Chapter 327: Chapter 287: Flame-haired Princess and Iron Rose, an Encounter of Destiny

The arrival of the Imperial Princess was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the bleak and desolate post-war Heta County.

The commoners rejoiced at the ample supplies, the Soldiers were grateful for the additional rewards, and for the nobles, the chance to interact with a royal heir from the heart of the Empire’s power was the greatest encouragement of all.

—

The stone banquet hall’s ceiling vaulted high, like a warrior’s spine. Resin-soaked torches drove the shadows between the pillars and beams into the corners. The air was thick with the rich, greasy aroma of roast lamb, the cloying fragrance of mead, and—subtly clinging to the crevices in the attending nobles’ armor—the faint scent of rust and scorched earth.

It was hard to say whether they had deliberately dressed this way to cater to the banquet’s guest of honor.

All in all, the atmosphere was lively.

A moment later, as the low, deep sound of a horn tore through the clamor, the moving figures under the dome all froze, their gazes converging on the high platform of the main hall.

There, Yed Xavier stood with a cup in one hand and the other behind his back. His dark formal wear complemented his tall, straight posture, and his steady, weathered composure easily commanded the room.

"Everyone, on behalf of the Resistance Alliance and the war-torn Heta County, please allow me to extend our utmost respect to the Third Princess of the Empire, Her Highness Belina Benest, for gracing us with her presence!"

"Let us welcome Her Highness!"

"ROAR—!"

Applause and cheers rose like a tide, crashing like waves against a reef.

The flickering flames illuminated countless faces filled with reverence and anticipation.

And at the center of this tide of attention, Belina Benest took a step forward.

Her steel boots struck the stone steps, emitting a crisp, cold, and precisely rhythmic clang.

She came to a halt at the edge of the high platform, not speaking immediately. Her sharp, falcon-like dark red eyes calmly swept across the hall. An intangible pressure, like the frost of an early winter morning, began to spread silently. There was no need for any deliberate display; the mere presence of an Advanced Level Warrior was enough to command awe.

But Belina hadn’t come here today to display her authority. She had a more practical political objective.

So, after a brief pause to let all eyes focus on her, she began to speak.

"People of Heta County."

Her voice was not loud, but it was as clear and cold as quenched Fine Steel.

"Amidst the storm of rebellion stirred up by Nerva Heta, you have consistently guarded your loyalty to the Empire and held fast to your unyielding position."

"This will, forged in blood and fire, is worthy of anyone’s respect!"

With that, she placed one hand on her chest, brought her feet together, and executed a perfect Imperial military salute!

This gesture caused the atmosphere in the section of the hall reserved for military aristocrats to suddenly freeze, before erupting into a silent but passionate response.

The wearers of that Armor, stained with the scars of battle and dust, instinctively straightened their bodies and solemnly returned the salute.

"Our loyalty, for the Empire!"

Belina was clearly pleased with the response from below. She gave a slight nod, the tips of her gray hair casting sharp shadows on her Shoulder Armor.

"The foundation of the Empire is martial valor—a spine that refuses to break, even when facing a blade!"

"Every Warrior who has defended the Empire’s lands and protected its people with courage and blood in this war against the rebellion—the Empire will remember your merits, regardless of your station or origin!"

"The rewards you have earned shall never be forgotten!"

"ROAR—!"

This wave of sound was even more fervent than the last, carrying enough force to seemingly tear the roof from the dome.

This was praise from one of the most powerful figures in the Imperial Military. It carried immense weight, and was more than enough to earn anyone a great deal of respect.

The nobles who had earned military merits puffed their chests out even higher, their burning gazes meeting the Princess’s sharp scrutiny. Pride surged through their veins like molten lava.

’We have to seize this opportunity and make a good showing!’

Belina allowed the fervent atmosphere to continue for a moment before raising her hand again.

Strangely enough, the lively and clamorous atmosphere immediately ceased with this gesture, which was like the waving of a command flag, giving her the air of a famous general inspecting troops.

This also sent a shiver of awe through the nobles who had not participated in the war.

’As expected of the Princess, who is seen as the standard-bearer of the military. The art of commanding troops is practically etched into her bones. With every gesture, she has nearly turned this place into her own training ground.’

Ultimately, Belina demonstrated masterful control of the mood. After rousing the crowd’s spirits with resounding praise, her tone softened slightly.

"Today is the first time I have met most of you."

"Though your faces may be new to me, I am still eager to hear the stories of your valiant battles—"

She swept her gaze across the hall once more, her eyes seeming to penetrate every glittering pair of eyes to see the soul within. She drew out her words slightly, allowing a feeling of anticipation to spread.

"Therefore, during my stay in Heta County, I will visit your fiefdoms, inspect the lands you have defended, and listen with my own ears to—the heroic stories of every Warrior."

This promise, like a spark landing in boiling oil, instantly ignited an even more ferocious passion!

’When would minor nobles like us ever get such an opportunity?’

’A chance to get close to a future pillar of the Empire, share our glory, and maybe even influence our future rewards!’

’And if we caught the eye of the Third Princess—the famed Steel Rose—and earned her patronage, the path to becoming military nobility wouldn’t be impossible!’

The nobles were so excited they nearly shouted, their cups held high, their eyes fervent.

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