Standing around for others to photograph him was actually quite boring, and while maintaining his smile, Shade's eyes wandered through the crowd.
Then, in the brightly lit banquet hall, he saw Beias again. This time, it was definitely not an illusion. The Sorceress with long brown hair wore a formal gown. The moment she saw that Shade had noticed her, she immediately gestured for silence, then turned and disappeared into the crowd. It seemed she did not want Shade to know what she was doing.
"At least she isn't dressed as a maid this time."
Shade muttered quietly to himself.
For quite a while afterward, Shade did not see Beias again. After the full knighthood ceremony had concluded, he was arranged by the attendant to stand with several Dukes and wait for the king to present awards to the others receiving honorary medals.
He carried that antique knight's longsword in his hand, his fingers constantly rubbing the ruby on its scabbard. It was merely an ordinary object. Even with proper maintenance, the erosion of time had left the sword completely without practical use.
During the boring wait, Shade considered hanging the sword in the living room of Room Number One on the Second Floor. This way, every client who came to commission him would be able to see it.
Only two people received honorary medals, and their awards were presented separately. The dozen or so people who received special commendations afterward did not have the honor of being awarded by the King. They went onstage together and were jointly awarded the "Tobesk Special Contribution Medal."
As for Captain Rades and the others who had not received medals, only their names were read aloud, and they were thanked for their contributions to the king. But that was enough for the captain.