Kana's gaze was cold as it swept over everyone in the room. Claine once again felt sweat dripping down his back. He knew this little girl had a habit of being impulsive, and he knew if he did not defuse the situation that things would really turn out bad. "Miss Kana is right. No one should be talking badly about her spouse! He is the man our hero has chosen to be her husband. I hereby decree that anyone who badmouths..."
Claine looked over at Creige. He did not seem to know this man's name, and it didn't seem like he was going to give it either... After thinking for a moment, Clain continued: "Ahem… If anyone speaks badly of our Hero Kana or her Handsome Husband, you and nine generations of your family will be wiped out."
Everyone took in a cold breath. This was not a simple matter! To have such a decree, it was treating Kana and her handsome husband the same as the royal family itself! No one dared say another word after the decree. As for Creige, who was standing at the side, he could care less about what people said. His wife got mad in his stead, so it was fine. If Kana had ignored it, he still would not have done anything. But if she had shed even a single tear due to these people's words, then the Rural Kingdom would be looking for new officials.
"Since everything has been settled, let's get on with the festivities. Hero Kana, I must ask for you to make an appearance in front of the masses. They all wish to know who the little hero was who saved the kingdom." Claine asked with a smile on his face.
"Umm..." Kana looked at Creige as if asking for permission. Creige smiled and nodded. Only then did Kana nod her head. "Please lead the way."
"Haha, good! This way!" Claine was happy. Kana was the perfect poster girl for the people. She was young, and most importantly, she was cute! Her cuteness would win over the masses and will be a figure for the young beastkin to look up to. Claine was not king just because he was strong but because he had the brains to know what will win the masses over.
Kana was brought over to a balcony that overlooked the main yard of the castle. The whole place was filled with citizens of the rural kingdom. There were even screens made of water hovering in the air all over the kingdom as well. Kana held Creige's hand as she walked next to Claine, who was all smiles.
Claine stood at the edge of the balcony in front of the railing and looked out over the noisy crowd. Banners of different colors were streamed here and there. Magical displays of fish and other animals floated through the air. Off in the distance, many stands with food and even festival-style games could be seen. Kana's eyes lit up, seeing all of this. She wanted more than anything to run out there and see everything.
"Silence!" Claine raised his hand and spoke. His booming voice could be heard from every part of the kingdom. "As you all know, we were able to push back the humans who wished to invade our lands and enslave us. Now I am not saying all humans are bad. My adopted daughter Tilia is an example of this. She bravely headed to the front lines to heal our wounded, all in the hopes of allowing our soldiers to come back home to their loved ones. All of those who stood on the battlefield to defend our homeland are heroes. But one person stood out amongst the rest. It was because of this person we were able to survive and have a day like today where our kingdom is able to celebrate such a glorious day. She has recently been given the title of Hero. She may be small, but she packs a punch greater than any army. Hero Kana if you would please say a few words."
"Huh?" Kana looked at Claine, confused. She never prepared any kind of speech. Why did he want her to talk?
"Kana, my father just wants you to say something to inspire the crowd." Tilia urged. She could see Claine was getting embarrassed having to wait for Kana to come forward.
Kana had no idea what to say to everyone. The only thing that came to mind was her signature pose. With this thought, Kana jumped up on the railing, put one hand on her hip, and raised her other hand into the air, making a "V" with her index and middle finger as she yelled out: "Victory~!"
Everyone who was watching all stood in silence as they watched the little girl giving a "V" sign to them. They had no idea what the "V" sign stood for, but hearing her say victory, they all came to the same conclusion. After a few seconds of silence to allow what they had just seen to sink in, a roar could be heard throughout the lands of the Rural Kingdom. People, old and young alike, all began cheering and chanting Kana's name. Many kids jumped up on ledges and fences, reenacting Kana's pose.
On this day in the Rural Kingdom, Kana was known as the cute little hero who stopped their kingdom from being invaded became more popular than the king himself. Merchants quickly went to work making Kana dolls of all shapes and sizes. Even some in her dragon form after many requests came in for it.
As for Kana, she only cared about joining in the festivities and trying out the food on the streets. She sat on Creige's shoulder as they made their way from stall to stall. "Oh! If it isn't our hero and her handsome husband! Here, try this. It's on the house!"
These were the words Kana and Creige got no matter where they went. They didn't have to pay for a single thing. For Kana, who had no money, this was very good indeed. Kana did not intend for this all to happen, but she did find it funny how in her past life, she was nothing but a street rat trying to survive, a bane on society that no one cared about. But in this life, she was being held on a high pedestal and warmly welcomed no matter where she went.
As night settled in, Kana and Creige were walking back towards her home hand in hand. Kana paused her steps, causing Creige to stop walking forward. "Kana?"
"Creige, Do you think Lysairth would be proud of me?" Kana asked as her eyes were beginning to well up with tears.
"Mmm. She would." Creige's big hand reached out and rubbed the top of Kana's head. "You just need to get stronger so you can find the items needed to bring her back. Then you can ask her yourself."
"Mmm... I will!"
[Fire Dragon Level]: 15->55/20
[Status Points]: 100-> 4100
[Evolution Available]