Stepping through the Space Gate, Velin arrived outside the Royal Capital.
On the city wall, Duke Moravia spotted Velin several hundred meters away and nudged Karix beside him with his wrist. Half joking, he said, "Looks like we've made it through today's crisis."
Karix glanced at Velin in the distance, then at Duke Moravia beside him, his face full of helpless resignation.
He should have guessed it sooner. Unfortunately, he had assumed from the start that they were here to destroy the kingdom.
"Valient."
"I'm here."
"Lift martial law and move the troops out of the Royal Capital."
"Yes."
"And have all the restaurants in the Commercial District reopen."
"Understood."
Duke Moravia glanced at the departing Valient and said with a smile, "Now that the lad's back, we can hold Valient's wedding."
"With those two thousand Astral Ships serving as an 'honor guard,' you mean?"
"Wouldn't that be nice?"
"Very nice."
"Come on. It's time to greet our guests."
"Mm."
The Magic Shield enveloping the entire Royal Capital gradually faded, then vanished completely.
The eastern gate opened, and over a hundred guards marched out in formation, lining up on either side.
"Grandfather, Lord Karix, how have you been?" Velin asked when the two appeared before him.
"With a display like this, I thought you'd come to destroy the kingdom." Duke Moravia rolled his eyes at Velin, his tone irritable.
Though Karix said nothing, his expression conveyed everything on his mind.
At that, Velin burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Grandfather, I never thought I'd see you frightened."
"I'm hardly invincible. Naturally, I feel fear when confronted with a force I can't stand against," Duke Moravia said calmly, without a trace of embarrassment.
Seeing the grandfather and grandson about to start bickering, Karix changed the subject. "Moon Knight, I assume you've returned this