I had quite a bit of freedom in the days leading up to the Triumphal Ceremony.
I spent most of that time exploring the city with Ageha. Occasionally, circumstances led me into a mock match with the Great Swordsmaster, and on another day, Highness Eligion invited me on a hunting trip in the countryside. Sage Nyau came along as well; apparently, she was also staying at the Royal Palace in preparation for the ceremony.
"I looked into Holy Knight Kanaria," Eligion told me during our trip. "She was indeed a native of Luna Village."
"I see..."
I’d mentioned her origins to him before, and it seemed he’d taken the time to verify it.
"She had a reputation for strength within the Order of Knights and was deeply trusted by those around her. That’s why I trusted her, too. But now I can't help but wonder... how did she really feel, serving under me all that time?"
It was obvious that Holy Knight Kanaria harbored a profound hatred for Highness Eligion. I had no intention of telling him that, though.
"If you don't mind me asking... what exactly happened at Luna Village?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I was overstepping, but I eventually mustered the courage to ask.
"...Since you've been such a help to us, I owe you an explanation," Eligion said before beginning his account.
"The entire village was purged for the crime of collaborating with the Demon Race."
"So it was true?"
"Yes. It seems the villagers had been harboring several demons, providing them with food and a place to sleep."
Collaborating with the Demon Race was a capital offense.
"Their actions came to light after those same demons attacked another village, resulting in several deaths."
"And that's why Luna Village was purged...?"
"Yes. His Majesty was absolutely furious. That was the decision he handed down."
"And you were there, Highness?"
"I was. I led the troops as their Captain. Though, I was so young at the time that I couldn't really do anything. My father, the King, simply wanted to manufacture an achievement for me, so he forced the role of Captain upon me."
While it was true that innocent lives were lost because of the village's cooperation with the demons, I could see why a purge might have seemed necessary to the crown.
"I believe that purge was a mistake," Eligion stated firmly.
"Cooperating with the Demon Race is a grave crime, yes. But there was no reason to slaughter the women and children who had nothing to do with it. At the time, I should have stepped in to stop my subordinates from their excessive violence."
Eligion’s face twisted with pain.
I couldn't even begin to imagine what had transpired at Luna Village, but his expression told me everything I needed to know about the atrocities committed there. Seeing him like this, I realized just how kind of a person Eligion truly was.
◆
The day of the Triumphal Ceremony finally arrived.
The procession included people I knew, like Highness Eligion and Ageha, along with countless soldiers who had fought the Demon Race. Even Demon King Zoga’s corpse was pinned to a pillar and put on display as a public spectacle.
Usually, a ceremony like this is conducted on foot, but some, like Highness Eligion, rode on horseback or in open-topped carriages.
"Hero Ageha, I’d like you to ride this. After all, the Hero should be the one to stand out the most," Eligion said, presenting us with a monster so large I had to strain my neck just to look up at it.
I stood there, speechless; I’d never imagined I’d be riding a monster.
"A Sand Lizard. They are remarkably docile creatures and very obedient to humans."
"I told you, I don't want to stand out," Ageha grumbled.
"It’ll be fine. That’s what the mask is for, isn’t it?"
Ageha was wearing a lavishly decorated black mask, the kind you’d see at a high-end ball. I was wearing an identical one. There was no complex reason for it; Ageha had simply asked, "I want us to wear matching masks, Kiska," so I’d agreed.
And so, Ageha and I rode the Sand Lizard together, waving to the crowds. I’d gone into it thinking it wouldn't be that hard, but it was surprisingly exhausting.
"Kiska, are you doing okay?"
"This is... actually pretty rough. Just waving your hand constantly is more tiring than I expected."
"I thought it might be. I’ve done this before, so I knew what you were in for."
"I guess that makes sense."
She was a Hero, after all; she’d likely been through this many times.
"Still, the popularity of a Hero is something else."
Looking down, I saw the spectators waving back at us with frantic intensity.
"That’s exactly why I hate this. If we weren't wearing masks, I wouldn't be able to walk the streets normally starting tomorrow."
"Yeah, I see your point."
The fervor surrounding the Hero was almost unnatural. I could finally understand why Ageha had been so reluctant to attend.
"I can't wait for tomorrow to get here."
"Me too."
Tomorrow was the day we’d finally go see the play.