Translator: CinderTL
The Orcs, clad in tattered leather armor and armed with short axes and warhammers, had once been enemies on the battlefield. Now, they were integrated into Prince Yuriko's forces, his newly subdued "loyal warriors."
The crowd began to stir. Some of the citizens who had been cheering from the roadside now retreated, while others pulled their children under the eaves of buildings.
Several elderly women clutched their chests, muttering prayers to the gods. Merchants hastily packed up their stalls, fearing the "barbarians" would approach.
The Orcs marched through Crystal Glare's streets with heavy, hesitant steps, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings as if drawn by an invisible force.
To them, this human city was a marvel of stone and magic.
The towering spires that pierced the clouds, the roofs adorned with colorful glazed tiles, the orderly rows of shops lining the streets, and the intricately carved fountains—everything seemed unbelievable.
Sunlight streamed through the tall archways, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the stone pavement. It felt as if the entire city were breathing, something they had never witnessed before.
"Is this... the dwelling place of the gods?" a young Orc murmured reverently.
"No, it's a human nest," another replied, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But they've built it sturdier than our Tribe's."
Their eyes greedily scanned every detail along the street—the well-dressed citizens, the exquisite tapestries, the strange contraptions made of materials they couldn't comprehend. Even the street vendors' stalls filled them with wonder.
"Their food... smells even better than ours," one Orc sniffed the air, savoring the aroma of roasting meat and spices, and couldn't help but swallow.
"Their women..." another Orc began, staring at a noblewoman in a lavish gown as she passed by, but was cut off by a slap to the back of the head from his companion.
"Don't stare," the elder Orc warned in a low voice. "This is their territory, not the Grassland."
Yet even so, an undeniable excitement still shone in their eyes.
They were no longer enemies but "subordinates," permitted to enter the city and walk its streets instead of being confined in cages and marched to the gladiatorial arena.
This was an unprecedented experience for them.
Some even began whispering to each other in Orcish, describing what they saw:
"Are those lights... made of magic?"
"There's... a bridge over that river!"
"Their walls... are taller than mountains."
Their eyes were filled with curiosity, wonder, and even a hint of longing.
Yuriko keenly sensed the growing unease around him. The festive atmosphere was cooling, cheers becoming hesitant. The crowd lining the streets began to retreat, as if fearing the foreign warriors clad in animal hides and wielding battle axes.
Sitting astride his horse, he frowned slightly. Then, with a decisive pull on the reins, he brought the white stallion to a halt in the middle of the street. Straightening his back, he raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"People of Crystal Glare!" His voice, resonant and passionate, cut through the murmurs and commotion of the crowd. "There is no need to panic!"
With a proud gesture, he pointed to the Orc soldiers standing silently before them. "These warriors are no longer our enemies! They surrendered to me at Windbreath Fortress, and now they are the most loyal soldiers under my command!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, his voice growing firmer. "They are no longer beasts of the Grassland, but warriors of Aldor!"
A hush fell over the street. People exchanged glances, still hesitant.
But soon, an elderly citizen, a retired veteran who had personally fought against the Orcs, broke the silence with applause. Watching the Orcs bow their heads in submission, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.
"The prince has actually brought these barbarians to their knees..." he muttered to himself, then raised his voice, "Truly remarkable!"
His exclamation ignited a powder keg.
"The prince is a true hero!"
"He's even subdued the Orcs!"
"Truly worthy of being His Majesty the King's brother!"
The cheers erupted again, even more fervent than before.
The children, no longer afraid, peeked out from behind their parents' legs, their eyes wide with curiosity as they stared at the foreign soldiers. Merchants returned to their stalls, smiles on their faces, while several bards had already produced their instruments and begun improvising a new song celebrating the prince's subjugation of the Orcs.
Yuriko smiled contentedly. He slowly raised his hand and waved again to the crowd, a victor's smile spreading across his face.
The unease and doubts that had once plagued him had been completely replaced by enthusiasm and adoration. He had succeeded.
He was no longer just a triumphant general; he was a hero who had conquered a foreign race and united all peoples under his rule.
The parade finally reached the Royal Palace Square.
Sunlight bathed the golden-domed palace in a solemn and radiant glow. The palace gates stood wide open, and on the steps above, Rodney XVIII, clad in formal royal robes and wearing a golden crown, stood with Rupert, Merlin, and other ministers, patiently awaiting the prince's arrival.
Yuriko rode his white horse forward slowly until he reined it in at the foot of the steps. He dismounted with a clean, decisive movement, his cloak billowing gently in the wind. He looked up at his elder brother, his face radiating undisguised pride and anticipation.
"Welcome back, Yuriko," Rodney said with a smile, his voice resonant and warm. "You have brought glory to the kingdom."
He descended several steps and personally took his brother's arm, drawing him closer.
"I heard you were the first to charge into Windbreath Fortress," the king said, a hint of approval in his tone. "In such a desperate moment, you displayed the courage and decisiveness that Aldor so desperately needs."
Yuriko's eyes lit up instantly, the corners of his mouth almost unable to contain his grin.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!" he said, puffing out his chest with pride. "I charged at the forefront alongside the Royal Knights, never flinching even under the hail of arrows from the rebels and Orcs!"
Rodney gently patted his brother's shoulder, his voice gentle but firm.
"I hope you will continue to maintain this courage. The war against the Orcs is only the beginning. There will be many more places that need your protection in the future. Aldor's peace requires brave warriors like you."
Yuriko's heart surged with excitement, as if the king's words had ignited his very soul.
"I shall not fail His Majesty's expectations!" he responded loudly, his voice brimming with passion and confidence.
Behind him, the Royal Knights roared in unison, "Fight for the kingdom! Fight for His Majesty!"
The cheers echoed once more across the square.
Rodney watched his younger brother, a gentle smile still playing on his lips. Although Yuriko's achievements were largely inflated, he had, after all, mustered the courage to fight. He deserved encouragement.
(End of the Chapter)
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