The Beginning Adventure of the New Monarch

After annihilating the enemy fleet, Jonady and the forces of Ednia made their triumphant return to the capital as they approached the city gates, Jonady took in the surrounding architecture with great interest.

He couldn't help but compare it to images of his own world. The capital of Ednia, with its elegant buildings, gracefully arched bridges, and canals traversed by small boats, reminded him of Venice, the magnificent city of Italy he had so admired and wanted to visite.

The reception from the townspeople was spectacular. A massive crowd had gathered along the main streets to cheer for the kingdom's heroes. Joyous cries filled the air:

— Long live the kingdom! Long live Ednia! Long live the royal family!

Jonady was struck by the electric atmosphere. As their procession moved slowly, he couldn't help but recall another vivid memory: the liberation of Paris in 1944, when Allied forces paraded through the streets, greeted by a euphoric and grateful population. The scene here seemed eerily similar, though it unfolded in an entirely different world.

The people of Ednia gazed at their soldiers and mages with unrestrained admiration. Young children, probably six or seven years old, watched with stars in their eyes. Jonady imagined what they might be thinking, seeing these heroic figures pass before them. These boys and girls were likely dreaming of one day becoming like them: protectors of the kingdom, ready to risk their lives for their homeland.

A little further in the crowd, murmurs arose, more specific this time. Women pointed toward Lord Gilbert, whispering and blushing as they spoke.

— Look at Lord Gilbert, isn't he so handsome and charismatic? one said.

— You can feel his nobility and bravery just by looking at him! another added.

Jonady glanced at Gilbert, who rode his horse with his usual poise.

Although Gilbert feigned indifference, he seemed slightly uncomfortable with all the attention however, he showed no sign of it, maintaining an impassive and dignified expression.

Beside him, Raelia couldn't help but chuckle discreetly, amused by the situation.

She knew Gilbert since childhood they were friend she know him very well and although he was a noble accustomed to admiring gazes, she understood that this great popularity could sometimes be heavy, even for him.

Jonady meanwhile sat behind Princess Raelia on her horse. The close proximity between the two didn't go unnoticed, but he chose to ignore the curious stares and focus on his own thoughts.

After a moment, he leaned forward slightly to whisper to Raelia:

— I don't even know the name of your capital.

She turned her head slightly toward him, a smile spreading across her lips.

— Amiria, she replied simply.

Jonady repeated the name in his mind Amiria.

It was a harmonious name, perfectly fitting the beauty and grandeur of the city.

As they moved forward, he continued to take in his surroundings, trying to imprint every detail into his memory.

Flags bearing the kingdom's colors fluttered in the wind, hanging from balconies and rooftops the cobblestones of the streets, worn by the passage of time, were strewn with flower petals thrown by the townspeople in celebration.

The church bells rang loudly, accompanying the cheers of the crowd in a triumphant symphony.

When they finally reached the grand royal palace, Jonady was once again awed by the magnificence of the structure.

It was adorned with towering spires, colorful stained glass windows, and sculptures depicting heroic figures from the past.

This was the heart of Ednia's power, and he could feel the weight of history in every stone.

The crowd gathered before the palace roared with renewed fervor at the sight of Raelia, who stood proudly atop her mount.

She raised a hand to call for silence, and the clamor immediately subsided. Taking a deep breath, she addressed the multitude in a clear, confident voice:

— As the princess of this kingdom… no, as a citizen of this land we all cherish, I say to you that this day will be etched in our history books as the day our nation fought fiercely to preserve its independence.

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the crowd before continuing:

— We will honor our comrades who fell on the battlefield by declaring that they did not die in vain. Their sacrifice sends a clear message to the entire world: the kingdom of Ednia will never accept the loss of its sovereignty.

The crowd erupted into applause and cries of exultation. Soldiers, mages, and even children shouted in unison:

— Honor to our people! Honor to our fallen comrades! Honor to our armies!

Raelia smiled, moved by their unanimous response. Beside her, Gilbert and Robert exchanged knowing glances, faint smiles tugging at their lips.

Meanwhile, Jonady, who had lingered at the back, watched the scene with a mixture of fascination and introspection.

He sit behind her listeningt ever observant, Raelia noticed his concentration and smile.

— Jonady, let's return to the Castle.

She took his hand with a surprising tenderness, and he simply nodded, rising to follow her. It was a simple moment, yet profoundly significant.

This triumphant return marked not just a military victory but also a victory for hope and unity in the island kingdom of Ednia .