The Max Level Hero Has Returned!
chapter-530

Davey sought jewelry craftsmanship from the dwarves and entrusted the tailoring of a dress to the elves. For everything else, he sought blessings from the Holy Empire.

Although Davey couldn't guarantee it would be the only wedding in his entire existence, spanning his current life and past life, it was indeed his first marriage. He had no regrets about this choice, and if faced with it again, he would undoubtedly make the same decision.

“You look beautiful,” Davey responded sincerely.

With Emilia's assistance, Perserque lifted her veil, bowed her head, and her face turned a deep shade of red. This bashful look was unusual for her, as she usually appeared poised to tease Davey. This newfound shyness only added to her allure.

"Davey, Rinne highly approves of Perserque's appearance. I want a dress like that too," Rinne blurted out, grabbing Davey's arm.

He gently patted her head, saying, “I'll make one for you when the time comes."

In response, Rinne pouted but eventually nodded.

"It suits you well. My blessing isn't anything grand; I only hope your path ahead is full of light."

"What could be better than that?"

Unable to contain her embarrassment any longer, Perserque quickly changed back into her regular attire, and Davey carefully sealed the dress in its case, storing it in a pocket dimension. Not revealing the bridal gifts until the eve of the wedding wasn't a tradition Davey particularly liked. After all, marriage was a decision made by two, and both their opinions mattered.

"We'll move to the next location then."

"When you decide to wed, I'll see you then."

"We might meet even before that."

Emilia chuckled at Davey's words and approached Perserque, embracing her gently. "Be blessed, child. May the World Tree's protection be upon you."

Perserque was a demoness and also the queen of the Abyss. Bestowing the blessings of the World Tree upon her might be a risky choice, but it was done without hesitation.

"By the way, Al," Davey said.

"Hmm?"

"I heard about an ancient demon named Fenril when I went to the Demon Realm."

Al's eyes widened at Davey’s words. "Fenril?"

"That's what they said."

Her expression hardened. "Yes, Fenril… I know of him."

"He consumed a branch of the World Tree, I heard."

"Fenril is an old demon. I’ve known about him from the memories of the previous World Tree, from before my consciousness awakened. I had heard he was sealed somewhere."

Davey squinted at this revelation. "Is he powerful?"

"Well, a being that consumes parts of the World Tree and survives can't be weak."

The World Tree's difficulty in dealing with such beings stems from the power hierarchy. The hierarchy of mana, the hierarchy of death mana, the hierarchy of divine power, and so forth. It held advantages in many types of power. However...

"But you possess a unique power that is immune to this hierarchy of strengths, don't you?"

Upon hearing this, Davey activated his status window and opened his title section.

Thanks to Neltarid unlocking a multitude of secondary title abilities, Davey had acquired many effective ones. Among them, the secondary unlocking of the Unfazed Summoner, into which he had invested six whole stacks of rejuvenation, stood out. Although the power of his spells was inherently weak, this title could compensate for that weakness to some extent.

"Remember, while Fenril is an ancient monster, in my eyes, there isn’t a being as monstrous as you throughout the history of the continent."

How could a war machine, crafted intentionally by the Hall of Heroes, be weak?

* * *

After departing from the World Tree, Davey, with an inexplicably anxious expression, promptly led Perserque toward the Yellow Rock Tribe.

During Davey's initial visits, there had been a strong aversion to outsiders. However, as they entered the Yellow Rock Tribe, they noticed a change in attitude, with a few inhabitants from Heins' territory now comfortably moving about. This indicated a shift toward a more open and welcoming environment.

"Ah, the honored one! You have arrived!"

Upon spotting Davey, the dwarves welcomed him with enthusiasm, and Davey graciously acknowledged each of their greetings.

"Where can I find Elder Torrs?"

"Hm? Are you referring to the old man from the Black Rock Tribe? He's likely at the main workshop."

Upon hearing the craftsman dwarf's response, Davey nodded and proceeded toward the workshop. Accessible by ascending a 3,000-step staircase, this area generally restricted outsiders, but Davey was an exception. Given his abilities, no dwarf would dare to impede his progress.

Clang! Clang!

The clear sound of hammers rang out, and the dwarves, deeply engrossed in their work, did not even notice Davey's arrival.

"Hmm? Oh! The honored one is here!"

The one who greeted Davey was Golgouda, the first elder of the Yellow Rock Tribe.

"Have you come all this way to meet that Torrs?"

"Yes, I had a favor to ask."

Hearing Davey's words, Golgouda nodded and began to lead the way. "That guy hasn't left the workshop for days. While we might not be on the best terms with the Black Rock Tribe, we do acknowledge Torrs' craftsmanship."

As Golgouda opened the workshop door...

Whizz! Bang!

Suddenly, a flying hammer struck Golgouda directly on the head.

"Aaargh! My head!" Golgouda screamed and rolled on the floor in pain. Shortly after, a dwarf with black hair ambled out from the workshop.

"Who enters the workshop so rudely... Hmm? Ah, you've come."

Despite Golgouda's cry, Torrs looked up at Davey with a slight smile, unfazed. This dwarf from the Black Rock Tribe had once clashed with the Yellow Rock Tribe dwarves over the Primal Lightning artifact when its lifespan was ending. While dwarves generally possessed talents in various fields, according to Golgouda, Torrs' craftsmanship was exceptionally outstanding.

"Most of it is done. Now, honored one, you can proceed with the next steps." Torrs walked over and handed Davey a small box. "All I've done is some superficial work."

Davey opened the box and nodded in appreciation. "Thank you."

"What's there to thank? Dwarves are a race known for their gratitude. Isn't this the least we can do?"

Chuckling at this, Davey pulled a small bottle of liquor from his pocket. "It's poison worm-infused liquor from before. Not sure if you'll like it."

"Hmm! Ah! What's this now..." Though Torrs tried to feign indifference with a couple of fake coughs, he swiftly grabbed the bottle. "Ahem... Shall we share a drink?"

"No, I need to work on this now. May I use the workshop?"

"Normally, I'd refuse, but for you? Of course. In fact, I'd be pleased if you did."

Following Torrs' words, Davey entered the designated workshop.

"Davey? What are you planning to do this time?"

Perserque, recalling an unexpected incident at the World Tree Shrine, asked with a hint of trepidation. Grinning, Davey gently seated her.

He then handed over two pets, Red Ribbon and Blue Ribbon, to Rinne, saying, "Please look after these two for a while." Rinne nodded, albeit with a slightly flustered expression.

"Waaaah! Rinne!"

"Rinne!" Both creatures transformed simultaneously and clung to Rinne, but she expertly cradled and began to soothe them.

"Considering Davey's crucial work, Rinne suggests playing hide and seek outside."

"Hide and seek!"

"Yes! Cheongdani wants to play too!"

Watching the lively trio head outside, and left alone with Perserque, Davey slowly approached her.

"Huh?!"

Before she could react, he swiftly attached a horn to her head.

"It really suits you with a horn."

It was an ergonomically designed horn, pleasant to touch.

“Wha… What… Agh!”

Holding her by the horns, Davey pressed Perserque against the wall and kissed her. She stared at him with wide eyes, flailing for a moment before seeming to give in. As they shared a prolonged kiss, her face turned a charming shade of red. Her eyes were half-lidded, and her breath grew ragged.

As her panting breaths flowed through her red lips, Davey gently cradled Perserque and seated her in a rocking chair. He whispered, “That’s enough. Perfect. Sit there. Inspirations are coming in.”

"What does that have to do with the bold act you just committed?"

"At least it's something given to a marital partner; it should contain some sentiment."

Initially, they were wary of each other, but as they grew more familiar and comfortable, Davey found himself unexpectedly smitten. After saying this, he brought a table and placed it in front of her, opening a box to reveal a ring inside. Davey then picked up a tiny knife-like tool and lit the Aura Blade.

‘The sword responds to my heart's will; my heart follows the sword's path. My heart and sword are one.’

As the essence of the heart-sword manifested, the blade seemed alive, wrapping around his hand. Davey began intricate engraving, using Perserque as a model.

"I have a knack for tailoring," Davey said. "So, I left that to the experts. But for engraving, I'm a professional too."

Therefore, he intended to craft the bridal gift himself - a silver necklace, bracelet, anklet, and ring.

Feeling utterly exhausted, Davey began his inspired craftsmanship to capture the enchanting visage of Perserque in the jewelry.

* * *

"Your Majesty."

"Vesperus, Chief Minister, how is your health?"

"I'm perfectly fine. I'm not so old as to be bothered by a mere knife wound. Please do not worry."

"You must take good care of yourself. But, why are you here, given your injuries?" In the quiet bedroom, King Krianes spoke more personally.

"The atmosphere in the palace has been somber since the incident involving Crown Prince Baris."

"Why would that unusual child kill a noble right then and there?"

"Crown Prince Baris isn't one to act thoughtlessly. Perhaps it was connected to those who ambushed him and me."

"There was no evidence. It was rash of him."

"It would've been the same had it been Prince Davey."

"He wouldn't have stopped there." If there was no evidence, Davey would keep digging until he found some. That was how King Krianes perceived Davey's nature.

"However, you didn't come here for that, did you?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty. I had reported earlier about the intended bride of Prince Davey."

"Yes, did you find out more?"

"Nothing more, except that her name is Perserque and she's around the prince's age."

"Is she a commoner? This will stir up quite the controversy among the nobles."

King Krianes responded, to which Chief Minister Vesperus nodded solemnly. "There's a request for marriage approval. What should we do?"

"I've done many wrongs as a negligent father, trying to protect him. How can I now deny the partner he's chosen for himself?"

Vesperus respectfully bowed his head in response. "Then I will convey the approval."

"Very well."

Prince Davey was a figure of immense influence across the continent. Though he requested marriage approval, it essentially served as an announcement that a wedding would take place in a few days. King Krianes grew curious about how foreign nations and those affiliated with Davey would react. Davey's stature now surpassed all previous achievements since the founding of the Rowane Kingdom.

"But... when he gets married and has children..."

"You'll become a grandfather, Your Majesty."

"It feels surreal. It would've been better if Lennie was alive..."

"You mean Queen Lennie, Davey's biological mother?"

"There's no face I can show for not protecting her. But it does feel a bit delightful."

Davey's first wedding… King Krianes had multiple sons, but two had passed away, and one hadn't even proposed yet. In the midst of all this, his eldest was getting married. Although he had not done much for him...

"Your Majesty, you have a smile on your face. Are you that pleased?"

"Cough. Stop your needless talk."

"Though the bride might be a commoner..."

"What does rank matter to him? The reason to consider a spouse's rank is to elevate one's own stature. But if one's stature is already sky-high, what's there to ask for in a partner?"

"Everyone will likely send their congratulations. Chief Minister Vesperus, what should we do?"

"Though your relationship with him might have been strained, a father is always a father. Watching from afar might be..."

"Davey isn't the child you think he is."

"Then, perhaps you could give him this?"

"That?"

"A possession of the first queen, which you've been safeguarding."

Upon hearing this, King Krianes rose and fetched a small box from an old drawer. Inside was a simple yet beautiful red earring. It was an item he had secretly kept after Queen Lennie’s death even though Queen Lynesse had tried to erase all traces of her.

Queen Lynesse had desperately sought that earring. What a poor woman.

"Even if its value as a jewel might have diminished, to Prince Davey, it would hold immense significance."