Chapter: 69. Reward Ceremony
The army hurried back to the Capital City through the starry night, rested for a day, and then welcomed the grand event traditionally held in the Demon Territory.
——【Post-War Reward Ceremony】.
This is a traditional festival celebrated in the martial-advocating Demon Territory, with no fixed date; whenever the army wins a battle and returns to the Capital City, rewards are distributed based on their achievements, enjoy some good food, recuperate, and then set out again!
This time, however, the pacification event was rather unusual; strictly speaking, it was hard to classify it as a victory since it was an internal conflict among the Demon Race, not a battle against foreign armies.
However, once the investigation clarified that Corea Church State was instigating from behind the scenes, the situation changed dramatically.
Seizing this opportunity to assign rewards and celebrate the “victory” also served as a stern warning to the distant Pope of Corea.
Thus, on that evening.
The streets and alleys of Canbino were adorned with colorful lights, and vendors along the street showcased their best products for sale. Traveling bards from various countries also gathered in Canbino, documenting the festive atmosphere of the city.
Due to the large number of participants, it was inconvenient to bring them into the town, so the award ceremony for the troops was arranged on the outskirts of the western side of the Capital City. The noble lords of the Capital would represent the Demon King to grant the rewards, and finally, when the ceremony was nearing its end, Your Majesty, the Demon King would personally attend the venue to deliver an inspiring speech and host a banquet for an all-night celebration.
The entire Canbino Capital City was in an uproar.
Meanwhile, the Demon King’s Castle seemed rather tranquil.
Why was the Demon King delaying his arrival at the ceremony?
Naturally, it was because there was also a private reward ceremony for family members, with no outsiders involved in this “family bestowment”!
“Ahem! Xiya Halter, as the ruler of the Demon Race, I shall grant you the reward you desire! Be grateful for this! This will be the greatest honor of your life…! Ouch?!”
The Demon King Dizna grew more and more spirited in his speech, becoming more imposing, but a hard punch aimed at the back of his head shattered the Demon King’s pride.
He stood there dumbfounded for a second, turning to look at his cheerful wife, who was smiling yet had prominent veins on her forehead.
“Uh… Herlith, why did you hit me?”
“Dizna, mind your attitude when speaking to the children…? There aren’t any outsiders present, and speaking like that will only make them feel you are a difficult father, distancing them from you, you know?”
“Really?!”
“Just ask them if you don’t believe me. Sigh… Look at you as a father; Xue Fei ran away from home, and you have a significant responsibility in this.”
“I… Ah!”
Today was also a day when Your Majesty could not act cool.
Dizna sat back in the Demon King’s chair, glancing around the people standing in the Demon King’s Great Hall.
There were no outsiders, only Xue Fei, Belis, and their friends.
If we consider outsiders, perhaps the princess of Aulus could be counted as one, but since Xue Fei said not to mind, Dizna didn’t feel it necessary to say more.
Xiya actually did not hear the Demon King’s previous remarks as she focused on arranging the fabric folds that had flipped up at Xue’s blue rose dress neckline.
“Xue Fei, you really don’t have to force yourself to wear a dress in your own home. Why are you taking this so seriously?”
“That can’t be! Today is your reward ceremony; you said we would handle it ourselves without inviting guests, and I’ve already listened to you on that. If I don’t wear something formal, it would be too much! It would be such a mockery, wouldn’t it?”
“It’s not about being formal or not…? Why are you suddenly so insistent on giving me a reward ceremony? Aren’t you usually the one who dislikes trouble? Today feels so abnormal… Xue Fei, quickly confess, is there something you are hiding from me?”
“N-no… Absolutely not! It’s not any type of revenge or anything complicated like that!”
“……”
Alright, case solved.
Speaking of “revenge,” Xiya instantly understood.
Although Xiya wasn’t very wise and couldn’t analyze well, she understood Xue Fei.
Xue Fei, due to her significant accomplishment while maintaining Shaya’s identity, had to accept the reward ceremony from the King of Aulus at the time. That event was grand, attended by high officials, and she was bestowed the title of the youngest Countess in Aulus history, making her the center of attention.
While others might find these accomplishments worth boasting about, as Xiya said, Xue Fei was someone who feared trouble!
At that time, Xiya couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at Xue’s troubled expression, and that smile was remembered by Xue Fei.
An eye for an eye; that’s Xue Fei’s principle.
Xiya, let us share the hardship; you too shall feel the bitterness of this!
With all the officials in attendance, even if it was only because of Xiya’s special status, she could use her royal lineage to blend in, but to be too ostentatious would be inappropriate, and since Xue must tolerate to some extent, she couldn’t make it perfect. At least she could ensure that the dress and procedures were properly arranged. This time, even if it was simple, it would be enough to let Xiya off the hook!
While helping Xue Fei organize the satin ribbon at her neckline, Xiya intentionally leaned slightly, and Xue also intentionally stood on tiptoe, drawing them closer together.
Working together, though it might look less tiring for each, they were actually both expending more effort, creating a heartwarming scene.
This made Livra squint her eyes in satisfaction, smiling as she appreciated this harmonious and loving moment.
“It’s really nice… I envy Sir Xiya Xalet…”
Where there is joy, there is also sorrow.
“Alright… alright, Queen Sister, it’s just a formal process! No need to overthink it. Let’s finish the rewards early, you promised me we’d go to the outskirts to watch the magic fireworks show, don’t go back on your word~”
“Oh! Of course, the annual opportunity is rare, um… It’s just that there are too many people, every time I get pushed to the back, everyone is so tall, it’s hard to see the sky, and when it flies up, I might get hit by the magic fireworks…”
“Don’t worry! Queen Sister can ride on my shoulders; I’ll carry you to see.”
“I think you’re not that tall… You have to find a stool each time to see, right?”
Xue Fei looked up at Belis with the unique perspective of a short person.
Although she had long gotten used to her sister’s appearance, that glance still managed to dazzle her again.
Xue Fei was already an exceptionally adorable silver-haired dumpling, and now her slightly older sister, dressed in a pitch-black gown with white feather trim and paired with glossy silver stockings and shiny little high heels, brought a strong visual impact.
Damn… this one is getting too cocky as she grows from a loli to a young lady!
Of course, Xiya, in her transformed silver-haired form wearing her red rose dress, still looked handsome.
Livra’s usual clothing was as splendid as the formal dress, her emerald long skirt combined with her presence exuded a natural princess aura.
As for Timani, let’s not mention her.
Leaning against the pillar, the Fire Lizard, not knowing what was bothering her, was still wearing the dress that Xue Fei gave her.
There was no choice; she was too poor to have other clothes.
The only thing that made Xue Fei’s heart ache…
Was her gaze focused on the sword handle hanging at Xiya’s waist.
Xial had woken up at noon, but in such a lively atmosphere, she felt sleepy earlier, saying she needed to rest more, so she didn’t come out.
When asked what was wrong, she casually replied that she was fine and told everyone to have fun while not forgetting to save her some food, since she might regain her energy and appetite at midnight!
Since she mentioned needing rest, everyone felt it was inappropriate to disturb her further.
She had said that the magic power consumed would recover within a day, but this time it seemed she needed longer to recuperate than before…?
Xue Fei silently noted this situation in her mind, planning to inquire and investigate later.
There were many things that could not be taken lightly.
As she was lost in thought, the reward ceremony seemed to have progressed to the next stage.
Father King and Mother Queen whispered and discussed for a long time on the high platform, and eventually, Father King nodded. Compared to the previous display of the Demon King, his smile appeared much kinder this time.
Perhaps he too feared being hit on the head.
“Haha, Xiya Xalet, since there are no outsiders here, I shall call you by your real name. Thank you for your contributions to the Demon King’s Army during this rebellion! It might sound strange to call you a hero, but regardless of identity, you are our ally in the Demon Race and undoubtedly valued by my Halder family.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Xiya slightly raised her skirt and bent her knee, performing an elegant salute, her demeanor was dignified and graceful.
She actually didn’t want to attend this reward ceremony because it was troublesome.
But how could she resist the sparkles of expectation in Xue Fei’s eyes?
Isn’t there a saying that goes like this?
——Just indulge her.
With a wry smile and a sigh, Xiya then heard the earnest inquiry from the Demon King.
“Xiya Xalet, feel free to propose any requests for rewards. As long as it’s something we can provide in the Demon Territory and is reasonable, it can be granted to you!”
“Hmm…?”
Xiya didn’t know why.
Upon hearing this, she instinctively turned to glance at Xue Fei.
Xue was playing rock-paper-scissors with Belis, deciding who would speak at the outskirts ceremony later.
Noticing some gaze, Xue’s tuft of hair stood on end!
Huh?
She looked around but didn’t spot any danger…?
But why did she have such a terrifying instinct earlier, as if she could be eaten by a wild beast at any moment?
Indiscernible was due to Xiya already retracting her gaze.
The Demon King had already asked; it was impolite to delay answering.
Xiya smiled wryly, sometimes feeling overly “greedy.”
The relationship and affection between Xiya and Xue Fei was an eternal bond known only to the two of them, without the need for acknowledgment in a form of “reward” in such a setting.
Moreover…
If it were truly said, she would surely be kicked out by the Demon King and Queen!
“Your Majesty, I really don’t have any particular rewards in mind, I just hope… You know I am a hero of Aulus, and if possible, I hope you could grant me the privilege to come to the Demon Territory anytime.”
“Oh, oh, you want this privilege, to see Xue Fei, right? No problem at all, you can take her directly whenever you please! This darn thing is driving me crazy; hurry up and take her away, and I’ll grant you another honor!”
“?!”
That… privilege just got escalated!
The Demon King immediately stopped speaking.
He realized that his second daughter had suddenly sprouted black wings, her eyes emanating a chaotic murderous aura.
No, old man, I can’t say any more.
Let’s drop this topic for now.
The Demon King shook his head, implying that he was not very satisfied with the reply Xiya just provided.
“Don’t just mention empty rewards… Xue Fei was well taken care of while in your Aulus Kingdom, I heard she was even bestowed some title of Border Count? Hilarious, now that you’re here, if I don’t give anything, it would seem like the Demon Territory is stingy. By the way, Xiya Xalet, I have a suggestion; let me know if it’s acceptable?”
“Yo… you please go ahead?”
