Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 758: The Price of Fame
Previously on Strongest Necromancer System...
Gina finally ceased her fun with the Pegasus so they could depart, stepping into the carriage alongside Jason and Stella just before the Pegasus launched into the heavens. During the flight, Jason marveled at the carriage's effortless glide. Azrael revealed that wind runes carved into its base let it hover softly trailing the soaring Pegasus. The Pegasus merely drew it onward through the clouds. The trip proved incredibly smooth as the Pegasus bore them back to the royal castle! Drawing near the castle, Jason spotted a huge assembly of folks outside the massive edifice, roaring with cheers! No fewer than two thousand elves clustered on the ground, and Jason glimpsed even more perched in the trees! Evidently, they had assembled to welcome Gina and show appreciation for her actions, and Jason nearly sensed Gina's anxiety upon viewing the immense gathering.
’Just smile and wave, babe. They’ll love you.’
From Gina's side, Jason encouraged her, prompting Gina to whirl toward him in astonishment! A sheepish grin crossed Gina's face upon realizing Jason had detected her unease, yet seeing the serene expression on Jason’s features caused Gina's tension to fade gradually; she beamed while resting her head on Jason’s shoulder and unwound. Unaccustomed to such intense spotlight, Gina wondered if she'd ever adapt, but with Jason right there by her side, nothing else held importance for her! Minutes later, the carriage touched down amid a vast clearing, where the trio disembarked amid deafening cheers and claps from the throng! Jason lifted Gina’s hand for a kiss, then gently nudged her ahead as he hung back with Stella, grinning while observing Gina wave to the masses! This moment belonged to Gina, and Jason yearned for her to savor it fully! The Arandelle Royal family—excluding the King and Queen—awaited Jason and Gina at the castle gates, and upon their approach, the royals bowed in deep appreciation; the leading prince stepped forward to voice their heartfelt thanks for Gina's deeds.
"We cannot thank you enough for what you have done for our mother. We only learned about our mother’s condition a few hours ago, but knowing what you have sacrificed for our people has made us indebted to you. I swear that we will do our best to repay your kindness in any way we can."
Gina beamed and dipped her head modestly as the eldest prince bowed even lower in honor! Fully aware of the significance of a kingdom's prince bowing to an outsider this way, Gina recognized his profound gratitude!
"Gina!"
A sweet voice called from behind the prince, lighting up Gina's face as she opened her arms wide for the youngest princess Heiert to rush in and leap into her embrace! Princess Heriet clung fiercely around Gina's neck, prompting Gina to cradle her tenderly while the child sobbed into her shoulder! Heriet and her royal siblings had just discovered the truth about their mother's state hours earlier! They'd believed she was in secluded training to attain Sagehood, oblivious to her comatose reality! Only King Farlow, select kingdom elders, and the Queen's guard captain knew of her condition. Yet upon learning the facts, the children nearly collapsed in sorrow! Convinced they'd lost their mother forever! Though absent nearly ten years, the long-lived elves had patiently awaited her return! But the fear of permanent loss overwhelmed them!
Then King Farlow shared the true purpose of his Forest of Eternal Wind journey and Gina's vital role, flooding them with immense thankfulness! Elves never forgot kindnesses, ready to pledge their lives to benefactors! Thus, every elf—from royals to commoners—now harbored profound loyalty and admiration for Gina's sacrifice! Princess Heriet had wept hardest upon the coma revelation, yet now, assured of her mother's recovery, she brimmed with the greatest relief, murmuring through tears to Gina.
"Thank you, Gina! You saved my mother!"
Gina smiled warmly, patting Heriet's back and assuring her it was fine. Jason grinned at the touching sight, idly toying with Ulyn who fluttered nearby using a finger. Heriet wiped her eyes with her sleeves before hugging Gina anew. Suddenly spotting Jason beside Gina, Heriet's eyes bulged in surprise, a adorable squeak escaping her throat!
"Squeak! The immortal King?!"
Heriet squeaked upon beholding Jason, her cheeks flaming as she buried her face in Gina’s shoulder once more! Tales of Jason and Gina's Primordial Expanse exploits had filled her ears, fostering deep respect for Gina but also a budding crush on Jason from his heroic deeds! Scarce an elven maiden hearing of Jason’s triumphs escaped infatuation! Witnessing him stroll casually through their realm proved overwhelming for the young princess! Jason and Gina chuckled at her response before Gina addressed Jason.
"You know, babe, if you keep enchanting all these little girls, I’ll probably have a lot of competition in the future."
Jason chuckled dismissively, observing Gina attempt introductions to Heriet and the other royals. Heriet blushed furiously while peeking at Jason, stammering a hello with fleeting glances. Jason's warm smile and reply reignited her flush, sending her dashing into the castle! Jason and Gina laughed as Gina presented him to the family. Several elven princesses eyed Jason with keen curiosity, but he brushed it off disinterestedly. Greeting them all, Jason noted Gina's strong bonds with the royals from her stay, sensing their underlying jitters despite propriety—his Primordial Expanse fame was fearsome! A traveler conquering over two hundred worlds, battling Machina repeatedly until deeming them pests and eradicating their race in a day! No realm faced him without trepidation!