Returning to the present... The day had arrived for the ceremony celebrating the restoration of the Kingdom of Lastania.
The city of Wedan, along with its castle, had been adorned in splendor befitting a new capital. During the ceremony, King Julius and Queen Tia were broadcast live across the continent through a jewel. The festivities were grand and flamboyant, rivaling even the lavish wedding that had once been held for Souma in the Kingdom of Friedonia. What surprised people most, however, were the congratulatory gifts sent from the other nations.
King Souma of Friedonia, Julius’s brother-in-law, sent vast supplies arranged with Roroa, and even announced a package of financial aid for Lastania’s restoration during the broadcast.
The head of the Republic of Turgis, Kuu, sent a giant statue of Julius and Tia, along with his wishes for the kingdom’s reconstruction and for lasting friendship. Queen Shabon of the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union gifted Tia treasures from her islands like pearls, coral, and other specialties. Their ally, the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom, contributed a dazzling aerial display, with dragon knights soaring in formation over Wedan and performing acrobatics to symbolize the strength of their ties.
These gifts were broadcast across the continent, once again displaying the Kingdom of Lastania’s connections under Julius’s rule. It was a message to those who scoffed at the resurrection of such a small nation—this was a kingdom backed by powerful friends.
Before Julius and Tia during the ceremony stood Jirukoma, Kagashi, and many other talented personnel who had drifted free amid the upheavals of the continent. The sight of so many capable retainers gathered at their side made the people of Lastania recognize that their kingdom was truly reborn. Just as Julius had hoped, the ceremony left the impression that the Kingdom of Lastania had been fully restored.
“It was incredible,” Tia would later remark, patting her son Tius gently on the head. “I’ve never had so many people celebrate me before.”
Julius smiled and whispered to the boy, “I’m going to borrow your mother for a moment,” before drawing Tia close and slipping his arms around her waist.
“Huh? Lord Julius?” she asked, startled.
✦ ✦ ✦
