It's so hard being a hero!

"Yes, of course I'll go."

Sophia agreed without hesitation.

"Why not go? It's Lyra's big day."

The reason she didn't say was: this was an important moment in her daughter's life, and as a father, even though their roles were different now, how could she be absent?

Besides, there will definitely be many acquaintances present at the investiture ceremony.

For example, my good friend Vic; I haven't run into him even once in the past few years when I've gone home.

And there were the old brothers of the Knights of Dawn, and those familiar faces from the Holy See.

I get excited just thinking about it.

Even though we can't recognize each other, it's good to see each other from afar.

"Then it's settled."

Frey stood up.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. The ceremony will be held the day after tomorrow morning, so we need to arrive in the capital a day in advance."

"it is good."

Sophia nodded.

Frey walked to the window and tore open a spatial rift.

Before leaving, she glanced back at Sophia.

"Get some rest early, don't go out in the middle of the night again."

"I know, I know."

Sofia gave an awkward smile and waved goodbye.

The spatial rift closed, and Frey's figure disappeared from the room.

Sofia stood by the window, looking at the empty streets in the night, and the smile on her lips slowly widened.

Investiture ceremony.

This was something she hadn't expected.

But it's good, it's a good opportunity to see what those old friends have become in the past fifteen years.

The next morning, Frey appeared at Sofia's doorstep right on time.

Sofia had already changed her clothes.

Today she specially changed into a relatively formal outfit.

However, it still looks quite ordinary.

He wore a white shirt under a dark blue belted jacket, and black trousers and ankle boots.

"You're going to the ceremony dressed like this?"

Frey looked her up and down and asked a question.

"Oh? Well, I can't help it, my family is poor, this is the most presentable clothes I have."

Frey didn't say anything more.

At this moment, Bethys came out.

Five years later, Bixis was still as beautiful as ever, as if she had never aged.

"My dear, behave yourself when you get to the capital. Don't cause Lady Frey any trouble, okay?"

"Okay, Mom."

Sophia responded and then walked over to Frey's side.

Frey raised her hand and tore open a spatial rift, and the two of them walked in one after the other.

After the spatial fluctuations dissipated, they were already standing at the main gate of the Duke's mansion.

The Duke's mansion is different today than usual.

Several carriages were parked at the gate, and servants were busy going in and out.

Millie and Della were directing the servants to decorate the courtyard when they saw Frey and Sophia appear and quickly came to greet them.

"Lady Frey, you're back."

Millie bowed, then looked at Sophia with a smile.

"Miss Sophia, it's been a long time."

"Sister Millie, Sister Della."

Sophia greeted them politely.

Where is Lyra?

Frey asked.

"Miss Lyra is sparring with Lord Vic at the martial arts arena."

Della answered, her expression somewhat helpless.

Frey frowned.

"This girl, still practicing at a time like this, and Vic is just spoiling her."

After she finished speaking, she looked at Sophia.

"Let's go, let's go see that brat."

"it is good."

Sophia nodded, but she was excited because Vic was coming today.

Frey led Sophia toward the training ground behind the Duke's mansion.

Before they even got close, they heard the muffled booming sound of magic and battle aura colliding, a woman's sharp snort, and cheers rising and falling.

Passing through the archway, the entire training ground comes into view.

This is a standard circular battle platform, about fifty meters in diameter, surrounded by three tiers of spectator stands.

A pale blue magical barrier enveloped the entire arena, preventing the aftershocks of the battle from leaking out.

Ripples occasionally spread across the barrier, a testament to the internal energy surges.

On the arena, two figures are engaged in a fierce battle.

One of them was Lyra, a blonde woman wearing silver female battle armor and wielding a two-handed greatsword.

Leila was already twenty-two years old; she was a mature woman.

Her movements were swift and fierce; the greatsword seemed weightless in her hands, and each swing was accompanied by a sharp whistling sound as it tore through the air.

Golden battle aura clung to the sword blade, refracting a dazzling light under the glow of the magical barrier.

The other figure was a young man with orange hair, wearing light gold armor.

Vic.

Sophia recognized him at a glance.

It's been 22 years.

Back then, Vic was a carefree young man who laughed all the time. Now, although he still looks the same, his face has gained a touch of maturity and experience.

But his eyes didn't change.

He still had those slightly cynical, pale gold eyes, and even in the heat of battle, they carried a hint of a smile that made you want to punch him.

Chapter 16 Former Companions

"drink!"

With a roar, Lyra leaped into the air, her greatsword slashing down from above. Golden battle aura transformed into a crescent-shaped sword beam that swept towards Vic.

Vic didn't take the hit head-on, because he was only using the same amount of strength as Lyra at that moment.

His body flashed to the left, the sword energy grazing his shoulder before striking the magic barrier and creating a violent ripple.

"Little girl, you really don't hold back."

Vic's voice came from the ring, with a hint of teasing in his tone.

"Stop talking nonsense and get serious."

Lyra gave him no chance to catch his breath, turning around and slashing out with her greatsword, the blade aimed directly at Vic's waist.

Vic smirked and pressed his longsword down, precisely blocking Lyra's attack.

The deafening clang of metal echoed across the training ground, sparks flying everywhere.

"That's a good move; you've learned to change your tactics."

As Vic parried, he offered his comments, his tone as if he were instructing a junior.

Although he was indeed giving instructions, his posture was really unpleasant.

Leila was clearly angered by his attitude.

"Can't you play seriously?"

"I'm quite serious."

As Vic spoke, his longsword suddenly accelerated, thrusting at a tricky angle towards Lyra's shoulder.

Laila's pupils contracted, and she leaned back quickly. The tip of the sword grazed her shoulder, severing a few strands of her golden hair.

As she leaned back, she braced herself with her left hand on the ground and kicked her right leg upwards, aiming straight for Vic's chin.

Vic took a half step back, dodging the kick, and his smile widened.

Who taught you that trick?

"I came up with it myself."