"Lady Bianka, Sword Saint Kureha, thank you for driving back those monsters for the Empire and sparing its lands and people from disaster. What rewards do you two desire?"
The old king sat upon his throne, looking down at Bianka, the Spear Hero, and Kureha, the Sword Saint. His hands rested on either side of the throne, stroking the dragon heads.
Though advanced in years, his eyes were far from clouded. Instead, they were incomparably sharp, like the eyes of a venomous snake!
This was hardly surprising. Though old, he was still a fifth-tier magic swordsman, one of the strongest among fifth-tier experts.
If he had not been unable to accept that thing, he might have long since surpassed humanity's limits.
Hearing the old king's words, neither Bianka nor Kureha replied. After hesitating for several seconds, Kureha instinctively glanced at Bianka beside her. Worried there might be some misunderstanding, she quickly spoke.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but we dare not ask for rewards when we merely acted for the Empire and its people."
"I know of the Sword Saint's righteousness, but rewards must be given, or it would be unjustifiable! Very well, Sword Saint Kureha has rendered another great service to the Empire. She shall be rewarded with a thousand gold and raised one rank in nobility."
The old king showed no expression. With a simple wave of his hand, he arranged her reward.
He knew this Sword Saint of the Empire well. She did not value real power, while the Empire needed her strength, so he would not be stingy.
"This... thank you, Your Majesty."
Kureha hesitated for several seconds, but it was difficult to refuse any further.
"Then, as for Lady Bianka..."
Seeing Kureha accept, the old king turned to Bianka.
"If Your Majesty wishes to grant a