Winter's sunset hung diagonally over the western horizon of Bulida, casting the last smear of deep purple across Krui Di Memorial Square.
The terrace on the eastern side of Saint Astri Palace stood solemnly, resembling a colossal ship about to set sail.
On the terrace, 1,400 marble pillars supported the towering dome. At its center stood a Wind Island Stone throne carved with the emblem of the Sairos Royal Family. Emperor Saint Baldo walked past the throne in a luxurious purple-red velvet robe, a golden crown sitting firmly atop his head as the evening glow coated it in a soft halo.
From the terrace, one could clearly see Krui Di Memorial Square in the distance, as well as the War Gods standing beneath the twelve cornerstone god-seats of Krui Di. They stared straight ahead, ready to protect the empire and its emperor at any moment. Salong's black battle armor, Geya Te's dark-green robe, Jasper's dress and mechanical gauntlet, Lu Jiayede's spotless physician's attire—each War God possessed a unique air, yet together they formed the strongest bulwark of the Krui Di Empire.
Along the streets stretching several kilometers beyond Krui Di Memorial Square, before the enormous screens scattered throughout Bulida, in the projection-device living rooms of families in Botswana Province, and throughout the entire Krui Di Empire, tens of millions of citizens gazed up at Saint Astri Palace.
On this joyous National Day Festival of great significance, everyone's heart leaped with excitement alongside the holiday and festivities.
"Dear people of Krui Di, at this solemn and sacred moment, we once again bear witness to the thousand-year glory of the Krui Di Empire. Once again, we feel the protection of the God of War and Sword."
Emperor Saint Baldo stood at the very front of the terrace and spoke in a deep,