Thanks to Noctis's overwhelming speed, it did not take long to reach the coast of Iolcus.
As we drew near the shore, Jason's ship, the Argo, stood revealed in all its grand majesty, and around it gathered heroes who radiated an unmistakable aura.
"Wow... So he really did prepare properly. This is going to be quite the interesting journey."
Having reached my destination, I slowly approached the Argo.
Then, after dismounting and walking forward at an unhurried pace, a broad-shouldered man with a club slung over his shoulder spotted me from afar and waved.
"Hey! I was wondering who that silver-haired handsome man was coming this way, and it's none other than the wise king of Eirene!"
It was Heracles.
His absurdly sturdy frame and hearty laughter were as welcome as ever, and I answered him in kind.
"Well... that's how it turned out. And you... you've changed a lot. You're even wearing a lion's pelt now..."
"Astellon... So you really came. I thought you'd become king and start slacking off."
And beside him stood Atalanta, casually tending to her bow with a cool expression, though a faint twitch at the corner of her lips betrayed how hard she was trying to suppress her delight.
Atalanta's blunt greeting made me shrug as I replied.
"I couldn't just sit back and watch you lot cause trouble. Besides, I was pretty busy at first, you know?"
While I was chatting with Atalanta, whom I had not seen in some time, a blond man in splendid attire came running down from the ship.
"Oho! My dear friend Astellon! Now that you're here, the Argo finally feels complete!"
It was Jason, and the moment I saw his face, all the burdens I had felt after ascending the throne seemed to grow light as air.
The moment I saw Jason's face, the weight that had pressed upon my shoulders ever since I became king felt, impossibly, as though it had vanished.
"...You haven't changed at all, Jason."
I gave a small laugh and stepped toward him.
Jason seized my shoulders with both hands and laughed loudly.
"Haven't changed? I am now the captain of a great adventure! A man who will seize the Golden Fleece and return to become king!"
"So that habit of talking only with your mouth is still the same, then."
My words drew quiet laughter from those nearby, and Jason froze for a moment before giving an awkward grin.
"Haha... As expected, you really haven't changed."
At that moment, a low, calm voice cut in from behind.
"More importantly... I didn't expect you to come in person after becoming king. Is the position of king really that idle?"
Atalanta's words were as direct as ever, but there was no mistaking the warmth in her eyes.
I loosened my shoulders a little before answering.
"I didn't come because I had nothing to do. I came to see whether the order I created is truly functioning as it should."
"...A test?"
"If the kingdom does not waver even when its king is absent... then that is a true kingdom."
At my words, Atalanta fell silent for a moment, then gave a small nod.
"...So you're that confident. I'll at least acknowledge that much."
Then, from beside us, a booming laugh erupted.
"That's Astellon for you! Every word out of your mouth sounds convincing!"
Heracles slapped my back as he spoke.
"But tell me, you can still fight properly, right? You haven't gone stiff just because you're a king, have you?"
I gently brushed his hand aside and smiled.
"Want to find out?"
"Ha! Gladly!"
For a brief moment, tension crackled between us.
"That's enough!"
Jason hurriedly cut in.
"I'm not letting my crew start fighting each other before the ship has even set sail! Save the fighting for later and do as much of it as you like then!"
He spread his arms wide and shouted.
"Now, everyone, listen up! This is our last companion to join us!"
Jason placed a hand on my shoulder and declared loudly, "The king of Eirene and my dear friend! Astellon!"
At that, the gazes of the heroes around us turned to me all at once.
Those who bore swords, those who carried spears, those who wore bows at their sides.
The eyes of those who had crossed different battlefields, each in their own way.
And within those gazes were caution, curiosity, and a measure of expectation.
I slowly swept my eyes across them and spoke.
"...I've set aside the title of king for the moment."
Then I rested my hand on the holy sword at my waist.
"Here, I'll join you only as one warrior."
My words were followed by a brief silence.
"Good."
Someone gave a low laugh.
"I like that."
Atalanta smiled at my words.
Heracles threw back his head and laughed.
"Now this feels like a real adventure!"
Jason nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Excellent! Then..."
He raised a hand toward the ship.
"Argo! Prepare to set sail!"