Chapter 75: The Leader’s Return
The Restoration Army’s base was located within the Western Empire, in a region called Oakning, formerly Ossi territory. Its inhabitants were all Ossi natives.
After the Western Empire annexed Oakning, seizing its towns and villages, they hadn’t truly established control, merely claiming the territory on paper. The locals refused to speak the Western Empire’s Common Tongue, clinging to their Ossi language. The appointed governor couldn’t govern these resentful people. Even executing a few instigators hadn’t quelled their resistance, nearly sparking a full-scale rebellion. The governor had been recalled, fleeing this unruly land in disgrace.
Knowing the Ossi people’s fierce independence and fearing that further suppression would only worsen the situation, turning peaceful citizens into bandits and disrupting trade, the Western Empire abandoned its iron-fisted approach and adopted a more gradual assimilation strategy. They encouraged trade and cultural exchange, offering tax exemptions to Oakning’s residents for thirty years and appointing locals to official positions. This appeased the population somewhat, and they began paying a small, albeit insufficient, amount of taxes.
However, they still refused to obey the Western Empire’s direct commands, and banditry remained rampant in the area. Emperor Beos of the Western Empire even regretted listening to his mother’s advice and invading Ossi in the first place.
This defiant land became the Restoration Army’s base. The Western Empire was unwilling to exert direct control, and the Ossi army, bound by the treaty signed by Kevin, couldn’t enter their lost territory. Thus, Oakning became Givia’s sanctuary, its inhabitants welcoming their compassionate and courageous princess. Every day, young men and women flocked to the Restoration Army’s camp, eager to join her cause.
The morning sun shone warmly on the bustling streets of Shodo Town, Oakning’s harsh winter finally over. Blacksmiths, leatherworkers, bakers, and butchers worked tirelessly, producing supplies for the Restoration Army. The citizens, having secured their own necessities, also contributed to the war effort, men offering their labor, women their skills. Even the children, boys and girls alike, played war games with wooden swords, their movements mimicking those of seasoned warriors.
From the military camp outside the town, the soldiers’ training cries echoed through the streets. Many families had sons and daughters in the army, their hearts filled with pride and concern.
Shodo Town, now the Restoration Army’s base, had been transformed into a fortress, heavily guarded by patrolling soldiers.
A lone rider appeared in the distance, catching the attention of the guards at the east gate.
“Archers, prepare!” the commanding officer shouted, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure, ordering the archers to defend the town.
As the clatter of hooves grew louder, the officer saw that the rider was dressed as a mercenary. He was alone, and a sense of anticipation, a flicker of hope, filled the officer’s heart.
“Brothers and sisters of the Restoration Army! Prepare to welcome Princess Givia’s caravan! We’re back! We’re back!” the rider shouted, his voice carrying through the air, speaking in fluent Ossi.
His horse, its mouth foaming, hadn’t even stopped when he jumped off, landing with a slight stumble before regaining his balance. He quickly pulled out a silver badge, hanging from a red cord, and waved it at the guards.
The commanding officer recognized the badge instantly. It was the symbol of the guards who had escorted the princess to the Eastern Empire!
“The princess has returned! Inform the governor!” he shouted, his voice filled with joy, ordering a young messenger. “Make sure everyone knows! Spread the word!”
As the boy ran through the streets, shouting the news, the entire town erupted in celebration. The governor’s orders arrived swiftly: open the gates, assemble all off-duty soldiers, and welcome the princess at the east gate. Even the governor himself was on his way.
The guards and soldiers lined up at the gate, a large crowd of excited citizens gathering behind them, eagerly awaiting the princess’s return.
Soon, several carriages appeared, cresting a hill in the distance.
It was the princess’s caravan, disguised as merchants! They had returned!
The crowd cheered, singing songs of praise, celebrating her safe return. The soldiers, despite their discipline, couldn’t contain their excitement, their faces beaming.
As the caravan drew closer, they could see the faces of the riders. The cheers grew louder, the crowd’s waving hands like waves in the ocean, their joy overflowing.
“Princess Givia! Princess Givia! Princess Givia!”
As the crowd chanted, the door of one of the carriages opened, and an agile figure leaped onto a waiting horse, appearing before them, waving regally.
“It’s the princess! She’s back!” the crowd roared, recognizing their beloved leader. They surged forward, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of her. Some parents lifted their children onto their shoulders.
“People of Ossi! I have returned! I have brought the potions!” Givia announced, her voice clear and strong, proclaiming her victory. “The traitor Kevin tried to stop me, to defeat me! But he failed! I have returned unharmed, and the potions have arrived safely!”
“Long live Princess Givia! Long live the princess!”
Inside the carriage, Abyss and his companions could hear the deafening cheers. Even Flora, accustomed to large crowds, was moved. “Princess Givia is truly loved by her people… Even during my sermons, the crowds were never this enthusiastic. This is what a true leader looks like.”
“She is the hope of the Ossi people. She embodies their strength,” Abyss said, closing his eyes, listening to the cheers and the songs, a smile on his face.
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