Chapter 169: Pre-Departure (Part Two)

"Fine, let me keep proving my point then!" With a pout, Aikrele's expression was filled with disdain as she grasped a long spear and lunged directly towards Zhang Fan.

"Ha, well met!" Zhang Fan laughed heartily, welcoming the challenge from the tsundere captain of the Dog Mother's Guard.

"Hey, hero, remember us, won't you?" After the practice session ended, just as Zhang Fan was about to say his farewells, Aikrele surprisingly uttered with a serious tone, imploring him not to forget them.

"Rest assured, Aikrele, I could never forget you. Besides, I'll be coming back." Gently patting Aikrele's head, Zhang Fan mused how girls in this world seemed to enjoy it. Perhaps it's a charm of being beast-eared maidens?

"What... What are you babbling about? It's none of my business. Just make sure you come back soon!" Although Aikrele momentarily showed a content expression when Zhang Fan caressed her head, she quickly recovered, swatted away his hand, and yelled at him. Being in the public eye at the knights' assembly, she felt utterly embarrassed.

"Quick return, eh..." Zhang Fan pondered when exactly he would be able to come back...

"Hero, please take this as a token from Garette when you leave." Holding a box nearly half a meter tall, Jono handed over what seemed like a hefty gift, making Zhang Fan's smile twitch in curiosity about its contents.

"This is a special gift we prepared for you, hero. You'll surely enjoy it," Virl and Novaru chimed in, adding their assurances.

"Special preparation," Novaru added, finalizing their sentiment.

"Thank you, I'll cherish it," Zhang Fan graciously accepted the heavy box, intrigued by the heartfelt gift from the girls.

"What about me? Don't ignore me!" Garett exploded, feeling invisible amidst the excitement. It was frustrating enough to be consistently overlooked, but to see his personal guard swooning over the hero added insult to injury.

"Oh, there you are, Prince Garett. Thank you for the send-off," Zhang Fan greeted as if just noticing him, his intention to tease quite clear.

"If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered coming," Garett lamented, accustomed to being sidelined.

"I really... really don't want the hero to leave. I wish I could be with the hero forever!" Tears welled in Rigota's eyes, her fondness for Zhang Fan evident. She dreaded the thought of parting with him, his kindness having warmed her heart profoundly. Was their time together really about to end?

"Cheer up, Rigota. I'll frequently visit, and during my absence, I trust you to continue your research on the weapons I've left. Protect Princess Misiore and make Biscody stronger. I'm counting on you," Zhang Fan comforted her, promising his return.

"I won't let you down, hero!" Wiping away her tears, Rigota pledged with confidence, determined to fulfill Zhang Fan's request.

"So, you won't ask why I initiated that war?" Under the starlit sky, Misiore suddenly broached a sensitive topic.

"I'd rather not. You had your reasons, and all ended well, didn't it?" Zhang Fan replied, admiring the dual moons in Filorende's night sky, a beauty he'd taken for granted until now.

"You're an odd one," Misiore commented, taken aback by his perspective.

"Perhaps," he shrugged, preferring simplicity over complexity.

"Thanks to you and Darkeion, Misiore was saved. I couldn't have done it alone. I'm grateful and look forward to our next meeting," Misiore expressed her gratitude, a rare vulnerability in her tone.

"It was my honor, Princess Misiore."

"Call me Misiore," she suggested, cheeks reddening at the informality.

"Then, Misiore, let's continue to support each other," Zhang Fan agreed, amused by her endearing shyness.

With the mission accomplished and a sense of relief, Hēilóu casually rolled on the bed, ecstatic over their smooth success.

"It's just a mission completion, no need for such excitement," Zhang Fan watched her childish delight, baffled by this side of the wise wolf.

"It's my first time completing a mission so smoothly," Hēilóu claimed, then approached Zhang Fan for a closer inspection.

"Something on your mind?" Zhang Fan felt awkward under her scrutiny and took a step back before asking.

"An enigmatic man... If we meet again, I might consider teaming up with you. Staying by your side guarantees a life of ease, free from worry," she mused, focusing on the perks of companionship.

"Ease and comfort?" Zhang Fan was amused by her straightforwardness.

"Indeed, you're reliable as a man. But let's leave it to fate. If we cross paths again, I won't let you slip away," Hēilóu teased, leaving the possibility of future collaboration open to destiny.

As their paths diverged, Zhang Fan cherished the thought of a beautiful memory, uncertain if their destinies would ever intertwine again.