The church's bell is ringing in a slow and solemn pattern. Signaling the start of a funeral for an individual that can be considered as one of the foundation of Natunnia's creation.
The street is silent, shops are closed and the atmosphere of the whole kingdom is a mixbag of different emotions from citizens. Some are in deep gratitude, few are confused while a small minority is still in disbelief. And their distrust is understandable as the idea that a remains of a hero that lived 800 years ago gets discovered and in perfect conditions is against on the natural laws of the world.
But the reality is, such funeral is only possible with the help of the unknown method used on Glidel's corpse which prevents her body on decomposing.
Glidel's lies inside of the church in a well decorated open casket. She lies there, if not for the gray coloration of her skin. People might mistaken that she was just sleeping peacefully.
The harpists plays a peaceful tune as the citizens of Natunnia pays their respects. A very long line of people that strecthed across the city is waiting for their turn to give a single flower of Natun. A very beautiful and delicate flower which according to the historical records is Glidel's favorite flower.
A child walks closer to the casket. At first, she was scared as she's going to see a corpse but the moment she see's Glidal. Her fear is replaced by awe as she watch the sleeping beauty lying peacfully. The girl smiles and gently put a Natun flower on Glidel's hand.
As the funeral continues. Gilmore, Grand Ecstasy and other important figures are watching from a far. Whispers can be heared on the said crowd, targeted on Grand Ecstasy.
"Who are those adventurers? Why they're standing beside us?" A lady asked as observe the members of Grand Ecstasy with their adventuring gear.
"It's a long story but... they're the ones that discovered Glidel and leave a guide for Gilmore." One of the nobleman said.
"Tsk! An elf."
"Apparently, they also got the chance to fight the corpse of Glidel before Gilmore reach them."
"Ohhh... The fact that they managed to survive such battle is miraculous."
"Is that the adventurers that bring very important books about the Reverse Tower?" One of the elder academics asked.
"Yes. The academy is going to reward them accordingly." One of the academics answered.
"Wait... I remember that mage. Is that Claustrine?"
"Ohhh now you mentioned it, yeah. She's really looked like Claustrine."
"I guess her academic life didn't leave her at all."
"Indeed."
Grand Ecstasy can hear some of the murmurs including the nasty ones but decide to maintain their composure out of respect for the hero.
The funeral went smoothly until it ends at night. The efforts of the guards and knights to maintain order makes things peaceful.
The whole city now indulge night time feast in celebration for all Glidel and Heroes done to save the world.
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
The next day, another event happens and its the upcoming ceremony for the Vandril lineage to become a higher nobility.
The King says her salutations to everyone watching in the huge castle hall decorated to perfection for the event.
"Today. History is made as the Vandril lineage finally fulfilled their centuries long quest that spans numerous generations of the Vandril family. And now, it's finally completed, it almost cost him his life as no one expected that the hero is controlled by unknown magic. But still, he prevails and achieve victory. Everyone, I want you to show your support to the one that completed a what seems an impossibe quest- Sir Gilmore Vandril!"
The huge door opens, revealing Gilmore wearing his ceremonial Vandril attire, especially a cape made from the fur of an already extinct and legendary monster.
Everyone gives their claps as Gilmore walks towards the aisle until he reach the King. Gilmore kneels in respect of the King.
"It's a honor to be in your presence my King."
The King nods and picks two well decorated swords in the nearby table. The two sword is made by the same steel used on Glidel's sword, the absurdly long sword that almost killed Gilmore and Grand Ecstasy.
The King walks towards Gilmore as she lift the two swords on his hands.
"Stand up Gilmore."
Gilmore follows the King's order.
"In accordance to Vandril's historic tradition and with my authority as the current rule of Kingdom of Natunnia where Glidel Vandril swears her allegiance, I herebly declare you as the new Sword Saint. Accept this swords as the symbol of your pride."
The King gives the swords to Gilmore who accepts them with dignity.
Gilmore puts the two swords on his sides and unsheaths one of them. He face the crowd of nobles and raise his new sword to the sky.
"I, Gilmore Vandril! Herebly accepts the title of Sword Saint and I swear my devotion to Kingdom of Natunnia and protect it with my life!"
The crowd claps, showing support to Vandril. Erika is also on the crowd, tears are flowing on her face as she watch her beloved finally achieve his dream.
Gilmore sheaths his sword and stand on the side as the King continues his speech.
"But Gilmore is not alone on this monumental ceremony. Without these 5 individuals, Gilmore might failed his mission. He would perish trying the undiscovered labyrinths of the uncharted layer in Reverse Tower if these individuals didn't lay the path for Gilmore to follow. They also bravely fought the Hero Glidel despite the overwhelming odds and bring back important knowledges with their escape. Everyone, I want you to give your praises to the adventurers party called Grand Ecstasy!"
There's majority of nobles that shows disinterest as they view the commoners lowly. They just wait for the doors to open, expecting to see adventures with their ragged clothes.
The door opens and the nobles are surprised to see the Grand Ecstasy defy their expectations.
Grand Ecstasy show themselves wearing their best attires for the occassion. All of them looks regal and elegant as they walk on the aisle with confidence.
Claustrine wears a red trumpet gown with intricate linings and beads as design. Partnered by a single shoulder cape made of red transparent silk and embroided with floral design. Claustrine's dress, long blonde hair and shoulder cape waves as she walks towards the aisle.
Mateo is finally wearing his bespoke suit designed by Mr. Del Paz. It's a white three-piece suits with simple gold embroidery on the edge of the collar and a small chain brooch on his left side of his chest. Because the suit is designed for his body, it really shows her fit stature.
Sophia wears a designer made Filipiana in different shades of pink. The nobles are confused as the designed of Sophia's dress is so alien to them.
Beltrand wears a gray 3-piece suit, black shoes and a beige overcoat over his shoulder. He walks with confidence and her overall appearance shows boldness. All are made by Mr. Del Paz.
Shirna might be the simplier among the group as he's wearing a forest green tuxedo with a gold leaf brooch. But it was designed by Mr. Del Paz for him so the suit truly fits and makes him appear elegant.
As Grand Ecstasy walk, the voice of the nobles and other guests are audible enough that they can hear their talks.
"Look at their dress. They're so beautiful."
"How I don't even notice such fashion?!"
"They're surely bold to wear such magnificent clothing despite being commoners.",
"Atleast, they're dressed for the occassion."
"I also want to have a clothing similar to the tall blonde guy. It looks cool."
"Tsk! An elf."
"Do you think the elf's clothes are a design from the Elven countries?"
"Perhaps... But the clothes used by his friends are the anomalies."
Grand Ecstasy finally reach the King and the five of them kneels to show respect.
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"It's a honor to be in your pressence, our King." Grand Ecstasy says their respect.
"Stand up."
Grand Ecstasy follows the King's command.
"With your courage and contribution to the Academia and Kingdom. Me, Klein Demuss. 20th King of Natunnia will reward you with your achievements accordingly. Accepts it as mines and the people's appreciation."
Gilmore walks towards the table and pick a bag of gold coins. Then he give one to the King who proceeds to give it to Claustrine. The King continues until everyone is holding a big bag of gold coins.
Grand Ecstasy bows their heads.
"We have our sincerest gratitude my King. Thank you so much!"
Grand Ecstasy face the guests and bows their heads. Everyone claps in celebration for their achievements.
And thus the ceremony ended and followed by a grand nobleman's gathering. But Grand Ecstasy leaves as soon as posible so they can avoid the nobles. They can feel that everyone would interrogate them about their outfits based on how the nobles look at them earlier.
But Grand Ecstasy knows that their day is just getting started so they go to Mateo's Natunnia house to change clothes before going to the Adventurers' Guild.
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
With their normal clothes. Grand Ecstasy visits the Adventurers guild only to be greeted by Hilgurd and numerous adventurers.
"Here comes our big shots!" Hilgurd screams.
The adventurers rejoice. Shouting their cheers to Grand Ecstasy and their recent exploits.
"Hooray for Beltrand the Hero Smasher!" A group of silver adventurers screams.
"Tsk! Oh come on! I don't want to remember that I smash a face of a hero!" Beltrand rejects the title with passion.
A bulky and bald silver adventurer walks towards Beltrand and put his arms on Beltrand's shoulders.
"But that's badass title! No one here can achieve the feat of smashing the face of a Legendary Hero!"
"He's right! That's a badass title!" The other adventurers screams.
"Cut it out!" Beltrand still rejects the title while the adventurers laugh.
Monica run towards Claustrine and gives her a tight hug to Claustrine's surprise.
"Congratulations!"
"Oh oh oh oh! You squeezing me Monica!"
"Ah sorry hehe." Monica breaks her hug.
Claustrine smile.
"Thank you Monica."
Other female mages gets closer to Claustrine as they asked her about the discoveries.
Suddenly, the guild hall is drowned by a the voice coming from a group of adventurer.
"CHEERS FOR SOPHIA! CONGRATULATIONS!" The adventurers screams after clunking their beer mugs.
They're the fans of Sophia. A group of young and old male lower ranked adventurers who have adorations for Sophia. Each of them have their own reason on becoming a fan but they all united on their admiration.
"H-h-heys stop it! I-It's so embarassing!" Sophia says as she was starting to get confused.
Mateo and Shirna are just watching as the guild hall becomes lively.
"These guys are surely energetic." Shirna said.
"Well... It's understandable considering everything that just happened."
"Agree... We might become some sort of local legends in the guild. Anyways, are you not going to join them?" Shirna asked.
"I'm good. How about you?"
"I'm being honest, I rather just want to go home and rest. But after seeing such celebration. Perhaps staying for a while is far more better than seeing those nobles." Shirna answers. Mateo nods in agreement.
"So do you want to make this celebration more lively?" Mateo asked Shirna who gives a sly smile.
"Go ahead."
Mateo run towards the center of the crowd, climb on the table and takes a deep breath.
"EVERYONE LISTEN!!!"
The adventurers' attention are caught by Mateo's call. Even his fellow party members.
"FEAST AND DRINK WHATEVER YOU WANT!!! THIS NIGHT WOULD BE IN OUR TAB SO LET'S CELEBRATE!!!"
The adventurers screams and shouts in happiness after hearing Mateo.
His friends meanwhile at first are confused then a big smile appears in their face.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! I knew it! I glad I prepared in advance!" Hilgurd ecstaticly says.
"Geez... This night would be a busy one." One of the waitresses said.
"Don't worry. I pay all of you extra for this night so let's do your best!"
"Now that's an offer I can't deny."
And thus the guild hall is filled with joy the entire night as the adventurers of all ranks and status drinks and eat to their hearts' content. Life is good for everyone who just cherish the joys of life.
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
"Woahhh..."
Grand Ecstasy is in awe as they watch the huge mansion of Vandril family.
"Guys... Do you think they would really allow us to enter?" Sophia's doubt.
"I don't know unless we try." Claustrine answers.
Grand Ecstays is in front of a huge metal gate guarded by two soldiers inside. Mateo walks to one of the guard while his friends follows.
"Hello sir."
"Hello adventurer. What do you need?"
"I just want to ask if we're allowed to enter?"
The guard looks at them with skepticism but the other guard walks towards them and joins the conversation.
"Are you guys the adventurer party called Grand Ecstasy?" The second guard asked.
"Yes that's us."
The first guard is surprised.
"Sir Gilmore told us that we should allow Grand Ecstasy to enter. But for safety measures, we need to see your Adventurer tags."
Grand Ecstady shows their tags to the guards who nods on every tag shown.
"Very well. Welcome to Vandril residence. We hope you enjoy your stay."
Grand Ecstasy give thanks to the guards and then enters the gate. As they walk on pavement, marveling on the huge garden, they notice a familiar face.
It's Erika tending the flowers alongside her maids. Erika notices the group and walks towards them.
"Hello. It's been a while." Erika's elegant greeting.
"Hello Mrs. Vandril." Mateo says.
"I was planning to invite you to the house party for our family's promotion but you suddenly disappears. I really wish to see your unique clothes closer." Erika says, sadness is slightly visible in her face.
"We're sorry Mrs. Vandril. It's just that we also celebrate on the adventurers guild because it's also a big achievement for us." Claustrine explains with sincerety. Erika sighs.
"I understand. Anyways, are you going to meet my husband?"
"Yes Mrs. Vandril. Is Sir Gilmore present?" Mateo asked.
"She's on his office. The promotion to higher nobility also includes lots of paperworks." Erika touches her forehead.
"I wish it ends sooner." Erika added.
Claustrine and Mateo nods as they understand dealing with lots and lots of paper.
"Anyway. Let our maid bring you to him."
Erika calls the nearby young maid and instruct her to bring Grand Ecstasy to Gilmore. The party says their thanks and farewell then quietly follow the calm and refined maid.
After some time. They finally reach the front of Gilmore's workplace. The maid opens the door, revealing Gilmore busy writing on documents.
Gilmore notice them and he gives a gentle smile.
"Welcome Grand Ecstasy. Please take a seat."
Grand Ecstasy picks their prefer chairs and comfortably sit on high-end wooden chairs probably sculpted by a renowned craftsman.
"Jula. Please bring us tea and snacks."
Jula bows in maid posture and then walks.
"I'm sorry but please wait a moment as I need to finish these paperworks."
"Don't mind us sir."
Then they stay silent and didn't disturbed Gilmore who still struggling to write only using an arm. One of the papers falls on the table which Claustrine picked. She just take a peek on its content but she's already in shock.
"Sir Gilmore..."
"Yes?" Gilmore replies while still writing.
"You're retiring as an adventurer?"
What Claustrine said caught Mateo and others attention. All of them look at Gilmore.
Gilmore stops and set aside the papers as he's close on finishing them anyways.
"It's sad for me to say but, yes. I'm retiring as an adventurer."
"But Sir Gilmore. Why?" Beltrand asked.
Jula returns with another maid. She's carrying a tray containing the teapot and cups while the other maid brings the cupcakes. They delicately put them on the the table and a set on Gilmore's desk. Jula gestures their leave and walks away.
"To answer your question. First, it's because I'm not totally capable of being an Adventurer. My role as a higher nobility would surely take most of my time..."
Gilmore takes a sip of his tea.
"Second is, my wife is currently pregnant. I want to spend more time for my family once I realized that I used my early years finishing an almost impossible quest. And the third reason..."
Gilmore touch his shoulder where his left arm is used to be.
"I might not able to fight anymore. I strained my body too much during that fight."
Grand Ecstasy just looked at Gilmore with sad expression on their face. All of them feels guilty.
"Hey don't feel bad about yourselves. It's not your fault if these circumstances happened. Besides, you're the one that lead me to end my lifetime mission."
"Yes Sir Gilmore. But it feels sad that a well known adventurer of our guild is going to retire." Mateo says with melachonly. Gilmore chuckle softly.
"It's not like I'm leaving the guild entirely. I'm still going to visit the guild if my I have a chance. And if the guild needs my help, I will try my best to help." Gilmore says with conviction.
Grand Ecstasy smiles as they can feel that the guild still have place in Gilmore's heart.
"Sir I wish you pay a visit in the guild yesterday. We have a huge celebration." Sophia says.
"Ohh that must be fun... Sadly I'm also busy on that time. Our entire family tree have a huge celebration."
Gilmore takes a sip of tea then bites a cupcake.
"Maybe its time for us to talk about your reason on giving me a visit." Gilmore reminds Grand Ecstasy who reacts with surprise.
"Oh we almost forgot! Sir Gilmore!"
Mateo stands up followed by his friend. And the five shows sincere gratitude as they bow in front of Gilmore.
"With the bottom of our hearts! Thank you so much for saving our lives!" Grand Ecstasy simultaniously says. Gilmore smiles.
"Raise your head. Take pride on the fact that you written yourselves in history. And we both save each other so we're even."
Grand Ecstasy follows Gilmore.
"Thank you Sir Gilmore. But still I hope you accept our gift. Not as a token of gratitude but as a gift for your achievements."
Once Mateo finished talking, Beltrand opens their Bag of Storage and pulls a basket full of unlabeled bottles with ribbons tied to them. The bottles are arranged neatly on the basket for a better presentation.
Beltrand puts the basket in the table. The bottles are the expensive alcoholic drinks Mateo buy on Earth and they remove all the labels so they doesn't look alien.
But because of the unique design of the bottles, all of them still look elegant and high-class which piqued Gilmore's interest.
"Ohhhh..." Gilmore picks one of the bottle with box shape. Gilmore can tell that it's a whisky but he also see some alcohol with more unique coloring.
In order to insure that their gift is surely worthy of being a gift for a nobleman. Mateo buys 1 bottle of whiskey, wine, vodka, tequila, soju, sake, sparkling champagne, 3 flavored gin plus 1 classic gin, and lambanog.
"All of these looks so nice and everything looks fancy and expensive. These must be put a dent on your budget."
"Not at all. We used the money we got from the king." Mateo's lie.
"Thank you for these gift. You have now my favor."
Mateo and Beltrand looked at each other once they hear the word favor from Gilmore.
"Well Sir Gilmore. Speaking of favor, we want to ask for your help. But this is such an absurd request that we can understand if you reject it."
Gilmore is curious on what Mateo said.
"Ok then. Tell me what's your request. I like to hear it." Gilmore calm response.
~~~~~~°~~~~~~
Gilmore is putting all the drinks Grand Ecstasy gifted to him in his personal rack for alcoholic drinks. He took a look on each bottle as he put them in the cabinet.
Gilmore tried each of the gifted drinks and he instantly love all of them. Each one of them have uniqueness to them that he can't really understand.
He was amused on the flavored gins. The whiskey taste superb, and the rest is new to him.
But also, questions are running on Gilmore's mind. He's a connossieur in alcoholoc drinks and it shows on his vast collections.
But nothing on his knowledge can tell that the gifted drinks are truly available on the city. He doubt that Grand Ecstasy really buys them on Natunnia nor the nearby towns and cities. And the taste is incomperable to the drinks he already known.
Gilmore looks on the final bottle. The bottle of Jenessy. The bell-like shape alone is intriguing but the etched picture of grapes and leaves makes Gilmore awestruct as this is the first time he see such bottle.
He put the Jenessy bottle and sit on the nearby elegant chair then takes a deep breath.
Gilmore remembers Grand Ecstasy's request. Thinking that if he help them, he might secure a supply of such unique drinks which on his opinion is only Grand Ecstasy knows where to get.
And also, he can use the request as a practice for the future of his 15 years old son and the enact his promise to the King.
"Ok. I accept their request." Gilmore says to himself.