Festival

Joseph Salazar, the head of the Pearson Merchant Guild, came all the way from the Thrace Kingdom and left in a hurry after purchasing a batch of weapons worth 50,000 Ginar.

However, for the Istaria City, where tens of thousands of people come and go every day, this is just a trivial matter and not enough to cause any ripples.

At best, it increased Luwen's share and allowed the Klaubo Wu Military Industrial Group to secure more orders.

For the local residents, what is even more important is the upcoming festival, the most important day in the entire Embers of the Burned Empire — the Coronation Day.

Third Era March 1, 1786, at noon, Keosius crowned himself on the altar, thus announcing the establishment of the empire to the world.

Over the years, thanks to vigorous official propaganda, the empire has developed a series of festival customs, which the people attach great importance to.

Every March 1st, people gather in the Emperor Square, around the massive and majestic red Dragon Statue, and sing the Keosius Anthem.

In addition, people often exchanged gifts, held feasts, and drank heavily in taverns, shouting praises such as "Long live Your Majesty!" and "Thank you, Your Majesty!" and even singing hymns.

The expensive "Dragon's Gift" was provided free of charge at this time, with the imperial government covering the costs.

In addition, all factories and offices are closed on this day, allowing people to fully enjoy this festive time and demonstrate their loyalty to His Majesty.

"All people worship together, the Great Red Dragon in heaven!"

"How can I ever repay this kindness?"

The melodious singing echoed in the square, even more passionate and stirring than during yesterday's rehearsal, and everyone's face was filled with fervor.

Long Live the Empire!

"Long live His Your Majesty Keosius!"

To celebrate Coronation Day, everything is 40% off!

People of all kinds gathered here, sitting on chairs next to the tavern, raising their glasses or even barrels of wine, drinking and making merry together.

"Maintain order!"

"Ogre over there! Put down that Half-goat Human you're holding!"

However, the Tiefling of the Security Team were still maintaining order, patrolling back and forth with long guns—to prevent the large drunkards from revealing their true nature and doing something outrageous.

Humans, orcs, Tiefling, Hobgoblin, Lizardmen, Ogre, Half-goat Human, Wyvern —regardless of race, identity, or status, all citizens of the Empire were enjoying this rare day of revelry, releasing the stress of their work.

However, there are some exceptions—such as the Empire's enemies.

The "human" clad in a gray robe silently watched the jubilant crowd from a corner, his eyes filled with endless resentment.

His former name was Asher Kale, and he was also a Northern Nobles with a noble lineage that had been passed down for hundreds of years, living a life of luxury.

However, the arrival of the Red Dragon completely destroyed everything. His family members lost their heads in the "Great Judgment," and he was left to await death in prison.

Just then, Asher's intense hatred attracted the attention of the "Revenge Devil," and the Abyss opened a hideous and terrifying door for him.

Years later, he returned to the the North, his human skin concealing the ugly, deformed body of a demon.

"These damn humans"

"They have so quickly forgotten the kindness of their ancestors and pledged allegiance to the evil dragon. They should be torn to pieces."

Asher said through gritted teeth that he was willing to transform himself into a demon in order to Contend Against the dragon.

But these despicable people of the the North have converted to a different faith in just a few years and have become loyal to that evil dragon! This is simply unforgivable!

Asher's mission was to incite hatred against the Red Dragon, disrupt the Empire's social order, and gather more nutrients for the cultivation of demons.

But at this moment, among the tens of thousands of people in the square, not a single person had the red light representing hatred on their body.

Most of them even radiated a golden light that represented loyalty and faith, so bright that Asher couldn't open his eyes.

He let out a hoarse gasp. "This is impossible!"

This is simply unbelievable!

How could they not feel hatred towards the dragon when they lived under its brutal rule? Even during the reign of the Northern Kingdom, there were still many foolish mobs who plotted rebellion.

Why is it that when the evil dragon rules, the people become devoid of hatred?

This is completely illogical! Asher lowered his head and muttered to himself, "These despicable humans! How are we supposed to complete the task Lord Jezal Slack gave us if things continue like this?"

"Flames are His Majesty's robe, the sky is His Majesty's curtain, darkness and storms follow His Majesty's path."

"How can I forget this kindness?"

The melodious hymns drifted from afar, making Asher increasingly irritable.

"Damn it."

If it weren't for the fact that this was within the Empire, he probably would have revealed his true demonic form and crushed those humans who were chanting hymns into mincemeat on the spot.

"No, we can't be impatient. There are hundreds of thousands of people in this city, and there will always be those who hate the dragon."

"Finding just one of them will uncover a group that hates the dragon."

With that in mind, he decided to wander around the square and try his luck.

Asher wandered through the square and between the taverns, manipulating the human body to feign "joy."

Amidst the vast expanse of loyal golden light, he finally spotted a white figure in a corner of the tavern—it was a human.

White symbolizes neither hatred nor support.

But amidst the vast expanse of golden light, this was already incredibly precious; for Asher, that human was at least something to fight for.

"It seems that this evil dragon has not yet bewitched everyone; there are still wise humans among us."

Thinking of this, Asher stepped forward and struck up a conversation:

"Friend, are you in a bad mood?"

This is a day of national celebration, why are you so downcast?

The man was startled. He straightened his back and said, trembling, "Your Majesty Keosius! I've just encountered some troubles, and I certainly have no ill intentions towards Your Majesty! Are you... one of Nocturne's men?"

It looks promising!

Asher's eyes lit up immediately, and he replied with a smile, "Of course not, relax, I'm just a stranger here."

The man finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Then Asher continued, "Friend, what's your name? Is something bothering you?"

The man looked distressed, raised his wine cup, lifted his chin, and drank the wine in one gulp.

The liquor dripped from his lips, wetting his clothes. He wiped his mouth with his hand without a care before saying, "My name is Lajie, and I'm a worker at Thirteenth Factory."