King Savo Orzin was woken up very early, which he had specially arranged for last night. Yesterday's royal conclave ended very late, and he knew that he must be present at the Barb Clay Harvest Festival, along with his family - all members of the royal family must be present, whether they are octogenarians or yellow-haired children!
Several bodyguards had already been waiting outside. As soon as he finished washing, these people came forward to help the king arrange the clothes and crown that would only be worn during grand ceremonies. When everything was ready, he came to the door of the queen's bedroom. The female official standing outside the door bowed to him and saluted. He went inside.
The queen and princess were all dressed up and greeted his arrival with smiles. The king looked at his wife and daughter with great affection, and they smiled at him with the sweetest and gentlest smiles. He stretched out his hands and hugged the queen first: "My queen, every time you put on the dress, it is like the first time I saw you put it on. Why does the God of Time care for you so much. No, I should thank God for making you still as young and beautiful as you were then."
The queen smiled and let him kiss her on the cheek. Then he said to his beautiful daughter who was pretending to be angry next to him: "Just thanking God is not enough - my daughter, you are my goddess!"
He hugged and kissed his daughter warmly. The princess looks pretty and dignified in her white dress. She smiled happily and allowed the king to kiss her cheek and forehead.
Queen Elenoa saw this and sighed secretly in her heart. Imaya is deeply loved by the king. What else can a mother be unhappy about? But why, the king and Mars don't seem to be so close. Only a mother's heart can see that—in fact, His Majesty does not love Mars as much as he loves Imaya. That's his only son.
In the eyes of Apodoli people, Prince Mars is the embodiment of all good qualities such as nobility, handsomeness, courage, and kindness. Having such a son would make any parent proud. "Maybe I thought wrong." She turned her head and sighed softly.
Apodoli's dignitaries were already in the hall, waiting for the arrival of the king and his family. The distinguished guests who were invited to attend also gathered at the palace from various pavilions. The most distinguished guest among them is Prince Doranhel from the Kingdom of Garadega, known as the "Country of the Black Forest". For hundreds of years, the country of the Black Forest has been a brother country with Apodoli, known as the "country of mountains". This friendship comes from a turbulent time in the distant past. Today, the friendship between brotherly countries is even more profound, sincere and precious.
Currently, Doranhel, together with other guests and friends, is waiting for the arrival of King Orzin and Queen Elenoa, accompanied by Prince Mars. Other distinguished guests include representatives from various countries or alliances, so I will not introduce them in detail one by one.
Surrounded by the king and queen, they will go to the grand viewing platform to preside over a short and simple ceremony and pray for Apodoli.
When the bell rings, the royal family, accompanied by ministers and guests, will go to the City Hall and observe the entry of the Guards and other city parades on the second floor of the City Hall. The City Hall is also a rather majestic building, but in terms of magnificence, it is much inferior to the palace. But here you can get closer to the streets and alleys of Babklei City, and you can have fun with the people from a more intimate perspective.
On the way to the town hall the King and Queen were so warmly received that the carriage moved very slowly. They smiled and waved frequently, and integrated into this carnival festival together with every Barbukele subject.
During the Harvest Festival, every road in the King's City of Babuklai was crowded with people, and the streets and alleys were filled with happy people.
Today, there will be many happy and memorable events. No matter nobles or commoners, rich or poor, everyone will wear the latest and most decent clothes. Families with daughters will dress their daughters up more. Because, the harvest goddess of this year will be selected in the carnival procession afterwards-usually among the young and beautiful virgins. The Harvest Goddess rides on a flower-bedecked car in the procession. The harvest goddess back then also received quite generous gifts. This is also a great temptation for girls from poor families. Regardless of those families who are not lacking in so-called gifts, being chosen as the Harvest Goddess is a huge honor in itself.
The whole city has already been occupied by happy people. The king and queen finally reached the town hall. When the king, led by the chief of ceremonies, walked up to the grand auditorium and waved to the happy crowd, the bell rang again. The trumpeters blew solemn and high-pitched trumpets at the same time.
The noisy crowd stood on tiptoes and looked towards the east gate, and suddenly it became much quieter.
After a while, the sound of uniform, sonorous footsteps and passionate and powerful slogans came. Gradually, the scraping sound of armor got closer and closer, mixed with the crisp hoofbeats of war horses.
"They're coming! They're coming!" People cheered.
Wherever the guard of honor went, there was thunderous applause, and those who couldn't see it from behind were squeezing their necks to get in and have a look. The security guards who maintained order used all their strength and tried desperately to keep the middle of the road as clear as possible.
The guard of honor of the Guards was not at all affected by the noisy crowds on both sides of the road.
The warrior is like a tiger, full of passion and heroic appearance, and his armor is the same color as the sky.
The war horse is like a dragon, majestic and powerful, its hooves are strong, and its mane and tail are shining with the clouds.
Wherever the Guards cavalry went, white robes and red flowers complemented each other. The men were stunned and the women were intoxicated.
The square opposite the city hall was already bustling with people. When the guard of honor of the Guards marches here, they will slow down to pay attention to the king and queen, and at the same time accept the review of the king and queen in a majestic military posture.
After a while, there was a commotion in the crowd. The commotion was caused by none other than flag bearer Trinville.
Trinville didn't mess with anyone. If he doesn't provoke others, who will provoke him? Where did the commotion come from?
Trinville rode a tall, snow-white horse, which was the finest horse produced in the Apodoli stable. The giant Trinville rides on a white horse. The horse's vigorousness complements Trinville's majesty.
Trinville wore brand new blue armor, and the red cherry on the towering helmet that should have been trembling was replaced by a big red flower. He held a tall flagpole with a snow-white eagle embroidered on the blue flag.
In Apodoli, only the flag of the Cavalry Guards Corps is eligible to have the eagle embroidered on it. The eagle is the pride of the mountains. The wind blew, and the eagle seemed to fly, but the sacred flag was still held firmly in Trinville's hand. The lofty and solemn expression on his face was as aloof as an eagle, which moved the crowd watching the ceremony.
"Ah! Look! Who is this god-like flag bearer? Am I right?"
Someone replied: "That's right. You read that right, it's our big man Vika."
"Oh my god, I didn't expect that!"
At this time, someone in the crowd spoke again: "What are you talking about! Isn't Trinville worthy of this solemn flag? Isn't he worthy of the title of flag bearer? You hateful guy." "
The person being scolded and the onlookers all laughed: "Daddy Blueberry, why are you facing Trinville like this today? I don't believe he has already paid you back the wine money. You seemed to be scolding him yesterday and saying goodbye. He must pay off the wine money he owes you, otherwise you will kick his ass because of his good looks."
Daddy Blueberry refuted them angrily: "Nonsense! Everyone knows that Trinville's favorite drink is the dark beer from my Blueberry Tavern. His father has loved to drink the wine I brewed, and what is he thinking? You can come to my tavern whenever you want to drink, and you will always be welcomed. I have known since I was a child that Trinville will be a great person in the future. Did you see it? My old man Blueberry is never wrong about people. "
Everyone laughed. But they were all happy for Trinville.
Trinville couldn't hear how many people were commenting on him in the sea of people on the street. However, it does not affect his solemn feeling as a flag bearer at all. Apart from the snow-white divine horse he rides on and the long sword at his waist, the most eye-catching thing is the unique spear he carries on his back. I dare say that it is also the most unique weapon in the kingdom.
The spear was shorter than the heavy spears used by heavy cavalry, but longer than the spears used by light infantry. The head and tail of the spear are made of shiny steel, which is extremely sharp. Just by looking at the dark, shiny and thick gun barrel, you will know how heavy it is.
This is the only spear that Trinville made after taking over his father's blacksmith shop. Undoubtedly it was also the one he was most satisfied with.
Originally, he just made some sickles, axes, sledges or horseshoes for people. When he used the fine iron he saved in his spare time to carefully build this spear that night, he held the spear in his hand and enjoyed it in the yard. The ground danced a bit, then let out a long sigh.
He was determined to change the fate of being a skilled blacksmith that his father had left for him. He sold the blacksmith shop and used the money to buy himself a simple set of armor and an old but still capable horse, and became a bounty hunter without hesitation.
When he made this decision, everyone who knew and loved him expressed regret.
Old Atoli is the best blacksmith in Barbuclair City, and people also hope that Trinville can continue to be a good blacksmith like his father. After all, a small blacksmith shop is enough to support a large family. When he inherited the small blacksmith shop, those families with daughters were indeed a little moved - after all, it was an industry. So many people are trying to persuade him not to do stupid things.
Trinville ignored all the good advice to settle down and be a good blacksmith, thus giving up the idea of making him a son-in-law. They said: "Just wait and see! Poor Trinville will either be killed by the robbers he wants to exchange for money, or he will starve to death." This conclusion was actually agreed by many people.
Five years later, Trinville is still doing well. But one thing is not wrong - Trinville is still a bachelor. The people of Barbukele loved him, but no one was still willing to marry their daughter to him and live in fear.
Although Apodoli has always been a wealthy country and has very few criminals, he still has the money to go to Daddy Blueberry's pub and have a few drinks. He will also invite many people in the pub to drink together, and Blueberry Daddy has been invited many times. He also often owed money for drinks, often a lot. Although Daddy Blueberry would remind him to pay back the money every time he saw him, Trinville could always drink as much as he wanted.
Because everyone knows that Trinville is the most trustworthy person in the city of King Barbukele. He always repaid anyone he owed money after a period of time. The tailor, the shoemaker, the grain store keeper, etc. all knew that they could do whatever Trinville asked them to do, and no one ever refused him. His reputation for generosity, bravery, and helpfulness spread throughout the royal city. Even more than his diligent and loyal blacksmith father.
Today, on the most solemn and festive day of Apodoli, everyone saw that the tall and burly Trinville became the pride of the Kingdom's Guards. All eyes followed him, and all applause and applause were dedicated to him. Those who had daughters regretted it endlessly, and those who still had daughters to marry began to think about how to make their precious daughters become Guards soldiers and the ladies of Trinville.
The big man Vika seems to be the brightest star of the Harvest Festival.
The guard of honor proceeds to the viewing platform of the City Hall and will stop briefly to salute the King and Queen. The entire procession will then arrive at the square in the center of the city. In the square, the priest will hold a grand and simple ceremony with the harvest goddess.
The king standing on the viewing platform looked calm. He had long been accustomed to the grand scene just now, but it caused a huge response among the crowd watching the ceremony. Guests from all over the world praised it. Although it was only a small honor guard, it fully demonstrated the kingdom's powerful power and shocked everyone.
Especially the tall flag bearer was unanimously praised. They said no one else could have left such a deep impression as a flag bearer.
Prince Dolan Hull of the Black Forest Kingdom loved the flag bearer very much. He said to the king: "Your Majesty, this is my first time to participate in your country's harvest ceremony. Before this, my father had the honor of receiving your invitation more than once. I had also heard that it was the busiest and liveliest parade on the mainland, and I had longed for it. But when I was there, I still felt that what I had heard about it was far from being able to describe the real scene. Thank you for inviting us to visit this grand event. I believe this is just the beginning, but look what a surprise you have given us. Your Guards are indeed world-famous warriors! That’s why they destroyed the pirates , which has benefited the people of this continent a lot.”
Everyone praised the military appearance of the Guards and the sanctity of the flag bearer. King Orzin just smiled slightly and said: "A strong country must have a strong army to match it. Apodoli's army is the most important force to defend the kingdom and the brotherly country with which we have deep friendship, and even the peace of the entire continent. A strong guarantee.”
Dolanhull continued happily: "I believe that no one can find soldiers as mighty as them anywhere. Even if there is, they will not be able to find another strong man like the standard bearer of the Guards."
Queen Elenoa also learned from the comments of others that the flag bearer was the big man Vika, who was usually unruly and almost sent to hard labor when he got into trouble. Like everyone else, she also had a crush on the special Linville was filled with curiosity. She greeted the female guests politely and answered their various questions about Trinville. Of course, she couldn't know any more.
She thought of Princess Imaya. She secretly figured that the princess must know a little more than she did, so why not let her answer the curious people on her behalf. And this is a good occasion to introduce your daughter. The daughter has grown up. As the princess of Apodoli, she should participate in all activities of the royal family to the best of her ability.
But she didn't see the princess. She looked around quietly with her eyes, but still couldn't find it. She whispered and summoned a female official, who panicked and said she had not noticed where the princess was. The queen was slightly unhappy.
She ordered someone to search for her immediately and bring her to the viewing platform as soon as possible.
The parade continued to march vigorously. People on the viewing platform pointed at the audience from time to time. As people cheered louder and louder, the float of the Harvest Goddess was almost passing the rooftop of the city hall.
A huge crowd gathered around the float, which was pulled by two beautiful little red horses. On top of the float decorated with flowers stands the goddess of harvest in full dress, and a girl playing the role of a waitress stands behind the goddess, holding a pitcher filled with water. The goddess wears a flower crown on her head and holds a handful of ears of corn. Her charming smile charms many subjects of the royal city of Babokle.
They had never seen such a beautiful and noble goddess. Many people did not recognize her and asked whose family this woman was from. The person being asked is often as confused as the questioner, and can only shake his head desperately.
The float carrying the Harvest Goddess also passed by the viewing platform, and there was a lot of noise. No one noticed a gentle exclamation coming from the viewing platform. The queen quietly waved her hand to stop several female officials who looked slightly panicked, and just told them gently to bring the princess back after the sacrificial ceremony.
The beautiful harvest goddess also attracted praise from everyone. The queen, however, was restlessly looking forward to the time passing by quickly.
When the float came to the square under the escort of the honor guard, there was already a sea of people here. The maid helped the Harvest Goddess get out of the car. The priests of the King's City of Babuklai, all wearing red and white robes, lined up in two rows and stood at the passage leading to the high platform erected in the center of the square. It took Apodoli's skilled craftsmen several days to cut down an altar made of round pine wood. There was a spiral staircase for people to climb up. The altar was covered with golden wheat straw and surrounded by flowers and cinnamon branches. Set off by grass, it is simple and solemn.
Through the long red carpet, the goddess, guided by the priest, walked towards the place where the soul and the gods intersect.
The highest priest waved his hands around, and everyone in the square and watching the ceremony fell silent. They all suppressed their excitement and waited for that moment.
The highest priest walked up to the goddess, bowed to her devoutly, and told the gratitude and worship of the goddess from his subjects and all creatures. The goddess gracefully raised her arms to help him up, and placed the plump ears of grain in his palm. The maid bowed and held up the water bottle filled with holy water. The goddess flicked her jade fingers, spreading sweet rain to the earth.
In a clear and tender voice, she loudly said with joy: "In the name of the gods, grant Apodoli good weather and good weather."
The priests excitedly raised their hands and knelt on the ground, thanking God for generously giving his people a good harvest and abundance. All the people in the square knelt on their knees and prayed with the same pious heart.
The king and queen, who were far away at the auditorium of the city hall, also led the crowd and thanked the gods for their blessings together with the crowd in the square. The distinguished guests stepped aside and watched this ancient ceremony silently.
There are also some rituals going on. The people in the royal city of Babukele repeated the same ritual year after year, but no one got bored. They were so content, so happy.
The seven-day Harvest Festival every year is the happiest and happiest festival for everyone. They danced and sang to their heart's content. When the ceremony came to the end, when the priest would offer sacrifices to the Harvest Goddess on behalf of Apodoli's subjects, people discovered that the Harvest Goddess and her maids had disappeared.
After the ceremony, the girl who is usually chosen as the harvest goddess will receive a flower crown and some gifts, which symbolizes that the goddess accepts the love and sacrifices of her people. Even if some people don't pay attention to those meager gifts, the flower crown must be worn on the head so as to show respect for the sacrificial ceremony.
But now the goddess and her divine attendants are gone. This kind of thing happened occasionally before, so it was not surprising and no one pursued it anymore. Because people’s minds have already started to carnival.
