Eventually, the meeting was interrupted by the arrival of Princess Veronica, who had just returned from her victorious battle with Sylon. Riding Vivienne, the golden dragon, she slowly descended from the sky.
An overwhelming aura radiated from her, as if the very world were under her command.
As she landed, the nobles gathered to greet her, and Veronica smiled, her expression full of satisfaction.
"Listen to me, everyone," she called out, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "I have conquered Sylon! From this moment on, the entire eastern part of the Moiy Forest belongs to the Golden Duchy!"
Her voice boomed like thunder, echoing through the square, rousing all who heard it. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. The news was met with a flood of excitement and joy from the gathered nobles.
Especially those nobles who had previously faced punishment for their errors were nearly bursting with relief. They couldn't help but thank their lucky stars that Veronica had returned with such a glorious victory.
For them, this victory meant that their mistakes might be forgiven—or at least overlooked. With the weight of their failures potentially lifted, they no longer had to worry about facing harsh retribution or losing everything they held dear.
However, Frostwolf Marquis had no intentions of letting them off the hook so easily. He knew full well that their mistakes were not trivial, and he also recognized that Veronica would want to present the outcome of this war as a triumph. So, for now, he decided to hold off on punishing the nobles, waiting for a more appropriate time to address their failures.
Veronica continued, her voice carrying the authority of a true ruler. "This victory belongs to every soldier who fought bravely and to every noble who supported us! Let us celebrate this great moment together!"
Her words were met with resounding cheers and applause as the crowd gathered around, eager to join in the celebration. People congratulated Veronica and paid their respects to her, recognizing her as the mastermind behind their success.
No one dared to ask why she had only secured the eastern region of the Moiy Forest after defeating Sylon. To them, the answer was clear: the Duchy had gained vast new lands, and with them, new opportunities. More land meant more chances for new titles, new territories, and new power. The nobles were eager to seize these opportunities, knowing that every move they made in this moment could strengthen their families and their positions in the future.
Amidst the cheers, Veronica, surrounded by the nobility, made her way into the grand hall, ready to hold the lavish victory banquet. The hall was magnificently decorated, its vast size and grandeur breathtaking. It didn't take long before the celebration began in earnest.
Small, elegant stoves were placed around the hall, each one burning rare, fragrant spices imported from the Emerald Kingdom. The smoke curled upward in delicate tendrils, carrying the rich, warm scent of the spices through the air. It was as if a soft breeze, laden with fragrance, brushed against the guests' faces, calming their spirits and lifting their moods.
The flickering candlelight, casting its glow through colorful glass windows, painted the faces of the well-dressed nobles with a starry glow. It gave the entire scene an air of mystery and romance, adding a touch of magic to the night.
At the same time, bards and musicians—who had been invited from the taverns to the palace—were playing lively tunes, their instruments filling the air with vibrant melodies. The music swirled in the air like the dance of ethereal spirits, blending with the laughter and chatter of the nobles to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
The long feast tables were laden with exquisite delicacies—succulent roasts, delicate pastries, and a wide variety of rare and precious wines. The nobles savored the rich flavors, their eyes glinting with delight as they reveled in the luxurious feast before them.
Laughter echoed through the hall as people raised their glasses and exchanged stories, sharing memories of battles won, moments of triumph, and, of course, the grand victory they were all celebrating. It was as if the entire room was caught in a moment of pure joy, one they wished to preserve forever.
At the head of the room, seated upon a magnificent throne, Veronica beamed with quiet pride. Her smile was soft, but there was an undeniable gleam of satisfaction in her eyes as she watched the nobles below her. They cheered for her, applauding her leadership, her strategy, and her success.
Her gaze lingered over the crowd, a soft light of contentment in her eyes, but underneath that calm exterior was a fire—one that burned with pride and ambition. She knew that this victory wasn't just a triumph over Sylon; it was the first step toward her greater goal of securing the future of the Golden Duchy. The lands of the east would bring wealth, power, and influence to her and her loyal nobles.
Veronica understood the significance of this moment. It wasn't just a celebration of military victory; it was a declaration to the world that the Golden Duchy was strong, united, and capable of facing any challenge. With each glass raised in her honor, she was reminded that this was just the beginning.
The nobles were caught up in their admiration for her, showering her with praise and recognition. Veronica absorbed it all, basking in the glory of the moment. She had achieved a great victory, and now it was time for her to enjoy the fruits of her labor.
But Veronica's gaze was not solely on the present. Her eyes, though warm and full of pride, also held a depth of thought that was hard to ignore. She had won a battle, but she had far greater ambitions—ambitions that went beyond just the eastern Moiy Forest. There was more to be gained, more to be taken, and she intended to make sure that she seized every opportunity that came her way.
Her eyes shimmered with the reflection of the flickering candlelight, the same light that seemed to mirror the burning ambition within her heart. Yet, for now, that ambition was hidden beneath the surface, carefully concealed. Veronica was not one to rush headlong into power grabs. She knew the importance of patience. She would wait until she had gathered enough strength, enough influence, to make her move when the time was right.
The celebration continued late into the night, with music, laughter, and speeches filling the air. The atmosphere was one of joy, but behind the revelry, there were those who knew that the real game was just beginning. The nobles, though enjoying the moment, were already eyeing their future prospects. They knew that in the world of politics and power, the next move was always more important than the last victory.
As the night wore on, Veronica remained seated in her throne, ever the picture of grace and elegance, responding to the admiration of her subjects with calm acknowledgment. Yet within her, the flames of ambition burned brighter with each passing moment. She would take this Duchy to greater heights, and with it, her own power would grow.
The celebration was not just for the victory; it was a signal to all that the Golden Duchy had entered a new era—one where Veronica's rule was unquestioned, her power undeniable. It was a night of triumph, but also a night that marked the beginning of something much larger.