Chapter 15: New Responsibilities and New Problems

A Moment of Rest

After leaving the royal palace, Samuel and his party finally returned to their inn.

The day had been exhausting—from the celebration at the docks, to the guild meeting, to the palace encounter with Princess Lucia and the King.

The moment they stepped into their rooms, Elaine collapsed onto a chair, Sylvia stretched, and Jason threw himself onto the nearest bed.

Jason sighed. "I swear, I thought we were going to die back there."

Samuel raised an eyebrow. "From the palace meeting?"

Jason smirked. "No, from Lucia. She looked like she was about to eat you alive."

Elaine chuckled, while Sylvia grinned. "Samuel, a princess openly flirting with you? You're really moving up in the world."

Samuel shook his head. "It's not like that. She was just teasing."

Sylvia rolled her eyes. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

Elaine smiled softly but said nothing. She still hadn't told Samuel about her feelings.

Lyra, who had been silent for most of the walk back, finally spoke. "We should be careful."

Everyone turned to her.

Lyra crossed her arms. "We just returned from slaying leviathans, and now the royal family is suddenly interested in Samuel? It's not a coincidence."

Samuel thought about it. She had a point.

"I agree," Elaine added. "Samuel's ability to tame monsters is no longer a secret. People will start paying more attention."

Jason sighed. "That means more work for us."

Sylvia grinned. "More work means more gold."

Jason laughed. "You and your money."

Lyra looked at Samuel. "Just… be careful. Don't trust them too easily."

Samuel nodded. "I know."

For now, they needed rest.

---

A New Day, A New Mission

The next morning, a royal messenger knocked on their door.

"The King requests your presence at the palace," he said.

Samuel sighed. "Already?"

Jason stretched. "Guess our rest is over."

They got ready and headed back to the palace.

---

The King's Request

When they arrived, the King and Princess Lucia were waiting for them.

Lucia smiled brightly at Samuel. "Good morning, my hero."

Samuel cleared his throat. "Good morning, Your Highness."

Lucia pouted. "So formal…"

The King chuckled. "Enough teasing, Lucia." He looked at Samuel and his party. "I have a request for you all."

Samuel nodded. "What is it, Your Majesty?"

The King's expression turned serious. "A new problem has risen. There have been strange disappearances near the northern border. My knights investigated but found nothing."

Jason frowned. "Disappearances?"

The King nodded. "At first, it was just a few merchants. But now, even trained warriors have gone missing."

Lyra narrowed her eyes. "You think it's another monster?"

The King sighed. "We're not sure. That's why I want you all to investigate."

Sylvia smirked. "Sounds easy enough."

The King gave them a map. "Head to Drelmire, the last village before the northern border. Find out what's happening. If it's a monster, eliminate it."

Samuel took the map. "Understood."

Lucia stepped forward. "Take care of yourself, Samuel. I'd be very sad if something happened to you."

Elaine, Sylvia, and Lyra all frowned at the same time.

Jason? He just laughed again.

---

The Journey Begins

Samuel and his party left the palace and prepared for their journey.

Lyra walked beside him. "This is getting complicated."

Samuel nodded. "Yeah. We're getting involved in something bigger than just monster hunting."

Elaine smiled softly. "We'll handle it together."

Samuel looked at his team and nodded. No matter what was waiting for them in Drelmire, they would face it together.