A Grand Expedition

"What's wrong with that?"

Frieren closed the Grimoire in her hands and gazed calmly at Fern.

People were born, grew old, fell ill, and died. Before reaching its goal, every life would encounter all kinds of unexpected events.

Temporary pauses had occurred more than once during Frieren's long life.

Some six hundred years ago, Frieren's right hand had been turned to gold while she was fighting Macht.

She had put her life on hold and spent nearly a hundred years undoing the transformation and restoring her right hand completely.

She had only stayed in Waal for a few days so far!

Compared to the suffering and endurance of those days, this pause was nothing at all.

"Staying here is fine, and going out on an adventure is fine too. Either way is fine with me."

A carefree air seemed to suffuse every cell of Dugu Qing's body, giving him a magical charm.

"All right!"

Fern looked at Dugu Qing. Though she couldn't understand him, she was gradually won over by his air, and her restless heart grew calm.

"Tap, tap, tap."

A row of soldiers in gray armor appeared before the four of them, marching in step.

The tall captain stepped out of formation, lowered his proud head, and knelt on one knee, terror on his face.

"I'm terribly sorry, Lady Frieren. Please forgive me."

An ominous feeling welled up in Frieren's heart. Her unexpected "vacation" felt as though it was about to fly away.

"Wait, I have a feeling things are about to take a turn for the worse."

The acting lord of Waal City appeared in a nobleman's robes, walking steadily with a cane.

"As the acting lord of this city, I offer you my apologies."

His grand, solemn approach revealed the rigid hierarchy of the feudal system.

Frieren frowned slightly and swayed, wanting only to send the city lord away.

"No, I didn't mind! He was only doing what a guard should. I'm not in any hurry."

"You intend to set out for the north again, don't you? I've heard that the Northern Countries are still in conflict with the remnants of the Demon King's Army. You must be worried about the current situation!"

The lord of Waal spoke with the impassioned voice of a television announcer as he described the turbulent situation in the north to Frieren.

"Such concern is precisely what one would expect of a hero. I'm sure the people of the Northern Countries will be delighted. Please, pass through the checkpoint freely!"

As he considered the dire situation in the north, the demons running amok, and the people suffering from hunger and cold, ravaged by war, the lord of Waal grew more and more impassioned.

He saw Frieren and her companions as compassionate "saints," the hope of saving the north.

Is that really how this guy sees Frieren?!

Dugu Qing looked at the lord of Waal with a faint smile.

If this guy knew Frieren couldn't even get out of bed at eight in the morning, couldn't cook a simple dish, and would run away when she met a powerful enemy... he'd be utterly dumbstruck!

"We're really being let through just like that?"

"If we'd known, we should have just given them Frieren's name!"

Fern and Stark were stunned. They hadn't expected Frieren's fame to be so effective. It was incredible.

In the adventuring party, Frieren was a world-famous mage, Stark carried a battle-axe, Fern held a staff, and Dugu Qing carried a sword.

As everyone knew, a sword was the symbol of a hero!

The lord of Waal took one look at Dugu Qing and decided he was the new hero.

And he had won the approval of the renowned Frieren, famous throughout the world for her wisdom and grace.

He was also so handsome, so refined, so elegant, so otherworldly.

Dugu Qing must be a brave, powerful, kind, upright, tolerant, humble... warrior!

In that case, how could he let such an outstanding hero, destined to bring peace to a chaotic world and put an end to the demons, set off empty-handed?

"Someone, bring the money."

A middle-aged man dressed like a butler slowly appeared, carrying a tray with a hundred gold coins.

Stark was stunned. Was money really that easy to earn these days?

They had earned a hundred gold coins just like that. A hundred gold coins!

How much bread could that buy? One, two, three... even ten warehouses wouldn't be enough to hold it all!

Even if he ate it nonstop, he probably wouldn't finish it before he died!

"So much money!"

Frieren was stunned too. Before Himmel had set out to defeat the Demon King, he had sought sponsorship from a king.

In the end, he had received only ten copper coins...

And now, with barely any effort, the acting lord of Waal had given them a hundred gold coins. That was far too generous!

"We're going to save the world. How can we take money for it?"

Fern's face was slightly red. Much as she wanted the money, she was still mindful of her high-minded image.

She didn't want their sacred mission to be tainted by gold.

"Then I'll take it."

Dugu Qing summoned a money pouch, picked up the tray, and poured all the gold coins into it.

He did it without blushing or drawing a breath, dignified, elegant, and perfectly at ease.

"He's so... composed."

His calm manner left Fern and Stark, two young people new to the world, staring in amazement.

"As expected of the hero! Even the way you accept money is so decisive and efficient. Surely you'll wipe out the remnants of the demons someday!"

The lord of Waal looked at Dugu Qing with reverence, captivated by his personal charm.

"Is it really all right to just take the money?"

Stark glanced around suspiciously, afraid someone would accuse them of worshipping money.

But the soldiers kept to their discipline and said nothing.

Stark sighed, scratched his head, and hesitated to speak.

"Hero? You mean me?"

Dugu Qing held the money pouch, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Aren't you the hero? All that money is for sponsoring you!"

Frieren's brows furrowed slightly when she heard that. She had thought the lord of Waal had given them so much money because of her fame, but she hadn't expected...

The lord of Waal was also someone who cared about looks, a simp.

Hmph, vulgar! So vulgar!

I despise him!

"Of course I..."

Although Dugu Qing loved money, he acquired it honorably. He stepped forward, about to explain himself.

Fern stepped forward and interrupted Dugu Qing.

"My lord, you truly have an eye for talent! You recognized the true hero at a glance. What remarkable judgment!"

"But..."

Dugu Qing didn't want to be a hero!

A hero was the heart of the team. He not only had to take charge, but also fight the toughest battles and endure the most hardship.

He had to carry the hopes of countless people. That was far too tiring.

"No buts."

Stark didn't want the sponsorship they had just received to slip away. He stood on tiptoe and blocked Dugu Qing's way.

"My lord, there's no time to lose in wiping out the demon army. We'll set out at once! Farewell."

"Take care."

The lord of Waal bowed, his expression devout, as if he were worshipping a sage from ancient times.

The four said their farewells and left, making their way along the commercial street to the north gate.

On the lord of Waal's orders, the city's guards stood on both sides of the main road to see the adventuring party off.

The citizens, merchants, peddlers, students, tourists... of Waal City heard that the legendary adventuring party was about to set out once more.

They poured into the streets, gathering of their own accord to see the party off.

"Make sure you defeat the Demon King!"

"The hero is so handsome! Please come back safe!"

"Go, Frieren!"

Flower petals and confetti drifted down from the sky, the guards stood steadfastly at attention, and the citizens applauded enthusiastically. It was as lively as the New Year.

Dugu Qing, Frieren, Fern, and Stark walked straight on.

Amid the applause and cheers of thousands, they gradually receded into the distance, heading north.