BXBX NOVEL Chapter 192 March Towards The Capital (2)
Leon and the men were shocked by this scene suddenly playing in front of them, they could not process what was happening right away.
It was only when they reached the crowd that they realized the people had gathered to welcome them, like heroes going home from a victorious battle.
Most of them were wearing the gowns of the Farauld Magic Institute - black, red, blue and green. They all represented the three branches of the school as well as the faculty members.
The academic school was in charge of the music and chanting. The magic school and research school used their beasts and caster abilities to release a barrage of booming air spells.
They also saw the Farauld and Forgeworn members and workers waving flags of victory. The relatives of the soldiers were also present.
The men also carried large banners with large words conveying their gratitude and cheers. The children and the women threw fragrant flower petals as a sign of gratitude as the knights marched.
"Father! Welcome back!"
"Grandpa! We are proud of you!"
"My love, thank heavens for keeping you all safe!"
"Brother! I miss you!"
Everyone conveyed their thoughts and cheered as the crew dignifiedly marched on the road.
Witnessing all this, the men, especially Leon and General Farauld's subordinates, could feel the stinging sensation on their eyes and started to tremble in deep emotions. These brave men held their heads down and bitterly wiped the warm tears flowing on their faces.
Months and months in the wilderness, tracking and fighting the Spectre's men were not in vain.
All those months laying their head not on a comfortable pillow but a cold and dusty boulder or rock.
All those times when they resisted hunger and thirst just to ensure that they would survive in the midst of the barren lands.
When the first people they saw were their loved ones, who all welcomed them so warmly.
When there was someone in the Empire who didn't take their efforts for granted.
When there were people who would not choose to warm their chairs at home but to go out and faithfully anticipate their return.
All the pain and suffering was worth it!
Leon and General Farauld also felt surprised by this scene. They have been in the capital secretly ahead of time yet they didn't know that their loved ones would still organize this heart warming welcome for their crew.
Their hearts were overflowing with gratitude and relief.
They looked at the men who were moved to tears by this scene. After all, this moment was actually for them.
Their men deserved to be treated like this. They deserved to receive honor and glory for every sacrifice they made for the Empire.
Just as they thought that the crowd was finished, there were two women who stepped forward and approached Leon and General Farauld.
It was Eli and Mami Aquilia, each holding several stalks of Gladiolus flower on their hands.
In the midst of a joyous crowd, the two slowly approached Leon and Papi Eugine, smiling gently as they gave these stalks to the two leaders.
"We thank the heavens for your safe return." They two women uttered softly.
As it was in public, the two men tried their best to stop themselves from pulling their respective beloved in their arms lovingly. However, they maintained a polite demeanor and expressed gratitude as they accepted their gifts.
Gladiolus, to their country, is a symbol of strength. But these two pairs of lovey dovey couple also knew the second meaning of gifting the flower to each other, 'You pierced my heart'. It symbolizes deep affection for the receiving end.
They only subtly answered each other with a smile before letting them go and see them continue their march to the castle, where they have to present themselves to the Emperor.
The commotion created by these seemingly small number of people actually managed to attract the people's attention. That was also mainly because of the grand surprise made by the Farauld Magical Institute.
No one could mobilize these elusive and revered mages to waste their mana for casting air spells! Even the ever eccentric Research Branch participated with the crowd.
There was also a large discussion about who was the woman with Dame Aquila who gave the Gladiolus stalks to the third prince.
People started to speculate and gather information, but none of the people belonging to the crowd took the initiative to divulge information regarding Eli.
Eventually, the news reached the ears of the First Prince Kazimir and Second Prince Antoine. Their eyes only flickered due to surprise and shrugged the news off.
"For sure, that was organized because he was with General Farauld. It would be a big shame if the Farauld family wouldn't pull some strings to let Esteemed General arrive here in such a shameful manner."
The others also thought the same and didn't bother to look into the matter differently.
But little did they know that it was Eli who came up with all these things and actually started to organize everything behind Papi and Leon's backs.
First, she communicated her idea to the elders who naturally became elated to execute her suggestions. Aunt Janine also nagged Uncle Bramwell and asked if he could gather some volunteers from the institute for the grand welcome.
Who knew that when the research branch heard the news, they would volunteer themselves willingly especially when they heard that everything was Eli's idea.
Even though it was winter break and the majority of the students were in their respective homes, the research team were still the same, staying perpetually at the dorms.
They immediately set their research works aside and formed a team to organize everything. When the remaining faculties and students, who decided to stay on campus for the winter break heard of the commotion, they cautiously asked what's happening.
"We will be organizing a grand welcome for General Farauld and His Highness Third Prince! This was Great Inventor Eli's idea! We want to make sure that they will come back in a glorious way!" The people from the research branch answered with excited eyes.
Hearing that it was for a good cause and most especially it was from the renowned inventor, the remaining members from the magic and academic schools also joined the fun.
Mami Aquila was also a renowned female knight during her prime days and was famously known as Dame Aquila.
She pulled some strings and managed to get the full roster of the members of Leon and her husband's crew. Then she sent men to contact their respective families to join the surprise.
Lastly, how would the Forgeworns who were closely tied with the Faraulds be missing this happening? They couldn't let this matter be used by the Faraulds to monopolize Eli more! They had to also be present!
As such, the Forgeworns also invited themselves and even provided for the decorative flags and banners that were vigorously waved by their mighty men.
When the crowd could no longer see the marching men with their own sight, they looked at each other with contentment on their faces. Even the research team looked at their counterparts from the magic and academic schools and gave each one a high five.
The joyous situation also pleased Grandpa Ben and Grandpa Andi. With a wide grin on their faces they announced to the crowd,
"Everyone, thank you all for your cooperation! To express our appreciation to everyone, we have organized a welcome party just here in the main hall. For the glorious and safe return of General Farauld and the Third Prince of the Empire, let's celebrate with an array of refreshments inside!"
The crowd cheered upon hearing the announcement. It was seldom for the Farauld Magic Institute to open their gates to the public. They didn't expect that they would be fortunate to experience this rare opportunity!
As such on this particular day, there were three welcome parties organized for the three princes of the Empire. Oddly enough, they were conducted separately, not minding each other's business.
After reporting to the Emperor, Leon and General Farauld also attended the party. With the company of everyone and their loyal men, they spent the day celebrating their successful missions.
Leon took Eli home at the middle of the party. It was because Leon had to immediately go back to the secret base to continue their investigation.
Eli adamantly protested against this as she knew that Leon hadn't had any wink of sleep since last night.
"Please, just rest even for an hour…" Eli pleaded with worry in her eyes.
"I promise to do so after I check on the captives, I only made them unconscious for six hours, we still do not know what kind of trouble they would bring once they wake up." Leon gently coaxed Eli, brushing the top of her head in a loving manner.
Although still unwilling, Eli didn't want to make difficult things for Leon. She had to fully support him in this matter, not hinder it. Because they knew what it means to have these two captives on their side.
In Leon and Eli's heart, they felt relief as they knew that the clean up mission would buy them time to prepare for the unknown dangers in the future.
They have to spend this time wisely.
With the dark knights under their watch, it would give them more opportunity to prepare and conquer what lies ahead.
Knowing this, they understood that they have to take the matter seriously. Moreover, Eli and Leon still had to face the events coming two days from now - the awarding ceremony and the winter banquet!
These events would be the official debut of Eli's to high society and would eventually pave the way to the Imperial palace along with Little Han!