Infinite Rewards Harem System: My Rewards are x10,000-Chapter 30: Aftermath

"Heh, looks like your savior died along with the rest." Larson chuckled darkly as he brushed past Erin, making Erin scowl at him with pure disgust.

Right now, they were all gathered in the dining hall.

The celebration was already being prepared. There was food, decorations, everything.

All for the moment the heroes returned after killing the Demon King.

..If they returned.

The wait was suffocating.

It had Erin’s heart racing, anticipation twisting in his chest like a knife. But even then, he refused to let doubt take root.

Time kept ticking.

And the only reason they knew the heroes weren’t dead-

Was because the Demon King hadn’t sent back proof.

No severed limbs.

No mangled remains.

No blood-soaked message delivered like a cruel joke.

Erin glanced toward the far window.

The King and Queen stood there silently, staring into the distance like hope itself was the only thing keeping them upright.

Around the hall, maids moved quickly, placing dishes across the long table. There were fresh meats, fruits, bread, shining goblets, and delicacies meant for victory.

Across from Erin, Larson was still running his mouth.

Laughing.

Talking to Lia about the "pathetic heroes" like he wasn’t trembling on the inside.

But Lia didn’t even respond.

She looked..off.

Flustered.

Like she was stuck in some trance.

Erin already knew why.

Probably because Terrence put her in her place earlier.

That thought almost made Erin grin.

Almost.

But the grin faded just as fast.

He exhaled slowly.

No.

He couldn’t let doubt creep in.

Because Terrence wouldn’t die with his late mother’s golden cross resting against his chest..

Right?

Just then-

The air warped.

A strange pulsing sound filled the dining hall, low and unnatural, like reality itself was bending.

Everyone froze.

Near the entrance a pure white portal flashed into existence.

It was blinding and silent.

And then four figures stepped out.

Erin’s eyes widened.

It was him.

Terrence.

And the other three heroes right beside him.

"Sorry for the wait." Terrence smirked like he hadn’t just fought a Demon King. "These three had me distracted for a couple minutes..you can’t blame me."

His girls beside him giggled, pressing into him like they’d been waiting for the world to see who he belonged to.

"Terrence!"

A chorus of voices exploded through the hall.

People rushed forward like the tension snapped all at once.

Terrence lifted a hand lazily, laughing.

"Now, now..one at a time."

King Lars practically charged him, eyes wide, voice shaking with relief.

"You did it, son! You really did it!"

Larson’s face instantly fell.

His smug expression cracked like glass.

"He..did it?" he muttered, looking genuinely flabbergasted.

"Yes, he did!" Erin pumped his fist into the air with a wide grin, pride surging through him like fire.

"Psh!" Ariel dropped off Terrence’s back and crossed her arms, cheeks puffed out in a cute little pout. "Master Terrence wasn’t the only one fighting! We kicked ass too..."

But nobody even heard her.

Everyone’s attention was locked on Terrence like he was the only person in the room.

"Looks like you’re being ignored." Eiselle teased, her lips curling into a smug smile.

Ariel growled.

Then started punching Terrence’s back with fake anger.

"Stupid...sexy...face!!"

Terrence burst out laughing.

Treasure leaned close and whispered to Ariel with a playful smirk.

"Hey Ari, they might have his attention for now."

She winked.

"But we’ll have it when it matters most."

Ariel blinked.

Then nodded fast, her whole mood flipping into bubbly excitement.

"Yeah!"

The Queen approached next, her eyes scanning the heroes carefully.

"You all seem extremely excited-" she said slowly, "and you look unharmed after a battle with the Demon King."

Terrence shrugged like it was nothing.

"I mean it was active, but honestly that was more of a warm-up than anything."

Then he added on.

"Not discrediting the other heroes that fought against him though."

Erin couldn’t even hide the awe on his face.

"Wow." he breathed. "You all are legendary."

Terrence nodded with a calm smile.

"Just keeping my promise."

Then his gaze flicked to Erin’s neck, where the chain used to be.

"Do you want your moth-"

"Keep it."

Erin cut him off instantly, smiling in a way that almost hurt.

"She’ll always be with me in here." He tapped his chest, swallowing hard, trying not to let his emotions spill out. "Like I said, you’re the only one I trust to take care of it."

Eiselle and Treasure released from Terrence, stepping aside and letting him walk forward.

Terrence stopped in front of Erin.

They stared at each other for a second with mutual respect and mutual understanding.

Then they nodded.

And dapped.

Erin stepped back, still smiling.

Surprisingly, Lia walked up next.

Her steps were slow, face red, and her eyes shy.

Like she was trying to force herself to be brave.

She opened her mouth-

But Terrence didn’t even let her speak.

He pulled her into a hug.

Lia froze.

Then melted into it instantly, cheeks burning.

Terrence smirked like he already knew what she wanted to say.

"I appreciate it, Princess." His voice was calm, confident. "Now tell Prince Charming over there to stop being an asshole and learn to enjoy himself."

Lia’s eyes widened.

Then she nodded quickly.

"O-okay, Terrence."

They then separated.

And Lia stood there for half a second longer than she should’ve..

Like she already missed the warmth.

King Lars stepped forward last.

His voice was heavy with emotion.

"My gratitude goes to all of you heroes. You protected my kingdom...my people..."

He paused, then looked Terrence dead in the eye.

"Tell me anything you want. I will fulfill it. Anything."

Terrence shook his head, seriousness finally replacing the playful tone.

"Didn’t do it to get something in return, King Lars."

His voice was firm.

"You called."

"We answered."

"And we did what we had to do..for everyone."

King Lars stared at him.

Then slowly glanced toward the Queen.

And nodded.

The Queen understood immediately.

She stepped forward, turning toward the hall’s deeper corridors.

"Follow me, heroes." she said.