Ariadne felt everything. It was a different experience, shifting from happiness to fear to excitement. Maybe it was because she was too close to them, or she didn’t understand her connection with those who believed in her. She got up on the stage and looked at them as if they were wiping their tears or paying attention to what she would say next.

‘Those there fought something unimaginable, an ancient evil, but don’t fear.’ Ariadne walked around the stage, looking at the crowd below.

The crowd was silent, looking at Ariadne, focusing on her every move and word.

‘We conquered the dungeon that only the hero could, and I promised you…’ She looked around for a moment. ‘We will defeat the evil that even the hero couldn’t.’ Ariadne shouted.

She pulled the hero's sword handle, raised it high, and pointed to the sky. As the people heard her words echo through the square, a wave of support and unity swept through the crowd; some started to clap and cheer, shout her name, and even salute her while praying.

Sitting on top of a building, his legs hanging from the roof's border, Edmund observed everything, thinking about what to do next and the challenges he and these people would face.

‘I wonder if the hero is more like her if he would have killed the Demon lord. One thing is for sure, and I don’t need to do that; it is a blessing. Maybe I got it from the hero.’ Edmund gave a sarcastic smile.

The gathering ended with everyone ‌going back to their homes. It didn’t last long. It was just to show the recordings and have a quick ceremony. Edmund jumped out of the building, landing next to a younger Shafran girl. This made her startle, but when she recognized him, excitement followed.

‘It’s him, Edmund, who fought against that thing we saw in the magic window.’ She pulled on her mother's dress while pointing at Edmund.

‘Ho, don’t point at him. He is not polite, so please forgive her.’ The Shafran woman pulled her daughter next to her.

‘No, no, there is no problem. I like this energy.’ Edmund kneeled in front of the girl and put his hand on her head, stroking‌. ‘You and your mother are the reason I do what I do. I hope you can help us in the future.’ He smiled at her before getting up.

The girl's mother smiled at Edmund, and he noticed that a crowd formed around him. Seeing the way he talked to the girl, they cheered. He didn’t know what to do, so he ‌walked away in the direction Ariadne was going and waved at them.

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Edmund saw Ariadne being followed by those Shafran with fancy clothes as she walked. He ‌got close to them and heard them talk.

‘That was a fierce and brave battle. You have the courage and resolve to lead Lavan into a new era, Your Highness.’ One of those behind her said.

‘Yes, Yes.’ The others confirmed.

Ariadne stopped and turned around as Edmund walked up to her side.

‘That is flattering, and I would like your support in the upcoming struggle. The people of Lavan outside the duchy already use our devices, thanks to you, gentlemen. For that, I’m grateful.’ She smiled at them.

One of them walked forward and bowed to Ariadne.

‘Your Highness, we should thank you for improving our lives and those in Lavan who can access these devices.’ He salutes her.

‘Avi Acker, when I become the Archduchess, everyone will have access to these wonders; of course, merchants will gain their share of gold, but it is only natural. I can feel that all of you believe in me and don’t have evil in your heart. Your support will be welcomed.’ She began to fan herself.

Avi took a knee, and those behind him did the same. Ariadne felt good that her influence had spread so far as to reach the son of the most powerful merchant company in the kingdom. She could feel the people deep inside the kingdom, but seeing them with her eyes was another thing.

Avi stood up again after recognizing Edmund. He approached him and took his hand, giving it a firm handshake. Edmund didn’t fight against it but was surprised by the move.

‘And you are the hero, the paladin of our goddess Ariadne, Edmund. If everything you did wasn’t enough, you even fought against that thing with empty hands.’ Avi gave a nervous laugh.

‘Well… Thanks.’ Edmund nodded to the Shafran.

‘If you excuse me, I want to sleep. Tomorrow, we will talk about our future relations.’ Ariadne looked at the carriage coming from the right.

The Carriage stopped ten feet behind Ariadne, and with that, she smiled at the group, turned around, and walked to it, pulling Edmund by the hand.

‘It's like the stories. She talks to him in a way, but you can see how she feels about him. I wonder how the future with her as the Archduchess will be.’ Avi said to himself.

As the merchants talked among themselves, Ariadne and Edmund were already inside the carriage, and it started to move. The two looked at one another for a moment, and the first one to open their mouth was Edmund.

‘Didn’t I tell you that you are tall now? That is just crazy.’ Edmund had a surprised expression on his face.

She suddenly had her foot pressed against his neck, pressing it to the point of hearing cracks from the wood of the carriage.

‘You don’t change. Everything is a joke, but I know you can be better, a different person.’ Ariadne took her foot off his neck.

‘I don’t know about that. I lied to a child today.’ He put his hand where her foot was moments before.

‘Hum? What did you say?’ She looked at him, intrigued.

‘I told her that she and her mother were the reason I did what I did, a complete lie.’ Edmund took a deep breath and sighed.

‘But that is what happened, peasant, so it doesn’t matter.’ Ariadne crossed her arms.

‘If I put Alya as a test pilot because nobody wanted to, and it would be a death sentence for any normal person,‌ it doesn’t matter. We need these devices to work. Right?’ Edmund looked to the ceiling of the carriage.

‘She wanted to help. You didn’t lie to her. You are being too hard on yourself, peasant. You are not responsible for their lives. I am.’ Ariadne looked outside as they approached the mansion.