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With such a nice day, the sun shining the clear blue sky is as calming with the nice relaxing breeze from the seas which matched the gentle hums that emperor, who is getting ready for the delegation event, was finishing up on as that event got postponed due to bad storms that has been happening recently.
The royal princes with their appointed scholars of the emperor were provided are in the ballroom, that looked so magical and sophisticated with the theme based on of the tales of the northern tribes of Horan of the goddess Solas who, by legend, created a magical room for a sick little girl as her last dying wish.
The room as per legend is said to had the reflection of the sky as the place was tall, wide, and vast with the view of the day and night sky as the bright cool day reflected golden pillars with glasses as delicate but beautiful as diamonds and the floor whom reflection of the night as the stars shine and shimmer each step you take as if it is guiding you each step.
The young princes looking their best with their slick but elegant imperial uniforms, a closed collar coat with carefully handcrafted gold chain neatly attached to two amethyst buttons with the Ariola tri-star symbol placed right next to the right button, representing their Empire as a bridge Solas's blessings and peace.
As they stood their awaiting the announcement of the delegates, Nathaniel in particular is excited rather than nervous because the scholar that they got is also his swordmaster Cairo with his son Diego, which he gotten close because they spar so often after that incident with the mages.
"Yee could at least pretend yer nervous yer highness" Diego pointed out in a low but teasing voice
"I would love to but with both of you here that's impossible" he said happily which made Cairo smirk at the cheeky kid while his big brothers glared at him
"That's a good character to have yer highness. Anyways let's remember to keep formalities towards our guests and do not sneak off whenever things get tiring shall we" Cairo teased as he rub Nathaniel's head which made his hair messy but didn't mind to change it because he remembered his sister liking his messy hair more
Nicolas was about to tell him to fix it when the horns were blown which cued the royals to stand properly and as the door opened the princes's politely bowed in turn like a show the guests followed
"May Solas reign blessings to the hearts of the lights and guides of all nations. We welcome you to Ariola, the empire of the sun" the princes happily greeted with smiles
As the delegates clapped in response the empress with her black imperial uniform lined with gold by it's side which reflects the stream of light guiding their country in all aspects came with a strong presence and race while the two princesses came in wearing elegant yellow dresses and black hair ties with gold sparkle that looks like their hair is glowing, also greeted the guests.
Nathaniel was surprised his mother didn't wear her dress but given that she had a meeting prior to this with the monarchs as well she has to go in formal to discuss with the knights and defense organization.
The empress noticed him and smiled usually he would just nod , but due to Joie encouraging him to do so to people, he smiled back at his mother lovingly which made her blush.
The confused child didn't know that he resembles his father smiling the most of her son's so she couldn't help but feel happy inside.
After a small welcoming speech from the crown princess, the empress was given a long golden scepter that resembles an old tree branch like crystal holder that holds one of the most powerful magical artifact from the first ever empress, the celestial crystal, by his older sister and as she received it she released her mana and casted the ceremonial blessings which in turn created a wave of light that everyone blessed to be present felt an undescribable warmth and calm.
After the ceremony the empress along with her daughters went to her dashing sons "I'm glad my sons are all dashing and bright, may Solas bring joy to your hearts my sons. I would also like to give thanks to the bright scholars that will assist my children with today's task, may Solas and Nuor's guide bring wisdom to us all. " she greeted them smiling with pride
"Likewise your highness" The two scholars and their assistants replied as they bowed at her
The sight of the empress at her best role impresses the royal children especially Nathaniel as he noticed alot of difference with their mother especially with her in a military uniform than a beautiful dress.
"Mother really is amazing..." Nathaniel muttered as he trailed off in his thoughts
Unbeknownst to him his muttering was loud enough for the empress to hear. She looked at her son to ask but what she saw were sparkling eyes of pure admiration from Nathaniel, which internally broke her control and went to her son and hugged him which made him froze, a long with the other siblings, while the people simply smiled in awe.
"I'm flattered my son thank you, I'm only doing my duty with passion and love to you and my people. I hope you do the same too" she said smiling calmly as she pat his head
This shocked him so much he started to tear up but he took a deep breath and smiled "I will. Thank you for your kind words your majesty mother"
She smiled as she waved to her aid and gave her a handkerchief as she lovingly wipe his tears streaming down his face then after that she went to her other sons and did the same.
As Nathaniel stared at her mother being pleasant towards his brothers who where flustered.
He smiled that now he realized that his mother was never truly cold to him as he thought so now he's questioning the royal elders teachings to him and his siblings about power and morals.
Not long after that the emperor who surprisingly is also wearing his black and gold military formal uniform with his one of his golden laurel crown on his head , went to the empress which Nathaniel noticed his mother smirking.
The royal family, and the rest crowd instantly bowed to the emperor which he inturn lifts his hand signalling everyone to rise "First and foremost I would like to thank everyone for attending the annual delegation ball. For our leaders at arms and guides of the ones we govern and to my valued guests please enjoy your stay in our humble empire with my sons as your guide within not only locations but also the culture of my people. May everyone enjoy the ball. Thank you"
As the crowd clapped the boys and the scholars were called by the emperor to get the list of nobles the two princes will escort.
As Nathaniel read the list he got noticed that the majority of the leaders and delegates that they have are extremely influential and powerful families and leaders 5 of them where from the families of the top strongholds of the five great empires, three top traders, and two strongholds noble clans from their nation.
This made Nathaniel excited giving off a confident smile which Cairo, Euros, and Diego saw making them feel at ease.
After that the families and clan representatives went to their respective princes and when the family in Nathaniel and Euros lists arrived they all bowed and greeted the young royals.
"May Solas bring blessings to us all" The two princes responded
"Now before we start the official delegation tour I would like to kindly introduce my self as Cairo Valerian one of the empire's magis knights and scholars that will be guiding ye along with the two princes. As per courtesy we would like to call in the families and representatives and step forward to ensure safety and validity of attendance--
*The northern Ducal Family of Madrigas, The house of Gardita"
The family wearing slick clothes with sharp colors of red and black which highlighted their Cerulean eyes and blood red hair, step forward
"*The Eastern Premier family of Gin Gao, the house of Ha-neul"
The family wearing extravagant formal robes with a golden sea dragon on it embedded on it contrasting their night-like hair and emerald eyes stepped forward bowing which in turn made Nathaniel and Cairo bowed back as for their people is a sign of respect.
"*the Western imperial family of the empire of Nocturne. The house of the night Ciaran"
The family that looks almost ethereal with their long beautiful black hair that has white streaks on both the left and right side of their sides, pale luminescent skin that counters their black eyes and sharp features wearing their gray coats embedded by their collars are small black feathers of the raven, their national animal and black pants with small subtle stone which were sparkling like stars.
"*The Southern Arc Ducal family of Areolas, The sky family Soran "
The family wearing white silk robes with brown loose pants and pointed yellow shoes that matches their fair pale skin hair that matches the hues of the gentle blue skies of the afternoon and gray eyes with curly waves of air tattooed on their arms that they proudly display as it was a rite of adulthood and mastery of a mind magis in their kingdom
"* The Sky royalty of the Lawinas Clan: Agilusan
The family of beautiful human like beings with big majestic wings as the glistening flowy but elegant robes that they're wearing sway effortlessly as they land down in front of the royal princes. Nathaniel walked forward as he smiled as he raise his hand for a high five which in turn was happily given from the leader and his son
"*The Arc general and tribe leader from the empire of Sverre , Orc faction Abir Orcus"
These groups went ahead, lead by their leader who towers the princes and scholar as his pink eyes and glisten with pride while his sharp look and canines went visible as he smiled at the boys, as they did a military like stance and hit their chest while loudly greeting the imperial princes which made a scene but that didn't stop Nathaniel who proudly went close and copied them which in turn made the big orc general extremely elated with such a warm welcome
After the introduction the clans all kneeled to the princes which supposedly the two would only bow but Nathaniel not only kneeled back but he also offered a blessing spell which surprised Euros and the scholars
"May this humble blessings from one of the royals of this nation bring great prosperity not only with our nation but also to yours as well and the people you hold most dear" Nathaniel said as he finished his blessings
The guest felt touched and welcomed as they all humbly accepted the gift of blessings.
After that Euros along with the scholars took out the schedule made by Nathaniel and were surprised which made the older brother concerned so he went to his brother who was about to tell the schedule and asked him
"Are you sure you are starting this outside the palace? Traditionally we do this the palace first?"
"I know but given the time we have it wouldn't be ideal since Nicolas's guest will be the first in que that will go through that. Besides that'd be less enjoyable to our guest and if we do it outside first they will come to appreciate the kingdom our parents worked hard for freedom than a meaningless castle filled with paintings and decor" he answered his brother rather bluntly which made him think a bit
He sighed and signed Cairo to continue giving out the schedule.
After giving the schedule Cairo announced the plan, Nathaniel took over a bit and explained his reasoning and from the prospective of Euros he noticed how excited the guests are which he slightly glanced at his brother who was relieved for the positive reaction.
As the two factions finished their schedule announcements each guest headed their way to their designated princes.
Everyone on Nicolas's team turned their heads when seven large factions leaders were heading outside to big luxurious white with gold edged carriages while their entourage followed behind on the silver edged white carriages
The emperor and empress were confused as their son is going out of protocol but they let it slide for now to see what little plan their sons have in stored for this major project and test as well.
{∆}
Within a dark cave a foot steps echoed disrupting the defetning silence as a figure wearing a hood trudged to the murky floors of the cave as a singular orb of light floats as its one and only guide he reached an opening leading him to the sea as bright drops of blood from a wounded sliced arm it looked up at the bright sun and sighed
"Why...did it need...t..to be today that damn traitor... escaped " the figured utter as he limply walked towards the celebrating capital carrying a dreadful news
to be continued -