Fireworks kept rising, lighting up nearly half of Heaven-Bearing Prefecture. At their source, within the Imperial Palace inside the imperial city, a grand banquet was also underway.
This New Year was clearly a special one for the emperor. Not only were the civil and military officials present as in years past, but numerous Mages had also been invited to the feast.
The officials were seated on one side, the Mages on the other.
To give everyone a view of the beautiful fireworks, the banquet had been set up outside rather than within a palace hall, stretching from the doors of the Golden Hall all the way to the square.
Though the weather was rather cold, the atmosphere at the banquet was warm and lively.
There was no chance of the emperor getting cold, with screens sheltering him and charcoal braziers providing warmth.
Chime bells mingled with string music as a troupe of dancing girls glided among the banquet tables like a long, winding dragon.
There was little formality this year, either. At least, that was what the emperor wanted, so many officials moved about, offering toasts to one another.
Naturally, those below followed the example of those above. Having also learned a great deal about the Mages' abilities through what they had seen and heard lately, many officials repeatedly offered them toasts.
"Immortal Master" this and "Immortal Master" that-despite the opposition the courtiers had once shown, there was no telling how many had now privately befriended those Mages.
Before anyone had even proved their worth at the Magic Appraisal Assembly, many Mages had already reaped enough benefits to fill their pots and bowls to overflowing.
Seated closest to the emperor, aside from several high-ranking court officials and Sima Xiao, Director of the Directorate of Celestial Observations, were several Mages who