While the majority of the guests present possessed considerable strength, at least those few Guild Leaders sitting in the front row could clearly perceive the fluctuations of an Illusion Technique on the Hero, hiding something.
But, having been forewarned by the Count in advance, these dignitaries sitting upright pretended to see nothing, noses toward their faces, hearts toward their minds, as if they had noticed nothing at all.
After all, the Royal Family on stage hadn't said anything.
Watching the Fourteenth Princess retract the ceremonial Rapier and take the Noble's medal from the Count to hang on the Hero's chest, announcing the completion of the award ceremony, the Old Factory Manager, who had been rigid-faced by the side, finally relaxed imperceptibly.
After the Count concluded his last speech, the Magic projection outside the hall was also cut off.
The public ceremony had come to an end, and what followed was the Nobles moving to another grand hall to begin the mingling and toasting.
[Will the Hero attend?]
The newly minted Military Merit Duke, the Hero of the Border, the official Hero.
As the protagonist of the award ceremony, the Hero shouldn't be absent from the subsequent banquet.
But seeing the Hero, about to collapse on the spot from excessive tension upon descending the stage, the Count could only smile helplessly.
"Alright, I will explain to the guests. You may go back first."
Although it was somewhat unconventional, considering the decoration on the Hero's neck, such arrangements were more convenient.
The Illusion Technique concealing the Collar should deceive most guests aside from those few in the front row, but if someone were to strike up a conversation with the Hero, it would be a different story at close quarters.
And as one of the stars of the banquet, such an interaction was inevitable.
"I know you're relieved, but there's no need for such an obvious expression," the Count said with a mix of laughter and tears, looking at the Hero who couldn't hide his joy at escaping the banquet.
The Grandfather, who had looked content watching the Hero on stage, now also showed a look of helplessness.
"You're a Noble now, constantly evading social interactions won't do." He wanted to scold more, but held back after being persuaded by the village chief grandma.
"She's still a child..."
"Have you ever seen a child chase Goblins all over the world? Ah, never mind."
The Fourteenth Princess, on the other hand, cast an envious look at the Hero, after all, she was the one who certainly could not be absent.
Though somewhat reluctant to part with the banquet's delicacies, considering the need to wear the Collar, and possibly even a dance segment, the Hero chose to make a swift escape.
The banquet hall celebrating the award ceremony was not limited to one indoor hall; in preparation for today's ceremony, the Count had made extensive preparations.
The whole street was festooned with lights, shops were wide open, the aroma of food lingered, and everywhere people clinked glasses together,
This bustling scene dazzled the Hero, who had changed out of military attire and slipped away quietly from the ceremony venue.
The spirited celebration would continue all day, and after the banquet inside, the Fourteenth Princess and the Count had activities like parades to attend.
This was not just an award ceremony for Merit but also a pacification for the restless hearts of citizens, to restore confidence in the Border City, a thorough revelry was essential.
And the thought of not having to continue appearing before all the townsfolk brought a pleasant smile to the Hero's face.
Taking advantage of the ongoing effect of the Illusion Technique, she relaxed and strolled while eating her way back to the Count Mansion.
For the occasional civilians who recognized her, the Hero was not stingy with her smiles, but always managed to quickly slip away before the crowds could surround her, relying on her Global Perception.
So, time moved on to the evening—
[Visitor to the Room]
1. Hunting Knowledge (Dreamwalking Wonderland)
5. Grandfather (Taboo Legacy)
6. Count (Advancement Negotiation)♛
7. village chief (Academy Enrichment)
8. Princess (Personal Commission)
9. Bishop (Saintess's Divine Prophecy)
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure