Chapter 97: Starting with Defeating the Demon King
"Frieren."
The moment she heard her name, the white-haired elf set down the grimoire in her hands.
Ahead of her, she saw the back of the blue-haired Hero, standing as though he were gazing into the distance.
Frieren rose from the carriage and sat beside the dwarf warrior, who was also looking out toward the horizon.
A soft breeze swept across the hillside.
On the plains below, Frieren could see the magnificent walls of the Holy City.
"We can see the Holy City now."
The bespectacled priest at her side spoke up.
"Our party of heroes is returning in triumph. The city must already be celebrating."
Frieren passed through the towering white gates.
Flowers and applause greeted her from all sides.
Cavalry cleared a path before her.
Noble orchestras played in her honor.
The people of the Holy City lined the streets, waving and cheering.
Because of Frieren's feat in defeating the Demon King, the entire world would finally know peace.
—Clink.
A crisp sound rang out.
Unnoticed by Frieren, something fell from her person onto the roadside.
A little girl hurried over, picked it up, and excitedly held it out to her.
"Lady Frieren!"
"When I grow up, I want to become a great mage just like you!"
Frieren looked at the pendant in the girl's hands.
"This is… the Proof of the Holy Staff."
She froze for a brief moment.
"Oh. That's right."
"That belongs to me."
"Of course it does!"
The little girl repeated loudly,
"You're the greatest mage of this age! You earned the Proof of the Holy Staff many years ago and became a Great Mage long ago!"
Frieren smiled proudly.
"You remember that very well, little one."
"Yes. That's exactly right."
That entire night, the city sang and danced, celebrating without sleep.
Every shop Frieren passed welcomed her warmly, offering food and drink for free.
One confectionery even prepared a gigantic Mercury Pudding just for her.
It was the happiest night of her life.
Yet by noon the next day—
When Frieren returned to her village,
A new celebration had already begun.
"Congratulations to our village's hero—
Great Mage Frieren, welcome home!!"
Colorful streamers showered the village.
The village chief, his hair still thick and full, raised his arms and shouted joyfully, while his wife clapped beside him with a bright smile.
Frieren gently took his hand.
"Village Chief, how has your health been?"
"Never better!"
The village chief patted his solid chest.
A dull, heavy thump followed as his muscles flexed.
"Then… you don't doze off anymore?" Frieren asked.
"Doze off? Hahahaha!"
The chief raised his right arm at once, proudly showing off his bulging biceps.
"Frieren, look at how strong I am now! How could I possibly be dozing off?"
"You must be remembering wrong!"
Frieren was left momentarily speechless. She turned her gaze to the woman standing beside him.
"She is… your wife, correct?"
"Haha, Frieren,"
the chief laughed cheerfully.
"Of course she's my wife!"
"When you were little, she even held you in her arms!"
"Just the day before yesterday was our wedding anniversary—we even had a candlelight dinner!"
"I see…"
"Congratulations to you both."
Frieren gently shook the woman's hand.
The chief patted Frieren on the head.
"You were gone from the village for a full ten years. Forgetting a few things is only natural!"
"Come now! Everyone!"
"Bring your gifts forward for our hero!"
As soon as his words fell—
The villagers surged forward all at once.
A dazzling flood of gifts poured in, nearly burying Frieren beneath them.
"Lady Frieren! This is my gift—
Magic That Lets You Wash Your Hair While Standing on Your Head!"
"And mine!
Magic That Lets You Sleep as Long as You Want! You'll love it!"
"Please try my Automatic Dressing and Grooming Magic—it's incredibly convenient!"
Overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, Frieren accepted the gifts with visible difficulty.
"Thank you… truly, everyone."
"But my house doesn't have enough rooms to store all of this…"
"No need to worry!"
The village chief made another dramatic entrance, pointing boldly ahead.
"Look!!!"
A luxurious five-story mansion stood proudly before her.
"Lady Frieren, this is the new house the villagers built just for you!"
"Five floors above ground, two more underground—plus a huge garden and a swimming pool!"
"From now on, you can collect as many things as you like!"
"And if that's still not enough, we can always build higher!"
"N–No… that won't be necessary,"
Frieren replied awkwardly.
"This is already more than enough."
Under the villagers' eager gazes, Frieren walked step by step toward the front door.
She felt as though she were waiting for something.
But before she could reach for the handle—
Click.
The doorknob turned on its own.
—Thunk.
As the door opened, an orange-haired figure appeared.
Flamme stood there, radiant with pride.
"In just ten years, you defeated the Demon King and brought peace to the human world."
"Frieren, you truly are my disciple. I'll always be proud of you."
"Come, come inside!"
She lightly patted Frieren on the shoulder.
"He's already making breakfast."
"…He?"
Frieren followed Flamme through the spacious living room and into the dining area.
The next instant—
She saw a figure in the kitchen, wearing a light-colored sweater and a pink apron.
Frieren frowned slightly.
"Master… who is that—"
Before she could finish—
Elias turned around leisurely and smiled brightly at her.
"You're back, Frieren."
"You must be hungry, right?"
"Perfect timing—I'll let you try my new cooking!"
As Frieren stared at that smile, her brow furrowed even more deeply.
For some reason, it made her feel…
"…Frieren?"
Flamme placed both hands on her shoulders.
"Sit down and get ready for lunch."
"Elias will be done any moment now."
"…Elias…"
Frieren looked at the figure again.
"Come to think of it… Elias is…"
"…really likable, isn't he…"
"Yes. That's true."
Flamme nodded in agreement.
"He's always been likable."
___
"Flamme, what's wrong?"
Snap!
Carlile snapped his fingers in front of her eyes, pulling her back to reality.
"Oh… it's nothing."
Flamme took a sip of warm milk, cupping the mug in her hands.
"Perhaps it's just…"
"…a little cold in this inn's dining hall."
"Cold?"
Carlile took a gulp of ice water, then twisted his body slightly and threw a flirtatious glance toward a few men at the neighboring table.
"I'm burning up over here~"
Seeing things about to get out of hand, Flamme quickly cleared her throat.
"Carlile. It's early in the morning."
"I suggest you save your energy."
"All right, all right."
Carlile took a deep breath.
"No one's forcing me this time."
"I joined Lady Serie's plan of my own free will."
Flamme let out a cold laugh.
"Heh…"
"Carlile, for someone who's usually so frivolous, are you finally getting serious?"
"Of course."
The smile vanished from Carlile's face.
"After all…"
"This is a blood-deep vendetta."