This year's Border Town is strikingly different from previous editions.
After the Evil Moon passed in previous years, the villagers had to wait another month in the slums of Changge Fortress until the snow melted completely before embarking on their return journey. Upon returning to the town, they found most of the area in ruins. Houses left unattended for months lay in ruins, with some poorly constructed wooden houses already collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. Even in some homes, evil creatures had taken refuge, gnawing at cabinets and tables until they were torn apart, then dragging straw and rags to fill the corners—clearly using these sheltered spots as their nests. It often took a week to repair the houses and replace the waterlogged, moldy furniture. The lingering stench of decay, however, had become second nature to the locals.
This year, Border Town has been completely transformed. The snow was swiftly cleared, and colorful paper flags issued by Your Royal Highness now adorn the town's gates. From afar, the once monotonous and dilapidated town now bursts with vibrant colors, its flags blending into a sea of flowers. Word has spread like wildfire that on the first day after the Evil Demon's Moon, Your Highness will host a grand celebration dance in the town square! It's free for everyone to attend, with no monetary fees required—and reportedly, complimentary food will be provided!
What was a ball? It was a social event reserved for the upper nobility. People had only heard of it from well-traveled merchants in big cities, yet even they couldn't attend. The merchants said invitations weren't granted by wealth alone. Your Royal Highness actually invited everyone?
"Your Highness, isn't this a bit much?" Chief Knight protested. "With no orchestra or lead dancer here, who's going to keep the rhythm? Besides, in such a remote place, even Nobles might not dance. Your subjects would only ruin everything." Carter had only attended one ball in the capital—a marquis's celebration for his daughter's birthday. Graceful strings and spirited drumbeats interwove, with ladies dancing to the melody while gentlemen showcased their swift, powerful steps—twists, kicks, and syncs with the rhythm. During breaks, attendants carried wine and pastries through the crowd. Men sought out their desired women, and when the final tune played, they mustered courage to propose. Those who succeeded would even enjoy romantic after-dance hours.
Carter sighed. Though he hadn't managed to meet his ideal girl in his youth, the elegant and romantic atmosphere still lingered in his memory. To replace the dashing Noble with these country folk who dealt with stones and beasts daily? Good heavens, he could hardly imagine such a scene.
"Lead dancers? Yes," Roland ordered the militia to remove all stone sculptures and gallows from the square. "The Iron Axe and the militia." "That Sandman?" Carter froze. As the musketeers 'captain, Iron Axe's performance during the Demon's Moon had finally earned Chief Knight's approval, and the alien title was no longer mentioned. But after all, he was a Mo'jin—how could he possibly know the etiquette of the Continent Kingdom?
RolandGod chuckled, "You'll see why—it's not your typical dance. The preparations are simple: clear the square of obstacles and set up a firewood pile at the center. Then, build a brick table beside it for grilling. That's right, Roland just had this wild idea: a fire party with a barbecue!"
How to strengthen people's sense of belonging to their homeland has always been a pressing concern for Prince. Nationalism and nationalism are too abstract concepts for these uneducated rural villagers who have spent their lives working for the Lord. Only their family wealth and kinship matters to them. The more backward a society is, the more short-sighted it becomes—this is the law of civilizational development. "Civilization will eventually grow as vast as its ideology," Roland firmly believes.
Yet this doesn't mean the essence of God's creation can be overlooked—the Victory Celebration stands as one of his ingenious methods of refinement. Truth be told, he finds it baffling that no celebration was held after the world endured the Demon Month. The annual demonic invasion, akin to a natural disaster, naturally warrants grand celebration upon its defeat.
He therefore decreed that the first day after the dark moon's end would be designated Victory Day. All territories under his rule would observe this day not only as a public holiday but also with grand celebrations. If maintained for three to four years, it would become a lasting tradition across the realm. Gradually, the people would come to recognize their distinct identity from those governed by other Lords.
Before noon, the square was already crowded with people, and the militiamen had formed a circle to keep everyone out of the firewood pile.
Roland thought the free food distribution was quite appealing, with at least half the town's population attending. The only drawback was the square's limited size—apart from the open area around the firewood pile, over a thousand people were packed shoulder to shoulder, leaving little room for movement. He also noticed some children had already climbed onto the nearest rooftop to peek into the square's center.
The first celebration was bound to have its flaws. Roland, sensing the time was nearly up, stepped onto the stage to deliver his speech.
This was his second public speech in the square, and he was much calmer than last time.
"My subjects, good afternoon. I am Roland Wimbledon, the Fourth Prince of the Kingdom of Graycastle." He repeated his opening line, but this time it resonated profoundly. Before his words had fully faded, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers: "Long live Your Royal Highness!" "Long live Your Highness!" Roland felt a surge of pride welling up in his chest. This time, he had no backup plan—his heart overflowed with pride and fulfillment as he witnessed the spontaneous cheers from the militia and the crowd.
As the cheers subsided, he pressed his hand downward. "The Demon's Moon has ended. With the militia's heroic resistance, the evil beasts failed to breach the city walls. Border Town defeated this formidable foe at minimal cost, proving that unity alone can secure our foothold here—even without relying on the Long Song Fortress's aid! They tried to threaten the town with food supplies, to force us into submission through hunger and cold, but today's victory proves their schemes futile!" "You're absolutely right—I never want to return to that place again!" "Follow Your Royal Highness, and you'll never go hungry in winter!" "Finally, we're free from their blackmail, Your Highness's mercy!" Seizing the rising momentum, Roland continued loudly: "Let us celebrate this glorious and glorious victory—a day worthy of remembrance! I hereby declare that the first day after the Demon's Moon ends shall be called' Victory Day '! This celebration ball is specially arranged for this occasion! My subjects, revel in this day! Now, the ball begins!" The torch was thrown into the grease-coated woodpile, and the flame flickered, instantly igniting the entire square's atmosphere.