CHAPTER 226: FAREWELL PARTY [2]

The entire city turned out for this.

But what truly shocked Noah was the sight of additional figures emerging from the crowd’s center. King Aldric himself approached, accompanied by the queen and several high-ranking nobles whose presence indicated this celebration carried official royal endorsement.

"Your Majesty," Noah said with appropriate respect, though his surprise was evident in his voice.

"Viscount Carter," King Aldric replied with warmth that transcended formal protocol. "The kingdom owes you a debt that cannot be measured in gold or titles. Your contributions to our people’s well-being and our defence capabilities have been extraordinary."

The Queen stepped forward with a gentle smile. "You’ve healed our citizens, strengthened our warriors, and brought hope during our darkest challenges. This celebration reflects the gratitude of everyone whose life you’ve touched."

The crowd began applauding as Noah’s presence was recognized throughout the plaza. The sound started with those closest to the royal party and spread outward like ripples on water, creating a wave of appreciation that filled the evening air.

"Speech! Speech!" voices called from various sections of the crowd, the chant building momentum until it became impossible to ignore.

Princess Elara gently guided Noah toward the raised platform, her expression carrying pride and affection that went beyond mere diplomatic courtesy.

"They want to hear from you," she said softly.

As Noah stepped onto the platform and faced the assembled crowd, he felt genuinely moved by the outpouring of appreciation. These weren’t just customers or business contacts—they had become a community that valued his presence.

They see me as more than just a temporary shopkeeper. I’ve somehow become part of their world.

The evening continued with food, celebrations, and countless personal conversations as individuals approached to share stories about how his products had affected their lives. Veterans whose injuries had been healed by his bread. Mages whose capabilities had been enhanced by their enhancement items. Families whose loved ones had been saved through access to his items.

This reminded him of a certain girl from the demon kingdom, Kelyss. To say that it didn’t affect him emotionally would be a lie. Despite his strength, despite the change, it didn’t change the fact that he was a human from Earth.

Someone who felt bad when he saw terrible things happen. Kelyss’ death was a shock to him, and it made him feel some sadness.

The adventure girl, despite their short-term meeting, still felt bad for her.

Each story reinforced the impact he’d made during his relatively brief time in Esta, transforming what had begun as simple interdimensional commerce into relationships that transcended business.

As the evening progressed and his departure time approached, Noah found himself genuinely reluctant to leave these people who had welcomed him so completely into their world.

Esta will always hold a special place in my journey.

...

As the farewell celebration began winding down, the massive crowd gradually dispersed back to their homes and evening routines, leaving behind only those who had formed genuine personal bonds with Noah during his time in Esta.

The plaza, which had been filled with hundreds of grateful citizens just an hour earlier, now felt intimate and peaceful with only his closest friends remaining. Even King Aldric had departed after offering his final thanks, understanding that these last moments belonged to those who had shared more personal connections with the departing viscount.

Kip, Alissa, Princess Elara, Valeria, and Lola settled onto the decorative benches that had been arranged around the platform, creating a comfortable circle where they could enjoy their remaining time together without the formality that larger gatherings required.

"I can’t believe you’re really leaving in a few hours," Kip said with a mixture of sadness and acceptance in his young voice. "It feels like you just arrived and started changing everything."

Alissa nodded in agreement, her silver ears drooping slightly despite her efforts to maintain composure. "The academy won’t be the same without knowing you’re just a few districts away with your magical shop."

"A shop with item descriptions that turned out to be completely true," Valeria laughed, shaking her head at the memory of their first encounter. "Remember when I thought you were some kind of elaborate con artist? Now, half the kingdom’s strength comes from your enhancement items."

Princess Elara smiled warmly at the recollection. "I think my favorite memory was watching you turn down the Magic Academy enrollment like it was a casual dinner invitation. Most people would give anything for that opportunity."

"Most people don’t have a shop to manage," Noah replied with amusement. "Though I have to admit, the academy would have been interesting."

Lola, who had remained quietly observant during the more public portions of the evening, finally spoke with her teasing tone. "I’m just impressed you managed to befriend royalty, guild leaders, and magical prodigies."

Noah laughed. "They all made it easy by being genuinely good people rather than just trying to exploit what I could offer."

"That’s what real friendship means," Alissa said with the wisdom that sometimes emerged from her serious nature. "Supporting each other because you care about each other. Your support for us when you had nothing to gain from us will always be something we will be thankful for."

The conversation flowed naturally between shared memories, gentle teasing about past embarrassments, and speculation about when Noah would finally return.

Valeria regaled them with exaggerated retellings of guild members’ reactions to their first magical bread experiences, while Kip demonstrated his improved magical abilities that had been enhanced through Noah’s premium items.

Princess Elara shared amusing anecdotes from court life, including nobles’ increasingly desperate attempts to ask royalty to introduce them to Noah, who had become a fearsome figure in the kingdom.

As laughter and conversation continued under the evening stars, Noah received a warning from the system. There were ten minutes left before the shop would relocate.

Noah stood up from his seat before addressing his group of friends. "I had an amazing time being with you guys, thank you. When I come back, this place better become a metropolis filled with powerful individuals."

Noah then turned towards Kip and Alissa. "Kip...Alissa, both of you have immense potential. The next time i’m here, you better be at the master rank. Otherwise, I would have left you behind in the dust."

Kip nodded his head aggressively. "I will become the strongest Wind magician to ever exist in Esta! I will show you!"

Noah chuckled before nodding and taking out another tier 5 wind orb and gifting it to the kid.

The group were no longer shocked by Noah’s crazy gifts, they had seen too much in the past ten days and it had become normal.

Alissa’s response was a shy nod, unlike Kip’s.

After gifting Kip the wind orb, Noah turned towards the others and said. "Sorry guys, I don’t have anything that could help you. Maybe next time I will bring some souvenirs with me."

Everyone immediately shook their heads. "No! You’ve done enough for us, your presence was enough."

Noah smiled before nodding his head.

He bid them all farewell and left the plaza heading towards his shop.

In a few minutes, he would enter his shop, and the system’s relocation would start. And once again, he would be thrust into a different place. Whether it was a different kingdom or a different world, he hoped it would help him improve.