She continued in a defiant tone, "It must be that your master's temper is just as strange to have produced a disciple like you, right?"

“No, no…” Alphonse denied, “My master is very good to me. He is the best person to me after Desfield.”

When the other party mentioned the name again, Priscilla recalled an expedition team that had once gone to the Bliza Snowfield to search for traces of mythical beasts but returned empty-handed.

Those were her subordinates whom she had sent.

Upon their return, they unanimously denied the existence of any mythical beasts.

Even a miracle like the Ice Palace has never been discovered.

"Um... before we parted, didn't you say you were going back to see Holy Dragon Desfield? I tried to go to the Bliza Snowfield to find the Ice Palace."

But I haven't found such a palace in the vast snowfield. Where exactly is the Holy Dragon Desfield you mentioned? Priscilla asked curiously once again, just as she had seven years ago.

“Yes, I still need to go back to the Ice Palace.” Alphonse seemed to remember something at that moment, causing him to unintentionally ignore Priscilla’s question and not answer it.

"You... how dare you ignore me! It's so infuriating!"

-

Alphonse arrives for the first time at the magnificent royal capital, Gransis.

Today, the daughter received a pardon from her father, the king, and went out for a stroll with her victor and friend from today's gladiatorial contest. Of course, the king secretly ordered men to accompany and protect them.

Priscilla always remembered that she had promised to take Alphonse on a tour of the entire capital once he arrived.

The promise has finally been fulfilled today. She had once regretted that the promise she made as a child would probably never be kept.

To this day, Alphonse has reappeared, miraculously.

Now that they've both grown up, they're too embarrassed to act like they used to, innocently holding hands and walking around together.

However, for the two of them, the friendship they established seven years ago remained undiminished. They even vaguely felt that a special feeling had emerged and was secretly stirring within them.

Priscilla believes that it was a bridge of affection that could only be built through hardship.

This brought back to her the memory of that final night, the day of the harvest in Shidu, the moment the tragic event occurred—

The scene was horrific, with crimson light reaching the sky. Everywhere were mutated humanoid demons that could no longer be called human, and the only living person left was his companion.

This is an experience that teenagers should not have.

What comes to mind is not only this painful memory, but also the completely opposite, tragic turn of events that preceded it—

The joy of traveling far from home for the first time. The various new things that come into view, and the diverse crowds, creating a harmonious and delightful scene that one can immerse oneself in.

These are the adventurous memories that childhood should have.

Everything has been washed away by the torrent of time, leaving only indelible scars in my heart, a stark contrast to the tangible prosperity of the capital tonight.

In short, Alphonse had a great time tonight, guided by Priscilla, the tour guide of the capital.

When Alphonse escorted her back to the palace, the moon was high in the sky.

Fan waited in front of the palace gate.

"Lord Alphonse, the King summons you."

-

The king of Valentino was sitting in the palace.

The king bestowed upon Alphonse a cup of fine wine to congratulate him on his victory in the gladiatorial contest that day. Leaving aside his duel with Van, Alphonse's battle against the giant alone had earned him the king's high praise.

This knight from afar on the continent was able to defeat his opponent with just a wooden stick and his exceptional swordsmanship.

You should know that the southern barbarian warrior was a formidable opponent who once defeated ten knights of the Royal Knights in one fell swoop.

As for today's fencing match between Alphonse and Van Rexor...

"Fan, what are your thoughts on the fencing match with Alphonse this morning?"

In front of everyone, Wang asked Fan.

“I admit my skills are not good enough,” Fan Rushi replied.

"After the match, I thought about it for a long time, and I recalled my mentor's teachings. A short sword is also a type of sword. Therefore, I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. Alphonse, I hope you can guide me next time."

Alphonse raised the corners of his mouth slightly. Priscilla, sitting beside her father, pouted and turned her head away, full of resentment. It seemed that Van's defeat was Priscilla's own defeat.

“Hmm…” Wang nodded, appreciating Fan’s humility, and then pointed at Alphonse, saying, “But, young man, the way you won was very special—you used a short sword that isn’t normally used in combat. So, some members of the Royal Knights are unhappy about it. If Alphonse were to join the Royal Knights now, it would probably cause some trouble within the group.”

Hearing this, Alphonse smiled bitterly to himself.

"Therefore, I have decided that, in order to prove your strength, I will bestow upon you a mission. After you complete it, the Royal Knights will certainly look at you with new respect and will have no further objections."

What exactly is this mission? Priscilla pondered to herself what kind of "mission" it was and what her father's intentions were.

"Elphons, I hereby bestow upon you the position of Grand Master—Grand Master of the Falcon Knights, a knightly order recognized by the second kingdom of Valentino."

Upon hearing the king's declaration of his appointment, Alphonse was overjoyed.

Priscilla was filled with anxiety upon hearing her father's decision. She secretly clutched his curtain-like cloak and whispered, "Father, why..."

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!