Erza hadn't expected Takeshi's first action upon waking to be demanding payment, but this was the first time she had encountered such a high reward as well.
"That's right. We've been delayed here for a long time. It's time to go back. If we're any later, Master will start to worry."
The two of them headed to the Royal Palace Hall together.
At this moment, in the Royal Palace Hall.
Reno was handling affairs. Alazam's sudden attack had caught him off guard, and the entire city had suffered severe damage. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the city's residents, and the country was undergoing reconstruction in an orderly manner.
Most importantly, with the threat of Alazam gone, the country was truly free from worries and could vigorously develop and exploit its existing resources.
Just then, a minister reported, "Your Majesty. Takeshi-san and Erza-san's have arrived."
Reno's eyes lit up. "Takeshi has arrived? Bring him in quickly."
Soon, Takeshi and Erza once again arrived in the Royal Palace Hall.
"Takeshi! You're finally awake."
Reno greeted Takeshi warmly upon seeing him.
Takeshi said, "I apologize for making Your Majesty worry. My magic power was simply over-depleted, and I've recovered after a few days of rest."
"It's good that you've recovered."
"Your Majesty, we've been out for a long time, and we've been delayed by rest. We've come to bid our farewells."
"Farewells? So soon? You could certainly stay for a longer period."
Erza said, "No, Your Majesty. If we stay any longer, everyone at the Guild will start to worry."
"Is that so."
Reno hesitated for a moment and said, "Takeshi, Erza, I wonder if you would be willing to stay in the Kingdom of Sobelia. If you stay, I can appoint you as the President and Vice President of the Sword City Guild."
Takeshi and Erza were both experts, especially Takeshi, who possessed the strength to slay a dragon. If he stayed in the Kingdom of Sobelia, he would be like a stabilizing force.
Reno's meaning was clear: he was telling Takeshi and Erza that if they stayed in the Kingdom of Sobelia, money, status, and honor would all be within their grasp.
"I apologize, Your Majesty, but I am a Mage of Fairy Tail." Takeshi directly refused.
He was bound to the Fairy Tail Guild. Forget 100 million, even if it were 1 billion or 10 billion, he would not stay.
This experience also taught him that in this world, strength was far more important than money.
"That's truly a shame."
Although he had already guessed this outcome, Reno still felt a bit regretful.
"Someone! Bring the items!"
Soon, someone brought over several boxes. The boxes were opened, revealing stacks of money inside.
Takeshi's eyes went wide. How much money was this?
Reno said, "This is 100 million Jewels. I know this is not enough to repay the contributions you two have made to the Kingdom of Sobelia, but with the capital city's reconstruction imminent, we can only pay this much for now."
Erza was a bit stunned when she heard there was 100 million Jewels. She had become a Mage a long time ago and had worked diligently all these years, but even the combined earnings over those years didn't amount to 100 million Jewels.
"No, this is a bit too much. My championship prize was 20 million, and the S-Class Quest reward was 30 million, totaling 50 million. Half of this would be enough."
Reno shook his head. "If the original plan had proceeded smoothly, it would have been 50 million. However, there was a monster attack and then a Dragon, which far exceeded the level of an S-Class Quest, appeared. Compared to the difficulty of the quest, this reward is already very low."
Reno wasn't speaking nonsense. Just the word "dragon" alone was enough to classify this quest as a ten-year quest, and the reward for a ten-year quest starts at a minimum of 500 million. So, 100 million really wasn't much.
The most crucial point was that almost no Mage from any guild dared to accept a ten-year quest. This time, even if one of the Ten Wizard Saints had come, they would have died.
Takeshi shook his head and insisted, "Since the quest has already been accepted, it naturally cannot be changed. The subsequent unforeseen events are part of the risks involved, so I cannot accept the extra money."
Erza agreed with Takeshi's point, "What Takeshi said is correct. The quest was confirmed the moment we accepted it. If we were to accept more payment, it would violate our Guild's regulations."
Hearing them say this, Reno no longer insisted and had someone give Takeshi the box filled with 50 million Jewels in payment.
Takeshi took the box, feeling its heavy weight, his heart filled with excitement.
Although the work was exhausting, all worries vanished the moment he received the money.
"Your Majesty, since our business here is concluded, we must return to our Guild."
Seeing that Takeshi and Erza were determined to leave, Reno knew it would be inappropriate to press them further, so he laughed heartily.
"In that case, I won't keep you two any longer. I have already ordered a carriage to be prepared to see you off. I also welcome you two to visit the Kingdom of Sobelia anytime. The gates are always open to you, and you will always be the most distinguished guests of the Kingdom of Sobelia."
Takeshi said jokingly, "Your Majesty is too kind. If there are any more jobs like this in the future, please notify me. I can personally give you a 20% discount, you know."
"Pfft—Hahahahaha."
Reno burst into laughter upon hearing Takeshi's words.
He knew that with this one statement from Takeshi, his preparations had not been in vain.
"Good. If there are any more quests like this, I will definitely notify you."
...
Takeshi and Erza arrived at the entrance of the Royal Palace Hall, where a luxurious carriage was already waiting.
Reno personally saw them into the carriage, which made the two of them feel somewhat overwhelmed.
"Takeshi, Erza, please do come and visit once the capital city is rebuilt."
"Alright."
"Giddy up!"
The coachman urged the carriage forward.
—
After leaving the Royal Palace.
"It's Takeshi-san and Erza-san's carriage!"
"Takeshi-san!"
"Erza-san!"
Takeshi and Erza pulled open the curtains and looked out, seeing dense crowds standing on both sides of the street, who were the citizens of the capital.
Takeshi and Erza's performance in this war had all been witnessed by the citizens as they were in the arena.
This was originally intended to show everyone the heroic posture of the swordsmen fighting against monsters, but it unexpectedly turned into Takeshi's personal show.
They had also seen from the magical screens that Takeshi was Yoriichi.
Takeshi was the hero who had saved their kingdom.
Takeshi and Erza waved to the people on the street, which drew a cheer from the crowd.
The crowd accompanied them all the way to the city gate before stopping.
"Takeshi-san, Erza-san, you must come back to Sword City as guests when you have the chance." Arthur said, looking at Takeshi and Erza.
"Definitely."
...
After bidding farewell to everyone, Takeshi and Erza got back into the carriage.
Erza looked at Takeshi and smiled. "How does it feel to be a hero?"
"It feels pretty good, but it would be better if they weren't so enthusiastic. I'm actually quite socially anxious."
"..."
Erza was speechless. She hadn't seen him show any social anxiety during the tournament.
"Alright, no one's here now. Time to split the money."