Time flew by in leisure, and in the blink of an eye, December 1 arrived.
Early that morning, outside the Star-Prayer Hall of the royal palace, 344 officials and generals dressed in formal attire stood in neat ranks, awaiting entry.
Before long, three bells rang, and everyone entered the hall in sequence.
On the throne, Velin rested his chin on his right hand, watching the people file in. There were many familiar faces, as well as many unfamiliar ones.
Xuemya sat to the right, calmly observing the scene.
Kyle stood behind Velin, while the other eight dukes stood below.
Less than ten minutes later, everyone had finished forming up.
The military commanders in red formal attire stood on the left, while the officials in blue formal attire stood on the right, clearly separated.
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty the Queen!"
"Your Graces!"
They bowed three times in perfect unison, without the slightest disorder.
After the first act of homage ended, Velin sat upright and said in a deep voice, "From the founding of the Qixing Army on January 1, 9795 of the Radiant Calendar, to the establishment of the nation on November 18, 9819 of the Radiant Calendar, the Qixing Army has gone through twenty-five years."
"Those long years were enough for a babbling child to grow into a spirited young adult, and enough for an ordinary person to live through one-third of his life."
"Over twenty-five years of war, countless warriors fell, and many heroes of outstanding merit emerged."
"Today is the first major court assembly since the founding of the kingdom, and it is also the day to share this glory with all of you."
"Today, I will ennoble you here in recognition of your contributions."
After saying that, Velin gave Kyle a signal.
Seeing this, Kyle took out