Peace Hunter

30 minutes later.

"I think we've chatted long enough. Let's end this conversation, Rid. You have to return to the academy soon anyway," said Duke Louis.

"Ok, Uncle," I said.

"Thank you for chatting with me, Rid," said Duke Louis.

"No need to thank me, Uncle. I should be the one thanking you for giving me the reward. Moreover, you agreed to my proposal to give the reward to my hometown," I said.

"Don't worry about that. Oh yeah, by the way, I've already told Nadine about your acquittal in the incident in Hevea Forest. I also told her that you'll be returning to the academy this afternoon or evening. I'm sure Nadine has already told Irene about this. Irene is probably waiting for you at the academy gates right now," said Duke Louis.

"I'm not sure Irene will be waiting for me," I said.

"Why not? You're Irene's boyfriend. Even though Irene often displays a cold demeanor and expression, she still cares about the people who are important to her. Since you're Irene's boyfriend now, she definitely cares about you too, and she'll definitely be waiting for you to come home," Duke Louis said.

"Well, I can't say that Irene and I are just pretending to be dating. Since we're only pretending, there's no way Irene will wait for me to come home. But there's also the possibility that she'll wait for me to come back so that others will still think we're really dating," I thought.

"Well, you have a point, Uncle. Maybe Irene will be waiting for me to come back," I said.

"You'd better go straight back to the academy, Rid. If you're late, it'll be a shame for Irene, who's waiting for you to come back, because she'll have to wait a long time," Duke Louis said.

"I did intend to go back to the academy after chatting with you, Uncle. However, I still have to wait for Miss Karina because she's out of the courthouse. I'm waiting for her because I'm going back to the academy with her," I said.

"Hmm, is that so," said Duke Louis.

"What about you, Uncle? Are you going back to your residence after this?" I asked.

"No, I'll still be at the courthouse. I can't possibly go home before Her Majesty the Queen returns. After this, I'll gather with my knights in the parking lot to discuss something, and then I'll meet with Her Majesty the Queen again," said Duke Louis.

"I see. It seems you still have something to discuss with Her Majesty the Queen, Uncle," I said.

"Yes. Since we're both targets to be killed by them, Her Majesty and I have to plan ahead," said Duke Louis.

"Because there's still a mastermind behind the plan, the situation isn't safe yet," I said.

"Yes. By the way, I apologize, I said I was ending this conversation, but we're still chatting," said Duke Louis.

"It's ok, Uncle. Besides, Miss Karina hasn't returned yet, so it's not time for me to return to the academy yet," I said.

"Ok. Then, I'll go meet my knights first, Rid. See you," said Duke Louis.

"Yes, see you too, Uncle," I said.

Duke Louis then left me and headed for the parking lot. I leaned against the outer wall of the courthouse, waiting for Miss Karina to return. I occasionally glanced at the people in front of me. Some were chatting, looking around the courthouse, and some were looking at the demon corpses in front of the courthouse. Initially, the demon corpses were scattered around, some inside the courthouse, some outside, and some outside the courthouse grounds. But now, the scattered corpses have been gathered in front of the courthouse. Many people were looking at or photographing the demon corpses with devices called "cameras". In the crowd of people looking at the demon corpses, I spotted Duke Remy, looking at the demon corpses while talking to his knights around him. At this point, I chose to keep my eyes on Duke Remy because I sensed he had been staring at me.

-

15 minutes later.

Miss Karina returned carrying a cloth bag. She immediately approached me.

"What is that, Miss?" I asked.

"These are my purchases," said Miss Karina.

"You still have time to shop when the situation at the courthouse is like this?" I asked.

"I happen to be running low on supplies. So, while I'm outside the academy, I might as well buy some things I need," Miss Karina said.

I remained silent, continuing to stare at Miss Karina's shopping bag.

"By the way, have you spoken to Lord Louis, Rid?" Miss Karina asked.

"Yes, Miss. I just finished speaking with him about 15 minutes ago," I said.

"Then, is it time for us to return to the academy?" Miss Karina asked.

"Yes, Miss. Besides, I don't have any more business in this building. What about you?" I asked.

"I don't have anything to do either. Then, let's return to the academy immediately. But first, let's take our leave of Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty the Queen is currently inside the courthouse, so let's go inside," said Miss Karina.

"Yes, Miss," I said.

After that, Miss Karina and I went inside the courthouse.

-

Inside the courthouse, specifically in the defendant's room.

Queen Kayana and Commander Oliver were in the room. Her Majesty the Queen was sitting in the chair, contemplating, while Commander Oliver stood before her.

"You don't need to think too much about it, Your Majesty. Perhaps the document is just a fake and was used to frame King Albert," said Commander Oliver.

"I've considered that possibility, but I've also considered the possibility that the document is a genuine document that explains that my husband was also involved in the plot to assassinate me and the entire San Lucia family," said Queen Kayana.

"Would it be better if I contact King Albert now so you can confirm this with him?" asked Commander Oliver.

"There's no need, Sir Oliver. If I contact him now via communication crystal and ask about it, my husband will probably run away if what is written in the document is true. I will confirm it myself after I return home, so you don't need to contact him," said Queen Kayana.

"Yes, Your Majesty," said Commander Oliver.

*Knock *Knock *Knock

While Queen Kayana and Commander Oliver were chatting, a knock was heard. It came from the door to the defendant's room, which was connected to the courtroom. Queen Kayana and Commander Oliver, hearing the knock, immediately turned to the door.

"Come in," said Queen Kayana.

After Queen Kayana said that, the door slowly opened. When it opened, Rid, Miss Karina, and Caroline were standing in front of the open door.

"So you're here, Your Majesty. We were looking for you in and around the courtroom, but we couldn't find you. It just so happened that Princess Caroline was in the courtroom, and she told us you were in this room," said Miss Karina.

"Ms. Principal and Rid, what business do you have here?" asked Queen Kayana.

"Rid and I would like to return to the academy now, so we'd like to take our leave, Your Majesty," said Miss Karina.

"I see. Okay, if you two want to return to the academy, you can go back. I've prepared a horse-drawn carriage parked in the parking lot of this building, along with a driver and knights to escort you. You can use that carriage to return to the academy," said Queen Kayana.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Miss Karina.

"I also thank to you and Rid, for helping uncover the evil plot in this kingdom. I previously said I would give Rid a reward. This time, I will also give you a reward, Ms. Principal," said Queen Kayana.

"No need, Your Majesty. I don't want to bother you," said Miss Karina.

"No, I'm not bothered at all. Besides, it's only right for me to give rewards to the people of this kingdom who have contributed to this kingdom. So, I ask that you accept the reward I will give you later. I will give you a large sum of money," said Queen Kayana.

"Very well, Your Majesty. I will accept it," said Miss Karina.

"Then, Rid, I'll also give you a monetary gift. You don't mind, do you?" asked Queen Kayana.

"Actually, I have a slight objection to the monetary gift, Your Majesty," I said.

Queen Kayana was a little surprised to hear that.

"Why?" asked Queen Kayana.

"Before that, I'd like to ask, Your Majesty. Is it permissible to give my reward to someone else?" I asked.

"To someone else? Who do you intend to give it to?" asked Queen Kayana.

"I actually intended to give the reward I received to the people of Aston Village, my hometown. Therefore, I object to the monetary gift because I prefer the reward of basic necessities to be given to the people of my hometown. Previously, Lord Duke Louis also intended to give me a reward, but I also asked to give that reward to the people of my hometown. Is that permissible, Your Majesty?" I asked.

"Very well, if that's what you want. I permit it," said Queen Kayana.

She answered my question directly without thinking.

"Is that true, Your Majesty?" I asked.

"Yes, after all, it was your own will. My job is simply to give you a reward for your contributions. What you do with that reward is up to you. The important thing is that you are happy and satisfied with the reward I gave you. But are you sure about this? You won't change your mind again?" asked Queen Kayana.

"No, Your Majesty," I said.

"Very well, I will order my knights to provide the people in your hometown with basic necessities equivalent to the monetary gift I originally intended to give. Since I have to purchase the necessities first, they may not be delivered quickly. But I guarantee they will be delivered no later than New Year's Eve," said Queen Kayana.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said.

"No need for thanks. That's all I wanted to say. You're all going back to the academy, right? Be careful on your way," said Queen Kayana.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Then we'll take our leave," said Miss Karina.

"We'll take our leave, Your Majesty," I said.

"Yes. Please convey my regards to Charles and Chloe, Rid," said Queen Kayana.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Commander Oliver, Carol, I'll take my leave," I said.

"Yes, be careful, young master Rid. Give my regards to Prince Charles, Princess Chloe, and my daughter, Elaina," said Commander Oliver.

"Yes, Commander," I said.

"Give my regards to Brother Charles and Sister Chloe, Brother Rid. See you later, Brother Rid," said Caroline.

"Yes, see you later, Carol," I said.

After saying our goodbyes, Miss Karina and I left the room. Then Miss Karina and I walked through the courtroom toward the courthouse exit.

"I don't know why Her Majesty looks strange," I said.

"Why is it strange, Rid?" asked Miss Karina.

"Her Majesty looks gloomy. Didn't you notice?" I asked.

"No, maybe she's gloomy because she has a lot of work to do, especially after the case," said Miss Karina.

"I think so," I said.

Then Miss Karina and I left the courthouse. Once outside, I saw Duke Remy and his knights walking toward the courthouse doors. We passed each other.

"Ms. Principal, where are you going?" Duke Remy asked.

"I'm returning to the academy, Lord Remy. I'm inviting Rid to come with me as well," Miss Karina said.

"I see. Then, be careful. I thank you again for saving me," said Duke Remy.

"Well, no need for thanks, Lord Remy," said Miss Karina.

"It's only right to thank someone who helped, Ms. Principal. I also thank you for what you did earlier, Rid Archie," said Duke Remy.

"You're welcome, Lord Duke Remy," I said.

"Then, please proceed back to the academy. I apologize for interrupting your time. I have business with Her Majesty, so I'll excuse myself. See you later," said Duke Remy.

"See you later, Lord Remy," said Miss Karina.

Duke Remy and his knights walked into the courthouse. Miss Karina and I walked back to the courthouse parking lot. Once we arrived, Miss Karina and I walked to the horse-drawn carriage prepared by Queen Kayana.

"That looks like the horse-drawn carriage," said Miss Karina, pointing to one of the horse-drawn carriages in the building's parking lot.

The carriage looked luxurious, unlike the carriages usually used to transport ordinary people. We immediately headed towards it. As we were walking towards it, I saw Duke Louis chatting with his knights on one side of the parking lot. Duke Louis also noticed me in the parking lot. After that, he seemed to be talking to his knights again, and then he approached Miss Karina and me.

"Are you ready to go back to the academy, Rid, Ms. Principal?" asked Duke Louis.

"Yes, Lord Louis," said Miss Karina.

"Yes, uncle," I said.

"Then, be careful. Please convey my regards to Irene and Nadine, Rid," said Duke Louis.

"Okay, uncle," I said.

"Bye, Rid, Ms. Principal," said Duke Louis.

"Bye, uncle," I said.

"Yes, see you too, Lord Louis," said Miss Karina.

After that, Duke Louis left the two of us and returned to his knights.

"You seem very familiar with Lord Louis, calling him 'uncle'. But when there are many people, you don't call him 'uncle'," said Miss Karina.

"Yes, that's just like you calling your sister 'Your Majesty the Queen' when there are many people," I said.

The two of us continued walking toward the carriage we were heading for. As we approached the carriage, two royal knights and one who appeared to be the driver were standing beside it. Seeing us, the three men immediately approached us.

"Ms. Principal and Rid Archie, the three of us were ordered by Her Majesty the Queen to escort you back to the academy," said one of the two knights.

"Yes, I was informed by Her Majesty the Queen. May we depart now?" asked Miss Karina.

"Yes, miss," the three of them said.

Then the carriage driver got into the carriage and prepared to take us. Meanwhile, the two knights mounted their horses and prepared to escort us.

"Let's get on, Rid," said Miss Karina.

"Yes, miss," I said.

I did, and Miss Karina immediately got into the carriage.

"Are you ready to go, miss?" asked the carriage driver.

"Yes, let's go now," said Miss Karina.

"Yes, miss," said the driver.

Then the carriage slowly began to move and sped away from the courthouse. The carriage began to make its way through the streets of the capital, San Estella, towards San Fulgen Academy.

On the way to the academy, Miss Karina kept looking at me. I was confused as to why she kept looking at me, so I asked her.

"What's wrong, miss? Why do you keep looking at me?" I asked.

"Nothing. I was just looking at your academy uniform. Is it damaged? If so, I'll give you a new one," said Miss Karina.

Then I looked at my uniform as a whole.

"There's a slight tear in one spot, Miss. But it can still be repaired," I said.

"No need, I'll give you a new one. What about your academy sword?" asked Miss Karina.

"My academy sword was confiscated when I was imprisoned, Miss," I said.

"I see, then I'll give you a new academy sword too," said Miss Karina.

"Thank you, Miss," I said.

"Yes," said Miss Karina.

-

20 minutes later.

The horse-drawn carriage we were riding in had arrived at the academy gate. The carriage stopped right in front of the gate. After the carriage stopped, I immediately got off the carriage. I continued to examine the wall of the academy gate.

"I'm finally back here after experiencing so many unpleasant things," I said.

After that, I looked towards the academy gate. I was surprised to see a large crowd at the academy gate. They all seemed to be waiting for me to return.

"Rid!!"

"You're finally back, Rid!!"

"We've been waiting a long time to welcome you back!" the people shouted.

I saw Charles, Chloe, and the others in the crowd, too. They were also shouting my name. I wouldn't be surprised if Charles, Chloe, and my friends had come to greet me. But I didn't expect so many other students to come to greet me.

"You're very popular, aren't you, Rid? There are even so many people welcoming you back," said Miss Karina, who suddenly appeared beside me.

"Did Miss Karina plan this?" I asked.

"No, I didn't plan anything. Isn't it natural for so many students to welcome you? After all, you're the vice chairman of Elevrad and the winner of the previous academy tournament, so it's natural for so many people to welcome you home, since you're so popular at this academy," said Miss Karina.

"Hmm, is that so," I said.

Even though Miss Karina said she hadn't planned this, I still felt suspicious and kept glancing at her.

"Stop looking at me, Rid," said Miss Karina, noticing my constant glancing at her.

Meanwhile, amidst the crowd welcoming Rid back at the academy gate, I saw someone running, pushing their way through the crowd. The person kept running and pushing their way through until they finally managed to get out of the crowd and run out the academy gate.

While I was looking at Miss Karina, I sensed someone running toward me. I immediately turned to the person running. When I turned, I saw that the person running toward me was Irene.

"Irene?" I said, surprised.

After I said that, Irene suddenly jumped up and hugged me, causing me to fall.

-To be continued

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