Chapter 29: Back to the Noisy Everyday

A full day had finally passed since the “King’s Battle” with Shion Ace, and we were at last making our way back to the royal capital. We had originally planned to return immediately, but since everyone waited for me to regain consciousness, the delay was unavoidable.

The poison inflicted by Shion disappears once he stops supplying it with mana. However, because he pushed its effects to the absolute limit during the “King’s Battle,” it took some time to fully fade.

Alicia could have healed it with her magic, but I had told her beforehand that healing magic wasn’t necessary for something that would recover naturally, so this was the result. In truth, the damage from the poison was minor compared to the strain I placed on myself—self-inflicted injuries and pushing my body far beyond its limits. I couldn’t exactly blame him for that.

"I, Shion Ace, acknowledge your victory in this King’s Battle, Sword King Toma. As agreed, I shall submit to you. However, before that, there are matters I must attend to in my homeland. Will you permit it?"

That’s what Shion said before we parted. Now that I think about it, there was something about wagering his own freedom. Honestly, my head had been boiling over with worry for Alicia and anger at my own helplessness, so I barely remember. I could’ve dismissed it, but I was told that would create an exception to the “King’s Battle,” so I accepted it.

For now, it’s a relief to have someone besides Hikari to spar with. After facing him in real combat, I know he’s a warrior worthy of trust.

"Um, Hikari-san? Isn’t it about time you got over it…?"

"Shut up. Doing something like that in front of a crowd like that. Even I’ve never done that."

"Uu… please don’t bring it up… I really wasn’t in my right mind back then…"

I do feel a bit bad for Minister Depron and the others, who were celebrating gaining Shion and the mining rights, but the greatest takeaway this time was the scene in front of me.

Alicia and Hikari were talking as equals. Alicia, who always held herself back, wasn’t doing so now.

I don’t know if my fight influenced her, or if Hikari managed to help her somehow. Either way, just seeing Alicia as she is now—not as the “Saint”—is enough to satisfy me. Enough to make me forget the soreness in my body that makes even moving feel like a chore.

"By the way, what are you two arguing about? Did something happen?"

"I’m never telling you, Toma."

"I really don’t want you to hear it, Toma-san…"

That’s harsh. I’m being completely left out. Judging by the warm looks from Minister Depron and the others, it seems everyone knows except me.

"Well, I won’t force it out of you. But in exchange, I have one request for Alicia."

"Me? If it’s something you ask, Toma-san, then I don’t mind…"

"I don’t know where that level of trust comes from, but maybe don’t say things like that so easily, okay? I am a man, after all."

When someone as beautiful as Alicia says that, it goes straight to my head in a very dangerous way.

Still, I don’t want to betray their trust, so I shake my head a few times to drive out the intrusive thoughts. That’s not what I want to ask right now.

"Ahh, he’s definitely thinking something stupid again. Or something driven by pure desire."

"How do you read my mind, Hikari? Is this telepathy? It’s unfair—I can only understand you sometimes."

"Um… so, what is your request?"

Good, good. She’s showing a bit more assertiveness. I hope she keeps living like that.

Anyway, I’d like a reward for my efforts too. Specifically—a name.

"You’ve called me Toma-san, Toma-sama, Sword King-sama, and all sorts of things, but… I’d like you to call me something a bit more casual. When a friend uses something so formal, it gives me chills."

"Eh, th-then what should I call you…?"

"You can just use my name without honorifics."

"That’s impossible!"

She rejected it instantly. Honestly, I expected that—given her personality—so it’s not a shock.

Which means it’s time for the classic “door-in-the-face” approach. I don’t really know if I’m using it correctly, but it should work.

"Then something easy to say—but still shows we’re close."

"U-uuuh…!!"

She’s groaning over something as simple as a name. It’s honestly adorable. Hikari brightens like the sun, but Alicia is more like shade beneath a tree—calm and comforting. Even without knowing her past, I can tell this is her natural charm.

"Th-then… Toma…-kun…"

Right now, though, she’s so red I almost want to shout. The way she glances up at me, the way she struggles so much over a single name—it’s all incredibly endearing.

And she once said she had no value beyond being the Saint. She really doesn’t understand herself at all.

"Say it again."

"Th-Toma-kun…"

"Yeah. Call me that from now on. Of course, at work, I guess formalities are unavoidable."

"U-uuuu… I’m not used to it…"

When was the last time we had such a peaceful exchange? Maybe this is the first time with her.

It probably means we’ve both let go of the restraint between us—and this feels far more comfortable.

"Your Majesty, we’ll be arriving at the capital soon."

"Mm, thanks."

The coachman’s voice reached us. We’d only been gone a few days, but it already feels nostalgic.

I wonder if the townspeople are doing well—but imagining them not being lively is impossible, so there’s no point worrying. Their energy is unmistakable.

Actually… I can hear loud voices coming from beyond the city walls. This level of noise is unusual. Did something happen?

"What is that? It’s not screaming, right?"

"They’re shouting, but it doesn’t sound distressed."

"If anything, it sounds like excitement… or embarrassment…"

We all tilt our heads, but no answer comes.

Then, as we pass through the gates into the capital, a massive crowd greets us with a barrage of voices. It’s impossible to catch everything, but a few things stand out:

"Welcome back, Sword King-sama! So when’s the wedding!?"

"Shia-chan, you were hiding that you’re the Saint!? Seriously!? It wasn’t hidden at all!!!"

"You always wear the same kind of clothes—His Majesty should get you something new!!"

"That kiss scene was so heart-pounding!!! When did you two get that close!?"

"It’s trending that a new royal couple will officially be born in this kingdom! Please give us an interview!!!"

"I heard the Sword King is a pro at charming women! Teach me your secrets!!!"

"After seeing that, all we can do is celebrate! Your Majesty, make Alicia-sama happy!!!"

…I listened, but I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.

I glance at Hikari and Alicia, but Hikari is staring intently at Alicia, while Alicia is desperately covering her bright red face.

Yeah—no way I’m getting answers from them.

So I look out the carriage window for clues.

"Ah!! It’s the broadcast again today!"

"I want to see the king fight!!!"

"I want to see Alicia-sama and the king being close!!!"

The children shout, the adults follow—and then it begins.

The magic tool Clarisse developed—one that transmits video and audio from afar—and its projection receiver. A modified version flies in from the direction of the royal castle, and the citizens cheer as if they’ve been waiting for it.

And then, projected into the air—

Scenes that dig up very recent, very embarrassing memories for us.

"I’m not asking about the value of power!!! I’m asking about her herself!!! Her heart, her actions—what are those worth!?"

"I just want to help a girl carrying the heavy burden of responsibility. If she’s important to you, that’s all the more reason I want to help her."

"I won’t hand her over to people who don’t know her—and won’t even try to!"

"Don’t you dare lay a hand on someone important to me."

It was footage of the “King’s Battle.”

In a world lacking entertainment, it completely captivates the people. My words, my fight—it’s all there.

I cover my face in embarrassment. Hearing this while clear-headed is unbearable. No wonder the citizens are acting like that.

"Ah—um—c-could it be… does this footage include what happened after the battle…!?"

"From those reactions, it definitely does. Good for you."

"Awa—wait—Toma-kun, don’t look!!! Please don’t—!"

"Sorry… too late. So that’s what happened after I collapsed…"

There it was—projected in the sky—a perfectly framed kiss scene.

Well, that explains everything.

A lap pillow, healing magic, and a kiss—it looks like something straight out of a movie. Anyone who saw that would be completely captivated.

In other words, the entire capital has turned into hardcore shippers.

My kingdom… is a nation of shippers.

"Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!?!?!?!!"

"Ah, she broke."

"Wow… she curled up so much you can’t even see her face or ears. She’s like a giant ball."

As I watch Alicia succumb to overwhelming embarrassment, I let my mind drift for a moment.

This uproar isn’t going to die down anytime soon. I know that for sure—from experience.

Which means we’ll have to get used to this public embarrassment. For now, I decide I’m going to have a word with the loli inventor and that absurdly strong, magic-tool-obsessed elf who caused all this.

"It’s really noisy compared to when we were in the village."

"Yeah, but it’s not so bad. Keeps things interesting."

"It’s not bad at all… I kind of like days like this."

Ever since I came to the royal capital, there hasn’t been a single truly peaceful day. Every day has been loud and busy.

But these are days I’ve never had before—and I’ve enjoyed them.

And thinking that these days will continue…

I can’t help but feel excited.

This is where the real story begins—after I became the “Sword King.”