The streets had been transformed into a pathway of celebration.
For every step taken by the soldiers was accompanied by a shower of petals and the spirited calls of their fellow citizens.
The soldiers, adorned in their battle-worn uniforms, marched with a disciplined yet spirited cadence. Their steps were synchronized, a testament to their shared experiences and camaraderie.
Wide-eyed and incredulous, soldiers exchanged amazed glances with one another.
The genuine warmth radiating from the crowd was overwhelming, their reception beyond anything the soldiers had anticipated.
Whispers of disbelief mixed with laughter as they marvelled at the outpouring of love.
"Did you see that? They love us," one soldier exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief yet uncontainable joy.
His companion, equally awestruck, nodded in agreement. "Incredible. All those days on the battlefield, and now look at this. It's like a dream," he replied, his voice tinged with emotion.
Amidst the overwhelming cheers, the soldiers continued their march along the path flanked by enthusiastic citizens.
As they advanced, the path guided them to the plaza of the government complex.
There, under the open sky, an elevated stage awaited their triumphant arrival. The towering buildings around the plaza seemed to amplify the exuberance of the moment, while the fluttering flags overhead underscored the significance of the event.
Upon reaching the plaza, the soldiers were met not only by the thunderous applause of the crowd but also by the dignified presence of their king and ministers.
Riz stood tall, his eyes alight with pride as he observed the returning heroes. Beside him, the ministers beamed, looking upon the men who had carried out their duty with great success.
The soldiers' disciplined formation came to a halt, each soldier standing tall and resolute.
Their eyes met those of their king.
After a brief but profound moment of silence, Riz stepped forward and overlooked the plaza.
His presence drew the attention of all, and as his voice reverberated through the open space, a hushed anticipation settled over the gathered crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends," Riz began, his tone steady and resonant. "Today marks a triumphant homecoming for our brave soldiers. With unwavering courage and dedication, you have faced adversity on distant battlefields, fighting for the very essence of our kingdom."
A round of applause and cheers erupted from the plaza, echoing the sentiment of gratitude that permeated the atmosphere.
Riz's gaze swept across the faces before him, taking in the weary yet proud expressions of the soldiers.
"Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed," Riz continued. His words carry a weight of appreciation. "The past few months have tested your resolve, pushing you beyond your limits. Some of you have to endure the pain of losing comrades, friends who fought alongside you with unwavering loyalty."
As he spoke those words, the air seemed to thicken with emotion. Tears welled in the eyes of soldiers who remembered fallen friends and allies, comrades who had become like family in the crucible of battle.
Memories of shared laughter, struggles, and sacrifices washed over them, and the plaza was filled with a poignant silence.
"You are heroes," Riz declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "Heroes who have braved themselves to protect our land and our people. Your courage is an inspiration to us all, and I stand before you as a king who is immensely proud of each and every one of you."
A swell of emotion surged through the soldiers, their hearts stirred by the acknowledgement of their sacrifices.
Riz's words resonated deeply, touching a chord that united them in a profound sense of purpose and pride.
"Today, we welcome you home with open arms and grateful hearts," Riz concluded, his gaze unwavering. "May this homecoming be a reminder that you are not a mere soldiers in our eyes. Rest assured, your sacrifice to this kingdom will be rewarded. It takes some time to organize everything so be patient."
Taking a deep breath, Riz makes a long-awaited announcement. "Today, I hereby announced that the war is over!"
With those final words, the applause burst thunderously. An eruption of gratitude and admiration echoed through the city and beyond.
As the applause subsided, Levi stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of command. "Dismissed!" he called out, the word rippling through the ranks like a swift breeze.
The soldiers, who had stood in disciplined formation just moments before, now scattered like released arrows.
Amidst the organized chaos, soldiers and civilians move alike.
Family members and loved ones pushed through the crowd, their eyes scanning the returning soldiers for familiar faces.
Reunions unfolded like scenes from a heartfelt novel. Embrace after embrace, tears of joy and relief, laughter that rang with the purest form of happiness.
Levi, who had been a steadfast leader on the battlefield, now found himself enveloped in the warm embrace of his old parents.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he hugged them tightly, feeling their arms around him like a shelter from the storm.
Further down the plaza, another soldier was met with the exuberant laughter of his young daughter, who clung to him with a fervent joy that only children possess. His wife, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, reached out to touch his face as if to reassure herself that he was truly home.
Riz watched the heartfelt reunions with a contented smile.
Slowly, he began to retreat from the stage, unnoticed by the jubilant crowd.
As he stepped away, Theodora's voice reached his ears. "That was a moving speech."
Riz glanced at her, his expression modest. "It was just something I came up with on the spot. There's nothing particularly amazing about it."
Before he could say more, a voice called out to him from behind. Riz turned around to find Levi standing there.
"Levi, shouldn't you be with your family?" he asked.
"Your Majesty, I have something I wish to ask of you."
Curious, Riz inclined his head slightly. "What is it?"
"Did Bain return to the capital earlier than us?"
Riz's eyebrows furrowed slightly, "No, shouldn't he be with the rest of the soldiers?"
There are thousands of soldiers assembled in front of Riz. He couldn't notice all the familiar faces if he want to.
Levi shook his head, a hint of concern in his eyes. "That's the problem, Your Majesty. He's not with us either."
Riz's expression turned more serious. "When was the last time you saw him?"
"He departed to escort Inverloch soldiers home but didn't return. His absence is part of the reason we took our time to march home."
Riz's mind raced as he considered the situation. "Hmm, let's give it a few more days. If he still doesn't return, I'll send someone to search for him."
Levi nodded, his worry somewhat eased by the king's assurance. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope he's safe."
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l