Age of Adventure

Chapter 40: A KISS (1)

The sound of music could be heard in the squares of the Capital as people would dance with their loved ones.

Bards sings song of victory and poets compose a poem for the fallen heroes. Stall filled the alley leading to the main square as people could be seen buying and selling things.

Today is the day of the victory ceremony. Every citizen has happy expressions on their face and relieved that the war has ended.

The newbie players are also swept up by the mood and enjoying the benefit of being on the winning side.

Delegations from other countries have crowded the palace square since morning to offer gifts and congratulations for surviving the crisis.

Though there is some crisis with the Orcs tribes in the morning.

Some citizens who are coming to the square to watch the victory ceremony screamed when looking at Gruk face in the morning.

Considering Gruk is coming to the palace with his giant club, and added that his face is fierce one could understand the citizen shock and fear

Though fortunately, Gruk just smiled.

However that did not help. After all Gruk smile look like a psychopath ready to kill its victim.

Coupled with the fact the giant club on his back is marked with fresh blood, his smile did not help instead it probably worsen the situations.

Well, it was finally settled after General Bradheim explained the situations to the frightened citizens.

With his cavalry entering the Capital, the citizens finally feel calm and safe.

Then armored horses and armored black soldiers riding on horseback on the street in a grand procession showcase the might of Vanheim to the world.

It was like a procession of an all-conquering army that is unstoppable

The flag of Vanheim waved gracefully in the topmost tower of the castles all around the capital city.

Nobles from each state of the Kingdom also came to the palace to watch the ceremony else they might offend the new King.

Usually they would just send a few letters or make some excuses not to attend.

The arrogance of the nobles have always been prevalent in the Royal Courts especially those nobles of the founding members of the Kingdom

But defeat after defeat in the hands of King George and Aero, the nobles knew the trend of the world is not with them so they need to tread carefully else the legacy of hundred years of their family would be destroyed in their hands.

None of the nobles dare disobey not when George has managed to put the military in his control.

The will of the people behind him and the King rules wisely with the advice of Aero.

He is not greedy, frugal and diligent and when he makes a mistake he did not hide it, instead he corrected it and admit his mistakes.

Aero suggestion makes the King create another department to record his deeds and his mistakes

Aero once said in his meeting with the King

'A sage king must have official historians who recorded the mistakes made by the ruler, and official musicians. These official musicians are not to sing song of desire but to sing ballads to remind the ruler of his mistakes. Ordinary folk could be heard making criticisms against the ruler on the roadside, and businessmen could be heard discussing the ruler's faulty actions in the marketplace. Thus, sage rulers will be able to hear about their mistakes and correct them, and to implement sensible policies that were just and honorable. These are the factors that contributed to the longevity of their government.'

The King hearing this was enlightened. Aero on the other hand gains the appreciation of the Bards and Musician class players who now could sell their service to the Royal Court

In one move Aero had made sure the King action could be tempered if excessive and at the same time gaining the support of Bards and Musicians.

Aero had seen how effective Bards are in raising morale and influencing emotions.

Maybe now they are limited but if given enough time Bards and Musician will be more than just support in the wars that is to come.

With Aero and George joining hand together, they are seen by the scholars as a shini9ng example of a great relationship between master and subject.

King George magnanimity and his actions have spread and far and people have even started calling him an enlightened and sagely King

Fighting this kind of shining reputation how could the nobles have a chance.

The nobles then become meek in the Royal court that with one snort of the King they would shut up their mouth no longer so brazen like in the past.

Not to mention that now Vanheim is becoming stronger which only strengthen and increases King George prestige and image.

Scholars praised King George deed and accomplishment and gaining the citizens trust with each of his actions.

This shows the influence that George has amassed after Aero successfully put George on the throne is like Heaven and Earth before he had Aero serving him.

Now, that George has both the support and adoration from the people the nobles couldn't even raise their voice to the King anymore.

Vanheim is beginning to become more powerful and at the same time…..dangerous.

The ceremony will begin with rewarding the people who has contributed in the Northern expedition.

When it was decided Dan was eager to know his reward since he contributed a lot in the battlefield.

The victory ceremony as it has been decreed will be held in the palace square.

After the ceremony there will be feast, party and music like any great victory ceremony. An occasion Gruk seems to enjoy.

From the moment he came to the Palace, he was asking for foods and drinks. Aero was amused seeing this.

Is he too much deep in his character as an Orc, or is Gruk in real life like to drink and dance?

Either way, Aero had no time to ask Gruk of this matter.

King George spared no expenses for this ceremony.

This is a joyous occasion.

His country that was plagued by many problems before is beginning to get back on its feet, stronger than ever.

And it's all thanks to Aero.

His friend and his advisor. Without him, George might have not achieved what he achieves today.

He will give Aero what he deserves.

Then after the people had a chance to see each other and talk to each other the ceremony began.

The horns were blown signifying the time is afoot. The priest come and chanted the Hymns to honor the Gods.

Sacrifices were given to the fires and the name of the Gods were invoked. The music is then played.

After that the music ends and a few influential Elders in their community spoke of the Gods, the deeds of Heroes and the need to honor the fallen heroes and the living ones.

The nobles are clapping as etiquette dictates. There was silence after that as each of them offer the fallen ones prayers to reach Elysium in Lord Hades dominion.

Then it was the main event.

The announcer announces the arrival of the King.

Then a figure appeared on the constructed podium that houses a replica throne exactly like that of in the Throne Room in the palace.

Everyone could see the king walking to the throne to begin the ceremony.

The throne is located on a high platform in the Throne Room.

The members of the court stand guard below and when the king is presiding, only he, his family, and his council may sit.

All others must stand or kneel.

But today is a special occasion.

These are not normal men in his court today.

They are the heroes of the Kingdom and George intends to treat them as such. The Throne Room is decorated with beautiful tapestries of art depicting heroic acts of brave heroes.

A new tapestry was added yesterday.

It depicts a warrior slashing like a Mad God, raging in the battlefield dyeing the painting red.

It was a depiction of Aero in the battlefield.

After listening from eyewitness report of the troops and the scout, King George intends to honor Aero by putting a painting of his deed in the Battle of Coro in the Throne room.

Those who sees the painting recognizes who it is.

Aero is truly being honored by King George. His reputation in the court is bound to soar. By now, no one in Vanheim does not know of Aero.

The players who are lucky enough to get invited also had a tinge of jealousy towards Aero for garnering the attention of the nobles.

There are many players that didn't join the war or migrated to other Kingdoms because they fear that Vanheim would lose now regretting their decision.

If only they fought in the war maybe they too would be honored like Aero.

But talking about that now is too late.

The ceremony is beginning. The large palace square quieted. The only voice that could be heard was the King.

First, George awarded the soldiers that showed considerable courage and fought bravely for Vanheim.

They were rewarded with money and raise of their contribution to Peasants. Some who killed many enemies have even managed to raise their contribution level to Lord.

They were enfeoffed with some lands and were given titles of nobility.

The one who was lucky to get that kind of recognition was duo archer in Raina division. Then the captains who led the soldiers were also given the same rewards.

Some were given the nobility title.

Some were given money and precious weapons.

Then the other soldiers of every rank that contributed to the victory were also rewarded handsomely.

The list of achievement were read out by the Scribe of the King

Considering that they have a lot of loot and large tract of lands that they got from the big battle, Vanheim can afford to shower its people with lavish gifts.

And finally the main event.

The commanders that lead the soldiers and push to victory against a larger superior force.

Bradheim, Dan, Amy, Raina and Aero.

But first the conferment of the state. King George look towards the Veranis delegation which include King Philip.

He smiles and King Phillip nodded

King Philip was already waiting for too long and he is already waited for too long. Many delegates from other countries have heard about this.

But still, they need to confirm it.

'King Phillip' George said and Philip come in front of the throne and bowed a little looking downwards.

The ambassadors of other kingdoms looking at the King of Veranis bowing to King of Vanheim frowned.

Then they look at each other and their bitter expression could not be hidden

Everyone in the royal court of Veranis and Vanheim knows what George is trying to do thus Philip bowing was not considered a humiliation.

He is bowing to the one he believes will become the Emperor of the Vilajeri and that is no shame

Then he slowly kneeled. This time the ambassadors of the other kingdom gasped. King George nodded in satisfaction

Then he decreed

"King of Veranis, Lord of Veranis, Duke of Vella, Protector of His Kingdom, Philip II, rise" George then summoned Philip to come closer.

Philip stepped close to the Throne. He kneeled once again. George was satisfied looking at the other delegation of other kingdoms who were trying their best to appear calm.

Today was not only the day of his kingdom victory ceremony, it is also the day where he will declare his ambition for the world to see.

Then George continued.

"I am King George Vanheim, Ruler of Vanheim and It's Sovereign, Duke of Vanheim, Ruler of Silmar and Bretten, hereby confer the state of Erdanis to you. May this act of goodwill enhance the relations of our kingdoms."

Actually there is a piece of good news after the Battle of Coro conclude and Bradheim went to Silmar.

After Bradheim conquered Silmar easily, realizing that Vetten barely had any soldiers defending Bretten they quickly took the state without much resistance.

The matter of prisoners of war is handed to Aero to deal with it. There is no one wiser said King George when they were discussing about the POWs.

Back to the ceremony.

George handed a parchment of land deeds. It is proof that Erdanis state belongs to Veranis and it will be recorded in history.

The Vanheim court erupted with applause.

Especially the Veranis delegate they are clapping even harder than the Vanheim officials and with tears in their eyes.

Niovar delegates just clapped unenthusiastically.

Karak Federation offers it's congratulation to the Veranis delegate while like always hiding their true motives in their words.

Gerad delegates just gritted their teeth but did not dare say anything.

"I, Philip II King of Veranis, Sovereign of Its People, Lord of Veranis, Duke of Vella, and Protector of My Kingdom accept this act of goodwill. May the relations of our two kingdoms prospers to an age of peace"

Another cheer.

This marks a new age for both of those Kingdoms and ultimately made those two nations allied more closely than ever.

King Philip retreated and beside him was his son Alexander. Alexander face is unreadable.

Smiles filled the faces of Veranis delegation.