Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

It was clear that the group of admirers found the sight of the skilled fighters intriguing, a testament to their unique combination of strength and grace. While the attention was both surprising and flattering, they managed to keep their cool.

However, there was no denying that a part of them enjoyed the acknowledgment. The acknowledgment was like a silent nod to their capabilities, a subtle recognition of their dedication and hard work.

Despite the sizable group of around five hundred people approaching, the imposing gates of the castle swung open to welcome them. The sight was a testament to the significance of their victory and their contribution to reclaiming their homeland. As they passed through the gates, the members of the organization could feel the weight of the moment.

The royal guards stationed at the entrance saluted, their formal gesture acknowledging the accomplishment.

However, a hint of solemnity lingered on the faces of the royal guards. Despite their participation in the last battle of the war, their contributions had seemingly gone unnoticed or underappreciated. Their expressions carried a mix of resignation and perhaps a touch of resentment, a reflection of their unspoken feelings regarding the recognition they received compared to the newcomers.

The garden of the castle was pretty fancy. Still, instead of paying attention to that, Rain paid attention to the statues that were along the path that led to the castle.

"They are sculptures of the previous kings," Branden said.

Rain was pretty amazed by these gold statues at the castle. They weren't just regular sculptures; they were big and shiny figures made entirely out of gold. The sunlight made them look even more dazzling.

There were three new ones that caught his eye. The first was of a tough-looking warrior holding a spear like he was ready to fight. The details on his armor and his strong pose made it seem like he could come to life at any moment.

Right next to the warrior was an archer, posed like he was about to shoot an arrow from a longbow. The way the archer's stance was captured in gold showed off the artist's talent in making something look real and full of movement.

The last statue was of a mage, someone who could use magic. He held a staff that seemed to crackle with magic energy. The design of the staff and the mage's confident stance made it clear that this was a person with some serious power.

"I didn't think that I heard anything about the kings being famous for their fighting skills; I guess they wanted to look cooler after that with this," Rain thought.

Before long, the whole group began to enter the castle, and soon, they were greeted by a large hall filled with tables and people. The castle was bustling with activity as people from all over the country gathered for the ceremony. Rain could see the crowd growing larger by the minute, and it was clear that the throne room wouldn't be able to hold everyone.

The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable, and it seemed like this event was drawing people from every corner of the land.

"Enjoy the feast, His Majesty, and the royal family should arrive soon," Branden declared.

Jori, Reca, Liss, Asche, and Terra appeared a bit anxious, their stomachs tied in knots, but they managed to find an unoccupied table in the midst of the bustling crowd. Their plan was simple: to enjoy their meal without too much interruption. Rain, though not particularly hungry himself, observed the many eyes fixed on him and the hushed conversations that accompanied them.

However, he decided to join his friends at the table, the anticipation of the upcoming event still hanging in the air.

"Oops, we need to eat elegantly, guys; we can't let people think that we are savages," Jori said after he grabbed two chicken legs.

"You sound and look very convincing," Rain said. "Most people think of us like that anyway, so it doesn't matter. Just make sure to clean his hands on the fabric of the table."

"I see," Jori said while nodding.

"No, you don't see. You truly shouldn't do that," Terra said. "Don't say nonsense, Rain."

"What a waste of a good scene to see," Rain shrugged.

The rest of the mercenaries were eagerly savoring their meals, a mix of hearty appetite and occasional attempts at refined table manners. It was a common trait among those who hailed from more rural regions. Amidst this scene, Rain's gaze swept across the room, taking in the ambiance. It was then that he spotted Lorene and Orcis making their way towards him.

Their arrival seemed to be perfectly timed for the celebration, a festive occasion to mark the conclusion of the war.

"My kids these days sure grow fast, but your growth is amazing," Lorene said while blinking several times. "I had to see up close to confirm that it was you."

"It has been a long time, Rain," Orcis said while offering a handshake. "What do you eat to become this big and muscular?"

"Veggies, veggies, and more veggies," Rain said while accepting the handshake, and then he noticed those two looking at his friends. "These are my friends Jori, Reca, Liss, Asche, and Terra. I joined their party a while ago."

Rain gestured towards Lorene and Orcis as they approached, introducing them to his group of friends. The air around the table seemed to tense up slightly as those present recognized the renowned figures in their midst. Lorene, Branden's older step-sister, was a well-known noble whose reputation carried weight.

On the other hand, Orcis, with his vast wealth and influence in the northern region of the kingdom, was a figure whose name resonated across those lands. Their presence added an extra layer of significance to the gathering, creating a mix of curiosity and respect among those gathered at the table.

"No need to get nervous, everyone," Orcis said. "We are here to celebrate your accomplishments, after all. Thank you for your hard work in recovering our lands."

"Still, I can see now you rejected the girls that introduced you… It seems that you likes them a bit older," Lorene said while grinning. "Your group has some cuties. I suppose you would aim for me as well if I weren't going to get married at that time."