Archer, Teuila, and Ella entered a massive hall adorned with vibrant decorations, creating a feast for the senses.
The air was perfumed with the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers, while soft, melodic Aquarian music provided a soothing backdrop.
The walls were adorned with intricately woven tapa cloths, displaying earthy tones of brown, beige, and red, adorned with symbolic representations of nature, including palm trees, waves, and indigenous beasts.
At the heart of the room stood a magnificent wooden tanoa, exquisitely carved and glistening, its surface inviting and embellished with engravings depicting ancestral Aquarian legends.
Colorful mats and pillows were thoughtfully arranged across the floor, offering comfortable seating.
These mats, woven from Verdantleaf leaves, boasted intricate patterns and motifs, mirroring the vibrant colors of the ocean.
Strings of seashells and colorful feathers hung gracefully from the ceiling, their gentle sway telling stories of distant islands along the Aquarian coast.
As Archer and Ella took in the Royal Palace, their appreciation for its beauty grew.
On a nearby table, a tantalizing Aquarian feast was laid out, filling the room with an enticing aroma that made Archer's stomach rumble.
The spread showcased an array of delectable dishes, from palusami to sapasui, along with exquisitely cooked seafood infused with rare aromatic spices.
Lashure motioned for them to find their seats, Teuila joined her sisters after inquiring where they would like to sit.
Archer guided Ella to an unoccupied seat on his left, settling down beside her.
They took a seat near the king and queen at their urging, Queen Mele's eyes shifted towards the pair, and a gentle smile curved her lips as she spoke in an inviting tone.
"And who is this beautiful young lady seated beside you? And the lovely Tinnen perched on you. I intended to ask earlier, but our conversation carried me away."
Archer returned the smile and replied, "This is my fiancée, Ella. We have been friends since childhood. And this delightful girl is Sera."
The queen's face lit up, her delight shining through as she absorbed his response. She turned to her husband, addressing him with a question.
"My dear, when can we expect the arrival of the other rulers for the celebrations?"
Lashure met her gaze and replied, "They should be arriving later today."
Teuila finished her conversation with her sisters and gracefully made her way towards Archer, taking a seat on his right, while Ella was settled on his left.
Sera, comfortably perched on Archer's shoulder, adamantly refusing to move. She playfully nibbled on his ear while attentively observing the scene unfolding before her.
As the atmosphere settled, Lashure seized the opportunity to address the gathering.
"Now, let us indulge in our meal and celebrate the forthcoming festivities. After the sun has set, we shall introduce Archer to the nobles and relatives. But before we proceed, I must once again express my profound gratitude to Archer. It is because of your courageous endeavors that we are here today."
Lifting his glass in a gesture of gratitude, Lashure offered a heartfelt toast.
The rest of the family followed suit, raising their glasses in unison, while the guards punctuated the moment with the resounding thud of their spears striking the floor.
As the toast came to an end, Archer's attention was captivated by Teuila, who wore a radiant smile as she conversed with her mother.
Meanwhile, Ella engaged in an animated conversation with Sosefina, her enthusiasm evident in her expressive gestures.
Lashure's gaze shifted towards him, a playful glint shimmering in his eyes.
"Archer, I must express my gratitude for whatever enchantment or magic spell you've cast upon my little Teuila. I haven't seen her smile this much before. She used to be quite gloomy growing up."
He smiled at the man but quickly ignored him as something caught his attention. The delicious smell of the food filled the air, making his stomach rumble with excitement.
There were platters of succulent roasted rare beast meat, seasoned with exotic herbs and spices, accompanied by bowls of tropical fruit salads, infused with the sweetness of enchanted nectar.
Spicy Magma crabs, their shells glistening with molten lava-like sauce, beckoned to him while steaming coconut dumplings and taro fritters tempted his taste buds.
Unable to resist, Archer eagerly loaded his plate with a bit of everything, his violet eyes gleaming with excitement.
Queen Mele informed him of the delectable dishes before him.
''Archer the meat is Emberhorn Bison, Sunfire Salamander, and Magma Crab.''
With a grateful smile, he loaded his plate with even more mouthwatering meat. As he took his first bite, a symphony of flavors erupted, dancing on his tongue.
The bison meat offered tender succulence and a rich taste, while the tropical fruits burst with freshness.
The spicy Magma crabs ignited a delightful heat, leaving his tongue tingling with pleasure.
Then came the Sunfire Salamander meat, its tender flesh melting in his mouth, releasing a heavenly blend of delicate sweetness and subtle smokiness.
As he indulged in each dish, Archer's enthusiasm grew, and he found himself unable to stop. He tried every dish, enjoying the unique Aquarian cuisine.
The flavors were unlike anything he had ever experienced before, and he couldn't help but lose himself in the feast.
Plate after plate, Archer ate with greed, his eyes widening in delight with each bite. His stomach, however, began to protest under the weight of the feast.
Yet, he pushed on, determined to taste every last morsel. Teuila's family, who were seated nearby, couldn't help but watch with amusement.
They exchanged amused glances, stifling their laughter as they observed his appetite.
Finally, after devouring a particularly decadent dessert filled with enchanted chocolate and mana-infused cream, Archer leaned back in his chair, a contented smile on his face.
The feast had taken its toll, and he was now feeling the effects of his eating as his stomach started to hurt.
Teuila's father let out a hearty chuckle, his laughter echoing through the hall. "Archer, my dear, it appears that you have wholeheartedly embraced our cuisine. I must admit, I've never witnessed someone indulge with such enthusiasm. Your voracious appetite truly befits your dragon nature!"
The prince and princesses erupted into laughter, their laughter filling the air. Teuila herself joined in, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she glanced at Archer, now reclined in his chair, rubbing his satisfied belly.
After their satisfying meal, the King instructed everyone to get ready, after that they would be guided to the city square.
In no time at all, everyone was prepared. The Aquarian royal family, along with Ella, adorned themselves in loose-fitting attire, all in shades of blue.
Archer just wore a loose-fitting white shirt, some beige shorts, and flip-flop-like shoes.
The king's advisor informed Lashure that the Zenianians and Nethanians have arrived and are waiting at the city square.
The advisor lead everyone to the city square which wasn't far away from the palace.
When they arrived Archer cast his gaze across the surroundings, he saw citizens and nobles, all intertwined in lively conversations.
Their presence lent an air of celebration to the atmosphere. Excitement pulsed through the gathering, fueling the anticipation in the air.
Suddenly, King Lashure, Queen Mele, and the prince and princesses ascended the raised platform, drawing the attention of the citizens to the stage.
In the midst of the vibrant festivities, a hush fell over the crowd as King Lashure stepped forward, his regal presence commanding attention.
His voice resonated with strength and authority as he began his speech.
"Esteemed guests, honored allies, and beloved citizens," he began, his voice carrying across the gathering.
"Today, we gather not only to celebrate but to acknowledge a savior who appeared in our darkest hour, when our lands fell into turmoil and despair."
As the king spoke, his words stirred the hearts of everyone gathered, their eyes fixed on him with reverence and gratitude.
He continued, recounting the tale of how this mysterious figure, known as Archer, emerged as a beacon of hope, rescuing thousands of soldiers and citizens from the clutches of Kagian slavery.
"With unwavering courage and not looking for any reward or honors, the White Dragon stood as a guardian of our lands, leading us towards the light," King Lashure declared, his voice filled with admiration.
"He not only saved lives but also inspired unity and brought about monumental changes."
Lashure's words hung in the air, as he went on to explain the profound transformations that the presence of the white dragon had brought to their kingdoms.
He spoke of the alliance forged between Nethania Kingdom, Aquarian Kingdom, and the Zenia Empire, highlighting the strength and prosperity that had blossomed through their combined efforts.
"Our Tri-alliance stands as a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose," King Lashure proclaimed, his voice swelling with pride.
"Together, we have ushered in an era of harmony, collaboration, and prosperity for our lands."
His words resonated through the gathering, cheers and applause erupted from everyone.
King Lashure stepped forward and hushed the crowd as he pointed at Archer who stood there with a stupid look on his face.
''From this day forward, that young man there will be known as the Hero of Aquaria, he will be given all honors that come with such a title.''
The whole crowd turned to Archer with wide eyes as the king stopped talking. He looked at a group of men with a smile and motioned to them to come forward.
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