"Your Majesty's gesture truly overwhelmed Russell!"
Faced with King Ares's congratulations, Russell was indeed somewhat overwhelmed. The ruler of an entire kingdom had come in person to offer his congratulations.
Just that honor alone—who could compare?
Count Oscro, standing among the crowd, nearly bulged his eyes out. He had never imagined that King Ares would personally come to congratulate Russell. "He only picked off a Frost Troll. Was that really necessary? Really?"
Welim Jinnali had mingled into the crowd. As Russell's student, he had originally only followed Russell here to mooch a meal.
Upon seeing his king arrive, he hurried forward and dropped to one knee. "Welim pays his respects to Your Majesty!"
"Rise." King Ares spoke casually. "Study well under Lord Russell. It will benefit you for the rest of your life."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Welim answered heavily.
By the time he rose, King Ares had already headed deeper into the Inner Castle, toward a side hall, surrounded by Princess Anxia and Count Merlin, with Russell beside him.
Russell seemed to deliberately fall half a step behind, showing respect for King Ares.
But King Ares took Russell by the arm and walked alongside him, utterly unconcerned by the enormous disparity in their statuses.
For a moment.
Welim stared blankly, unable to stop the thought rising in his heart. This is what a true man should be!
A hand landed on his shoulder, snapping Welim out of his shock. He turned to see Marquis Arno, his belly round and prominent.
"Kid, you found yourself a good teacher." Marquis Arno narrowed his eyes, his increasingly plump face beaming with a friendly smile. "The kingdom's nobles used to mock you plenty, saying you were dreaming. But after today, I'm afraid everyone will envy you."
Before Welim could respond, Marquis Arno hurried after