Banners and flags floated in the air; children had balloons and ice cream in their hands, and their parents were watching them closely to avoid losing them in the sea of people attending the annual parade.
It was a day of festivities in Fasard as they were celebrating the city's foundation 70 years before.
Compared to New Alexandria, Fasard was a much bigger city. This was because it was situated in a plain at the foot of the Karduan mountain range, which was relatively safe compared to a city like New Alexandria, which was instead placed in one of the most dangerous places of the area, where beasts roamed freely, and their sizes significantly differed.
The city was celebrating its founding, and, as usual, everyone was waiting for the main star to appear, Sinisa Volkov, the mayor himself.
This man was said to be as strong as Becker and the Fierce Lioness. He was a living legend. He was an extremely strong soldier and retained his vigor due to his intense daily training. He governed the city with a velvet glove, and all the people inside the city adored him. Despite his strength and military prowess, he was known for his kindness and compassion toward the people he governed. His leadership was characterized by a perfect balance of power and empathy, making him a beloved figure in the city. All of this, at least on the surface, as the truth was that dark rumors, promptly suppressed by his government, went on about the man.
Sinisa Volkov was making his entrance. This year, the parade had a medieval theme: Volkov was going to enter through the city's door on a white horse and was followed by countless soldiers walking behind him.
It was a procession made more to show off the might of the city's ruler than to celebrate the city's founding. As soon as the sound of the fanfare rang, the city's door opened, and he entered on the top of his white horse. In front of the door, countless people were waiting for him, and this human sea went on for kilometers inside the city. Volkov started waving his hands left and right, greeting the people and smiling radiantly at them.
Behind him, hundreds of the city's elite soldiers were following in black robes adorned with snake-like embroidery and purple patterns. Further behind, countless musicians played the traditional city's hymn, and people danced in rhythm.
After half an hour of walking among the crowds, Volkov finally arrived at the town hall. He went to the top of a huge podium and talked to the people. His speech could be heard on every city corner. Volkov thanked the people for their warm welcome.
"Ladies and gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to stand before you today to celebrate the founding of our beloved city, Fasard. As you all know, it was exactly 70 years ago that our forefathers established this great city. They did so to create a community where people could live, work, and thrive together. Our city has come a long way since then. What started as a small settlement has now grown into a thriving metropolis with over a million people…"
The man looked at the adoring crowd in front of him, who was now intently listening to the man's speech.
"...and I can't thank you enough for what you did during these countless years. After all, it is thanks to you and our ancestors that you were able to lay down the city's foundation and were able to create the walls still standing tall against the horrors roaming the earth in this age and place." Volkov said during his speech.
"Today is a joyous occasion, and I want you all to have fun, bring your children outside, and spend your time with whom you love."
The speech continued for a bit more, and once it ended, Volkov entered his villa. He started walking down a huge corridor connecting the multiple villa rooms and stopped in the middle of it. He went inside a particular room in which multiple tables and chairs could be seen. He was followed by several people, who were the ones who helped him manage the city. Everyone sat on multiple chairs, and the servant brought them coffee, tea, and different beverages.
"This year went well too, your excellency," said one. "We were also able to implement several new policies that have benefited the citizens," added another.
"Yeah, and this year's particular theme was beautiful; it was truly a great idea," said another. The people surrounding him started bootlicking Volkov, but the latter grew impatient.
"Enough of this, Stella; bring me the best scotch we have in the house." It seemed like Volkov was not interested in receiving any more compliments, and he wanted to move on to a different topic of discussion. The group quickly fell silent as he requested scotch for Stella.
The head housemaid, Stella, brought a bottle of scotch that the staff had explicitly made to please Volkov, and she poured its contents into a red crystal cup. She then picked up the glass, holding it with a cloth, and offered it to his lord.
"Much better…" Volkov said.
A sinister grin spread across his face as Volkov took another sip of his scotch. The praise and flattery from his entourage had always been a source of amusement for him, but he craved something more than mere words of admiration. He wanted power, and he wanted it all for himself.
The way he yelled orders at Stella, the head housemaid, showed how little he cared for people less important than himself. He saw them as nothing more than mere servants meant to cater to his every whim. And as he sipped the scotch, he reveled in the fact that it had been explicitly prepared to please him.
"Now that the parade has ended, if I may ask your excellency, what do you plan to do?" a man in his forties asked.
"I'm making plans to head out to New Alexandria in the following months, as Becker asked for my help. That prick, he can't rule a city; how can he think he can rule a nation?" Volkov replied, showing his pure distaste for the man.
"New Alexandria? I heard the situation was bad and that there are still many thaids near the city. Are you sure this is not dangerous?"
"There is no dangerous place for me on this earth... Oh, did I tell you that, apparently, behind the beast, tide hides an Heniate, and they asked me to help them find and kill it? It looks like they also want us to help them cull the monster population."
"This is indeed a great opportunity for you; we can raise your approval rating, and if the time comes, we could also get rid of Becker," someone said.
"You surely know that talking about this is akin to treason, am I right?" Volkov said.
"Yes, sir, forgive me for my words…" The man prostrated himself in front of him. Of course, Volkov didn't care what he said.
With his men all around him, Volkov sat at the head of a long table. They hung on his every word, waiting for him to speak. He took a sip of his scotch and cleared his throat.
"I wanted to inform you all that I have recently established some contacts in Etrium," he said, his voice filled with pride. "I have been poaching some crafters to bring the technology to use thaids brain crystals to make weapons and armor to Frant."
His retainers gasped in awe, clearly impressed by his ingenuity. "But sir, didn't Becker already announce the same thing?" A woman asked.
"No, he obtained the usual technology only, not the new one…Imagine the possibilities," Volkov continued, a sly smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "With these weapons and armor, we could conquer any foe and kill all thaids who dare to stand in our way. We could become the most powerful nation in the world." The retainers nodded in agreement, eager to curry favor with him.
"Of course," Volkov said, taking another sip of his scotch. "This technology is highly sensitive and must be kept under wraps. We can't let anyone else know about it or risk it getting out."
They all nodded fervently, their eyes shining with admiration for their lord.
"Now that a representative from Etrium will come in the following weeks, I need you to get the best deal possible. Am I clear?" Volkov said.
"Yes, sir, we will do our best," the men and women said.
Volkov nodded, pleased with their response.
"Good," he said. "And remember, the more successful we are in implementing this technology, the more power and influence we will get inside the city. We will become unstoppable."
The retainers nodded, their faces filled with reverence and awe. They knew this was the man to follow to become rich and gain power, as he was a man of great vision and ambition, and they were honored to work for him.
As the conversation continued, Volkov basked in the adoration of his retainers. He knew that he had their loyalty and that they would do anything to help him achieve his goals. And with his new contacts and technology coming his way, he knew he was one step closer to achieving his ultimate goal.
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