At the camp outside Eternal Bulwark City, the training grounds were swiftly cleared by laborers, and the tents were moved away as well, leaving an area for the troops participating in the review to assemble.
The chance to see the beloved Imperial hero again made many hearts race. Yushikin was no longer merely a commander; he had become a symbol, a source of hope.
Since the Battle of Tyre, the Blood Flag Army had gone far too long without fighting alongside their leader.
On the review platform three meters above the ground, hundreds of royal guards in splendid golden and purple armor stood in perfect formation.
Yet no matter how magnificent they looked, they were merely crude backdrops to that great warrior.
The Imperial Marshal, Grand Duke of Gramatia, personally ordained Paladin Shepherd of the East Kaimon Church—he stood upon the platform.
His rugged, angular face was framed by neat short hair streaked black and white. His eyes were not sharp, yet they were as deep as the sea. He stood there like a statue of an ancient hero in the square.
Though he had known him for a long time, Aired still felt his heart fill with pride at the sight of this miraculous man.
Though he disliked theories of endowment, he had to admit that some people were born to embody an aspect of war. Such divine gifts were difficult to explain through genetics or bloodline theories.
After all, Yushikin's ancestors for generations had been nothing more than ordinary mountain herdsmen.
He wore a magnificent marshal's uniform, its left breast shaped into the Kaimon Holy Emblem. It was the insignia of a paladin and a striking display of glory.
In principle, even paladins were not permitted to wear the holy emblem over their hearts. The Empress had granted