Ardentis Empire, Capital City.
Today was the final, crescendo day of the annual three-day Spring Festival.
The city was alive in a way it never was the rest of the year.
Every main street overflowed with people shoulder to shoulder, laughter and shouting blending with songs and the clatter of coins. Colorful banners hung from rooftops, flower garlands draped across stone arches, and the air smelled of roasted meat, sweet wine, and fresh bread.
Merchants lined the streets in endless rows.
"Half price!"
"Last day only!"
"Buy one, take another for free!"
Some stalls had gone even further, throwing goods into the crowd just to draw attention. And honestly? Who could resist an event like this?
But this festival wasn't just for the citizens.
For merchants and businessmen, today was everything.
Because tonight, someone would be crowned.
As the King or Queen of Commerce.
