"Welcome back. I am glad you survived that orc attack" Carolyn said as she sat on the couch opposite them in the Goldchilde office

Bonar sat next to Daphne, who on normal occasions with other people, would sit on the other side next to Carolyn

"I would like to thank you for looking after Daphne for all these years" Bonar said

"You're not leaving right away, are you? Hmmm.. you've both done it, haven't you?" Carolyn suddenly asked

Daphne blushed, while Bonar found the conversation strange, like he was asking her permission as Daphne's mother

"You've been like a mother to me these two years. You've clothed me, fed me, educated me... I cant put to words how thankful I am" Daphne said

"You are a wonderful child too Daphne. It was such a pleasure to see you grow. You're top in the entire academy, a genius swordsman, and your secret animal taming abilities are unmatched. You even got your S Rank..." Carolyn said

"You knew?" Daphne asked

"We're not the top merchant for nothing. It's not just about out money. It's our intelligence and information network" she said

"Well, I'm not here to pull Daphne away. This is not a goodbye. I am just here to thank you for taking care of her" Bonar said

"I know.. it's just, with you back, Daphne is no longer mine, but yours again. It just feels..." Carolyn said

"You can keep your relationship with each other. I am not here to break up your relationship. It's not as if we are aiming for your business. I have no need for money" Bonar smiled. 

"Yeah... this conversation is getting weird. Let's go for lunch" Carolyn invited. 

--

They sat for lunch and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. It was then that a messenger suddenly rushed to whisper in Carolyn's ear

Her eyes widened, and she smiled

"What is it?" Bonar asked

"The rightful heir is coming back! The S Rank Mages Andar and Mohikus have been teleporting vast distances every day, making the 3 month journey become only 2 and a half weeks! Amazing" Carolyn said

"We did it in 2 weeks, running at full pace" Bonar thought to himself

--

As Bonar returned to the brothel, Valerie spoke to him in private.

"As Ms Goldchilde has been informed..." she talked while Bonar realized that the information network of the brothel even knew what information was given to the Goldchilde's daughter. 

She also informed her about other things, such as Shiva having successfully qualified to be an E ranker after slicing off the arm of the examiner at the mercenary guild. 

She also informed him about the Enchantress returning for the coronation, and the confirmation that Selena will be there with the Night Stalkers too

She then advised Bonar to go register at the guild with Ariana after the Prince returns, so that not many people can place him in the city before the Prince arrived, to avoid suspicion of the deaths of the many of the second Prince's people.

While people might or might not have seen him in the city earlier, if you register at the guild, there is an exact date recorded there. 

Unfortunately, a few people have seen him at the Academy on the night of the murders, although Daphne's dorm mates would be able to testify he stayed there all night, as Daphne screamed his name non stop. 

Bonar listened to Valerie, impressed in how meticulous they were

He decided to ask her if she had an opinion about something. 

"Carolyn was speaking very strangely about me and Daphne being lovers. She is of legal age now. Why is she protective?" Bonar asked, in case there are some complications he didn't know about. 

"Carolyn has taken Daphne under her wing, as Daphne has shown her capabilities even as a merchant. Perhaps her relationship with Daphne has grown to become like a mother and child, and is thus motherly protective over Daphne. 

But, my personal opinion is that she is uncomfortable that someone she treated as her daughter, Daphne, lost her virginity before her" Valerie said

"Wh...what? Carolyn is a virgin?" Bonar blurted in shock.  

--

As Prince Augustus returned, the administrative staff that supported him instantly took over the administrative duties of the capital

All the loyalists of the second prince were removed and all the Crown Prince's men took over.

While under the guise of peace, the military took over the security of the city.

Within 2 days, the city and government was running smoothly again.

It took another week before most of the generals and other S Rankers returned and the administration started preparing for the coronation of the Crown Prince to Emperor.

Bonar was asked to the palace to report to the Prince who was the Emperor in waiting. 

He reported that his mission was completed, and that there were no witnesses. 

The Prince didn't ask too much about the details. It was a mass assassination after all. 

And Bonar's lovers being an alraune, a succubus, a vampire and a lamia was a secret that he hasn't shared with the Prince, so the manner of assassination remained a secret. 

If anyone knew about those four's existence, the death of the second prince and his supporters would instantly be figured out. 

"The other purpose I called you here is to convey my pleasure in giving you a title. 

Due to your immense contribution to the war, you will be given the title of Margrave, and a land to the East, next to the borders with Valdoor. 

Do you have a name? If not, you should chose one" the Prince said

"I do your majesty. My family name is Hardcock!" Bonar said.

"Boner Hardcock. It sounds vulgar, yet appropriate. Margrave Boner Hardcock!" the Prince smiled before continuing

"After the country has been stabilized after this counter-coup, we will again be gearing for war with Valdoor.

Our business with them is yet unsettled as no peace treaty has been signed. 

As such, you will be given some gold, to build up your defenses in that region to defend and prepare for war. " he said firmly.