Louis raised his glass and shouted loudly, "Let the feast begin!"
The square instantly boiled over.
Burning braziers were lit at the four corners, and colorful lanterns were hung high.
Musicians played on flutes and violins with a brisk rhythm, as young serving girls danced to the beat of the drum.
The craft beer was foamy and rich, the aroma of Red Tide smoked fish was enticing, the roast lamb leg oozed with oil as it was carved, and the wild mushroom venison bone soup rolled with steam in a large pot.
Soldiers raised their glasses in laughter, children chased and played...
Standing at the edge of the high platform, Louis quietly watched it all.
His gaze softened a bit.
This land he once watched over silently was slowly becoming prosperous.
Those trusting eyes, those faces smiling with tears of joy.
All of these stirred a faint warmth in Louis's heart.
Of course, he wasn't without fatigue, after all, the greater the responsibility, the heavier the burden.
