Winter had arrived, and the nights came especially early. While the sky still held the afterglow of the sunset when the Hero finished her work, by the time she returned to the Count's mansion, the night had already enshrouded the heavens.
The twin moons, grey and white, hung high, surrounded by countless twinkling stars.
The dining hall of the Count Mansion was already brightly lit, with dining utensils neatly arranged on the table, waiting for the guests to be seated.
"Heh heh, it's been a long time since we've had a meal with so many people like this."
Having been absent from dinner for several days due to official duties, the Count sat in the main seat, looking at the gathered crowd with some delight.
The hectic affairs had finally come to an interlude, and preparations for the previously delayed award ceremony were now complete.
