Those accompanying the royal princess on her visit stepped forward to distribute the alcohol and meat. Everyone gathered at the garrison praised the grace of the royal family as they ate and drank to their hearts’ content. Even if it was just for the moment, the grief over the deceased and the hopelessness to carry on seemed to be forgotten.

Indeed, it was fitting of the resilient citizens who refused to leave their homes in the western territories despite frequent Noctein invasions.

“It’s been a while, kid.”

Seon-Hyeok was reserved a seat with the commanders of the Central Army accompanying the royal princess. There, he ran into Marquis Reinhardt, someone he hoped he would not encounter again. But then again, there was no way this knight would not be escorting the princess along with the other royal guards.

“H, have you been well, marquis?”

When Seon-Hyeok offered his greetings with an awkward expression, Marquis Reinhardt laughed and handed him a drink.

“Even back then, you were just a kid who hadn’t yet lost his peach fuzz, but now you’ve managed to accomplish something noteworthy.”

However, contrary to Seon-Hyeok’s fears, Marquis Reinhardt was quite cordial towards him. It was clear he did not hold grudges, and it fit his outwardly cheerful demeanor.

“I have some bad drinking habits, so any more is…”

“Bad drinking habits are easily solved if you get beaten up while wasted. So drink up. Let’s take this opportunity to take care of that.”

His positive impression of Marquis Reinhardt...