Chapter 146: Yukikaze Panitoni's Arrival
"My apologies, Hero..." Paratiom's speed was incredibly swift, ensuring that it would take less than ten minutes to reach the concert hall. As Princess Mishiore gradually got used to the velocity of flight, she unexpectedly expressed her remorse.
"What's the matter, my dear Princess?" Zhang Fan asked with a gentle smile as he affectionately patted Mishiore's head. Despite addressing her formally, his tone was filled with tender affection. He held no reverence for the Biscode princess, only affection for her diligent efforts. Indeed, hardworking girls are the most endearing.
"I'm sorry for recklessly summoning you to Floniel without proper consideration, and now troubling you to rescue me..." Mishiore's face was awash with guilt, feeling she had inconvenienced the Hero.
"There's no need for apologies. I quite enjoy it here, and I've learned a lot, increasing my strength. In fact, I should be thanking you," Zhang Fan responded. In the game of becoming a deity, other than strength, everything else was inconsequential. Only by enhancing one's power could one lead a better life.
"Really?" Mishiore's expression brightened upon hearing Zhang Fan's words.
"Absolutely," Zhang Fan assured her with an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Delighted, Mishiore beamed with happiness.
Thus, Zhang Fan and Mishiore continued their conversation until they reached Filiano City, finally bringing the princess safely to her destination. Despite the weariness, it was a fulfilling journey.
The victory concert for Princess Mishiore was held successfully—a grand celebration for the entire nation of Biscode. After a long period of setbacks, and having just heard the news of a double victory in the war, including a night battle, the mood was jubilant.
Accompanied by Mishiore's melodious and cheerful singing, the night passed quietly, and Floniel welcomed a new dawn. The following day promised fair weather.
"Good morning, Helo. Did you rest well?" Zhang Fan greeted Helo early in the morning, sticking to his routine of early to bed, early to rise for good health. It seemed Helo had risen even earlier, already seated at the breakfast table.
"Very well, I've never stayed in such a comfortable room before," Helo replied, her face radiating happiness, clearly pleased with her accommodation.
"That's great. We have an award ceremony today. Let's head over after breakfast," Zhang Fan suggested as he took his seat at the table.
"An award ceremony? How does that concern me?" Helo questioned, puzzled. Biscode's award ceremony was usually for those who had distinguished themselves on the battlefield, and she hadn't participated in any battle.
"You joined us in battle last night, so that counts," Zhang Fan replied with a smile. Indeed, after the concert the previous night, Princess Mishiore had mentioned the ceremony, and she wouldn't forget Helo's contribution.
"Really? Just for making an appearance, there are rewards? This world is much better than the one I come from," Helo nodded in understanding, finding this world not only dangerous but also a place where people lived happily and comfortably.
In the audience hall of Filiano City, the members of the Knights Order received their rewards from Princess Mishiore. The Order had performed extraordinarily in the war, especially Eclair's significant role in assisting Zhang Fan to defeat Leong Mishuri.
Aside from the Order's formal members, the Secret Unit also participated in the ceremony. The top knight, Darlkion, didn't attend, but the Secret Unit's front-runner, Yukikaze Panitoni, represented them. She was the golden-haired fox-eared girl Zhang Fan had met the previous night.
Yukikaze Panitoni showed considerable interest in Zhang Fan. After introducing herself, she began to scrutinize him closely.
"Lord Darlkion speaks highly of you, Hero. Now that I see you, I agree you do have a pleasant aura," Yukikaze commented, sniffing around Zhang Fan.
"A pleasant aura? Are you planning to devour me?" Zhang Fan joked, feeling a bit awkward.
"You're right, Hero. You radiate a gentle warmth, like the sunlight on a spring day. But there's something else hidden beneath," Helo interjected, her keen sense of smell picking up on nuances not evident to others.
"Ah... Miss Yukikaze, when you mentioned your master, were you referring to Lord Darlkion?" Zhang Fan asked, hoping to steer the conversation in a more comfortable direction.
"Just Yukikaze is fine. Yes, my master is the continent's strongest knight, Brioché Darlkion," Yukikaze replied with admiration.
"To be favored by Lord Darlkion is an honor indeed," Zhang Fan responded courteously.
"Lord Darlkion said you're always welcome to visit. Our house is just outside the city, easy to find," Yukikaze mentioned with a hint of excitement.
"I'll be sure to pay a visit," Zhang Fan promised with a smile, seeing this as an opportunity to strengthen their alliance.
The award ceremony concluded with everyone receiving their deserved rewards. The double victory brought significant income to the country, relieving the Elder Council and Princess Mishiore. The tension of the past six months had finally eased.