After the Blue Ogre's defeat, guided by Ironclaw's nose, the company found their way back to the cherry tree. At its roots awaited the pot and utensils they had left behind. Inside the pot remained a little stew, with several pieces of sausage—Ironclaw wasted no time, devouring it all at once.
Noelle then went to the nearby river to wash the dishes. With the pot cleaned, they filled it with ripe cherries before heading back to the village. The villagers greeted the monster hunters with cheers: the hideous beast was slain, and the village could now live in safety!
A great celebration was held. The knights drank the village's finest homemade brandy—and plenty of it. The five female Silver Knights, Christina, and Anita joined in the revelry. In the inn's kitchen, Noelle baked cherry cake together with the innkeeper's wife, its sweet aroma soon filling the entire tavern. Ironclaw ate so much that her stomach would be digesting for a week. Andrea quietly enjoyed a mug of mead, while Andras could not stop admiring his newly won magic crystal. He could hardly wait to return to Wolfwood and begin crafting his new staff, one that would strengthen his command of the lightning element.
Everyone was enjoying themselves at the celebration, villagers and heroes alike rejoicing in victory. Then Christina approached the Young Wolf, her eyes shining seriously yet warmly, and began a conversation.
"You really like that stone," Christina remarked, as the purple‑glowing crystal shimmered in Andras's hand.
"I wonder how strong my lightning will become with it," Andras mused, his gaze fixed seriously on the crystal's glow.
"You're already very strong," Christina replied.
"Yes, but I'm still far too weak compared to a Demon General," Andras sighed.
"Want to try a shot? It's strong stuff," Christina offered playfully.
"I'll pass. That would be too strong for me," Andras smiled.
Christina's eyes lit up as she recalled.
"It was so thrilling when I saw the Heroes' inscription carved into the ancient Silver Oak. It made me feel young again."
"But you're only thirty—that's still young," Andras noted.
"You're not trying to flirt with me, are you?" Christina asked, half serious, half teasing.
"Don't worry. I'm still too young for women's matters," Andras answered awkwardly.
"And when will you be old enough?" Christina pressed.
"I don't know… maybe in three years?" Andras shrugged.
"We're such a good team together! If only you'd been born in my time," Christina sighed.
"Every age needs strong warriors. It's better this way," Andras replied firmly.
"You may be right. You know what? I have a niece—my brother's daughter. She's only ten. Just two years younger than you, so later…" Christina began.
"Forget arranged marriage!" Andras cut in sternly. "If I ever marry, it will be for love, not because others demand it."
Christina laughed.
"Hahaha! You sound just like me when I was young."
"And you're still a virgin at thirty," Andras blurted out.
"How do you know I've never been with a man?" Christina asked, her eyes flashing playfully.
"Uh… because Ironclaw can tell from your scent?" Andras tried to dodge the question.
No… in truth, I saw it with my magical sight, he thought to himself, but did not say aloud.
"Seriously, I need a hound like that too!" Christina remarked, as Ironclaw lay contentedly on the floor.
"Why don't you get one from the Empire?" Andras asked.
"A beast‑folk slave?" Christina raised her eyebrows.
"Believe me, such a slave would be far better off with you than in the Empire," Andras replied firmly.
"If you put it that way, there might be something to it," Christina nodded, then suddenly changed the subject. "But let's get back to your women!"
"Why are you so interested in my affairs with women?" Andras asked, slightly embarrassed.
"Well… what about the Princess? You'd marry her, wouldn't you?" Christina pressed.
"I'd sooner marry Ironclaw than the Princess, if you really want to know," Andras shot back, and Christina burst into loud laughter.
"Hahaha! You're the best! I adore you!" Christina laughed.
"As much as you adore homemade brandy?" Andras smiled.
"Come on! Have a shot yourself!" Christina offered playfully.
At that moment Noelle stepped forward, carrying a freshly baked cake that smelled delicious.
"The cherry cake is ready!" she announced cheerfully.
"Noelle, my savior!" Andras cried. "Bring me that cherry cake!"
"Hahaha! Shaken down like cherries from a tree!" Christina laughed, as merriment slowly broke out again among the company.
The celebration lasted until dawn in the village. The torches slowly burned out, the songs faded, and only fragments of drunken laughter drifted through the morning mist. Christina and the Silver Knights did not rise until afternoon, so heavily had the brandy and mead weighed upon them. Among the Wolf Knights, only Anita was hungover, but thanks to Noelle's healing magic she quickly recovered, escaping the worst consequences.
They spent one more day in the village, then each went their own way. Christina and the Silver Knights returned to Silverwood Castle, while the Young Wolf and his companions journeyed back to Wolfwood. News of the Blue Ogre's defeat soon reached the King's ears, and it became the talk of the entire Kingdom. It was then that the alliance between the Wolf Knights and the Silver Knights was forged—an alliance marked by unprecedented strength and trust.
Later that same year, the King announced the appearance of the Hero. The news was both blessing and curse: for the Hero's arrival meant that the Demon King had awakened as well. Demons had already begun appearing more frequently across the Kingdom, though fortunately only weaker ones. Yet monsters too multiplied, as though the world itself prepared for an approaching storm. A dark omen weighed upon the hearts of men.
Three more years passed. In Wolfwood Castle, Andras had reached fifteen years of age. The boy was slowly becoming a man, and though still young, he was already walking his own path. The memory of victory against the Blue Ogre was forever etched into his heart, but he knew: the true trials were yet to come. The shadow of the Demon King drew ever closer, and the Hero's tale was only beginning to unfold.