Steel and Sorrow: Rise of the Mercenary king

Chapter 221: Welcoming the heroes

On either side of Romelia's Royal Road, two trumpeters stood tall, their military uniforms immaculate, their instruments gleaming in the early light. They each raised their silver trumpets to their lips, and the sharp, clear notes echoed down the road, cutting through the bustling noise of the gathered crowd, who could barely rein in their cheers for the victorious army. @@novelbin@@

The trumpeter on the left lowered his trumpet and projected his voice over the crowd. "People of Romelia!Proud citizens of the great Empire " he called, his voice ringing with authority. "Today, you are called to celebrate and honor our victorious imperial army, returning triumphant from their glorious campaign to cull the wicked rebels!"

The crowd murmured in excitement, and the garrison soldiers lining the street raised their hands, signaling the people to stay in place, maintaining order on each side of the road. As the first trumpeter finished his announcement, the second trumpeter lifted his instrument again. Another series of triumphant, resounding notes sounded from the gate.

And then, through the massive city gates, the imperial army began to enter, banners raised high, glistening armor reflecting the sunlight, and faces set with pride as they marched in step. The people erupted into cheers as the soldiers paraded down the Royal Road.

The citizens' shouts of joy rose to a crescendo, ringing out with a fervor that was not faked . This victory was a reprieve—an assurance that Romelia's people would not feel the cold dread of a siege, a fate that some of the oldest in the crowd remembered all too well from the bloody civil war that had led to Emperor Gratios's coronation. Memories of food shortages, and pestilence still stirring their hearts.