The entire decoration ceremony lasted all morning, ending only when the sun reached its highest point. Despite the sweltering weather, nothing could dampen the soldiers' high spirits.
Once they dispersed, they gathered in twos and threes to talk. Even from so far away, he could hear the soldiers boasting to one another about the honors they had earned.
"Allen, oh, there you are. I thought you'd gone back. You're a captain now. It really feels strange. I've never seen a mage serve as an officer before. This is sure to make you famous in Dalaran." Khadgar ran over to joke with him, looking even happier than Allen himself.
"Khadgar, it must be because of Marshal Lothar. Ever since you spread the word that I was studying command under him, everyone has been willing to show the Grand Marshal some consideration."
"Don't say that. You earned all of this. Still, you really stood out up there just now-a mage still wearing the robes issued by the Association, standing among a bunch of warriors and knights. Hahahaha! Dalaran's higher-ups would certainly be pleased to see you doing that." Khadgar laughed as he spoke, and watching him, Allen began laughing too. He really had felt rather awkward at the time.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Lothar asked me to tell you to come see him this afternoon. I'll let you in on a little secret: it's something good. All right, I'm off to headquarters to claim my reward. I hope they won't be too stingy. As long as I get some ice crystals, that'll do. Those are good stuff." With that, Khadgar left.
Afterward, he returned to his room. He was just about to take out a book when he heard urgent knocking outside the door. "Teacher, Teacher! Are you back?"
It was Little