Chapter 76: A Hero’s Welcome
As Givia approached, the cheering crowd suddenly fell silent, then knelt as one, their heads bowed low, as if in reverence.
Soldiers, officers, and civilians alike, all prostrated themselves, chanting “Long live the princess!”
A middle-aged man in ornate armor rushed towards them, his speed belying his age. Upon seeing Givia, he accelerated, then dropped to his knees before her.
“Governor of Shodo Town, Duane Dobler, greets Her Highness! I apologize for my late arrival! I deserve death!”
“Rise, all of you. Look at me,” Givia commanded, her voice ringing with authority, as she sat astride her horse. “You are the proud people of Ossi. I want to see your heads held high!”
Without hesitation, they obeyed, rising to their feet, dusting off their knees, and looking at their beloved leader with renewed vigor.
“Good! I see the spirit of Ossi burning brightly within you!” Givia said, her voice loud and clear. “I have three announcements! First, and most importantly, I have successfully acquired a large quantity of military-grade potions from the Eastern Empire. Every bottle has been tested and verified. With these potions, our brave soldiers will be unstoppable, striking fear into the hearts of Kevin’s dogs! More of our countrymen will abandon his treacherous cause and join our ranks! With these potions, more of our wounded will survive, receiving the treatment they deserve!”
The crowd roared with approval, the soldiers at the gate especially enthusiastic. These potions meant the difference between life and death, victory and defeat. With a sufficient supply of high-quality Eastern Empire potions, they would have a significant advantage in battle! Even Kevin’s army lacked such potent potions. The best alchemical formulas were all in the hands of the Eastern Empire.
“And I have finally overcome the nightmares that have plagued me for years! That monstrous creature hasn’t appeared in my dreams for two days!” Givia announced, her voice ringing with triumph. “Free from these nightmares, I can now focus all my energy on leading our victorious army! We will reclaim Ossi from that traitor Kevin!”
The crowd cheered even louder. They noticed the absence of the usual fatigue and stress on Givia’s face. She looked radiant, her eyes shining with renewed vigor. Her very presence seemed to inspire courage.
“Victory for the Restoration Army!” someone shouted.
“Victory for the Restoration Army! Victory! Victory!” the crowd chanted, their voices echoing through the streets. Abyss had been right. Givia was the embodiment of their hopes and dreams. Her victory had rekindled their fighting spirit. The Ossi people, already known for their bravery, now united under their resilient leader, their collective strength formidable, even Flora was impressed.
“Duane!” Givia called out, her voice commanding.
“Your servant!” the governor replied.
“Have the soldiers transport all the potions from my caravan to the city’s warehouse! And post heavy guards! There can be no mistakes!”
“Yes, Your Highness!” the governor replied, immediately issuing orders. He was clearly a capable leader, his commands efficient and precise. The officers, under his direction, organized the soldiers, who, with the assistance of the caravan guards, began unloading the potions.
“And finally, the third announcement. I must introduce you to four heroes! I encountered these powerful individuals during my journey to the Eastern Empire. They share our goal of defeating Kevin! Without them, I wouldn’t have returned safely. They are our friends, our saviors!” Givia said, gesturing towards Abyss and his companions.
“Eh? We’re making a public appearance?” Rebecca asked, surprised. “I thought we would discreetly enter the town with Givia and find a place to stay.”
“Of course we’re making an appearance. Givia wouldn’t just let us slip in unnoticed. She’s planning to record our deeds in her kingdom’s history books. She can’t hide us now,” Abyss said with a smile. “What’s wrong? Are you shy?”
“Shy? I used to sell adult novelties in public,” Rebecca said, waving her hand dismissively. “I just didn’t expect such a grand welcome from Givia.”
“Finally, a chance to show off!” Leona exclaimed, standing up in the carriage, eager to hear Givia announce her name.
“Wait a moment…” Flora, also surprised by the public introduction, adjusted her clothes, smoothing out the wrinkles from where Leona had been leaning against her. She then carefully combed her long, golden hair, which, thankfully, remained smooth and shiny.
“Mr. Abyss, a powerful and righteous mage, capable of single-handedly defeating an army!”
Abyss jumped out of the carriage, hearing Givia’s introduction, and the crowd roared with approval.
“Miss Leona! A glorious knight, brave and strong, no enemy can withstand her might!”
Leona, unable to contain her excitement any longer, jumped out of the carriage, trying to appear mature and composed. The crowd, momentarily surprised by her small stature, then erupted in cheers.
“Miss Flora! A kind and powerful healer mage! She saved the lives of several of my guards!”
Flora stepped out of the carriage, Leona chivalrously offering her a hand. The crowd, awestruck by her beauty and her graceful demeanor, cheered even louder.
“Miss Ray! A brilliant alchemist! She helped me dispel the nightmares and protected our precious potions!”
Rebecca finally emerged, curtseying politely. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
“Everyone! Let’s enter the city! I can’t wait to plan our counterattack against Kevin!” Givia exclaimed, jumping off her horse, gesturing for Abyss and his companions to follow.
Abyss smiled, his voice low, as he addressed the girls beside him. “Yes, I’m also eager to take the offensive. I’m not fond of being on the defensive.”
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