章節 21: The Awarding Ceremony
The grants have kept low profile after returning to town. They could hardly go anywhere without being recognized now. One time, Terrick and Bryce was followed home by a gaggle of school girls. This made everyone realize that they had to be more careful and aware of who is around them when they are out and about. Tonight was different however. They have to go to the Awarding Ceremony. It was to recognize their contributions in the beast subjugation. It was also an excuse for the city to celebrate its escape from almost certain doom.
Ellie was wearing a frilly dress with a French collar. It made her look younger but you can't deny how beautiful she is. Terrick's jaw just about dropped when he walked into the parlor room. Bryce, who was in his adventurer uniform, elbows him. The shoulder pad of his light armor almost bruising Terrick' rib. Terrick complains but caught himself and straightens out the crease on his suit caused by Bryce's light jab. Tasha arrives wearing an elegant white gown with shimmering crystals. The other three couldn't stop complimenting her for looking so adult. Althea enters and the room gets quiet. She was wearing the basic all black adventurer's uniform minus the armor. "You look like you're going to a mission!" exclaimed Bryce. "Me?! You're wearing armor to an award ceremony." Althea pokes back. The group argues over who wore the most appropriate attire. Everyone was getting rowdy and defensive when the Mistress Juliette arrives wearing her usual religious garb. They stop immediately and head out the door. Terrick still eyeing Bryce's armor. Ellie is close to tears for not wearing something as formal as Tasha. Meanwhile, Althea was wishing she had something like the nun's habit that she can wear for all sorts of occasion.
The Ceremony begins exactly at 7 after midsun (7pm) in an outdoor pavilion in downtown Kauven. All the famous adventurers who played a part in the beast subjugation, including Council members and City Elders were present. In the center of the stage were five seats occupied by 5 teenagers that looked somewhere between awkward and scared. A handful of prestigious people spoke. The mayor even tried to make light of the situation by cracking a joke but that died faster than his political aspirations for recumbency. Apparently, he was blamed for voting against the deployment of new technology sensors that could have raised the alarm regarding the stampede.
Finally, the time came for the 5 new grants to be recognized. Each stood as they were called by name. Bryce was called last and by the time he stood on his spot, the clapping, screaming, and cheering was deafening. Gil the water master took the microphone and this signaled the crowd to hush down. An identical brooch was pinned on them. These recognized them as heroes of Kauven, an honor rarely given and comes with many perks. They are widely accepted throughout the Dearth Kingdom. The primary benefit was tax exemption and priority entry to cities sand towns. It also avails the owner of VIP treatment during travel, hotel accommodations, and other business establishments. They also received 5,000 platinum coins each which was deposited into their adventurer account. More applause exploded from the people. The Council chairman thanked Forlorn's Hope and the crowd erupted one more time. The five look around smiling and taking this all in.
Gil asked the crowd to be quiet once again as he takes a letter from his chest pocket. He begins to read it. The crowd goes so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The Royal family has recognized the contributions of the party. Highlighting the fact that Forlorn's Hope's action prevented the devastation of not only Kauven but of all the nearby cities and towns. It also pointed out how, if the stampede reached the Royal highway which led to the capital, it could have been catastrophic. Five dragon pins where taken out of a box with the royal seal.
"These pins recognize you as a Hero of Dearth Kingdom," Gil explained the benefit that comes with the Royal pins. They grant privileges such as access to the most classified libraries, free lounging and transportation using government facilities the kingdom's domains, and finally enrollment to the Grand Magical Academy in the Capital. Tears just streamed warmly in the grants' faces. They never thought that they would have received such esteem and honor. Only the most talented grants throughout the kingdom are recognized and allowed enrollment by the Grand Magical Academy. For Bryce who always felt powerless because of being poor, attaining S rank was now within reach. Althea knew that she could get answers to her questions in the academy where all sorts of magic is studied. As they are pinned again, the crowd begins to chant their names. They also received even more money. This time adding 50,000 platinum coins to each person's coffer. They were rich 10 times over, never needing to work if that was what they preferred.Overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and rewards that they never expected, Tasha, Ellie, and Terrick grew silent.
Mistress Juliette was looking from offstage, beaming with pride at her children. But the night isn't over yet. There is still the grand dinner at the Council Pavilion. This was why she preferred to be spy in her day. She hated the political maneuverings and the endless parade of faces wearing fake smiles. It was more straightforward in the shadows. There was no need to pretend. Just carry out your mission. For tonight, she will happily bear it to ensure that these politicians won't take advantage of her children.
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