Flashing light of cameras, roaring cheers and frantic noises; were the usual routine of an audience, especially this specific crowd that was formed amid a city. 

The crowd's behaviour was not without reason, as they were gathered in front of five women on a platform, each wearing a green military uniform.

These women were approached by a male who wore a decorated uniform. He had several insignia and badges on his person.

While approaching the women, he carried several medals.

"Ah, yes. The cheers of you civilians are truly warranted," The man said. 

"You are amazing! Thank you for saving us!" A civilian loudly yelled which brought smiles to the women's faces. 

"You hear that. 'You are amazing...Thank you for saving us.' That sentence summarises not just the opinion of the crowd here...but the entire world," The man stated. "You have truly brought peace to mankind...and I, General Makarov, bestow these medals of honour to you."

From woman to woman, Makarov placed a medal of diamond material on their uniform. The medals were shaped like shields with two swords crossed. 

As he placed the medals, the flashes became more intense as people went wild with taking pictures. Of course, cheers became louder than ever. 

"Isabella von Vermillion, Aluraflora Natriel, Margrave Raynare, Sariel Gamma and Mabeth Marie, of the Anti-Myth Global Defense (AGD) Corps, you all have done well and deserve this honour," General Makarov stated as the crowd cheers died down so they could hear. "You five have protected the world from hoards of mythical entities such as vicious undead, mighty dragons and especially...goblins that have long since posed the biggest threat to us humans."

"For your hard work in bringing peace and driving the goblins to near decimation, you deserve nothing more than the highest honour I can give, which only a few have received in history," Makarov continued. "The Diamond Aegis medal."

Supporting this decision, the crowd once again cheered. The five women were full of smiles and waved towards the crowd. 

"As they look to...retire after giving their life to protect us, I would like for us all to say thank you on three," Makarov suggested. "Ready...one...two..."

"THANK YOU!!!" The synchronised shouts of the crowd filled the air, causing the women to smile even more, with a couple of them even blowing kisses to the crowd. 

It's just as Makarov stated. Everyone was filled with thankfulness and gratitude for the apparent work these women have done for them.

* * * 

Now that the women have received their award, they receive a break later in the day. They were seen sitting together around a bench and eating food by civilians. 

"Thank you!" A civilian stated as they walked past. This continued with many other civilians who strolled past. Of course, the women responded to these displays of gratitude with "You're welcome!"

"Wow, I don't think I've ever felt happier in any other day of my life before," One of the women said. "Makes me almost regret retiring...almost."

"That's right, Margrave. This day may be amazing and everyone's so lovely to us, but we don't need to work anymore," Another responded. "All the danger is gone and so are those gobbos...we can finally relax and enjoy life."

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"Enjoying life...I never thought we'd be looking forward to that, Isabella. But now that we are...I'll be tending to my precious plants with my husband," A third woman said. "I hope to teach my children how to properly care for plants too..."

"Bah, plants are so boring, Alura! My husband and I will be training with bears and lions!" Margrave said. "And so will my children when I get mine!"

"Hey! Plants are not boring!" Aluraflora rebutted. Her eyebrows furrowed from clear offence. 

"Well, they aren't as fun as fighting bears...right Sariel?" Margrave asked. 

"I mean...I'm probably gonna just do what I always do, and that's tweaking with any devices that my husband has," Sariel said. "I just want my husband and eventually family to have the best life with the best gadgets."

"Sigh, you guys are all so eccentric...but I can't say anything since I also want a family of my own," Isabella said. "But what about you, Mabeth?"

"Huh?" Mabeth uttered.

"What will you do now that you'll retire?" 

"Well...I just want a peaceful life with my future family," Mabeth replied. "Just watching my children grow up and have normal successful lives is fine for me."

"Wow...that's a rather normal answer from the strongest one," Isabella said. Her expression then turned into a smile. "But I hope you get your wish...I hope we all do."

Suddenly, General Makarov approached the women.  

"Oh, hello. What brings you here, General?" Aluraflora inquired with a smile. 

"I'm sorry for disturbing you while you eat...I'm sure you must have had many civilians interrupting you to express their gratitude already..." Makarov apologised. 

"It's no problem. We love hearing from them!" Isabella assured. "But do you also want to say thanks too?"

"No, it's not that. It's just...do you ladies have to retire now?" The general wondered which surprised the women. "You have done so much for the world and you are our strongest ally...it would be a shame for you to retire now."

"Look, I understand it may be hard to see us go...but you won't need to worry about any threats...they are already gone," Sariel explained. "And besides...it's not like we will be dead so we can still fight against any dangerous threats occasionally."

"You don't understand...I was the one that took you five in and made you who you are. Do you not feel as though you're biting the hand that feeds you?" Makarov asked as his tone became rough. In response, slight annoyance was seen on the group's faces. "If you understand that, then you should keep working till the day you die--"

"Listen here, General. The public is already aware of our retirement and they are understanding of it. Why can't you?" Mabeth interjected. "We've fought battle after battle for years upon years without rest. Danger is now behind us so I think we deserve to have lives of our own now."

"...Tch, have a nice retirement," Makarov said before storming off. 

"What's gotten in him?" Sariel wondered. 

"I guess he's upset...but he'll come around soon," Alura assumed. 

"Well, I think it's time we depart now," Mabeth stated before standing up. "My husband is waiting for me at home."

"Yes, you're right," Isabella said as the rest of them stood up. They all packed up and carried their leftovers in hand. 

"So, this is it, huh," Sariel said. "This is the end of our blood-filled lives...and the start of lives of peace."

"Except for meathead Margrave over here," Aluraflora teased."Planning on fighting bears and lions after all."

"You jealous?" Margrave countered. 

Seeing them bicker, Mabeth chuckled. 

"Haha, I'm sure you'll both have fun," Mabeth stated. "Don't forget to call us, though!"

"Tehe, neither should you. Don't get too roped up in your family and forget your friends!" Isabella advised. 

"Nah, I won't forget you guys...you're also my family too," Mabeth assured. 

Hearing that, the group couldn't help but feel emotional and suddenly closed into Mabeth for a hug. 

"I'll miss you all!" Margrave expressed. 

"Me too!" Alura agreed.

"Don't worry...we will still hang out a lot," Sariel said. 

After a full minute, the group finally broke the hug.

"Goodbye, guys! Have a good life!" Each of them said before going their separate ways. 

"A good life...I'll finally have one. I'll pour all my love into my family," Mabeth declared as she walked. "I'll do everything for my children...I'll even spoil my future grandchild rotten...I just can't wait!"

I've retired now so I can look forward to those things... Mabeth thought. Retired, huh...I should have annihilated those goblins before I retired...instead of letting a few escape, though.