"Let's go," Riz said.
Stepping out of the palace, the trio found the awaiting carriage. Riz, Theodora, and Charlotte embarked, settling into its plush interior. With a signal, the horses set the carriage in motion.
The carriage moved at a steady pace.
The clip-clop of hooves creating a rhythmic soundtrack that filled the silence inside the carriage.
As they descended from Noble Hill, the cityscape unfolded before them.
Every corner of the city seemed to be draped in a sea of crimson red.
From street to windows and balconies have been touched by the brush of festivity. The fluttering flags, adorned in shades of deep red.
The streets were alive with people. Their faces adorned with smiles and their eyes shining with anticipation.
A week earlier, the long-awaited announcement had spread like wildfire.
The news of the returning soldiers, who had bravely fought in battles far from home reached everyone's ears. Such a news had instantly ignited a sense of excitement throughout the city.
Eager citizens had prepared for this day.
Their enthusiasm were evident in the meticulous decorations and the cheerful chatter that echoed through the air.
As the carriage progressed through the streets, it was empty of any carriages.
The path toward the plaza in front of the government complex had been meticulously cleared.
The usually bustling thoroughfare had been transformed into a wide, open passage.
Rows of spectators lined the way, their faces a mix of excitement and reverence. Children sat atop their parents' shoulders, waving small flags in unison, while elders gazed with weathered eyes.
Riz's carriage keeps moving with ease until the neo-classical building came into their sight.
The plaza in front of the white building itself had been transformed into a hub of anticipation.
A grand stage stood at its centre, draped in regal red and adorned with intricate designs. Banners bearing the emblem of the kingdom flanked the stage, fluttering proudly in the breeze.
Surrounding the stage, rows of seats had been arranged, offering a vantage point for those eager to witness the impending arrival of the heroic soldiers.
Riz disembarked from the carriage, his presence commanding attention as he stepped onto the vibrant carpet that led towards the grand stage.
As he walked towards the stage, Riz's attention shifted to the group of ministers who had gathered long before his arrival.
Each minister wore more formal attire, a reflection of the solemnity of the occasion.
"Welcome, Your Majesty," William, the minister of defence, was the first to step forward and greet him. The rest of the ministers followed his lead.
Riz acknowledged each greeting with a nod and a warm smile before taking his seat.
....
Levi walked steadfastly alongside his comrades in the rhythmic march. Their boots create a synchronized cadence on the path leading to Bideford.
Along the way, he picks up all the scattered Ryntum soldiers who were sent to various location, resulting in the size of the army which he originally led swelled up.
The journey had been long and arduous, marked by days of relentless travel and nights under the vast canopy of the sky.
But now, as the horizon unfolded before them, signs of sprawling buildings began to emerge on the landscape.
Levi's eyes fixed on the distant outlines of buildings, a sight that brought a surge of mixed emotions. They were nearing their home, the place they had fought and bled for.
A sense of accomplishment mingled with weariness, knowing that their sacrifices were finally leading them back to the embrace of their loved ones.
"We almost reached home," Levi's voice rang out, a note of anticipation in his tone. His words were met with nods and murmurs of agreement from his fellow soldiers.
The weariness that had settled in their bones seemed to lift slightly, replaced by a renewed energy as they contemplated the imminent return to their families and the familiarity of their city.
Ding!—
Ding!—
As if on cue, a gentle, melodious sound rang through the air. It was the clear, resonant chime of a bell, carried on the breeze. The soldiers exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from weariness to a mix of surprise and joy.
The army continued its approach towards the city and the sound of the bell grew more distinct. It reverberated off the surrounding landscape, carrying a message of anticipation and welcome.
"This..." Levi's voice caught in his throat, his surprise evident. He had anticipated a city bustling with activity as it normally does.
Instead, what stretched before him was a path, meticulously decorated with fluttering flags and banners, leading towards the heart of the city.
Levi's mind worked quickly, piecing together the meaning behind this sight.
"It seems they have prepared to welcome us," Levi announced, his voice carrying the weight of admiration for their city's gesture.
He stood tall and addressed his comrades with a resolute spirit. "Comrades!! Straighten your backs and lift up your face!! Let us march proudly, for we are heroes returning to a city that honours our valour."
His words were met with a chorus of enthusiastic cheers from the soldiers.
The populace that had been engaged in their conversations and activities began to hush. Heads turned in unison, like a field of sunflowers pivoting toward the sun.
Their gazes shifted to a common focal point—the direction from which the army was supposedly to enter.
Then, a collective gasp swept through the gathered populace as the first glimpse of the marching soldiers emerged into view.
The crowd seemed to hold its breath for a split second before erupting into cheers that echoed like thunder, reverberating against the buildings and cascading through the air.
It was as if the city itself was joining in the celebration, its very heart beating in rhythm with the jubilant cries. The air was charged with emotion—pride, relief, and unbridled joy.
Families stood together, children hoisted onto shoulders, all eager to be a part of this momentous occasion.
People waved their own banners, flags and threw flowers at the soldiers.
Their smiles were bright and their eyes alight with the knowledge that these soldiers, their protectors, had returned home.
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