from now on. For you, and for us.”
‘That may be true, but… what will you do now?’
“I’m thinking of opening a shop. I’ve already made some progress. I had no shortage of contacts among merchants.”
”I always thought your cooking was delicious whenever we camped out.”
”Come and eat. I’ll give you a discount.”
He had looked tired until now, but he perked up when we talked about the shop. So, he’s serious.
The strongest party in the empire. Just like that, my place was gone.
