The group ambled over to the ramparts of Dragon’s Fang Castle.

"So, what’s life like for an Adventurer?" Albert started the conversation.

Kase yawned. "It’s a lot like being a Hunter. Find things, then kill them."

If this so-called nobleman hadn’t just given him something, he probably would have impatiently gone back to sleep long ago, let alone have the patience to stand here and chat.

"You worry about rent every day, fight tooth and nail with others for the next job, and have to face all sorts of monsters." Colin leaned on a crenellation, which still bore the claw marks of a Jackal Wolfman.

"It seems the epics of Wandering Poets leave a lot out."

A gentle breeze blew across the young nobleman’s face.

Colin tried to keep the conversation going. "So what’s life like for a nobleman?"

"Family, Thousand Masts City, and land that are supposed to be unchanging and eternal."

Although it was almost imperceptible, Colin could faintly hear the frustration in his tone regarding his recent situation.

He immediately changed the subject. "So, is there anything good to eat in Thousand Masts City?"

"I like the meat rolls from the Dock District. I’d recommend you try them."

Colin frowned and asked, "The meat rolls that cost five Copper Coins each?"

"That’s right. A coarse grain wrap filled with some animal organs and vegetables. You can’t find them anywhere else but Thousand Masts City. I’ve been fond of them since I was a child. They’re just more convenient than things like steak and stew, since you can eat them while you’re running around." Albert’s face flushed a little as he smiled.

If he hadn’t said it himself, Colin would never have believed that a nobleman’s son ate the same breakfast as the dockworkers. It felt very strange.

Colin added, "I feel like the one closer to the docks tastes better..."

The two of them chatted about food for a long time.

They kept on until the sun went down and it was time for dinner.

As time passed, a large crowd gathered in the main courtyard of Dragon’s Fang Castle. They all seemed to be farmers from the surrounding homesteads.

A high platform had been erected in front of the main building.

A group of people brought out tables and benches, then set up grills and large cauldrons to start preparing food. A marinated goat was put on a spit, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat were thrown into a stew pot, and the aroma of food, carried on rising steam, wafted into their nostrils.

"Now it’s time for the heroes to make their entrance," Albert said.

The group followed the stairs all the way down to the entrance of the main building. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

The moment Colin and Kase walked out the main doors and appeared, everyone—whether they were busy or resting—jumped to their feet and let out a resounding cheer.

Colin smiled and waved.

Standing behind him, Kase let out a great roar, instantly silencing all the cheers.

The scene was silent for a moment. Only after people realized the Half-Orc hadn’t "reverted to his savage nature" did the courtyard liven up again.

For a military fortress, the so-called victory banquet wasn’t very complicated.

Everyone was in the courtyard finding something to eat. One by one, old soldiers and Shepherds took the stage to sing and liven up the atmosphere. The old Priest they had seen earlier was also in a corner, silently drinking porridge with a smile.

Mark, whom they had met before, also went on stage to thank Colin and Kase for solving the Earthworm problem. After singing an off-key folk song, he was chased off by the old soldiers with tomatoes.

In such an informal atmosphere, Colin and Kase were quite relaxed.

The two of them ate and drank aimlessly, chatted with anyone they met, and accepted praise and thanks from all sides.

It was evening before the people, still wanting more, finally began to disperse.

「The following afternoon.」

Colin and Kase, dressed in Chain Armor Shirts with Long Swords hanging at their waists, stood at the gates of Dragon’s Fang Castle. In the distance, a caravan was slowly making its way toward them. Although the caravan wasn’t large, it would at least offer some mutual support.

"Thank you both again for your help to the Weston Clan during this time. You are, without a doubt, friends of the family," Albert said with a smile, standing to the side.

"And thank you for your hospitality," Colin replied with a nod.

’This young nobleman has made a pretty good impression on me these past few days.’

’At least he’s much better than the spoiled profligates or useless gluttons you see in novels and dramas.’

Just then, a familiar figure appeared at the gate of Dragon’s Fang Castle.

Albert glanced back and silently took a couple of steps aside.

The neurotic old soldier from before was wearing a suit of Cotton Armor, his chest adorned with more than a dozen medals of various sizes. Judging by the bandages wrapped around his head, he too had contributed his strength in the fierce battle a few days ago.

He was holding a Hand Half Sword, and he walked slowly, step by step, until he was in front of them.

He looked at Colin intently.

His wrinkled face was like the bark of an ancient oak tree. After a long moment, this "bark" twitched twice, and he managed to get a sentence out: "This was my son’s weapon. Please, take it."

With that, he held out the Hand Half Sword with both hands.

[Hand Half Sword / Worn]

[Damage: 1.5-7.5]

[Versatile: When wielded with two hands, Damage is 1.5-9.5]

The scabbard was clearly covered in scuffs, and there were even some still-damp bloodstains on it. The condition of the blade hidden within was self-evident.

In terms of performance alone, this weapon couldn’t compare to the Hand Half Sword Colin had picked out yesterday.

But in terms of significance, this sword carried the old soldier’s past... and his apology.

"I’ll take good care of it." Colin reached out, took the Hand Half Sword, and slung it across his back.

The old man nodded and walked, trembling, over to Kase.

His lips trembled, unable to form words for a good while.

For the old soldier, being saved by a Half-Orc—he and his comrades—was perhaps more agonizing than death.

The pain of his family’s death was a constant torture for this Warrior. One could imagine that he would never be free from this suffering in his lifetime.

The caravan on the road had now drawn near.

A commotion came from behind them. This journey was about to come to an end.

"Do humans have a War Deity?" Kase asked out of the blue.

The old soldier didn’t know why he had suddenly asked such a question, but he answered honestly, "The Deity of War, Tampas."

"Good. All Warriors who die on the battlefield return to the realm of their War Deity to enjoy eternal victory and feasts. Your son will surely do the same. He was undoubtedly a proud Warrior."

"Thank you," the old soldier said. "I’m sorry."

"I’m sorry," Kase replied. "Thank you."

After they spoke, Colin and Kase boarded the caravan behind them.

The carriage swayed, just as it had when it brought them here, carrying them back into the Golden Plain and on toward Thousand Masts City.

Colin glanced at Kase a few times.

"Did your tribe raid humans, too?"

"No, but a hundred years ago, our tribe was probably in the northeast, no different from the other Orcs," Kase said. "I’ve dealt with a lot of humans. I can understand how he feels."

Colin felt the atmosphere had grown a bit solemn, so it wasn’t a good time to speak again.

The Half-Orc from the frozen wastes sat beside him, gazing at the distant golden wheat fields, lost in thought.

The cheers and songs of the banquet gradually faded into the distance.

Only the sound of the wind sweeping through the waves of wheat remained to accompany the two of them.