South Wantina Territory had always had a saying.
June summers were especially dull because they lacked holidays.
But today, this city-state was filled with the atmosphere of a festival.
It was only nine in the morning, yet the seaside taverns in the city's East District were already boiling with excitement. The sea breeze carried salt and freshness, mingling with the lively cheers from the open-air booths to create a unique summertime vitality.
Inside the taverns, the officers' laughter rose and fell. They sat together, enjoying delicious food, while the servers darted back and forth like hummingbirds flitting through a treehouse, bringing the customers dishes and fine wine.
That morning, the tavern keeper had brought out his secret brew. The liquor seemed capable of igniting the soul, and the warriors who wanted to challenge it had awe and tension flickering in their eyes. They were already prepared for their day to end after drinking a single small cup.
Amid the celebration, a commander with a colonel's insignia on his chest raised his glass high. His voice rang out like an impassioned war drum: "To our victory, to our glory, to South Wantina Territory, and to the noble High Priest—cheers!"
Every word he spoke was filled with strength and pride, flowing through the tavern and beyond like a wind of revival.
The night before, they had just returned from a grueling battle. Although many still bore injuries, their hearts were filled with the joy of victory as they immersed themselves in this hard-won, peaceful morning.
Lanchi walked past the tavern with a smile.
He glanced inside and felt that today was a good day. The entire city-state had become lively.
"That baby was born in the south of the kingdom, at the border of a noble settlement. He came crying into the