Most of the remaining soldiers were elite knights representing the various kingdoms.
Each order marched with their respective flags raised, all led, of course, by the Knights of the Temple.
Behind them were the royal knights of Wedon and Livadon, followed by the knights of Arex and Balto.
Although the army was almost a quarter of its original size, they were still an impressive sight.
Colorful flags danced in the wind, armed soldiers marched forward in their thousands, and hundreds of carts laden with the spoils of war rolled along the path.
A crowd of eager spectators, hundreds strong, gathered to witness the army's triumphant journey southeast.
Among them were merchants, courtesans, beggars, and petty thieves, all drawn to the camp under cover of night.
For Maxi, the scene resembled a long, noisy parade.
Drunk on their recent victory, the soldiers celebrated their success, swaying with drinks and their voices full of bravado.
Most of his superiors turned a blind eye to his undisciplined behavior, understanding the impossible task of controlling the desires of men who had faced starvation and death in the wild, unforgiving nature for months.
Even the mages, usually reserved and composed, seemed caught up in the lively atmosphere.
Maxi let out a tired sigh as he watched the excitement unfold around the campfires.
The arrival of the bards infused the air with vibrant melodies, as scantily clad women seduced the soldiers, leading them to barns, tents, or disappearing into the dense forest.
Pretending not to see them, Maxi led Rem to the temporary stable.
“Allow me, my lady,” said Ulyseon, hurrying to take her reins.
“You should retire to your tent.”
“I don’t need your help,” Maxi snapped, his voice tinged with icy contempt as he ripped the reins back.
She walked past Ulyseon, who hunched his shoulders like an abandoned puppy.
He led his mare to an empty stable, restraining her and removing the saddle.
Indifferently, Ulyseon followed behind her.
"Please allow me to handle the demanding tasks, my lady.
Sir Riftan specifically instructed me to look after you."
"I have no need of a servant.
Go and inform Sir Riftan that his intrusion is unnecessary!" exclaimed Maxi, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
Just when he was about to leave, he came across Ursuline Ricaydo, who was taking her own horse to the stable.
The knight looked at Maxi's impassive face, then Ulyseon's desperate one.
“Good evening, my lady.”
Maxi gave him an irritated look.
“I’m afraid you’re not having a good night, Sir Ursuline.”
“How…unfortunate.”
His calm response only deepened Maxi's frown.
Although she was dying to grab the man by the collar and tell him some good truths, she refused to stoop to such undignified behavior in front of everyone.
With a penetrating look directed at Ursuline's well-manicured face, she turned around, determined to show that she had no intention of getting involved with him.
Ursuline sighed and followed behind her.
“How long must I bear your wrath, my lady?” he called.
"I didn't know there was tension between you and the commander.
He rushed to your side as soon as he received the news that you had left Nornui, leaving only a brief message for me.
Given all the turmoil, I assumed you two had reconciled before..."
“I… I don’t remember scolding him in any way,” Maxi interrupted, her cheeks flushing.
Ursuline seemed determined to continue this painfully uncomfortable conversation, as if desperate to vent her grievances.
“You have been looking at me with such spite as if I were your sworn enemy, just for interrupting your time with your husband.”
Maxi felt her anger and humiliation fuel the blush on her cheeks.
She could hardly believe his audacity as he continued, “As I was only prioritizing my duties, I ask that you cease this unfair treatment immediately.”
"All right!
Then explain to me what this important duty was.
If I am convinced of its importance, I will set aside my resentment, as you so boldly suggest."With a slight defiant lift of her chin, Maxi glared at Ursuline with animosity.
Deep wrinkles appeared on Ursuline's forehead.
Catching the slight hesitation on his face, Maxi fixed her gaze on his mouth, eager to hear his answer.
“What’s going on here?” said a deep voice.
It seemed close.
Maxi turned his head towards the fountain and saw Riftan staring at them sternly.
“We were talking,” Ursuline replied with a sigh.
Riftan gave him a warning look before turning his attention to Maxi.
"It's not safe for you to be out there.
Go back to your tent."
“H-How is this any of your business?” Maxi snapped, but his face flushed with regret as soon as the words left his mouth.
Despite her determination to treat him with the same cool detachment he had shown her, her anger had gotten the better of her.
Biting her lip, she tried to regain her composure.
“I am perfectly capable of assessing dangers on my own.”
Riftan remained silent, his eyes fixed on her.
A tight feeling of oppression filled Maxi's chest as she met his unwavering gaze.
How was this man capable of so much coldness?
She was beginning to wonder if the blind affection and dedication he had shown her in the past had been nothing more than an illusion.
Maxi turned around abruptly when she felt tears pooling in her eyes.
He was afraid that he would end up embarrassing himself again.
“I need to go now,” he managed to sob.
She hurriedly walked away as if she was running away and headed towards the gathered mages.
Ulyseon followed her faithfully as her escort.
Ignoring the nervous young knight, Maxi entered the dark tent and huddled in his sleeping bag.
She strained to listen for any sign of Riftan, before realizing what she was doing.
Overwhelmed by misery, she pulled the blanket over her head.
Frustration set in as she berated herself for continuing to harbor hope despite her vow to let it go.
Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to clear his mind.
The next day, the coalition army passed through a region called Lindell and arrived at the ancient capital of the Roem Empire.
They climbed a hill dotted with skeletal trees, which offered a view of the basilica's imposing towers beyond the city walls.
As Maxi led his mare along the gentle slope, he gazed at the massive entrance with a peculiar expression.
It looked like they had left through this same gate to Planalto years ago.
“Sound the kopel!”
As soon as Kuahel's command echoed from the front, the soldiers announced their victorious return with several resounding blasts of their kopels.
The sound was reminiscent of the roar of a powerful beast.
In a matter of moments, the city gate opened to welcome the army.
Maxi followed the riders through the colossal doors, which rose at least forty kevettes high, and encouraged his mare to trot.
The largest crowd they had encountered so far cheered on both sides of the wide, well-paved road that led to the basilica.
When Rem was startled by the noise, Maxi gently reassured her as she scanned the exuberant faces in the crowd.
Dry petals flew around them.
It seemed that more people had gathered at Balbourne since his departure.
When they finally reached the broad grounds of the basilica, Anette complained with a groan: “How tiring.”
“Stop grumbling and try to enjoy it,” Sidina said, laughing.
"When will we have a reception like this again?
I for one am a little disappointed there won't be more."
“You don’t need to be disappointed.”
The three women turned to see Sejuleu Aren, adorned in all the pomp of the Royal Knights of Bolosé.
A bright smile played on his lips.
"A grand celebration awaits us at the basilica.
During the talks, there will be daytime events and, at night, the most extravagant banquets in history to celebrate our victory.
Nobles from each of the Seven Kingdoms will be present.
You will certainly receive a heroes' welcome."
“That sounds terrible,” Anette grumbled with a frown.
In contrast, Sidina's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she maneuvered her horse closer to Sejuleu.
“Can commoners attend the banquet too?”"Of course!
You are the heroes who saved the Seven Kingdoms," Sejuleu replied softly.
"I'm sure the nobles will be lining up to hear your stories of bravery.
If you allow me, I would be honored to provide dresses for the banquet."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Ulyseon, who was riding a few steps behind, hurried forward.
"Why would you offer her clothes, sir?
Her dresses will be provided by Sir Riftan.
Your unnecessary kindness is not necessary."
“Kindness is never unnecessary,” Sejuleu countered, her smile unwavering despite Ulyseon’s hostility.
He added nonchalantly, "I would not have intervened if Calypse had fulfilled her duty.
Based on my observations thus far, it appears that is not the case.
I can no longer bear to see the disappointment on her ladyship's beautiful face.
I wish her to have fun while“"
“Enough!” Maxi shouted angrily.
“I will not be attending the banquet, so I ask that you end this meaningless discussion immediately.”