Mare, the port city located at the farthest western edge of the Leston Duchy, was alive with the bustle of sailors and merchants..0

The knights of the Oceanwolf Knight Order stood in formation, their presence drawing murmurs from the townsfolk.0

"What's going on?" one of the locals asked.0

"I heard Young Master Caron is returning," another replied.0

"Oh, Young Master Caron?" the first local repeated.0

"Have you not heard the rumors? They say Young Master Caron wiped out the pirate scum. He burned down ten pirate islands and sank so many pirate crews that no one could even count them," the other local explained.0

"Ha! The man deserves the respect of all sailors. As expected of Grand Duke Halo's grandson. What do you say? Shall we go watch him later?" the first asked. 0

"Sounds like a plan," the other answered.0

The stories of Caron's exploits had already spread far and wide. They said that Caron had thwarted the Demon King's schemes in the Eastern Great Forest, united the elves, and now cleansed the seas from pirates on his way back.0

Any one of these feats would already be enough to grant him the title of hero.0

"Hmm." Fayle, standing nearby, cleared his throat while trying to suppress the smile tugging at his lips. Compliments about his son never failed to lift his spirits.0

"You seem to be in a good mood, Third Master," Hans, the knight accompanying Fayle, said with a knowing smile.0

Fayle chuckled softly and replied, "Hearing praises for my son is far more satisfying than hearing them for myself....0