At last, after a day of noise and all manner of unrest, things finally came to an end.
By the next day, Shien's return was still the hottest topic around, but it was no longer as sensational as it had been yesterday.
Once some people had calmed down, they began focusing on more practical matters as well.
For example—
"Now that Hero Shien has returned, how is he planning to handle his engagement to Princess Roxielusty?"
"Will he break off the engagement? Or will he make Princess Roxielusty his concubine?"
"Would the royal family agree to that? Would we agree to that?"
"Anyway, I absolutely won't agree!"
Conversations like these had begun cropping up from time to time, growing increasingly heated.
Observant people noticed that these topics were spreading quickly, as though someone were deliberately stirring things up behind the scenes, spreading rumors and trying to control public opinion, gradually pushing Shien into the eye of the storm.
Still, there was no denying that many people were waiting for news from the royal family, wanting to see how they would choose to deal with their issue with the Hero.
Naturally, the Hero's own attitude was also important.
Though he was a noble of the kingdom, anyone with eyes could see that given his identity and uniqueness, the status of a mere kingdom noble was child's play to him.
If he was willing to acknowledge it, that was one thing. But if their relationship fell apart, he likely would not feel much attachment to it.
If that happened, the Hero's presence in the kingdom would no longer be the kingdom's glory, but its shame.
Would the kingdom and royal family compromise because of the power behind Shien and continue trying to win over this Hero, who had risen to prominence only