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~~((National Senior Citizens Day -- page 1 of 24))~~
Hector didn't know what to expect here. He hadn't been told what the exact reward for killing the Beast of Lorent would be--which seemed a little odd, considering this ceremony was being broadcast live across the country. Prince David had expressed some concern when he'd learned about that fact last night, but there wasn't much to be done about it. Ultimately, they were still just guests here.

So when President Dance pulled back the lid of the box and revealed its contents, Hector did his best to look pleasantly surprised despite having zero idea what he was looking at.

Inside the box, on a faintly blue cushion, lay an object about the size of a dagger. An object that, to Hector's eyes, looked... like a big noodle. It was a pale brown color, nearly white and mildly translucent.

And it was... fuzzy.

Was it some kind of plant?

"Please accept this symbol of our esteem," said the President, and he held the box closer.

Hector didn't see much choice but to accept it, but he sure hoped the man was about to explain what the hell this thing was, because asking directly seemed like it might be pretty rude.

"This Root of the Farakano Tree is one of our most sacred items," said Dance. "Few in our nation's history have been given, and of those, you are only the second foreigner to have ever received one. We hope you will cherish it as we will cherish your remarkable service to Lorent."

Well, when he put it like that, it sure sounded important. Hector nodded another time and tried not to look as lost for words as he felt again.

A sudden round of applause filled the chamber as all the Lorentians began clapping for some reason, including the two servant advisors.

Garovel was peering over Hector's shoulder at the Root. 'Hmm,' he hummed privately. 'I gottta say, I wasn't expecting a big white hairy turd as a gift.'