"If that is your image of me, you probably don''t know many good guys around my age," Rain said while looking to the side and seeing some weird movements. "You need to find better friends... I guess it would be weird if you tried to make friends around my age group."


    Thepliments from Rain''s introduction caused a bit of embarrassment among the girls in the group, excluding Reca, who seemed moreposed. The praise was unexpected, and it brought a warm blush to their cheeks.


    Rain''s attention was briefly drawn away from the table as he noticed Branden engaged in conversation with a group of familiar children. He recognized them as the kids he had encountered during his visits to his grandparents'' mansion for magic lessons. The passage of time had changed them, and Rain couldn''t help but wonder what they had been up to all these years.


    Among the children, Rain''s gaze fell upon a woman in her thirties who bore a strong resemnce to Branden. As their eyes met, the woman appeared taken aback, her reaction catching Rain''s attention. He couldn''t help but feel curious about her identity and the connection she might have with Branden and his family.


    "It seems that she doesn''t like your gaze," Lorene said. "I never saw her acting like that…"


    "This is the first time I saw her, so I have no idea why she is acting like that," Rain furrowed his eyebrows and said.


    Rain''s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he pondered the intricate web of connections that might have existed between his family and Branden''s. The possibility that Branden''s mother held some past ties with his own family left him unsettled. Given his newfound strength, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he might be seen as an inconvenience or even a potential threat in her eyes.


    Amidst their conversation, the atmosphere in the hall shifted as a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned expectantly toward the entrance, and the tension in the air was palpable. Soon enough, the King made his regal entrance, his authoritative presence filling the room.


    With hints of gray in his hair, he bore an uncanny resemnce to the swordsman depicted in the statues that adorned the kingdom. His strong build andmanding demeanor left an indelible impression on those in attendance.


    Following the King, the rest of the royal family entered the hall. The queen, radiating an air of youthful elegance despite her age, walked gracefully beside her daughter. The daughter herself, a woman in herte twenties, possessed the same strikingbination of blonde hair and green eyes. Both were draped in regal red attire, exuding a sense of refined nobility.


    Completing the family procession was a young boy, no more than a few years old. His appearance bore a resemnce to the King yetcked the same robustness and vitality. The contrast between them was undeniable, leaving a curious air of uncertainty about the young prince''s future.


    "I see…" Rain thought.


    The King grabbed a ss of wine and then raised it.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests and brave champions," With amanding presence, the King ascended a raised tform at the front of the hall, his voice resonating throughout the space as he began his address.


    His words carried an air of regal eloquence, "We gather here today not merely to celebrate victory in battle but to honor the valor, dedication, and indomitable spirit that have forged the path to our triumphant return."


    "Branden, your organization stands as a testament to the unwaveringmitment to our kingdom''s safety and prosperity. Your achievements in the face of adversity have not only bolstered our defenses but have also etched your names into the annals of our history." His voice held a rich timbre that captivated the attention of all present.


    "Valor knows no age, no station. The members of this organization exemplify the very essence of courage, proving that the heart of a warrior beats within each soul that chooses to stand up against tyranny and danger." The King''s words wereced with pride as he continued.


    "In the heat of battle, you have demonstrated not only the might of your arms but the strength of your character. Your efforts have brought us to this moment of jubtion, where the fruits of yourbor reverberate across thend." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd before resting on Branden and hispanions.


    "It is my privilege to stand here today to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your valorous endeavors. Your actions reflect the very heart of our kingdom, where unity and courage intertwine to weave a tapestry of resilience that knows no bounds." The King''s voice rose, carrying a crescendo of admiration and gratitude.


    "Let this day stand as a beacon, a testament to the power of unity, courage, and the unyielding resolve of those who dare to rise above. To Branden and to every member of this esteemed organization, I offer my deepest gratitude and extend my warmest congrattions." He concluded with a flourish, his words echoing through the hall with an air of grandeur.


    The hall resonated with apuse, a thunderous acknowledgment of the King''s words and the triumphs of the organization.


    "We all forgot that, but he forbade Branden from going, and now he is ignoring that?" Rain asked.


    The apuse that erupted after the King''s speech was resounding, a harmonious symphony of approval and appreciation. Yet, the King''s intention wasn''t yet fully unveiled. With a subtle gesture, he beckoned Branden to step forward, and the assembled crowd''s attention shifted, their curiosity piqued. At his side, the princess, wearing a radiant smile, moved to join him.


    "In your courage, your wisdom, and your unyielding determination, I see a reflection of my own youth. The paths we tread may differ, but the spirit that propels us forward remains the same." The King''s voice held a paternal warmth as he resumed his address, a sense of familiarity tinged with admiration.