Chapter 361 - Closing Ceremony (2/3)
The closing ceremony had finally arrived.
Unlike the past, the closing ceremony was now held at the Main Square in front of the palace. There were two reasons for this change; one, Lydia was the person who organized the midsummer festival and second, the Sacred Arena had been severely damaged due to the battle between Rhode and Waltz.
The countless people gathered at the Main Square gazed fervently at the castle towers, softly exchanging words with each other. The aftermath of the midsummer festival still lingered among the people, and they couldn’t help but discuss what was about to happen.
In the past, the midsummer festival was an unspoken tradition for the four Guilds to duke it out with each other. Many people had grown weary of such an arrangement that had already lasted for centuries, so when Rhode and his entourage appeared and broke the tradition, he immediately garnered the attention of everyone.
A mysterious mercenary group leader that popped out from nowhere, leading a bunch of average mercenaries to defeat Sky Sword, Purple Lily, and Liberty Wings? Outrageously outstanding!
Furthermore, there was that rumor that spread like wildfire after Starlight defeated Liberty Wings — it was practically impossible for the Northerners to keep silent after being ridiculed over the past years! Starlight’s presence could be said to be the solution to their bottled up anger and frustration. Both nobles and regular citizens alike were ultimately still humans; they had their pride and hated to be oppressed, so they immediately lashed out the moment the chance came.
They might not be Rhode’s supporters, but praising Rhode’s name meant that they could cause the other side to tremble in anger — something that they absolutely delighted in doing. Whether unaware or not, their actions increased Starlight’s prestige and influence in the city.
But of course, when there is light, there is also darkness. The conflict became a vicious cycle; the stronger the support, the stronger the objection. Southerners would rather dig their graves than to give Starlight or Rhode any respect. From their perspective, Rhode was merely a dog of the noble families, and Marlene’s identity further reinforced their beliefs.
Clearly, this man called Rhode was part of the powerful nobles whose purpose was to kill their hope with despicable means. Not only did he defeat Sky Sword and Liberty Wings, he even publically executed their hero Rosen and forced Waltz to turn into a depraved demon. Everything was orchestrated by this evil man!
Compared to Purple Lily and Cole Falcon, Starlight’s foundation was like a speck of dirt not worth mentioning about. Because of this, Rhode had no choice but to remove the impurities within the group. Unlike guilds, Starlight didn’t have the power to deter those who they mistrusted. The only way was to use external pressure to force them to leave. Having matching ideologies, goals or missions could help foster unity and make long-term goals easier to develop.
If those furious people knew that their actions were actually helping Rhode, perhaps they would’ve committed suicide.
At this moment, the sound of the bugle suppressed the bustling noises in the Main Square. Then, a graceful figure appeared at the top of the platform.
The entire mass quietened as they bowed towards the figure. Standing on the highest platform before them, was the ruler of the country, Lydia Paphield Mila Frandrica.
Rhode lifted his head and squinted at the beautiful figure glowing against the sun rays.
Her golden hair shimmered as they fluttered in the gentle wind. A beautiful, slender body complimented by a fitting, elegant white dress. There was no royal crown on top of her head, but a bright halo glinted in its place. Behind her, were six wings gleaming with holiness. A symbol which only she had.
The symbol of an Archangel.
She hadn’t changed a bit.
Rhode lamented from the bottom of his heart as he reminisced the painful memories.
Lydia looked the same as that day.