The melody stirred every heart, making blood surge and eyes blaze with heat. As the drums‘ final, heavy beats signaled the end of the performance, silence fell over the crowd.
Carrying Hector’s memorial plaque, Rafael lifted it high as if to let Hector enter the city first. With the plaque raised, he stepped forward into the city, followed by the others. Everyne holding a plaque remained silent and solemn.
Once inside the city, they knelt before Salvador.
“I, Rafael Sanford, together with the late Hector Sinclair and our soldiers, have returned victorious. Thanks to your blessings, Your Majesty, as well as the blessings of Starhaven’s ancestors, we have fulfilled our mission and reclaimed the Southern Frontier,” Rafael loudly declared.
His voice echoed through the city gates, resonating through the capital.
Like an explosion, the crowd erupted into cheers, filled with both joy and tears.
Salvador felt his eyes burn as he personally stepped forward to help Rafael to his feet. Gazing at Hector’s plaque with deep emotion, he choked up several times, struggling to find his voice.
“Rise. By my decree, all the armies involved will be rewarded!”
“On behalf of all the soldiers, I thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty!” Rafael replied.
Salvador approached Carissa, who stood tall and proud. Holding her brother’s plaque, she kept her gaze lowered, avoiding direct eye contact with the king.
“General Sinclair!” Salvador called out.
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Carissa responded loudly.
The long journey had darkened her once–beautiful face, but she still looked striking, her eyes like two shining black pearls.
As Salvador looked at her, he felt a pang of guilt. He had doubted her when she came to the palace seeking help, suspecting she was motivated by personal concerns. But she had proven herself with her strength, showing everyone that she was Hector’s daughter, possessing the resolve and pride of the Duke of Northwatch’s family.
“The Sinclair family has done well, and so have you!” Salvador said in front of the court officials and citizens. “Together with the Hell Monarch and the generals holding the plaques, you will ride in my carriage for a procession around the city. All other soldiers will follow and receive the citizens‘ welcome. You are all heroes who reclaimed the Southern Frontier, and Starhaven will forever remember your deeds.”
Carissa’s eyelashes fluttered with emotion. “Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“I remember the little girl you once were, and you’ve now grown into a general. I am deeply relieved; I believe your father’s spirit in heaven feels reassured as well,” Salvador added, his voice filled with admiration.
Carissa bowed in gratitude at the king’s words.
Salvador did not join the procession but instead traveled back to the palace in a separate carriage, escorted by the royal guards. He already had a celebratory feast prepared at the palace, which would commence as soon as everyone returned from the parade.
Barrett and Aurora were also part of the procession, but neither of them was granted a place in the king’s carriage, nor were they
+15 BONUS
allowed to ride horses.
This was not due to Barrett’s lack of qualification, but because he had taken Aurora’s punishment. For at least half of their journey back to the capital, he had been confined to the back of a horse. Though he could dismount and walk with assistance later on, the journey had left him too battered to endure the jolting of the horse, so he had to be supported as he walked.
Accompanied by his servants, Benjamin spotted Barrett among the crowd.
Seeing his brother injured, he hurried over with concern, asking, ” Barrett, you’re hurt! Is it serious?”
“It’s nothing,” Barrett said, his gaze conflicted as he looked at his older brother. “You should go back first.”
“Alright. You still need to attend the palace banquet, right? I’ll return to inform our parents first.”
Benjamin also noticed Aurora. She and Barrett were not in the same procession but had fallen behind the army quite a bit. A look of distaste crossed Benjamin’s face as he recalled the recent rumors. If they were true, then the Warren family’s reputation had been thoroughly tarnished.
Fortunately, Rebecca was still unaware of these rumors, or she would have been furious.
In contrast, Frederick, the head steward of Northwatch Estate, along with two old maids and a few servants, followed the king’s carriage. with great enthusiasm. They chased after it with excitement and tears, thrilled that their mistress had returned in glory.
Carissa had returned triumphantly, bringing with her the memorial plaques of Hector and his sons who had fallen at the Southern
Frontier. Though their plaques were also displayed at Northwatch
Estate, this was different.
Their spirits were certainly lingering on these plaques, and had returned to the capital alongside the victors in triumph!
