Chapter 77: Chapter 68: Holding a Celebratory Parade in the Royal Capital
Daimon looked at Henry and suddenly felt a pang of guilt. ’This information is all "public" anyway,’ he thought. ’What’s the big deal if I tell him?’
’Besides, if Henry really wants to investigate, he’ll be able to find everything out. Why should I give him a bad impression of me?’
"Alright. It’s the descendants of the Valandian royal family. They’re trying to use money to win over the sea merchants in the coastal regions, hoping to use them as hired muscle to corrupt the minor nobles.
As for the Northern Lands, it’s likely the descendants of the princes of Kyiv and the Kuset plotting something."
Henry nodded. All this information aligned with his suspicions, but he wanted to hear something more explosive, like...
"What is the overseas kingdoms’ stance on Valandia? The empire has been trading with them for one or two hundred years. Do we really still know nothing about them?"
Daimon swallowed hard. "Henry, I really don’t know about that. Only the King’s military intelligence department has information on the overseas kingdoms. You graduated from the academy too; you should know that kind of intel is top secret."
Henry pursed his lips. "Alright, I’m done with my questions. Let’s just enjoy the lemon cake. Of course, if you get any news, be sure to tell me."
"Of course, Henry. We’re friends," Daimon agreed without a second thought.
’I’ll just take the job for now.’ Daimon could already see a future stream of endless intelligence fees. As for deceiving Henry, he wouldn’t dare. The most he would do is claim he wasn’t sure or didn’t know.
After Daimon left, Henry felt a headache coming on. He had received too many bits and pieces of information today. They all tangled together in his mind, leaving him feeling bewildered.
He slowly walked to the side of his bed and sat down, leaning back against the soft headboard.
’For some reason, the empire’s nobles always liked to have tall, thick beds, as if using them to show off their wealth.’
「The next morning」
Henry had just finished his physical training when the three Legion Commanders summoned him to an office in the garrison barracks.
In a spacious room, the three Legion Commanders talked with Henry about their recent meeting with the King at court.
Henry could clearly see the anticipation for the upcoming Royal Capital celebration reflected in the eyes of Soslan, Mirene, and Sebastian.
It would be an excellent boost to their prestige, allowing them to better support and protect their descendants.
Sebastian smiled at Henry. "Henry, the Royal Capital celebration is the day after tomorrow. Don’t be nervous."
Henry straightened his posture, listening attentively. ’He wasn’t nervous in the slightest. He had just attended one of the King’s court banquets six months ago.’
"You will need to wear a floral wreath and the full regalia of a Champion Banner Knight, and lead the delegation in a parade down the Royal Capital’s main thoroughfare."
Soslan held the King’s directive and said gravely, "This is an immensely honorable task. You must display the majesty of our nobility."
Henry nodded again, showing he understood.
Inwardly, the three Legion Commanders envied Henry. While his merits played a part in him receiving the honor of leading the procession, his status as the King’s student was the deciding factor.
It was a status one either had or didn’t; it wasn’t something they could scheme their way into.
That same day, news of the upcoming celebration in the Royal Capital spread like wildfire. As the date approached, the entire city was immersed in an atmosphere of festivity and opulence.
The streets were lined with colorful flags and garlands, and every building was adorned with banners of all kinds. Meanwhile, the list of parade participants was leaked by insiders, spreading through every street and alley.
Henry and the delegation spent their time in the barracks, constantly rehearsing and drilling. The two days passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the celebration arrived.
On the day of the celebration, Henry held the royal standard while Bain carried the banner of Henry’s house. Together, they led the first contingent of the delegation, proceeding slowly down the Royal Capital’s main thoroughfare.
The sides of the road were packed with the city’s enthusiastic Free People. They waved small flags and cheered, showering Henry and the members of the delegation with their most fervent applause and well-wishes.
Children old enough to run through the streets beamed with joy. They scrambled over one another to toss flowers at Henry, expressing their admiration for the hero.
Dressed in the regalia of a Champion Banner Knight, Henry looked the very picture of a Knight. By leading the procession, he undoubtedly became the focal point of the celebration.
He wore the armor of a Champion Banner Knight, specially crafted for the occasion. It was inlaid with gems and gold thread that shone dazzlingly in the sunlight.
His floral wreath, woven from the freshest petals picked that very day, gave off a faint, sweet scent that perfectly complemented his handsome and commanding presence.
Henry sat atop a magnificently adorned warhorse, his expression composed, which only further convinced the onlookers that this was an exceptionally powerful Knight!
The celebration was less for the people and more a display of the nobility’s glory and power—a message to anyone within the empire to live their lives obediently and not get any ideas about causing trouble.
Henry waved to the crowd, and each wave was met with even more thunderous cheers.
The stares from the ladies in the crowd felt particularly scorching to Henry... ’Terrifying, truly terrifying.’ Once they reached the palace, they halted and waited for the rest of the procession.
The cheers for Knight Shevar Sayfi and Baron Gonzalo Jonson were noticeably less enthusiastic, but it was still enough to make them tremble with excitement.
At the rear of the procession were the three Legion Commanders, followed by the captured Half-Beastmen—a sight that drove the Free People into an absolute frenzy.
Such was the empire’s might that even the street ruffians puffed out their chests with pride.
’Look, those are the Half-Beastmen! Tall and fierce, like upright beasts, and now we’re parading them around like animals!’
’No, wait. They *are* animals.’
When the entire delegation had arrived before the palace in the center of the Royal Capital, the heavy gates swung slowly open. A figure emerged—it was none other than the ruler of the empire, Anikovarest XIII!
Anikovarest XIII had a truly kingly bearing. His features were as exquisitely sculpted as a statue, deep-set and sharply defined.
His eyes were a deep emerald green, seeming to hold entire landscapes within them. His gaze was sharp, as if it could pierce a person’s very soul. He always wore a subtle, almost imperceptible smile, making him appear both approachable and majestic.
He was tall and powerfully built, with broad shoulders and an upright posture. His gait was steady, each step unhurried, projecting the confidence and presence befitting a King.
Henry was the first to dismount. He dropped to one knee, his left hand leaning on the standard and his right hand over his heart. He cried out, "Great ruler of Caladia! Your student, your Vassal, your Warrior, Knight Henry Bro, wishes you long life!"
"Great ruler of Caladia, we wish you long life!"
The shouts came in successive waves, one after another, as if to shake the very heavens.
Then, suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"
