Capítulo 116: Chapter 116: Clan's Double Joy, The Kingdom of Storms' Loyal Martyrs
[Year 14 of the Divine Descent], January 1st.
This was the first New Year's celebration since the "redemption" of the Kingdom of Storms, a bit earlier than the old calendar. Towns were festooned with lanterns and streamers, with citizens spontaneously bringing gifts to the Divine Realm's office in the capital to express their gratitude.
For the common folk at the lower echelons, it mattered little who ruled from above, only that their lives were improved—prosperous, peaceful, and treated with a modicum of respect...
Such a life was what the commoners of the Kingdom of Storms, long oppressed by the old nobility, had yearned for. The Divine Realm was indeed worthy of praise!
Far to the west, across the sea in the world of the clans, the three tribes were also celebrating the New Year. In the City of Divine Blessing, there was an additional cause for celebration.
Huyan Longzhuo and Nalan Huaz's youngest daughter, Nalan Xin, was getting married!
They had specifically returned from the Kingdom of Storms to hold the wedding in front of the stone monument at the city gate of the City of Divine Blessing. The divine inscription on the monument glowed radiantly, as if the couple were forming their union under the witness of the gods, their emotions heightened by the moment.
During the ceremony where they knelt before their parents, Nalan Huaz sat in the place of honor, stroking his long beard with satisfaction, watching Huyan Longzhuo bow three times.
"Little one, weren't you quite the wild one before? Today, you bow respectfully to this old man!"
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the three tribes, the wedding ceremony concluded smoothly. With important duties calling, Huyan Longzhuo and Nalan Huaz stayed in the City of Divine Blessing for just a few days before hurrying back to Adverse Port.
The fleet for patrolling the bay was ready, requiring high-ranking officials like them to personally lead the mission to tour the coastlines of the other three countries, asserting the Divine Realm's newfound maritime dominance over the former Kingdom of Storms.
[Year 14 of the Divine Descent], January 15th.
Still basking in the afterglow of the New Year's festivities in the capital of the Kingdom of Storms, another major event stirred excitement.
A delegation of elven wizards from the island arrived, engaging in a friendly exchange with the Wizards' Academy of the Kingdom of Storms!
Leading the delegation was none other than the former second seat of the Royal Court, Witch Meg!
Facing the new Chief Wizard Thales-Merlin and the new second seat, Lanon, from the Academy, the trio felt a mix of emotions. Once part of the same system under the Royal Court, they had either surrendered after capture or defected during battle, truly deserving the title "loyal martyrs"...
"Madame Meg, it's been a while; your grace remains undiminished."
Merlin, now with the poise of a chief wizard, broke the awkward silence first.
Lanon, also quite perceptive, followed with pleasantries, though not without being teased by his former mentor, Meg, who praised him as a "pillar of the state" and "a king's right-hand man"...
The trio exchanged cordial, albeit slightly strained, greetings on stage, while below, the audience's enthusiasm was undampened, cheering for the dazzling displays of magic by the apprentices.
The wizards from the Academy adhered to traditional methods, their spellcasting precise and orderly, embodying a sense of disciplined beauty. In contrast, the elven wizards employed less rigid techniques, often springing surprises with innovative tactics, managing to outstrip the Academy's wizards in matches despite their slightly weaker individual power!
Witnessing this, Lanon finally found an opportunity to tease his mentor from the high seats, remarking:
"Such... unconventional combat styles must surely be the result of your excellent guidance, right? Always so practical."
Witch Meg, well aware of the sarcasm, sipped her tea calmly, replying:
"A wizard's battle isn't child's play; practicality is the highest virtue. What good are rigid tactics if they cost you your life?"
Merlin, sitting between them, remained silent, observing the contest thoughtfully. It was said these elves had only been learning magic for less than half a year, yet they were holding their own against second and third-year academy students!
Traditional wizards like the late Bellmoru would likely be alarmed, fearing a resurgence of elven power might challenge human wizarding supremacy. But Merlin didn't see it that way.
Elf or human, commoner or noble, all should have an equal right to pursue magic!
Moreover, the Divine Realm had already established diplomatic relations with the island elves, taking them under its protection. Who would dare suppress their development secretly? Would they want their heads to feel too heavy on their necks?
Merlin looked admiringly at the elf Lilia, shining brightly in the arena.
"Madame Meg, is that Miss Lilia you mentioned earlier? Her talent is truly remarkable!
If possible, I would like to invite you and these young elves to stay at the Academy for a while, to broaden our students' perspectives with the unique advantages of elven wizardry. We will cover all living expenses and provide magical supplies during your stay. What do you think?"
"No problem,"
Witch Meg agreed cheerfully, as this was part of her agenda. Elven natural talent in magic was considerable, but human wizards' disciplined approach had its merits. Both sides stood to gain from mutual exchange and learning.
Meg subtly glanced at Merlin, thinking to herself how she had not noticed before how far-sighted this once unassuming common wizard was...
But she soon realized. If he were truly a simple, honest fool, would he have had the courage to defect and provide critical intelligence?
Meg had a premonition that this commoner wizard, now elevated to chief by the Divine Realm, might indeed forge a new legend...
Looking at Lanon, she considered him more of a political figure, unlikely to make further strides in the wizardly arts.
...
[Year 14 of the Divine Descent], July 20th.
Half a year had passed, and with the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the Thunder Kingdom and the Kingdom of Storms, trade resumed. Naturally, the Divine Realm's jade wheat and spicy strips found their way to the beastmen's tables.
The Thunder King, a tiger clan chieftain with unbridled ambition, initially thought to send elite assassins to raid the Divine Realm's merchant caravans. However, he was dissuaded by Priest Saliman, who had firsthand experience with the strength of "divine" beings. The ease with which the Divine Realm had transformed the Kingdom of Storms, even killing the chief wizard of the Royal Court, left no doubt that they were also under divine protection.
The news of Bellmoru's death stirred a sense of melancholy in Saliman.
"One of the four legends of the world has fallen; even I, in my current state, could not best the Celestial God of that realm...
Until I receive instructions from the deity of death, I'll focus on my plans within the Thunder Kingdom and maintain stable trade relations with the Divine Realm."
Composing himself, Saliman looked down at the list in his hands, written in vivid red ink, with some names crossed out. The first name not yet crossed was none other than the current king, the tiger clan chieftain!
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