Chapter 33: Thus, All Malevolence Vanishes

"Ugh..."

A faint groan was heard.

Looking in that direction, I saw that a man in a black robe had stubbornly clung to life.

However, his body was battered and on the verge of death. Even if the most advanced treatment were applied now, he wouldn't survive.

"You fools who can't see reality... Dragons are the enemy... Why can't you realize that...?"

Even in this situation, the man was cursing the dragons. In response, I stood firm.

"That's wrong."

"What...?"

"Dragons are our neighbors and friends. What you're saying and doing is just selfishness because you don't like them. You're no different from a bully like Jass."

"That's impossible... My country was taken away from me..."

"Even so, it's not just the dragons' fault. Humans are to blame too. Hating only the dragons is completely unreasonable."

"..."

"I believe in the dragons and in my friends. That's my answer."

"...Hmph."

The man snorted defiantly...

At that moment, he reached his limit. His body turned to dust and finally, he completely vanished.

What he thought in his last moments, I will never know.

"Alto."

Turning around, I saw Yustina with a gentle expression.

"Well done."

"Yeah. You too, Yustina."

We both smiled...

For now, we were happy that the incident had been resolved safely.

Although we had intended to resolve the incident without causing a major uproar...

With such a huge battle, it was impossible to deceive the country, let alone the townspeople.

Before long, the knights and dragon knights were dispatched.

Fortunately, we had Yustina on our side.

Thanks to her stepping forward to explain, we weren't met with any undue suspicion, and the handover of the case went smoothly.

All members of the cult were arrested.

Using the information obtained from them, the remnants hiding in the town were also captured... The incident was completely resolved.

...A few days later.

Recognized for our efforts in resolving the incident, we were granted an audience with the king.

Though I felt it was overwhelming, there was no way to refuse based on personal feelings...

Dressed in our formal attire—our academy uniforms—we headed to the royal castle.

"Raise your heads."

At the king's words, we lifted our faces from where we had been kneeling with our heads bowed.

Incidentally, Yustina was doing the same as us.

Even as a dragon princess, she couldn't afford to show disrespect to the king of a country.

Well, to be honest, dragons are generally more powerful...

The king's aides seemed nervous about having Yustina kneel.

"I have heard the details of the incident from the knights. Gran Stale, Ginny Stale, Alto Estenia, and Princess Eltercels. Your deeds were splendid."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

We bowed our heads again.

To think we would receive such words directly from the king...

Was I dreaming?

I couldn't help but wonder.

"This incident, had it been left unchecked, could have become a major disaster. The movements of other nations attempting to expel dragons... We must be more vigilant than ever. I hope you will lend us your strength."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Even without the king's words, my resolve to walk alongside dragons remained unchanged.

Partly because of Yustina...

My aspiration to become an official dragon knight hadn't wavered.

"Now... To reward your deeds, I will bestow honors upon you. Gran Stale, Ginny Stale."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The two stepped forward.

"I have heard that it was thanks to you two that the cult's hideout was discovered. Additionally, your actions during the subsequent battle were commendable. Therefore, I bestow upon you the Green Dragon Medal."

I was astonished.

Both of them were receiving medals.

As Gran and Ginny were awarded their medals, the king clapped.

The others followed suit and applauded.

Of course, Yustina and I also celebrated with smiles and applause.

"Next, Alto Estenia."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

As the two stepped back, I moved forward.

"I have heard that you were the one who discovered the cult's involvement in our country. Furthermore, during the battle, you made a desperate charge to provide crucial support to Princess Eltercels. Your courage and insight were truly remarkable. Therefore, I bestow upon you the Gold Dragon Medal."

The king's words caused the people around to murmur in surprise.

I almost gasped out loud in front of the king.

The Green Dragon Medal, which Gran and Ginny received earlier, is certainly an honor and is awarded to many people who make significant contributions.

It is said that about half of those who serve as knights or dragon knights for a long time receive it.

In contrast, the Gold Dragon Medal is rarely awarded.

It is given to those who perform deeds worthy of being called heroes.

Those who possess the Gold Dragon Medal are treated as heroes of the nation.

"You seem surprised?"

"Yes... I am."

I nodded honestly to the king's question.

"Your actions this time were deemed worthy of the Gold Dragon Medal. Without you, the cult's activities might have continued unchecked... In the worst case, the reconciliation with the dragons could have been severed. That would mean the destruction of our country. Considering that, you have saved this nation. At your age, no less. You are already a hero."

"...I am honored."

Honestly, I felt it was more than I deserved...

But there was no way to refuse the king's reward.

Moreover, everyone else was nodding in agreement with smiles...

A glance at Yustina showed she had a look that said "of course."

There was no way to refuse at this point.

"I humbly accept."

"Good."

The king personally awarded me the Gold Dragon Medal.

"Now, a young hero has been born! His name is Alto Estenia! Everyone, praise the young hero!"

Amidst the thunderous applause...

I felt nothing but overwhelming humility.

"You did it, Alto."

"Congratulations, Alto."

Gran and Ginny clapped for me.

"Alto, congratulations! I'm so happy for you."

Yustina was also delighted...

Their words of praise genuinely touched me, and I etched those feelings into my heart.

From now on, I would strive even harder.

Looking forward, I would keep moving forward.

And...

One day, I would become someone worthy of the Gold Dragon Medal.

...A true hero.

With that resolve and dreams in my heart... I bowed my head to everyone.